The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on July 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Present were members Bill Brown, Junior Warden Whiting Chisman, Jr., Charlie Edmonson, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Rosemary Hobart, The Reverend Mark Riley, Stephen Rous, Youth Representative Darius Rowe, Ruth Simmons, and The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander.
The meeting began with the introduction of Alan Outlaw of Christopher Newport University, and his wife, Mary. Numerous milestones will be celebrated in Virginia 2019. He would like permission to do more archeological studies at the second site and hopes that we will celebrate there. Mr. Outlaw would like to do small digs, approximately 5 feet by 10 feet and possibly 10 feet by 20 feet along the brick wall. He will take care of the costs and is insured.
Check In and Absences Pat Dennehey and Duncan Garnett absent.
Bible discussion was based on Ephesians 2:1-22, and revolved around walls.
Minutes were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Curtis reported the following Treasurer Report:
- The auditor has been here, but has not been heard from since.
- June’s financial report was better than May’s.
Rector’s Report
Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander reported the following:
- The church’s silver is still at SunTrust Bank where we no longer have an account. It will be moved to Old Point National Bank.
- General Convention considered over five hundred resolutions, but was not as contentious as some previous Conventions.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Reverend Mark Riley reported the following:
- The Habitat for Humanity house has a roof and air conditioning. It is going up fast. The cost will probably come in around $100,000. The city required a larger house than originally planned. Samantha and Mark will be working with other pastors on Thursday.
- Over 54 volunteers packed 10,152 meals for Rise Against Hunger.
- Attendance at the Summer Lunch Program has varied from 16 to 86.
- Nathan is doing a great job as Sexton.
Junior Warden Report
Junior Warden Whiting Chisman, Jr. reported the following:
- A big thank you is owed to Bettyrene Pope for things she does, including her help while Whiting was sick.
- Carrie Quinn is preparing a list of things that need to be maintained.
- Much of the parish house work has been completed.
- The Mary Williams Trust will give money to the cemetery committee for work completed.
Senior Warden Report
Senior Warden Bob Harper reported the following:
- Two sessions have been held for the training of ushers by Doug Miller and Bettyrene Pope.
- The Vestry Retreat is August 24 and 25. A location has yet to be confirmed.
Vestry Liaison Reports
Music Academy: Rose and Charlie met with Deborah. There is no clarity on the relationship between St. John’s and the Music Academy. Rose will meet again on Monday.
In-reach: Rose hopes all will come to the Summer Social on Friday. In-reach has numerous events planned and leaders for each.
Christian Formation: Will meet soon.
Bright Beginnings: Ruth said more information will be given regarding Bright Beginnings when the YMCA determines what is needed.
Stewardship: Steve would like pledge cards by October 14. Phone calls will be made to let members of the congregation know when they will be out. Members of the Vestry will be asked to call those who do not respond. Annual dues for St. John’s to belong to the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Churches will be $750 to $1,250. Next year’s meeting will be in Boston. Steve would be willing to pay and attend the meeting, and thinks the Rector and Senior Warden should also attend. Samantha has attended as a guest. Whiting moved and Bill seconded a motion that we pay the $1,250 to join. Vote ended in a tie until it was realized that the Assistant Rector could not vote, and it was defeated 5 to 4.
Heritage: Needs to get a memorandum of understanding and a certificate of insurance with St. John’s as an additional insured for Alan Outlaw to work on the second site. The Vestry needs to approve.
New Business
There will be no Vestry meeting in August, but there will be a partial one at the retreat.
Charlie asked for up to $100 for someone to study the site on Pembroke Avenue. Voted for up to $250 to be accessible.
Steve will see if his former church can give St. John’s information on taking up to three people to the meeting of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Churches.
Samantha led the Vestry in prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm
Submitted by Ruth Simmons on behalf of Pat Dennehey, Registrar