The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on October 16, 2018 at 6:30 pm. Present were members Ruth Simmons , Stephen Rous, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Bill Brown, Rosemary Hobart, Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. and Charlie Edmonson.
Check In and Absences
- The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander Excused
- Duncan Garnett Excused
Reverend Mark Riley opened with scripture.
Minutes from both the August 2018 Vestry Retreat and the September 2018 meetings were reviewed. Motion made by Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to accept both minutes. Bill Brown seconded. Vote called and motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda reported the following:
- For the first time this year actual income has dipped below budgeted income. Actual income to actual expenses is still to the good..
- Linda is expecting to move some of the money in Hoffman House over to Income in October.
- Received a credit from Ft. Magruder for refund from August 2018 Vestry Retreat as well as a donation for Altar Guild supplies.
- A $3000 credit to building repair: A bill was paid in August that was meant to be paid by The Mary Williams Trust for renovation expenses.
- Paid $575 bill for moving telephone and computer lines in the Parish House.
- Expense for Inspection and repair of fire suppression system of $860 was paid.
- Misc. expense of $90 for repair of church doors and $216 for electrical repairs in Parish House.
- Bettyrene Pope wrote to HRSD and Waterworks concerning the huge bill in August and the repairs made to correct the leak. HRSD will credit account $416 and Waterworks will credit account $339.
- September Dominion Power bill was $4000. Called Dominion to question this large expense and was informed the August bill was an estimate as no one read the meter. The September Meter was read which resulted in a higher than normal bill. Most of this expense was due the discovery of the leaking hot water heater back in July. Bettyrene Pope is checking on a possible credit to account.
- Expenses were still under budget for September, even with the large power bill.
- Paid last expenses for Downtown Summer Lunch Program.
- Received $13,000 from Mary Williams Trust for their quarterly contributions towards building expenses.
- Paid last quarter of Property Insurance.
- Payments made to the other half of Audit and the quarterly Diocesan Pledge.
- Miscellaneous expenses paid from Inreach, Music Foundation, Men’s Group, and Craft Guild,
Motion made Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to accept Audit Report. Bill Brown seconded. Vote was called and motion passed.
Committee Liason [sic] Reports
- Youth – No report from Darius Rowe
- Stewardship – Stephen Rous reported a total of 74 pledges had been received for a little over $215,000. This leaves a possibility of 40 to 50 pledges still outstanding. Information going into the next 2 Weekly Epistles asking parishioners to turn in their pledge cards in as soon as possible.
- Evangelism/Newcomer Ministry – Bill Brown talked to Will. Their last meeting was in August talked about several things on their agenda that will be discussed at their next meeting in November. They are working on the development of a postcard to send out to newcomers to the area in the surrounding zip codes.
- Outreach – Ruth reported on the work still going on with Habitat for Humanity house.
- Christian Formation/ Youth – Rosemary Hobart reported the St. Paul Curriculum was going well. She still needs to meet with Shannon Olson to discuss questions from Vestry Retreat. Request from Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. for Sunday School attendance each week.
- Liturgy – Meeting to talk with Betsy on October 18th at 4:30.
- Finance/Planned Giving – No report.
- Inreach – Rosemary Hobart reported InReach helped with Pamela Shaw’s reception along with St. Anne’s Guild and the Choir. Discussion on use and rental of the facilities and services of our church/parish house are handled and the specific contact people.
- Music Academy- Charlie Edmonson reported how pleased Deborah was with what she has accomplished at St. John’s. She is facing a couple of challenges: first is the marketing of St. John’s Music Academy and second is her time. , which she is split between the music academy and her other music duties with St. John’s. Possible discussion of increasing her hours. She would like to develop a budget to help fund her programs.
Rector’s Report
Assistant Rector Reverend Mark Riley gave the Rector’s Report.
- Discussed recent attendance numbers which are remaining steady.
- Has an upcoming Endowment meeting.
- Will be away from the church from October 18 to 21 for continuing education.
- Change of next month’s Vestry Meeting to Dec. 11.
- Continued discussion of the Way of Love versus the Renewal Works programs. Looking at how these programs would benefit St. John’s and what are other churches doing to create an interest in coming to church. In the end it may be a combination of several things that may be needed to create this spiritual renewal.
Assistant Rector’s Report
- Habitat for Humanity ribbon cutting is Nov. 3. Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander is the Keynote Speaker.
- Attended continuing education classes in Richmond on systems and interim ministry work and how interim ministers prepare the church for a new minister.
Junior Warden Report
Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. reported the following:
- One of the 2 garbage disposals in the kitchen broke down. Recommendation from Bettyrene Pope to move the one from the front sink to the back sink for $1,100. The alternative is to purchase a new one for $3,900. Motion made by Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to approve the $1,100 for moving the disposal. Bill Brown seconded. Vote was called and motion passed.
- Arrangements made with Princess Anne Petroleum to start delivering heating oil Nov. 1 and to keep us full after that.
- Requesting proposal from Warwick Mechanical to maintain our heating and cooling system.
- Reviewing church insurance with John Newby (Risk Management Consultant) and have determined necessary coverage to have proper coverage.
- Requesting a quote from Morgan and Marrow for flood insurance.
Senior Warden Report
Senior Warden Bob Harper reported the following:
First trip of seeing our area through the eye of a tourist is on Oct. 19. Group will go to the Chrysler Museum with lunch at Doumars.
New Business
None
Reverend Mark Riley led us in closing prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrer [sic]