The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on May 21, 2019 at 6:30 pm. Present were members Denine Miller, Greg Brauer, The Reverend Samantha Vincent- Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Jr. Warden Bettyrene Pope, Ruth Simmons, Emily Klotz, Charlie Edmonson, Patrick Dennehey, Youth Representative Darius Rowe, and Treasurer Linda Curtis.
Members Absent: Sr. Warden Bob Harper Excused
Reverend Mark Riley opened with scripture and prayer.
April Minutes were reviewed. Stephen Rous moved to accept the minutes. Vote was called and minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda went over the financials for March and April and noted the following: * Fixed bookkeeping mistake from March which affected earlier March Financials. * Noted Income is good for year, but usually tapers in the Summer. * Expenses are up. April is big month for paying bills like the second quarter for insurance and the Diocesan Pledge. * Seeing savings on some expenses like fuel oil which should help offset some of under budgeted. * Ahead in plate for the year. * Few income items, money from book club sales, insurance reimbursement, and an Alanon contribution. * Vestry needs to decide what to do with Easter Offering. After some discussion a motion was made to put $1,500 of the offering toward the Food Bank and the balance into the operating budget. Pat Dennehey seconded. Vote was called and motion passed. * St. Anne’s Guild is asking for funding to cover their postage. Vestry is recommending $300 to be set aside in 2020 budget for this. * Receiving money from Tommy Sinclair’s estate. This money is not designated toward anything. Looking at ideas on how to use this gift. Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander put out the idea of using the money toward a playground that would also be handicap accessible.
Rector’s Report
The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander discussed the following: * Would like the support of the Vestry in using the National Churches program “Sacred Ground” in having a meaningful discussion with area church’s on racism. This would be an 8 week program. The goal is to be more culturally aware, enabling us to be more inclusive and welcoming with regards to the African American Community. Will send a link to the Vestry so they can see how this program would work. * The following individuals were selected for Annual Council: Charlie Edmonson, Nancy Beach, Sandy Smith, and David Edmonson with Susan Edmonson and Betsy Clark as alternates. Stephen Rous made a motion to accept these individuals as delegates for the 2019 Bishop Election and the 2020 Annual Council. Ruth Simmons seconded. Vote was called and motion passed. * Work is progressing well on the election of a new Bishop. * A date for the 2019 Vestry Date has been set. It will be on August 23 and 24 at Camp Chanco. * On follow up to Same Sex Blessing/Wedding no major pushback from the congregation. * In October Samantha will have been Rector of St. Johns for 6 years and will need to take a Sabbatical. Instead of taking this in the Fall which is a busy time she has requested a move to taking it in the summer of 2020. Assistant Rector’s Report
* Verbal confirmation that Rise Against Hunger will be August 4th. Good opportunity to ask friends to come and help. * Went with Shannon Olson to a Fresh Expressions Day sponsored by the area Methodist Churches. Fresh Expressions looks at ways to connect with people who have never been to church on a regular basis in settings that are not commonly “church like”.
Junior Warden Report
*Attended to normal maintenance around the church. HVAC people coming on the 28th. * Some tree removal work in August, but more immediate landscape work being done the 2nd week of June. * Had a leak in Hoffman House which has been repaired. * Senior Warden Bob Harper would like to have a fish fry with other Episcopal churches sometime this summer. Senior Warden Report
*No report
New Business
Vestry meet briefly in Executive Session to discuss staff matters.
The Reverend Samantha Vincent- Alexander closed with prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar