The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on October 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Bob Harper, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Stephen Rous, Ruth Simmons, Denine Miller, Greg Brauer, Emily Klotz, Youth Representative Darius Rowe, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Those absent, excused: Pat Dennehey and Charlie Edmonson.
The September meeting minutes were reviewed. Motion by Stephen Rous, seconded by Bob Harper to accept the minutes as submitted. Motion approved.
Samantha Vincent-Alexander continued the meeting with a reading and discussion of Luke 18:1-8.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
Linda presented the September report. Linda pointed out that the actual income includes Tommy Sinclair’s bequest, making the actual income higher than budgeted. At the end of the year, funds from the bequest will be transferred to a separate “playground fund.” She also pointed out that the vestry has gone over their budget.
Rector’s Report, Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Website: Samantha met with a website designer to discuss redesign and maintenance of the St. John’s site. The cost for design is $3,500; maintenance is $100/month. Samantha will inquire with another designer to compare costs.
Sacred Ground: Approximately 20-22 people are participating in the program.
Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes (CEEP): Last year, St. Johns joined CEEP and several vestry members attended CEEP’s annual conference. St. John’s Charitable Trust paid for the membership and conference registration fees. CEEP is one of the only organizations providing continuing education for non-ordained people. The 2019 annual meeting will be February 20-22 in Louisville, Kentucky. The vestry decided to continue membership in CEEP for 2019.
Changing Locks and Passcodes: St. Johns must change door locks and passcodes to comply with Safe Church teachings. This will be completed in January. A message in the weekly epistle and monthly newsletter, as well as signs posted at entrances, will broadcast that the locks and codes will be changed.
Assistant Rector’s Report, Mark Riley
Adult Forum: We are continuing with Canoeing the Mountains, which will feed into other things we do down the road. The next forum is about the Creed.
Outreach: Mark is looking into a reverse advent calendar program that has participants collect items and then donate them on Christmas Eve.
Youth Group: The youth provided several ideas for service projects. For their first project, they hope to construct a “free little pantry,” similar in idea to a “free little library.”
Senior Warden’s Report, Bob Harper
Potluck: Hampton’s Episcopal Churches will come together at St. John’s for a potluck on November 16 from 11:00-1:00.
Meeting with St. Mark’s: Bob reported that there have been no problems with sharing the church with St. Mark’s parish. St. Mark’s members have expressed interest in being involved in outreach, and they are willing to donate funds to help with the cost for our sexton.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Gas Leak: Bettyrene reported that there was a gas leak at the meter and under the parish house. The gas burning oven and stove top have been disconnected and may not be used until the leak is repaired.
Water Leak: St. John’s is required to pay the unusually large water bill that resulted from a water leak. The water company will only forgive one bill per so many years, and St. John’s recently had a bill forgiven due to another leak. Motion by Bettyrene Pope, seconded by Bob Harper: The vestry requests that the Mary Williams Trust pay for the recent large water bill. Motion approved unanimously.
Committee Reports
Youth: Darius reported that the acolyte torches and lighters/snuffers need replacing.
Stewardship: Stephen reported that about 40-60 pledges have come in so far. The committee plans to provide doughnuts for coffee hour and decorate the parish house with balloons and flowers to recognize celebration Sunday.
Audio: Greg reminded vestry that due to FCC changes, many of our wireless mic units will not be usable after July 2020. He recommended purchasing new units now to take advantage of a rebate program. He also recommended dedicating units’ uses to either church or parish hall, so that units do not have to be transported back and forth. Motion by Greg Brauer, seconded by Stephen Rous: Purchase eight wireless units and one handheld unit, using up to $3,000 from the memorial fund. Motion approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.