The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on June 16, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Charlie Edmonson, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Greg Brauer, Dan Clark, Denine Miller, Doug Perry, Stephen Rous, Ruth Simmons, Registrar Emily Klotz, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Absent, excused: Youth Representative Darius Rowe. Note: This vestry meeting was conducted via Zoom, in keeping with the diocese’s mandate for social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting opened with a devotion.
May minutes were corrected and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda reported that St. John’s successfully applied for a Payroll Protection Program grant of $44,200. This significantly helped with income for May, and overall, the finances are in good shape. Expenses are generally down, and pledges are still ahead for the year (due in part to pre-paid pledges). Linda also reported that Tithe.ly, St. John’s new online giving platform, has received its first donations which will be reflected in next month’s finance report. Contributions from online giving are wholly counted in income (under pledge, non-pledge, or designated funds) and the associated fees are captured in Bank Service Charges under expenses.
Rector’s Report, Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Playground: The playground construction is complete, but will be closed until phase three of reopening in Virginia. Unfortunately, a sign with Tommy Sinclair’s name was not produced as was planned. The vestry decided to hold final payment until this could be corrected.
Online Giving: Samantha reported that the Tithe.ly donation link is now on the webpage.
Annual Council Delegates 2021: The vestry discussed several members to approach regarding Annual Council, which will be at the end of February. St. John’s needs to designate four delegates and two alternates.
Faith Walk: On Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth), St. John’s and many other churches, the Unity Commission, and the Mayor will gather at 6pm at City Hall for a prayer walk for racial justice that will go to Emancipation Oak. All are invited to join the walk, and facial masks are encouraged.
Vestry Retreat: Samantha hopes to have a half-day retreat, possibly at the end of August.
Communications Position: The job description will be posted soon.
Confederate Memorial: Samantha and the vestry voiced concern over the possibility of vandalism to the Confederate Memorial in the cemetery, and vandalism that could occur to other parts of the church or cemetery in proximity. Samantha also stated that such a prominent Confederate statue could be a stumbling block to evangelism and an unwelcome sign to visiting African-Americans. The statue is the only confederate memorial of its size in Hampton, and it was donated to St. John’s by the Daughters of the Confederacy during the Jim Crow laws era. The vestry would like to take a proactive approach to protect the memorial and property, and discussed several ideas, including moving the entire memorial, removing the statue, covering the Confederate flag, and hiding the base with bushes. Charlie has contacted three firms that will provide a quote on moving the memorial.
Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Stephen Rous: The vestry recommends that St. John’s moves forward with examining the options for relocating or modifying the Confederate Memorial. Motion approved unanimously.
A notice regarding the Confederate Memorial relocation/modification will run in the epistle. A committee consisting of Charlie Edmonson, Bettyrene Pope, and Dan Clark will begin the investigation and also be designated to receive feedback from the congregation.
Assistant Rector’s Report, Mark Riley
Lil Free Pantry: Although difficult to record actual numbers, Mark reported that there has been an increase in usage of the pantry. Staff from Allstate, a neighboring business, has stocked the pantry several times.
Technology: Mark ordered a new cable and camera which have produced better connection. He is still working to improve focus and lighting for online services.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson
Re-gathering Committee: Charlie reported that a committee was created and had a meeting to formulate a plan for reopening St. John’s for worship. The vestry and clergy must approve the plan, and then it will be sent to the bishop for approval. The in-person services will move away from morning prayer but will still not provide communion. They will also continue to be broadcast online. Reservations will need to be made, and no more than 50 people will be allowed inside the building. The vestry will call parishioners prior to in-person services to assess interest.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene reported that tree limbs were cut to accommodate the playground. The alarm system panel was repaired. Exterior door locks and the access code will be changed.
Committee Reports
Denine reported that St. Anne’s Guild mailed congratulatory cards to graduates.
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.