The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on November 17, 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. Note: This vestry meeting was conducted via Zoom, in keeping with the diocese’s mandate for physical distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting opened at 6:30p.m.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis Linda reported that actual income was greater than actual expenses at the end of October, in part due to the Paycheck Protection Program. We are behind in pledge income; however, many parishioners tend to fulfill pledges in December. Linda also reported that she has not transferred funds out of the Hoffman House (about $16,000 remaining for the year) and will only move it if needed. Looking ahead to next year’s budget, the Finance Committee suggested doing a six-month budget, and vestry agreed.
As of November 17, St. John’s has received 75 pledges totaling $257,660. This includes a few new households and represents a $3,400 increase over last year. There were 114 pledges last year, and the total pledged was $353,163. Samantha will send a reminder letter to those who haven’t sent in their pledges.
The minutes of June 16, 2020 were corrected and approved. The September minutes were approved. The October minutes were corrected and approved.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Diocese COVID restrictions: An email came from the Diocese encouraging churches to proceed with caution if the test positivity rate exceeds 8%, and to cease in-person services if that rate reaches 10%. As of November 17, Hampton’s average rate was 8.4%. Samantha suggested waiting to decide about holding the indoor service until Thursday to see how the average rate changes.
Service Times: St. John’s will send a survey to ask parishioners’ preferences for Christmas Eve services. Samantha is considering an outdoor service at 4:00p.m. (with borrowed heaters and tents) and an indoor service at 8:00p.m. Christmas Day service would still be at 9:15a.m.
Communion to Go: Bags have been made up; so far there has been one request.
Annual Council: The Annual Council delegates must be re-approved for an online council meeting. Motion by Stephen Rous, seconded by Charlie Edmonson: The vestry approves the Annual Council delegates: Kay Perry, Pamela Martin, Sandy Smith, and Phyllis Henry for the online meeting. Approved unanimously.
Diocesan Pledge: The pledge to the diocese is due December 1. The vestry will decide on the amount at the December meeting.
Sabbatical: Samantha is looking into taking a partial sabbatical during the month of January.
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
Lil’ Free Pantry: Many people in the neighborhood have donated to the pantry. One business donated 3,000 sets of pre-wrapped utensils. St. John’s is now on the waiting list for donations from Bombas socks.
Food Fight: St. John’s is collecting cans for the food bank in a friendly competition among churches.
Reverse Advent Calendar: Mark is planning to collect food for the HELP food pantry through the Reverse Advent Calendar, as we did last year.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson Charlie reported that every person he asked to be on the Confederate Memorial Committee agreed to serve. The committee consists of: Heidi Wallace, Susan Edmonson, Jay Hogg, David Bishop, Phyllis Henry, Linda Curtis, Will Hudgins III and Greg Brauer. The senior warden and clergy will serve as ex officio members.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope There was a major leak in the copy room during a heavy rainstorm. Security lights in the cemetery need to be rewired. The fire inspection of the church was successful. The air conditioning in the church has been turned off because there is a leak in it. The fan is still working.
Committee Reports
Christian Formation: Emily reported that a committee has made plans to put together an Advent Box, which will contain crafts, activity suggestions, discussion starters, stories, and a book for the older students.
Thrive: Dan has met with Thrive clients for financial counseling. He has met with 12-13 people, and noted that COVID has had an impact on many of their finances.
The meeting concluded with a reading from Isaiah and adjourned at 8:45 p.m.