The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on February 16, 2021 at 6:45 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Charlie Edmonson, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Anne Abraham, Greg Brauer, Dan Clark, Doug Perry, Elizabeth Zimmerman, Registrar Emily Klotz, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Absent: Jay Hogg. 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 6:45p.m.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis Actual expenses for January were a bit high mostly due to two large expenses: first quarter payment of property insurance and first quarter payment of the Diocesan pledge. Linda has not yet moved any income from Hoffman House, Nickerson Trust or reserve fund. However, she did request a transfer of $2,950 from the Perpetual Honor Fund (which can be used for general operating expenses).
Vestry then discussed the possibility of applying again to the Payroll Protection Program. Linda said that St. John’s does qualify to apply for the loan, and that the loan would likely be forgiven. She was concerned that taking this money, if not really needed, could be keeping funds away from another business that might need it more. Also, she reported that last year’s application process was difficult, and she would prefer that someone else complete the application if the vestry decides to pursue it. Charlie volunteered to ask at the bank for someone who might help walk us through the process if we decide to pursue.
The January minutes were corrected and approved.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Welcome New Vestry Members: Samantha, Mark and members of vestry welcomed Anne Abraham and Elizabeth Zimmerman to the vestry. Jay Hogg, also new to vestry, was not at this meeting.
New Cemetery Trustee/Church Trustee: Bill Hudgins, Jr. is stepping down from the Cemetery Trust. Cemetery trustees are also trustees of the Church, and vestry needs to approve a new trustee. Motion by Elizabeth Zimmerman, seconded by Charlie Edmonson: The vestry appoints Ruth Simmons as a St. John’s Church/Cemetery Trustee. Approved unanimously.
Pandemic Lent: As mandated by the bishop, Hampton needs to have a test positivity rate below 8% for two weeks before St. John’s may resume in-person worship. Samantha is starting to plan for outdoor Easter services, which will include the use of large tents in the parking lot. St. John’s continues to broadcast pre-recorded services.
Wardens: The vestry must elect wardens and a registrar for the year. Motion by Anne Abraham, seconded by Greg Brauer: The vestry re-elects Charlie Edmonson as Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope as Junior Warden, and Emily Klotz as Registrar. Approved unanimously.
Annual Council Delegate Alternate: Pamela Martin, who was to be a St. John’s delegate to Annual Council next week can no longer participate. Bettyrene Pope volunteered to take her place.*
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
Sound Equipment Proposal: Mark presented Jess Miller’s proposal for the purchase of a new camera, microphone and lighting which should significantly improve the quality of St. John’s virtual worship offerings. All equipment shall be purchased through Amazon, which would allow for St. John’s to return anything that does not meet our recording expectations. The proposed equipment is also easy to use, allowing new people to operate and record. The equipment: Canon Rebel 800D/T7i DSLR Camera Bundle (allows for still photos and videos) at $709.95; RODE Shotgun Mic at $99.00; and Neewer 2-Color Dimmable Stand Lights (2) at $160.99. St. John’s can use memorial funds for the purchase. Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Greg Brauer: Move forward with the proposed purchase of sound and video equipment from Amazon, as outlined in the letter from Jess Miller. Approved unanimously.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson Charlie expressed his gratitude to the vestry, saying it is an honor and privilege to serve as Senior Warden. He then reported that the Confederate Memorial Committee had heard from many African American clergy and citizens, and the committee is working harmoniously under the chairmanship of Linda Curtis. The committee is now working on language for a plaque that would cover the Confederate flag, and wording for a standing contextual interpretive sign.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene reported that she changed the batteries in the alarm and ordered oil for the heaters.
New Business
Vestry Retreat: Samantha hopes to have an overnight vestry retreat in August. She will send out several dates for availability feedback.
Committees/Vestry Liaison: Vestry members should email Samantha with their top three committee choices: Newcomers/Evangelism, Liturgy, Christian Formation, Outreach, Music Academy, Heritage, Stewardship/Planned Giving, In-Reach/St. Anne’s Guild.
Christian Formation: Emily reported that she, Parkie Rice and Sandy Smith assembled Lent Bags for the children and youth. The bags contained activities, calendars, coloring books, books, and more to help youth and their families observe Lent in a meaningful way.
Parochial Report Questions: The vestry then discussed a few new items asked for in the Parochial Report. In regards to St. John’s efforts at racial reconciliation, vestry highlighted the Sacred Ground class and the creation of the Confederate Memorial Committee. In discussing opportunities, challenges and changes, vestry pointed to daily worship through compline, streaming services reaching new people, getting people back in person could be challenging, need for attracting more members, aging population and lack of youth, no singing, no communion at rail, and making connections with others.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
*The vestry needed to certify Bettyrene Pope as our new delegate for Annual Council, but failed to make a motion during the meeting. An email vote for the following motion was taken the next day. Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Emily Klotz: The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church elects Bettyrene Pope to be a delegate for 2021 Annual Council, taking the place of Pamela Martin. Approved with one abstention (Bettyrene Pope).