The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on June 21, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Treasurer Linda Curtis, Registrar Lynn Kirkland, Bill Beach, Dan Clark, Jim Klotz, Doug Perry, Elizabeth Zimmerman, The Reverend Mark Riley and The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander. Absent: Senior Warden Jay Hogg and Anne Abraham.
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with a special presentation.
A Special Presentation by Jim Shoemaker, President of Mary Williams Trust
Jim explained to the vestry that in 2004 the Mary Williams Trust, at the time $4 million dollars, was developed for large brick and mortar repairs and capital improvements of St. John’s. This fund is overseen by a committee that includes: Wells Fargo, a CPA, Attorney Pat McDermott and the Circuit Court of Hampton. The fund has distributed $5.5 million dollars to St. John’s for two renovations and currently has $7 million dollars in its fund. The fund is required to spend approximately $360,000.00 this year. If the funds are not spent they roll over into an account known as a self directed fund. These are IRS laws. This fund is not as restricted for projects. Requests to use the funds have to be in writing to the committee. Decisions as to how the funds are used are made in October each year. The question was asked how the funds could be used for the 2nd Site dig? Jim said, “Pat McDermott verified that this project falls within the terms of the trust.”
A reading from Galatians 5:1, 13-25 was read by Jim Klotz.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
Linda commented that the income was low for the month of May but this is because transfers from various funds have not been made at this time. The income will rise in June with the redistribution of funds from the Endowment Fund, The Hoffman House and a few other accounts. We did receive a check for the beer tent fundraiser and the last check from Samantha’s disability insurance. All invoices have been paid on time and a few double payments were made by mistake. This has been worked out and next month those invoices will not have to be paid.
Linda and Samantha attended an Endowment Fund meeting and were told that instead of receiving $40,000.00, the fund will now be providing $68,000.00. Part of the invoice for the organ repairs was paid by the Endowment Fund.
An audit was conducted by Evelyn C. McLaughlin, MBA with the Diocesan Audit Support Group. This was her third audit of St. John’s and the first time it was completed prior to September. We received a clean audit with a few recommendations such as assigning values to items within the church and parish hall and the buildings. A motion was made by Dan Clark to accept the approved audit with recommendations and seconded by Bill Beach. The motion was approved unanimously.
The May minutes were accepted with no changes.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
The vestry retreat is scheduled for September 16-17, 2022 at Chanco’s Watson Lodge and our facilitator will be Canon Lynn Farlin
Children and Youth Christian Formation
Christian Formation came to a halt during COVID and started back up this March by Gizelle with help from Parkie, Emily and Sandy. We will discuss how to build this program at vestry retreat.
Nursery Update – Currently there is no one to work in the nursery. Addy Klotz has been helping out. We are paying a babysitting service to advertise the position. The going rate for a babysitter is $15.00 per hour and an assistant will be paid $13.00 per hour.
Safe Church Reminder – If you need to take the course please sign up by going to the Diocesan website. If you aren’t sure if you need to take the course, check with Patrick.
July Vestry Meeting? – TBD
2023 Annual Council Delegates – Bill Beach volunteered to attend and Samantha will put a note in the church bulletin. Four delegates are needed.
Samantha will be on vacation June 30-July 10.
Samantha’s Summer Schedule – She will be in the office but may have to work from home time to time depending on daycare.
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
Blood Drive – Looking at holding a blood drive in the fall and Dan will help to facilitate it.
The Lil’ Pantry – The pantry is now constantly replenished everyday.
Future Programming and Planning – Mark is working on ideas that will get people into the church
Mark plans to take a vacation in July
Warden Reports
Senior Warden, Jay Hogg
2nd Site Dig – Nothing has been found to note at this time except a 1968 quarter. A small group from CNU and no one from HU are helping with this project.
Wendy as new Nickerson Trust signer – Wendy was voted in on April 19, 2022
Weather Sensor – We were one of thirty best sites by a public/private study group on wind and weather patterns. They would like to place a weighted sensor on the top of the parish hall to gather data. This group is working with the City of Hampton on this project. Jay will obtain more details.
Junior Warden, Bettyrene Pope
Plumbing parts have been replaced in the urinals in the men’s bathroom in the parish hall and the Hoffman House. There was a slight increase in the water bill so this should correct that increase.
Committee Reports
- Discussion on committee liaisons
- Thank you to Elizabeth and her team on a successful parish picnic.
- Bill Beach attended a stewardship conference
- Dan provided a capital improvement wish list which we need to prioritize
New Business
Ice cream will be served after the 9:00 a.m. church service during the summer.
The meeting concluded with a prayer and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.