The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on February 15, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Jay Hogg, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Treasurer Linda Curtis, Registrar Lynn Kirkland, Anne Abraham, Darden Barrett, Bill Beach (by telephone), Ron Kindley, Jim Klotz, Brad Norris, Doug Perry, Elizabeth Zimmerman, The Reverend Mark Riley and The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander. Absent: Dan Clark
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with a reading from Matthew 17: 1-9.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
Linda presented the Treasurer’s Report and stated we were in good shape with more income than expected so we were able to donate $5,000.00 to the dioceses; meeting the 10% tithe.
Each year the housing allowance, included in Samantha and Mark’s salaries, has to be voted on. A motion was made by Jay Hogg to maintain the current housing allowance and seconded by Ron Kindley. The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the January meeting were approved.
Welcome New Vestry: Darden Barrett, Ron Kindley and Brad Norris
Recognizing Retiring Vestry: Dan Clark, Doug Perry and Bettyrene Pope
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Election of Jr. and Sr. Warden
A motion was made by Elizabeth Zimmerman to nominate Jay Hogg for Jr. Warden and seconded by Ron Kindley. The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Jay Hogg to nominate Bill Beach for Sr. Warden and seconded by Anne Abraham. The motion was approved unanimously.
Follow up for Invite, Welcome & Connect – Will follow-up at next meeting.
New Trustee for the Cemetery/Church
Due to the passing of Whiting Chisman, Jr., a new trustee needs to be appointed to the Cemetery/Church Trust. This is a lifetime appointment. The trustee must have a family member buried at St. John’s, be a member in good standing, attends church regularly, and is currently pledging. Greg Brauer was chosen. If Greg does not accept the position, the vestry will have to vote again between Anne Rutherford and Pamela Martin who were tied for second. A motion was made by Jim Klotz to nominate Greg Brauer to be the new trustee for the Cemetery/Church Trust and seconded by Elizabeth Zimmerman. The motion was approved unanimously.
New title for Mark – Mark’s new title will be Associate Rector. This is the progression of titles in the Episcopal Church after serving as assistant for a number of years and gaining experience.
Lent Program – A Lenten program will begin on March 1, 2023, 6:00-7:00 p.m. each Wednesday during Lent. A simple meal of soup and bread with a program following, members speaking of their personal faith journeys. Jim has volunteered to be a speaker and Elizabeth and Lynn have volunteered to make soup on March 8, 2023.
Walk With The Cross – Samantha is in charge of the Downtown Walk With The Cross. This takes place on Good Friday with neighboring churches.
Yasmine Harris – Yasmine has been an active member of St. John’s her entire life. Yasmine has special needs and has been looking for employment with great difficulty. The Vestry has been asked if they know of anyone that may be able to assist her with employment to pass along her resume which was left on a table during the Vestry meeting.
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
Blood Drive – The blood drive was a success. Twenty one people signed up with a total of 14 actually donating. Volunteers helped with registering people and making cookies and other goodies. Hope to hold another drive during the summer months.
New Plans – Would like to hold a movie night in the church or parish hall.
Warden Reports
Senior Warden, Jay Hogg – No report at this time.
Junior Warden, Bettyrene Pope – Running into a few problems switching the boilers over from oil to gas. Waiting on a quote for refinishing floors from Smith Brothers.
Committee Reports
Outreach – Doug Perry shared all the projects the Outreach committee participates in with the $20,000.00 they are given from the Nickerson Trust each year.
New Business: Anne shared that she has many vacancies in the altar flower schedule. There is a fund that can be used for flowers but it’s for a few times a year and not a few times a month. A suggestion was made to put the actual dates of availability in the church bulletin and maybe next year put something on the pledge card for people to check if they’d like to participate in this ministry.
The meeting concluded with a prayer and adjourned at 8:27 p.m.