The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on April 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Bill Beach, Junior Warden Jay Hogg, Treasurer Linda Curtis, Registrar Lynn Kirkland, Anne Abraham, Darden Barrett, Ron Kindley, Jim Klotz, Brad Norris, Elizabeth Zimmerman, The Reverend Mark Riley and The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander.
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with a reading from Acts 2:14a, 36-41.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
Linda presented the March budget, see attached. She also shared that we received our annual $20,000.00 contribution from the Nickerson Trust strictly for outreach projects and it is overseen by Wells Fargo. There is another $35,000.00 available in the account if needed.
The Endowment Committee meets Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
Linda will contact Old Point National Bank about purchasing CDs with the $100,000.00 from the Operating Fund.
Approval of Minutes
March Minutes were approved with one correction under the Treasurer’s Report section. The motion made by Jim Klotz should read $100,000.00 instead of $100,00.00.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
- Need New Nursery Person – The nursery still remains closed.
- Sacred Ground – Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism. We were the first in the diocesan to provide this 10 week course 3 ½ years ago. Samantha would like to hold the course again this summer or fall. She will put an announcement in the Epistle to gauge interest.
- Follow Up for Invite, Welcome & Connect – The Newcomers Committee will be disbanded and an Invite Committee will be created. Ron has agreed to chair this committee. Samantha will look into metal/magnetic name tags for vestry members.
- Invite: Bill, Lynn and Jay Welcome: Elizabeth, Ron and Jim Connect: Brad. Darden and Anne
- Safe Church Training – Safe Church Training is required every 3 years. All vestry members must participate in the training. Check with Patrick if you aren’t sure about your status. The course can be completed online or in person.
- Summer Schedule – Discussion was held in reference to summer service hours. Most felt 10:00 AM would be a good compromise.
- Vestry Retreat – Samantha will check with Chanco for availability
Associate Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
- Revival Update – The revival is April 22, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Ogden Hall, Hampton University. Doors open at 2:00 PM. Sign up if you haven’t already; tickets required. Mark was asked to possibly help with Eucharist.
- New Formation starting – The adult formation class will begin a new study, “The Walk: Five Essential Practices of Christian Life”, by Adam Hamiliton.
- Bible Study & Night’s Welcome Updates – Two bible study groups currently meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays with 5 to 8 people in each group. HELP’s Night’s Welcome program is looking to possibly expand to offer dinner during the regular week day. More to come.
- Outreach Opportunities – (1) The beer pull at Mill Point is no longer an option. Looking into maybe setting up a table to hand out water during the summer concert series on Queens Way, (2) If you are able to help with the summer lunch program contact Kay Perry and (3) Mark is still trying to get a copy of Hollywood Teach Us To Pray for a movie night.
Warden Reports
Senior Warden, Bill Beach
- Hospitality Table – Bill will institute a hospitality table in the parish hall and make a sign-up schedule.
Junior Warden, Jay Hogg
- No report at this time.
Committee Reports
- Christian Formation – Jim reported the students stocked the Lil Pantry with the toiletry bags they made during Lent. It was a nice experience for kids.
- InReach – Elizabeth reminded everyone that the Spring Tea and Fashion Show will be held April 29, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the parish hall. Contact the church office or Susan Edmonson to RSVP.
The meeting concluded with a prayer and adjourned at 8:16 p.m.