The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on September 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Junior Warden Jay Hogg, Registrar Lynn Kirkland, Darden Barrett, Ron Kindley, Jim Klotz, Elizabeth Zimmerman and The Reverend Mark Riley. Absent: Linda Curtis, Bill Beach and Anne Abraham
The meeting opened at 6:34 p.m. with a reading from Matthew 11:28-30 and a prayer.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis: Absent – Jay Hogg reported for Linda. See attached Budget Reports.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August meeting were approved.
Rector’s Report: On Hold
Associate Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
- Summary/Update – There were 150 in attendance for Samantha’s last Sunday. As well, the following week there were 99 which was the highest number for a regular 2 service Sunday since February, which is a very positive indicator of stability.
- Moving Forward In Community and as a Community – Mark is intentionally trying to remind people of the need to stay connected during this transition. He is gathering information on a shared Thanksgiving service with Emmanuel and St. Cyprians.
- Upcoming Programming/Liturgy Meeting – The Liturgy Group met for the first time since 2020, due to COVID, for planning the 23/24 calendar year. They will meet again in November to plan for Advent.
- Communion – Check In and Feedback – Communion without the packets has been going well.
- Nursery Workers – Whitney found a home church that she would like to attend and the hours do not coordinate between the two so she will no longer be able to work in the nursery. She has a friend that may be interested. An ad has been placed with City Sitters.
- Racial Healing Workshops – October 14, 2023 Christ The King, Tabb and December 2, 2023 Redeemer, Midlothian
- Blood Drive – The blood drive will be held on November 2, 2023 from 2:00-6:00 PM. Online sign up is open on the Red Cross website. Elizabeth has volunteered to organize food donations.
- “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer – Mark recommended this book to unplug from the daily need to hurry. Take time to be quiet, listen and connect with God.
Warden Reports
- Senior Warden, Bill Beach – Absent – Jay Hogg reported for Bill
- Search – Nothing to report at this time
- Vestry Retreat – Available dates are Jan. 12-13, Jan. 19-20 and Jan. 26-27. Jay handed out a map detailing housing options as we will need to decide quickly. Jay will send out an email to survey best dates.
- Mark is now the sole signer of the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
- Discussion was held as to moving the old silver from Old Point National Bank to the safe in the Parish Hall. The insurance rates are much more expensive to do this. Right now Bill Boyer is the only person allowed to remove the silver from the bank. Elizabeth has volunteered to have her name added as a person allowed to pick up the silver. A letter will be written to Old Point National Bank adding Elizabeth’s name.
- The Hampton City Jail has been condemned. The city is looking to sell the site to St. John’s for $1.00. The site is full of asbestos and lead.
- 2024 marks the 400th Anniversary of the baptism of the first African American at St. John’s. Billie Einselen hopes this can become a very recognizable event. She will provide us with dates and more information.
- Junior Warden, Jay Hogg
- Linda needs to know what the vestry would like to do with the interest income from the CDs. Should it be moved to the budget when CDs rollover or do we want to roll over the CDs plus interest? A motion was made by Ron Kindley to rollover the CD plus interest and was seconded by Jim Klotz. The motion was approved unanimously.
- The carpet in the Parish Hall was scheduled to be cleaned by Stanley Steamer for $200.00. They did not show up for the scheduled appointment.
- There is an air duct issue, most likely mold. Stanley Steamer gave an estimate of $919.00 to clean the ducts, 12 openings and the unit. A motion was made by Jay Hogg to ask the Mary Williams Fund to incur the expense of cleaning the duct work, openings and unit and was seconded by Ron Kindley. The motion was approved unanimously.
- The back door in the copy room is in bad shape and needs to be replaced. The cost of a custom exterior door with push bar costs $1,700.00. To add paint, glaze and installation the cost is $2,600.00. A motion was made by Jim Klotz to ask the Mary Williams Fund to incur the expense of the door and was seconded by Elizabeth Zimmerman. The motion was approved unanimously.
- Bill Beach will be attending all staff meetings moving forward.
Committee Reports
- Christian Formation – Jim reported the curriculum being used is entitled Godly Play. Currently there are 4 young students and 2 older. They completed the Little Pantry bags.
- We currently have 2 acolytes in training
- Ron reported the Invite Committee is getting back on track and will meet in October.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
The meeting concluded with a prayer and adjourned at 7:49 p.m.