The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on October 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Treasurer Linda Curtis, Registrar Lynn Kirkland, Darden Barrett, Scott Curtis, Ellen Griffith, Ron Kindley, Jim Klotz, Brad Norris and The Reverend Lisa Erdeljon. Absent: Senior Warden Bill Beach. The meeting opened with a prayer.
Ascertainment of Quorum: A quorum was present.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis: Linda reported that September was a good month with actual income more than actual expenses. Income is down because we haven’t yet received half of the Endowment distribution due. Interest earned on the CDs we purchased this year totaled $8000.00 with another $1000.00 earned on the last CD we purchased. Funds from pledges are ahead and we should be able to get through the remainder of the year without pulling funds from the reserve.
With the electricity fees doubling this past year, Charlie Edmonson found someone that can provide us with a power analysis. Information that is needed for the analysis has been provided.
Approval of Agenda and Minutes: The agenda and minutes of the September meeting were approved.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Lisa Erdeljon
- Personal Updates – Lisa will be on vacation November 25 – December 1, 2024. Worship Plans – All Saints’ Day is November 3, 2024 with two services and a baptism at the 11:00 service. All Souls’ Evensong will be celebrated at 4:00 PM that same day. Lisa will be meeting with Rhonda Wheeler of Emmanuel to discuss a Thanksgiving service together but doubts that it will be able to happen this year. Lisa will not be here for the 1st Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024, but will be asking for a supply priest. If a priest is not available, we will have Morning Prayer
- Stewardship Update – Over 200 letters for stewardship have been mailed out. All pledge cards are asked to be returned at an In-gathering Sunday Service on October 20, 2024 during both services. Pledge cards will be presented from the congregation, after the announcements, by placing them in a basket on the baptismal font
Warden Reports
- Senior Warden, Bill Beach – Not present
- Junior Warden, Bettyrene Pope – The bushes have been trimmed and batteries have been replaced in smoke alarms, Warwick Plumbing and Heating will move the thermostat in the Sacristy to the Chapel to better maintain a steady air temperature, AC in the tower is working well; it needs to run continuously to work properly and the Sunday School wing still needs to be looked into, will be calling a safe company to inquire replacing the safe for Altar Guild, and the weeds and grass on the playground need to be killed and a 6” layer of mulch spread to form a safe base for children to play. The new bench for the playground has arrived and needs to be secured in some fashion
Committee Reports
- Outreach – Doug Perry shared with Lisa that there were 45 volunteers for Rise Against Hunger making 10,000 meals in less than 2 hours. Nights Welcome days for St. John’s will be the 2nd Wednesday during the months of November, December, January, February and March. We are responsible for dinner and a bagged breakfast for Thursday mornings. The Men’s group assembles the breakfast bags. Dave Messersmith is taking over this ministry
- Music – Scott reported that Handbells are practicing again, Phantom of the Organ will be held October 27, 2024 at 5:00 PM, All Soul’s Evensong will be held on November 3, 2024 @ 4:00 PM and planning for Advent Lessons and Carols is in the works
- Inreach/St. Anne’s Guild – No report
- Newcomers – New brochures and postcards are ready and a Newcomers Reception is planned for November 7, 2024 at 6:30 in the Parish Hall. There will be eleven adults and one child attending. It is suggested that three members of the Vestry attend. There are two new members to the Newcomers Committee, Dave Messersmith and Ruth Simmons
- Liturgy/Worship – No report
- Christian Formation – Ellen’s class will be hosting coffee hour on November 3, 2024 and there is an EYC Retreat at Chanco on November 9, 2024. An Adult Formation Class will be held the last three Sundays of Advent
Old Business
- Vestry Nomination Committee and Protocols – Lisa has to be the person to make an official invitation to a member seeking to be on Vestry. The Vestry Nomination Committee will meet following the October 15, 2024 Vestry Meeting to discuss protocols
- St. John’s Protocol Handbook – Protocols are now in place for the old silver, money; plate to bank account, and Lil Free Pantry
- Associates Discretionary Fund – Mark Riley’s name has officially been removed from the fund and is currently in Lisa’s name
- Oyster Roast – Ron and Darden will look into the rules for alcohol. You can’t charge people if alcohol is offered nor can anyone cooking be drinking alcohol. Looking into a suggested donation of $10.00
New Business
- Vestry Retreat – Lisa will plan a Vestry Retreat February 21-22, 2025 at St. John’s. There will be dinner on Friday evening and a full day on Saturday. The retreat will focus on visioning, the next 3-5 years, “Who do people say we (St. John’s) are”
- Funeral Policies – Lisa provided handouts of procedures to be followed when scheduling a funeral and asked the Vestry to review and provide thoughts
- Pledging Next Steps – Lisa would like all the pledge cards returned before Thanksgiving. Calls will be made to those who haven’t returned their cards
- Upcoming Vestry Meetings – The December Vestry Meeting will be held at Bill Beach’s home and there will not be a Vestry Meeting for February
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM
Closing Prayer: Lisa provided a closing prayer