Wardens’ Report: September 2021
On September 28, the vestry met with all members together participating in-person for the FIRST time in 18 months. Mary Jo Binker led the vestry in collects and prayer as we prayed for our church and many of the needs and transitions occurring. We then kicked off the fun with a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday to celebrate the 3rd celebration of Dan Vogel’s 40th birthday – and Mary brought delicious cake.
After approving our July meeting minutes, we began with a discussion of our current service plans and changes to communion with intinction. We ask that all unvaccinated parishioners wear a mask in the building. At the 9am services masks are currently required to both: a) build a bridge to those households that are returning to in-person worship, and b) create an environment for our kids that is similar to what public school children are experiencing under Gov. Northam’s mask guidance in the state of Virginia. At the 11am service, you can expect a mix of masked and unmasked congregants. And for kids’ small groups at both services, masks are required.
After finishing his cake, Dan Vogel presented the Treasurer’s end of Fiscal 2021 financial report, noting offerings above our budgeted projections and expenses significantly below projections leading to a net contribution to our general fund cash position. As a reminder, the vestry unanimously approved the $2.1 million FY22 budget at our July meeting, representing an increase of 4.5% over FY21 giving. Additionally, in the coming weeks, we will finalize our mortgage refinancing. We thank all of you for your generosity and being faithful stewards of our building and resources. Dan will report on our financial plans at our parish meeting on Sunday, October 3rd, after the 11am service.
Karen McNeilly and Mary Jo Binker updated the group on the Restoration+Reconciliation group’s activities to date. This group of congregants formed organically from various small groups centered on race and faith. Since then, three mission-oriented working groups have emerged in pursuit of reconciliation and justice, comprised of people who are engaged in Restoration+Reconciliation Small Groups and Prayer Meetings. If you would like more information, please reach out to Karen and Mary Jo.
Lastly, the Vestry voted to approve the appointment of Mary Breed, Erica Chapman, Brad Jones and David Hanke to the Vestry Discernment Committee for the 2021 vestry election. This committee, generally comprised of outgoing vestry members, will lead the election of three new vestry members later this fall. We will open nominations and talk through the election timeline at our parish meeting on October 3rd. Please be thinking and praying about your own interest in serving as well as any other members you would like to nominate who can make a meaningful commitment to vestry.
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday for worship and our parish meeting from 12:30-1:00.
Lorene and Brad