Wardens’ Report: Mid-Year Update
“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
2 Timothy 1:14
The first half of 2023 has been filled with many blessings at Restoration. We are thankful for how the Lord has provided in so many ways. At the beginning of year, the current Vestry met for our annual retreat at Meadowkirk. We discussed with excitement and hope what the Lord has been doing in our church and prayerfully considered what he might be doing in the coming year. The Vestry acknowledged the gravity of our responsibility as we recognized our congregation’s continued generosity through your giving.
In line with our “Good Things Grow Here” vision, we felt called to continue investing most of our resources in our staff, outreach, and our childrens’ and Apex ministries. We also looked with excitement towards using our resources to support further reaching our local community through the RestoWest church plant. We celebrated our ability to give our Rector, Rev. David Hanke, a sabbatical this year, especially after an eventful 2022 and the Bishop election last fall.
Reflecting on the last six months, we are humbled by how the Lord has answered our prayers and guided our path. Here are a few things we wanted to highlight and give thanks for. We also ask for your continued prayers for these efforts!
– Hiring of new Kid’s Small Group Coordinator, Victoria Rose;
– RestoWest initiative led by Rev. Nathan Dickerson;
– Transition of curate Russel Vick to support Incarnation for several months and arrival of our new curate TJ Ono;
– Creation and passage of new FY24 budget that facilitates growth in some areas, to include our staff team (the budget process is a significant effort led by our Treasurers Meaghan Maguire and Joel Harris and the Finance Advisory Team);
– Planned renovation of the chancel to address ongoing maintenance issues and enhance our Sunday worship services;
Of course, there is so much more going than we have listed here, with so many good things being done by our Resto staff, advisory teams, small groups, and others in our church family.
As we look ahead to the Fall, we are excited about Rev. David Hanke’s return in September from part two of his sabbatical, the restart of our small groups, and our annual Fall Retreat at Massanetta Springs. We look forward to how God will move in our midst and through our congregation!
– Dennis and Jen
