Wardens’ Report: February 2021
Our 2021 vestry gathered virtually for our second meeting of the year, and immediately took care of the most serious business of the night first: singing happy birthday to our Sr. Warden. You might recall one of the reasons we moved our Sunday services from Zoom to YouTube Live was because of the former’s inability to transmit live music smoothly; I’m sorry to report the technology hasn’t improved to the point of making our chorus all that melodious. (It’s easier to blame the platform than the performers.)
After graciously enduring the birthday song, Brad led us as we prayed for the evening’s upcoming discussions, the Lenten season we are marking, and specifically for Beth Tipps and her ministry. We gave thanks for her planning and leadership of the February RestoWomen’s retreat, her work with Glebe Elementary and the grocery gift cards, her coordination of our Outreach partner videos, and her vision for Resto Arts. We continue to pray for Beth and all our staff as they lead us and serve the Lord in new and creative ways.
The vestry approved two motions: the addition of a new member to the Personnel Advisory Team and a sabbatical in 2022 for Nathan Dickerson in accordance with our employee handbook policies. We give thanks to God for the steadiness Nathan has provided in what will be at least 6.5 years as our Associate Rector (at the time of his sabbatical).
The remainder of our evening was spent discussing both the short-term and long-term status of our building. In the short-term, the vestry confirmed David and the staff’s desire to draw up plans for two Sunday services with opportunities for in-person Kids Small Groups. We recognize many Restoration members (big and small) are sorely missing one another, Ms. Louise, and Ms. Abigail. The vestry is hopeful that a well-crafted plan will make it possible for more members and families to experience in-person worship in the coming months. In the meantime, Restoration will continue with a single in-person/YouTube Live Sunday service at 10 am through March 28 (the Sunday before Easter). Over the next month, the staff will solidify plans both for Easter Sunday and the following weeks. Please join us in praying that vaccination rates continue to increase while COVID case numbers decrease.
In considering the long-term status of our building, Dan Vogel, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Team, presented the vestry with options on refinancing our mortgage. The Vestry agreed with the Finance Team’s analysis that the next three-to-six-month window is the right time to refinance considering the interest rates and Restoration’s financial health. The generosity and consistent giving of Restoration’s members mean we have the opportunity to pursue a financing plan to pay off our mortgage in 10 years. While we did not vote on a specific decision or proposal from a lender, the Vestry authorized the Finance Team to begin the discussions. We are grateful for God’s provision and faithfulness.
We welcome your questions, encouragement, and feedback. You can read an archive of past Wardens’ Reports on our website or Vestry Meeting minutes on CCB, under the ‘Files’ tab in the ‘Entire Church Group’
~Brad and Lorene