Vestry Report

Sr. Warden’s Report – February 2003 Vestry Meeting

After a presentation by Ralph Menetre, the Vestry approved the construction of an additional memorial wall in the St. Francis’ Garden. The wall will be a replica of the existing one but on the opposite side. Since 1986, when the church began selling bricks for memorial plaques, seventy-seven plaques have been installed, representing a little more than half the number bricks purchased for this use. At the suggestion of the Holzhalb family, the funds donated in memory of Drew will be used for the construction of this new wall, doubling the number of memorial plaques available.

In the progress report on the new administration building, it was noted that Margie Valliant and Fran Whiteley have begun studying appropriate names for the building. Their research has yielded three possible choices. Fran and Margie will solicit comments and other suggestions through an article in the “Illuminaire”. Our contractor is now working inside the building as well; painting the outside will begin very soon.

Barbara Sears asked the vestry to reconsider its decision on the timing to begin our second Habitat house. Volunteers have stepped in to fill the leadership positions and she asked that we begin our work this spring. We tabled that request until we could talk further with Habitat. On Sunday a special Vestry meeting was called. After talking with Habitat, we will begin construction of the Christ Church community’s house this spring but will keep to our original commitment to make our financial contribution at the end of our capital campaign. Habitat has requested that we continue our involvement this year through our work force. We are blessed to have the volunteer leadership that has been offered from our church/school/Christwood community and are grateful they have answered that call.

In January when the clergy and wardens met with the Bishop, one item of discussion was the concerns of a growing church. We were referred to Fr. Kevin Martin whose ministry is to consult with growing churches and assist them in the problems that can occur, particularly in focus, direction and communication. Several Vestry members had the opportunity to meet him the week-end prior at the Church Leadership Conference in Robert, LA. It was the decision of the vestry to hire him as a consultant for our congregation to lead us through some of our transition. This work will begin no earlier than the end of August 2003 and involve meetings with the vestry along with meetings and input from parishioners. Fr. Martin has received glowing reports from the churches he has worked with, and we are looking forward to his guidance.

Reports were given by the treasurer, the clergy, and the school.

I am constantly in awe of the selfless contributions of so many people to grow our church in its mission, outreach, and discipleship. We have so much to be thankful for.

Liz Taurman
Sr. Warden