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Senior Warden’s Illuminare Report
May, 2005
The May Vestry meeting marked the annual transition in Vestry
membership and leadership following the May 1st annual meeting election
and Vestry weekend retreat at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center. We
welcomed newly elected members Jerry Dobbs, Jeanne Ann King, Michael
Willis, and David Yeates. Thank you, kind people, for your service. A
resolution of thanks and appreciation was introduced by the Jr. Warden,
seconded and passed for the good work of retiring vestry members Sr.
Warden John Dubreuil, J.P. Warner, Bobby Cox and Stacey Culver. We thank
all of them for their wisdom and leadership that they gave to the Vestry
and to our church family.
The Vestry elected new officers for the following year as follows: Sr.
Warden, Richard H. Polchow; Jr. Warden, Beverly Gariepy; Clerk, David
Yeates. We thank them for their commitment. Speaking of appreciation, the
Vestry passed a resolution of thanks to our wonderful organist Benjie
Branson, who is retiring. Benjie, we love you and will miss you greatly! I
should note that the resolution of thanks included naming her as “Organist
Emeritus,” a title that suggests a rare, occasional visit as organist. I
should note that the church is actively pursuing Benjie’s replacement and
has been in touch with potential candidates.
Getting back to the flow of the meeting, Fr. John led us with our monthly
scripture reading from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (which I commend to all of
you) with its message of a shared circle leadership and ministry to each
other. Monthly pastoral concerns among our church family were discussed.
We keep all of those in need in our prayers.
The election of Christ Episcopal School Trustees was deferred until the
June meeting, pending a full slate of nominees. Bio’s of four trustee
nominees were distributed. Michael Willis was elected by the Vestry as its
Trustee representative to fill an unexpired term. I should note that the
Christwood Blvd. campus construction is near completion and on schedule
for fall class occupancy.
The Treasurer’s Report indicated that through April the church general
fund continues to be in sound condition with an operating surplus thus
far. It was noted that the Finance Committee is proceeding with the
procurement of a financial audit with a local accounting firm. Also noted
was the need to wind up our capital campaign with pledge collections to
retire our remaining commitment. During the meeting, a vestry member
announced a gift to begin implementation of the Site Development
Committee’s plan, the most urgent of which is to prepare and equip space
vacated by the school for church use this fall. Finally, regarding church
property, we discussed a report from the property committee on a building
settlement problem in the back of the Parish Hall building.
Father John reviewed with the Vestry a summary of the Vestry’s
brainstorming session during our retreat of the church’s short and
long-term goals. He noted the progress on the “Volunteer Manager”
initiative, designed to better connect the talents and interest of our
parishioners with the ministries that we offer or could offer in the
future. Susan Griffis is overseeing this effort and should be commended
for her efforts. Be prepared for a mail out for your response to help fill
our database. Your response is obviously vital to the success of this
initiative. We are, also, preparing for a “trail balloon” on June 15th of
our “e-mail initiative, another tool to help us connect more efficiently.
Mother Pamela reported on areas of pastoral care, Christian formation,
Community of Hope, administrative matters, and her CREDO conference
attendance. She noted that Journey in Christ will be offered on Sunday
mornings instead of Tuesday a.m., as well as the regularly scheduled
Wednesday evenings. The Taize workshop will be rescheduled for an August
date (perhaps the 13th). The Community of Hope, a lay-led pastoral care
initiative, is moving forward in its planning. Sadly, we learned that our
facilitator of COH, Barbara Sears, will be moving with Steve and family to
Baton Rouge. Steve has accepted a full professorship position at LSU.
Deborah Gordon will succeed Barbara as facilitator. Thanks to you both for
your work here, and we will surely miss the Sears family. Mother Pamela
reported on CEEP Summer Witness funding progress and God’s goodness in
providing for our needs here. Cindi Hargrove is our church coordinator of
the event and is still seeking donations of program supplies and
volunteers (contact Georgie Myrtle).
La Vondra Dobbs’ report noted that Sunday school will resume September
18th, with rally day on the 11th. Children’s Service of the Word will take
a summer break after May 22nd. Wednesday evening programs will resume
September 21st. Vacation Bible School will host about 65 children for the
June 6th week. This year’s theme is “Loaves and Fishes.” The Diocesan
Father & Son Weekend for June 10-12, themed “The Good Shepherd: Action
Hero” is coming up too. Thank you, LaVondra for your imaginative and
constant efforts.
Our youth coordinator, Shannon Aparicio, reported on several activities
including Rite-13 Lock in (at SECC), fundraising activities, and a trip to
Six Flags on June 4. The active roster of youth currently stands at 68.
She noted that Tyler Dobbs was chosen to represent the Diocese at the
Episcopal Youth Event (E.Y.E.) convention in Berea, Kentucky. We thank
Shannon and her volunteers for continuing to move our youth ministry
forward as she wraps up a very successful first year with us.
I pray that God continues to bless us in the upcoming year.
Gratefully and sincerely yours in Christ,
Richard H. Polchow, Senior Warden |