The Vestry welcomed four new Vestry members, beginning their three-year term in January: Kim Brailey, Kerry Gilpin, Art Kron, and Laurie Pedry. They were installed during the 9:30 a.m. worship service on January 7.

We want to thank the following individuals who have completed their three-year Vestry term for their service and tremendous work: Ashley Boam, Harriet Church, Suzie Garrod, and Mark Schmitt. We especially want to thank Suzie for her incredible leadership in 2023 as Senior Warden!

Richard Fitzsimmons is also retiring as Registrar, a position that he has held for over twelve years. While we are looking for his successor Richard will remain on to record our monthly minutes. If you would be interested or know someone who would be interested in serving a one-year position as Registrar, please contact a member of the Vestry or Clergy.

One important responsibility of the Vestry is as a representative, a liaison, and/or a leader in Holy Comforter’s ministries, boards, and administrative committees. For 2024, the Vestry members will be involved in the following:

David Grove will serve as your Senior Warden and Kathy DeSanti-Paulini as your Junior Warden.

Please reach out to the appropriate Vestry member if you have questions about a specific ministry, committee, or board—especially if you have a personal desire to become more involved or interested in volunteering.

At the end of 2022, the Vestry took part in an internal Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) designed to review and evaluate the ministries at Holy Comforter specific to the parish’s mission in our Christian community. Each Vestry member was asked to pray and answer a series of questions. At the end of 2023 we re-evaluated the MMR to determine the next steps for Holy Comforter for 2024. We are taking two approaches for 2024—a tactical and a strategic approach.

From a tactical perspective we will “build upon what we have accomplished.” In 2024 we will fulfill the goals of the Capital Campaign and celebrate each success. Specifically, we will fully retire the debt (now at only $100,000 from $800,000); complete the solarization project; determine the next steps for the Music Classroom in support of the Music Ministry; and create a plan for the stewardship of the campus, which also addresses the immediate and long-term capital replacement needs.

From a strategic perspective we will begin the process in planning for “Holy Comforter for 2024 and beyond.” In 2024 we will take the next steps around strategic planning and a 3-to-5-year strategic plan.

We will continue our 2023 focus of Vestry communications and transparency and volunteerism in 2024.

On Saturday January 13 your Vestry spent half a day on a retreat in the Ministry Center to reflect and pray for our work in 2024. We will continue to refine these tactical focus areas and have these as our “pillars” for 2024.

As we move forward in 2024 your Vestry will continue its work on these two themes and four areas of focus. We look forward to sharing more details on this at the Annual Parish Meeting / first quarter Town Hall on Sunday, February 25. Please keep us in your prayers.