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Vestry Meeting Report, February 14, 2023
Vestry meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month and are open to all Christ Church parishioners. 2023 Vestry members are Dave McCarthy and Jen Valiente (co-chairs), Sue Sheppard, Susan McMullen, Julie Baker, Judy DeMello, Joan Padrenoss, Leslie Burrell, Jennifer Braga and Rick Kirkpatrick.
At the February 2023 Meeting, the Vestry welcomed our newest members, Rick Kirkpatrick and Jennifer Braga.
The vestry discussed various issues concerning Building and Maintenance. It was suggested that we need a list of priorities and how they can be funded. Perhaps we can pursue a grant that offers matching funds. Currently we are getting bids on the boiler and hot water tank. This cannot be delayed much longer as there is a large amount of rust. Other concerns include repair to the bell tower and the church’s foundation, the condition of the church lawn and cemetery grass, and the large pothole in the parking lot. A motion to formalize a Building and Maintenance committee was approved unanimously. It is requested that people report graves that have sunken and need repair to the Cemetery Committee.
In other discussions. It was decided that we would fly the Gay Pride Flag to reinforce our message of “All are Welcome.” The flag will fly outside in the month of June and in the Parish House at other times. A motion passed to buy 20 tables to replace the heavy wooden tables to be used for Harvest Festival. The old tables are much too heavy to bring in and out of the Parish House.
Sue Sheppard gave an overview of the Major Sources of Income and the Major Expenses for Christ Church. Major sources of income are parishioner contributions, fund raising, investment/interest income, parish house use and miscellaneous donations. Major expenses include labor and benefits, utilities, Diocesan assessment, third party vendors, operational expenses and fund raising.
It was reported that the Christian Education has a consistent group of children attending Sunday School each week and they will becoming early the first Sunday in March to talk with Father Al and learn about the symbols we have in Christ Church. A Pancake supper will also be served on February 21st at 5:30.
Vestry members reported on annual meeting suggestions for the Good of the Church. These included:
· External factors impacting why people don’t come to church.
· The need to advertise that Sunday School is available and children who are not baptized are welcome.
· That we are truly welcoming to all – including those not baptized and those belonging to diverse communities. Suggestion to have a welcome table at the Harvest Festival.
· We should advertise events such as Yoga, game nights, beyond Christ Church to the wider community.
· Lay ministers are having difficulty with 2 services.
· Increasing efforts to bring more families to Christ Church.
· Build Sunday School by creating more child family events.
· Outreach to lapsed members. Have a Homecoming to invite lapse members back with a potluck supper. Lost Sheep committee came up with a list of people to contact. This is one of Father Al’s goals.
· Requests for one service at 9 a.m. on Sundays. Perhaps we could have one Sunday Service and a Saturday evening service.
· More community involvement with library, Christmas in the Village, etc.
· Connect with Swansea Parks and Recreation to participate in and sponsor co-events. For example, an Easter Egg Hunt.
· Generally being more pro-active.
It is Al Deston’s 20th anniversary as Music Director. Let’s celebrate this milestone!
Respectfully submitted,
Susan McMullen, Clerk of the Vestry
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