Dear Bethesda Friends,
 
This fall I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit moving powerfully in the Bethesda family. Newcomers are responding to the warm welcome they receive at Bethesda, and attending Bethesda at its Best and the Enquirers' Class enthusiastically. The Adult Forum and Middle Way offer timely and relevant programs which engage us in exploration of important topics; almost sixty people participated in the recent Enneagram Workshop to examine their God-given nature and learn how to better employ their own gifts and relate to others. Parishioners are stepping up to take on key service and leadership roles and growing their skills and their faith. The entire congregation joined together to renew our own baptismal covenants at glorious All Saints Services as we welcomed eleven souls to the community of faith.  
 
The Vestry welcomed Fr. James back to his first Vestry meeting of the new season on October 24. Fr. James described the restoration and transformation he experienced on his sabbatical, and expressed gratitude for all the support he received which made his journey possible and so enriching. As a group, the Vestry took stock of our shared working relationship and expressed our concerns, longings, and hopes going forward for the work set before us this year. We appreciate the prayers and partnership of the congregation in our endeavors.
 
Some topics we covered in October's meeting:
 
Audit
With the oversight and support of the Audit Sub-Committee led by Charles McGill and our Bethesda staff, our annual audit has been successfully accomplished and submitted to the Diocese. Representatives from our independent auditors Holyfield & Thomas presented their findings to the Vestry, giving our financial reporting a clean bill of health and concluding:
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Inc. as of December 31, 2017, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 
 
In their presentation, Holyfield & Thomas drew our attention to specific important changes in our financial situation, including a significant increase in total liabilities, a large piece of which is the liability we hold for payment over time of Bethesda's share of the cost of undergrounding utilities on Palm Beach.  
 
Buildings and Grounds
Junior Warden, Connie Purcell, updated the Vestry on projects in various stages of planning and completion. She presented a 5-Year Building and Grounds Project Schedule which outlines necessary major projects and the funding required. This will be used in the 2019 budget cycle and in the Strategic Planning process underway this quarter and subsequent fundraising.  
 
Stewardship
Stewardship Chair, Paul Coombs, presented an update on stewardship status. The number of pledges has increased from 413 in 2017 to 501 so far this year, exceeding the 2018 goal of 450. This represents real progress in the commitment of members, existing and new, to support the work of the church. The other good news is that many pledging givers have significantly increased their committed amount, signaling confidence and faith in Bethesda's mission.  
 
We are still hopeful that the 2018 Annual Campaign goal of $2,200,000 will be achieved, but the work is far from done. Through our end of year campaign we are seeking a repeat of last year's generous year-end giving; this year we need $300,000. I encourage every single person to make a year end financial commitment, whether you have pledged (thank you!) or not. Please call Turia Roebuck-Hayden at 655-4555 x110 or click here .

Vestry and Delegate Nominations
The annual cycle of Vestry nominations has begun, as Fr. James announced this past Sunday. As the By-Laws dictate, four members will be nominated to replace those whose terms end in January 2019: Beth Cole, Kitty Lanier, Charles McGill, and Jodie Payne. A nominating sub-committee has been formed, including myself, Rick Wandoff, Susan Keenan Wright, Sara Griffen and Paul Coombs as Chair.  Nominations are due November 26. Vestry Nomination packets are available click here or from Ayana in the Rector's office. The packet outlines requirements for Vestry service and nomination forms which may be filled out by the candidate him/herself or be used to nominate someone else. Please share any suggestions or questions you have by emailing nominations@bbts.org .    
 
There are also opportunities for parishioners to serve as Delegates to the Diocesan Convention which is a three-year term of service. Please email the same address above for more information on this role representing our parish in the Diocese.  
 
Yours in Christ,
Beth Cole
Senior Warden