Get to know your Vestry- Q&A with John Barrett
During Mother Nikki's sabbatical, the Friday newsletters will feature one Vestry member each week. Please thank them for their service to the congregation, and let them know if you are able to assist with their committee's work!
Q: Name?
A: John Barrett, 1st year on Vestry
Q: What's your committee assignment?
A: I am the liaison to the Outreach Committee. Susanne Burton serves as the chairperson to the committee, and other members include Cheryl Copeland, Gail Eilers, Annette Bates, Anna Thornton and June Ball. This is a very active committee with numerous ongoing projects. These involve a combination of financial support, material support and volunteerism. this committee manages so much. Current projects this summer and fall include: the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank, Barnett Shoals Elementary Clothes Collection, The Ark, Books for Keeps, Casa de Amistad, Clarke County After School Program, Family Promise, and Our Daily Bread.
Q: How can we help?
A: Filling the little red wagon has been an Outreach project for many years, but food vulnerability is especially prevalent now. Your involvement with any of our projects is welcome, please reach out to me or any committee member if you wish to help.
Q: What would you tell someone who was considering serving on the Vestry?
A: I would tell them that you get to know your fellow parishioners better and you gain an in-depth understanding of the activities of St. Gregory's. If this appeals to you, then you should be a part of the discussions that lead to decisions being made. Vestry membership is not easy, nor should it be. You learn of and act on the needs and concerns of your fellow parishioners and the necessities of maintaining the buildings and grounds of our lovely parish.
Q: What are areas of improvement or growth that you think are important to St. Gregory's?
A: Naming a special need is difficult. But, for a parish that is well known for its outstanding music program under the excellent leadership of Jonathan Klein and Joseph Napoli, the purchase of a new organ would be an important investment for our future. Procuring an organ for a space like our sanctuary is a six-figure endeavor. A capital campaign unto itself. I believe it is something we should be discussing. It would also be extremely attractive to have a permanent and accessible labyrinth. Besides being a tangible asset for our own growth, it could be a bond-builder with Episcopal students at UGA as well as other students seeking a labyrinth experience as part of their spiritual journey.
Q: What is your favorite Bible verse?
A: My go-to verse is 1 John 4:7- Beloved, let us love one another because love is of God.
| 
