At this past Monday’s Vestry meeting, the Vestry listened, learned, and planned for our Church’s future: both the immediate and the not so immediate. We first recognized each member for their willingness at our Vestry retreat to take on leadership roles in guiding and executing the strategic plan with the many ministries in the Church. The various ministries of the Church were loosely grouped together and have a Vestry liaison assigned for support: Coleman Graham - Faith Formation; Ian McQueen and Laura Robertson - Parish Life; Rex Teeslink - Outreach and Evangelism; Resource - the Wardens; Pastoral Care - Barbara Coleman; Music & Liturgy - Nick Uros; New Member Ministry - Claiborne Porubsky and Bryan Hawkins and Year-round Stewardship - Bill Ford.  

The Vestry was honored to have the Reverend LaRue Downing share his thoughts and experiences on implementing a year-round Stewardship program. This involves a change in mindset and approach to honestly discuss money and to be cognizant that we are always stewards of our church, not just for the three week fall stewardship campaign. We were excited about the approach and will look forward to sharing that with the congregation. We are blessed to have LaRue care for us. 

We then discussed taking deliberate steps to resolve the Polk cenotaph controversy. The Vestry’s 2020 vote and decision was to move the cenotaph with no determination of a new location. The vote led to many emotions that may not have been addressed and the undefined placement is a question that needed and needs answering. The discussion will not be easy, but it is time for resolution. All the steps the Vestry pledged to accomplish to reach this point have been completed: congregational listening sessions, ongoing greater transparency in the business of the Vestry and of the Church, and the creation and adoption of a Memorial Policy. To resolve the outstanding issues and to address concerns and emotions arising from what appeared to many to be a flawed process, the Vestry voted to revisit the 2020 decision using the guidelines that are provided in the Memorial Policy to address whether to rescind the prior vote or act on the vote that was taken. Details on implementation will be a part of either action. 

A letter will be going out via email and snail mail outlining this process for resolution by the July Vestry meeting. The congregation is invited to provide input through June 15th and the Vestry will use the guidelines provided by the Church of England to answer fundamental questions on issues of contested heritage: does the cenotaph create a barrier to worship and does it adversely affect the execution of Saint Paul’s Church’s mission. 

We have come so far in this process and in these past two years we have grown as a congregation and continue to share the energy of Saint Paul’s in our work as a church. Pray for us as we all move Saint Paul’s through the remainder of this year and for years to come.

Cameron Nixon

The Finance Committee and the Vestry are beginning the work of preparing the 2022 budget. Your pledge allows them to prepare a more accurate budget. If you have not yet completed a pledge card, please prayerfully consider your pledge to a momentous year. Pledge cards are available in the Narthex and by contacting the parish office. You may also pledge online using the link below.

92 Increase (23 new), 6 Decrease, 40 no change

as of 05/18/2022

Offerings pledged this Week $12,981.00

Offerings received this Week $15,358.90

Operating Expenses to Date $327,627.82

Operating Income to Date $450,048.43

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.