March 5, 2022
Your Vestry met on Saturday, March 5th at the annual Vestry Retreat and March Vestry meeting. We met in person in our newly renovated parish hall. The focus of the morning Vestry Retreat was a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) facilitated by the Reverend Canon Abbott Bailey, Interim Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Virginia. The purpose of the MMR was to start the process that will discern the path to transition Nick from Priest in Charge to our fully tenured Rector.
Canon Bailey informed the Vestry that the MMR is not a performance review but an opportunity to take the pulse of the working relationship between the Vestry and Nick. Canon Bailey led us through an exercise that helped us see how we are doing working together for the ministry of St. Luke's. This was a very positive experience with an open dialogue on expectations, both for the Vestry of Nick and for Nick of the Vestry. The ultimate decision to name Nick as Rector rests with the Vestry and may be made anytime after eighteen months of his arrival. As Nick arrived in January 2021, the Vestry may make the call as early as late summer or shortly thereafter in coordination with Nick. Parishioners are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Vestry.
The afternoon session covered the monthly March Vestry meeting. Following are highlights:
Approved minutes of the February 8 Vestry meeting. Reviewed the Treasurer's Report. Our year-to-date operating income exceeds expenses by $31,515. Special offerings in February were made to Rising Hope, Good Shepherd Housing, and New Hope Housing in the amount of $1,589 each.
Don Hazen submitted an email report on the Parish Hall renovation which is complete; however, the main control unit that integrates the audio/video system is not expected until the September/October time frame. This is primarily a result of supply chain issues with computer chips.
Christine Kelly submitted an email report on the parking lot lighting project noting that drawings were submitted to Fairfax County for permitting and requests for estimates sent to three contractors. To date, only one has responded and a site visit is being planned.
The Vestry previously approved via email a fundraising request for the Saint Luke's Day School silent auction to be held on March 18. The Vestry approved fundraising requests for the annual Catesby Jones BBQ, May 7, and the annual St. Luke's Craft & Family Fun Fair, September 17.
Vestry organization assignments were made with the following: John Smaha, Resources/Admin, Building & Grounds; Wendy Joachim, Membership; Mary Frances Daly, Resources/Stewardship.
The Sexton job description was finalized, released and we are now accepting applicants.
Nick led a frank discussion of our regathering plan in response to COVID. We are reassessing masking, gathering, and social distancing protocols in consideration of new guidance from the CDC. Please remain respectful of one another as we sort through the next steps while doing our best to be inclusive and safe. Nick will provide more guidance as we go forward together.
Peace,
Richard McFarland
Senior Warden