Senior Warden's Note: January 2023
Happy New Year St. Luke's,
I am providing highlight notes from the January 10 Vestry meeting. This was a hybrid live and virtual Zoom meeting facilitated by the use of a newly acquired Owl camera that is the result of a generous gift by two parish families. The Owl is a stand-alone camera that is audio and motion sensor activated to focus on whoever has the floor and integrates that audio/video input with the Zoom transmission link. The Owl serves as the single source sensor for the group. Thus negating the need for those in a group setting to have individual Zoom capability while in direct communication with someone else at a remote location.
First, we acknowledge the service and work of Scott Cameron, Lee Gilmore, Carlo Uchello, and Reynold Schweickardt as this group completes their 3-year Vestry assignment. Thank you all for your ministry.
We met and welcomed Genn Difilippo, the new Director of Saint Luke's Day School. She acknowledged a very strong working relationship with the church and reported the Day School is running smoothly.
Reviewed the December 2022 Treasurer's Report, showing income for the 2022 operating year exceeded expenses by $2,320.
Scott Cameron reported on the new Vestry slate to be voted on during the 12 February Annual Meeting. Mrs. Chris Weaver will stand for election for a 2-year term, and Mark Kauppi, Melissa Bluey, Mike Saperstein, and Saro Verghese will each stand for a 3-year term. Please watch for their photos and short bios in upcoming communications. You will have the opportunity to meet them during the 29 January Adult Forum.
Matt Harding, Outreach, reported that Jo MacMichael is leading a new initiative, in coordination with 5 other area churches, for the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter Snack Program. Thank you Jo for your leadership and service on our behalf for this and related Outreach efforts.
Nick addressed a variety of topics that are on his radar.
Filling the newly created Christian Education Coordinator position.
Implementing Lenten and Easter meal programs.
conducting staff performance reviews.
organizing and convening a robust building and grounds committee.
standing up new mentors for the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program.
Developing a youth Verger position.
Training Circle of Care volunteers to bring communion to homebound folks.
Apply to VTS for St. Luke's to be an approved Seminarian work site.
Paul Johnson, Finance Committee Chair, submitted a proposal to close the Assistant Rector discretionary account, move the remaining funds to the Rector's discretionary fund, and add the Treasurer as a signatory on the Rector's account for routine business. This administrative procedure was voted on and approved given that we do not have an assistant Rector currently on staff.
Richard reported that the outdoor parking lot lighting project is complete with the exception of a short "punch list" to be completed before the final payment to the construction contractor.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Annual Parish meeting to be held following the 10;00 a.m. service in the Parish Hall on February 12.
Peace,
Richard