2023 began with a newly installed Rector who breathed life and activity back into St. Luke’s after a couple of years of wondering if we could get back to normal. We have seen attendance rise, our Sunday school classrooms are bursting with children eager to learn, we continued to maintain the on-line streaming of the 10:00 a.m. service on Sundays and added a Healing Service on Wednesdays at noon.
The slower pace of summer and the ease of schedules is what I look forward to most when school is out, daylight is longer, and the fireflies appear in my back yard. With the ease of summer upon us, the energy and activity at St. Luke’s is vibrant. New visitors arrive each Sunday and vacations are in full swing.
Your Vestry has also been in full swing, tasked with the work of the church and supporting the phenomenal clergy and staff of St. Luke’s. Here is a quick rundown of what happening at St. Luke’s:
Nick reports a 50% increase in attendance with 150 people attending weekly!
VBS is back in action thanks to Education Coordinator Courtney Jukuri and all of the volunteers!
Flat Pastors are on the move! The Outreach Committee’s creative fundraiser has Father Nick, Father Celal and Vanilla Bean traveling the world. Thanks to everyone who is supporting!
Endowment Committee has been re-established. A big thanks to Paul Johnson for recruiting the great team of Bob McPeek, Amanda Wallingford, Joe Manous, Drew Hutcheson, and John Moorman. The re-establishment of this group has been a goal of the Finance Committee and Vestry this year.
St. Luke’s Day School is getting a new playground. With the positive synergy between Vestry and the Day School Leadership, changes are coming this Fall to the playground at St. Luke’s.
St. Luke’s Nominating Committee will be reaching out to potential Vestry members. If you have any interest in being a future Vestry member or want more information, please reach out to Paul Johnson, Richard McFarland, Matt Harding, Father Nick, or me!
Save the Date for Kick Off Sunday on Sept 10th. This is where we kick off the church year, visit Youth Education teachers and classrooms, and learn more about the various volunteer and ministry opportunities. More details and lunch sign up to come!
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Faithfully,
Amy Moorman
St. Luke’s Vestry gathered March 3-5 in Shrine Mont for a retreat; an annual vestry tradition that hasn’t occurred since before COVID. Much has happened over the last few years: safe regathering of the church, parish hall construction, lighting project, growth of the membership, new Day School director and the mutual ministry resulting in Father Nick becoming St. Luke’s 8th Rector. There is still more work to be done and current members of the Vestry are up to the task.
Sue Bentley joined us to share the administrative and bookkeeping duties involved as Parish Administrator. She gave a thorough understanding of the Church Life app that includes contact information of active members of the church; Ministry Scheduling Pro that helps keep track of volunteers in various duties on any given day and the Abundant e-giving system that allows members to make gifts, pledges, and donations online.
The Vestry discussed Functional Areas of Ministry, the vast matrix of volunteers that keeps our doors open and programs and services running smoothly. We discussed ways to continue and improve meeting the needs of a growing church and identified strengths and weaknesses that need attention. Nick would like to add a permanent Wednesday healing service and plans for a Ministry Kick Off program that recruits in May and celebrates all the ministries in September. The Day School is embarking on a fundraising campaign to fund a new safe space playground that is shared with the church with a kickoff on March 17. There was also discussion about the future of St. Luke’s and continuing to focus on and support the people and structure of the church.
Besides the work of St. Luke’s, members of the Vestry had a nice time getting to know one another better and learn any hidden talents. Among us is a person who likes to hang picture galleries, a person who enjoys planning excursions around the world, another who enjoys coaching basketball, another who likes to organize, another who is an online shopper genius, and the list goes on and on. I’m in awe of the talent, professionalism, humor, care and thoughtfulness of this group. The year ahead with this Vestry will be one for the books, just you wait and see.
Faithfully,
Amy Moorman
Sr. Warden
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
Dear St. Luke's,
The following are highlights from the December 13 Vestry meeting.
Reviewed Treasurer's Report for November. YTD Expenses exceed income by $889 but are expected to balance out in December.
The outdoor parking lot lighting project is well underway and expected to be complete soon. You can see the progress where the light post bases are installed around the parking lot.
Finance Committee Chair Paul Johnson presented a proposed 2023 operating budget as developed by the Finance Committee. The budget funds staff pay increases and COLA plus a new Christian Education position, as well as a request submitted by our Sacred Ground Circle to designate $500 twice a year as a free-will offering as part of an ongoing process of race reconciliation, justice, and healing. Vestry approved the 2023 operating budget as proposed.
Stewardship Chair Lee Gilmore summarized the status of the just completed Stewardship campaign. We received 109 pledges totaling $480,383. This exceeds the previous year's total and includes 14 new pledges. Thanks to all and especially Lee for organizing, planning, and leading this year's campaign.
Nick reported on several Outreach related activities including the Angel Tree, preparation for VIC HOP, and a Nutrition and Food Insecurity workshop organized by Anne Hargrove.
Nick provided an overview of the Lenten Season, Easter, and post-Easter plans including mid-week suppers in Lent and Sunday breakfasts after Easter.
Scott Cameron reported on recruiting the next Vestry class with a slate to be presented and voted on during the annual parish meeting.
Save-the-date:
Annual parish meeting: live and in-person Parish Hall, Sunday, February 12 following the 10:00 A.M. service.
Vestry Retreat: Shrine Mont, March 3-5
Respectfully submitted, Merry Christmas,
Your Wardens,
Richard McFarland and Amy Moorman
Following are notes from the November 15 Vestry Meeting…
St. Luke’s Vestry met on Tuesday, October 11. The following items were reviewed and discussed:
September Vestry minutes were approved.
Lighting Project is still awaiting arrival of light fixtures.
Finance Committee is beginning to build the 2023 budget and is pulling together an Endowment Committee to oversee the Endowment Fund.
Treasurer’s report as of September 2022 reports income at 74% of budget goal for the year, with expenses at 73% for 2022.
Stewardship Campaign kicked off on Sunday, October 9 with Vestry submitting their pledges. Videos and Sunday announcements will continue throughout the month to encourage congregation to turn in their pledges. Campaign ends on November 13th with 2023 goal of $505,000.
Building and Grounds continue to work on beautifying the grounds, coordinate building inspections and was asked to report on the useful life of building systems for long term budgeting purposes.
Fellowship reports that invitations for Senior Saints Luncheon on Sunday, November 6 have been sent; now awaiting RSVPs. Vestry members will attend with Youth Group helping to serve.
The planning and coordination for Rev. Nick Hull’s Installation on November 11th is well underway. Invitations are being mailed to Diocese and Community guests this week. An electronic invitation will follow for St. Luke’s congregation to RSVP for the service and receptions. A 5pm reception for families in the playground or grove, 6pm service followed by a formal reception in the parish hall.
An 8% pledge (of pledge and plate) to the Diocese was approved for 2023 and submitted electronically.
Boy Scout Troop 654’s request to pre-sell holiday wreaths on Oct 30 and deliver and sell wreaths on Nov 27 during Sunday services was approved.
Pumpkin Patch had a good start to sales this past weekend but need more volunteers to sign up online to keep the pace going until Halloween.
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 15th with Sacred Grounds and FOSL reporting to the Vestry. Nominating Committee will be meeting this fall to recommend and recruit Vestry members for 2023.
Faithfully submitted by Richard McFarland and Amy Moorman
St. Luke’s Vestry met this week with much enthusiasm with a full Fall event calendar and a growing congregation attendance on Sundays. The lighting project is well underway and as soon as the lights arrive, they will be installed. We joked that the last piece of AV equipment in the parish hall and the lights must be in the same supply chain. Patience!
A Building and Grounds Happy Clippers work day is being scheduled for September 24th. The pumpkins arrive on October 8th -- all hands on deck are needed to help unload pumpkins and sign up to work the patch. Much of the community waits for our pumpkins to arrive so let’s not disappoint!
The 2023 budget process is well underway as well as the planning for the upcoming Stewardship Campaign which will kick off on October 9th. Members of the Vestry are busily planning for the November 6th Senior Saints Luncheon and the Installation of our Rector Nick Hull on November 11th. Invites to come for both events.
The next Vestry meeting is scheduled for October 11th. Continue to take great care of one another.
Faithfully,
Amy Moorman
Jr. Warden
The dog days of summer are drawing to a close with the start of a new school year and new church year. Thank you to all who have kept the wheels moving forward and participated in and supported the ministries of St. Lukes including cookie baking, coffee making, piano and guitar playing and singing, ushering, alter guilding, happy clipping, attending one of the three services on Sunday and caring for one another.
Update on Sr. Warden Richard MacFarland. Had a wonderful visit with Richard this week who is recovering from an August 6th stroke. The Happy Clippers were cleaning up the grounds when they detected that Richard needed some help and they acted quickly! He is currently recovering and rehabbing at Mt. Vernon Hospital. He attends rigorous therapy each day and is working hard towards his release date on August 25 when he will return home in the care of his family. Richard’s daughter, Kate, is coordinating visitors around his medical appointments during the first few weeks home. Please contact Kate at mcfarlkl@gmail.com directly if you plan to pay Richard a visit.
Mark your calendar with the upcoming events listed in this newsletter. First up is Homecoming – Kick Off Sunday August 28, hope to see you there. Continue to care for one another and look forward to seeing you this Fall!
Amy Moorman
Jr. Warden
I am providing summary notes from the July 12 Vestry meeting. First and foremost, and in case you missed the earlier announcement, our primary agenda item was the vote to call Nick as the 8th Rector of St. Luke's. Nick accepted the call and we are in the process of clearing administrative details with the Diocese before we can officially remove the "Priest in Charge" title. This is the culmination of the search process that began following Tuck Bowerfind's departure in 2019 and after eighteen months with Nick as Priest in Charge. An installation service and celebration will be held at a future date to be determined. The Vestry and Nick recognized the importance of the occasion with vigorous ringing of the St. Luke's bell followed by a toast with the best champagne that Costco has to offer. Please join the Wardens and Vestry in congratulating Nick.
It is my great pleasure to announce that during the July 12 meeting the Vestry voted to call the Reverend Nick Hull to serve as the Rector of St. Luke's. Following the vote, Nick accepted the call and agreed to continue to serve St. Luke's as our 8th Rector. This is a very important milestone in Nick's journey as a priest as well as the life of St. Luke's. Over the past eighteen months Nick worked with us to "regather" demonstrating his ability as a strong spiritual leader possessing exceptional personal and leadership qualities. As Rector, Nick will no longer be restricted to a time limited agreement as "Priest in Charge."
I am providing some short notes from the Vestry meeting held on May 10. However, before I do I want to echo Nick's caution to us all in the e-communication that went out May 10th regarding the current COVID situation at Saint Luke's. Despite our vigilance, several Saint Luker's have recently tested positive, myself included. Please take to heart Nick's message. Don't let your guard down. Heed his request and encouragement to take extra precautions so that we may continue to worship together safely. Thank you for your understanding.
The Vestry held our monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 12. The following are highlights from the meeting.
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.
Thank you for your participation in the Annual Meeting held via Zoom on Sunday, February 6. There were 71 separate logins with many having multiple participants. A great turnout demonstrating the energy and vitality of our church community! You unanimously elected new Vestry members Caroline Tringali, John Smaha, Wendy Joachim, and Mary Frances Daly. We give thanks for the service of departing Vestry members Reisa Kall, Christine Kelly, John Little, and Tim Staples.
So many weeks go by without acknowledging the good work that goes into our church life at St. Luke's. I want to pause and celebrate the out-going Vestry class of Christine Kelly, Tim Staples, John Little, and Reisa Kall. This class helped navigate some extraordinary times for Saint Luke's over the last three years. They provided lay leadership spanning the final year with Tuck Bowerfind as Rector, through the search for a new Priest-in-Charge, the calling of Nick, and our ongoing bout with the pandemic. Thank you all for your commitment to Saint Luke's and a job well done. A new Vestry class of four nominees has been identified and will be presented for election during the February 6 parish meeting. Please watch upcoming e-communications for their bio's.
Merry Christmas to Saint Luke's! Following are notes from the December 14 Vestry meeting.
Reviewed the Treasurer's report. Income for the month of November exceeded expenses. We project a year-end surplus that will be rolled over to the 2022 operating budget. It was noted that Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) grants enabled us to maintain operations without drawing from reserves as had been anticipated at the beginning of the year. Our endowment fund, held at the Diocese, was valued at $421,845 as of November 30.
Received report from Don Hazen, parish hall renovation project manager. Construction is essentially complete with "punch" list items being worked on. Permanent wood doors are due this week for installation and the audio/visual control box is due to be installed in February. Meeting room and gathering space furniture has arrived. The area is undergoing thorough cleaning with a ribbon cutting scheduled for January 16. Thanks to Don and the Building for Ministry team for their service on behalf of St. Luke's.
Christine Kelly reported that a rough planning estimate for construction of the outdoor lighting has been received and is under review. The architect will be directed to finalize plans. The lighting project committee is working to identify all costs (permitting, design, construction) for presentation to the Vestry.
Richard McFarland reported on the heating system. While a long awaited part was recently installed we continue to experience heating system shutdowns when the system fails to automatically restart. This requires a member of the staff to manually restart our heat. We continue to work with our HVAC service provider to identify the issue(s) to resolve the situation.
Lee Gilmore provided a wrap-up of the stewardship campaign. We received 91 pledges totaling $430,511. There were 68 pledges with increased commitment to St. Luke's and five new pledges. Much thanks to Lee and the Stewardship Committee for conducting a well organized, structured, and disciplined campaign. In sum, we reached a total dollar pledge amount consistent with our pre-pandemic pledge for the 2020 operating budget. Great work and thanks to all for your commitment and generosity.
Paul Johnson, Finance Committee chair, presented a proposed operating budget for 2022. The budget, based on pledges and other sources of income including rents and rollover from 2021 surplus, permits us to provide cost of living and pay adjustments to current staff, slight increases in several budget lines, increased commitment to our Diocese pledge, and the ability to hire a Sexton. The Vestry approved the proposed budget. Much thanks to Paul and the Finance Committee who worked in close coordination with the Treasurer, Parish Administrator, and Stewardship Committee. We are in a strong financial position as we enter 2022.
Nick discussed a broad range of topics and observations under the general theme of "Bringing Ministry Back." He identified numerous strengths as well as areas needing attention for Vestry consideration. Something we need to pay attention to is identifying, welcoming, and integrating newcomers (without overwhelming them)...we are ok in this regard but there is plenty of room for improvement. Nick noted that GAMMC, the Ghaniain congregation, will return December 19. He also reviewed the Christmas service schedule and noted the office will be closed the week after Christmas.
Nick, following up on the November Vestry discussion, reported that he has spoken with the new Vestry class. Candidates have been identified for nomination and election during the February 6 Parish Meeting. We discussed the process and potential candidates for nomination for Senior and Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Register of the Vestry to be elected at the February Vestry meeting.
Lee Gilmore reminded us that the annual greening of the church is this Saturday, 18 December, 8:00 a.m. Many hands are welcome to help out.
Please mark your calendar and save the date, Sunday February 6 following the 10:00 a.m. service for the Parish Meeting in the Parish Hall.
Thank you. Merry Christmas and see you next year if not sooner.
Richard McFarland
Senior Warden
The following is a summary of topics discussed during the November 9 Vestry Meeting
The October Treasurer's report shows operating income for October and year-to-date exceeds operating expenses. This includes the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) grant that was received earlier this year.
Don Hazen reported that Parish Hall renovation is nearing completion. He expects the construction "punch list" walkthrough in late November or early December. Don advised that furnishing for the gathering space and meeting room are being selected and purchased. There is a delay in delivery of a component of the audio/visual system and entry doors (temporary doors are in place). Don believes we will be able to occupy and use the parish hall and kitchen in January after we complete a thorough cleaning and relocate all the "stuff" that's been in storage while construction was underway.
Christine Kelly reported that the outdoor lighting project planning is on-going. The committee is engaged with the architect for initial design. They are also in contact with Dominion Energy to explore the feasibility and possible options to remove the single power pole in the middle of the parking lot green strip.
Our heating system remains a problem. We are waiting delivery and installation of a part, identified by the manufacturer, before we can attempt to get the system up and running. We are doing all we can to address this recurring issue and will advise the congregation as we know more.
Paul Johnson reported that the Finance Committee is developing low/medium/high 2022 operating budget scenarios to be presented at the next Vestry meeting. These options are informed by the outcome of our current Stewardship Campaign with pledge income being our primary source of funds for the operating budget.
Lee Gilmore provided an update on the Stewardship Campaign which is scheduled to end on November 22. We have received 71 pledges to date totaling $329,000. Fifty four pledges are increased over previous years and there are five new pledges. We have some heavy lifting to do over the next couple of weeks to secure remaining pledge commitments. Thank you to all who have pledged to date and please submit your pledge if you haven't already done so.
Reynold Schweickhardt reported on Vestry Nominating Committee progress to identify nominees for the next Vestry class. Nominees will be presented at the Parish Meeting in February 2022 for congregation vote. There are four positions to be filled by adult communicants in good standing.
Nick stated that he continues to be impressed with Saint Luke's and the great momentum he has witnessed over the last two-and-a-half months. Things are "fantastic" and we will slowly and deliberately determine our "new normal" as we get back into full facility operations once construction is complete. Nick is in dialogue with GAMMC, the Ghanian church community, and they anticipate a return in early December.
The Vestry approved fundraising requests from Boy Scout Troop 654 (annual Greens sale), Child Christmas Wish Program (Alice's Kids charity), and West Potomac Crew (wreath sale).
Thank you to the Pumpkin Patch Team! Gross sales receipts exceeded $38,000 and netted in excess of $15,000. This was a strong team effort, headed by Melissa Brunton, with participation and support from across the congregation. ORANGE returned to the greater Saint Luke's community.
Richard McFarland
Senior Warden
As Senior Warden I received an invitation to attend the Celebration of New Ministry and installation of The Reverend Ellis Tucker "Tuck" Bowerfind as the 20th Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington, VA. Tuck formerly served as our Rector here at Saint Luke's, 2003-2019. I plan to attend Tuck's installation and he asked that I extend the invitation to all Saint Luker's. Following are the details:
Wednesday, November 3, 6:00 pm with reception to follow
Grace Episcopal Church
123 West Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Please RSVP 540-463-4981 or office@graceepiscopallexington.org
Vestry Nominating Committee. There are four Vestry positions to be filled for a three year term in the next Vestry class. A nominating committee, in consultation with Nick as Priest-in-Charge, will identify nominees to be presented for congregational vote during the Parish Meeting in February 2022. There are certain canonical requirements for Vestry membership. Per Diocese of Virginia Canon 11. Section 4 "Only Lay persons, who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of the church, as defined in General Convention Canon I.17., shall be eligible for election as Vestry members of such church." The following is summarized from General Convention Canon I.17: Baptized and duly recorded in the church; confirmed or received; adult communicant 16 years and older; communicant having received Holy Communion at least three times in the previous year; and communicant in good standing having for the previous year been faithful in corporate worship and faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
Richard McFarland
Senior Warden
The following highlights are from the 14 September Vestry meeting
- Reviewed the Treasurer's report. Year-to-date expenses exceed income however when Payroll Protection Plan (PPP). grant funds are recognized total income exceeds expenses.
- Richard reported that the annual Independent Accounting Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures for the period ending December 31, 2020, was completed and submitted to the Diocese in August.
- Reviewed report from Don Hazen, parish hall renovation project manager. At week seven of an estimated sixteen week construction schedule we are currently on schedule and within budget for occupancy in early-mid November. There are several change orders including reinforcement of a wooden truss, discovered during demolition, and a workaround to acquire temporary doors while waiting for the availability of permanent doors that have a long lead time. The audio/visual contract was signed and a pre-installation meeting is being scheduled. Chris Weaver is working with a team to select furnishings. Don thanked Treasurer Alan Hope and Parish Administrator Sue Bentley for their efforts interfacing with the bank and administrative support respectively.
- Christine Kelly reported on the outdoor lighting project. Christine is heading a team consisting of John Young, Amanda Wallingford, Bob McPeek and Amy Moorman. They recently held an initial planning meeting with the architect. Christine submitted, and the Vestry approved, a motion to enter into a contract with LSG Inc., Landscape Architecture for project planning.
- Paul Johnson reported on Finance Committee activity including establishing a straw-man operating budget for 2022. This lead to a report from Lee Gilmore on Stewardship Commitee activity and preparation for this Fall's stewardship campaign. Our list of "wants" translates to a challenging budget which will require a robust response in pledges.
- Nick updated the Vestry on "bringing ministry back." There was a buzz of activity this past Sunday, homecoming, with a large turnout of parishioners, youth activities and the choir back for the 10:00 a.m. service. Nick also addressed our continuing response to covid-19. He noted our response to a recent covid-19 positive case was completely in line with the Bishop's recently released guidance. The Vestry discussed what additional steps we might consider to ensure we remain both safe and welcoming. In the meantime, please remain masked indoors and consider accessing our live stream service if you are not feeling quite up to par.
- Paul Johnson reflected on the life of the recently deceased Reverend Mike Moore. Paul submitted, and the Vestry approved, a resolution honoring Mike's years of service to St. Luke's in a variety of clergy positions and as a parishioner. Carlo Uchello noted that Mike was instrumental in organizing and leading the Via Media adult forum series.
- Upcoming parish events: Craft Fair September 18, Parish Retreat October 1-3, Pumpkin Patch 9-31 October