The vestry most recently met on Thursday, October 8, for their monthly meeting. We start each of our meetings at 6:30, sharing a meal provided by a vestry member. The business portion of the meeting begins at 7:00 with an opening prayer.
Among the topics discussed:
- Due to treasurer Lynn Locher being away, the September financial reports will be included along with October reports, in the November meeting report packet.
- A review of the status of AEMCH (An Episcopal Ministry to Convalescent Hospitals)
- We reviewed the Employee Benefit Cost Sharing program, and updated the 2016 medical benefits package for eligible employees of St. James’.
- Discussions followed about the transition to next year’s vestry, and what to look for in possible new vestry members.
- Along with the scheduling of the 2016 Annual Meeting (Sunday Jan. 31 after a single 10am Service) and Vestry Retreat (Saturday, Feb. 6), we talked about Rev. Lori reaching her 5-year Anniversary at St. James’ on October 1, 2015, which (per her agreement with St. James’) allows her 5-months of sabbatical. She has asked the vestry to review her request to schedule a one-month pilgrimage during the month of January 2016, using one month of her sabbatical time allotted. With thoughtful discussion and sharing, the vestry is happy to give her our blessings for this period of pilgrimage, rest and reflection. Rev. Lori shares more about this in a separate article in this month’s Window.
- Our final discussion of the evening was an educational teaching session, about how well we invite guests to join us, and how we integrate newcomers to our parish, and where we need to improve.
Our meeting closed at 9:00, and we finished tour evening together with Compline service in the Little Church.
~ Meg Amouroux, Jr. Warden