Vestry

On a Sunday afternoon earlier this month our vestry and rector conducted a post-sabbatical mutual ministry review. It was an opportunity to ask “How are we doing?”. It was a time to celebrate what’s been done well and to understand where we can improve. As Christians, we should always ask “What is God calling us to accomplish in this place and time?” Rev. Dina van Klaveren facilitated the session. I thank our vestry for spending time on this review.

The world runs on relationships and relationships run on expectations. So it’s important to clarify expectations in both directions between the vestry and rector. The vestry listed items we think Kristin expects of us and another list of what we expect from Kristin. Kristin did likewise for the vestry. We then compared the sets of lists. Mostly, we generally agree – there are large areas of commonality. We identified a few areas that we’ll clarify or renegotiate further in the vestry retreat next February.

In December’s regular vestry meeting we began reviewing our budget for 2023. We thank our treasurer, Natalie DelRegno, for preparing a draft budget. Most of our expenditures (like mortgage, utilities, elevator inspections and dozens of other items) are not discretionary. Only a few line items can be controlled (like the size of payroll increases). Our financial information isn’t complete yet because some expected pledgers haven’t pledged yet but we had a thoughtful meeting and healthy discussion on important prioritizations. We made a good start on the 2023 budget. Work will continue in January.

Merry Christmas everyone! Stay safe and warm if you’re traveling.

Dave

 

Coffee Hour Crew
Carla Kaufman
Joan Fader
Dave Rak
Gabby Markham
Peter Sabonis
Denise Warren
Molly Kilmore
Natalie DelRegno
Terri Demosky-Tippett
Blix Winston

No Stress, No Rehearsal, Come As You Are Christmas Pageant
After the innovative drive-thru pageants of last two years because of the pandemic, we’re excited to bring the Christmas Pageant (slightly reimagined) back to our 4:30 pm Christmas Eve worship service!The goal is no stress, no rehearsals, simple and EVERYONE is welcome to enjoy however is best for you and your family. We have a script with narration so no one needs to memorize lines. The pageant is especially for children but if you’re an adult who’s always wanted to be an angel or shepherd, you’re welcome to join. If you’re the parent of a child who might be more comfortable with your help, you’re welcome to join.

Costumes (optional!) will be available prior to the service, beginning at 4:00 pm, and during the pageant too. We are so excited to experience this at the worship service together again.

If you have any questions or want to lend a hand, contact Sarah Brown or Ashley Conlon.

At 8:00 pm we will have our Choral Christmas Prelude followed by Candlelight & Carols Holy Eucharist at 8:30 pm, or watch the 8:00 pm service livestream on Facebook.  A printable bulletin can be found here.

Christmas Day

We will celebrate Holy Eucharist in the sanctuary at 9:30 am or watch the 9:30 am service livestream on Facebook.  A printable bulletin can be found here.

Lectionary Readings:

• · Isaiah 52:7-10
• · Hebrews 1:1-4,(5-12)
• · John 1:1-14
• · Psalm 98

 

• · John 1:1-18
• · Luke 2:1-20
• · Luke 2:21-38
• · Matthew 2:1-23
• · Luke 2:41-52