People

I had been told before moving here in 1995 that Bremerton and Kitsap County generally was a very transient community. To a large degree this is because of the mobility expected of Navy families. But I see this as somewhat typical of the western United Sates, as contrasted with the very stable (almost to the point of stagnant), “landed” communities of, for example, New England, where I lived for 17 years. Where traditions really are cast in iron in outlying Massachusetts towns, roots in these parts don’t go very deep, and even much of the housing in parts of our community was intended to be “temporary.” I have never said so many ‘good-byes’ in so short a time as I have since living here.

But this is beginning to change. Schools, churches and communities on the Peninsula still see a high turnover rate, but there are more long-term, committed people coming to Kitsap County to work, retire, or simply escape the crowding and expensive housing up and down the I-5 corridor.

Two wonderful examples of people with families who have a long history in this local area joined us on the staff this year: Myra Battin and Cindy Holland.

It was apparent to all of us that we really needed an office presence, and so it came to pass that Bremerton native and long time member of St. Paul’s Myra Battin (who resides with her family in Pt. Orchard) became our first Office Coordinator. Someone needed to be the welcoming voice and face of the parish while I was in and out or sequestered with someone or doing God only knew what. We also needed a “communications central” person who would track the goings on of parish activities and the 10 or so outreach ministries that share the facility with us. Myra was that person. She created (with some help of her beautiful granddaughter Madeline) an incredible oasis of home style warm, hospitality on the phone (e-mail, too) and in person.

Her communications efforts, especially what she did with the Sunday bulletins, were attention-grabbing works of art. Myra has been an enormous gift to me and to the many ministries in and around St. Paul’s Church.

By the way, she also has a husband, John, and two daughters who live with her, Emily and Rebecca. You may have seen them around St. Paul’s from time to time. Thank you, Myra!

Cindy Holland came to us with the New Year as our new Music Director. She and her husband Rusty and their three children Ellie, Angie and Will all eventually ended up here by the fall of the year. Like the Battin family (and many others who “hang” with us), they are people who give deeply of their time and energy to whatever they undertake. They are an example of the type of people that we need more of as the years go by to keep St. Paul’s the welcoming and warm place it has been for so long

and for so many whose work or military service keep them moving from place to place.

Cindy is also a musician. It’s interesting how she came into the picture. My cello teacher Dave Durfee (also an Episcopalian who worships with us from time to time with his wife Vivian) plays in Cindy’s professional string quartet. I’d never met her, but she was known to me through Dave and through the church “circuit” (as was Rusty). When Richard Horn got a violin for Christmas from Ann and Abby, I recommended that he call her). Pretty soon she decided that Richard should play in public, such as in church, so she suggested that the three of us get together and work up some trios. When she learned that our incumbent Director of Music Rod Blackburn was leaving, she offered to help us out until we found a permanent person.

While her offer was generous to a fault, as she as a person is, we paid her until we could discern what to do. We’d done a formal search process for a musical director before, and I didn’t resonate with any of the candidates. It was the guy who wasn’t interested in the job who just did supply work for us a few Sundays that God and I eventually persuaded to journey with us for three years. West Virginians may be a quirky bunch of folks, but we have good instincts. I knew Rod was called to come to us, and it was not long before it was as clear as it could be that Cindy was, too.

Her most important gift is her ability to draw people in and get them to offer their musical gifts to the glory of God. She relates to everybody, not just the choir. She likes all kinds of music. She will try anything. She listens to and respects the people of God in this place. Cindy has a huge heart. As former warden Steve Rice said to me after he played his trumpet in church for us last Easter (for the first time since high school), “Cindy knows how to ask people to step out and offer what they have, and she knows how to say thank you.”

I have seen people do music here at St. Paul’s that I had no idea had even the slightest interest in it. Thank you, Cindy! here in ’95 have been exceptional, and rate in my book with the best I have worked with anywhere. John and Ann are representative of the caliber of leader that seem to be attracted to this congregation and to the ministry of leadership: they combine intelligence with a powerful faith. They have common sense in abundance, plus a willingness to trust in what God seems to be calling us to do as a community of faith journeying through the world but not being conformed to the mind of the world. Thank you, John and Ann, for your faith, trust, strength, honesty and friendship these past few years (and many more to come!).

The “Shepherds”

Priests are almost like people. We come in all flavors, with all manner of virtues and vices. Bishop Warner once confessed to us clergy that it was easier, in his experience, to be rector of a large church than a medium sized or small one, because churches with more money could afford to hire staff that compensated for his weaknesses, along with the added bonus of lots more people to volunteer to do things. Clergy in congregations of more modest means and sizes have to depend more on the volunteer leadership in the community to offset our not having gifts (or interest) in all the myriad areas of important work to be done in a parish setting: administration, teaching, pastoral care (different from pastoral counseling), teaching, liturgy, preaching, fund raising and more.

I am not good at all of these things, or I am not passionate about some of them. What to do? Who calls The Boss to account for things left undone, or done poorly? Who ministers to the minister? Well, by the end of last summer a few distinguished lay leaders had concerns about different areas of parish work at St. Paul’s needing attention that could be traced back to yours truly. This came a few weeks after I’d been on vacation on the East Coast for almost a month. So John Battin and I called a meeting with these elder statespersons to share open and honest communication about persistent misunderstandings, or things that had been neglected, or good things that perhaps had not been widely enough shared.

These people: Larry Dugan, Ann Horn, John Battin (of course), Sandy Stutey and John Winesdorfer, all seasoned leaders and lovers of St. Paul’s, meet with me on a regular I’ll conclude this section with an expression of deep gratitude to my retiring wardens (both served 2 of their 3 years on the vestry in this special ministry) John Battin and Ann Horn. The wardens and vestries that I have served with at St. Paul’s since arriving basis to assist in managing this church. This is really an expansion of the wardens’ and vestry’s ministry, but with an emphasis on the pragmatic, administrative aspects and needs of leading the parish. Administration is actually one of the ministries mentioned in the New Testament given by the one Spirit to the Body of Christ. I see great things coming down the pike as I work with these (and others to come) wise and experienced Christian leaders. They are my “Shepherds,” and I shall not want!

Communication

One of the immediate effects of the inauguration of the Shepherds’ conferences was the calling together of the Communications Committee by John Battin. I shall not say too much about it here as I am sure that he will. You will have noticed how the Good Word has blossomed, and how often we are in the local news since September (I have already mentioned the bulletin!). You’d think we were a new church in town! And yet so much of what our local and diocesan communities (and let us not leave out the uninformed masses in the congregation) are now reading and hearing about have been going concerns and ministries of St. Paul’s for a while. But if you keep it all a secret…

Watch for a renewed, redesigned web site, and news of preparations for our parish centennial in 2004.

Pastoral Care Team

This refers to our dedicated cadre of lay eucharistic visitors: Bob Brown, Dottie Belle Cairns, Mike and Katherine Adams, and Carl Glaser. We have others licensed in the parish to do this type of work, and also many others who assist in visitation and the nursing home services organized by Carl, who do not at present meet with the team the monthly. And three more LEMs were trained and licensed last year whose life circumstances preclude active pastoral care ministry at this time. But I see some new team members emerging, parishioners who have a real gift for bringing Christ to those in pain. basis to assist in managing this church. This is really an expansion of the wardens’ and vestry’s ministry, but with an emphasis on the pragmatic, administrative aspects and needs of leading the parish. Administration is actually one of the ministries mentioned in the New Testament given by the one Spirit to the Body of Christ. I see great things coming down the pike as I work with these (and others to come) wise and experienced Christian leaders. They are my “Shepherds,” and I shall not want!

Communication

One of the immediate effects of the inauguration of the Shepherds’ conferences was the calling together of the Communications Committee by John Battin. I shall not say too much about it here as I am sure that he will. You will have noticed how the Good Word has blossomed, and how often we are in the local news since September (I have already mentioned the bulletin!). You’d think we were a new church in town! And yet so much of what our local and diocesan communities (and let us not leave out the uninformed masses in the congregation) are now reading and hearing about have been going concerns and ministries of St. Paul’s for a while. But if you keep it all a secret…

Watch for a renewed, redesigned web site, and news of preparations for our parish centennial in 2004.

Pastoral Care Team

This refers to our dedicated cadre of lay eucharistic visitors: Bob Brown, Dottie Belle Cairns, Mike and Katherine Adams, and Carl Glaser. We have others licensed in the parish to do this type of work, and also many others who assist in visitation and the nursing home services organized by Carl, who do not at present meet with the team the monthly. And three more LEMs were trained and licensed last year whose life circumstances preclude active pastoral care ministry at this time. But I see some new team members emerging, parishioners who have a real gift for bringing Christ to those in pain.

Ministry with Young People

I learned a long time ago that it was very inappropriate to talk about “youth ministry,” as though it were a thing given to “them.” Anybody who’s done ministry with children and teen-agers and young adults knows how renewing, challenging, scary (sometimes) and fun it is. And, yes, it is quite edifying, too. I remain involved with the Sunday morning Journey to Adulthood classes and the Wednesday night Youth Group Meetings. We are very fortunate to have some natural leaders in this community, such as Leonard Accos, Emily Battin, and Katie DeLapp. They are supported by Katherine Adams, Robin Schoenberg, Rusty Holland and… oh, yes, of course, Roni Rouse and Jason Houser. The Wednesday night group, for people in grades six to twelve, was supplemented by a Monday night meeting in 2001 which emphasized more discussion of life issues than the Wednesday night group, and was for ninth through twelfth graders. See their report for more specific details of their adventures.

Total Common Ministry and Small Group Ministry

We did start up a group for Total Ministry “alums” on Friday evenings, and a totally new group on Friday afternoons. Beyond the need for nurturing ministry of the lay order of the Church, small group ministry is essential not only for building community in congregations with more than 50 members, but is the most effective tool for church growth. Look for ways that you can help grow St. Paul’s in the coming year.

Jubilee Center

We are in the process of being reviewed and designated as a “Jubilee Center” of the Episcopal Church. These are congregations that actively endorse and support community service work out of their own monetary, physical, personnel and spiritual resources. Our designation as a center will actually move our partnership with the ministries we assign space to toward a deeper level of involvement. We will be equipped to educate more people in our own parish and beyond as to the theological and spiritual bases for why we do what we do, beginning with the biblical imperative to associate with the poor and marginalized of this fallen world. Thus we will learn more about the social justice teachings of our Church, and be better able to share it with others who wish to engage in parish based community outreach in a more meaningful way than is afforded by the giving of moneys from the general fund.

Diocesan and Ecumenical Involvement

I resigned from the Diocesan Commission for Liturgy and Music after Alexandra was born, but I still serve on the Commission on Ministry, which advises the bishop on matters of discernment around vocations in the Church. I go to Diocesan House once a month for the regular meeting, and there are a number of other events sponsored by the “COM” throughout the year for the purpose of ministry development. I completed the last two years of someone’s uncompleted three-year term, and now I’ve commenced my own three-year term. I guess I survived the probationary period! It is important work, and I really love and enjoy the people I serve with.

I continue to serve with a team of lay and ordained, mostly Roman Catholic, spiritual directors in offering the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life to people living around the Puget Sound region who are drawn to deepen their prayer life. It serves as continuing education for me in that I must strive be more faithful in prayer and experienced in the art of direction as I journey with other Christians making the retreat. I meet with the retreatants and directors once a month at St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church in Tacoma on Saturday mornings. There are other meetings throughout the year for the director community as well. Ignatian prayer has been a great gift to me since I made my first (8 day) retreat in November 1991.

What I See

More than anything, I must say that when I look out at the lot of you on Sunday mornings, I see a lot of love, and laughter. My prayer is that you get to know each other as well as I know most of you, and that we truly, together, become…

…one people of God who see Christ in all persons, celebrate the mystery of God’s love for all, break down barriers that separate us from one another, provide a home for everyone on their spiritual journey, and equip the saints to do ministry in the world.

Amen.

Randy Lord-Wilkinson Rector

St. Monica’s Chapter of Daughters of the King is inviting both women and men to attend a quiet day at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Bremerton on March 22nd.  The hours are 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and meditations will be led by Margaret Scott of Silverdale.

There will be time for quiet and reflection.  Lunch will be provided by Delsie Peebles. A free will offering for the Lord's Neighborhood Diner will be collected.  The day will end with a Eucharist at 2:30 pm.

Contact Phyllis Lewis for more information. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, February 26th.

Thank you – For Christ's Sake,
Maryann Jordan

Garden Workparty
We're getting the Garden ready for Palm Sunday's Procession! The garden by the parish hall (The Close) is badly in need of a little TLC.  Winter is the best time of year to trim those dormant trees and bushes, according to Vivian Durfee, master gardener.   

The

 first gardening party was January 26th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and our next Garden Party will be after church on February 24th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.    Hope to see you there with your favorite gloves, clippers, loppers, or shovel! Contact Cindy Holland and Tom Remick for more information.

It was a great time following the Epiphany service on January 6. Folks had an opportunity to enjoy the Feast of the Magi and help with the degreening of the church following the Christmas celebrations.

Betty and Kim Ridge baked this year’s Epiphany cake. It was chocked full of traditional tokens for all to munch on during coffee hour. Judy Wilkin found the “Peanut” in her slice of cake and will have the honor of being the baker for next year’s celebration.

Did you find a charm in your piece of cake??? Be sure and let the church office know -- we want to let you know the meaning of the token and to keep a list of other “winners”.

The Priory Spirituality Center

Many people are not aware that The Priory Spirituality Center has a retreat center located at 500 College Street NE in Lacey, WA. Every year we host groups and individuals who want to get away and have a prayerful, quiet experience in a beautiful wooded setting. Situated next to a women's Benedictine Monastery, the Center offers healing touch, massage and spiritual direction, a centuries-old form of spiritual companioning for people who want to discern what God is calling them to do in their life.

And this year, for those who are confounded by their gift list for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. there are gift certificates from The Priory Spirituality Center available. People can give those they love the gift of time and peace, something rather rare in today's hectic world. The center has gift certificates for private retreats, for massage, for healing touch and for spiritual direction.

Located on a timbered setting, the Center is a simple, peaceful place to be. Please call 360-438-2595 for gift certificates to the Spirituality Center. For gift certificates to the Priory Store for books, gifts, and religious articles, please call 360-438-1771.

My father’s life was shortened by cancer. So, he made it his goal to teach me lessons of life that would prove to be helpful in most situations, not knowing if this day would be his last. Once while we were together, he told me that the day I stop learning is the day I die. And the place of the greatest lessons is often at the feet of others. Thus the journey began.

We can say that 2001 has given us lessons in all aspects of the four ‘L’s. But not until the latter part of the year did we see so much of it in our lives. When we are attacked by outside influences, such as sickness or death of a loved one or perhaps people we know only through terrorist activities, we see how brief a life can be. When we are attacked by inside influences, disease, frustrations, pain, and doubts can perhaps be more than we can bear. What can we learn from these situations? Do we take the time each day to appreciate what we have?

To live our lives well we must keep a balance. God’s will for us is that we find peace in our lives. This knowledge can help us to prioritize how insignificant some of our concerns may be. The actions of others, whether at work, school, or other activities in our life, will not affect our ultimate hope. But, before we can reach out to those in our family or those within our community, we must make sure our first concern is how we are inside. Prayer and association within our community at St. Paul’s may prove the greatest strength to measure ourselves against the daily assaults.
LIVE WELL.

Has anyone accused you of not having a sense of humor? Laughter is said to be the best medicine. How many times have we seen this to be true? To joke and laugh makes our heart warm and lets us feel good inside, and most times a smile is very contagious. The chemicals released within our bodies during a good laugh have proven how healthful this can be. And remember, there is no greater intimidation that to laugh in the face of the enemy.
LAUGH OFTEN.

Love. How many songs and words have been written of this mysterious feeling? Yet, so many times we fail to show this extraordinary gift. Seek it, embrace it, and share it. For as Nat King Cole once said, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and to be loved in return.
LOVE MUCH.

As we go into this new year, may we share our gifts with one another. Seek to enrich this life we’ve been given by encouraging one another to love and activity. Learn to better ourselves and those in faith around us. Contribute toward our continual growth and our friends at St. Paul’s. May we have a blessed New Year and continue to LEARN.

Yours in faith,
Tom Remick


Christian Formation Team News

The Christian Formation Team met on Saturday January 19, 2002 for its Retreat "PREPARE A FEAST". We met at the Selah Inn in Belfair for a day of prayer, reflection, relaxation, and lots of food. We evaluated where we are and where we need to be in order to meet the needs of St. Paul’s. This included a sharing of each other's spiritual journeys, identifying current ministries, exploring the Christian Formation Team's role in the St. Paul's Vision, writing a preliminary Mission Statement, and discussing what's working and what isn't.

The Team is excited about the progress being made in the Christian Formation Program including continuing discernment of our Mission and Goals.

More to come…
Rusty Holland
Christian Formation Coordinator

Vestry Retreat

Your Vestry will be going on its annual weekend planning retreat February 22 to 24 at the Seabeck Christian Conference Center. We have accomplished many things proposed during 2001, and hopefully we can all work together in the coming year to continue to make St. Paul's a special place of worship.

We have a few things on the agenda to discuss, but you as Church members have the right to come to any Vestry member and make suggestions. We are here to serve you and are willing to listen.

Peace,

Marilyn Pantano
Junior Warden


Planned Giving 2002

“Watch, therefore, for you do not know on what day the Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)

Jesus’ words may seem dire to some, but for those who are prepared, they are words of assurance that He will come and be with us and reward us for our faithfulness. Preparation, true spiritual preparation, encompasses every aspect of our lives: our religious lives, our business lives, our community lives, our family lives, and our personal lives.

All of the above are addressed in a very comprehensive booklet, which will be given out to everyone who attends the Life Planning Seminars in March. Carl Knirk, the Bishop’s Deputy for Planned Giving for the Diocese of Olympia, will be here on Sunday, 17 March, following the 8:00 am and 10:15 am services. Each seminar is 45 minutes, with time for questions. Please plan to attend.

Gala Evening

Mark your calendar for an elegant Gala Valentine evening that will be held on Friday, February 15th.

St. Paul’s Choir, under the direction of Cindy Holland, and OutKitsap are sponsoring a delightful evening of beautiful music and a hors d'oeuvre buffet. The festivities begin at 7:00 pm. in the Oliver Room and the show will start at 8:00 pm in the Nave.

Dazzling entertainment will feature Celtic harpist Lisa Brestal, classical pianist Gala Elverson and vocalists Gerry Bradley, Kathryn Houchen, Kaly Olsen and Bryan De Silva. Sandy Stutey will serve as the master of ceremonies.

You'll be able to skip the line at the restaurant, dress up, have a great night out and help raise funds for St. Paul's Grand Piano! Enjoy the exquisite buffet and show for less than you'd end up paying at most restaurants without the show. A cash bar will be available.

Seating is limited. So don't wait till February 15th .. Buy your ticket now to receive your early-bird discount and reserve your spot.

Contact Blair Schuetz or Sue Thomas for more information or to purchase tickets.

Advanced ticket sales are $15 per person and $20 per person at the door (if available).

Cindy Holland

1. A Dais is:

a. The embroidery around the cuffs and hem of an alb.

b. The raised platform for the altar in front of the chancel.

c. The special chair reserved for the visiting Bishop.

2. A Flagon is:

a. The large pitcher to hold wine to be consecrated for the Eucharist.

b. The St. Paul’s banner used in some processions.

c. The Episcopal church flag displayed to the right of the altar.

3. The Host is:

a. A greeter who welcomes people at the front entrance of the church.

b. The bread or wafer consecrated in celebration of the Eucharist.

c. The person in charge of the social time after each service.

4. The Lavabo is:

a. The stand that holds the votive candles in the church.

b. The narrow cloth worn over the shoulders of ordained clergy.

c. The washing of the celebrant’s hands before the Eucharist.

Answers: 1b, 2a, 3b, 4c

Shrove Tuesday’s Annual Pancake Supper will be held in our Parish Hall on February 12th, starting at 6:00 p.m. The practice (and the name) came from the old English way of talking about preparing for the commencement of the Lenten fast on Ash Wednesday by being shriven (relieved or stripped) of one’s sins. Part of the physical preparation involved emptying the pantry of perishable food items, such as eggs, meat and sweets, that wouldn’t last until the following Sunday (when the Lenten fast is relaxed) in the era before refrigeration! So, come partake of a traditional Shrove Tuesday meal of pancakes, bacon and sausage, blueberry and plain pancakes, and, of course, real eggs. A jazz band led by Joe Rice will come and be adding wonderful music to the festivities. When you’re done, you’ll not only be ready to fast for a few weeks, but you will have something worth confessing on Ash Wednesday! If you want to know even more about this feast before the fast, talk to one or both of the event coordinators, Jennifer Dueńas and Tom Remick.

Ash Wednesday at St. Paul’s: We will observe the fast with two Eucharists on Feb. 13th, one at 12:00 noon (Rite One) and one at 7:00 p.m. (Rite 2). The imposition of ashes (made by burning last year’s Palm Sunday palms the night before) will be offered for those who desire it. If you’re new to the Episcopal Church and have not come from a liturgical tradition of worship, you might be interested to know that fasting is not the same thing as abstinence (or that abstinence from food doesn’t preclude taking water). It is still an aid to prayer to forgo solid food, or at least meat, for the day (Roman Catholics used to consider every Friday a fast day, and simply abstained from meat). Simplicity is the thing to aim for, and identification with the time Jesus (like Moses and Elijah before him) spent in the desert.

Special Lenten Offerings: St. Paul’s has a very long tradition of Lenten adult education. In addition to the Sunday fare offered at the Adult Forum after the 10:15 liturgy, a six-session Wednesday evening class on Church of England Bishop John A.T. Robinson’s 1963 classic Honest to God will start up on February 20th and continue every week, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., probably in the Parish Hall. I recommend that you buy the book; it may be found for as little as $10.00 used and as much as $17.00 new. Please let the office know if you will need child and infant care, and we will see how much interest there is in that; we may well be able to work something out.

On Thursday mornings in the Canterbury Manor Library from 11:00a.m. to 12:00 noon the weekly Bible Discussion Group will begin a new study, this time on the Epistle of James. Owning a Bible and reading it with the group is encouraged; one will be provided in the event a participant needs one. All are welcome.

Lenten Worship: On the Thursdays of Lent beginning with February 14th (but excluding Maundy Thursday in Holy Week), Holden Evening Prayer will be sung in the Nave from 6:30-7:00 p.m.

Hospitality Team Ministry Training

If you are an usher, greeter, refreshment host, vestry member, or just a person who feels comfortable at St. Paul’s Church, I invite you to join me for a light supper and a special workshop on how we practice the ancient art of hospitality. The date to remember is Friday, March 1st. Come to St. Paul’s at 6:00 p.m. for some sustenance, and we should finish up by around 8 o’clock. People who want to come but don’t like to drive at night should call or e-mail me for help in making other transportation arrangements.

I want to articulate a unified philosophy of hospitality for St. Paul’s, and form Sunday morning teams that will work seamlessly to welcome visitors and make this magnificent community of souls accessible.

If this date is not good for you, I am offering a make up date on Sunday, March 10th at 11:30 a.m. This preempts my convening the Adult Forum, so we can get right to business, first, again, with a light brunch. After all, if we are to be hospitable to the stranger, then we must first know how to be hospitable with each other! We ought to be finished by around 1:30 p.m.

2002 Annual Meeting

On Sunday, 27 January, we held our annual meeting of the parish following a combined worship service at 9:00 am. Jennifer Laris, Rusty Holland and Tom Remick were elected as members of the Vestry, and Don Vanlue was elected as an alternate to the Vestry. John and Myra Battin and John and JoAnn Winesdorfer were elected as delegates to the diocesan convention. Terri Remick was elected as Treasurer of the parish and Jennifer Duenas was elected as Clerk of the Vestry. We thanked our departing Vestry members, Mike Adams, John Battin and Ann Horn, for three years of service on the Vestry. John Winesdorfer was appointed by the Rector to be Senior Warden of the Vestry, and Marilyn Pantano was elected by the Vestry to serve as Junior Warden.

John Winesdorfer, as Chair of the Finance Committee, gave a report on the condition of our parish finances. Larry Dugan, as Parish Administrator, gave a report on facility and maintenance projects and on tenant relationships. Larry made it clear that all facilities and maintenance projects are tied into a long-term plan adopted by the Vestry and that all capital improvement projects are funded with money either designated from specific funds (i.e. The Mary Shannon fund) or from grants received by the church.

John Battin, as departing Senior Warden, reported on the Spiritual and Strategic Plan. He reported on the commitments made by the Vestry at their retreat in October and spoke about the abundance of God’s blessings on our parish.