August 2026

Dear St. B’s,

I hope you are all finding some consistency as we enter a season of greater rhythm and routine!  I am excited to once again update you on August’s vestry meeting and the work that the vestry is doing on behalf of our parish.  

Kathy Patten graciously opened our time together with a devotion centered on the ways we can focus on faith as a loving and communal way of life.  How can we be more visible in the world as we do God’s work? In what ways can we serve our neighbors and bring healing to our communities?  She emphasized that this is important work now more than ever, especially in light of the rise of Christian nationalism.

Our treasurer, David West, shared his July update.  On the financial front, summer giving has been on the lighter side, and while our expenses remain well under budget, we're now roughly at breakeven for the year. We have healthy reserves to carry us through, and with pledges still coming in ahead of pace, we're grateful for the faithful and generous support that keeps St. Bartholomew's on solid footing. We'll be watching the numbers more closely as we head into the fall budgeting season.

As the Facilities Liaison and a member of both the Capital Campaign Committee and Building Committee, Claude Pressnell updated the vestry on the recent work and discernment that have gone into choosing a consultant to assist St. B’s with the fundraising aspect of a potential building campaign.  The vestry voted to approve the Capital Campaign Committee’s recommendation to select Horizons as a fundraising consultant.  Thank you to Andrew Kintz and his committee for their work thus far, not only in choosing a consultant but also in raising the necessary funds to cover the cost!

The Building Committee is also diligently vetting six architectural firm options and will have a recommendation ready for the September vestry meeting.

The vestry then voted to approve both a Rectory Maintenance Policy and Procedure and two columbarium applications.

During his Rector’s Report, Father Josh shared that Rev. Heather is now leading the Young Adults Ministry and that Father Ed is now serving as the Preschool Chaplain and organizing a Pastoral Care program.

It is a joy to serve our parish and we are always available for questions and conversations!

Warmly,

Elizabeth Nunley

Senior Warden