Dear St. B’s,
I hope you’re all enjoying the cooler weather and changing leaves. This is such a season of beauty and transition. I’m excited to share details of our October vestry meeting below.
Alicia started us with a devotion by Sister Marie Schwann. Using a text from Luke 10:41, we reflected on how we are all invited to listen and be still. We are known by God and God is always accessible to us, and we to God.
Next, David West shared his Treasurer’s Report. Giving has lagged in recent months, and through September we’re running a deficit for the year. Our expenses remain under budget, and our reserves are sound, so the parish is on stable footing for now - but the gap between giving and our budget has our attention, especially as we begin to work on the 2027 budget.
Because September giving was uncharacteristically low, the wardens have made the decision to ask staff and ministry leaders to be mindful of spending as the year comes to a close. We are hopeful that this can help soften our year end deficit and believe that sharing in this responsibility as a community is important.
As the year draws to a close, everyone in our community is invited to engage in two ways: by continuing toward fulfilling your 2026 pledge and remembering the parish in your end-of-year giving, and by participating in the 2027 stewardship campaign, which begins soon. We’re grateful for all who sustain St. Bartholomew’s, and we’ll keep you informed as the year closes.
Claude shared an update on the Building Committee and Capital Campaign Committee. The Building Committee was set to have their kickoff meeting on October 26th, and as of last week’s Vestry meeting the members were still being finalized. We look forward to sharing the names of those folks next month.
The Capital Campaign Committee has shifted its schedule by six weeks to better align with the Building Committee, and are hard at work finalizing their Vision Case Statement and preparing for First Impression Gatherings in December.
In his Rector’s Report Father Josh shared that details of the Stewardship Campaign are being finalized. As part of this process, the Vestry is planning to help by making calls to each member of the parish in order to check in and answer any questions about pledging and Stewardship season.
He also communicated gratitude for the staff appreciation lunch and Jill Altom’s efforts at helping the staff feel loved and cared for.
Finally, mark your calendars for December 9. John and Peter of the South Sudanese community are being ordained to the Priesthood.
As always, reach out to any member of the vestry with questions, concerns, ideas and wonderings.
Warmly,
Elizabeth Nunley
Senior Warden