St. Paul s Episcopal Church The Epistle. December, 2017

Transcription

1 St. Paul s Episcopal Church The Epistle December, 2017 Love God. Love others. Help others love God. We welcome you to join us on our journey as we strive to share the love of Jesus through worship, Christian education, fellowship and service to each other and the community beyond our walls. From Your Rector As we have begun another liturgical year, our thoughts turn to the question, What will God be calling us to be and do in this time? Where are we headed? What is our hope? We lack being fed and given nourishment; I don t just mean for our physical bodies but more importantly for our spirit. Many times, in the Gospel, Jesus feeds people with food in order for them to make room for Him in their spiritual lives. He restores them to wholeness and community. It is interesting that in the story of the ten lepers, they are a mixed group of Samaritan and Galileans. The one common factor is that all ten have leprosy. It is said that only one returned to give thanks. Did they all have faith? I would have to say they did since they called out to Jesus to heal them. They were able to return to their normal lives. Were their normal lives so important that they could not say thank you? No matter where we find ourselves I think this passage reinforces that God is present. It is said that in the midst of fire and flood natural predators come together as one in order to reach a safer place. They are united in fear. We are united as brothers and sisters in the Lord. We are one body though many members. We have a common purpose, a common goal and a common vision and our focus is on the Kingdom of God being a reality today and in our future. In the coming year, it is my hope that we call out to Jesus to not only be present to us but to help us to find His ever-abiding Spirit in us. I hope that we are grateful for that Spirit and are willing to give thanks for His unconditional gift so freely bestowed upon us. Let us be conscious and intentional to opening up our hearts, minds, and spirits and to being fed by Him who unites us no matter our life condition. 1 Fr. John+

2 Schedule for the Season of Advent and Christmas Holy Eucharist Sundays, 8AM and 10AM Advent Service of Holy Communion Mondays, 5:30PM Holy Eucharist & Healing Service Wednesdays, 9:30AM Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 3, 10AM Blue Christmas Service Thursday, December 21, 6:30PM Rector s Forum Sundays, December 3 & 10, 11AM Silver Polishing Friday, December 15, 10AM Tree Hunting Saturday, December 16, 8AM Tree Decorating Sunday, December 17, 11AM Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 8AM, 10AM, 6PM, 10PM New Year s Eve Services Sunday, December 31, 8AM and 10AM Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 3, 10 AM This historic service tells the story of the fall of humanity and the promise of the Messiah as told in seven short Bible readings, interspersed with the singing of carols, hymns, and anthems. This year the service will take place during the 10 AM service on December 3rd. If you are interested in reading, please sign up in the back of the church. Advent Holy Eucharist Services Mondays, December 4, 11, 18, 5:30PM Gould Chapel The hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season can often overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. During Advent, join us for a Eucharistic Service each Monday at 5:30 in the Gould Chapel. Make Advent a time to rest, wait and yearn for the celebration of the birth of Christ. 2

3 Blue Christmas Service Thursday, December 21, 6:30PM On Thursday evening on December 21 st at 6:30 you are invited to attend a Blue Christmas Service here at St. Paul s. This service is also known as The Longest Night or a "Service of Comfort and Rest". It is intended for those who have experienced loss--through death, divorce, depression, or other life challenges--and for those under stress during the holiday season who need a time of rest. With singing and Scripture reading, a homily and Eucharist, this service invites those who attend to take time for themselves. It is a time for healing and acknowledging the pain and stress that the holidays can bring for some. It is intended to acknowledge that for some Christmas is not all we proclaim it to be; some struggle during the holidays and this service helps them to express and acknowledge those feelings. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24 th Christmas Eve Services will be as follows: 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. (there will be no music at the 10:00 a.m. service) and 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. If you would like to serve at any of these services, please let the office know. Epiphany Saturday, January 6 th, 6:00 PM As the Christmas season ends, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. This is a celebration of the wise men s visit to baby Jesus. Please join us on Saturday, January 6 th at 6 PM. After a short service, we will be celebrating with a variety of ethnic foods. You are invited to bring a dish reflecting your heritage. We will wrap up the festivities with a piñata for the kids. Rector s Forum During the months of December and January, the Rector s Forum will cover The End of the World or Heaven on Earth by Michael Battle. The schedule is as follows: December 3 and 10 January 14, 21 and 28 3

4 Thank you to Lynn and Bill Freeman, Zach Manchester, Mary Cermak, Nancy Boyd- Goff, Carl Kinne, Chip Kinne, Jack and Jennifer Westermann for hosting our October Canteen. Thank you to the Social Committee and to ALL of you for your generous donation of candy for over 130 Trick-or-Treaters! Special thanks to Father John, Stoli (his faithful dog), Eunice Barton, Lynda Helmer, Sandy and Dick Schwab, and Steve and Ruthie Koerts for braving the wind and chilly weather. A big thank you to ALL who helped with the Harvest Dinner, especially to Lynn and Bill Freeman for chairing the event and Susan and John Young for their kitchen assistance. Thanks also to Harold and Ingrid Elliott for the squash and Bill and Debbie Dieffenbacher for the apples, as well as those who turned them into apple crisp. The efforts of all those who helped, be it set-up, cooking or clean-up is what made this dinner a great one and a great time. Thank you to Bill and Lynn Freeman and Jane Parker for the November Movin On Lunch. Thank you to all who helped with Clean-Up Day: Lynda Helmer, Linda Littell, Garvin Alexander, Bruce and Barb Dailey, Jack and Jennifer Westermann, Father John, Sindy Garey, Bill Freeman, Dick and Sandy Schwab, and Bill Dieffenbacher. The work included edging the lawn, (thanks, Luther Chergosky for the use of your edger), raking leaves, clearing out the alley behind the church and the perennial favorite, gutter cleaning. It all looks so much better! Thank you to Dick Schwab for installing the magnetic bathroom door holds, for installing a bulletin board in the lounge for CHOW notices, for working with the fire inspector to rewire the kitchen fire suppression system (in the event of a fire, the louvers close off outside so the fresh air doesn t fuel the flames), for cleaning out the back of the parking lot over overgrown vegetation, and for the many other maintenance tasks he has undertaken. Thank you to Meghan Walton for directing the Chimes 4 Jesus and to Kristin Walton for accompanying the choir on the piano. The girls did an amazing job! Thank you to Ted Wolf for building the Little Free Library for children outside the church. 4

5 A very special thanks from Judy Finlayson It is November as I write this the month for giving thanks and remembering. My family and I would like to express our gratitude and thankfulness to all our friends at St. Paul s. The many visits, cards, phone calls and flowers have filled us with comfort and hope. I feel so blessed to have my St. Paul s family! Thank you and blessings to all. Judy Finlayson, Mark Doherty, Jean Kimber Congratulations, Meghan Walton! Congratulations to Meghan Walton, who was the only student from U-E to be accepted into the Cortland Jr. High Area All-State Orchestra, which was held November 3 and 4. Meghan is an Acolyte, an Usher, and a member of both the Jr. Bronze and St. Paul's Ringers. Meghan is a member of the U-E Orchestra and plays the viola. Students are selected based upon their previous year s NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) scores. This is the second year that Meghan will be a member of this elite group. Students are selected from schools in Broome County as well as the Ithaca and Syracuse area. Meghan is also a member of the Binghamton Jr. Youth Symphony. Congratulations Meghan! Stewardship Thought Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent (December 3rd), we begin a new liturgical year, Year B. So, Happy New Year! Advent is a time we prepare our hearts and souls for the coming birth of Christ. It is a time of expectation, of watchfulness, and a time of self-examination. We are preparing for the birth of Christ and His coming again in glory at the end of time. We are told by the world around us to buy, buy, and buy to show our love for each other. We are told by the world to use money we do not have to buy things we do not need. During this time, we examine our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure and consider how we are using all three for the proclaiming of God s Kingdom. Our gifts given at church each week show our appreciation for God s love for us. It is our gift, given to God weekly. Thank you for your stewardship that enables us to proclaim the Son of God, Jesus, Emmanuel! Fr. John+ 5

6 Pledges and Envelopes Just a reminder that all contributions for 2017 must be received by December 31 in order to appear on your tax statement for this year. If you have not returned your commitment form for next year we ask that you please do so as soon as possible. Contribution envelopes will be available during the month of December. If you do not receive your set, please call the Office. Our Annual Asking Campaign Just a reminder to please turn in your pledge card for Fr. John+ Trinity Canteen One of the outreach ministries St. Paul's is involved in is preparing and serving meals at the Trinity Memorial Canteen. As you know we have signed up for the Fifth Sunday of the month when it occurs on the calendar. I have made a commitment to them for Anyone who is willing to coordinate one of these meals, please see Fr. John. The Sundays of 2018 are April 29th, July 29th, September 30th and December 30th. We usually have plenty of workers to help with the work load; we just need a few coordinators. As you are well aware, each time we go to the Canteen we are providing a hot meal and bagged meal for upwards of 110 people. Our next Canteen is December 31 st. Jennifer Westermann and our Youth Group will be coordinating this. Fr. John+ Bible Study Thursdays, 9:00 A.M. Bible Study continues on Thursday mornings. This is an informal way of studying the Scripture readings for each upcoming Sunday. Please come to the Conference room, enjoy a cup of coffee and lend your thoughts as to what you feel God is saying to us. 6

7 Prayers for Our Ministries Each week a different ministry area of St. Paul s is featured in the bulletin to highlight, encourage involvement and give thanks for the people who make it happen. During the month of December we pray for the following ministries: December 12/3 Flowers and Candle Memorials 12/17 Gould Allocation Committee 12/10 Funeral Luncheon Committee 12/24 Christmas Eve 12/31 Gould Investment Committee Christmas Cards Don t forget those who are not at home. They would appreciate a kind gesture such as a Christmas Card to let them know we re thinking of them during this holiday season. This is a list of our students who are in college or in the service. Molly Martinichio Matt Moon 462 Westbrook Hill Dr 418 Colonial Drive Syracuse, NY Endwell, NY (Will be home 12/12/17) Tori Jo Kakusian Amy Manchester Pvt. Michael F. Kakusian Box 1507 Ithaca College c/o Jennifer Kakusian Marywood University East Tower Room East Benita Blvd. Adams Avenue 953 Danby Road Vestal, NY Scranton, PA Ithaca, NY Youth Group News! Youth Group has been rebooted and is open to all members of St. Paul s in grades 7 through 12. We have met twice and are making plans to host Trinity Canteen on December 31 st. Come join us! Jennifer Westermann 7

8 Flower Memorials December Flower Memorials There are no flowers during the Advent Season. Please see the form in this Epistle if you are interested in Christmas Poinsettia Memorials. After the season of Advent, poinsettias will adorn the altar for the Christmas Services. If you are interested in donating a poinsettia in memory of a loved one, please fill out the appropriate form (available in this Epistle and also in the back of the church) and put it into the box at the back of the church. After the service, the flowers will be delivered to our parishioners unable to leave home. Checks should be made to St. Paul s with Christmas Flowers in the memo line. A donation of $25 is suggested. Forms need to be in by December 17 th to be included in the bulletin. Christmas Poinsettia Memorials After the season of Advent, poinsettias will adorn the altar for the Christmas Services. If you are interested in donating a poinsettia in memory of a loved one please fill out the following form and put it into the box at the back of the church. After the service, the flowers will be delivered to our parishioners unable to leave home. Checks should be made to St. Paul s with Christmas Flowers in the memo line. A suggested donation of $25.00 will cover the cost of each poinsettia. Please drop off your forms in the box or have them in to the office by December 17 th to be included in the bulletin. Name In Memory Of In Thanksgiving For In Honor Of 8

9 Sanctuary Candle Memorials December 12/3 In loving memory of Susan B. Myrto, from her very dear friend, Paula Ryan. 12/10 available 12/24 In loving memory of Bud and Elaine Rozina from their daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Cliff VanDervort and family. Also, in loving memory of Connie Brant, on her one year anniversary, from her best friend, Susan Young. 12/31 In loving memory of John Perestam from his loving wife, Linda Littell. Note: Please call the office ( ) any time during the winter if you would like to designate the altar flowers or candles in memory of a loved one, to recognize a special event or simply in thanksgiving for God s many blessings. Forms are in the back of the church. Dates may be shared. Women of the Church News A New Little Free Library Child Size You may have noticed a new addition in front of St. Paul s. We have added a second Little Free Library which is designed to be at a level easily accessed by children. Ted Wolf, who built our initial library, also designed and constructed the children s library. Just as the initial library was designed to look like St. Paul s, he designed the children s library to look like the front of the Christian Ed Building, and made it large enough to accommodate even the tall children s books. Cost of materials was covered by the Women of the Church and Ted donated his time and talent. Thank you, Ted for all your hard work! We now welcome the donation of children s books to fill our library. Please feel free to bring in new or gently used books and add them to the library. Volunteers Needed for WoC Memorial Luncheons The WoC is looking for two volunteers to head up a 4 th team to oversee memorial luncheons. We have some very experienced teams that are more than willing to give you guidance, and people from the church always come forward to help with all tasks. We have 3 standard menus that are used so there are no surprises. Duties would entail purchase of food (remember, there are two of you heading up the team so shopping can be divided), cooking (with the help of others), setting up the tables (again with the help of others), and clean up (need I mention with the help of others especially someone who knows how to operate the dishwasher). Plus, a call to Connie Hess will ensure that a more than ample supply of baked goods will arrive in time for the luncheon. We now have 3 teams and we rotate the teams. If a team is unavailable we 9

10 will go on to the next team on the list. Many of you have been regular volunteers at our memorial luncheons and know the ropes, so please give this some consideration and remember, even if you aren t that familiar, we have great coaches on hand ready to work with you to get you up to speed. Please see me for further information. WoC Sleeping Bags Delivered Our first 8 sleeping bags, packed with some toiletries and warm hats and gloves, have been delivered to Volunteers of America who will distribute the bags to individuals coping with the cold of winter. Our dedicated women have enjoyed a great deal of fellowship in the making of these bags and now it is wonderful to know that some homeless people will be warmer this winter thanks to our efforts. Whether finding relief in a shelter, or enduring the challenge of life outdoors, these bags will bring warmth and comfort this winter. We aren t done yet. The December 14 th meeting will start the next batch of sleeping bags. Please feel free to join us at any workshop you are able to attend. The group meets the second Tuesday of the month. No sewing skills are required and one member often delights attendees with special home baked goodies at these workshops. At the December meeting the ladies will decide on their schedule for the winter months and this information will be made available to everyone. Thank you to all who donated supplies, to Janet Rhodes for all the hats and gloves she knitted, and to the ladies who have worked on these bags. Thanks to Deb Wirag for her ongoing enthusiasm and her time and leadership for this ministry. WoC November Meeting The Women of the Church is filled plans for the future. Taking on the approach utilized for our successful sleeping bag project, no one has to be involved in every WoC activity but everyone is encouraged to be involved in those that speak to their interests. We have a list of ministries and programs in the making and will keep you apprised as each kicks off. We are all about ministry, fellowship, spirituality and acts of kindness within our parish, in our parish community and beyond -- and having a good time doing it. Several of our events will be open to all members of the parish. At our November meeting we approved the donation of $500 to Father John s Discretionary Fund and $500 to the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group utilizing proceeds from our fall rummage sale. We also reviewed the format for Memorial Luncheons put on by the WoC and agreed upon the following: Families may choose one of our 3 menus which will be prepared by the WoC. If they wish to have additional items they are more than welcome to bring them in. Families may also opt to utilize an outside caterer. Regardless of their choice, St. Paul s Fellowship Hall is available for the meal, and the WoC will set up, serve, clean up, provide beverages (coffee, tea, ice water) and desserts at no charge. Families will be charged only for 10

11 the cost of the food for the main meal. We value this opportunity to minister to the members of our parish. We currently have 3 teams for these meals and are looking to start a 4 th. Please see me for further details. The holiday luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 6 th at the Ground Round across from the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City, starting at Noon. A signup sheet is at the back of the church. Please be sure to sign up no later than Sunday, December 3 rd so that I can give an accurate count to the restaurant. We will gather in their private dining room. Everyone may order off the menu and the restaurant is prepared to handle separate checks. Sandy Schwab, Chairperson DECEMBER 12/03 Jackie Reece 12/16 Katie Meade 12/03 Alaina Browning 12/16 Kory Meade 12/04 Kurt Jones 12/19 Louise Pierce 12/05 Janet Kroculick 12/20 Margarite Penrose 12/05 Sandra Williams 12/21 Daryl Spak 12/05 Christine Petras 12/26 Dolly Chergosky 12/09 Thomas Evanek 12/29 Judy Wolf 12/10 Kate Saleeby 12/30 Jane Parker 12/15 Marjorie Johns 12/30 Jenise Soules DECEMBER 12/09 Susan and John Young 12/30 Lee and June Palmer 11

12 Volunteer Help Needed We are in need of a volunteer for the CHOW Pantry on the first Tuesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. If you can help, please let me know. Also, please consider donating to the CHOW Pantry so we can provide some holiday foods for our CHOW community. Suggested items are: stuffing mix, canned yams, cake mixes, brownie mixes, jello, pudding, canned fruits/vegetables, canned cream of mushroom soup and/or free grocery store hams or turkeys if you have too many. Thank you for your continuous support! Mary Cermak, Chair December Happenings! Movie at St. Paul s Saturday, December 9 th at 2:00PM THE SHACK movie will be shown in the Fellowship Hall, on Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 PM. The Social Committee will provide the drinks and popcorn. If you have a favorite snack please bring it along to share. The Shack was a book made into a movie. It's rated PG 13. The movie takes a look at a father's transformative spiritual journey. After a family tragedy, Mack spirals into a crisis of faith and questions God's existence and life's purpose. Mack is unable to move on until he gets a mysterious invitation to an abandoned shack. There God reveals Himself in the form of three strangers. Movin On Luncheon Monday, December 11, Noon The Movin On Lunch will be held on the 2 nd Monday of December. The menu for the day will be meatloaf. All widows and widowers are invited to share in this time of food and fellowship on Monday, December 11 th at noon in Fellowship Hall. Silver Polishing Party Friday, December 15 th at 10:30 a.m. Join us in the Fellowship Hall as we polish the altar silver in preparation for our Christmas services. All are welcome; just bring elbow grease. 12

13 Christmas Tree Cutting Get out your mittens and boots for a hike through the woods in search of the perfect tree for our worship space! We will meet in the church parking lot at 8:00 am on Saturday, December 16 th for doughnuts and hot drinks then head out to Dick White s tree farm in Owego. Many hands make the tree dragging easier! Christmas Tree Decorating Come help decorate on Sunday, December 17 th at 11 AM. Please consider making the holidays a little brighter by donating unwrapped gifts for children who are newborn to 21 years old with the majority being 10 to 17 years of age. The Children s Home also accepts checks payable to Children s Home, 1182 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY Please designate that the funds are for gifts. Take a tag off the tree in the back of the church to fulfill a child s wishes this Christmas! Place all items under the tree. Come to a book fair to benefit Mom s House at Barnes & Noble in the Town Square Mall on Thursday, December 14 th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mention Mom s House in your purchase and a percentage will be donated to the organization. Online orders can be made from 12/9 through 12/14 at Enter Mom s House I.D. # Have breakfast with Santa to benefit Mom s House at the Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell on Saturday, December 2 nd from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $5 for ages Children under 5 are free. Tickets are available at the door. There will be live Christmas music, bake sale and gifts. Pictures with Santa are $3. 13

14 Please note: Liturgical Ministers are needed for the ALL Christmas Eve services. If you are interested, please see Fr. John or notify the office: or December Liturgical Ministers Schedule December 3 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Jack Westermann Ruthie Koerts 1 st Reading Judy Shannon 2 nd Reading Luther Chergosky Carl Kinne Chalice Jane Parker Karen Cahill Readings Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 December 10 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Jane Parker Jim Garceau 1 st Reading Zach Manchester 2 nd Reading Jackie Reece Ruthie Koerts Chalice Richard Parker Eunice Barton Readings Isaiah 40: Peter 3:8-15a December 17 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Mary Cermak Karen Cahill 1 st Reading Lynne Jones 2 nd Reading Dolly Chergosky Jim Buffum Chalice Debbie Dieffenbacher Steve Koerts Readings Isaiah 61:1-4, Thessalonians 5:16-24 December 24 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Mary Cermak Jane Parker 1 st Reading 2 nd Reading Mary Cermak Chalice Richard Parker Readings 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Romans 16:25-27 Liturgical Ministers are needed for ALL services on Christmas Eve. Please call office. December 24 6:00 PM 10:00 PM Lay Assistant 1 st Reading 2 nd Reading Chalice Readings 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Romans 16:25-27 December 31 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Debbie Dieffenbacher Jim Buffum 1 st Reading Judy Shannon 2 nd Reading Bill Dieffenbacher Karen Cahill Chalice Jack Westermann Ruthie Koerts Readings Isaiah 61:10 62:3 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 14

15 St. Paul s Episcopal Church Vestry Minutes, October 10, 2017 To love God, Love others, Help Others to love God Rector: Fr. John R. Martinichio Wardens: Bruce Dailey, Jennifer S. Westermann Vestry: Eunice Barton Lynda Helmer (A) Ruthie Koerts Karen Cahill Marge Johns Robert Pettit Deborah Wirag Chip Kinne Richard Schwab (A) Treasurer: Jack Westermann Warden Bruce Dailey opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with a reading from Exodus. September Minutes - Motion made by Ruthie Koerts with second from Bob Pettit to accept the September minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously with one abstention, Karen Cahill. Financial Reports Bob Pettit: Gould Report the Gould fund balance at end of August was $4,592,922. (plus the monthly draw of $14,250) for a total gain of about $76,651. This indicates a 6.6% prewithdrawal growth rate; a good thing. Income/Expenses Income down by about $9,000 little but not atypical summer/early fall activity. Hopefully pledges will be made up as people return. A reminder letter will go out to those who have not yet caught up with their pledges. Regarding the Pinnacle policy issue from last month, i.e., payments were higher than normal. Jack explained that because of the confusing way the invoice is formatted we ended up paying a part of it earlier than was necessary or usual. All bill payments are legit and accounted for. Jack: Checking account has improved a little. The September balance stands at $5, compared to the August balance of $4, Treasurer s report no major problems but indicated that with pledges not keeping up we would need to draw more from the Gould fund. Motion made by Chip Kinne with second from Karen Cahill that Jack be approved to request an additional $20,000 from the Gould fund along with the regular November draw. Motion carried unanimously with Bob Pettit abstaining. He distributed monthly reports from CHOW, CHAP and Flowers/Candles funds. Motion made by Ruthie Koerts with second from Deborah Wirag to accept the financial reports as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda People of the Way Reminder to have it read by the retreat on Saturday Audit - Motion made by Bruce Dailey with second from Ruthie Koerts to contract with Vieira and Associates, CPA s, to conduct the required 2016 audit. Motion carried unanimously. Newcomers Dinner This will be rolled into the Harvest Dinner on Saturday, November 4. Invitations will be sent out to those who have joined the church since the

16 Newcomers Dinner. The church will cover the cost of the dinner for these newer members. Stained Glass Window Bruce talked to Carole from Creations by Carole. Most of repair work is done on window. She expects the shadow box to be finished in the next month or so. Youth Group Organizational meeting on Sunday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. Tori and Kristen Blum will attend to present information about diocesan youth programs. Thank You s - Pat Roberts thanked the church for delivering altar flowers to her. The Lifeline Screening organization thanked us for the use of building. Note: They would like to come back in January to host another screening. Snow Removal Contract Fr. John reported that the cost for the season is the same as last year. Motion made by Bob Pettit second from Chip Kinne to accept the contract. Fall Clean-Up Day Scheduled for Sunday, November 5, 12:00 p.m. Committee Reports Christian Education: Jennifer Westermann reported that we have in addition to the two new teachers announced last month Garvin Alexander will be teaching the older class one Sunday/month. Last Sunday s Youth Sunday/Blessing of the Animals (and Fr. Bill Lutz last service with us) was a wonderful service. Women of the Church: Eunice Barton reported that the rummage sale seemed to go well though financials were not yet available. Jennifer read report submitted by Sandy Schwab. See attached. Property Committee: The rope which rings the church bell was replaced as it broke on October 3; the new shades in the middle class classroom were hung, and a dimmer switch in the back of the church was replaced. Also that the refrigerator motor was replaced as it was about to stop working due to the fan not operating correctly. Social Committee: The farewell reception for Fr. Bill was well received. The Social Committee will be hosting trick-or-treaters on Halloween and is accepting donations of candy for this event. Halloween. Stewardship Month Bob Pettit has people lined up to speak during services on October 15, 22 and 29. Bob will draft a letter to go with pledge cards for an all-parish mailing encouraging people to prayerfully commit to pledging their time, talent and treasure. Upcoming Events: Trinity Canteen o October 29 th Jack and Jennifer Westermann o December 31 st -??? Vestry Retreat Saturday, October 14 th, 9:30 AM 2:00 PM, Transfiguration Monastery, Windsor; meet at church at 9:00 for those wishing to carpool. The focus will be on moving forward; how do we do that? How do we develop leaders within the church? Next Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. with Bruce praying a prayer from the BCP. Minutes submitted by Jennifer S. Westermann, Vestry Clerk 16