Vestry Summary: Ann Schwarz, Administrator

At its July meeting Messiah's Vestry adopted an identity statement (included elsewhere in this newsletter) that has been worked on in the past year.  It also mandated a minimum of $3,000 in monthly staffing cuts starting in September in response to lower-than-budgeted income during the first half of the year.  Treasurer Rachael Arnott predicted based on Finance Committee examination a $25,000 year-end gap between income and expenses if current spending was maintained.  Pledge income is 6.5 % below budget and loose offerings are 24 % below budget for the year.  Expenses are about 1 % over budget largely due to higher-than-expected winter utility costs.  Rector John Newton was authorized to implement the staffing cuts based on optimal staffing configuration given present income and circumstances with input from the wardens.
 
Messiah's Finance Committee recommended using the recently received Bishop Wolterstorff bequest ($174,416) in the following ways:  giving 10% away; retiring some of our debt to the diocese (7 %); using 23 % for infrastructure improvement within the church; putting 60 % into the Building Fund to pay down principal and to make monthly mortgage payments.  The Vestry was clear in its desire to use some of this money to improve the invitational culture of the church so that growth might occur.  A final decision on allocation was tabled until September.
 
Junior Warden Charlie Clauss led a discussion about whether Messiah might request Designated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) reminding members that the number one priority is to abide in Christ and that our posture must be one of listening to God.  The ensuing discussion focused on the need to look at all possibilities, the priority of discerning what God is up to here without predetermined outcomes, and the desire to keep people informed as outside events unfold.  The Vestry and Rector agreed that it would be helpful to have the primary focus of the State-of-the-Parish meeting scheduled for Monday, September 22, at 7 p.m. to be from Rector John Newton on developments within the Anglican Communion.
 
The Vestry gathered round in prayer for Peter Johnson who had announced his resignation.  Peter, his wife Katie, and daughter Lucy are moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan so that he might attend film school.
 
Parishioners are welcome to attend Vestry meetings as observers and at other times are encouraged to bring questions and concerns to the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry members.  Complete monthly financial statements and minutes are available in the work room next to the reception area or may be obtained by emailing a.schwarz@messiahepiscopal.org.