Vestry update
The Vestry is a group of elected volunteers that serves as the parish’s functional Board of Directors. Vestry members, who serve in three groups for three-year terms, provide leadership and oversight of the mission and ministry of the congregation, and manage the church buildings and property, finances, and personnel. Photos of current Vestry members can be found on Saint Philip’s website by clicking here.
Saint Philip’s Vestry gathers for a hybrid meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Below is a summary of the meeting, prepared by Bonnie Winn, that took place on Wednesday, August 17.
Present: John Bremond, Herb Burton, Barbara Cone, David Hass, Meghan Hodge, Erika Johnson, Meredith Mullins, Roger Rainbolt, Bonnie Winn, Liz Wood, Mtr Mary, and Fr Robert
Absent: Michael Anderson
Guests: Christopher Campbell, Raymond Dewey, and John Waszczak
John Bremond called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with prayer. The May 18, 2022 Vestry meeting Minutes were approved as submitted.
Herb Burton gave the financial report. While contributions are strong overall, there is a traditional dip in income every August and September—and this August was no exception. Utilities invoices are being reviewed, and the Finance Committee is adjusting the budget for the remaining months of this year.
The 2019 and 2020 audits are completed. Herb asked for a Vestry volunteer to serve on an Audit Subcommittee.
The 2023 Vestry Nominating Committee was activated. As is the custom, outgoing members of the Vestry Class of 2023 will serve—Liz Wood as chair and David Hass as a committee member. Other invited members will serve, as well. The committee’s first agenda item is to fill the vacancy left by Alex Swain’s departure.
John Bremond invited John Waszczak and Raymond Dewey to discuss the Saint Philip’s Environmental Analysis Team’s Report. The team’s goal is to provide environmental trend data/information that will impact Saint Philip’s desire to understand and provide for the needs of the greater Tucson community and parish community. The team studied eight environmental areas and identified nine primary trends.
The Rector’s Report dealt with the many events being planned for the fall:
CYFM Orientation on Sunday, August 28
Blessing of the Animals service and Animal Fair on Saturday, October 8 with the theme of Creation Care
Ministry Fair on Sunday, October 9 (continuing with the theme of Creation Care)
Diocesan Convention to be held in Tucson on Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22
Participation in the Tucson All Souls Procession
Feeding Ministry’s planning for Thanksgiving
Chris Campbell gave a report on the Sanctuary AV project—the costs and what is needed to complete the installation.
Barbara Cone reported that the group formed to study how we talk about difficult issues has added a number of resources to the church website. Barbara also gave dates for two workshops on this subject.
Bonnie Winn gave a report on the successful UK Residency at Wells Cathedral. (Saint Nicholas Choir and Schola Cantorum were the resident choir for the week of July 10 – 17, 2022.)
Bonnie also announced that the 2023 Stewardship brochure with the theme “Gathered in Love” will be in the mail by October 1.
John Bremond led the closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.
—Bonnie Winn, Junior Warden