Trinity News

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May 21, 2006

May Vestry Report

Summary Vestry Report for May
The Vestry meeting of April 25th began a report on the Holy Week activities from Rev. Anne. The hard work and dedication displayed by many in the parish community were noted, and the vestry expressed thanks for both the volunteer and staff efforts, noting especially the beautiful performance by the choir. Attendance at Holy Week activities was generally good.

Endowment Trust
We were joined this month by three of the five trustees of the Trinity Endowment Fund, Janet Littlefield (air of the Endowment Trust), Don Dixon, and Marty Arscott. They gave the Vestry a review of the history of the Endowment Fund and it’s current status.

Currently, all of the endowment payout goes to operating expenses, but the vestry is interested in directing the payout towards projects with a “long-term effect.” To change the use of the endowment draw will require matching changes in how we budget for the operating expenses of the Parish.

The Finance and Endowment committees will develop a draft policy on the use of endowment payout for vestry review, and, along with the Stewardship Commission will also consider how we can educate the Parish on both the issues and opportunities concerning our endowment.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer Fitzmorris
The revised budget has been implemented. We have received the endowment draw, and additional gifts from parishioners. YTD we are at 101% of budget on income. The operating reserve has improved slightly to 3.8 months. If allpledges do come in as promised, we will be close to eliminating the expected deficit. Jennifer has calculated that the cost to each parishioner to balance our budget is around “a latte a week.” It is within the power of the congregation to get us back on track.

Stewardship: Anne Murgia
The Stewardship Committee is being re-created. The feeling amongst the vestry is to move Trinity to an expanded sense of the meaning of “Stewardship”, to link the financial elements to a strong spiritual element concerned with personal commitment, and to shift the parish to a year-round Stewardship calendar, as practiced at other parishes. This will likely not happen in-full this year, but our program for the fall should lay the groundwork for a healthier on-going Stewardship program. Several organizational meetings are planned in the coming weeks.

Rector Search Committee report - Linda Hubbard Gulker
The new Parish Profile is nearing completion. The committee is working quickly to have the document ready for Vestry review in May and release to the public by the end of the month. The summer time is the best time to be approaching candidates.

Interim Rector’s Report: Anne Jensen
Rev. Anne reported progress in the search for a Family Ministries leader and increased attendance at the Family Service. She indicated a need for extra-effort in the Membership Committee and coordination between several Parish commissions to be sure that new families are properly welcomed and integrated into our community. Vestry will consider ways to enhance that effort.

Anne also reported on some concerns about the homeless people lingering on campus, especially on Wednesdays when the Clothes Closet is open. Though not dangerous people they can be a disruption and a concern for some, especially parents of pre-schoolers. There are no easy answers to this issue, but the problem is in discussion and some ideas have been proposed.

2007 Vestry Nominations:
David Arscott will chair a committee to recruit Parishioners for the 2007 Vestry. We have not determined whether there will be a contested election this year. Much will depend on the number of candidates who step forward. Those who are elected to the 2007 Vestry will likely take part in the vote to call a new rector, and in this period of transition and change for Trinity, strong leadership is especially important. The Vestry hopes all Trinitarians will prayerfully consider the call to community leadership and service.

For more information about the work of your Vestry, check the bulletin boards in Tierney Room, call the Parish office, or speak to any of the current Vestry members.