Vestry Corner ~ March 2023

There are five Wednesday night suppers planned for March in Perry Hall, beginning March 1st at 6:00pm. One dinner each will be hosted by the Youth, the Episcopal Church Women, the Vestry, the Bread Breakers Group and Men on Mission. Children’s Choir rehearsal will precede the dinners at 5:45. The dinners will be followed by a Lenten Series entitled “Exploring the Passion Narratives of Jesus Christ,” led by our Associate Rector Gray Hodsdon. All are welcome!

Congratulations to Tom Tully on his election as a Lay Delegate to the General Convention 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Tom will be one of the four Lay Delegates to represent our Diocese at this Convention, at which a new Presiding Bishop will be elected. Also, Barbara Whitesides was elected as Chair of the Board of Managers for Trinity Center. Phillip Craig also serves on that Board. Cheryl Brainard has been elected to the Executive Council. Gray Hodson and Steve Thomas were appointed to the Finance Committee. SJP is well represented at the Diocesan level.

Many thanks to John Jordan and the Speakers Series Committee for an excellent presentation by the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston. Combined with support from First Presbyterian Church, over 200 people attended. This committee is working hard to line up more, high quality speakers.

At the recent “This is Us” gathering with the Vestry, several people asked about publishing the names of the numerous ministry participants in the Sunday services. While this information may not be appropriate for on-line publication as part of the service bulletin, plans are being developed for a separate insert that will include the names of all participants of services on one side, with “This Week at SJP” planner on the backside. It is hoped this insert may help us get to know our fellow parishioners better. Another helpful way is for all of us to remember to wear our name tags.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee has established three priorities: repairs and updating in the Great Hall kitchen, repairs to the Market Street steps to the Great Hall, and the condition of the exterior stucco on Perry Hall. At Mount Lebanon Chapel, the siding has been repaired and a new electrical panel installed, and a new stone paver walkway has been completed in the cemetery. A clean-up day is planned for April 1st, just prior to the summer opening on May 21st.

The Vestry is always eager and happy to hear from you.

Alex Murchison, Junior Warden