Vestry Corner ~ December 2023
You may have noticed during the 10:15am service there are a few more voices in the mix. These voices sometimes speak up when it’s quiet, you may hear them following along the service, and occasionally singing a different hymn than printed. The coos, cries and sounds of the infants always remind me of how sweet Jesus must have been as a precious infant in Mary’s arms. The chorus of children saying the Lord’s Prayer in unison makes many adults pause to listen to those important words that Jesus told us to pray. Then there are the children who sing along to any hymn with the words they know best “Jesus Loves Me”. As a parent, I appreciate the grace you give us when our children speak up in moments that might feel a little less reverent…I also hope you are able to share in the beauty of the moments described above and more when Jesus provides us a tangible reminder he is always with us!
We are so delighted to share the four parishioners who have agreed to serve on Vestry for the next three years! During our annual meeting on Sunday, January 28 we will formally elect Billie Holland, Mary Lyons Rouse, Tom Dodson and Todd Hinshaw. When I think about these four I see servant hearted leaders with wisdom, vision and energy. Please take some time to read their bio’s provided in this issue of the Grapevine and when you see them on campus thank them for their willingness to serve!
At our November vestry meeting, the Congregational Care Commission was our guest. This commission is remarkable in how many areas they help take care of our parish family. Through groups like Care Guild, Community of Hope, Grief Group and more. At our vestry meeting, Mary Elizabeth Roberts came to share about St. Martha’s Guild. St. Martha’s includes over 100 women in our parish! These women split into teams that each take a month during the year to share love and kindness through a warm meal, cards, gifts for babies and beautiful receptions. Many of you participate in this ministry and many have also experienced the grace and kindness of members. Did you know there are some members of St. Martha’s Guild that have been a part of this ministry for almost 40 years! If you would like to join this group please reach out to Mary Elizabeth Roberts or Jane Rippy.
Please continue to reach out if you have any questions, comments or thoughts.
-Leslie Jarrett (Senior Warden) & Alex Murchison (Junior Warden)
Tags: Announcements / Letters from Leadership and Clergy / Vestry