Vestry Meeting June 25, 2025

At its June meeting, the Vestry discussed a passage from 1 Corinthians and reviewed another episode in the EDOW series on vestry leadership. They heard reports on the final Tending Our Soil cohort meeting,  the organ (working again!), and the status of the Rectory tenant’s departure. They continued to discuss the changes to the parish bylaws that are needed before drafting new Articles of Incorporation to conform to new Maryland laws.  They resolved to approve the new documents by email vote if the diocesan vice-chancellor could satisfactorily address two remaining issues: how to handle partial vestry terms and how to handle the requirements for vestry committee membership.  They approved the purchase of a bench to be placed in front of the church.  They discussed plans for re-renting the Rectory upon the expected departure of the current tenant.  They approved two Sundays of family leave for the Rector in August: August 17 and 24. The Stewardship, Finance, Buildings, and Grounds Committee moved that the vestry accept a proposal for tree removal at both the church and the rectory, and grading work at the rectory that is needed to straighten up from the septic field replacement. The committee also shared information about the status of the chair lift in the parish hall (county inspection on July 12), the water treatment (completed), Rectory door locks (to be replaced), and hall and Rectory gutter cleaning (to be arranged).  They heard the clergy and officers’ reports: Deacon Susan’s service on the Diocesan Council involves her in the review of parishes that are struggling; she is also serving on a small committee to refresh the diaconal ordination process.  Rev. Catharine will begin serving as co-Dean along with The Rev. Mark Smith (St Andrew’s Leonardtown) for our region of the diocese in August.