Vestry Changes

In an Episcopal parish, the Vestry is the group of lay members who watch over physical, temporal aspects of the parish (such things as roof repairs). At St. Matthew's, we have five Vestry members, who are elected for three-year terms. A Vestry member cannot be re-elected until he/she has been out of office for a year.

The Vestry elects its own officers: Senior Warden (the chair-person of the vestry), Junior Warden (who acts as vice-chair, and who has special responsibility for building maintenance), and Secretary. The parish also has a Treasurer, who is not necessarily a member of the Vestry.

The two members who are leaving Vestry are Allan Andersen and Judith Ream. Many thanks to both of you for your service these past three years.

Our Vestry for 2016 is

Curtis Allen, Secretary
Erin Fuller
Mike McKinley, Senior Warden
Sister Nadine
And Shifley, Junior Warden

Dean Glasener is our church Treasurer.

Action by the Anglican Communion

You are probably aware, if you have been reading news reports, that (in the words of the CNN headline) "Anglicans suspend Episcopal Church over same-sex marriage."

As a Diocese and as a parish, we have tried to provide a safe home for LGBT Christians, so this action by the larger body of world-wide Anglicans is very troubling. I encourage you to read:

• The message from our own Bishop Hollingsworth
• The message from Presiding Bishop* Michael Curry contained in this article from the Episcopal News Service.

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*The "Presiding Bishop" is also known as the Primate, and is the chief pastor for the entire denomination.

Winter Convocation

We will be sending seven adults to the 2016 Winter Convocation in Sandusky: Sister Nadine, Andi Shifley, Curt Allen, Rev. Kay, Erin Fuller, and Bob and Shirlene Reed. In addition Tyler, Jessica, Elody, and Kasey will be attending the youth event.

Winter Convocation is an annual Diocesan event (this year at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio, Friday, Saturday - January 29-30) that focuses on developing resources for living the Christian life. This year's theme is "Growing in our relationships with God, Self, Others, and Creation."