Vestry Corner ~ November 2023

Our 2023 Stewardship Campaign is scheduled to end later this month. If you haven’t been able to complete this important responsibility, please consider it a high priority. A 2024 Draft Budget has been prepared. In order to reach the priority goals set by the Vestry, a 10% increase over last year’s pledges is needed. We can do this but we need everyone’s participation. Many thanks to this year’s committee for their faithful work.

Parishioner activity around our SJP campus and in our community remains strong. The Newcomer program is off to a great start with the Newcomer Mingle and continues with three more events in November. The Wednesday night dinner and programs have begun and will continue through November 15th. MoM remains active with service to St. Mary’s – Burgaw, A Safe Place and the Good Shepherd Center. This month, MoM will also start serving at the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center for homeless veterans. Sunday morning breakfast continues to be well attended. It is a great way to start your Sunday morning before Sunday School, Christian Formation and Worship. The Out of Darkness Community Walk is Sunday, November 5th. This is a wonderful support opportunity for both youth and adults. If you have missed going to Mount Lebanon Chapel, a special Thanksgiving service will be held at MLC on Sunday, November 19th at 5:00pm. Lastly, our volunteer participation in the Unity Build with Habitat for Humanity will kick-off in early December. Please look in your weekly Grapevine updates for more information on times and locations for all these activities.

The engineering drawings for the Great Hall Steps replacement are complete and are expected to be submitted this week to the City for permitting. Upon permitting, a construction schedule will be determined between the Contractor and the Buildings and Grounds Committee, with input from the Clergy and staff.

We are so blessed in our community to be somewhat shielded from the serious problems currently facing the world. While we may feel unable to make a positive impact on the global problems, we can certainly offer our time and resources to help those in need closer by. It is God’s commandment that we treat others as we would have them treat us. Remember, every journey begins with a first step.

God’s Blessings to all. May you feel His Peace.

Leslie Jarrett (Senior Warden) and Alex Murchison (Junior Warden)