Pastor’s Corner “Vestry Retreat: Vestry Reflections”

Last week I gave you an overview of our recent Vestry Retreat. For this week’s “Pastor’s Corner,” I asked Vestry members to share a few sentences reflecting on our time together. Here are their reflections:

Tim Timmons, Jr. Warden, Liaison for Building & Grounds

Our retreat reminded me that faithful leadership begins with listening—to God and to one another. I’m grateful for the shared time of prayer and reflection that renewed our sense of calling together as a Vestry.

Monika Dew, Liaison for Community

God works in mysterious ways and shows us how to go. He is helping us with all our problems.

Jerry Fitzsimmons, Registrar, Liaison for Communication

The retreat was an amazing opportunity to be patient and listen together as a Vestry. I'm very excited about moving forward in faith and seeing how God moves in Immanuel this year.

Paul Giannini, Liaison for Pastoral Care

The Vestry felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and heard HIM telling us to focus on refining the following: the Newcomers ministry, Life Groups and joyful Biblical giving. I also heard HIM speak encouragement to us through THE WORD in 1 John 4:18 which tells us to remember to do these things without fear because "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

Nick Makrides, Liaison for Mission & Outreach

The Vestry Retreat was a wonderful time of fellowship, learning, and vision casting. We left feeling energized and unified, ready to lean into the work God has set before us this year.

Vickie Morse, Liaison for Worship

God is on the move at Immanuel! He is calling His people to be obedient and trust Him. Let us watch Him work as He reveals the roles in which each of us are to participate. To Him be the Glory!

Deb Tomchek, Sr. Warden, Liaison for Administration

Our Father God drew us together during prayer and worship. We learned about our spiritual gifts and shared stories, food, and fellowship. Most importantly, we received God’s plan for Immanuel. In 2026, Immanuel will be filled with the Spirit’s miraculous power through personal and congregational growth and giving. Jesus is always faithful and we are deeply thankful.

(Jack Sova, Liaison for Formation/Discipleship, was unable to attend the retreat.)

In addition to their encouraging words, you’ll notice that each Vestry Member serves as a “Liaison” for an area of Immanuel’s life together. A Liaison is responsible for supporting the various ministries at Immanuel, and for facilitating communication between their leaders and the Vestry. They are also available to you for your questions, suggestions, and concerns.

I am grateful to the Lord for the gift of each member of our Vestry, and for the gifts that they bring.

Your Pastor in Christ,