Pastor's Corner "Your 2026 Vestry"

Several times this week I have thanked God for the gift of technology, along with those who create it and maintain it. I am so grateful that gift made it possible for us to gather and worship our Father together as we prayed through the office of Morning Prayer. It was the most fully attended zoom service we’ve ever offered, and I could feel my joy increasing with each face and name that appeared on the screen. Thank you for the gift of your presence!

Thank you also for remaining present to elect by acclamation our newest Vestry members: Monika Dew, Nick Makrides, Kevin Robertson (serving for 1 year to complete a vacated spot), and Tim Timmons.

They join our continuing Vestry members: Paul Giannini, Jerry Fitzsimmons, Vickie Morse, Jack Sova, and Deb Tomchek.

We will give thanks for these women and men and commission them at the Annual Meeting after the One Service Sunday now scheduled for February 15 at 9:30am. We’ll also give thanks for our outgoing members as we bless and release them.

Our new Vestry met for the first time this past Tuesday night, and made the following annual appointments for the 2026 Term:

• Senior Warden: Deb Tomchek

• Junior Warden: Tim Timmons

• Vestry Registrar: Jerry Fitzsimmons

• Treasurer: Tyra Harpster

Lydia Schnack remains as our Pledge Records Secretary, entering her final year of this three-year appointment. Jack Sova also remains as one of two Vestry members on the Finance Committee, and Nick Makrides was appointed to fill the Vestry spot left open by Kathy Oravetz. Kathy, however, was also appointed as a non-Vestry member of the Finance Committee, which is chaired by Margaret Mann.

Vestry Liaison roles will be assigned at a later meeting.

The Vestry also voted to pay down the mortgage principle by 10%, which will result in considerable savings this year. Further evidence of God’s faithfulness and generosity through his faithful, generous people.

Please commit to pray regularly for our 2026 Vestry as they gather for prayer, listening, discernment, and decision-making as we grow in living our vision, “Immanuel: God with us…for the sake of others.”

Your Pastor in Christ,