This Monday we said goodbye and gave thanks to the Vestry members whose terms are ending : Gwynne Johnston, Charley Wickman, Cam Sells and Lindsay Taylor, although Lindsay is slated to return as Junior Warden. Each one has brought unique talents and I have enjoyed getting to know them better. They will be recognized at the annual meeting on Sunday, January 30 at 1 pm. Given the uncertainty these days, we have decided to plan on the meeting being by zoom again. Hopefully, by next year, we can once again meet, share a meal and conduct the meeting in person. In the meantime, the candidates for Vestry are listed in this newsletter, and on the website along with their bios. You can vote online and I urge you to do so.

We also approved the 2022 budget. John Davis will have a zoom discussion of the budget prior to the meeting. Details to come, but tentatively set for Saturday, January 22 at 1 pm. We also approved the financials for end of year 2021. A huge thanks to John Davis and Carol Hebert, who navigated the requirements and documents for the PPP federal loans for 2021 and 2020. Those made a big difference in our financial picture.

The people of St. Michaels continue to be very generous, not only with supporting the church, but also with helping others. The response to the Reverse Advent calendar was phenomenal, as was the Katy’s Christmas Baskets and the Dave and Katy Pepper Memorial Garden. And of course, the summer concert was another incredible event, making a difference in others’ lives. Thank you for all you do.

In this newsletter is the letter that our assisting Bishop, Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, sent to the people of the Diocese. (Click here to read the article). She is very concerned about the mental health of our clergy, our lay staff, and their families, who are “exhausted, anxious and stressed”. While acknowledging that she is concerned about the entire human community during this pandemic, clergy and lay employees are her special responsibility as Bishop. She is suggesting a “Mini-Sabbatical” program, that would identify a work week when meetings, office hours and non-essential activities are cancelled. Father Jesse already took a step in that direction, when he closed the offices for a few days immediately following Christmas, in order to give staff a much needed break. Vestry and Jesse will continue to have creative discussions around this idea, including sharing services doing Holy week with St. Marks and giving staff time off following Easter. In the meantime, please continue to show them appreciation for all that they do. Covid, staff changes, Lisa’s departure have made for a challenging time.

Finally, Vestry continues to discuss “now what?” Where do we go from here as we hopefully emerge from survival mode? It can be overwhelming, but maybe it’s simply making a difference one person at a time. If you missed Bob Hoyler’s homily on December 5, I would suggest watching it. He makes a powerful statement about the difference one person can make in another’s life. Reach out to someone. Let him or her know you care. As I was writing this, I received an email from Good Shepherd Health Center about a movement to Lead with Kindness.

That pretty much says it all. Be safe. Be kind.

Ann