The Vestry Meeting was held on January 24th, with almost everyone present, and the Reverend Canon Charles LaFond as our guest. The meeting was  

opened with a devotion led by Terry Irwin.

Discussion was held with Charles about the upcoming Vestry Retreat, for which Charles will be the facilitator and leader. The outgoing Junior Warden and vestry members provided fun facts about their interactions with parishioners.

Committee reports were received on Spiritual Formation and Youth. Lee Waples provided a report from the Stewardship Committee, noting that 207 pledges had been received totaling approximately $440,000. Jim Milliken noted that the checking-in calls to parishioners were helpful and should be continued.

An amendment was voted to the letter of agreement with Herb Sprouse. Valerie Blake reviewed the Profit & Loss Budget Performance Report for the end of December, and noted that year-end revenues exceeded expenditures by approximately $10,750. It was noted that 2012 presents new challenges for St. Paul's comparable to those of 2011.

Kate Atkinson reported on the planned agenda for the Annual Meeting on the 29th of January. She also noted that the Bishop's search process is progressing. Signs for the outside of the building have been approved by the City. Steve Blackmer and Linda Spinella have taken their general ordination exams.

Herb reported that 179 people attended the Epiphany Lessons and Carols Service on January 8th, and that Katie Solter was ordained a Deacon at St. Paul's School.

Casper Kranenburg noted that the Special Diocesan Convention to elect the new Bishop will be held at St. Paul's and that volunteers will be needed to greet participants and check identification of those seeking admission.

Edie Perkins announced that the Choir will be presenting Broadway songs in a concert called Sinfully Sweet on May 5th and 6th (dates later changed to April 21 and 22). Gourmet desserts will be served, and tickets will be $15. Terry Irwin noted that the second annual "10 Talents" fundraising effort was going to be held, and he encouraged vestry members to participate.

Kate thanked the outgoing Junior Warden, Lee Waples, and the outgoing Vestry members, Deb Lacross, Doreen Leclair, Jim Milliken and Bob Washburn for their service.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 after a closing prayer led by Valerie.

Casper Kranenburg, Senior Warden                                     Jan Greer-Carney, Junior Warden 

I am resigning as Minister of High School Youth.  There.  I said it.  Again.  Without crying!  Actually, there have not been any tears involved in this decision as I am feeling a "call" to other things.  A cupcake truck? A new bakery on Main Street? Well... no.  Those definitely have been dreams of mine, and have been for a long time, however neither of those are what I am being called to (never say never, though!).  

The "calls" began well over a year ago and like most (if not all) people who begin to get called, I wasn't being a very good listener.  I was in a job I liked; the staff is awesome; the kids are great; it's pretty flexible; I was able to be home with my family, etc. The calls became more frequent and more "in my face", for lack of a better expression.  I was feeling like my heart was being led elsewhere but I had a hard time trying to pinpoint it.  A lot of times, this sort of thing leads you to the thing that is right under your nose.  I am also the co-chair for the Youth and Young Adult Commission for the Diocese of NH.  Kids and families are really my "thing".

However, over the past 3-4 years I have been involved at the grassroots level of a support group for moms of kids with early childhood trauma.  The group started off as a bunch of moms who read a blog of another mom going through the challenges of raising children with major attachment disorders, whom she had adopted.  Then, there was a retreat in Florida.  I attended.  I was one of nine women who took a leap of faith to travel to spend a long weekend with people we only knew through the internet.  SCARY!  This weekend was pivotal for every one of us.  That was two years ago.  This month I will be attending the retreat once again, and I will be one of 90 women (and there is a wait list).  Amazing.  I love loving these women and making them feel heard, loved and appreciated.  I get it.  

Parents (both foster and adoptive) raising kids with trauma history need support, and honestly, there isn't much of that anywhere.  It is a hard road to walk, and nearly impossible to do alone.

The kids also need support.  This is where my "call" comes in loud and clear.  God is definitely calling me to work with families and kids in crisis.  I will be going back to school and focusing on this.  Listening and HEARING a call and actually following through with the steps is such a relieving feeling!  Like a weight has been lifted that I hadn't even noticed was there!  I am very excited about my future.  Of course, I know that whatever my plan is, God knows and will lead me there (I just really hope there is a cupcake truck involved!).