Once again, Tracy Dunnwald agreed to serve as our faithful clerk. After the approval of last year's minutes, Liam Kiehne read Ephesians 3:14-19, the same scripture our Discipleship Task Force has dwelt in at each of their meetings throughout the year  We reflected on the passage at our tables while enjoying a delicious potluck breakfast organized by Rosa Uy.  Outgoing senior warden Mike Christenson described the vestry's leadership in listening prayerfully for God's leading, equipping our staff and ministries, and getting our building into the best shape it has ever been in (the highlight: power toilets!).   

We expressed our thanks to Mike, Kennedy Nyenya, Sarah Sannes, George Seebach, and John Tillotson, who are rotating off the vestry this year.  We recognized our new senior warden, Sarah Larsen, and elected our new vestry slate, junior warden Jenny Bach, Linda Brady, Michelle Chiezah, Michael DeLashmutt, Erik Johnson, and Katie White, who will join current vestry members Dan Glienke, Dan Johnson, Ann Nerland, Marcia Roepke, Connie Starns, and youth representative Liam Kiehne.  Sarah shared her reflections on her family's experiences at St. Matthew's and looked forward to the coming year.

Treasurer Rosa Uy delivered the annual financial reports and presented the 2013 budget approved by the vestry. Ann Nerland gave a presentation about the return of the service auction, a beloved St. Matthew's tradition, which will take place on Saturday, April 27. Please think creatively about the unique gifts you have to offer, and pick up a donation form in the parish hall!    

The Discipleship Task Force team summarized the work they have done over the past year.  Led by Dan Johnson, task force members Jenny Bach, Joel Donna, Lisa Wiens Heinsohn, Sarah Larsen, Terese Lewis,

Task force members met with twelve focus groups representing the diverse spectrum of  people (age-wise, culturally, and theologically) that is St. Matthew's. Many exciting themes emerged, including a strong interest in spiritual practices, and in learning about how spiritual practices can help us move faithfully through the joys and challenges of life. There was also interest in learning more about an exansive and generous vision of the Christian faith. People desired more gatherings, including online and informal gatherings, to learn about theology, spiritual practices, and giving and receiving the hospitality of others.  

Photos by Jeff Larsen and Bruce Nerland

Thanks to the work of the Discipleship Task Force, we can now try to respond to the needs, hopes, and hungers of our members and our neighbors, employing all the gifts and talents in our midst. Already, St. Matthew's has begun to respond. On January 20, we launched our first online course! Hebrew scripture scholar extraordinaire Reed Carlson is leading 21 people through a select group of Old Testament stories and themes. Lisa Wiens Heinsohn has stepped up to lead a new initiative and partnership with YouthLink Opportunity Center in Minneapolis, in which interested members of our congregation will be equipped to be a listening, loving presence to homeless youth.  Time spent with young adults at YouthLink will be coupled with theological reflection and contemplative practices in a new and sustainable model for Christian service and social justice ministries.    

In these ways and more, St. Matthew's continues to be a faith community dedicated to following the Holy Spirit's leading and learning together what God is up to in our midst, in our lives, and in the world. In 2013, we will focus on learning more about what an expansive view of the Christian life looks like, how to support each other as we follow the way of Jesus, and how to honor and learn from one another in the things we share, as well as our differences.