Board Briefs - Vestry Meeting, August 27, 2013 ................

The Vestry meeting was opened with a prayer led by Pastor Karen.

The minutes of the July 25, 2013 Vestry Meeting were approved.

Meditation:  Pastor Karen shared a story about a monastery that was declining in membership and strength and was searching for a way to renew their order.  The desired changes occurred when they started seeing the Messiah in each other and showing a new level of respect to all.  Vestry members discussed the story and their insights on this approach to spirituality and community.

Rector's Report:  Pastor Karen provided an update on the people who are leaving Trinity due to moves and other life changes.  Pastor Karen also said the Bishop will be visiting Trinity Sutter Creek on June 15, 2014, which is Trinity Sunday.

Old Business:   There was no old business.

New Business:  The Vestry approved the 2013-14 Vestry Stewardship Statement as revised. The Vestry also discussed plans for the church dinner and talent show on September 21st.  Vestry members will be calling members of the congregation to extend personal invitations to the dinner.  Vestry members also discussed the fall Stewardship Campaign.

A summary of the results of the Missio-Engage flames activity was shared with Vestry members.

Following discussion of the Sunday program layout, the Vestry agreed to have a spiritual picture or symbol on the front of the program, with the listing of the components of the service on the inside.

Reports from Vestry Action Plan Groups:

Charter for Compassion - Pastor Karen reported on the recent meeting of this group and the next steps planned to clarify the message for the community.

Facilities and Grounds - John Lafferty reported that while the scaffolding is available as part of the music system upgrade, the work on the windows will also be completed.  John shared two different suggested color schemes for the painting of the outside of the building.  This item will be brought back to the Vestry for further discussion.

Ministry Organization - Nick Robinson-Berry and Marge O'Neill presented a summary of the extensive work they have completed as part of their review of the various ministries.  They will also include an organizational chart as part of their final report.  As Marge will be moving October 1st, Nick asked if other Vestry members would be interested in helping with this project.

Financial Report - Carol Holt distributed the July Financial Report and answered questions regarding financial activities. 

The next Vestry meeting will be on September 26th, 7:00 P.M., in Jane's Hall.

Sarah Hart

Senior Warden

Missio:Engage!  at Trinity Sutter Creek is moving toward the completion of the first year of existence with a good track record of ideas, implementation and enthusiasm, so far!  We are especially happy with the Food Collection Project at Safeway in July as we were able to give a substantial amount of food and money to the Interfaith Food Bank to help feed the hungry in our county.

The mission of the team's work is "Radical Hospitality: Taking our joy and energy out into our community and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with all we encounter."  The team is hopeful that this reflects the Mission of Trinity Sutter Creek as a whole because this is what has been expressed by members of the congregation several times over the past year.  We pray at each meeting, ". . . We give heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to serve and participate in your Grace-filled ministry in our Trinity parish and our community. . ."

We have a wonderful team leader, Ken Pitsenbarger, who has adroitly shepherded the Missio team during the past year.  He has inspired us all with his capable, calm leadership style, and he has led the way in productive and inspiring meetings.  

Ken Pitsenbarger

Now, as we are entering into the second year, with our two-year calendar developed and ideas for future implementation, along with some experience with the 90-day Micro-Strategy planning WE NEED SOME NEW TEAM MEMBERS to join us!  We have some important leaders, for example, MaryAnn Lester, Missio team member, who have been very important to the ministries of Trinity who will be moving away in the very near future.  We will miss those leaders who are moving into new phases of their lives, and bless them in all their endeavors and adventures.

This creates space for others who have been "holding back" from deepening their commitment to the "Radical Hospitality" goals of taking the Good News to others in the community, to STEP UP and become God's instruments at Trinity and in Amador County.  To become a Missio:Engage! team member requires a two year commitment to the work of the team,  averaging four hours per week.  The Sunday meetings consist of the team working together as well as watching/listening to a Webinar which includes parishes from around the U.S., led by Fr. Thomas Brackett, discussing and reflecting on bringing love and support to whomever and wherever -- moving forward into the 21st century and with approaches and re-creating of "the church" in new ways.

Please prayerfully consider if God is nudging you toward participating in this challenging ministry.  For more information, contact one of the Missio team members:  Pastor Karen, Ken Pitsenbarger, David Hennings, Carol Holt, Janet Kendig, Noreen Lafferty, Nancy Moore and Steph Sherman. (We can add you to the list, too, if you are ready!)

Submitted by:  Janet Kendig, Missio:Engage! team member 

THE MINISTRY FAIR IS COMING ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29!

Trinity Church in Sutter Creek is inviting everyone to the upcoming MINISTRY FAIR, on Sunday, September 29, after *each* service during the coffee hours.  There will be ministry leaders who will be available to discuss the various ministries of Trinity Episcopal and how you can fit in. 

Maybe you have thought about becoming involved in a particular way and just need some of your questions answered.  This is your opportunity!  Sometimes people reach a "comfort zone" which can end up being limiting.  This is a chance to find a new challenge and step up for God in our church and community. 

There will be the opportunity to sign up and "try out" one or more new ministries to see if they are a good "fit" for you.  There are those who are happy to "train" and encourage you, so you will be supported in your choices.

Some of the ministries are:  Altar Guild, Hospitality Team, Lectors, Prayer Station Partners, Eucharistic Ministers, Child Care, Sunday School, Vestry, Missio:Engage! team, Health Cabinet, Choir, counters, coffee hour contributions, and more!

So, whether you attend the 8:30 or 10:30 service, please plan to come to the MINISTRY FAIR after your service, to discuss your ministry with someone new, or to find a new ministry to expand your participation in an exciting new way!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SEPTEMBER 29! 

Submitted by:  Janet Kendig

The following members of our church family are celebrating birthdays in September!

1st - Colin Kendig

2nd - Lys Marr

3rd - John Lafferty

4th - Sarah Hart, Evan Kendig

10th - Jan Lemos

18th - Paul Lewis

18th - Betty Saterlie

18th - Thala Wolin

22nd - Mary Krauthamel-Lane

25th - Carolyn Hennings

26th - Lois Loomis

28th -Jenifer Putnam

28th - Pat Rutherford

29th - Bob Blair

29th - Bud Busch

Did you know that Trinity has a parish library? Located in the back of the church, our library has three bookcases of books on a variety of subjects relating to Christian life and studies, including Bible study, theology, self-help, and more. Our two trained librarians, Diane Christensen and John Lafferty, invite you to stop by and browse for a book to take home. To check out a book, simply write your name and the date on the check-out card found in the front of the book, and leave it on the desk.