Senior Warden's Report
In light of Stewardship Sunday, the congregation is encouraged to complete stewardship pledge cards and return them to the Church. Giving has been a little low, and hopefully things can be turned around for the new year.
October Vestry meeting:
• John Pasour, Treasurer, briefed that plate and pledge income for September was the lowest of any month this year, and well below the historical average. As a percentage of budget, it was the lowest September in the last 12 years. For the year, the budget is 4.5 points below the average, corresponding to $26,400 less income than expected. With only three months of the year left, this is a serious shortfall that will be difficult to offset. Operating expenditures for the month were slightly below normal. Total operating expenses are at 69.9% of budget, or 5 points ($33,000) below a straight line projection. Ninety-five percent of the Repair and Maintenance has already been expended, and Rectory Expenses, which are 83% expended are the only significant exceptions. The Capital Repairs balance is a cause for concern. The year began with $40,000 and $37,000 has already been spent. Although transferred in previous years, presently there is no fund transfer planned to that account.
• Dana Hutson, Christian Education, briefed that the youth of the parish have nominated Kelsey Hodge and Julia Bowman to be the Youth Representatives on the Vestry. Kelsey will serve through May 2009, and Julia will serve a one-year term beginning in May. Their selection is subject to approval by the parish at next month’s annual parish meeting. Work is also underway for the Christmas Pageant on December 14.
• Reverend Binder indicated that arrangements with the Library of Congress and Mount Vernon regarding Pohick’s artifacts are complete. Many of the artifacts, including the Vestry Book, will be on display in the new Mount Vernon museum beginning the last week in October. The items will be incorporated in a display on George Washington’s spiritual life.
• Reverend Binder also briefed that the Historic Pohick Foundation has purchased, at auction, a small table purportedly made from a panel from George Washington’s pew at Pohick. A Union soldier assigned to the 3rd Maine Infantry US Volunteers, pilfered the item in 1861/1862 and used it as a checkerboard before mailing it home to Maine.
• Neil Sunderland, Worship, indicated that the Seminarian Committee would be meeting twice in November.
• Susan Pehrrson, Service and Fellowship, indicated that she would be soliciting committee members for the preschool committee. Susanne Leon briefed that the Newcomer’s reception was very nice, but the low turnout of newcomers (four families) was a bit disappointing.
• Steve Harding, Communication, briefed that the new pictorial directory was in the final editing stages. He passed on his thanks for support of the annual Country Fair. The Hodge Podge celebrated a record year. Steve is in the process of collecting after action points, and has passed on the Fair Chair mantle to Wendy Remaly, who will be next year’s Fair chair.
• Robin Teale, Pastoral Care, indicated that a Community of Hope meeting would be held on Wednesday.
• Femi Ayorinde, Outreach, briefed that the Outreach table at the Fair was a big hit.
• Stew Remaly, Stewardship, briefed that the stewardship campaign was in high gear. Many thanks in particular to Edwardene Pitcock and Fuzzy and Jane Thurston for their assistance in getting the word out!
