April 2003 VESTRY REPORT

New Vestry Member: In February, Vestrymember Sharon Johnson, class of 2005, resigned from the Vestry due to the time constraints of her new job. Sharon's resignation was accepted with real regret and with thanks for her dedicated service. At the March Vestry meeting, Vestry Clerk Ellen Wagner was elected to fill the seat vacated by Sharon's resignation. As provided in the by-laws, the Vestry elected to fill this vacancy until the election at the next annual parish meeting.

Vestry Planning Conference: The Vestry Planning Conference is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, all day in the Parish Hall. At the planning conference, we will meet to assess the current state of the parish and make decisions about what directions we think we should be moving. We will address many of the issues raised by parishioners in their survey returns. Stay tuned . . .

150th Anniversary of the Parish: The congregation, now known as St. John's in the Village, was organized on June 6, 1853 and admitted into union with the Diocese of New York at the convention on September 28, 1853. That means that we will be celebrating our 150th anniversary this Fall. The festivities will begin on Sunday, September 21, with the Visitation by the Bishop of New York, Bishop Mark Sisk, and concluding on the celebration of the Feast of All Saints, which will be celebrated on Sunday, November 2.

Jeanne Morrow has reported that she and her Arts colleagues in the parish are exploring plans to put on a musical history of the parish and New York. Irene Sherrock and Jay Campbell will be culling the parish archives to make a pictorial history display for the anniversary celebration. Other parishioners have expressed interest in producing an oral history.

If you have any ideas of suggestions for events, or for fund-raising, for the anniversary celebration, we want to hear from you. Speak with either of the committee co-chairs, Pam Brown or Margot Shields, or to a committee member: Tim Boos, Jay Campbell, or Irene Sherrock. The committee to plan the 150th anniversary celebration meets next on Tuesday, April 29 in the library.

Colony Trust: The Colony trustees have been meeting with our two investment portfolio advisors, PIMG (Philadelphia Investment Management Group) and Carret and Company, LLC, to discuss our investment goals and identify strategies to improve our investment return. Consistent with our fiduciary responsibilities, which dictates a very conservative investment philosophy, our goal is to generate more income while still preserving our principal, with a view toward reducing, and eventually eliminating, our budgetary deficit. We will keep you posted as decisions are made.

The by-laws provide that the rector, two wardens, and treasurer are ex officio trustees, and the Vestry elects a fifth trustee. F.Y.I., the following are trustees: Lloyd Prator, Pam Brown, Margot Shields, Douglas Smith, and Ellen Wagner.

Vestry On Call: Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Complaints? Compliments? Tell ‘em to the Vestry member designated each Sunday as Vestry On Call. Your input will be discussed at the next Vestry meeting, and your name will not be used (unless you want your name used).