For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  —  Jeremiah 29:11

Happy New Year!  When we read this verse from Jeremiah we all should be excited for a New Year and Renewed Hope. With God’s help and your help, St Andrews will prosper and grow in 2018.  I wanted to send out another communication to keep you all updated on some of the many happenings in our parish. We are truly blessed to have so many committed staff members and volunteers. I hope you find this information helpful. 

Welcome Lorna: In my last communication, I welcomed Anne and now what better way to end this year with the arrival of a new Associate Rector. We are excited that Lorna is here and she did not waste any time making our youth programs exciting and inviting!

Outgoing Vestry Members: Many thanks to the vestry members whose terms ended in 2017:  Dick Barnwell, Mary Wood, and Dan Waddill; and a special thanks to Doug Vaughan, our Junior Warden. Doug’s role had him heavily involved with our building maintenance. Not an easy task, based on the age of our building. We thank them all for their many years of service.

New Vestry Members: Welcome Cathy Frey, Chris Robinson, Fritz Horne, and Bob Wharton. We thank them for the commitment of their time and talent. 

Vestry Actions: Some of the highlights from the Vestry’s work in recent months include:

• Establishing a Vestry organization chart so that we have a Vestry Liaison for each church ministry (A list of liaisons can be found here).
• Approving an automatic door for handicap access
• Continuing our work along with the leadership of Dan Waddill to support our Day School.  We are excited about the new initiatives the Day School is pursuing. 
• Approving an Alcohol Policy at the January 2018 Vestry meeting.
• Approving the 2018 Budget

Grateful Generosity Campaign: Many thanks to Randy and Susan Bryant for leading our stewardship campaign this year. The Bryants along with Saint Lee, Virginia Darden, Dick Barnwell, and Bill Wilds did a wonderful job of planning and implementing a very successful campaign. 

Associate Clergy:  The Episcopal Church has a practice of honoring clergy who perform unpaid volunteer work in a parish by designating them as Associate Clergy. Associate Clergy are listed in the bulletin strictly to honor their service in each respective parish. For example, a parish in Virginia Beach has a Rabbi who volunteers and is listed as an Associate Clergy. Larger parishes may have a listing of Associate Clergy that could number well over ten!  At St. Andrew’s our Associate Clergy include the Rev. Carol Chamberlain, the Rev. Travis Greenman, and the Rev. Dr. John Herbst. 

Diocesan eNews: Want to know more about our Diocese? You can register online for the Diocesan eNews at www.diosova.org. In the top right hand corner, you can enter your email address and you will receive confirmation that you are registered. 

Volunteer Opportunities: Here at St. Andrew’s, we have many opportunities for you become involved in our ministries and activities. Please reach out to me or any member of the Vestry if you would like to help. My contact information is john.whitley@cox.net (email) or 757-469-1351 (cell).

Blessings,
John Whitley
Senior Warden