January 12, 2026 (download minutes) – The vestry finalized and unanimously approved the 2026 budget, which will be presented at the February 1 annual meeting. Senior Warden Marty Nelson led the vestry through the run-of-show for the annual meeting. Erin Gasch introduced the slate of vestry nominees running for the four available positions on the 2026 vestry. The vestry bid farewell to outgoing vestry members Lowell Dargbeh, Addis Crook-Jones, Erin Gasch, and Sarah Johnson.
February 23, 2026 (download minutes) – Maryann and the vestry welcomed our four new members, elected at the annual meeting. Maryann outlined goals and priorities for the year. Gabe presented the 2025 parochial report, which shows attendance and participation continuing to rise since the pandemic; the vestry voted unanimously to approve the report. Senior Warden Marty Nelson reviewed vestry committee structure and introduced two new committees – Youth Programming and UMD. Vestry committee assignments will be finalized at the next meeting. Connie Semans and Liz Sappenfield shared an update from the Sacred Spaces Committee, previewing plans for Phase 2 renovations. The vestry discussed Maryann’s upcoming sabbatical this coming May through July, expressing strong support for this time of rest and renewal.
March 23, 2026 (download minutes) – After reviewing last month’s Sacred Spaces Committee presentation, the vestry approved proceeding with Phase 2 renovations this summer (paint, plaster, and planning for future renovations). Treasurer Marcus Southern reported the Episcopal Housing Ministries grant committee is developing a simple request for proposals that will be open to the community; the committee will then identify one or two projects to use the $300,000 grant amount toward improving or preserving affordable housing opportunities. Maryann and Gabe sought input from the vestry on this summer’s worship schedule and format, as we prepare for both Maryann’s sabbatical and for all services worshiping in the parish hall during renovations. Vestry committees began shaping their goals for the year and identifying initial next steps.
April 27, 2026 (download minutes) – We’ve exceeded our summer renovations fundraising goal! The vestry celebrated the strong response to the Sacred Spaces fundraising effort and expressed deep gratitude for our parish’s generosity, which will provide a helpful buffer for the current work. Emily Yeatts shared an update from The Trees Development Committee, including ongoing work on grants, programming, organizational development, rentals, and care of the property. Vestry members also got a sneak peak at The Trees’ new mission statement. The vestry approved updates to the Midyette fund to better support formation ministry. The fund, which receives ongoing J2A curriculum licensing revenue, will now have a clear process for the Ryals Minister for Families to request funds for formation needs, while maintaining a $5,000 reserve for ongoing licensing costs.
May 26, 2026 (download minutes) – The vestry approved plans to implement a managed parking system for the church lot, helping address long-standing issues with all-day parking by employees of neighboring businesses. Parking will continue to be free for those parking to come to St. Philip’s. Marcus Southern presented plans for identifying projects to receive support from the parish’s $300,000 Episcopal Housing Ministry grant. The vestry approved a request-for-proposals process that will invite local organizations to share ideas for projects that preserve or expand affordable housing. Sue Guptill presented results from a diocesan survey of anti-racism efforts in local congregations; the survey showcased a wide range of anti-racism work taking place at St. Philip’s. Vestry members discussed the ongoing growth and development of The Trees.
June 2026 – No vestry meeting this month.