Annual Meeting 2023

Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,

On Sunday, we'll engage in one of the most time-honored Episcopal traditions there is: the Annual Meeting. You'll find in this week's edition of the e-news a link so that you can start reading the Annual Report ahead of time. Hard copies will be available for you on Sunday. Please take some time and start reading this weekend - there is a lot of information packed into those pages and it's important for you to be able to come prepared to ask any questions you might have.

Some folks, some clergy even, are not fans of the Annual Meeting. I explain further at the beginning of my own report, but I really am. I think it's an important moment for us to gather together, to celebrate what's been, to look hopefully at what's ahead, and to be transparent about where we are. This year, we have some really distinct challenges ahead of us. And the Officers, Vestry, and I are committed to sharing those with you so that you know what we're facing, so that you can be a part of the solution, so that you can join us on the journey. Come and see the wonders that God has done with us and for us in the last year. Come and help us discern where God is calling us to go and who God is calling us to be in the future.

My plan is to join you for the Annual Meeting - as long as I haven't had this baby yet. So, I can't promise that - but it is my intention to be with you for these important conversations. I'll sit more than I usually do (hopefully). If I can't be with you, I know that you'll be in the very faithful and capable hands of our Wardens, Treasurer, and Linda. I hope that you'll plan to stay after church. We have two wonderful families working on coffee hour - so there should be plenty of snacks to help you get through it. Grab your coffee and some snacks and come back into the pews. We will start as close to 11:30 as we can, if not a little before.

Do read the report at the link below. And as you read in the next few days, and as you listen on Sunday, I hope that you will wonder about your place, your role, your gifts. What is God calling you to do and to be in the year ahead? How is God calling you to be a part of our common life and mission? What gift do you have - that only you can offer - to God and to this community at St. Matt's?

I hope very much to see you on Sunday.

Faithfully,

--Marissa +

P.S. We'll continue the tradition of blessing candles this year at worship on Sunday for Candlemas - so bring some candles from home with you! Take them home after they've been blessed.