From the Rector

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for all the kind and encouraging reflections on our Annual Parish Meeting last Sunday. It was a time of celebrating so many gifts in this community, and people who contribute in generous, creative, and often unsung ways.  We also looked forward to the year that is ahead, and I shared an address about this year’s theme for the parish: “Bless Beauty.” The text of my address is linked here, in case you missed it or want to go back and consider it again.

One very important announcement (that I was distracted from making at the conclusion of the meeting) is that Ann Wetherell has accepted my invitation to serve another year as our Senior Warden. I am so grateful for the many gifts Ann brings in this leadership role, especially her keen intellect, care, and deep connections within this parish community. Other officers and Wardens will be elected in our February Vestry meeting.  We will make those announcements after those elections have taken place.

I want to thank, again, all who served on vestry last year, including our Treasurer Dave Reilly and Clerk Barb Mason, and especially the outgoing vestry members Lyndsay Gutierrez, Ann Hargraves, Pat McLaughlin, and Susie Silva-Strommer. Each one has brought many gifts and love to our work together, and their presence will be missed among us.  We are also excited to begin serving together with all who were elected on Sunday. Please know I have already begun praying for you and the work we will all do together.

Below you will find a recap of our Annual Meeting. Now, we get back to manifesting joy, embracing resilience, seeking justice, & living in love. And blessing beauty.

With you,
Scott+ 

The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector

Congratulations!These individuals were elected to parish leadership at the 2025 Annual Meeting

Vestry (3 years) Caroline Bleckmann, Shawna Gandy, Julie Meyer Rowett, Sofia Tavera Delegate to Diocesan Council (3 years) Sam Harkins, Frida Tavera Alternate Delegate(1 year) Leslie Sackett Mission Endowment Fund Committee(3 years) Peter Sergienko, Nancy Parker (2 years) Susie Silva-Strommer

From the Annual Meeting (links)

• Rector’s Address
• 2025 Annual Meeting Recording
• Year in Review Slideshow music muted
• Annual Report

Annual Meeting Invite 2026

Dear Friends,

You may be surprised to know that January is one of my favorite times in parish ministry.  Full of work on budgeting, reporting, nominating & electing, and planning for the year ahead, there is so much opportunity for rich conversations, dreams, and action!  This is work we do together, and so much of it comes into view during our governance forums and Annual Meeting on the last Sunday of the month.

Last Sunday, we shared the outline of the vestry’s 2026 proposed budget in two forums.  This year’s budget builds on good work, over the past couple of years, developing visibility into the budget process, clearly articulating the dynamics of our financial picture (challenging AND hopeful dynamics), and celebrating the generosity and commitment expressed in a record Stewardship Campaign.  

Now, I invite you to participate in one of the nominee forums this Sunday at 10:15 or at 12:15 in Nativity Hall. You’ll have a chance to become acquainted with our fine nominees and to hear them share a bit about their respective hopes and aspirations to serve this parish community.

2026 Vestry Nominees | 2026 Delegate Candidates | 2026 Budget Presentation

Then comes the Annual Parish Meeting, on Sunday, January 25!  A few things will be different for the day.  We will worship at 7:30, 9:00, (NOT 11), and 1:00.  To make more time for community connection, we’ll share a light, casual brunch in Parish Hall from 10:30-11:30am.  There will be no 11:00 service for the day.  

At 11:30, we’ll begin our one-hour meeting in the nave.  This year, as we continue growing as a diverse parish of “many & one, in the Spirit,” the meeting will be conducted in both English and Spanish.  We’ll elect new members to the Vestry, delegates to Diocesan Council, and members of the Mission Endowment Fund committee.  And, I look forward to sharing the Rector’s Address, reflecting on the year behind us and looking forward with vision toward 2026.

—    

I also have difficult news to share with you.  After nearly 35 years on staff in ministry to children and families (and so much more), Leslie Sackett will retire this summer. While Leslie and Tim will continue as active members of this parish community, they’ll be discovering new ways to participate and serve with us.

No doubt this announcement will stir many questions.  In the coming weeks, we’ll develop plans to celebrate Leslie and her rich and meaningful ministry among us.  It is important to say “thank you” generously, often, and well.  In collaboration with the Vestry, Personnel Committee, and others, I’ll begin the work of defining a new position for ministry to children, youth and families and setting course for a search process.  (The 2026 budget includes funding for a new role with expanded areas of ministry.)  

For now, please join me in expressing our love and gratitude for Leslie and praying God to guide all of us on the path into new seasons.

With you,
Scott+ 

The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector