VESTRY RAMBLINGS

By Robert Ellis, Senior Warden

Updated on 09/30/2009

On behalf of the entire congregation, I would like to thank the three vestry members who have shared their thoughts and souls with us during our Stewardship Campaign. Their messages have been emotional and inspiring.  Please consider their messages, pray, and welcome the Stewardship Committee members as they call on you for your pledge to the St. Clement’s budget. Everyone has been affected by the current economic situation, but we pray that you would pledge your gifts of time, talent, and treasure to the future of St. Clement’s presence in the lives of its members, our surrounding communities, and the world. As pledge cards are returned, the vestry will formulate a budget for 2010 and present it to the congregation on November 8th at our Congregational Meeting which will be held at 10:00 a.m. between the Sunday services.

Also at the Congregational Meeting on November 8th the vestry will be looking for a few good and willing new vestry members! We will have 3 vacancies to fill on the vestry for 2010. This is an important and exciting time in the life of St. Clement’s. No special talents are required, just time and a willingness to do the work before us with prayerful consideration. Contact a vestry member if you would like to have your name placed before the congregation as we elect 3 new vestry members, each for a three year term.

Our Youth Choir needs you!!!! If you have a lot of energy, sprinkled with some talent, please consider giving your time and talent to this important part of our youth formation and worship services. The kids have proved themselves to be both talented and willing, now they just need YOU!!!

A hearty “Thank you” to Randy Chapel who has volunteered to serve on the finance committee. The committee is in charge with paying bills and maintaining financial records for St. Clement’s, so that we stay in good standing with the Diocese, our employees and service providers.

Let me close with a prayer to be said before work: Holy God, may your presence be in all that I do. Renew in me awareness of your sustaining love that touches me each day, opening the eyes of my heart to see that you touch the world through the work of my hands. Amen.

GOOD NEWS!!

We have been praying for a Rector, and our prayers have been answered! It is with great pleasure that the Wardens and Vestry announce that the Rev. Jamie Elizabeth L’Enfant will be the Rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church.  We have entered into a Rector-Time Certain agreement with the Rev. L’Enfant, and are excited about what the future holds for our congregation and the greater community. The Rev. L’Enfant comes to us with fifteen years experience, the most recent as Assistant Rector of St. Francis in Greensboro. Biographical information will be posted and available on Sunday (October 4th) at St. Clement’s, and members of your Vestry will be happy to answer questions about our new adventure on our Christian journey. The Rev. L’Enfant’s  faith, energy, and commitment to God’s work are just what we prayed for!!! Please join us for our first services with The Rev. Jamie L’Enfant on Sunday,  November 1st!

So now we pray:“Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  By the power of your Holy Spirit you have raised up for St. Clement's Parish Family a new priest and pastor, Rev. Jamie L’Enfant. We thank you for your presence and guidance during our search process.  We thank you for the promise of new leadership, new challenges, and especially new life in your son Jesus.  Continue to prepare our hearts and minds to receive Jamie’s leadership so that your mission for our parish family may flourish.”  Amen.