New Vestry Members & Congregational Meeting
Dear Harbor Family,
The Parish Council has begun preparing for our annual parish meeting, which will be held on Sunday in November (exact date TBD). This gathering is an important moment in the life of our church—a time to reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness, attend to the practical matters of our shared life, and look forward together with hope and purpose.
There’s much for us to celebrate and prayerfully consider as our parish continues to grow and mature in mission, in worship, and in love. At this year’s meeting, we’ll be covering four main items:
A review of the past year
A presentation of the proposed budget for the coming year (in broad categories)
A vision-casting for the year ahead
The presentation and election of new Parish Council members
On that last point, we’ll be saying thank you to Julie Bettis, who is rolling off the Council after faithful service, and we will be electing two new members to take her place and expand our leadership. These new members will be elected by a simple majority of our voting members.
Between now and September 30th, we are receiving nominations from the congregation for those you believe would serve the church well in this role. If someone comes to mind, please email the Parish Council directly, rather than the person you are nominating. This allows us to approach each candidate with care and discretion during our October vetting process. We’ll introduce the slate of nominees a few weeks ahead of the annual meeting.
Here’s what we’re looking for in a Parish Council member, according to our bylaws:
Someone who is a confirmed member (or in the process of being confirmed) in the Anglican Church in North America and meets all the qualifications of congregational membership.
Someone who tithes (gives 10% or more of their income) to Harbor Anglican and to the wider mission of the church.
Someone who demonstrates spiritual maturity, discernment, wisdom, and leadership.
Someone who can affirm and live by the Parish Council Subscription: “I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for life and salvation through Our Lord Jesus Christ, and I do yield my hearty consent to the fundamental declarations set forth in Article I of the Constitution of the Diocese, and to the discipline and forms of worship of the Anglican Church in North America.”
Please take time to prayerfully consider whom the Lord might be raising up among us to serve in this way. We look forward to seeing how He will continue to provide for and guide our parish in the months and years to come.
With gratitude and peace,
Casey+
