Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this letter, I want to provide a little view under the hood of how St. Margaret’s operates—and how we are going to be experimenting—for those of you who have never been part of Vestry.
I think there is a slow, but quiet, change happening at St. Margaret’s. A number of very interesting activities have come to the parish in the last year, such as the arrival of Iglesia Luz de Esperanza and the yoga class. Not to mention the second Celtic Music concert which was as successful as the first, and seems to be on its way to becoming an annual event. We have a reservation for two weeks in summer for Ellie Escher’s music camp. Our outreach programs are also expanding. Even more important is that we are attracting a number of visitors, some of whom are staying to become members.
If what I HOPE and PRAY is indeed happening, and it’s not just my wishful thinking, then St. Margaret’s may be poised for additional growth. It would be very wise to plan now for how we are going to support and encourage growth, and not to wait until events start running into each other. I have already had to become aware of when we and outside groups are using the building so we don’t step on each other, and so Brian can provide the janitorial services that are so important. Planning parish events and activities also must include consideration of volunteer time, since a number of our volunteers generously serve in several areas.
To this end, we are in the process of constructing an online parish calendar that will give us an overview of parish events, both public and private. It will also give us a view of what parts of the building are being used when, so we can schedule. I’d hate to tell someone they can’t do something they’ve been planning for, because someone else reserved space previously.
As we get busier, it doesn’t seem logical to create a budget while sitting around the table, without getting input from the ministry chairs. We also need a budget that will reflect that some of the systems in our building need attention. So it makes sense to combine the planning for the year with the budget process.
Our treasurer, Andy Werner, has created a brief explanation and request that he hopes the ministry chairs will respond to. It is attached below. This is our first attempt at an experiment. We’ll see how it works as we go through the year. And change what doesn’t. I’m excited about possibilities for St. M, but growth also means work. I’m always in favor of working efficiently, so none of us get overloaded. We love St. M, but we also love our families. Balance!
Here is Andy’s request.
To committee chairs
Re: Your budget input
For 2026, the budget process will change to support both a unified parish calendar and a financial plan. Rather than simply repeating last year’s calendar with new dates and numbers, we would like to hear what you believe can or should be changed, expanded, started, or eliminated. We ask that, as you prepare your 2025 annual reports, you also consider your 2026 expectations and tell us (briefly) the following things:
1. What you’d like to do,
2. When you expect to do it, and
3. Approximately how much, if anything, it may cost.
Since this is substantially different than prior years and we have no process history to go on, precision is not a priority. Also, the budget and calendar information need not be part of your annual report to the parish. To a certain extent, we are creating St. Margaret’s version of this information exchange as we go along, so as you work through it, simply ask questions and do the best you can.
Please submit your 2026 expectations separate from your annual report and back to the budget committee by 8 February 2026.
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our new diocese, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- February 6: Soup Potluck, 5:30
- February 8: Groceries Plus in-gathering/blessing
- February 18: Ash Wednesday, times TBD
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00