Vestry 2024

Update from Canon Rob Mitchell

On Sunday, February 26, following the 10:30 a.m. service, about 40 parishioners gathered in the parish hall for lunch and our Annual Vestry Meeting. The meeting started at 12:15 p.m. and wrapped up a few hours later. Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

  • Our total undesignated givings in 2023 matched almost exactly the amount we had targeted at the beginning of last year, for a total of $230,139. This represents a 5% increase over total givings in 2022. 
  • Our income exceeded our expenses by $9,603. However, it’s important to remember that our 2023 income included a budgeted withdrawal from our Capital Fund of $51,000. The unused $9,603 will be returned to the Capital Fund. Review the financial statements.
  • We are budgeting a 5% increase in undesignated givings for 2024 to keep up with the costs of operating our ministry and building. Read the full 2024 Budget. 
  • Our Average Sunday Attendance in 2023 was 68 people. This is an increase from our 2022 Average Sunday Attendance of 53, and is getting us closer to our 2019 (pre-pandemic) Average Sunday Attendance of 83.  
  • Sharm Powell and Carol Ambler were re-elected as People’s Warden and Deputy People’s Warden, and I reappointed Janice Douglas and Allan Taylor as Rector’s Warden and Deputy Rector’s Warden. Annis Tebbutt was reappointed by the Wardens as our Treasurer. 
  • Henry Jeens gave an update on the accessibility project. A newly proposed location for an external elevator on the Windermere side of the building was discussed. A special Vestry vote will be held on April 21, 2024, to seek the parish’s approval to move forward with the project. 
  • Jeremy Tingle gave an extensive report on the history and current condition of the organ. He reported that Corporation has approved the formation of an organ committee that will explore options for addressing the challenges that our current instrument poses. Jeremy is happy to discuss the work of the committee and the state of the organ, and encourages anyone interested to get in touch with him. Read the Organ Report.

There were many more things discussed in the course of the meeting and, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to read the reports submitted (see below).

We are very fortunate to be blessed with capable and dedicated leaders, generous givers, energetic volunteers, a beautiful liturgical tradition, and a clear sense of mission and purpose. Not a day goes by that I am not deeply grateful for these and the many other abundant strengths of our parish.

Thank you to all who were able to join us last Sunday, and thank you for everything you do to make our parish such a special place.

Rob+

Read the entire Vestry report or individual reports below:

We did not debate the Social Justice Motion at Vestry this year. Read more about it on the Diocese’s website.

Are you a member of St. Olave’s Vestry?

According to Canon Law, the Parish must publish a Vestry List of parishioners eligible to vote on motions. To be a member of our Vestry:

  • You must have been attending St. Olave’s for at least three months before the Vestry meeting.
  • You must have worshipped in-person or online at least three times in the past year.
  • You must be of the full age of 16 years.
  • You cannot have voted as a member of any other vestry during the previous three months, nor intend to vote in any other vestry during the ensuing year.

Please check the Vestry list. If you would like your name to be added or removed from the list, please contact the Rector.