News from our Vestry

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE VESTRY OF ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL

Vestry Members:

Steve Dresser, Patty Foss-Cameron, Michelle Hicks, Sally Langley, Patrick Mahoney, Andy Sue Reid, Tony Rerecich,Larry Ridenhour, Steve Sweet, Glen Walker, Jerry Ward, David Wilkins.

Meetings:

Regular Vestry meetings are held in the library on the third Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m.

UPdate from latest vestry meeting:

The Vestry met on 17 January 2008 at the Cathedral Library, with many pieces of business on the agenda:

• The Building committee is making great progress on the renovations of the Cathedral campus. Tours were successfully conducted in January for our Congregation. One of the great discoveries during the renovation project was the uncovering of internal sandstone walls. Steve Dresser reported the walls will remain exposed and will be worked into the renovation design. The higher ceilings in the basement of the Funsten House are already proving to be an impressive addition, allowing for more light in the usable space of the design.

• Dean Rich Demarest reported that our Treasurer, Kevin Hicks, had to step down because of work responsibilities that are calling for Kevin and his family to move out of Boise. The Dean expressed great appreciation for Kevin’s service and reported that he is working to identify a new Treasurer from within our congregation.

• Sadly, the Dean provided a report on the health of our Senior Warden, Glenn Walker, who experienced some health problems on 12 January. Glenn is recovering and our prayers are with Glenn and his family.

• Cannon Lucus Grubbs reported that the Morning and Evening Office services are going well, however, more volunteers would be welcome for either service.

• The Vestry is preparing for the General Meeting on February 3 where the Cathedral Annual Budget will be submitted for approval and new members of the Vestry will be presented and elected by the congregation.

• The Vestry is saying good bye to four members who have completed their three years of service: Steve Sweet, Andy Sue Reid, Tony Rerecich and Sally Langford.  These members shared the following thoughts about their Vestry service:

• Steve Sweet expressed how much he enjoyed getting to know the other members of the Vestry and members of the St. Michael’s congregation during his service.  He also expressed his appreciation for the operations of the Cathedral that he knows he would not have been exposed to had it not been for his Vestry service. He encouraged our current and new Vestry members to continue their support for the Cathedral’s investment in the Carnegie building. He believes it is a bold investment that will lead to great things for the future of our Cathedral campus.

• Sally Langley also expressed her appreciation for her understanding of Cathedral operations and the work of our fine Cathedral staff. She also very much appreciated the Dean’s willingness to allow her to run with the Cathedral Oversight committee and build strong relationships with members of the staff. She enjoyed her outreach to the staff. She also advised the Vestry that it would be good to provide a clear outline for new members of the Vestry of the Cathedral’s goals, missions and priorities to help them in their transition in their new roles.

• Andy Sue Reid expressed how much she appreciated the opportunity to serve as a Vestry member. She said she learned a lot about the importance of the Vestry’s oversight role for Cathedral staff and found it to be a wonderful experience.

• Tony Rerecich is one of the Vestry’s most experienced members, having now completed his second term. He wanted to impress upon current and new Vestry members that, as a Vestry, we have taken on a lot of responsibility with our purchase of the Carnegie building and the renovations of our Cathedral campus. He said this is an interesting time for Vestry service and the Cathedral congregation is in a position for great success if we commit our attention to securing the financial needs of the purchase. Yet, with that opportunity also is a risk that we could fail if we do not commit ourselves to our full intention for the property.

• All four of our departing Vestry members expressed their appreciation to Sharon Manning, the Vestry’s note taker, for her diligent service.

• Dean Rich Demarest expressed his appreciation to our out-going members saying, “God calls each of us to be who we are in service to the church. I’ve learned from all of you and am impressed with your commitment to Christ and this Church.  Thank you.”

Matters of interest:

The Youth groups are short on volunteers. If anyone can contribute their time to this important St. Michael's ministry, please contact the Cathedral office.

Fund raising for the cathedral community

Faithful Promise is St. Michael's capital campaign, raising funds for renovation of the Cathedral, the Funsten Building and the Bishop Tuttle House. After installing a new bathroom on the main floor of the Cathedral and completing Cathedral enhancements, Capital Campaign funds will now be directed at improvements for the Tuttle House. Building renovations are coming in higher than expected and we need to encourage those of you who have not had an opportunity to contribute to do so by contacting the Cathedral office. Carnegie Building funds are targeted toward completion of the purchase of the Carnegie Building across from the Cathedral's main campus. The vision for the Carnegie Building is that it will be the future home of ministry and mission of Jesus Christ for St. Michael's. Currently, it is the home for our Baby Steps program, which is a program providing education and support to at-risk mothers in our community. Donations are being accepted toward the full purchase of the Carnegie Building by contacting the Cathedral office. Cathedral Tower Chimes is a new effort spearheaded by our music director, Michael Boney, to raise funds to repair the Deagan Tubular chimes in our Cathedral Tower in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Cathedral organ. If you are interested in contributing to this effort, please contact Michael Boney.