Nativity Notes
(From March 2001 Nativity newsletter)
Annual Parish Meeting
About 60 people attended the January 31 meeting that opened with Evening Prayer. Elected to the Vestry for three-year terms were Gary Bradshaw, Dick Gerhart and Raymond Kow They replace Jabbo Gordon, Lois Johnson and Joanne Marino whose terms have expired. Father Jim then introduced Judi McCullough as the new Senior Warden. Following the Annual Meeting, the new Vestry members (see photo below) unanimously elected Dick Wernick as Junior Warden.
Treasurer Joe Schifano reported on both the general operating fund and the building fund and said that 2000 had been a successful year, "because of the faith in this church, we should meet our goals."
In the Rector's report, Father Jim agreed that 2000 was a very good year. "Although I may sometimes whine, it is amazing to see what has gone on in the Memory Garden as well as the Hope and A Future building campaign," he said. "We almost doubled what most people had predicted."
Father Jim mentioned that the annual pledge drive for the General Operating Fund was moved to the end of the calendar year, but he added that there will be a "mini" drive later.
A contract has been signed with Kraft Construction Company to build the new sanctuary and with First Union National Bank for a loan to cover the remainder of the construction costs that have not been pledged.
The Rector recognized the three outgoing vestry members. He then praised Karla Porter, the church's Music Director. "She holds things together," Father Jim said. "What she does is far beyond what she does on Sunday mornings, and our music really sounds better than churches that are much bigger than we are."
Father Jim also praised Joanne Marino for her work with the Christian Formation Commission on the Vestry and her service as Sunday School Superintendent. He also thanked Bonnie Neiger, Sue Kow and Sharon Murphy as well as Rachel Brown who has worked in the nursery for the past two years.
Russ Housel and Joe Schifano were recognized for their outstanding efforts with the church treasury. Father Jim also thanked , Father Ken Davis, Father Gerry Bennett and Deacon Jan Brown for their wonderful assistance.
The rector paid special tribute to Elly Freyer, the church's secretary, for "all that she does." He also thanked everyone for their participation in the Hope and A Future campaign.
As a special tribute, Father Jim applauded Dick and Irene Wernick for their unceasing efforts for the church. "Dick spends more hours here than I do," the rector said about Dick.. "He is Church of the Nativity's most valuable parishioner."
Praise also went to Will Neiger, who works in the Memory Garden with Dick; Jim Murphy, who cuts the grass; Ray Kimmens who is Editor and Publisher of "Nativity Tidings;" and Howard Roshaven, who provides most of the Saturday evening service Music.
A Ministry of Joy
Church of the Nativity has birthed a new ministry called, "A Ministry of Joy." We will be visiting in nursing homes. The ministry will start in one nursing home within the next few weeks. As we "test the waters" we hope that this ministry will expand to other nursing homes. If God is calling you to join us, please come to our next organizational-training meeting on Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 10:00 AM at the Church.
This is a wonderful opportunity to spread our love of Jesus to people who are lonely, frightened and unsure of their future. We know who holds our future - let's share the Good News!
Daughters of the King
There is interest in establishing a chapter of the Daughters of the King here at Nativity which Father Jim has endorsed. An introductory meeting will be held in mid-April with Carol Broden, Diocesan President of the Daughters of the King.
Briefly, the Daughters of the King was established in 1885 to extend Christ's Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism. Come learn more with us in April.
