Dear Saint David of Walesites,

On Sunday, April 10, vestry met and, after opening in prayer, accepting this month’s reports, and approving last month’s minutes, discussed the following:

We approved up to $25k from the building fund, to repair the sidewalk in front of Saint David's. Work will begin on the sidewalk in May, after which time we will have no excuse but to walk the line. More good news: We’re scheduled to have the ADA door completed on Friday, April 22, which means our doors will literally, as well as figuratively, be open to all. Even more good news: vestry member Aaron Epperson has begun the work needed to ensure solid, consistent internet access throughout the building. And finally the best news: Br. Finn is close to signing a janitorial service. Clean toilets are coming, can I get an AMEN?

One item that remains open is our plan to hire a reliable caretaker who is over the age of 21, and clearing out a nursery space in the building. If you know of a potential caretaker or are willing to help set up a space, please email Cleo.

Treasurer Karen Dollar reported that we’re good—for now. Plate and building income are a little shallow, but pledging is on track. However: Karen did warn that—though we’re within budget this year—we will spend some of our savings. Looking forward to next year, we need to increase income to maintain this level of spending. In practical terms, this could look like wooing building partners and renters, planning fundraisers, increasing pledging units, pursuing grants, and other methods to find loose change between Saint David’s sofa cushions. Vestry is up to it, and we know you are, too.

Finally, we voted to lift the mask mandate in our building. The vote was not unanimous, and we shared strong arguments for and against lifting the mandate. We all agree that we still encourage attendees to wear masks during church when not participating as a reader, leading Prayers of the People, or otherwise participating—while safely distanced from others—in an activity that would be restricted by a mask.

Finally, Anne led us in a closing prayer.

As a reminder: Reach AJ at aj@saintdavidpdx.org for issues related to liturgy and services, and all members of the vestry at stdavidpdx-vestry@googlegroups.com for other issues. Our vestry meetings are open to all; if you're interested in attending, we next meet on Sunday, 15 May at 1pm. Not into meetings? All vestry meeting minutes and officer reports are found here.

Thank you for allowing us to serve this church (and you).

With love,
Kieran Cannistra, vestry clerk (and other members of your vestry: Preston Abbott, Cass Cole, Aaron Epperson, Ned Hayes, Ryan Hill, Rachel Klein, Anne Parks, and Kit Walling)