• For 2026 Sally Bird was appointed the Treasurer, Eva Lesniak the Assistant Treasurer, and Tricia Simpson-Curtin the Clerk of the Vestry.  Diane Behdahmine agreed to continue as the recording secretary.  The vestry approved the Parochial Report online, approved the revised Inclement Weather Protocol and agreed to hold the Auction on Saturday, October 3rd.
• Vestry reviewed the results of information provided by the congregation during the annual meeting about which ministries the parish is most interested in supporting.  They include feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and visiting the lonely.  Mo. Kim asked the vestry for feedback on the materials and ideas to extend these ministries.
• The Good Friday Day of Service was discussed.  Most parishioners who led or helped with ministries in 2025 have stepped away this year;  with this change Cecilie Bulcha and Karen Holmes have felt called to reconsider the day and lead the overall event.  Cecilie and Karen will meet with former leaders Sally Bird and Eva Lesnaik to shape the event with old favorites as and fresh ideas.  Their recommendation is forthcoming.
• The Vestry Planning Meeting will be held March 14th and will be led by Fr. Anthony Pompa. The focus will be responsibilities of the vestry, identifying needs in each aspect of ministry, and determining which gifts are needed for each ministry and who has those gifts.

• The vestry approved minutes for the November 2025 and December 2025.
• The contributions of members rotating off the Vestry, including Jane Anderson, Jeff Anderson, and Eva Lesniak; and Gary Scott ending the term of Junior Warden, were acknowledged with appreciation and we celebrated with a cake in their honor.
• Successes, including conclusion of the “Being” Stewardship Campaign, completion of the bathroom remodel project, and successful Christmas services were highlighted.
• Eva Lesniak reviewed the Stewardship campaign results indicating that 60 people have pledged with a median pledge of $2,600.  For 2026, 30 pledges increased, 6 decreased and 18 pledges remained the same.
• We reviewed plans for the Annual Meeting to take place on January 25, 2026.  A reminder that there will be a single service at 9:00 a.m. and the Annual Meeting will start at 10:00 a.m..  The Annual Report will be published prior to the meeting and reports will be accepted as a group at the meeting.  Mother Kim plans a short exercise to determine what ministries the parish is most interested in.  We discussed recognizing the Property Team for the work they have done in 2025; however, there was concern that such recognition may be unnecessary and possibly unwelcome.
• Sally Bird presented the Nominating Committee’s list of candidates for open vestry positions.  Candidates for the class of 2029 include Judy Cahall, Richard Southwick, and Eva Lesniak.  The candidate for the Junior Warden term to end in 2028 is Ron Mahoney. 
• Suzanne Higgins provided an update on the Epiphany Outreach Kits we are making for adults and children being discharged from the hospital, and for women leaving prison.  Donations are coming in and we ask the congregation to use the sign-up sheets and to purchase the right size and quantity of products.  Suzanne said we are doing well with sweatshirts but are short on body wash and similar personal care products.  The hospital asked for some kits earlier than the end of Epiphany, and the vestry agreed that Suzanne would create around ten kits to deliver to the hospital at her earliest convenience.
• Sally Bird provided an update on the 2025 final year-end spending.  Final revenue was $342K and expenses were $309K.  We ended the year $34K to the positive, although we had expected a shortfall at the time the 2025 budget was approved.  We finished the year ahead of budget because of several unexpected personnel situations that lowered expenses, primary that our new rector started four months later than had been budgeted; and we had greater revenue from the auction and interest income than budgeted.  The vestry approved a motion to reclassify $12K of Mo. Kim’s compensation to a housing allowance as permitted by Section 107 of the IRS code. This reclassification as no impact on CHS finances.
• The 2026 budget was presented by Sally Bird.  After discussion and revisions, the vestry approved the 2026 budget with revenue of $340,615, expenses of $$366,974 and net income of -$26,359. 

• Elected, notified the bishop, and learned that Mother Kimberly Reinholz has accepted the position of Rector of CHS.  Completed the Letter of Agreement (LOA) with the diocese and announced the news to the congregation on July 13th during services.
• The wardens and vestry discharged the Search Committee with grateful appreciation from the congregation and the vestry.
• Fellowship Ministry organized the CHS Picnic on June 22nd with over 35 attendees.  The event occurred in Dove hall instead of Pickle Park due to the weather.
• Formation/Education Ministry offered a discussion of the film "Will and Grace" on June 29th, during a two-hours session facilitated by Rev. Ayden Petrone, an ordained Episcopal priest and licensed clinical social worker; 34 people attended this event 
• Outreach Ministry coordinated a Blood Drive in Dove Hall on June 30th with donation of 26 units from 24 volunteers.  Another Blood Drive will be held in December.
• Attended the CHS annual outing to the Patriot's baseball game with over 60 people attending from CHS.

• Reviewed planning for the Auction to be held September 20th.
• Discussed an Outreach opportunity to provide kits for women prisoners at the time they are released.
• Noted that our pledged giving is slightly behind as sometimes happens in the summer and agreed to remind parishioners during announcements.
• Learned of progress on the project to replace the fence between CHS and an adjacent home.  CHS received approval to remove damaged and overhanging trees which must take place before the fence can be replaced.
• Discussed timing and activities to recognize Fr. Matt's service as he completes his time as an interim and plans to welcome and onboard Mother Kim.
  • Father Matt's final Sunday will be August 31st, and we will have a reception coffee hour in his honor at both services.
  • We will have a supply priest on September 7.
  • Mother Kim's first Sunday in the pulpit will be September 14th, which coincides with our traditional Welcome Back breakfast.  This year the breakfast will be a potluck, and we'll ask the entire congregation to contribute.
  • Alex van Veldhuisen, with the support of the Property Team, will work with Mother Kim to redesign and refurbish the Rector's office to provide her with a welcoming space when she joins CHS.
  • Diane Hrozencik and Gary Scott will work on a plan to introduce Mother Kim to key volunteers and vestry members during her first week.
• The vestry is looking forward to welcoming Mother Kim and working with her to shape the future of CHS as we continue to grow in faith.

• “Winter Thaw” Pot Luck held February 22nd , with about 40 attendees and food and fellowship focused on learning about the hobbies of several parishioners.
• Successfully engaging Fr. Matt Engleby at CHS as Interim Rector, including completion of his Letter of Agreement with the diocese.
• Well attended Lenten activities including Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday service with approximately 40 and 25 attendees, respectively.
• Initial meeting of the Lenten Book Study on March 19 th with 27 attendees. The study is being led by Fr. Tim Mulder on “Dancing in the Darkness” by Otis Moss III.
• Passing grades from the Fire Department on the new fire alarm system, recently installed to meet state and local guidelines.
• Repair of the water fountain across from the door to Dove Hall. After years of disuse, the fountain is now fully operational again.
• Fr. Andrew’s departure at the completion of his contract.

Vestry Meeting Update