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Senior Warden’s Report
January 23, 2011

Through 2010 St. Matthew’s was fortunate to have supply priests at least twice a month to celebrate Holy Eucharist. Rev. Peter MacLean was with us faithfully through May when he decided it was time to move away from the pulpit. His efforts to improve our bookkeeping activities as well paid off when we got our audit accepted without any problems. Thanks to Rev. Dave Ganter for his contribution to that endeavor too. Other folks helped us out as well: Rev. Molly Comeau periodically, and Rev. George Moyser for almost 8 months trekking from Shelburne with his wife Stella. Our Deacons continue to enrich our lives and services by preaching on Sundays when we enjoyed Morning Prayer.

We struggled to find a consistent until Angie Conger joined us. She is now on board and learning the peculiarities required by the Diocese so that we can be in sync and susbmit an accurate parochial report. The system was developed by Peter MacLean as chair of the diocesan audit committee. He tested it on us. Now it is used throughout the diocese.

We participated in two ecumenical services. The Dairy Day service was on the park in a tent while it poured rain. The Thanksgiving service was held here. Contributions from both went to the local food shelf. As in the past the Vacation Bible School used the parish house for a week in June. St. Matthew’s provided food and drink for 80 participants one day.

The Northwest Deanery met three times with attendance from each of the Episcopal churches in the county. That designation may change in the near future but provides an opportunity for each parish to share its outreach and mission.

The rummage and bake sale was successful. It was held the same Saturday as many others in town and well advertised.. Maps showed locations to would be buyers.

Our website was updated regularly with the latest sermons and any special services such as Chelsea Boudreau’s musical offering at the Bishop’s visitation and at Christmas. It was wonderful of her to share her talents with us.

Rental of the parish house continues to help our revenues. Our tenants extended their lease for another year and have been faithful to their commitment. Various dance and other groups use the hall as well.

Visits to those who were homebound occurred regularly. Transportation was provided for those able to come to church with many thanks to Ruth, Kitten Ferdinand and Dave.

We celebrated the lives of two members who loved the church and served it faithfully. We miss both Virginia Lee and Edith Kamerling.

Several new young people have joined us for worship. We hope to see more of them in the future.

An exciting opportunity emerged when Rev. Jane Butterfield Presler and her husband Titus decided to retire to their”summer” home in Montgomery from ministry in New York state and elsewhere. Now it is their permanent residence With the help of the diocese we have hired Jane as Priest in partnership with St. Matthew’s for the next two years at one third time.

Thanks to all of you who continue in prayer and partnership as members of St. Matthews’s. We are blessed by each of you as we do the work that God has called on us to do.

Faithfully,

Edith C. Hawksworth
Senior Warden