January 2011 Annual Meeting
by Roxy Wright Freedle
What has it meant to me to serve on the Vestry? It has been an opportunity to be a part of our church family here at St. Matthew's. I have gotten to know many more of our members and become aware of all the many things that they accomplish here routinely, and sometimes anonymously. From cleaning inside, raking outside, plowing snow to greeting and comforting those in need; our congregation is a shining light in our community of Fairbanks. Looking around at our congregation there are many who have served on the Vestry, and I am thankful for their dedicated service.
The Vestry usually meets once a month. Their primary orders of business are to deal with budget matters and decisions about the physical upkeep and running of the church. The Vestry is not expected to do everything, but if others do not volunteer, then members usually are stepping up to whatever task is at hand. It definitely requires a commitment of both time and work. Possessing the ability of encouraging others to be involved is a great talent to have when on the Vestry.
Another important aspect of being on the Vestry is that of working with our Rector and others to plan ahead and set goals. This past spring the Vestry had a one day retreat led by Jeff Merkel. I felt that it was time very well spent. We looked at out past, present and future. In looking at our future, the overriding vision that we had for St. Matthew's was that of a vibrant Youth Ministry. Two years ago at our annual meeting it was voted that we have a church discussion on encouraging and involving young families in our church. This year St. Matthew's received an endowment from the estate of Dorothy Pitka. The vestry felt that we should put it before the congregation whether to use a portion of this money as a startup to hire a Youth Minister. We are always struggling to meet our budget, but the saints of God here at St. Matthew's miraculously come through. In using the endowment money, it is only for the first year, and to sustain the program it would be important for sustainable funding to be achieved.
When I was first asked to be Senior Warden, the task before me was daunting, wondering if I could fill the shoes of those who have gone ahead. Father Scott told me not to worry, but to just be me (that is all that God wants for us- to just be ourselves). And I have tried to do my best, and I thank all here at St. Matthew's for the opportunity to serve our Church.
