Senior Warden’s Report

Senior Warden’s Report by Oliver Cone

2021 unfolded in much the same way as 2020 – with the Vestry, staff and congregation of Transfiguration having to adapt to the frequently changing and uncertain effects of a global health pandemic – and yet, just as last year, we collectively took some truly meaningful steps to support our church’s continued growth and mission to seek and serve Christ in all persons. Among the priorities established at the Vestry’s virtual retreat in February was a commitment to providing the financial stability required to meet the staffing needs of the church. We have for several years operated with fewer full-time clergy and staff members than many parishes of our size, which ultimately limits our growth and possibilities, and places a heavy burden on the team we do have. We supported continuing the decision made in 2020 to make the Director of Youth Ministries a full-time position, and enthusiastically welcomed (back) the Rev. Ted Clarkson as full-time Curate.

After putting our capital campaign on hold in 2020, the Vestry elected to relaunch in March and spent much time this past year prioritizing and funding key projects. Just as we need to invest in clergy and staff if we are to sustain and expand our ministries, the Vestry believes strongly that we have an obligation to maintain and upgrade our campus and buildings to ensure a safe, welcoming and nourishing environment for years to come. On a related note, in 2021 we renewed and amended the agreement between Transfiguration and Parish Episcopal School for PES’s use of buildings and spaces on our campus. This new agreement updated some of the operating and capital cost-sharing calculations and extended the arrangement through the middle of 2034. Three years of serving on the Vestry has opened my eyes to the commitment and hard work of so many people who make Transfiguration the wonderful church community it is. We are blessed by the efforts of a relatively small number of remarkable people, including clergy, staff and volunteers, and every contribution of time, talents and treasure has an outsized impact. Knowing our collective potential and recognizing the budgetary constraints we are facing in an environment of rising costs, I ask you all to support the Vestry’s commitment to growth by pledging to our operating fund and finding an opportunity to get involved in the life and ministries of Transfiguration wherever your interests and talents lie.

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