Vestry Viewpoint

Each month a vestry member is asked to write a piece for The Tartan. We can choose our topic and, I must say, I feel somewhat intimidated about writing an article because we have some fine writers in our group. I have enjoyed reading their pieces. Their competence has impressed me and I decided early on that I needed to select a topic so I could run the idea around in my head and do some mental proofing before putting words on paper. And I did just that. Except I had no idea of a topic. hmmm. Then it got to be June and I read the deadline for the newsletter was closer than I planned. Time really does “fugit”. Then it dawned on me…I think it was a heavenly inspiration. I knew what my topic had to be. And it’s a good one. There are members of our church who, while appreciated, are never formally brought into the light. So to speak. OKAY! Here we are. The subjects appear.

Let’s look at Bill and Linda Brice. Familiar faces of both. I met Linda soon after I became a member of St. Andrew’s. I discovered that, while Linda was not THE CHURCH SECRETARY, she seemed to have all the answers. She was active in the diocese as well in many roles in our church. She “retook” the role of secretary many years ago and there she still is. She hinted at retirement but we lost a rector. Ever dedicated, Linda agreed to stay to “keep the fires going” until we select a new priest. I know that she has worked under difficult circumstances (keeping a fire going can be tough)…sometimes the wood is not good or gets wet but no matter the problem, the fire was lit and kept burning. And no matter the time of day, Linda always has a smile, patience and assistance.

Bill, now our treasurer, is another person who has given time and talent to holding the fort”. Being treasurer has been only the most recent task he has taken on. I also know he has always been concerned with the overall health of our facility. It was he, for example, who made us aware of the importance of repairing our roof. Having built in the Homes for Habitat organization, he knows construction. And he has a keen eye for repair. Dependable? Of course, but more than that, he is the “man to go to.” He HAS THE ANSWERS and if Bill says we need to do something, believe him. Thank you both for your dedication and competence. When asked whether I could write about them, I was advised to not say anything bad. I have searched for AT LEAST a week and I couldn’t find anything. And when you see either one of these stalwarts, I
hope you will offer a thank you.

Another couple who came to mind is Virginia Gaub and Ed Wolfer. Know what they have been doing year round for several years….running the Food Bank. Unless you happen to volunteer at the Food Bank you may not even be aware of their service. Although they are visible and responsible for opening the facility the last Wednesday of every month, rain or shine, they are also responsible for making sure there is food to offer. There are morning workers who set up the bank for the day with Virginia’s help. Virginia and Ed obtain volunteers, train new volunteers, manage the records, return perishable food that needs to be returned and take down the bank in the evening. I think you may have responded to requests made for items not available from the central bank. I have, from time to time, volunteered at the Food Bank. There have been cold, rainy winter days when the room was filled with people waiting to get their groceries. Chaotic? Yes! Noisy? Yes. People with questions? People frustrated? Yes! Nonetheless, I have never seen either one out of sorts, upset, lacking in patience. They have been running the Food bank for as long as I can remember. I think they are both sterling evidence of community service something St. Andrew’s is keen to support. Have you thought of thanking them? How about volunteering? It’s only once a month for a few hours.

For this column, my last selection is The Reverend Pam Tinsley. I have been at St Andrew’s since 2010 and discovered that Pam was studying to become a priest in the Episcopal church. Having considered this career myself once, I was really impressed. “Good for her”, I thought. Let’s see, how many years has she been pursuing this profession? This woman had a vision and been working toward that goal for a long time. I see an amazing love of God, persistence, perseverance, inspiration, and a desire to be of service. There have been some rough spots along the way but there has always been a dedication to serve. She always has a smile on her face and a commitment I admire. The big day has come and gone for her and while we will miss her, David’s support of Pam’s call has been coupled with his service to St. Andrew’s also. Vestry member, choir member, Tech support and always a smile. We are fortunate we were able to “ make your acquaintance”. Thanks for stopping by. We know you are loved by God and…us too. And thanks.

God has surely blessed us as well. And we are thankful. There are a lot of others
who have given both time and talent for many years. However, had I tried to write about
all of you, there’d have been no room in The Tartan for any other articles. But there are
other Tartans!