From the Vestry - September

Vestry did not meet in July so the meeting on August 16 covered many important areas.

Stewardship: This year’s theme is Sacred Space, Living Faith. The campaign will run from September 25 to October 30 with a fun, family event scheduled on Saturday, October 29 as a “time of thanksgiving” with the gathered congregation members who attend. Details to be announced in the near future.

Finance: Current cathedral income is above budget but this is typical for this time of year and will level out by the end of the calendar year. Pledge income has continued to be consistent and the draw from the endowment has been less than budgeted. Expenses have continued to be lower than budgeted. Trinity Commons income is below budget but again, expenses remain below budget. Parking income has been less than anticipated but with Cleveland State students returning, this may improve. The down turn in the economy has had a negative impact on our endowment although there has been a slight rebound in the last month. The investment committee continues to closely monitor the market in consultation with our Key Bank financial consultants but at this time no changes will be made.

Vestry discussed the current status of the Wise, Warmeling, Way fund. This is a special fund established by the estate of a donor in the 1970s and overseen by a committee made up of Dean Owens, Dan Hout-Reilly, Ron Ross, Susan Crampton, Christian Negron, Eric Funston and Ute Vilfroy. This fund awards stipends to seminarians and those pursuing medical studies not in excess of $5,000. Currently the committee has established a new application process and is assisted in administering the funds by Dan Hout-Reilly.

Property & Sustainability: Mark Biddlestone advised that the courtyard entry way retaining wall and steps have been repaired. The leak in Mather Hall’s roof has been repaired and necessary tuck pointing has started. Stained glass window repair estimates from two vendors have been updated. The hearing loop installation in conference room A/B is moving ahead. The loop in the cathedral is working well.

Cathedral Ministries: The Rev. Adrienne Koch advised that all mission teams have met at least once and have begun to address the tasks of each of their ministries. Team members participated in a retreat held at the cathedral on Sunday, August 21.

Website: The new website and logo will be completed and launched on Sunday, September 18. Vestry minutes are available at trinitycleveland.org/vestry-minutes. Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. in-person in conference room A/B. As always, if you have any concerns, you may send them to the wardens or any member of vestry.