Our restrictions on gathering (less than 50% capacity) impact our Annual Meeting and require us to be innovative this year. To achieve the required quorum numbers to vote for the mission budget, convention delegates, and the vestry election, we plan a combination Zoom meeting and in-person meeting in our Parish Center.

We need every adult parishioner to participate either online (by downloading Zoom) or by meeting in the Parish Center on Saturday, January 30 at 11AM.

Our bylaws dictate a quorum, or we must reschedule the meeting. So, please help us by participating that day.

We will attach electronic copies of the Annual Report closer to the meeting date. If you need to download Zoom, or have questions on the process, we are here to help. Call 410-287-5522.

We reopen for in-person worship beginning on Wednesday, January 20 at 10AM.

Sunday worship on January 24 is limited at this time to under 25, so reservations are required. Please contact the church office via email or call (410-287-5522) to make a reservation.

Confirmation class resumes next Sunday, Jan 24 at 9:30-10:30AM.

Dear Parishioners,

Last week, I shared with you our decision to remain closed to in-person worship following the Bishop’s call for us to limit our worship to under 10.

After some additional discussion this week, the Bishop now encourages Diocesan clergy to use our own discretion about reopening to a maximum of 25 parishioners. We are to consider our county’s health department guidelines and our own efforts to maintain a safe worship space.

Clearly, this is a confusing time filled with lots of unknowns, viewpoints, suggestions and dictates, but I can assure you that we are proactive and cautious, do our homework, and do not take any unnecessary risks.

This week, I consulted with our local health department and discovered they currently advise local churches to gather at less than 50% capacity. I noticed that many nearby churches remain open at this reduced capacity.

In light of these findings, and our robust efforts to keep this church safe (the installation of an air purification system last summer, the use of the electrostatic sprayer between services, and all mandated protocols), I believe we can safely meet with the suggested maximum of 25 parishioners.

I discussed this decision with two local Episcopal colleagues, Henry Sabetti of Shrewsbury Parish and Darcy Williams of Emmanuel Church in Chestertown. They did their homework, too, and now plan to reopen to in-person worship gatherings.

So, beginning next week, let’s gather again for in-person worship on Wednesdays at 10AM and Sundays at 8 and 10AM. We require reservations for Sundays, so please contact the church office if you plan to attend either our 8 or 10AM worship.

If you have any symptoms, please do not attend church and consult your healthcare provider. We will continue with our online services for those who remain at home.

I remain optimistic for the day we will safely worship together at full capacity (about 120). As we work toward that goal, please know that I pray for your health and well-being and miss seeing you. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding during this time.

Blessings,

Fr. John

The vestry is the legal representative of the parish regarding all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. St. Mary Anne’s By-laws calls for nine vestry members, each serving for a period of 3 years from election to election. No member of the Vestry shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector.

The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.

We have three vestry vacancies to be filled. Phyllis Doyle and Judy Coudon, are two incumbents who completed their terms and each seek another three year term. Rotating off vestry is Pat Wagner. We are grateful for her service as a vestry person, and thank her for her commitment.

Our Nominating Committee (George Balog, George Kaplan, Fr. John ad hoc) submit Linda Gibeck as a nominee for the vacancy created by Pat. We have Linda’s bio and photo here, so please review prior to the Annual Meeting (TBA).

Other nominations may be made from the floor, but those nominations must be members who meet the qualifications of eligibility as defined in Article V, Section 1 of our Bylaws and must have the consent and approval of the member nominated. As is St. Mary Anne’s policy, all nominations from the floor must be submitted prior to the Annual Meeting to verify eligibility qualifications, as defined in our Bylaws, willingness to serve, and so biographical information can be presented to the parish in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and to those who are willing to serve.

Blessings,

Father John and the Vestry of St. Mary Anne’s

January, 2021