ANNUAL MEETING JANUARY 23, 2022
Adoption of Special Rules Governing the Annual Meeting
The annual meeting may be conducted as a virtual and in-person hybrid meeting according the Diocesan and Episcopal Church canons and per the Bishop Leadership call on January 6, 2022 and for the virtual annual meetings. The vestry has approved to proceed with this format.
Annual Meeting Minutes, Jan 2021
Opening: Meeting brought to order by La Benesh, Senior Warden, at 10:55 AM, following the church service.
Supplemental Rules for Virtual Meetings During the Covid-19 Pandemic: La Benesh noted and reviewed the supplemental rules for virtual meetings put forth by Bishop Megan Traquir. The rules had previously been published in the Anchor Newsletter and on the website. These rules, when adopted, supersede other annual meeting guidelines. They include the ability to elect vestry members and convention delegates by affirmation. It was moved, seconded and approved to adopt these rules (attached).
Annual Reports: It was noted that a shortened version of the Annual Reports was published in the Anchor, due to space issues. The full reports are available on the St. Clement’s website. In lieu of hearing verbal reports today, it was agreed that members could read these reports at their convenience.
Vestry Candidates: The outgoing vestry members include La Benesh, Denise Smith, and Laura Simkins. La Benesh introduced the vestry candidates, who each spoke briefly about themselves. Their bios appeared in the Anchor Newsletter (attached). The slate of candidates is as follows:
Steven Barnett
Sharon-Burke Polana
Ted Ward
La Benesh again explained the affirmation process, noting anyone who wanted to dissent could send her a private chat on Zoom, and explaining how to do this. It was moved and seconded to affirm this slate of candidates, and the slate was approved by affirmation.
Diocesan Convention Candidates: La Benesh introduced the candidates, and each spoke briefly about themselves. The candidates are as follows:
Sharon Burke-Polana
Debbi Honeycutt
Len Honeycutt
Guido Polana
The slate was approved by affirmation. La explained that we will have three delegates and an alternate. The individuals elected will decide amongst themselves who will be the alternate.
Concluding Remarks from La Benesh
Well I am glad that 2020 is over and we are in to 2021! My detailed Senior Warden report is on the website but I want to just mention some highlights:
We began with a new vestry in Jan 2020 and we were going along just fine for a couple of months just like every other year. Then COVID hit and we hit the ‘pause’ button and shifted our priorities to cope with COVID. Here are some of the top priority things we accomplished:
- Fr. Kenn appointed a Regathering Committee (Ane Deister as chair) and they created the report that Bishop Megan required. Sharon Burke-Polana, Debbi Honeycutt, Carole Maxson, Pam Quarles, Dr. Mike Chapman, Emily Hyberg all served on this committee. You will find the summary on the website of their 35-page report we sent to Bishop Megan. Regathering was something we spent a lot of time on. We had to follow the federal, state, county and city of Rancho Cordova regulations, do a survey to find out what the congregation felt about the health risk, and we had to abide by Bishop Megan’s direction. But we did it.
- We began holding Sunday services and other church meetings virtually using zoom. The more we used it the better we got.
- Then when we were allowed to, we met outdoor at church on the lawn for 10:00 am service, and also provided virtual access for others on zoom, Facebook live stream, and YouTube. When we met out doors we practiced social distancing and followed all the requirements from the Regathering report to protect our congregation and minimize any health impacts.
- We also added Morning Prayer and Compline to provide more opportunities for us to connect – virtually – during this time.
- Next we were faced with social unrest and injustice issues and Fr. Kenn set up a couple of book studies to help equip us with information and practices to help guide our parish in dealing with this conflict.
- We had a lot of things to fix up around the church and this was a good time to do that. You will see the Junior Warden’s report on the website with a list of things that were accomplished.
- In the middle of all this Fr. Kenn accepted another position in Delaware to be closer to their family. That was a wrinkle we had to deal with. But we took a deep breath and we just kept things working.
- With Fr. Kenn leaving Bishop Megan worked closely with us and we used an expedited process to interview and select a new Priest-in-Charge who will begin tomorrow. Mother Betsey is wonderful and we are blessed to have her join our church.
- You will see from the ministry reports posted on the website that the regular things we do as a church for the most part kept on going, despite COVID and Fr. Kenn’s leaving. In particular, the outreach program continued to be a success as you will see in Laura’s report.
- We conducted a Stewardship Campaign to get in the pledges so we could hire a new priest and have the money pledged to pay her salary. It looks like most of the parish have turned in their pledges and we are so thankful for that. Kent is especially thankful!
- And today 3 vestry members finished their terms and 3 new ones were elected. We have delegates ready to represent the church in November at the Diocesan convention. We are ready to do what we need to do in 2021.
- So we have kept everything going smoothly, as much as possible – but I have to say one more thing.
- We all owe a lot of thanks and gratitude to Fr. Mike who has been on this journey with us all year. He has been our spiritual leader, our friend, our pastor, our adviser, and he sometimes helps us laugh just when we need it the most. Thank you so much Fr. Mike!
As I leave the Senior Warden role, I want to say again how much I appreciate the opportunity to serve this church and work with this amazing team. Please see the reports posted on the website – they are amazing. There is so much information it would take us a week to go through these reports.
Thank you to everyone and peace to our little church on the corner.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM
Sr. Warden’s Report
Thank you everyone for your prayers and support during this year of Transitions. As you can see from this report, we have many volunteers and ministries that are continuing to thrive and to keep us connected with each other and with our neighborhood. Please join me in thanking all our devoted volunteers. If you want to participate in one of the ministries, I hope you will take this opportunity to reach out and connect. If you would like someone to connect with you, please let us know.
The uncertainty of COVID and safety restrictions have created many challenges this year. We have been able to worship virtually, outdoors in-person, and indoors with a virtual option for those who are not able to be with us. We have adhered to mask restrictions this year as we have moved to in-person worship.
St. Clement’s is a supportive community and we have been called to be instrumental in sending out disciples beyond our community. Laura Simkins and I had the privilege of being part of Emily Hyberg’s Regional Discernment team as she listened to the Holy Spirit’s call to ordained ministry. Emily has started her journey and is now a postulant in the process of becoming a priest. We are all so proud of her. St Clement’s was also blessed to be part of Mother Betsey’s journey and her call to become the Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa. According to Acts 13, “the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me disciples for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they have prayed, they sent them away.” We were called to send Emily and Mother Betsey with our prayers and blessings. We truly will miss them both.
Regrettably we said goodbye to Fr Mike who has retired, again. We are so thankful and blessed that he has been with us for the past 4 years. We have also celebrated milestones in the lives of our parishioners. This includes special birthdays for Mary Norseweather who celebrated her 100th birthday and Mickey Boughton who celebrated her 90th birthday. We celebrated the lives of those we recently lost, Jim Wash and Chuck Maxson.
We are now in the process of calling a new priest to St. Clement’s to be our spiritual leader as we move forward into the future. The vestry has been working hard, preparing the job description and the parish profile that is now advertised throughout our diocese and the country. Canon Julie Wakelee from the Bishop’s office has been invaluable in this process. We are advertising for a 3/4 time priest and the diocese is helping us financially for the first two of years of this transition. Soon we will be welcoming our new priest to join our caring St Clement’s family. I am asking everyone to keep the parish and our future priest in your prayers.
Thank you Betty Chapman, and Ane Deister for your invaluable service on the vestry for the past several years. Let us thank those who have served on the vestry, those who are continuing to serve, and those who are joining the vestry.
Blessings, Sharon Burke-Polana, Senior Warden
Junior Warden Report
Having been appointed in June this is a truncated report.
I am working on securing our parking lot to cut down on unauthorized usage. I have the chain, locks, and reflectors. I still need to identify who needs keys and get them assigned before I can lock off the parking lot.
John Sandhoff is assisting me in tracking down various electrical issues relating to the outside lights. If needed we will hire an electrician, but John is helping to cut the cost by doing the troubleshooting.
I met with Rancho Cordova PD in October, and they laid out how we can make changes to our landscaping to make it less palatable to the homeless.
In the coming year, I am working on more property improvements and catching up on needed maintenance.
Respectfully Submitted, Tim Tribble, Junior Warden
Treasurer’s year end 2021 Report
Well, what started off as a typical, normal, calm year sure didn’t end up that way, but then that is all water under the bridge, and we must go on. Hopefully to bigger and better things. Blame it on Covid, blame it on the weather, blame it all on the environment, whatever we want, there is something that we can say caused it to all happen. Doesn’t mean we can stop doing what we are doing, so let’s not do that, we are off to the races with another new beginning, pray it is going to be a wonderful year and let’s do it.
Generally, we were on our way to going over the budget until September when Pastor Betsey was called to the Diocese of Iowa as their Bishop.
Outreach was very successful this year in that we paid over $6,000 to the pantry, $1100 to help the Covid-19 at Episcopal Relief with smaller amounts going to HART, the local food bank, and EFM Tuition.
In general, we really did well during the pandemic with the mixed mode worship on live in the Sanctuary and live on ZOOM, so that in the end, we had neither a boom nor bust year, in that our total income less total expenses was only $4.00.
Kent Ransom, Treasurer
Treasurer’s 2022 Budget
2021 Income and Expense Report
Altar Guild Report 2021
The year pretty much started as we ended. We continued online services but maintaining the Church colors inside so the congregation would feel more of a connection. Starting in March we began outside services with Palm Sunday. Easter was also celebrated outside with a lovely day. The Altar was set as if we were inside, bread only for touchless communion with all the bells and whistles. Everyone was checked in before services and a list was made in order to follow-up the following week to see if anyone had any Covid 19 symptoms.
In May we started a discussion of returning indoors with options of online services with the hopes of being inside by Fathers’ Day. On June 20th we held our first indoor service with an online service as an option. Still wearing masks, we were able to proceed with communion (bread only) and no singing. At the end of June, we were able to sing with masks. Just having the sound of music and being inside with the Altar in clear view was wonderful!
As the year progressed, we were able to have the choir process, singing at the Altar, and for one week we were mask free. Then the Delta Variant appeared, and the masks came back on. All the devoted Altar Guild (Len & Debbi Honeycutt, Stephen Soulman, Muriel Murray, Sharon Burke Polana and Jennifer Yee) kept the church in the color for season as though we didn’t have a pandemic. We ended the year with the church beautifully decorated for our Christmas service.
Blessings, Debbi Honeycutt – Altar Guild Directress
Anchor Report
The St. Clements’ Anchor is the periodic newsletter prepared for St. Clements church. In it are news items relating to the church and its activities, critical reminders of events and the like. It is published weekly electronically and distributed to the general parish via Constant Contact. For those parishioners who do not have email capacity a printed version is mailed which is identical to the electronic version. Articles and announcements should be submitted to [email protected] for timely inclusion.
Harry Shippy
Daughters of The King, Maranatha Chapter
We currently have seven active members all of whom have promised to obey the two Rules of the Order, the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. We also offer at all times our loyal aid to the clergy and to the parish. In so doing we pray that we will fulfill the Mission of the Order which is the extension of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (May we say the “E” word, EVANGELISM?)
The beginning of the year 2021 found us all continuing to “shelter in place” and adapting to the restrictions faced as a result of the prevalence of the Covid 19 virus. However, the Daughters of the King were able to avail themselves of the wonders of Zoom and so were able to continue to hold their monthly meetings. For this we are most grateful for the technical knowledge of our DOK sisters Ane Deister and Sharon Burke-Polana.
Ambitiously our chapter hosted the NorCal Diocesan Spring Assembly, a truly “Zoom Event”. The theme chosen for this assembly was “Listening to the Voice of God”. We were delighted to welcome about 80 participants, representing 17 chapters which included Daughters at Large. We were pleased to have our very own Mother Betsey Monnot (now Bishop Betsey) celebrate morning prayer, a centering prayer workshop led by Emily Hyberg (now postulate Emily) and closing prayer by Deacon Babbette Haggenjos.
About mid-year, with the advent of the most welcome vaccines, we were able to hold “hybrid meetings”. Those who felt safe attending the meeting in person were able to do so. Those who could not, were able to participate via zoom. As in most meetings, “business”, both old and new, was always part of the agenda. We strive to be of SERVICE by following the MOTTO of the ORDER –
For His Sake… I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, by the grace of God I will do.
Lord what will you have me do?
We were blessed to be able to contribute financial assistance to “our very own” postulant Emily. Our president, Sharon Burke-Polana, has graciously delivered flowers to parishioners in need of an extra big virtual hug! All of the daughters contribute to the needs of the parish by participation in varied ministries – Vestry, Altar Guild, Sunday School, Choir, Lay Ministers, Office Duties and Media.
Our prayerful study continues as we read the book “Sitting at the feet of the Rabbi Jesus” by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg.
Each meeting begins and ends with PRAYER. We Daughters are blessed to be branches of our Parish Prayer Tree as we pray for the Church, the World, and parishioners.
Respectfully submitted, Muriel Murray.
Education for Ministry (EFM)
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year course of study administered by the Sewanee School of Theology. Through this study we connect our faith with our daily lives and reflect on how scripture and religious tradition interacts with our culture, our beliefs, and our personal experience. Our seminar is a one -room schoolhouse, with Year 1 participants studying the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Year 2 The New Testament, Year 3 The History of Christianity, and Year 4 Theology and Ethics. In the course of this study, we also do other common readings which foster spiritual growth. Like many groups we have continued to
St Clement’s EfM continues to be a vital learning experience. In the past year, Reggie Daniels graduated from our program and spoke at the special graduation service at Trinity Cathedral. He then promptly turned around and signed up again for year one! That is the kind of effect that EfM can have on participants. There is always something more to learn, and in learning we are motivated to take action as ministers in God’s Kingdom.
This year Guido Polana, a graduate in 2020, became Co-Mentor for our group, and he has been a great help to Laura Simkins as the Administrative Mentor. Our current participants are Muriel Murray and Reggie Daniels (Year 1), Ted Ward (Year2) and Mike Carew and Lynn Holman (Year 3.)
For more information about EfM, please talk to Laura Simkins or Guido Polana.
Respectfully submitted with God’s help by, Laura Simkins
Labyrinth Project
The idea of building a Labyrinth at St. Clement’s was brought up to the Vestry by Terry Sandhoff at the September 2021 Vestry Meeting. View video at: https://youtu.be/–PPjn2LmOM
The idea was to create safe and sacred spaces around our church property where the community can come to find God, healing and solace in the difficult times in which we live. The plan is to create community involvement in the creation and production of this area. People who take interest in building it will have the “buy-in” to keep it clean and safe.
- Shrubs that are low and canopy that is high to offer the feel of privacy while still being safe for people to walk the labyrinth.
- Lighting that makes paths and the area visible
- Drip irrigation systems will be used for watering the areas
- Cement benches where people can rest and meditate
- Funding will come through grants and donations
- This is a multi-year project
At the November Vestry meeting, the Vestry voted to move ahead with planning to build a Labyrinth in the open area at corner of the Zinfandel and Cordova Lane.
Respectfully Submitted, Terry Sandhoff
What is Morning Prayer (by Lynn Holman)
Morning Prayer is currently offered by St Clement’s three times a week (M/W/F) from 9:00am to 10:00am. Many of us in the Morning Prayer group have been together for almost two years since the start of the pandemic. I call Morning Prayer a combination of prayer, bible study (discussion of the daily scripture readings), insights (homily) from our leader Father Mike, and at the end of Morning Prayer we offer intercessions for those in need. Over the last two years I have learned how to navigate the prayer book, come to love the morning canticles, and have learned so much about the Book of Psalms. I have also learned a great deal about the Old and New Testament. Each morning after the daily scripture readings have been read, we have open discussions about what spoke to us or questions we may have had regarding the readings. I have learned so much from these discussions from both Father Mike and the members of the group. Our group currently includes members from St Clement’s, Trinity Cathedral, Father Grant from St Matthew’s, and we even have a member that currently lives in Oregon. All are welcome and we would love to have you join our Morning Prayer group.
Music Ministry
January 2021 brought St Clement’s music more virtual anthems and organ/piano music due to the Covid Monster. The choir generally numbered 10 however most of the time there were 12 voices (some members singing and recording 2 parts). The technology challenge caused some not to be able to participate. The choir provided anthems every other week and on the alternate weeks a previous recording or an instrumental number was used.
Then, the advent of the vaccine made it possible for us to meet outdoors in the spring/summer. At first the anthems were done by a group of tone-chime players. Then later we were allowed to sing outdoors.
Fall came and the annual choir retreat was held at church in person for the first time in 2 years. We carefully prayed together, sang together and ate together. And we prayerfully considered our mission to St. Clement’s. Out of this came our Mission Statement:
To Praise God Through Song
To Build Fellowship Through Song
To Awake the Spirit Through Song
We also listened for the first time an arrangement of Lessons and Carols which we planned to present on the fourth Sunday of Advent. We would begin rehearsing this the following Sunday.
Fall also brought cooler weather and it was necessary to move indoors. The congregation was soon allowed to sing with masks. With this it followed that the choir members should process and take their places once again in the altar. There they were better able to lead the congregation in singing.
Since spring the choir or other instrumental group have been preparing an anthem each week. And moving inside was no different. We prepared an anthem for each Sunday. In order to do this we recorded the anthem a week ahead and they were projected on the screens by Guido Polana.
November came and it was decided that the choir could present their anthems without masks from the altar area. When they left the altar area they would wear their masks. It was beginning to look like things were returning to normal.
December 15 (4 days before the choir was to present their Christmas gift to the congregation) the State of California/ CDC announced a mask mandate which would be in effect until January 15. This was a crushing blow to a lot of hard work and our vestry kindly allowed us to present it without masks if we all received a negative COVID test. We did and were delighted to be able to give St Clement’s our gift of song.
At the present time we are still sitting in the altar area with masks and will go back to recording our anthem a week in advance. We will pray for a time when we can again sing praises without masks.
Carole Maxson, Director of Music Ministries.
Outreach
St Clement’s has shared abundantly with the community during a year when life was stressful for all due to the pandemic. Our main focus was HART (the Homeless Assistance Resource Program) and the People’s Pantry at the United Methodist Church of Rancho Cordova.
HART was unable to have its annual Winter Shelter during the past year, due to COVID-19, so we sought out ways to help those in need as best we could. St. Clement’s collected and donated 20 Toiletry Bags to the Rancho Cordova Hart program in February. In addition, The Daughters of the King donated items to Arden Arcade HART. Handmade face masks were donated in March, along with requested bicycle tire repair kits. In November the congregation took up a collection and assembled 50 awesome Blessing Bags chock full of needed items for Rancho Cordova HART.
St. Clement’s remains involved in planning the Rancho Cordova HART Winter Shelter for 2022. Laura Simkins and Tim Tribble attend regular HART meetings.
In December, St Clement’s donated $225.00 worth of Target gift cards to the Folsom Cordova School District to help out homeless students and families.
The People’s Pantry celebrated its two-year anniversary in August of this past year. St. Clement’s has been involved in this ministry from the beginning, and each month we have faithful volunteers who help to pack and distribute food to the community. The congregation has been so good about donating food items for the pantry, and the financial donations St. Clement’s parishioners have made have gone a long way toward ensuring those who come to the pantry get bread and eggs, among other necessities. Laura Simkins is currently on the board of the People’s Pantry.
We are grateful for the time, talent and treasure that make this Outreach possible. The people of St. Clement’s truly serve others and Jesus in their daily lives.
Respectfully submitted with God’s help,
Laura Simkins, Outreach Coordinator
Outreach: Dress a Girl Around the World
Dress a Girl Around the World, St Clements is part of the international group whose mission is to bring dignity to girls around the world. We dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress. We want girls to know that they are worthy of respect, and that they are loved by God. The dressed are sent to countries around the world.
During COVID we have continued to make contributions to the Northern California Branch of Dress A Girl.
Sharon Burke-Polana
Paraklete Press/Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study
Betty Chapman founded Paraklete Press of California and The Lectionary Bible Study at St. Clement’s on May 14, 1989. Paraklete Press of California has been an outreach activity of St. Clement’s for thirty-two years. St. Clement’s publishes The Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study as a quarterly study booklet. We currently sell about 800 books annually to churches in the United States, Canada and occasionally in other countries.
Many volunteers at St. Clement’s are responsible for this unique educational and spiritual venture. Betty Chapman writes The Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study and arranges for it to be printed. Chris Wash process the orders and mail the books. Mickey Boughton, Bobby Keill, Muriel Murray and Thomas Casady (Betty’s brother in Oklahoma) are proofreaders and editors. Betty Chapman leads the class on Tuesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study costs $9.98 per book plus tax and shipping. It is also available as a PDF at a reduced price. All profits go directly to the General Fund of St. Clement’s Church. The net income in 2021, after paying expenses, was $4,109 which goes directly into the general fund to help support our church.
Everyone from St. Clement’s who helps with the production of The Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study is a volunteer. Expenses consist of advertising, envelopes, stamps, computer formatting for final printing and printing costs. The income helps to supplement the church’s annual budget.
This past year we have introduced a digital download quarterly book at $6.95 per digital download. In addition we have encouraged churches and Bible study groups to use Zoom for Bible study
Our main source of advertising is through our webpage.
The Web Page address is: www.lectionarybiblestudy.org.
Our e-mail address is: [email protected]
We are also listed on the National Episcopal Church Website.
Respectfully submitted by Betty Chapman
Sacred Ground Circle
Sacred Ground is a film – and reading – based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity.
The 10-part series is build around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.
Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.
WHAT IS THE SACRED GROUND RACE DIALOGUE SERIES?
- Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism.
- It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today, reflecting on family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story.
- It holds as a guiding star the vision of beloved community – where all people are honored and protected and nurtured as beloved children of God, where we weep at one another’s pain and seek one another’s flourishing.
St. Clement’s started their first Sacred Ground Circle on Feb 4th 2021. The course met every Thursday for 12 weeks from 1-3pm. The Co-Facilitators were Betsey Monnot and Terry Sandhoff. We had 8 participants all from St. Clement’s. We were planning to offer Sacred Ground Circle throughout the year, offering it online to people across the nation. Terry has been searching for a new Co-Facilitator, since Betsey is no longer available to continue the project.
Respectfully Submitted, Terry Sandhoff
Sunday School
At our in-person Sunday services, we are wearing masks. Mask wearing is difficult for the children and vaccines have not been available to young children until recently. As a result, we have continued to meet virtually. We have used YouTube videos published by St. Mark’s Church, Palo Alto. Each family is encouraged watch the videos with their children. Meanwhile, based upon these stories, we have created “bible story cards” which are sent to the children. Sunday School has been scheduled on Zoom during our expanded coffee hours, to which all children are invited, so that we can all discuss the stories and share their crafts. Some of the children also have been able to join us in person during our coffee hours and the in-person connection is a blessing.
We are all looking forward to the time when we will be meeting together again in person!
Sharon Burke-Polana, Muriel Murray, and Heather Vierra
Regathering and Transition Committees Combined
Introduction:
Two committees were established to provide guidance, leadership and recommendations to the vestry regarding:
- Considerations, requirements, steps and procedures to follow related to virtual worship options and opportunities to return to in-person worship (Regathering Committee)
- Considerations, actions to conduct a clergy transition process (Transition Committee); first organized when Fr. Kenn left, continued during Mother Betsey’s tenure and continued after Mother Betsey’s departure
As the work of these two committees overlapped in membership, scope and intent, they were combined during Mother Betsey’s tenure and renamed: Transgathering Committee
Accomplishments:
Below is a list of the accomplishments of these committees either individually or combined:
- Continual updating and reconsideration of health risks of various worship options – especially regarding whether to gather indoors in-person
- Continue updating of operations of indoors in-person gatherings including hybrid virtual options, mask wearing, music and choir masks, communion options
- Establishment of monthly ‘social’ gatherings outdoors after 10:00 am service
- Implementation of those social events
- Surveys of congregation to ascertain ‘comfort-level’ with in-person functions
- Recommendations for the Executive Committee and Senior Warden to consider in discussions with Rev. Julie regarding our current clergy search
Transgathering Committee members:
Sharon Burke-Polana, Tim Tribble, Debbi Honecutt, Carole Maxson, Terry Sandhoff, Harry Shippy, Chris Wash, Kent Ransom, Emily Hyberg, Ane Deister
In addition, the following also participated in some way to assist the committee: Denise Smith, La Benesh, Janelle Fallon, Fr. Mike Kerrick, Judy Kerrick
Veterans Ministry
St. Clement’s is a proud partner of 4 Paws 2 Freedom, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization #47-1318087 that teaches Veterans and First Responders to train their dog to be their service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In 2021, 6 new Service Dog Teams graduated as Certified Service Dog Teams. There are currently 44 Active Service Dog Teams. There are 22 teams in training and we have budgeted for 7 new service dog classes to start in 2022. In addition, 4 Paws 2 Freedom has reached out to the community and trained basic obedience to 30 dogs in the community.
Respectfully Submitted, Terry Sandhoff
Elections
Vestry Candidates: The outgoing vestry members include Betty Chapman, Ane Deister, Tim Tribble. We would like to thank those who served on the last vestry for their dedication.
The slate of Vestry candidates is as follows:
Tim Tribble (has agreed to run for a full term)
Laura Simkins
Janelle Fallon
Harry Shippy (1 year term)
Candidate Bios
Janelle Fallan
In November, when I was asked to speak to you all about what I am grateful for at St. Clement’s, I talked about the ways I have seen the Holy Spirit at work in my life. I can’t state that the Spirit is guiding me to serve on the Vestry now; I can only do my best to go where faith and opportunity lead me.
A few facts about me: I am a cradle Episcopalian, having grown up in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Helena Montana.
My husband, Ken Dunham, and I have lived in Folsom since 2006. We joined St. Clement’s in 2011. We have moved several times over the years and St. Clement’s is our seventh Episcopal church.
I served on the St. Clement’s Vestry from 2015 to 2018 and I have helped organize several annual pledge drives. I am also an acolyte and Lay Eucharistic Minister. And I retired from full-time work in June 2021.
Serving on the Vestry is just that – a servant ministry. I am continually amazed at the talented people who give their all for St. Clement’s. This church literally would not be here without them, and I do feel called to help out.
Laura Simkins
I have been a member of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church for about 4 years now, having transferred from St. Francis, Fair Oaks, when it closed. Since coming to at St. Clement’s, I have served on the vestry for two years and helped with the search for a new priest, which resulted in the call to the Reverend Betsey Monnot.
At St. Clement’s, I also mentor Education for Ministry and coordinate our Outreach Program, primarily focused on the People’s Pantry and HART Winter Shelter. I am a member of the Regional Discernment Group, which recently recommended Emily Hyberg continue her pursuit of ordained ministry. In addition, I sing in the Choir, I am a Lector, and I’m a Licensed Lay Preacher. I have also been a Convention Delegate.
I am a lifelong Episcopalian and I have served in various roles at St. Francis and also at St. Michael’s, Carmichael, in the past. I have been married to my loving husband, Jerry, for almost 49 years now, and we have one daughter, Justine, who is married and teaches high school in Seattle. I am a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and my career was focused on working with older adults and their families. I believe that living faithfully in the world means helping to build God’s Kingdom here on earth, and I am honored to serve St. Clement’s as it continues to do so.
Tim Tribble
I am a Native Sacramentan of 57 years. I was Baptized Methodist, but soon after, my parents left the church for more conservative pastures. I was raised in church and have been on several boards and committees over the years, including Chair of the Property Committee at a previous church.
I came to the Episcopal Church in the mid-90s after an invitation from a friend and fellow First Responder after becoming disillusioned with the Religious Right movement. I was confirmed into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Lamb at Trinity Cathedral. I have attended Trinity Cathedral, St. Francis, and St. Clement’s. I was invited to St. Clement’s by Terry Sandhoff whom I met at St. Francis and with others we formed 4 Paws 2 Freedom of which I am the Chair of the Board coming on four years now.
I believe in the humanity of Christ, “becoming Man” and I believe the Church should reflect that. It’s not enough to be inclusive, we need to be Inviting. This is my vision for St. Clement’s as the Junior (People’s) Warden. To that end I am very supportive of outreach to the community, Coffee Fridays, “it’s a sign” on Sunday’s, Ashes To Go, and promoting programs that assist our community. We can be the impetus of healing in Rancho Cordova, “Love is Love.”
I am also working on improving St. Clement’s campus. Not only our “curb appeal” but also more efficiently using our money while providing a place of refuge and worship.
Respectfully Submitted, Tim Tribble, Candidate for Junior Warden
Harry Shippy
I was born September 11, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio. When I was two my family moved to southern California finally settling in Downey, Ca. I grew up there and graduated from Downey Senior High School. I went to college in Long Beach to “Long Beach State College”, now called Cal State Long Beach. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After college I worked as a child welfare worker for Los Angeles County and, during that time I earned a master’s degree in public administration. I left Los Angeles County and joined the army where I attended the Defense Language Institute training in the Russian language. I then did a three-year tour in Germany. So, that’s my education.
After the service I moved to Santa Cruz, Ca. where I worked for twenty-five years as a lettercarrier (mailman). I retired from the Post Office and found my way to the Rancho Cordova area where I started to attend my local Episcopal parish. That was about eleven years ago.
I have always belonged to the Episcopal Church (cradle Episcopalian). I find it very comforting and beautiful. I have been a delegate to the convention (once) and have been actively involved in producing our newsletter.
I live with my wife, Pat, of forty-nine years and my second daughter. My oldest daughter, Veronica, lives in Port Hueneme with my oldest granddaughter, Katerina (She’s the cute little blond who would sometimes accompany me to church – who is now not so little). My son lives in Felton, Ca. with his wife, Lisa, And my two youngest grandchildren Hope (five) and Maya(two).
If elected to the Vestry I will do my best to serve responsibly.
Harry Shippy
Convention Candidates
Chris Wash
Ted Ward
Lynn Holman
Harry Shippy (alternate)