I am honored to be serving in my second year on your Vestry. I am the liaison with the Finance Committee. Under the leadership of Mark DiGiovanni, the Finance Committee assists in preparing our annual budget and, working with Treasurer Chuck Marsh, reviews monthly the financial status of the parish and provides recommendations to the Vestry on financial issues. The parish has a very strong dual-control process in place for approving ongoing expenditures and our financial accounts are audited every year by an outside accounting firm. The Vestry has the final responsibility for approving the budget, the monthly financial reports as well as ongoing and extra-ordinary expenditures.
As I write this column in mid-July it is hard to believe we have already passed the halfway mark of both the calendar and our financial year. It seemed like we dashed through the seasons of Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost and a new school year will be starting for the kids in just a couple of weeks. I wanted to pause and take a moment to reflect with gratitude and share a few financial updates with the St. Matthew’s family.
Thanks to your ongoing generosity, our church’s financial health is strong and continues to recover from the Pandemic years. A summary of our current month and year-to-date revenue and expenses is included in each week’s Messenger newsletter as well as posted on the parish bulletin board in the hallway outside the parish office. Your faithful giving continues to support the daily life and ministries of our parish and we are so grateful for each and every contribution—whether it’s time, talent, or treasure.
Our Capital Campaign is progressing well, and we’re already seeing the fruits of your commitment. One of the most meaningful milestones so far has been the refurbishment of two of our cherished stained-glass windows. These windows don’t just beautify our sacred space—they tell stories, inspire prayer, and reflect the light of faith that shines through our parish and the Snellville community. It was a joy to see this first major project completed, and it’s a hopeful sign of things to come as there are several more significant and essential projects to be undertaken. If you haven’t made a pledge to the Campaign, it is never too late and I ask you to prayerfully consider doing so.
As we continue into the second half of the year, the Vestry remains committed to stewardship, transparency, and walking together in faith. Vestry meetings are normally held on the third Sunday of the month beginning around 12:15 in the Library. The meetings are open to all and we encourage those that might be interested in serving in the future on the Vestry to come and observe. If you are so interested, contact Fr. Tim, Senior Warden Susan Jung, Junior Warden Lindsay Isaacs or any Vestry member. There are four current members that are completing their three-year term at the end of this year.
Thank you again for your support and for being a vital part of the life of this church.
Blessings,
Dave Lott
