Tony Nelson | January 26, 2026 

It seems like it was just Christmas, but time has been flying by as January is coming to an end.  Winter is upon us as we have had a lot of snow, along with frigid temperatures, making trips on my trike quite an adventure!  For me, 2026 has started with a bang as it’s going to be my first full year of retirement, and I couldn’t be busier! I have had medical appointments and procedures for my chronic aching back, church duties that have needed my attention, along with outings with friends/family, which have included spending time with my amazing grandkids on snow days!

At Grace Church, we started the year with a special Epiphany service, followed by a wonderful potluck with all kinds of delicious food, and heartwarming fellowship!  Our Annual Meeting was on January 18, and was well attended as we elected Vestry members, along with Convention Delegates.  The big surprise was the announcement of a generous donation of $400,000.00 to our Elevator Fund, which has us in planning mode for the construction phase of the elevator later this year.  

The first Vestry meeting of the year was on January 20 as we welcomed the new Vestry members and elected officers for the coming year.  I am humbled and honored to be returning as your Senior Warden for this year.  The other officers are Elizabeth Blondia (Junior Warden), Pam Ziriax (Treasurer), and Meghan Chenoweth (Clerk).  The other members of Vestry are Catherine Turnbull, Braun Campbell, Sarah Hinck, Mike Mittelstaedt, George Townsend, Bruce Moore, Al Bonney, and Barb Coulter. 

We had the first of three Vestry mini retreats this past Saturday, where we got to know each other, and started discussions on how we are approaching this year as a vestry.  The format and goals of our Vestry meetings were discussed, as we as a Vestry, want to be productive, while also attuned to the needs and responsibilities of the church as we move forward this year.  A lot of good ideas were shared, and I am looking forward to working alongside these amazing Vestry members!

As Senior Warden, I want to continue to expand on the communication aspect of letting the congregation know what is going on in the church, along with being a listening ear for questions, comments, and concerns of the congregation.  Last year saw the establishment of several committees that meet monthly or quarterly: including Buildings & Grounds, Evangelism, Fellowship, & Parish Life, Pastoral Care & Spiritual Wellness, Youth & Children, and Worship & Formation. We are expanding duties of the monthly Voice of the Vestry person as they will attend all 3 services on a weekend during their month to greet people and make themselves better known to the congregation.  I will also be attending all 3 services one weekend every month this year to get to know all of you better!  Our Vestry is committed to playing a bigger role in the leadership of the church this year, so please reach out to any of us for questions, comments, or concerns that you have, as we would love to hear from you!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.   Jeremiah 29:11

May God’s grace, peace, and love be with you all!