Vestry News & Review:
Campus Happenings by Tony Miller,
member of the Vestry

Service on the Vestry has added one, small pleasure to my life (among others, of course). Now, I visit St. Martin’s for reasons other than going to church, and at times, other than Sunday morning. During these times, I have learned that things are going on here whenever I visit. I don’t just mean that activity is taking place by our very busy staff and volunteers, but also by members of the community as well. People are going to meetings, preparing food, distributing food, praying or meditating in the labyrinth, and “studying” on the great lawn.

In a recent Vestry meeting, we discussed just how much our campus is used by the community, and I was very impressed. So, with help from Gabe Avila, here is a summary of what’s regularly going on at the Episcopal Church of St. Martin (other than church).

The two most prominent activities, as most of you know, are conducted by the Short-Term Emergency Aid Committee (STEAC) and Davis Community Meals and Housing (DCMH).

• STEAC, which has its building on our grounds, distributes food and conducts a Children’s Lunch Program.
• DCMH offers prepared meals three times a week (Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings).
• AA groups use our facilities five days a week (Davis Hope Group meets on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturdays at noon, and Sunday evenings; Davis Young People’s group meets on Friday evenings).
• Scouts use our parish hall two days a week (Troop 446 meets on Mondays and Troop 139 on Tuesdays).
• Also, two of our neighbors (Davis Medical Venture and Sycamore Lane Apartments) use our parking lot for overflow parking.
• Finally, several groups use our facility for one-time events, concerts mostly, but also visits to our labyrinth and, even, making tamales in the kitchen.

The volunteers of our Building and Grounds Committee who keep our campus shipshape and beautiful deserve much of the credit for the affinity these groups have for our campus, along with Janet Lane and Gabe whose wonderful administrative skills keep our relations with everyone running smoothly.

Good things are going on around here, and St. Martin’s plays an important role in the community.

The Vestry has a lot going on too and continues to examine our role in the community at large. At the April 28 meeting, Elise Keddie reported that the Capital Needs Discernment Committee has explored a wide range of potential uses for our campus, and some capital improvements and repairs that may have to be addressed. The committee has also identified the goal of making our campus even more welcoming. Next, the committee also plans to explore the issue of climate resilience. Additionally, the committee is also in the process of sampling the views of the leaders of various ministries. You’ll be hearing more about this as plans take shape.

Vestry meetings generally occur on the third Wednesday of the month and are always open to the parish. We welcome your input!

Tony Miller