2025 - 2027 Vestry

Ellen Burnett

Donna Foster

John Kennedy

Paul Palmer

Treasurer -

Clerk - Lorraine Beamer

Strategy #1: Whole Person Ministry

Team Members: Ross Lively, Donna Foster, Ellen Burnett, John Kennedy

St. Philip’s is devoted to the strength and vitality of her parish. As one of three critical missions, the Whole Person Ministry implements an array of programs dedicated to meeting the needs of our members: body, soul, and spirit. Led by Deacon Pam and administered by Michele Gore, Wellness Coordinator, the St. Philip’s Care Team knits together efforts that have long been part of our community. Through Care Navigators, Helping Hands Volunteers, and Pastoral Care, the Team is uniquely positioned to address the diverse needs of our congregation now and into the future.

Our initial focus was to meet the physical needs of our congregation, like providing pastoral care, offering home safety checks, establishing a healthcare equipment library, and organizing meal trains. In 2025, our Private Care Line went live, offering our congregation an anonymous way to contact our Care Team for assistance with pastoral care, calls or visits, grief support, and access to transportation services, among other services.

                                     St. Philip’s CARE LINE #910-477-6262

Your Care Team is comprised of more than 30 volunteers - medical experts, social workers, educators, and clergy. We are fully integrated into the fabric of each of St. Philip’s missions, drawing upon other groups like Men on a Mission, Parish Life, and the Stephen Ministry as needed.

In the next few weeks, the Care Team will distribute calling cards and magnets featuring the CARE LINE. In the future, we are considering hosting an annual Health Fair, memory care services, providing support for caregivers, offering information on topics such as aging at home and fall prevention, and offering yoga classes. Look for these upcoming opportunities as well as current services in the St. Philip’s newsletter, during church services, and on the announcement board. 

Strategy #2: Structure for Change

Team Members: Paul Bailey, Rick Pearce, Paul Palmer, Al Snell

Status: On track with projected timelines

The goal of this strategy is to enhance the adaptability and resilience of the staff, vestry, and financial systems in preparation for both anticipated and unexpected changes that St Philip’s will face in our future. Execution of this strategy will ensure robust systems and processes that support long-term sustainability. The plan is divided into three major areas, referred to as “plans”: business process analysis, budget planning, and long-term facilities planning.

The first plan focuses on analyzing existing business processes and systems for resiliency. This effort includes several detailed steps such as assessing Information Technology (IT) requirements, gathering input through questionnaires, and conducting interviews with clergy and staff. The objective is to identify long-term personnel and technological needs and develop strategic responses.

The second plan targets the improvement of the budget planning processes. This will include the creation and dissemination of a revised budget cycle schedule that allows all participants adequate time to analyze and prioritize their requirements. It also involves engaging with key stakeholders like the treasurer, vestry, and committee chairs. These actions aim to ensure a structured and transparent budgeting process that supports strategic financial planning.

The third and final plan addresses long-term facilities planning through the development of five- and ten-year strategies. This plan begins with a 2025 baseline report that assesses current property conditions and usage. Building upon this foundation, the team will formulate a 2031 five-year plan and a 2036 ten-year plan that incorporate projected growth and parish concerns, such as property needs, parking, and memorial garden improvements.

Overall, Strategy #2 reflects a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to institutional resilience at St. Philip’s Church. By addressing personnel, financial, and physical infrastructure needs in a structured timeline, the church aims to position itself effectively for the future, no matter what changes may arise. This forward-thinking plan emphasizes sustainability, informed decision-making, and proactive leadership.

Strategy #3: Grow the Church

Team Members : Craig Allan, Tracy Baltz, Bill Happer, Marygrace Barber.

The mission of Vestry Strategy 3 is to help grow and strengthen the St. Philip’s community—not just through worship, but by encouraging deeper involvement in the more than 50 Missions active within our church.

Together with Parish Life and Outreach, we warmly welcome new members and help connect them to the vibrant life of St. Philip’s. Our Vestry team has partnered with a dynamic group of Ambassadors dedicated to sharing the good work happening here in our parish and beyond.

Here are just a few highlights of our efforts:

• St. Philip’s Fashion Boutique
  Launched by our Ambassadors and located in the narthex, the Boutique is open during monthly parish breakfasts and offers caps, polos, T-shirts, and hoodies. It’s wonderful to see members wearing St. Philip’s gear in town and even on the golf course!
• Personal Connections
  In collaboration with ECW and MOAM, we’re reaching out to new members with personal invitations to church activities and events.
• Share Your Story
  We’ve created a new email—StPhilipsstories@gmail.com—for members to share how St. Philip’s has touched their lives through worship and outreach.
• New Electronic Signage
  Working with Parish Life, we’ll soon install a new electronic sign to share our service times (both in the sanctuary and at the beach!) and help visitors find their way.
• Upcoming Croquet Tournament
  This fall, we’re hosting our first Croquet Tournament right here on our beautiful campus. It’s a fun and friendly way to gather together—more details coming soon!
• Campus Use & Community Engagement
  In partnership with Outreach, we’re exploring new ways to use our church campus and annex for both church functions and community activities.
• Worship
  Looking ahead, we’ll be working with the Worship Ministry to offer Advent and Lenten workshops and services next year.

We truly believe that we are blessed to be part of a church whose mission is to love God in all that we do. If you feel called to help grow our church community, we’d love for you to join us. Our Ambassadors are full of energy, ideas, and joy—and we’re always excited to welcome new voices!

Contact us at: marygrace.barber@outlook.com