"The body of Christ has become stronger, wiser, and healthier as our ordained ranks have evolved to more fully reflect the breadth of God's creative energy and expression. The growth in the last 50 years has been stunning. The Philadelphia Eleven, and those who supported them, were sparks that lit the flame of this transformation." — Bishop Brown
Fifty Years Ago... on July 29, 1974, eleven women were ordained in Philadelphia as priests, in violation of the constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church at that time. These first female priests in The Episcopal Church were harassed, lost friends, and were banned from stepping on church property. The Philadelphia Eleven documentary, released this year in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of their ordinations, showcases their courage to effect change and build a movement that is still transforming the Church today. The Episcopal Church in Delaware is offering an opportunity to view and discuss this important film on Saturday, October 19, at 4:00 p.m., at St. Andrew's School, Middletown. More information will follow.
Air Conditioning Update
Work is scheduled to begin on replacing the church air conditioning system on Friday, August 2. We will gauge progress and determine when we shall be able to return to the church for Sunday services.
Upcoming Bishop's Visitation
We have a big day planned for the Sunday after Labor Day, September 8. Bishop Brown will be with us on that day as our Preacher and Celebrant. If there are those desiring Holy Baptism or Reaffirmation of Faith, please let Fr. Wayne know so preparations can be made. Several new members of our congregation will be received on that date, too.
We will have a Ministry Fair on that day as well, with information available about the various ministries of Immanuel Highlands. More details will be available soon.
Financial Report
I am pleased to outline our first-half financial situation. All in all, our finances were just as expected with no large surprises.
Through June, our total support of $107,400 was slightly ahead of the $105,300 we had budgeted. Support includes pledge and non-pledge contributions, other offerings, and building rent. Pledges were 109% of budget and we gratefully acknowledge everyone's steady pledge progress.
Our expenses of $221,100 exceeded our budget of $208,000, but the overage is attributable to air conditioning and gas line repairs that kept the front of the office wing comfortable and returned the kitchen range to service. Without those, our total expenses would have been slightly under budget. We defrayed part of the repair costs with funds from our property reserve.
These numbers imply a budgeted first-half operating deficit of $102,700 ($105,300 – $208,000 = –$102,700) and a full-year deficit of $205,400. This annual deficit is significantly lower than it has been in recent years and, while unsustainable indefinitely, the smaller deficit has noticeably improved our long-term financial forecast.
We fund the deficit through withdrawals from our investment portfolio and the portfolio has performed admirably so far this year. It has increased by $164,400 for a year-to-date return of 6.3% as calculated by Wilmington Trust, who manages the portfolio.
The parish finances are tended by our receiving treasurers and finance committee. The receiving treasurers, Gretchen Broadwater, Ken Germain, and Mike Bailey, count, record, and deposit our offerings and other income. The finance committee, Vickie Forster, Elaine Simpson, Bonnie Swan, Rob Volko, and Chris Bell, oversee and guide our finances on behalf of the vestry. Please acknowledge these capable and faithful people when you see them.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Fairchild
Treasurer
(July 29 to August 3)
Marilyn Santana, Kevin Nerlinger
If you would like your birthday or anniversary recognized in The Voice, please let the parish administrator know at [email protected]
Final Week of July Outreach
This month we are supporting St. Stephen's Lutheran Church (1301 N. Broom Street, Wilmington) which runs a food pantry for the local community. Immanuel Highlands has long been a contributor to St. Stephen's, collecting canned goods and non-perishable items.
We now have the opportunity to collect diapers, baby wet wipes, laundry detergent, and cases of water for the food pantry.
St. Stephen's is looking for diapers in sizes 3,4,5,and 6. Diapers, baby wipes, and laundry detergent are items not covered by food stamps. The food pantry hands out bottles of water to those waiting in line in the hot summer sun to access the pantry.
We are so grateful to have this opportunity to collect for St. Stephen's!
The collection bin will be in the foyer throughout the month of July.
Church Social and Cookout!
Saturday, July 27, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
If you would like to join in the festivities, there is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. If you cannot be here to sign up in person, please send an email to [email protected]
The next walks are on first Fridays, August 2 and September 6, 5:30pm and begin in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street.
Join members of the Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew (SsAM) for a peaceful, prayerful walk through the center of Wilmington to promote an end to racial and social and other injustices. We gather in the SsAM parking lot with people from various faith communities to share in this active, visible commitment to justice and peace in our community. We walk in silence, sometimes carrying signs, sometimes carrying battery-powered candles, ending at Rodney Square. It is a very moving experience — pun intended! Please walk with us – and share this invitation with others, even if they simply need the exercise. If you have any questions about this event, click here to contact us.
Pray for those in need of our prayers for strength, guidance, or healing: Leslee Moore, The Santana Family, Sophie Day, Cathy Callahan, Claire and Johnny Ward, Dean, Brenda McCourt, Edwina Michael, Alison Barto, Dee Dee, Al Thomas, Bob Penneys, Joseph Howie, Nathaniel, Guy, Emily Gibson, Molly, Ayesha, Duncan, Laurence Hazell, Jim Murray, Joe Howie, Mike Bailey, Jennifer Grillo, Nancy Godfrey, Leroy, Candice
Immanuel Highlands Episcopal Church
2400 West Seventeenth Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19806
If you have an item to be included in The Voice, please email it to the parish administrator, [email protected] by the Tuesday before the Thursday release of the newsletter. If you don't have access to email, please call the office or leave your written request in the parish administrator's mail slot in the mailboxes across from the parish administrator's office no later than the Tuesday before The Voice goes out. Thank you!