Reviewing 2019 and looking forward

Dear Friends,

This time of year is usually quiet, but there are three items that I would like to share:

First, the 2020 Annual Meeting of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Edina was held on January 26th, which was well-attended. The financial report for the past year and the 2020 budget were presented. Our income has increased due to generous pledges and year-end gifts, resulting in a slight surplus in our budget this year. We thank everyone who has given to support St. Alban’s Church!

We also elected our vestry office holders for the coming year: Todd Olness as Senior Warden; Dave Toht as Junior Warden; and Doug Myhre to fill the Building & Grounds position.

Ken Wilson gave an update on the construction work that still needs to be done to make our building compliant with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which is necessary for Learning to Grow Academy Childcare to operate here.

The Rector’s message highlighted some of the events during 2019, including an Open House on Holy Saturday; an informal parish visitation by our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Brian Prior in July; a parish fieldtrip to St. John’s Abbey and the Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville in October; and a “Great British Dinner & Silent Auction” in November. I noted the unusual number of deaths of beloved members in 2019, but also our growth with new people coming to St. Alban's. Although we face the same challenges that all other churches are facing we must remember that God has entrusted us with the greatest treasure of all – our Christian faith – and we are called to proclaim and live out this faith as we look forward to the future.

Secondly, our new electronic sign has just been installed, and it is striking! Our hope is that it will raise awareness of St. Alban’s in the community, and serve as an effective means of welcoming new people to our church. The signboard will go into operation next week. Please watch this space for more information!

Finally, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota elected the Rev. Craig Loya to be our next Bishop on Saturday, January 26 th . I am very hopeful for his ministry among us. Pending approval by a majority of diocesan Bishops and Standing Committees of TEC, he will be consecrated and installed as our tenth Bishop of Minnesota on June 6, 2020.

See you in church.

Rev. John Peters, Rector