Weekly Update | November 8, 2026
Dear Cathedral Congregation,
In a few weeks, on November 22, members of the vestry and I will update you on news regarding the engineering study that we competed this year to determine whether the cathedral will need a mandatory retrofit, and a possible plan to develop the land on Flower Street and West 27th, as well as a new parish hall and church space. Please join us after services for this exciting updates.
There are three newsworthy decisions that I wish to share.
One: after an open invitation for nominations to serve as a diocesan delegate, one delegate from the congregation and one delegate from the vestry, the vestry elected Arnie Ree to serve as the congregational delegate and Charlotte Borst to serve as the vestry delegate on behalf of St. John’s Cathedral. Eric Tate was elected as the alternate delegate, and everyone is invited to attend diocesan convention on Nov 13-14 in Riverside CA. More information about convention is listed below. Diocesan Convention is the gathering of representatives from the entire geographic region who meet to conduct the business of the church and discern how God is leading us forward.
Two: over the course of two months the vestry entertained the idea of increasing the term limit from three years (one term) to six years if elected to serve for a second term. Nonprofits with a two-term limit is most common and considered a best practice by many. This allows vestry members to build a body of knowledge to make wise decisions and to provide steady leadership, while also creating opportunities for new members to bring new ideas and energy to the table. The decision to make this change was motioned during the September vestry meeting, and read again at the October vestry meeting before taking a vote. The motion passed with one member voting against the change. Vestry members interested in a second term must run for re-election, and must be elected to serve.
Three: there is a vestry nominations committee that is accepting names for members who wish to serve on the vestry next year.
Please contact Christopher James, Jennifer Jones, Suzanne Papp and Heather Ward. The bylaws of St. John’s state that candidates for the vestry should:
"...have a clear commitment to the life of the Parish in such other ways as active involvement in committees, guilds, and Parish organizations, and who have demonstrated leadership in other tangible ways."
Nominations for the vestry will be open until 30 November.
Good things are happening and we are excited for you to be a part of it all. St. John’s Cathedral is here for you.
Blessings,
Anne+
