From the Rector: End of Year Goals and Looking at 2026

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Written By Fr. Steve Rice

At October’s Vestry meeting, I shared a set of goals and priorities for the fourth quarter as well as 2026. I would like to summarize that report in a series of annotated bullet points.

Fourth Quarter Priorities - Faithful Stewardship

  • To meet end of year pledge and non-pledge giving goals.

    • We had a very good giving month in October, thanks to giving statements. We are confident we can meet this goal if everyone continues to do their part (thank you!)

  • Utilize other forms of giving

    • The Dow Jones Industrial Average continues to be at record levels and we need to raise awareness that we have a brokerage account to receive stock gifts as well as encourage IRA Distributions.

  • Vestry members are expected to fulfill their 2025 Pledge and make their 2026 Pledge

Fourth Quarter Priorities - Mass Critical = Critical Mass

  • Sunday attendance should continue to trend upwards

    • We are close to the attendance tipping point. A small increase on the Sunday attendance will dramatically change the experience of mass and will feel more welcoming to visitors. When we make the Sunday Mass critical, we will soon have a critical mass for further growth.

  • Invite 3 people to join us in Mass

    • We should have confidence in our expectation to those around us are open to an invitation to join us.

  • Increase foot traffic signage and social media

    • We have new signage to welcome those who walk our parish grounds and we continue to examine the most effective forms of social media usage.

Fourth Quarter Priorities - Parish Mission and Advent/Christmas Offerings

  • We want a robust showing for Fr. Philip Corbett’s presentation on November 16/17.

    • These special guests are wonderful ways to hear from different perspectives and are opportunities to invite others to join us.

  • In addition, a robust engagement with Advent

    • Dr. Lauren Whitnah, Dean of Nashotah House will be our preacher at 9 and 11 on Advent II.

    • Lessons and Carols on Advent II at 6pm.

    • We are combining Boy Bishop and St Lucy this year on Advent III.

    • Christingles and Carols on Advent IV.

Fourth Quarter Priorities - Engagement and Communications

  • A lot of parish information is presented, but it is not always consumed.

    • When this point was made at the Vestry meeting, helpful feedback was given regarding shorter parish communications, which has been implemented. Furthermore, more of the information is on the website and linked in the weekly emails. We do need for greater engagement with the emails and website. Notices given during the mass are unnecessary and distracting, especially when they can be better communicated in other ways (we just have to read it!).

Fourth Quarter Priorities - Safe and Smooth Launch of Our Lady of Salem Shelter for Women

  • We must support Kristen Machado and her team for the excellent work they are doing

    • Shelter opens November 15

2026 Priorities - Staff

  • Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for staff members and merit increases if possible

    • The goal should always be to keep up with inflation for salaries.

  • Hire coordinator for Children’s Ministries

    • We are actively searching for this person!

  • Exploration of independent health insurance for staff

    • Every member of the staff is receiving single health insurance. The premiums for the Episcopal Church Medical Trust are not sustainable with a 8-10% increase each year. Premiums are based on diocesan claims and the average age at ordination is 50 years old. Our staff is relatively young and in good health and it would be financially wise to find other options for health insurance.

2026 Priorities - Ministries

  • Restoration of the National Guild of St Barnabas for Nurses

    • Parish Nursing is venerable ministry with an established history in the UK. The Guild of St Barnabas for Nurses was once a thriving a national guild in both the UK and US. Parish Nursing would be a real benefit to St Timothy’s.

  • Debt Aid for Parishioners

    • Fr Luke has a bold idea for ways to help parishioners with unexpected expenses that he would like to develop.

  • Robust Hospitality Presence

    • We have a good beginning for hospitality ministries, which comes in various forms. It needs additional structure and leadership.

  • Children’s Ministries

    • We are thriving with young adult and youth ministries. We need to focus our efforts on the youngest in our midst; beginning with an able minister to coordinate and speak to the needs of Christian formation in our homes.

  • All Guilds and Societies

    • Guilds and Societies have proven to be a very effective instrument for parish community, devotion, and service. Some groups have matured quicker than others. Attention needs to be given to those who need it.

2026 Priorities - Facilities

  • Replacing the HVAC in the Church

    • We have limped through the summer with band-aids and duct tape. We must address the HVAC replacement before next summer.

  • Keyless entry for all exterior doors

    • This is an important security and accessibility issue. We need to fit all exterior doors so they can be locked/unlocked by key FOB or mobile device. This will also eliminate the need for nightly lock-ups.

  • Drake Hall refit

    • Plans have been drawn for equipping Drake Hall as a proper shelter for those experiencing homelessness. We need to raise funds inside and outside the church for the plans to be completed. The vestry and rector are in full agreement not to go into debt for this project.

  • SSJOA Cemetery

    • Likewise, the SSJOA reach continues to expand in North Carolina. Expanding the cemetery for many years of future use is vital.

  • Illuminated Signage on Knollwood

    • Our only signage on Knollwood is, essentially, in someone’s yard and is not illuminated. Unless you know where you are going, it is very difficult to find St Timothy’s in the daytime, much less at night. We need to find a solution for silage with illumination on Knollwood.

2026 Priorities - Stewardship

  • Pledge goal met

  • Increased percentage of recurring online gifts

    • This really helps us in the summer months when many are traveling.

  • Raise awareness of our endowment through the Winston Salem Foundation.

    • We are not an endowed parish, but we’d like to be!

  • Formation of the Regina Caeli Society

    • Regina Lofland is the only parishioner to leave a substantial bequest to St Timothy’s. She left the interest to a portion of her estate to be given to the parish, which amounts to around $30,000 each year. Depending on the year, she has the largest pledge at St Timothy’s. We’d like to recognize those who have made plans to leave a bequest to St Timothy’s and to honor the pioneering generosity of Mrs. Lofland with the Regina Caeli Society.

  • Friends of St Timothy’s

    • This has been bounced around for years, but we’d like to welcome the generosity of our parish friends with a formal organization for those who are not members of the parish, but support our work and witness.

  • 1% Parish for Nashotah House Theological Seminary

    • Support Nashotah House Theological Seminary by becoming a 1% parish, where 1% of our budget is allocated to the seminary.

Fr. Steve Rice