May 2026 Vestry DIgest
The Vestry is composed of 15 elected members of the church and several members who serve in an ex officio capacity as Treasurers, Chancellors, and Recording Secretary. The Rector chairs the meetings, and the other clergy and staff participate. If you would like more information or to see Vestry Minutes, please contact Pastor Manisha Dostert, Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Administration.
Here are highlights of the May 2026 Vestry meeting:
- Substantial Financial Surplus and the Virginia Sory Brown Gift: The Treasurer reported an exceptionally strong financial position, with a cumulative surplus of $322,591 through April, which is roughly twice that of recent years. Additionally, the Vestry passed a resolution to manage a substantial gift from the late Virginia Sory Brown, who was a music teacher of voice and piano. Some of the monies will be used to commission a piece in her honor. The rest of the funds will be invested with Vestry-approved allocations each year.
- Resolution to Thank Dr. Stephen Hyman: A discussion took place on the care Dr. Stephen Hyman provided to Virginia Sory Brown during her final illness. The Vestry passed the following resolution: “Be it resolved by the Vestry of Christ Church Cranbrook, meeting on May 18, 2026, that the church express its gratitude to Stephen Hyman, friend of our late benefactor Virginia Sory Brown. Dr. Hyman cared for Ms. Brown in the final stages of her life and brought her generous gift to our attention. The Vestry wishes to thank Dr. Hyman and express our resolve to use this gift to the glory of God, honoring the faith and generosity of the giver.”
- Michigan Dental Association Award: Father Bill received an award from the Michigan Dental Association for his work with the Interfaith Dental Program, a program founded by Christ Church Cranbrook and the Muslim Unity Center to provide dental care for refugees by inviting dentists to donate their time and office to the patients. Father Bill shared that several dentists have made inquiries regarding supporting the Interfaith Dental Program after learning about the program’s work and impact.
- Bishop Bonnie Perry’s Upcoming Visitation: The Vestry prepared for the visit of Bishop Bonnie Perry on June 6 and 7. This triennial visitation will include the Bishop participating in services, baptisms, and confirmations, as well as a scheduled meeting with the Vestry following the Sunday morning service.
- Leadership and Staffing Transitions: The meeting marked the introduction of Michael Hogan as the new Director of Finance and Operations. Other staffing updates included extending an offer for a new Little Lambs Associate Director and the departure of Nick Valdez from his role as sexton.
- Strategic Planning for Church Property and Safety: Progress was reported on two key operational fronts: the development of an RFP to solicit architectural firm input on potential uses for the rectory, and a review of the Emergency Operation Plan following a presentation by Officer Josh Center, which was attended by approximately 70 people.
