August 2026
Senior Warden, Sharon Gay
Junior Warden, Pat Brumbaugh

Dear St. Luke’s, 

Welcome back to the Vestry Newsletter from your Wardens, Sharon Gay and Pat Brumbaugh. We're glad you're here and excited to reconnect as we begin a new season together. 

St. Luke’s had a vibrant summer! Church attendance reached a seasonal high, and parishioners were actively engaged in the life of the church, from a robust Vacation Bible School and two beautiful baptisms on Transfiguration Sunday to countless service opportunities with Holy Comforter, Church of the Common Ground, and Crossroads. St. Luke’s was doing what it does best: praying, singing, and working together to love God and our neighbors. 

With the school year now underway, we look forward to an exciting fall filled with opportunities for worship, formation, and fellowship for all ages. Our 8:00 am and 10:00 am service schedule will continue through August, and we will return to our regular 8:00 am, 9:00 am, and 11:15 am services on September 13. And, don’t forget that Kanuga registration is now open in Realm! Our Annual Parish Retreat will take place November 20-22 in Hendersonville, NC. 

Read on for more important updates as we continue this sacred season of transition, search for our next rector, and serve our church together. 

Rector Search Update

We’re pleased to share a major milestone in our Rector Search Committee’s faithful work. The Committee has narrowed the candidate pool to four individuals. These candidates will visit Atlanta over the next month for in-person interviews and conversations with committee members. Following those visits, the committee will continue its discernment and present two or three candidates to the Vestry. 

Please join us in praying for the spirit-led discernment of all our search committee members: Drew Putt (Chair), Jodi Black, Lindley Cole, John Earles, Caroline Fooshee, David Gillon, Lala Halsema, Scott Inman, Mary Kyle, Louis McLeod, Jason O’Rouke, Deneta Sells, Adelaide Steedley, and Carrie Teegardin. We know that God’s guidance and presence is with them all during this important season of transition.  

We look forward to sharing more progress updates later this fall.  

Financial Update

St. Luke’s remains on strong financial footing during this interim season. Through the first half of 2026, giving has remained steady, other income sources are outperforming projections, expenses are on budget, and our endowment continues to provide a solid foundation.  

While our pledges for this year did not grow as rapidly as in the previous year, they did not slip back, which can be a common outcome during an interim period between permanent rectors. Thanks to the faithful support of our congregation and the outstanding leadership of Michael and our staff team, the church’s ministries, missions, and programs continue to thrive. God is good. 

As we look ahead, we are preparing for changes and challenges. Staffing needs will grow – both for clergy and lay staff – as we excitedly welcome a new rector.  Temporary payroll tax credits that have supported our budget in recent years will soon expire, opening the need to fill financial gaps. Together, we will have an opportunity to envision the future of St. Luke’s and ensure the resources are in place to support that vision. With the commitment and generosity of this community, we are confident that St. Luke’s is well positioned for the next chapter. 

If you have any questions please reach out to Sharon Gay and/or Pat Brumbaugh.