We need YOU to run for Vestry in 2024
“The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property… The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.”
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
[https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/vestry/]
I’ve written before about the bi-cameral systems that govern our diocese and the Episcopal Church at large. Today I want to talk about the Vestry, the governing body of the parish, and why you should consider running for a seat on it.
The word Vestry comes from an old Church of England practice of electing two churchwardens, senior and junior, at an annual gathering of parishioners in the room where clergy vested for worship: the vestry. These annual gatherings there were called open vestries. In Colonial churches, congregations grew too large for all the (male) members to fit. Instead, they elected twelve men to serve indefinitely on the closed vestry. Gone were the annual gatherings. After the first election, the Vestry replaced its own members.
Today, our vestry members serve a three-year term with an option to run for a second term. Parishioners who serve six years may come back on vestry after a time away, but that is rare. Gone are the days of an unchanging body of men running the church for decades with few checks on their control. Instead, every faithful worshipper and supporter of the parish is eligible to serve on vestry and so participate in shaping the mission and vision of the congregation.
At our annual meetings, we elect a new class of four parishioners to serve for three years. Thus, the vestry always has the wisdom of veterans and the fresh perspective of rookies. It is not a speedy system of governance, but it leaves plenty of room for the Holy Spirit to enter our deliberations. On Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 11:30am, we will convene our next Annual Meeting to approve the budget and elect the 2027 class of vestry members. I encourage you to prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to serve your church in this role.
Some of you come from traditions that are more democratic than ours; others from traditions more hierarchical. There is no better way to understand your current church—both parish and tradition—than to serve on vestry. It is not easy to make time for monthly meetings or wrestle with difficult decisions, but at Trinity we find joy and satisfaction in working together. Vestry service is a sacred calling that reflects the spiritual value of communal relationship with God and the world.
Please take time this month to pray and reflect on this ministry. Reach out to me [mailto:hlwiley@trinitychurchtowson.org] or Greg Gabell [mailto:Greggo21286@yahoo.com], Senior Warden, with questions or to inform us you have discerned a call.
In peace,
