Vestry

What is the Vestry?

The Vestry is a group of elected congregational leaders within the congregation of an Episcopal church. Its basic responsibility is to:

• Help define and articulate the mission of the congregation;
• Support the mission by word and deed;
• Select the rector;
• Ensure effective organization and planning;
• Ensure adequate resources in leadership and in financial stewardship;
• Manage resources effectively;
• Determine that appropriate programs, policies, and procedures have been developed and are followed;
• Assess its own performance.

It has some similarities to a board of directors, but it is important to remember that this ministry of leadership is exercised within a church. The success of a congregation is not measured in terms of numbers of members or size of the endowment, but rather in the degree to which it is working toward fulfillment of the mission of the Church.

Who is on our Vestry?

The Vestry consists of 9 members who serve three-year terms. Once on vestry, members choose to serve on different aspects of running the church that best meet their strengths and interests. In addition to these 9 positions there are two executive positions on the vestry, occupied by the Rector, and the Treasurer.

When and where does the Vestry meet?

Meetings are typically the third Tuesday of each month, beginning at 6:30pm, in the Parish Hall.

Who can attend a Vestry meeting?

Anyone can attend a vestry meeting. Upon rare occasions, a non-vestry member may be asked to leave the room when a particularly delicate matter is discussed, but otherwise all topics are open. They typically include topics such as financial reports, stewardship, properties updates, and current missions and projects of St. Philip.