Vestry
Vestry Responsibilities
Vestry members are legal representatives and agents of a parish, charged with specific responsibilities by the canons of The Episcopal Church. They share leadership responsibilities with the Rector (as legal representative and agent). The vestry functions much like the board of any nonprofit, with responsibility for finances and management of property and human resources. Many aspects of the vestry's role are defined by entities beyond that congregation - local, state and federal laws, and Diocesan and Episcopal Church canons - as well as by the Churches own constitution and bylaws.
Vestry Structure
As the primary leadership body for Episcopal communities of faith, vestries are made up of elected members who serve for a specific period of time, often three years. Vestries consist of elected members, one or more wardens, a treasurer, and a secretary or clerk. The canons of The Episcopal Church leave guidance on vestry election, terms of office, eligibility for reelection, and vestry size to individual diocese.
Who Serves on the Vestry
Senior Warden: Terry Huntzicker
Junior Warden: Dave Buker
Treasurer: Jerilyn Schnitzel (Non-voting)
Clerk: Martha McKenzie (Non-voting)
Voting Members / Chairpersons:
Jim Rothe
Bill Shepherd
Jana Young
Winnie Mecham
Michael Gal
Governance
Governance - the rules and practices that ensure accountability, fairness and transparency in an organization - is a key responsibility of the vestry, and is so named in the canons of The Episcopal Church, as well as in diocesan and church constitutions and bylaws. In addition, state statues may dictate specific responsibilities of a vestry as the governing board of a faith community. Each vestry member should have, at the very least, a copy of The Episcopal Church canons, their diocesan canons, and the congregation's bylaws.
Rector: Rev. Roy Tuff
The Role of the Rector
In congregations practicing shared leadership and working in partnership with the rector, it is essential to understand the canonical responsibilities assigned to rectors by The Episcopal Church. The rector's responsibility include:
* Worship and Spiritual life
* Selection and oversight of all assisting clergy
* Use and control of all buildings and furnishings, as outlined by the canons
* Education of all ages in the scriptures: the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church and in the exercise of ministry as baptized persons
* Stewardship education for all ages
* Preparation for baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation
* Announcing the bishop's visit with the warden and the vestry and providing the bishop with information about the congregation's spiritual and temporal state
* Applying contributions not otherwise designated from one Sunday per month to charitable issues
* Reading communications from the House of Bishops at worship
* Recording all baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and burials in the congregation register
It's a daunting list, and it would be an interesting exercise to consider the ways the congregation can work with the rector to help fulfill it. Even though these are the responsibilities of the rector that doesn't mean he or she is charged with carrying out these duties alone. Delegating tasks while retaining oversight is a common practice. From the vestry to Sunday School and Bible studies to myriad committees and groups that support every facet of congregational life, the congregation provides leadership and support to build and strength the community. When a church does not have a full-time rector, responsibilities are further distributed to sustain the worship and life of the congregation. The life of a faith community is a shared enterprise, indeed.
Wardens
Senior and Junior Warden
Wardens are elected members of the vestry with particular leadership responsibilities. Most congregations elect two, known as senior and junior wardens, though some use the terms "rector's warden" and "people's warden". The wardens' election or selection process varies significantly from one diocese to another, making it especially important that it be clearly communicated and understood by the faith community.
Generally, the wardens work as lay partners with the rector often meeting weekly to discuss the small and large concerns of the parish.
Terry Huntzicker - Senior Warden
Dave Buker - Junior Warden
Treasurer
Jerilyn Schnitzel
A church Treasurer is an elected officer of the Vestry. The Treasurer and Finance Director work closely together so the they can account for and report to the Vestry all income received and disbursed in such a way as to enable the Vestry to manage the mission and ministry of the congregation. Of special concern is the annual report for the Annual Meeting. This report is also to be attached to the copy of the Parochial Report forwarded to the diocesan office.
The ministry of this office is more than just addition and subtraction; it is also to apply the general policies of the Episcopal Church and the IRS rules governing the relationship of the congregation as an employer.
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