| Vestry
What God has called us to do
And [God] has put all things under [Christ's] feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)
Congregations that have been granted parish status by their diocese are governed by their rector and the Vestry. Traditionally, and by canon law, the Vestry, consisting of wardens and other members, is the legal representative of the parish "in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy," except as may be provided by state law or diocesan canons. The number of vestry members and term of office varies from parish to parish.
The vestry has a legal and moral responsibility for managing the congregation's resources, including operating funds, investments, furnishing, buildings and ground. In addition to the legal roles and responsibilities, there is the spiritual responsibility of leading a congregation. The mission of the church is "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ" (BCP, p.855). The elected leaders, lay and ordained, have a responsibility to model that mission in their work and to lead the congregation in fulfilling that mission. (Vestry Resource Guide)
Basic responsibilities of the Vestry (as a body)
- Support the Mission by Word and Deed
- Ensure Effective Congregational Planning
- Select the Rector
- Ensure Adequate Resource and Effective Stewardship
- Establish and Monitor Programs and Services
- Communicate With the Wider Community
- Assess Its Own Performance
Vestry Members 2008-2010
Vincent Adams, Senior Warden
Modestine Lowery, Junior Warden
Dionne Jones Rodney Lewis
Barbara Mills
Kay Pierson
Townsend Robinson
Adolphus Ukaegbu
Donna Weston
Leo Williams, Jr.
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