What is the Vestry? The Vestry are the agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning it corporate property and the relation of the Parish to its Clergy. Who Elects the Vestry?The vestry is elected by the Parish at the Annual Meeting held the third Sunday in January. Active members of St. Barnabas are eligible for nomination and election. Nominations must be completed by November for elections the following January.How is the Vestry Structured?The Vestry of St. Barnabas has nine members each elected to a three year term. The terms are staggered so three terms of office expire each year. Each member of the Vestry may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms (6 years) and may run for reelection after sitting off for a minimum of one year. The head of the Vestry is the Senior Warden, followed by the Junior Warden, the Clerk and Treasurer.What are the responsibilities of each of the positions? At St. Barnabas, the Senior Warden heads the Vestry. The Junior Warden is responsible for the physical plant, the Clerk documents the meetings and the Treasurer works with the Vestry to pay the expenses of running the Parish. To try and put it in business terms, the Senior Warden is the Chairman of the Board and the Rector is the CEO.How Rector Hired?At St. Barnabas, a committee of parishioners is formed to conduct a search for new Rector (currently there is no standing committee). This committee then completes the search, and forwards a recommendation(s) for the Rector to the Vestry for their consideration. The Vestry will make the final decision and is also charged with the business end of the decision (salary, moving expenses, housing, etc.) prior to the Rector being hired.How is the Staff Hired? It is the providence of the Rector to hire the staff he requires to conduct the business of the Parish. The Vestry is charged with the business end of the decision for Staff also.If a Parishioner has a question or concern, whom do they talk to? In General, all personal, spiritual and religious items fall under the Pastoral guidance of the Rector. Business, physical plant and non-spiritual items fall under the guidance of the Vestry.Who may attend Vestry meetings?Any member of the Parish is welcomed to the Vestry meetings. They are held the 2nd Monday of each month starting at 7:30 pm in the Choir room.Who may vote at a Vestry meeting?Elected members of the Vestry are eligible to vote. The Rector and Senior Staff usually attend but do not have a vote.
| ||||||
