St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

We're currently taking nominations for the Vestry and Wardens of St. Bartholomew's.

The term vestry is derived from the room next to the nave of the church where the sacred vessels and vestments were kept. Those conducting parish business met in this room and came to be known as the vestry. The executive committee of the vestry is made up of the two wardens and the rector. The principle behind this, as well as the whole structure of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, is one of ordered and diffused authority.

Canon law and the Vestry

The canon law of the Church charges the vestry with the following responsibilities:

* responsibility with the Rector in promoting the spiritual welfare of the parish.
* aid the Rector in the institution, conduct, and development of the program of the Church both within and without the Parish.
* agent and legal representative in all matters concerning property: maintain the buildings and furnishings, maintain other property (rectory, parking lot, grounds, etc.), provide adequate insurance,
* responsible for the finances of the parish, raising money, prompt payment of salaries and bills, prudent care of trust funds, endowments and bequests, sale and transfer of securities and other assets, maintain records, annual report, budget (approve expenditures and recommend and approve salaries)
* recruit, encourage, train, and guide candidates for Holy Orders
* represent the parish in its relations with the Rector
* serve as a "Council of Advice" for the Rector when requested
* elect a Rector if there is a vacancy

Eligibility for Vestry

To serve on the Vestry in the Episcopal Church, one must meet the following requirements:

* be 18 years of age or older
* be an active communicant of the parish for at least 6 months
* be a pledging member of record
* be a confirmed Episcopalian or received by a bishop into the Episcopal Church from another Christian church.
* participate in the Eucharist every Sunday "unless for good cause prevented."

Make up of the Vestry

The Vestry is made up of 9 members:

* the rector (who does not vote unless there is a tie)
* 2 officers:
o Senior Warden
o Junior Warden
* 6 at large members who may elect from among themselves or the parish a:
o Clerk of the Vestry
o Treasurer

Election

Vestry members are elected at the annual meeting of the parish in January each year.

Officers are elected for a term of two years. They may be elected for one term.

At-large members are elected for a term of 3 years. They may not be re-elected unless they are completing a partial term. Former members-at-large may run for election again after being off the Vestry for one year.

Group process Our Vestry tries to function with mutual trust, respect, listening and prayer. This is an intangible element in our common life together as a vestry and it is critically important in opening us individually and as a group to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Principles for dealing with disagreement in the church

Conflict is inevitable in life and has always been a part of the church. What is more important is asking how do we journey together faithfully, following Christ, when we disagree passionately on controversial issues.

In matters where we disagree, the context for disagreement requires:

* spending time with those who differ from us
* praying alone and together
* listening to understand the other
* grounding our conversation in scripture, tradition, and reason
* recognizing the primacy of the Gospel and disciple-making in the mission of the Church
* remembering Christ's commandment to "love one another as I have loved you"
* recognizing the right and responsibility of every person to say what they believe
* coming to conversation with humility, recognizing that "I could be wrong," and no one person has the entire truth
* keeping to the topic when speaking
* recognizing that conflict produces in us levels of passion, fear, self-righteousness, arrogance, and mistrust that might need to be acknowledged if the discussion is going to be fruitful
* seeking the mind of Christ takes time. Sometimes an outside facilitator may be a positive aid to healthy dialogue