What is a Vestry?
The Vestry is the governing body of an Episcopal Church, elected to represent the people of the parish. At St. Luke’s, our vestry is made up of twelve parish members, the Senior and Junior Warden and the Rector. The wardens and vestry members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting held each January, and serve three-year terms of office.
The Vestry is responsible for all church property and assets, approves the budget, and authorizes major expenditures. The Vestry calls (hires) the Rector, with the approval of the Bishop, and sets the Rector’s salary on the recommendation of the Wardens. The Rector, in turn, hires and supervises all other Clergy and church staff, and has canonical responsibility for the liturgy and worship programs of the Parish.
The Vestry meets monthly to discuss, reflect and take action on the many important aspects of Parish life. It consists of 12 members of the parish, the Senior and Junior Wardens, the Secretary (clerk), the Treasurer, and the Rector. The Wardens and Vestry members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting held each January, and serve three-year terms of office. It is important to the Vestry that all parishioners feel welcome to share their thoughts and ideas about God’s vision for us as a Christian community, and about your ideas for St. Luke’s. Parishioners are welcome to attend Vestry meetings, which are usually held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Guild Room. See below for the most recent Vestry Minutes.
Vestry Leadership
Senior Warden, Lee Stadtmiller
Junior Warden, Holly Brown
Treasurer, Doris Gerstner
Vestry Members
Ryan Funk
Mike Jackson
Bill Davies
Laura Rathe
Susan McKinley (clerk)
Beth Tocci
Andrew Solari
Carla Stadtmiller
Jill Stout
Alex Willett
Richard Wood
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was opened in prayer by Father Waddingham.
MINUTES: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as transmitted.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The Month of June had a surplus of $7,328.73
Fr. Waddingham reported that 7 campers attended the Day Camp at St. Luke's put on by the staff of Camp Marshall. Vestry discussed briefly the merits of combining the camp with St. Stephens in the future.
OLD BUSINESS:
Old Business included a report from the Audit committee; all audits are now completed and accepted..
A new fire-proof safe will be purchased to house church papers, deeds, old financial record and parish registers. Waters Fund will be used to fund this.
Laura Rathe will head a committee to develop a music survey in an attempt to find out the direction St. Luke's music program should take.
NEW BUSINESS:
A wet vac and a floor shampooer have been purchased.
The vestry looked at the size of the TV currently in Cardwell Hall and talked about getting a somewhat larger set, and also bringing cable into Cardwell Hall.
A new ballast allows the sign outside the church to stay lighted, the effect is subtle and nice.
A Blue chasuble will be ordered right away to honor Fr. Jasmer's service to St. Luke's. Corresponding hangings and burse and veil will be purchased as memorials to Nora St. John and Lois McKinley.
ADJOURNMENT AND PRAYER:
Father Gary led us in the Lord's prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan McKinley, Clerk