THE VESTRY
Anglicans have some rather dated and obscure terms, the term “Vestry” not being the least of them. Originally the Vestry were lay-leaders of a local parish who would meet in a room called the “Vestry” (basically a closet where the minister keeps his vestment robes) to communicate concerns of the parish with their minister. So this group of lay-leaders eventually were recognised corporately as “The Vestry” of a parish.
This brings us to 2 other strange Anglican words:
- The “Senior Warden”
- The “Junior Warden”
Now before you start thinking the Anglican church is beginning to sound awfully like a prison, we should explain. The Senior Warden is simply the head of the Vestry, like the Chairman of the Board. And the Jr. Warden is just the designation of one who is in charge of upkeep the physical property of the parish. There are other officers whose titles are more straight-forward such as Clerk and Treasurer. Lastly, there are members-at-large.
At Christ Church Westshore the Vestry takes an active role in the life of the parish they help the Rector plan out how the parish can operate and grow and also work with the Rector in hiring staff. Members of Vestry are Lay-Elders, who lead by example and take on roles to oversee ministries and help facilitate parish events.
- How is the Vestry Selected? At Christ Church, potential vestry members examine themselves according to First Timothy 1:3. Secondly if they believe God is calling them to serve on Vestry they are interviewed by the Sr. Warden and Rector (Pastor) to help discern God’s call. The ballots of Vestry members is elected by the Parish at the Annual Meeting held the third Sunday in January. Active members of Christ Church are eligible for nomination and election. Nominations must be completed by November for elections the following January.
- What are the terms? The Vestry of Christ Church 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 re-election after sitting off for a minimum of one year.
- With whom should I speak? If a Parishioner has a question or concern, who should they approach? In general, all personal, spiritual and religious items fall under the pastoral guidance of the Rector or his pastoral team. 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. Contact the Church office for the location (440-899-7151).
| Elder | Term Ends |
| Jeff Davis | |
| Bob Drusendahl | |
| Art Hall | |
| Sue Hill | January 2014 |
| Andrew Holmes | January 2014 |
| Linda Jackson | |
| John Mack (Clerk) | |
| John Ryan | |
| Nancy Sabath | January 2013 |
| Marcia Smith | |
| Terry Templeton | January 2014 |
| Rob Zawtocki (Treasurer) | January 2013 |
________________________________________________________________________
Vestry by Class
| Term Ending | Term Ending | Term Ending |
| January 2013 | January 2014 | January 2015 |
| Nancy Sabath | Sue Hill | |
| Rob Zawtocki | Andrew Holmes | |
| Terry Templeton | ||
For a complete listing of contact information and ministries please below:
2012 Vestry Leadership Positions and Contact Information