LEADERSHIP

The board of lay leadership at a parish church is called a Vestry (at “mission” churches it is called a “Bishop’s Committee”, as the bishop of the diocese has direct responsibility and oversight for mission ministries in his diocese; however, he often delegates pastoral responsibility to a Vicar (from Latin vicarius, ‘substitute’)).

Vestry leaders are often the most visible leaders of the church. Together with the Rector they provide leadership in many areas. They make decisions and give direction in the areas of budget, maintenance of church property, gifts and endowments, and discerning how it all fits within the stated vision and mission of the church. They also prayerfully discern with the Rector mutual ministry goals and empower the community to exercise their talents and gifts for ministry and service.

Vestry members are elected to a term of 3 years. The Senior Warden and the Junior Warden (or ‘People’s Warden’) are Vestry members elected and/or appointed to one year terms (occasionally two).

• St Aidan’s Vestry meets on the third Monday of each month at 4:00 PM in the conference room. (Meetings can occasionally move, so double check the church calendar) 
• All meetings are open meetings. Anyone is welcome to attend. If you plan on attending, please give us a heads-up so that we can better welcome you.
• Anyone may submit items for discussion at Vestry meetings. They should be submitted in writing to the Office Administrator no later than 1 week prior to the next meeting, so nothing gets lost in translation. 
• Any church member may ask any Vestry member to speak in their stead regarding a topic/proposal they wish to forward, so long as the person making the request agrees to be named in the reporting.
• If a critical or sensitive vote is being taken, the Vestry may go into a “closed door” session and ask visitors to leave for a period of time.