Vestry & Diocesan Delegate
WHAT IS THE VESTRY?
If the idea of a Vestry is new to you, it is similar to the governing body of a nonprofit company. According to the website of the National Episcopal Church, the Vestry is the “legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property.” It helps define the mission of the congregation, supports the Church’s mission “by word and deed,” selects the rector of the Church, ensures effective organization, and manages the Church’s resources and finances. In recent years, the Vestry helped develop the current initiatives. Next year’s Vestry will play an integral role in developing future initiatives and strategic plans. Vestry service entails material time commitment.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A VESTRY MEMBER
The responsibilities of the Vestry fall into three categories: Financial oversight, Facilities oversight, and Development. A Vestry member serves a three-year term, attends monthly meetings in-person, two Saturday half-day retreats, may serve as a liaison to at least one other Church committee or ministry group, attends Church and Church events on a regular basis, and supports the annual stewardship campaign through giving and raising funds. Candidates must be able to fulfill all requirements of the office.
In addition, according to our Bylaws, a Vestry candidate must be over 18 years of age, must be baptized and confirmed into the Episcopal Church, must have received communion at least three times during the preceding year, must be faithful at worship, and must have demonstrated their commitment to the current annual giving campaign with a pledge, and their commitment to the recent capital campaign with a pledge. The pledges may be paid immediately or over a specified period of time. Serving on the Vestry also requires a level of computer literacy that will allow regular digital engagement with other vestry members.
WHAT IS A DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATE?
The Annual Convention of the Diocese of Dallas takes place on the first or second Saturday of November each year, and Saint Michael elects Delegates to attend and represent our church. At the Diocesan Convention, delegates elect Diocesan officials, hear reports to the Convention, approve the budget of the Diocese and establish Diocesan policy and procedure by considering and voting on resolutions and approving changes to the Diocesan constitution and canons. The Parish elects three Delegates. In addition, the Parish will elect three alternates who will serve if a Delegate is unable to attend the Convention.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Delegates to the Diocesan Convention must be willing to attend the Diocesan Convention for three consecutive years, prepare for the Convention, and attend meetings before and after the Convention with other delegates and Church leaders.
THE NOMINATION PROCESS
Service on the Vestry or as a Delegate requires sound judgment, familiarity with Saint Michael and its parishioners, and a willingness to spend time in service to the Church. As the Nominating Committee considers candidates for its slate of nominees, it will consider the qualifications, skills, and past experience of the nominee; as well as the skills and leadership expertise needed on the Vestry or at the Convention during the specified term of service.
Nominations typically begin in May or June each year. The Nominating Committee will make its recommendations to the Vestry in September each year. The slate of nominees approved by the Vestry will typically be announced to the Parish on a Sunday in September, at which time Nominations by Petition will open. The Parish will vote on the nominees at the Fall Parish Meeting in October each year.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Bhavnita Masih, Executive Assistant to the Rector.