Vestry
The
Vestry functions as the standing committee of the parish, helping
the clergy and staff carry out the mission of St. Andrew’s Church.
It also addresses general matters of parish policy and management.
Each member of the Vestry is responsible for a specific aspect
of parish life and usually works with a committee of parishioners
to accomplish that task.
The Wardens are elected lay members of the parish who work with
the Rector and the staff to oversee the daily operation of parish
life. They assist with administrative functions and financial
matters, helping to set policy where necessary. They act
as legal representatives of the parish. Together with the
Clerk and the Treasurer, they are officers of the Vestry.
A Nominating Committee consisting of both elected and appointed
individuals puts forth a slate of names for Vestry positions in
advance of the parish’s Annual Meeting and elections in January.
The Wardens, Clerk and Treasurer are elected for two-year terms.
Any baptized member of the parish who is sixteen years or older
may vote in the annual election.
Vestry Committees
Worship: This committee serves
in an advisory capacity to the clergy about issues relating to
the spiritual and worship life of the parish.
Christian Learning: The Christian Learning committees direct
and support the ministries of life-long religious education and
spiritual formation in the parish. The Church School Committee
leads our very active Sunday morning programs for children, as
well as special events for families with young children throughout
the year. We are in the process of forming a Youth Formation
Team to help support our two youth groups for middle and high
school students, as well as an Adult Education committee to help
design and promote learning opportunities for adult congregants
both here at St. Andrew's and elsewhere in the local community. If
you are interested in being a part of any of these committees,
please speak with the Vestryperson for Christian Learning.
Outreach: This committee coordinates
the mission work taking place outside the church building putting
Christian faith into action. Service projects including
the following: participating in interfaith peace projects;
staffing food pantries; and cooking for Rosie’s Place. The
Outreach Committee also sends money, goods and services to St.
Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Boston, Christ Church of Bay St.
Louis MS, El Hogar School (Honduras), Episcopal City Mission,
Epiphany School of Boston and others.
Finance: This committee formulates
and monitors the church’s annual budget and, in consultation with
the Treasurer, the Wardens and the Rector, makes investment decisions
relating to St. Andrew’s endowment.
Stewardship: This committee teaches
the parish that every Christian is responsible for using money,
time and talents to the glory of God. It plans and implements
the annual campaign which generates revenue and talent to sustain
the ministries in and from St. Andrew’s. Pledges may be
paid in full when made, or on a weekly or monthly basis at worship
services.
Property: This committee plans
for and supervises the upkeep and repair of the buildings and
their contents, as well as the grounds owned by St. Andrew’s.
These include the church building itself, the rectory, the residential
building at 7 Denton Road, and the parking lot.
Communications: This committee
disseminates information to the public and congregation about
church events and activities through parish publications, website,
local newspapers, external signs and other media.
Personnel: This committee advises
the Rector and Wardens on matters concerning paid staff of the
church. The committee prepares and maintains job descriptions
and an employee handbook, recommends salary levels and adjustments,
investigates benefit options, and assists in the hiring of staff
members.
Membership: This committee welcomes
new members and visitors to St. Andrew’s and helps all parishioners
become involved in the life of the parish. It helps recruit
volunteers to greet people before and after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday
worship service, organizes Coventry Supper groups, and hosts Newcomers’
Dinners twice each year.
Fellowship: This committee is responsible
for planning and implementing activities within St. Andrew’s that
provide opportunities for fellowship and community building. These
include parish-wide suppers, special luncheons, teas for the elderly
members of our parish as well as fund raising functions such as
Bargain Haul and Silent Auction.
Each of these Vestry committees seeks new members on an on-going
basis. If you are interested in serving on a committee or
working on a special project, please call the vestry person who
chairs that committee or the parish office.
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