Vestry Ministry General Information

Canonical Duties: The Vestry are agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy. (Canon 14 Section 2)

The vestry – works with the rector in strategic visioning/planning for the church and providing the financial resources to support that vision and fund daily operations.

Gives financial oversight; works with the treasurer, finance and stewardship committees; approves annual budgets created by the rector and staff; determines spending levels for outreach and mission; approves grants, and ensures the availability of financial resources necessary to support vision and mission of the church; oversees the physical plant; gives input and approves changes to campus; and serves as a board of counsel for the rector and senior staff and as a resource for parishioners.

The commitment is a term of three years involving monthly meetings usually on the 4th Tuesday at 5:30 PM and spring and fall Saturday vestry retreats. Review of materials prior to meetings and sub-committee involvement are included in the time commitment. Vestry members have personal ministries and obligations. Prayer for direction is necessary to discern the timing of this commitment.

A Nominee needs to be eighteen years old and a communicant in good standing ( is enrolled in the records of the parish., has been confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church by a bishop of the Episcopal Church, for the previous year has been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.)

Vestry members must subscribe to the following declaration, “I am persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ; I accede to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church.”

What is needed? A heart for Jesus Christ and the mission of Trinity Parish + Willingness to be in community with other church leaders + Openness to hear God’s word and to set aside personal agendas + An agreement to keep vestry business in vestry, acknowledging that information to the parish is best communicated at one time by a single source, the rector, or his designee.

The election process begins with the Parish Nominating Committee (Chair – Sr. warden, two members from current vestry and two members of congregation from prior Trinity vestries).

1. Early September each fall, the PNC publishes an invitation for suggestions of names from parishioners for vestry nominations. Forms are at the front desk or suggestions may be emailed to the committee chair. Suggestions of names to be considered in the nominating process will be received for three weeks.

2. The PNC develops a listing including parish suggestions and develops a slate from a pool of eligible candidates who they believe have gifts and commitment to Jesus Christ and Trinity Parish would work well on vestry.

3. The PNC calls the nominees to confirm their willingness to run and if elected, to serve. They are asked to submit brief biographical information and a photo. A final slate of ten candidates is submitted to the rector and forwarded to the Communications staff at the beginning of November to publish for parish review.

4. Four people are elected to vestry. At times more than four are elected to fill vacancies. Vestry elections are in December for service to begin in January.

For further information, contact Sandy Goode, PNC Chair 904.794.7873  |  sandunesa2@comcast.net

Thank you for completing your information that will be published with your photo prior to the election.