All About the Vestry

Shape the Future of Our Parish: Vestry Nominations Now Open!

Are you passionate about the mission of our church? Do you have a vision for how we manage our resources or grow our community? As we look toward a new year, we are officially seeking dedicated individuals to step into leadership roles.

The Vestry is an elected representative body that acts as the legal agent for the parish. Many liken the role to a city or town council, providing governance and oversight for our community. At CGS, our Vestry consists of 12 members organized into three classes of four. Each year, four members rotate off as a new class is elected for a three-year term. This structure ensures we welcome fresh voices and new ideas every year while maintaining a steady foundation of institutional knowledge.

The Parish will elect four new vestry members at our upcoming Annual Parish Meeting in January 2026. These new members will begin their term on February 1, 2026. If you are curious about how the Vestry works, they meet on the fourth Monday of each month, and parishioners are always welcome to sit in. You can also find Vestry members around CGS during Sunday services—they’d love to hear what’s on your mind!

What Does the Vestry Do?

If you are new to the Episcopal tradition, you can think of the Vestry as the governing board of a nonprofit. According to the national Episcopal Church, the Vestry acts as the legal representative of the parish regarding all corporate property and business.

While the Rector leads our spiritual life, the Vestry supports that mission "by word and deed" through:

• Defining the Mission: Helping to discern where God is calling our congregation.
• Resource Management: Overseeing the church’s finances and budgeting.
• Property Oversight: Caring for our buildings and grounds.
• Leadership: Selecting the Rector and ensuring the church remains effectively organized.

Is This Role Right for You?

Serving on the Vestry is a rewarding way to give back, but it does require a significant commitment of time and heart. Members are expected to:

• Attend Meetings: Participate in monthly Vestry meetings and the annual retreat.
• Act as Liaisons: Serve as a bridge between the Vestry and at least one other church committee or ministry.
• Lead by Example: Support the annual stewardship campaign through personal giving and assist in raising funds.
• Be Present: Regularly attend church services and parish events.

Requirements for Eligibility: Per our bylaws, candidates must be at least 18 years old, baptized, and confirmed in the Episcopal Church.

How to Nominate

The Nominating Committee, chaired by Esther Hall, is currently seeking qualified parishioners to stand for election. We strongly encourage self-nominations—if you feel called to serve, please don't hesitate to put your name forward!
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1. Review the Details: Read the full Vestry Member position description. 
2. Submit a Form: You can download the nomination form by CLICKING HERE.
3. Ask Questions: If you’d like to learn more about the day-to-day experience of serving, reach out to Esther Hall for a friendly chat.

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Important Deadline: All nomination forms must be received by Friday, January 4, 2026.
Help us continue to build a vibrant, sustainable, and Christ-centered community. We look forward to seeing who will step up to lead us into 2026!

Vestry minutes from 1884-85