Church Governance: Our Vestry
Our church is led by an elected board of lay leaders called the vestry. Our Vestry meets monthly (except for July break) on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15 pm. We also take a yearly half-day retreat.
According to the Episcopal Church website: "The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances."
Our Vestry has nine members who are elected to 3-year terms, with the option of running for a second, consecutive 3-year term before taking a year break. We also have two wardens who are elected to 2-year terms and who hold special positions of leadership within the Vestry. Vestry elections take place at our Annual Meeting (see below). An appointed treasurer and clerk also assist in recording meetings and stewarding church resources.
Senior Warden: James Chenot
Junior Warden: Deborah Spath
Treasurer: George Scala
Clerk: Christie Gordon
Members: Pete Benson, Ashley Closson, Kevin Creagan, Christie Gordon, Samuel Hartt, Maria Holden, Robin LaPlante, Annette Panzironi, and William Pettit.
Annual Meeting Tea and Hymn Sing
Next Annual Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, following 10:30 worship
Each year, Episcopal parishes hold an annual meeting of church members. The meeting is the time when we elect wardens and Vestry members and hear budget and ministry reports and updates. The rector's opening speech states our parish mission for the coming year.
Who may vote?
To vote in the Annual Meeting, a parishioner must be 18 years of age, must be baptized, and must have been in regular church attendance during the previous calendar year, as well as a contributor to the church's support through time, talent, and/or treasure.
There's food! The Annual Tea
Each year, our Vestry members and other volunteers provide a delicious tea prior to the Annual Meeting consisting of tea sandwiches, finger foods, and sweets -- along with tea and coffee. Parish governnance isn't done on an empty stomach.
And music! The Hymn Sing
We also intersperse our business meeting with favorite hymns requested by our parishioners. For several weeks leading up the Annual Meeting, parishioners can submit their favorite hymns. In between meeting reports, we pause to sing hymn submissions that are drawn out of a hat.