Christ Episcopal Church | Red Door Jubilee Center | Cape Girardeau, Missouri
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Lay Leadership at Christ Church


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What is a vestry?

The Vestry is an elected group of parishioners, serving as “legal representatives and agents, charged with specific responsibilities by the canons of the Episcopal Church. The vestry functions much like the board of any non-profit, with responsibility for finance and management of property and human resources.” The vestry also works collaboratively with the rector and congregation to “create a vision and plan of action that reflects God’s dream” for the church. The vestry thus balances its role in “discerning God’s mission and vision with sound stewardship of its property and resources”.
(Episcopal Church Foundation, 2015: 
Vestry Resource Guide, rev. ed. 2015: New York.Forward Movement.  forwardmovement.org)

When does the CEC vestry meet?

The vestry currently meets every third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the church parish hall.  All are welcome to attend; however, only vestry members are allowed to vote.  If you wish to add a specific topic to the agenda, please contact Bob Lowe, our senior warden one month ahead of the scheduled meeting. 
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Who Serves On the Vestry?

Here's our current Vestry, as of CEC's Annual Parish Meeting on February 7, 2021. The end of each member's term is indicated by the date in parentheses:
  • Sue Balsamo (2023) — Co-Senior Warden
  • Bob Lowe (2025) — Co-Senior Warden​
  • Gina Thomas (2024) — Junior Warden
  • Toni Alexander (2025)
  • Cheryl Essner (2023) 
  • Julie Wittenborn-Sikorski (2024)​​
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Sue Balsamo
Co-Senior Warden
Contact
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Bob Lowe
Co-Senior Warden
Contact
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Gina Thomas
Junior Warden
Contact
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Toni Alexander
Vestry Member​
Contact
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Julie Wittenborn-Sikorski
Vestry Member​
Contact
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Cheryl Essner​
Vestry Member​
Contact

Other Leadership

The CEC Vestry is also advised by the following church committees:

Finance Committee

  • ​Monica Waldon (Treasurer)
  • ​Jean Cairns (CEC Bookkeeper)
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Monica Waldon
Treasurer
Contact
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Jean Cairns
CEC Bookkeeper
Contact

Buildings and Grounds committee

  • Gina Thomas (Junior Warden)
  • Additional members on an ad-hoc basis

Links for Documents regarding the Vestry

CEC Vestry Expectations and Duties for Specific Responsibilities
CEC Bylaws 2016
Mission Plan 2020
CEC Vestry Minutes
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How Do I Get Involved?

Attend one of our monthly Vestry meetings or contact the church office to find out how you can get involved in leadership at Christ Episcopal Church. 
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Christ Episcopal Church
101 N. Fountain St.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Business Address
38 N. Fountain St.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Contact
Phone: (573) 335-2997
admin@christchurchcape.org
  • Home
  • Our Church
    • Church Staff
    • Vestry
    • Memorial for Mary Miller
  • Red Door Jubilee Center
    • Hunger Services
    • Hospitality
    • LGBTQ+ Outreach
    • Recovery Groups
  • News and Media
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • Bulletins
    • Service Recordings
    • Sermon Podcast
    • Vestry Minutes
  • Contact Us