Lay Leadership at Christ Church

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 on the last Sunday of the month at 12 p.m.  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 Toni Alexander, 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 2022 Annual Parish Meeting:
  • Toni Alexander - Senior Warden
  • Deb Brewer
  • Dana Dickerson
  • Cheryl Essner 
  • Bob Lowe ​
  • Carl Muench - Co-Junior Warden
  • Gina Thomas - Co-Junior Warden
  • Julie Wittenborn-Sikorski ​​

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

Finance Committee

  • ​Bob Lowe (Treasurer)
  • ​Jean Cairns (CEC Bookkeeper)

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.