The Vestry & Officers of the Church
 
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    What is the Vestry -- and what does it do?

    The "Vestry" is composed of the Rector plus nine lay members of the parish. The nine lay members are Voting Members of the parish who have been nominated and elected by the parish to represent and lead the parish along with the Officers. Vestry members serve for a three-year term.

    If you have questions about what it is like to serve on Vestry, please read the Vestry Job Description and other information available below.

    Election Process :

    Whereas the Bishop is elected by the clergy and delegates, and our parish officers are elected by our vestry, our vestry are nominated by and elected by the Voting Members of the Parish, not the Vestry. The Vestry does not control the nominations -- you do.

    To nominate someone you want representing and leading our parish, or to run for the vestry yourself, complete and return a Vestry Nomination or Application form (see below) no later than the September 1, for the next election in October. Those elected will "learn the ropes" in the Fall, and take office Jan 1.

    Remember that you may apply directly - you do not need for someone to nominate you.

    July: Vestry appoints an Elections Committee and opens applications/nominations

    July - Sept 1: Any Voting member may run for the vestry. Those interested submit an Application to the Elections Committee no later than Sept 1.

    July - Sept 1: Any Voting member may nominate any other Voting member for vestry. Nominators submit an Nomination to the Elections Committee no later than Sept 1.

    July - Sept 1: Election Committee receives and completes the vetting of applications/nominations

    July - Sept 1: Applicants and nominees become familiar with the Vestry Documents (listed below), which are used throughout the term of service on Vestry. They also meet with clergy and current Vestry to discuss the nature and expectations of this crucial leadership role.

    October: Voting members elect their Vestry.

    October - December: Transition/learning phase. Vestry-elect (1) participate in the Fall Vestry Retreat, (2) attend Vestry meetings, (3) participate in their assigned Standing Committee.

    January 1: Vestry-elect take office Vestry and are commissioned at the Feast of the Holy Name.

    Vestry Resources

    [Return to Index]

    Vestry Minutes

    January 2011

    February 2011

    March 2011
    Financials - 1st Qtr 2011 April 2011 May 2011
    June 2011 June 2011 Exhibits July 2011
    August 2011 September 2011 October 2011
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    Officers of the Parish

    Officers are elected by the Vestry to lead the parish along with the Vestry. These officers include the Rector, Wardens, Treasurer, Registrar, Delegate for Convention, and other officers as may be designated by the Vestry.

    All Officers are "Voting Members" of the parish and may or may not also be Vestry members -- with the exception of the Rector. The Rector is a member of the diocese, represents the Bishop, and serves for an indefinite term as the president and CEO of the parish. The Senior Warden presides in the Rector's absence at meetings of the parish and vestry, and is elected for a 2-year term (with an optional second term) beginning and ending in odd-numbered years. The Junior Warden presides in the absence of the Rector and Senior Warden, and is elected for a 2-year term (with an optional second term) beginning and ending in even-numbered years.

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Contact  Webmaster  with questions about this web site. Last modified: November 28, 2011  
St Marks Episcopal Church is located in Highland MD, convenient to Columbia MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Burtonsville MD, Dayton MD, and Laurel MD, in Howard County, Maryland, halfway between Baltimore and Washington D.C.