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October 29, 2008

Vestry News - New Vestry Class Nominations

Those of you who have been around Trinity for a while may have noticed that our Annual Parish Election, where we vote for the new Vestry class and Deanery Delegates, has been delayed this year. Traditionally at Trinity, this election has taken place the last Sunday of October. Why the delay this year? Is the Nominating Committee being lazy? Absolutely not! To the contrary, the Nominating Committee (John Crevelt, Margaret Perrone, Howard Smith, Cathy Sage, and Lisa Deal) is being prayerful, thoughtful, and purposeful as they work to put together a top-notch slate of Vestry candidates who have the necessary skills to serve in this capacity.

Our 12-member Vestry (three classes of four individuals, each serving a 3-year term) is the policy-making body of Trinity, with legal responsibility for our parish as a corporation. Unlike a secular corporate board, however, being on Vestry is a sacred ministry, and members are called to serve our broader parish community as the body of Christ. Vestry members also must be willing to uphold the canons of both the Diocese of California and the National Episcopal Church, and abide by the by-laws of Trinity Parish. With each Vestry class, it is important to create a team of individuals who are representative of our congregation, and who have complementary skills. This is no easy task!

Traditionally at Trinity, a slate of four Vestry nominees has been presented to the congregation each year. Occasionally, at the discretion of our Rector, Trinity has had a contested Vestry election, with more than four nominees running for the four open positions. During this interim time, we have been advised by the diocese not to hold a contested election, which results in “winners” and “losers,” and can cause unnecessary stress within the congregation. Thus, the nominating committee is moving forward, being thoughtful about creating a slate of qualified nominees who are called to this ministry. In accordance with our by-laws, the parish election will be held on a Sunday between the end of October and the beginning of December.

Please keep the Nominating Committee in your prayers as they listen for God’s voice to complete this task!