Vestry Elections



Dear Congregation Member:

Have you thought about joining our Vestry? Your Election Committee has produced a schedule (see below) for nominating congregation members for possible election to the Vestry. If you feel this is God's calling for your Christian journey, then this is your chance to get involved, have a say in how things happen, and to do God’s work. Or you may know of someone you think would be ideal for serving the congregation. You must be nominated to be a candidate - to get the nomination form online, click here and then hit "print".

Three kinds of positions are up for election;

  • Warden; one position will be open. This position serves as one of the managers of the Vestry, and must be a confirmed Episcopalian with at least one year served as a Vestry member of our Congregation. It is a two year term.
  • Vestry; five positions will be open. The Vestry serves as the board of the congregation and oversees most issues pertaining to its operation. These positions have three year terms, and require baptism, & membership in our Congregation.
  • Inter-parish Council Representative; one position is open. A three year term, this position keeps us in touch with local parishes and is our representative to the council of parishes in Manhattan North. This requires membership in the Congregation.

    Please review the calendar below and keep it handy, so you can refer to it between now and the Annual Meeting (February 6, 2005). If you have any questions, or want to know more, please feel free to contact the Rev. Storm Swain at swain@stjohndivine.org, or speak to any Warden or Vestry Member at the congregation table after the 11 o'clock service.

    Sincerely,

    Mark Hummell
    mhummell@dioceseny.org
    Election Committee Chair

    Election Calendar

    Oct. 20 Open Vestry Meeting - 6:30PM
    As part of the upcoming Election Process, we are hosting an open Vestry meeting in Cathedral House at 6:30pm - this is your chance to observe a real Vestry meeting, see how things run, and assess whether this work is for you. Open to all members of the Congregation of St. Saviour. Then, as the Election process continues, Nomination Forms for Candidates will be mailed to all Congregation Members by November 1st, and are due back to the Election Committee by December 5th. Elections are held during the Annual Meeting on February 6th, 2005. Serving on the Vestry is a great way to become a strong part of the life of our Congregation, and a chance to really put your faith in action.

    Nov. 1 Nomination Forms
    Election Committee will mail to all members of the congregation copies of the nomination forms along with the Election Calendar - these Nomination Forms are the documents you use to indicate interest in nominating yourself or another congregation member. Must be signed by 3 other congregation members.

    Dec. 5 Deadline for nomination forms to be returned to the committee or the church office,
    - to get the nomination form online, click here and then hit "print" -

    Dec. 5 Candidates Meeting
    there will be a welcome meeting with Candidates at 10am in Room 118 of Cathedral House. This orientation meeting will be to discuss procedures, expectations, and to answer any questions. Pictures will be taken and "election statements" written for distribution to congregation.

    Dec.12 Deadline for the return of statements to the committee.

    Jan. 1 Mail "Election Statements" of Candidates to congregation.

    Jan. 9 Availability of Absentee ballots from the Rev. Storm Swain - anyone who feels they cannot make the annual meeting must discuss with Storm to receive an Absentee ballot - availability limited.
    Jan. 23 Candidates attend 9 & 11 services & coffee hours for formal introduction and to meet & greet members of the congregation.

    Jan. 31 Deadline for Absentee ballots to be returned to the Rev. Storm Swain

    Feb. 06 Annual meeting & election (St James Chapel - 1:00 PM)

    Feb. 13 daytime Vestry Retreat - first meeting of the year for new Vestry

    Please note that this schedule, and all the firm deadlines and rules, are for your benefit to keep this process fair. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact anyone on the Election Committee.