Vestry To Propose New Model...
A 9-Member Vestry For St. Luke’s
Dear Fellow Member of St. Luke’s,
This fall, your Vestry discussed a proposal to move from St. Luke’s current 12-member Vestry model to a 9-member Vestry model. The discussion, which took place over several meetings, was quite fruitful, with the following key points noted:
In favor of the 12-member model:
The current 12-member model has worked at St. Luke’s for several decades. At the same time, it’s Vestry’s perception that the structure of Vestry could be more effective.
The 12-member model is based on the number of Christ’s apostles.
In favor of the 9-member model:
The current 12-member model could be considered outsized in proportion to our parish membership (our pre-Covid records count 256 communicants in good standing and an average Sunday attendance of 125)
It can be difficult to find 12 members who can make the necessary time commitment.
The proposed 9-member model can ameliorate leadership drain in the church due to the larger proportional number of parish members involved in Vestry.
The 9-member model allows for more rest between periods of leadership, and refreshed leadership strengthens the church.
A revised Vestry structure can facilitate a clearer role for Vestry members and encourage more active communication between Vestry and other parish structures (e.g. staff, committees, ministries).
Father Michael shared that he has worked with many 9-member Vestries in the past and has found them to be efficacious.
The Vestry voted to present the 9-member Vestry Model proposal to the Parish for vote.
View the proposal here, which constitutes a change in our Parish by-laws, for your consideration and vote. Please email or write St. Luke’s with your Yay or Nay vote on the 9-member Vestry model proposal by January 18. According to the by-laws, all changes must be approved with a majority of votes.
On January 21, we will send you the results of the vote and a proposed slate of new members for the Vestry. The slate will include three members if the 9-member model is approved, and four if it is not approved.
We encourage all members of the Parish to consider participating in the Vestry and prior to the Annual Meeting, we will offer information materials and at least one virtual information session for those with more questions. Those details will be shared as soon as they are available.
As always, members may be nominated from the floor during the annual meeting, and members are encouraged to contact the Nominating Committee (Karen Dowdy-Fullin, Pat Ford, Barb Mighton, and Ginny Sharkey) to nominate themselves prior to the meeting.
Our Annual Meeting will be held virtually on Sunday February 21. We will share more details about the meeting as they become available.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this proposal. We look forward to hearing from you and joining you virtually at our services, discussions and the Annual Meeting as we prepare in joy and anticipation for our coming year together.
Yours in Christ,
Ginny Sharkey
Sr. Warden