A few years ago the canons of the Diocese of Texas were changed to allow election of new vestry members as early as October 1st with the assumption of office of the new members to take place at the Annual Parish Meeting the following January.  In accordance with the Diocesan canons, Holy Comforter usually holds its vestry elections in October.  Information concerning the election date and candidates will be made available in September in the weekly announcement sheets and on the Vestry Bulletin Board in the Parish Hall.  

New vestry members will participate in the October, November and December Vestry meetings, with voice but no vote, and will be provided such information as needed to help orient them in their role.  They will be able to vote in the January Vestry meeting.  

The Nominations Committee considers candidates for the vestry election.  If you are interested in running for election, please visit with a member of the Vestry and be certain to fill out a biographical information sheet so your information can appear on the Vestry Bulletin Board.  Of course, nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting which is held for elections. 

The vestry of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, together with the clergy and church staff (currently Rector, Treasurer, Director of Christian Formation, Lay Ministry Coordinator, Facilities Coordinator and Music Team Leaders), comprise the leadership team of the parish. It is not a "board of directors," nor is it a senior management group. Rather, it is a team of committed Christians working together to pray, plan, prioritize, discern and implement God’s vision for our church’s future.

Besides the minimal canonical requirements to care for the finances and buildings of the parish, the primary responsibilities of the vestry (and church staff) are to lead the parish by:

• helping to discern the vision toward which God is drawing our community;

• articulating and communicating the vision;

• holding the community accountable for its realization of that vision; and

• keeping the mission of the Church and that of Holy Comforter clearly before the community.

Membership on the vestry, therefore, is a commitment to service, not a mark of status or reward for previous service. Members strive to follow Jesus’ example by using their unique spiritual and temporal gifts in service to Christ and His Church.

In addition to the requirements of Vestry persons outlined in the canons of the Church (i.e., 18 years of age, a Confirmed Communicant in Good Standing), vestry members at Holy Comforter should also have the following characteristics. 

• Be regular in worship at Holy Comforter

• Be committed to regular Bible study and prayer

• Make a written financial pledge and give monetary offerings in support of their pledge

• Be active in the life and ministry of the church

• Know (or be willing to discover) and use their individual spiritual gifts

• Learn and use constructive, effective and sensitive leadership

• Get to know other members of the parish (especially newcomers), their ideas and concerns

• Be interested in the future growth of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and show the love of Christ by word and example of one’s life

In addition, one also needs to consider the following minimum expectations in evaluating the time commitment for vestry service.

• Will you commit  to attending each monthly Vestry meeting (including corporate worship), participating by voice and vote?

• Will you serve on at least two (2) Ministry Teams as they meet during the year to do the work of the church as prescribed by the Vestry, the Rector and the Team Leaders?

• Will you support by word and action, the decisions of your Rector, Wardens, the Vestry and other leaders charged with the responsibility of making decisions for the parish?

• Will you commit to attending a weekend Vestry Retreat in January?

• Will you attend two (2) or more available conferences on topics such as stewardship, church growth, new vestry members orientation, evangelism, etc, for leaders of Episcopal congregations in our area?

• If elected to the Vestry and your circumstances change, so that you could no longer devote the necessary time and energy, would you feel free to resign without embarrassment or stigma? 

If you have read and understood the above requirements and expectations of vestry members at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and still feel called to serve on the vestry, please contact a member of the vestry or the church office.