What is a “vestry”?
In the Episcopal Church, a “vestry” is the congregational council for a parish, made up of elected representatives who are responsible for the financial stewardship and physical maintenance of the church’s buildings and grounds. The Vestry works alongside the Rector to discern and carry out the church’s vision and mission.
The Vestry is led by a senior representative known as the Senior Warden, who acts as the primary liaison between the congregation and the clergy, helping to promote good communication and ensure mutual understanding of our common mission. The Vestry is also supported by a Junior Warden whose duty it is to oversee the maintenance of the church’s buildings and grounds, a Clerk who faithfully records all Vestry discussions and decisions for the public historical record, and a Treasurer who oversees church finances and works alongside the finance committee to ensure financial transparency and accountability within the congregation.
At the Advocate, our Vestry is composed of 6 people who seek to prayerfully discern how best to represent the diverse needs and perspectives of the people in our community. All Vestry members are elected to a 3-year term, with two members rotating off each year.
Vestry members meet once a month (usually on the fourth Tuesday) in the Parish House to discuss issues and make decisions. We also meet once a year for an all-day retreat that includes visioning, development, and leadership training.
To learn more about our church’s organizational structure and vestry, read The Episcopal Church of the Advocate’s official by-laws.
Class of 2025
- Liz Gilson, Sr. Warden
- Peter Morris
Class of 2026
- Ames Herbert, Jr. Warden
- Leah Frerichs
Class of 2027
- Erin Dangler
- Justine Post
The Clerk of the Vestry is Peter Morris
The Treasurer is Nancy Usher Williams
Want to get involved?
All active parishioners who have been confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church are eligible to sit on Vestry. Two members rotate off every year, leaving two new vacancies to fill annually.
Vestry membership requires a 3-year commitment to active involvement in the life of the congregation. Candidates should be prayerful, proactive, and comfortable with occupying a leadership role in the community.
If you feel called to participate in church leadership and would like to be considered for next year’s slate of vestry candidates, please contact the Senior Warden.