Saint Joseph's Episcopal Church
Finding the Way Together
1902 West Main Street
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 286-1064
Faithfully serving Durham NC since 1908
The Mission of Saint Joseph's To follow Jesus Christ as His Disciples through Joyful Worship, Sacred Study, Christian Action, and Community Life, In the Power of the Holy Spirit.
| The History of the Vestry | The term vestry originated in Great Britain and referred to the room next to the nave of the church where the sacred vessels and vestments were kept. Those conducting parish business met in this room and came to be known as the vestry. The executive committee of the vestry is made up of the two wardens and the rector. The principle behind this, as well as the whole structure of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, is one of ordered and diffused authority. |
| Canon law and the Vestry |
The canon law of the Church charges the vestry with the following responsibilities:
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| Eligibility for Vestry |
To serve on the Vestry in the Episcopal Church, one must meet the following requirements:
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| Make up of the Vestry |
The Vestry is made up of 9 members:
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| Election |
Vestry members are elected at the annual meeting of the parish in January each year. Officers are elected for a term of one year. There is no restriction on how many times they may be elected. At-large members are elected for a term of 3 years. They may not be re-elected unless they are completing a partial term. Former members-at-large may run for election again after being off the Vestry for one year. |
| Group process | Our Vestry tries to function with mutual trust, respect, listening and prayer. This is an intangible element in our common life together as a vestry and it is critically important in opening us individually and as a group to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. |
| Principles for dealing with disagreement in the church |
Conflict is inevitable in life and has always been a part of the church. What is more important is asking how do we journey together faithfully, following Christ, when we disagree passionately on controversial issues. In matters where we disagree, the context for disagreement requires:
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