Vestry Nominees

FROM THE RECTOR

I am grateful and delighted that five outstanding members of our parish have offered themselves for the ministry of serving on our parish vestry for the next three years: Kay DuVal, Robert Murphy, Jerry Rose, Melissa Swann, and Jeannie Whayne. You may know all of them, or you may only know one or two. All of them love our church and have gifts to bring if they are selected. You can read more about each of them below.

The vestry is primarily responsible for four things: to elect a new rector whenever that position is vacant, to cooperate with the rector in promoting the spiritual welfare of the congregation, to make sure all the financial and physical obligations of the parish are met, and to transact all temporal business on behalf of the parish. Accordingly, much of our time is spent talking about budgets and properties, but we also focus on formation, mission, justice, outreach, worship, pastoral care, fellowship, and personnel. As the rector, I am a member of the vestry, but, more than that, I consider the vestry a full partner in the ministry that we share in this place. Any of the five nominees would fill that role superbly, and I commend that difficult choice to you.

Last year, because of the pandemic, we were unable to vote for vestry members in person. Instead, we used an electronic ballot that was designed to eliminate the need for a run-off. This year, many of us are able to vote in person, but we still intend to use an electronic ballot both to ensure that individuals who are not yet able to come to church have the opportunity to vote and to make counting the votes easier. Also, with only five nominees, we do not anticipate the need for a run-off.

On Sunday, December 5, eligible voters are invited to cast their ballot electronically here at the church. We will have voting stations set up in the Welcome Center and the Guild Hall, where you can access the electronic ballot and get any help with it that you need. Those who cannot come to church that day will be able to complete a ballot online. We will leave voting open through Friday, December 10, and will publish the results the following Sunday, December 12.

According to the canons of the Diocese of Arkansas, to be qualified to vote in the vestry election, you must meet the following requirements: 1) be at least 16 years old, 2) be a baptized member of this parish for at least the last 30 days, 3) be regular in worship at St. Paul’s, and 4) have made a financial commitment to this church or be unable to make one because you cannot afford to do so. As long as you meet those requirements, I hope you will participate in the election. In The Episcopal Church, this is the only congregational vote that takes place, and your choice of who will serve on the vestry matters.

Technically, the four new members of the vestry will be chosen at the Annual Meeting, when the nominees who are selected by this balloting process are presented for official election by the parish, but this is the time when your voice and vote really matter. Between now and December 5, please pray for all five nominees, for the welfare of the parish, and for the upcoming election. Ultimately, God is guiding the leaders of this parish as we seek to be faithful to the opportunities and responsibilities presented to us, and your part in that is important. Join me in thanking those who are willing to serve and in committing ourselves to support them as they carry out this ministry in the years ahead.


Yours Faithfully,

Evan

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