About the Vestry
The Vestry acts like a board of directors for St. John’s, which operates under by-laws in full compliance with the canons of the Diocese of California and The Episcopal Church.
The Vestry is comprised of 9-14, but usually 12, parishioners, who are voting members, as well as the Rector and Associate, who are non-voting members. The Vestry is led by the Senior Warden, who is appointed by the Rector and acts as the chairperson; the People’s Warden, who is elected by the Vestry and acts as the ombudsman of the congregation; and the Rector. The Vestry is assisted by the Treasurer, who is responsible for the church’s money and accounting; and by the Clerk, who takes minutes of the meetings.
The voting members are elected to represent the congregation for three-year terms. Each year, four members retire and are replaced by four new members, providing both continuity and fresh perspectives. Outgoing members act as a nominating committee in the fall and proposed candidates are voted on by all registered members at the church’s annual meeting in January.
The Vestry is committed to making decisions and implementing policies that support the best interests of the church. Some of the major functions of the Vestry include:
The Vestry meets monthly, usually on the fourth Tuesday of the month, and at other times as needed. Meetings are generally open, unless an executive session is called. If a church member or member of the public is interested in getting an item on the Vestry’s monthly meeting agenda, they should contact the People's Warden by the 3rd Tuesday of the month at peopleswarden@stjohnsoakland.org.
The Vestry acts like a board of directors for St. John’s, which operates under by-laws in full compliance with the canons of the Diocese of California and The Episcopal Church.
The Vestry is comprised of 9-14, but usually 12, parishioners, who are voting members, as well as the Rector and Associate, who are non-voting members. The Vestry is led by the Senior Warden, who is appointed by the Rector and acts as the chairperson; the People’s Warden, who is elected by the Vestry and acts as the ombudsman of the congregation; and the Rector. The Vestry is assisted by the Treasurer, who is responsible for the church’s money and accounting; and by the Clerk, who takes minutes of the meetings.
The voting members are elected to represent the congregation for three-year terms. Each year, four members retire and are replaced by four new members, providing both continuity and fresh perspectives. Outgoing members act as a nominating committee in the fall and proposed candidates are voted on by all registered members at the church’s annual meeting in January.
The Vestry is committed to making decisions and implementing policies that support the best interests of the church. Some of the major functions of the Vestry include:
- Setting annual goals for the church
- Reviewing, approving, and monitoring the annual budget
- Evaluating all new, significant financial commitments
- Acting as stewards of the buildings and grounds (including rental property) and equipment of the church
- Monitoring major projects, including capital improvements
- Acting as leaders of the parish and assisting the Rector any way they can
- Working closely with the Staff and Ministry Catalysts to evaluate and implement programs
- When the need arises for a new Rector, organizing a search and approving the candidate, working closely with the Bishop and members of his staff
The Vestry meets monthly, usually on the fourth Tuesday of the month, and at other times as needed. Meetings are generally open, unless an executive session is called. If a church member or member of the public is interested in getting an item on the Vestry’s monthly meeting agenda, they should contact the People's Warden by the 3rd Tuesday of the month at peopleswarden@stjohnsoakland.org.
