At its February meeting, the Vestry elected Chris Spencer as the new Senior Warden, Jeff Allende as the new Junior Warden, Kemper Wharton as our new Register and Howard Cobb as Treasurer. Chris, Jeff and Kemper replace Eddie Goode, Molly Snow and Margaret Mickel, who left enormous and finely made shoes that one can only hope to fill.
Al Rider also rotated off the Vestry after outstanding service as the Finance Committee’s representative. St. Mary’s is a very well-run parish, thanks in no small measure to the work of Al and his committee.
The Vestry’s Nominating Committee (comprised of the outgoing class) recommends a slate of officers each year, chosen from the current Vestry. The same committee nominates candidates to replace outgoing Vestry members. Candidates at St. Mary’s tend to “self-nominate” by giving conspicuous service on church committees. Vestry members and others notice good service to the community, and propose good candidates for service on the Vestry itself. Although the Vestry is charged with specific duties under Episcopal Canon Law, this is not, at St. Mary’s, some secret and exclusive club. The real work of the church is done by the parish as a whole, by committee members and by volunteers. The Vestry coordinates, counsels and supports their efforts.