GOVERNANCE

The Vestry is the legal representative of the parish on all matters concerning its corporate property. The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are to help define and articulate the congregation's mission; to support the church's mission by word and deed; to select the Rector; to ensure effective organization and planning; and to manage resources and finances.

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The Vestry of Emmanuel Church is composed of 9–12 members. Vestry members are normally elected for a three-year term, unless elected to complete someone else's term, and cannot be re-elected without a break. Normally, one-third of the Vestry is elected each year. The Rector appoints the Senior Warden. The Vestry selects, from amongst the remaining members, the Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Secretary (Clerk).

All members of the Vestry are expected to attend the regular meetings. Each member generally serves either as one of the officers and/or as a liaison to one of the many commissions of the parish. There is often follow-up work between meetings, rarely onerous, and it is usually possible to do it on one's own schedule. Above all, Vestry members should be active in the parish and make an effort to attend coffee hour and various functions, to participate and support, but also to be available to parishioners.