Electing A Junior Warden And Vestry
Members
Is it me oh Lord?
At All Saints’ Annual Meeting on Sunday,
January 17, 2010, the parish will elect a new Jr. Warden (who will serve
a two year term) and four Vestry members (each of whom will serve a three
year term). As we approach these elections I trust you will approach your
decision with care and objectivity. As we consider our votes we must focus
on two things. The first consideration should be the challenges that face
the parish over these next three years and beyond. I have previously
articulated what I believe to be the major challenges: to enrich, enhance
and expand our liturgical life; to expand the reach of existing programs and
to develop new and innovative efforts so that the barriers of indifference
and apathy within and beyond the walls of All Saints’ may be broken; in
tangible and measurable ways, to expand our grateful response to God through
gifts of time, treasure and talent; and to strengthen and grow the bonds of
affection that make us instruments of transformation in Tupelo and the
broader community. The second consideration is to objectively determine
which individuals might best help to move All Saints’ forward toward meeting
these and other needs. Generally a parish will consider an individual who:
+ Is faithful in attending worship regularly
+ Takes the Baptismal Covenant seriously (BCP, pp. 304-305)
+ Maintains a disciplined prayer life (both privately and corporately)
+ Is committed to giving of time, talent and treasure for the good of the
parish
+ Seeks growth through Christian education and study
+ Has some experience in the life and ministry of the Parish
+ Works and plays well with others
+ Can advise, support and minister to the rector, clergy, staff and
congregation, holding each accountable as appropriate.
Each person who allows her/his name to be submitted will have certain gifts
and abilities—and all of the candidates should be commended for simply
allowing their names to be submitted. We might, also, want to consider these
additional needs of the Vestry in our choice of Warden and Vestry members:
+ ability to discern and consider the future ministries of the parish
+ a calm and reassuring presence
+ a willingness to create and evaluate new and innovative programs that
would meet existing needs within the parish and beyond
+ attendance and active participation at the Vestry Retreat and the New
Vestry Member retreat (scheduled at Gray Center for February 26 & 27, 2010).
2010 promises an exciting and fulfilling year.
Voting Qualifications:
+ 16 years of age
+ membership letter is at All Saints’
+ have received communion at least three (3) times in the past year.
+ known to the Rector (and Wardens) to be active in the life of the parish
in worship and program
And you need to be present to vote.
If you have any questions about the qualification of a potential candidate
or the voting qualifications please feel free to contact Father Paul or Fred
Page and we will be happy to assist.
Father Paul+
