Each year at this time we publish the procedure for
nominating new members to the Vestry. During October/November each year, four
new members are nominated for election to the Vestry. The St. Thomas’ Vestry
comprises twelve members, each serving a term of three years. In January of each
year the four senior members complete their three-year term and are replaced by
four new members who are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting. As noted in the
Policy for Nominating Vestry Members adopted by the Vestry in June 2001, “St.
Thomas’ is a large parish with an abundance of committed and talented
parishioners, splendidly varied in their backgrounds and gifts…. former vestry
members may be considered for further service only after five vestry terms,
fifteen years, have elapsed from the end of their first term. Only one of
the four new-member vestry slots may be filled by a former vestry member.”
In
accordance with the above noted policy, the procedure outlined below will be
followed for the January 2006 elections.
·
Between
Easter and the end of June: notices in the APOSTLE and the Sunday bulletins outlining how vestry members are nominated.
·
September:
The APOSTLE and bulletins will include explanatory notes about the process.
·
Mid- to
late October: A Nominating Committee meeting will be held, chaired
by the wardens and including the following people: all members of the
Vestry; three at-large members of the parish, chosen by the wardens and clergy;
and up to three parishioners who volunteer to serve on the Nominating Committee.
·
December:
The APOSTLE and bulletins will include a slate of vestry candidates and
the candidate for Junior Warden.
·
January
2006: The Annual Parish Meeting will include a voice vote for the slate of
candidates.
The
Policy on Vestry Nominations is, necessarily, long and detailed. Those
interested are welcome to request a copy from the Church Office.