The Vestry
The Vestry is the primary elected lay body of the congregation with fiduciary responsibility for the finances of the parish, maintenance of the buildings, advising the rector, and assisting in the development and implementation of church and community-based programs. Vestry persons are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting, serving in staggered terms over a three-year period. To qualify for election a person must be eighteen years of age, a member of St. Thomas for one year, a pledging and regular giving member of the parish, regular in attendance at worship, and active in the life of the congregation. Officers of the Vestry are: Rector's Warden who serves a liaison between the congregation and the Vestry, and coordinator of the continuing work of the Vestry, and is chosen By the Rector; works closely with the Rector, and shares and articulates the Rector's vision. Accounting Warden who is responsible for the maintenance of the Budget, and parish finances. Treasurer who is responsible for the payment of bills and payrolls. Clerk/Registrar who takes and prepares the minutes of Vestry meetings, and maintains the parish rolls and records.
The Auxiliary Vestry
The Auxiliary Vestry is elected annually at the Parish Meeting. This body serves as a training resource for potential Vestry persons and to further enhance communications with guilds, organizations, and the congregation. While the Auxiliary Vestry works along with the Vestry, it does not have the canonical authority of the Vestry. Only Vestry persons may vote on matters pertaining to the expenditure of funds, the budget, and contracts. Qualifications for election are the same as for the Vestry.