November Vestry Update

by Junior Warden Gary Wilson

Life is hectic.  Going to work, getting groceries, paying bills, doing school activities, volunteering at church, taking care of family.  During all this rush it can be hard to take a step back and reflect on important issues.  

The same is true for the vestry.  We are all busy taking care of the month to month issues at church such as building and grounds maintenance, looking at financial statements, approving minutes.

We therefore have to be intentional in our efforts to be reflective and think about the long-term big picture.  In our recent September Vestry meeting Philip led a great exercise where we each made a list of our personal values, Calvary values, and Vestry values. Some of the Calvary values mentioned were tolerance, diversity, history, and outreach.  Vestry values listed included spirituality, active participation in the Church, openness, financial stewardship, discernment, and inclusiveness.

These are wonderful values. Speaking for myself, I am not always perfect in living them out.  But we  as a vestry try in various ways, and here are a few examples.  First, we start each meeting by having a vestry member lead us in a Bible study.  This helps set the tone for the meeting and helps us to remember Calvary’s mission of making God’s love visible in downtown Memphis.  Second, we are actively involved in various aspects of the Church.  Each Vestry member acts as a liaison to one of the Ministry Groups and provides updates at the vestry meetings.  Finally, we want there to be an open atmosphere. Parishioners are welcome to attend vestry meetings (typically held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month), minutes of the meetings are available, and there is a suggestion box outside the Great Hall.

It is important as we continue on the search process for a new rector that we are discerning, strategic, spiritual, and open.  The vestry has been and will be working in consultation with the strategic planning, profile and search teams.  We are very appreciative of all the time they have committed and they deserve a big thank you.

We all care deeply about Calvary and are excited about Calvary’s future. We know we have a lot of work to do, but also a lot of reflection as well. We welcome your feedback, questions, and comments as we go through this journey together.