A Thank You to All Vestry Members
As we enter into a new year, on behalf of the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF), I extend my deepest thanks to all of you, the new and returning vestry members of The Episcopal Church. Here at ECF, we recognize that serving on the vestry is holy work that requires deep commitment, faithful service, and ongoing energy. Thank you for your ministry!
These are challenging times in our country and in our world with a need for congregations to serve as beacons of hope and sources of inspiration to both our members and the wider community. Our prayers are with you as you continue to discern God’s call in your own time and place.
Please know that ECF is your partner on this journey as we support you in this important ministry. Together we can help bring about transformation, renewal, and positive change in our faith communities by forming faithful disciples, raising up leaders, promoting Christian stewardship, and developing new and innovative approaches to mission and ministry.
We are including a few resources below that you might find helpful. Most importantly, please stay in touch, share your stories and let us know what ECF can do to support you along the way.
With hope, gratitude and best wishes for a spirit-filled New Vestry Year!
Donald V. Romanik
President of the Episcopal Church Foundation
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The Vestry Resource Guide: Whether you’re a first time vestry member or a seasoned veteran, the Vestry Resource Guide offers an approach for leaders of congregations and faith communities to consider and tailor to meet their own needs. Topics include the ministry of the vestry, leading a community of faith, stewardship, and navigating transitions in clergy leadership. The Vestry Resource Guide is available in English or Spanish, in both print and e-book formats, and can be purchased here.
The ECF-Kanuga Church Leadership Conference takes place on February 17-19 in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and brings together vestries and other church leaders for learning, reflection, and formation. It’s a time and space for vestries to ask the big questions facing their congregations, featuring outstanding speakers and workshop leaders presenting ideas and resources, not only to inspire, but also for practical tools in ministry. Register here.
ECF Vital Practices - Vestry Leadership: For many church leaders, the beginning of a new calendar year be both bright with anticipation and heavy with challenge. ECF Vital Practices has invited experienced leaders from across the Episcopal Church to share their leadership approach, experiences, strategies for refreshing or renewing a vestry or other leadership team and spiritual guidance. Their offerings are available in the January and February issue.
ECF Webinars on Vestry Leadership: Get 2017 off to a great start! ECF's free webinars are a great way to get your congregational leadership teams engaged in the strategic, leadership, and financial topics that are essential to the health of your congregation. This winter’s lineup includes vestry orientation, vestry covenants, endowment investment strategies for 2017, planning for the end of life, preaching and leadership, understanding congregational conflict and more.