Vestry

Vestry Responsibilities

Vestry members are legal representatives and agents of a parish, charged with specific responsibilities by the canons of The Episcopal Church. They share leadership responsibilities with the Rector (as legal representative and agent). The vestry functions much like the board of any nonprofit, with responsibility for finances and management of property and human resources. Many aspects of the vestry's role are defined by entities beyond that congregation - local, state and federal laws, and Diocesan and Episcopal Church canons - as well as by the Churches own constitution and bylaws.

A copy of the Vestry Resource Guide may be purchased by clicking on the button below.

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Vestry Structure

As the primary leadership body for Episcopal communities of faith, vestries are made up of elected members who serve for a specific period of time, often three years. Vestries consist of elected members, one or more wardens, a treasurer, and a secretary or clerk. The canons of The Episcopal Church leave guidance on vestry election, terms of office, eligibility for reelection, and vestry size to individual diocese.

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Who Serves on the Vestry

  • Dennis Hanson- Sr. Warden
  • Randy Simpson - Jr. Warden
  • Jerilyn Schnitzel - Treasurer (Non-voting)

Voting Members / Chairpersons:

  • Winnie Mechem: Vestry Liaison for Stewardship,
  • Terry Huntzicker: Vestry Liaison for the School
  • Allan Garrison: Vestry Liaison for Facilities
  • Jamie Bradsher: Vestry Liaison for Communications & Youth

Governance

Governance - the rules and practices that ensure accountability, fairness and transparency in an organization - is a key responsibility of the vestry, and is so named in the canons of The Episcopal Church, as well as in diocesan and church constitutions and bylaws. In addition, state statues may dictate specific responsibilities of a vestry as the governing board of a faith community. Each vestry member should have, at the very least, a copy of The Episcopal Church canons, their diocesan canons, and the congregation's bylaws.

In congregations practicing shared leadership and working in partnership with the rector, it is essential to understand the canonical responsibilities assigned to rectors by The Episcopal Church. The rector's responsibility include:


* Worship and Spiritual life


* Selection and oversight of all assisting clergy


* Use and control of all buildings and furnishings, as outlined by the canons


* Education of all ages in the scriptures: the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church and in the exercise of ministry as baptized persons


* Stewardship education for all ages


* Preparation for baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation


* Announcing the bishop's visit with the warden and the vestry and providing the bishop with information about the congregation's spiritual and temporal state


* Applying contributions not otherwise designated from one Sunday per month to charitable issues


* Reading communications from the House of Bishops at worship


* Recording all baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and burials in the congregation register

A person is holding a small cross in their hand.

It's a daunting list, and it would be an interesting exercise to consider the ways the congregation can work with the rector to help fulfill it. Even though these are the responsibilities of the rector that doesn't mean he or she is charged with carrying out these duties alone. Delegating tasks while retaining oversight is a common practice. From the vestry to Sunday School and Bible studies to myriad committees and groups that support every facet of congregational life, the congregation provides leadership and support to build and strength the community. When a church does not have a full-time rector, responsibilities are further distributed to sustain the worship and life of the congregation. The life of a faith community is a shared enterprise, indeed.

Wardens

Senior and Junior Warden

Wardens are elected members of the vestry with particular leadership responsibilities. Most congregations elect two, known as senior and junior wardens, though some use the terms "rector's warden" and "people's warden". The wardens' election or selection process varies significantly from one diocese to another, making it especially important that it be clearly communicated and understood by the faith community.


Generally, the wardens work as lay partners with the rector often meeting weekly to discuss the small and large concerns of the parish.

A man wearing glasses and a blue shirt is standing in front of a tree.

Dennis Hanson - Senior Warden

Raised by parents who taught the value and importance of volunteering through words and actions, Dennis spent 12 years volunteering with the National Parks in many capacities. He believes it is a gift to serve and that serving our brothers, sisters, and church is a gift to us all. Dennis would like to encourage everyone to think of ways to volunteer, making this world a little better.

A man in a white shirt is smiling for the camera while standing in front of a tree.

Randy Simpson - Junior Warden

A woman with short white hair and blue eyes is smiling for the camera.

Treasurer

Jerilyn Schnitzel

A church Treasurer is an elected officer of the Vestry. The Treasurer and Finance Director work closely together so the they can account for and report to the Vestry all income received and disbursed in such a way as to enable the Vestry to manage the mission and ministry of the congregation. Of special concern is the annual report for the Annual Meeting. This report is also to be attached to the copy of the Parochial Report forwarded to the diocesan office. 


The ministry of this office is more than just addition and subtraction; it is also to apply the general policies of the Episcopal Church and the IRS rules governing the relationship of the congregation as an employer.

Bio

Jerilyn B. Schnitzel, CHAE, CHTP, CAM

Jerilyn is a lifelong Episcopalian and has been a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, since moving to Punta Gorda in 1987. Jerilyn and her husband, Greg, were married at the Church in 1990. Over the years, Jerilyn has served the Church in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School and working with the previous youth groups during the years 1988 - 2009. She served as the Assistant Treasurer/Bookkeeper for the Church and School from 1993 to 2003, then as Treasurer from 2005 to 2009. During this time, she oversaw the finances of the Church through its expansion and later recovery from Hurricane Charlie. Jerilyn also served on the Good Shepherd Vestry during the mid-1990’s and early 2000’s, and in 2000, she served on the Day Spring Planning Committee. Jerilyn once again became the Treasurer in 2022 and continues to oversee the Church and School finances today.

 

Outside of Church Jerilyn is the owner of Schnitzel Hospitality Consulting specializing in HOA and country club accounting services. Jerilyn’s background experience includes more than 35 years in accounting and financial management in the Hospitality Industry and has worked with over 50 country clubs from Tampa to Sarasota. Jerilyn is a Licensed Community Association Manager (CAM), a Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive Emeritus (CHAE+) and a Certified Hospitality Technology Professional Emeritus (CHTP+). Jerilyn served two terms as a Director on the Global Board for Hospitality, Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP). She is a founding board member of her local Florida Gulf Coast chapter of HFTP. Jerilyn served on the committees for the sixth and seventh editions of the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Clubs and the committee that put together the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Chapters. 

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