February 3, 2016
Dear Friends:
Recently I read a sound, active definition of the word, "Episcopal". Coming from the Greek, "epi" means on, above, besides, or among; "scope" or skopion means to look or view carefully with the opportunity to act. As Episcopalians, we are children of God, called upon to walk along beside one another, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, loving one another, caring for one another, restoring one another to a relationship with God in Christ and with one another. In other words, we're "overseers" for the way of Christ.
In more practical terms, as "overseers" the Episcopal Church structures itself with a variety of overseers. We're governed by bishops, those women and men who guard the faith and the church in its mission to know Christ. Other overseers are the ministers of the church, known first and foremost as the lay persons. Lay persons dutifully follow Christ, invite and include others to follow Christ, gather for corporate worship, and prayer and work for the spread of God's kingdom.
In the Episcopal Church, at each congregational level, "lay persons" are also known as the vestry. A vestry is a group of lay persons annually elected by the congregation to "help define and articulate the mission of the congregation, to support the church's mission by word and deed...to ensure effective organization and planning and to manage resources and finances." As a congregation, we will elect the vestry class of 2018 on February 21 at the annual meeting, as part of 10:00 a.m. worship.
Among its duties, the vestry elects a Treasurer. The Treasurer "shall take charge of all funds,...and disburse the same under the direction of the Vestry, maintaining accounts in accordance with the canonical requirements for the conduct of business in Church affairs..." (Canon 12 Section 9 The Diocese of Virginia). The Treasurer may or may not serve as a vestry person. Currently, Scott Meyer is our Treasurer. Scott also serves on the vestry. Scott is superb in his dedication and accuracy as our Treasurer. We are in good hands with Scott.
Stay with me here...
This year, five persons have been nominated for four vestry positions. The five nominees, Keola Nosaka, Don Brill, Ryan Hale, Melissa Woodhead and Tom Irby share valuable and diverse gifts amounting to an exceptional class of vestry people. In an effort not to have one person "lose" the election and to ensure that Epiphany benefits from all five nominees serving on the Vestry, Scott Meyer has volunteered to resign as vestry person. Scott's resignation from vestry creates five openings to serve on vestry. At the same time, we are asking the vestry to elect Scott as Treasurer that his good work may continue. In so doing, we will have the best of all worlds: Scott continuing as Treasurer and five very well equipped folks serving for the next three years as your vestry class of 2018.
Below is Scott's formal letter of resignation as written for the originally scheduled Annual Meeting now rescheduled for February 21.
Thank you for taking the time to look a little bit inside "Episcopal". We are a gracious, Christ centered body of faithful people doing our best to be about the mission of Christ's church, serving the world near and far, rooted in Word and Worship. Sometimes, we have to take care of a little governance as well.
On Sunday for 10:00 a.m. Family Worship, our Scout Troop 1257 will be with us as we celebrate Scout Sunday. Following worship, those new to Epiphany are invited to get to know one another by enjoying the Newcomer gathering. I look forward to being with you on Sunday, if not before!
Many blessings,
Hillary
January 20, 2016
The Reverend Hillary West, Priest in Charge
Mike Dickerson, Senior Warden
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
3301 Hidden Meadow Drive
Oak Hill, VA 20171
Dear Hillary and Mike:
I am submitting my resignation from the Vestry in order that the Parish may elect five (5) new members to the Vestry at the Annual Parish Meeting this coming Sunday. We have five excellent candidates who will serve the Vestry and the parish well. The person elected to fill my position will be eligible for another full three year term if elected in 2017.
If I am appointed by the Vestry, I will continue to serve as Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee for another year.
Sincerely,
Scott K. Meyer
