VESTRY
Our Vestry is responsible for enhancing both the spiritual and organizational life of the parish.

Welcome to our Vestry Team, the dedicated group of individuals who serve as stewards of our church's mission, vision, and resources. Comprised of passionate volunteers elected by the congregation, our Vestry Team plays a vital role in guiding the spiritual and practical aspects of our community.

Led by our clergy and supported by the wisdom and insight of experienced members, our Vestry Team embodies servant leadership, humility, and a deep commitment to serving others. Together, they provide strategic direction, make important decisions, and ensure that our church remains a welcoming and nurturing place for all who seek solace, guidance, and spiritual growth.

With a diverse range of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives, our Vestry Team brings a wealth of expertise to their roles. From financial management and strategic planning to pastoral care and outreach initiatives, each member contributes their unique gifts and talents to further the work of our church and advance God's kingdom here on earth.

But beyond their individual roles and responsibilities, what truly sets our Vestry Team apart is their unwavering dedication to the well-being of our congregation. They are not just leaders; they are shepherds, walking alongside us in times of joy and sorrow, offering support, encouragement, and prayerful guidance every step of the way.

We are immensely grateful for the tireless dedication and sacrificial service of our Vestry Team. Their steadfast commitment to our church's mission and ministry is a testament to the transformative power of faith and community. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to fulfill God's call to love and serve one another. 

Vestry meetings are held at 6:00 pm on the Second Tuesday of every month. These meetings are open to all members of the Holy Comforter.

Derek Bates

PASTORAL CARE
[email protected]

George Blaisdell

JUNIOR WARDEN
[email protected]

Pat House

PERSONNEL
[email protected]

Sid Little

FINANCE
[email protected]

Joanne McClusky

PARISH LIFE
[email protected]

Max Newbauer

STEWARDSHIP
[email protected]

Gary Schilke

ASSISTANT JUNIOR WARDEN
[email protected]

Alex Stevens

COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
[email protected]

Julie Swanner

CLERK
[email protected]

Mark Thomas

SENIOR WARDEN
[email protected]

Carol Thornell

MISSION AND OUTREACH
[email protected]

Diana Wallace

WORSHIP & CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION
[email protected]

VESTRY COVENANT: WITH GOD’S HELP I WILL ...
• Attend worship regularly, so that I experience prayer in community. I will attend a different service at least once a month.
• Make and keep an annual pledge to demonstrate commitment to our united ministries.
• Wear my vestry pin so that I may be identified as a Vestry member.
• Openly discuss our goals regularly with parishioners, seeking ideas and evaluation from them about our goals.
• Actively solicit information from parishioners to facilitate consideration of all aspects of parish life.
• Seek leadership from outside the Vestry to strengthen the foundation of our ministries.
• Participate in major parish events, including Confirmation, Bishop’s visit, the annual meeting, and the retreat to ensure visibility and reinforce the event’s importance in the life of the parish.
• Begin Vestry meetings with a time of spiritual focus led by the rector or designee.
• Use “I” statements to reflect ownership of our ideas and opinions.
• Commit to bring unresolved issues and divergent opinions back to Vestry for further discussion.
• Bring comments and suggestions on behalf of identified parishioners only, not act on behalf of anonymous critics.
• Respect each other’s opinions.
• Strive toward consensus.
• Support decisions agreed upon by the Vestry.
• Adjust my actions or modify my goals as needed.
• Individually participate actively in at least one mission or ministry team.
• Ensure that Vestry meetings are as transparent as possible except for rare confidential executive sessions and personal testimony of Vestry members.
• Agree to be time sensitive during discussion and strive to limit meetings to two (2) hours.
• Honor any member’s call for prayer and/or silence during Vestry meetings.

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The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter

320 East Davis Street | PO Box 1336 (27216)
Burlington 27215, US

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