So, you have been elected to the Vestry? What do you do now? What is a Vestry, anyway? Isn’t it just a sort of board of directors? What is expected of you? And what can you expect? If you were chosen by a majority of the members of your parish to serve on the Vestry, it is both an honor and a great responsibility. As a Vestry member, you are a servant-trustee, a steward over the household of faith. And you are an inheritor of a fine and honorable tradition.

To help you feel comfortable with this role in the life of the church, please consider attending the Vestry and Wardens Conference scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 12:45, March 4 at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Dallas. All clergy, wardens and vestry members are invited and encouraged to attend. The conference is free and includes a light lunch. We do ask that you let us know if you will attend by contacting Kim LaNore at the Diocesan Offices 214-826-8310 or . 

This is a great conference to learn the ins and outs of church management, said Ticoy Young, diocesan Missioner for Budget and Finance. Young, who is speaking at the conference plans to talk about parish financial statements and what needs to go onto the parish balance sheet. She will also explain non-profit do's and don't's, and the financial reporting differences between employees and sub-contractors.  

This conference goes beyond balancing the budget, said the Very Rev. Dean Neal Michell. "Come learn about stewardship, the nuts and bolts of financials, and share best practices—and some worst practices—among Senior and Junior Wardens as well. Your congregation will be glad you came!"

Here is the Agenda

Saturday, March 4

8:30 a.m. to 9  Check in, Registration, Coffee, Socialize

9-9:15  Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:15-10:15   Session One

                           A - Role of Vestry by Dean Neal Michell

                           B - Stewardship by Mr. Rob Henderson

10:30-11:30   Session Two

                           A - The Vestry Meeting by Dean Kevin Martin

                           B - Financial Reporting by, Mrs. Ticoy Young

11:30-12:30   Session Three (over Lunch)

                           A - Senior Wardens Gathering

                           B - Junior Wardens Gathering

                           C - Discussion Panel: Dean Martin, Dean Michell, Canon Michael      Gilton, Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Young

12:30-12:45   Brief summary and closing prayer

Presenters: