At the annual meeting on Sunday, January 29th, 2012, the members of St. Luke's will elect: one warden, three vestry members, and three delegates to diocesan convention.  The nominating committee is actively seeking qualified candidates for these positions.  All candidates should be adult communicants in good standing, meaning that they should be baptized or confirmed members who are faithful in attending worship and in "working, praying and giving for the spread of the kingdom."  As we continue our growth toward truly shared leadership in this parish, active, healthy, committed lay leaders are essential to our success.  Experience teaches us that the most happy and successful elected leaders are those who have at least a year of active membership and are active in one or more ministries of the church.

Wardens are elected for up to three consecutive two-year terms.  They share with the clergy in the general oversight of the parish and help to set the agenda for vestry meetings.  The terms are staggered so that one warden is up for election each year.  Wardens are the most important elected positions in the church.  This year we will be electing the warden with special responsibility for administration.

Vestry members are elected for up to two consecutive three-year terms.  Together the vestry makes crucial decisions about the budget, policies, and ministries of the church.  Meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of each month (excluding July).  In addition, there is an annual overnight retreat, which will be held March 9-10, 2012.  Vestry members (and wardens) are expected to show leadership in the parish by pledging, attending important parish and diocesan functions and attending training workshops in their area of ministry.  Everyone is so busy these days, but we really need people who are able and willing to commit the time and energy necessary for effective leadership.

Delegates to Diocesan Convention represent St. Luke's at the annual convention, held the last Friday and Saturday of October, usually in Buffalo.  They also represent us at Chautauqua Deanery meetings held two to four times a year.  Every third year, at diocesan convention, they elect our General Convention deputies.  It is through them that we at St. Luke's have a voice in the wider church.  The vestry would love to see more of our members involved.  Please speak to one of the clergy if you are interested in finding out more about what goes on at convention.

To nominate yourself or someone else for any of these positions, contact Donna Phillippi by phone at (716)386-3136 or email phillippi.donna@gmail.com.  If you have any questions about these positions, please speak to her, to me or to any member of the vestry.  Please pray earnestly about this over the coming weeks and feel free to approach people whom you believe might be called.

                                                                                                     Faithfully, 

                                                                                                         Fr. Eric