Parish Governance: Every Episcopal Church shares leadership between the bishop, the clergy, and the laity. The bishop, as head of the diocese to which we belong, ensures the faithful continuity of the apostolic tradition; the diocese is the legal holder of all property. The "in-place" leadership of each congregation is shared between clergy and laity. The clergy provide spiritual guidance and sacramental offices, overseeing worship, formation, education, and pastoral care. The laity oversee the finances and maintenance of the property, and share in the programmatic and pastoral life of the congregation. The governing council of the congregation is called the Vestry, where clergy and laity meet to discuss common concerns and make decisions for the common good.
Senior Warden: The primary focus of the Senior Warden’s ministry is congregational life and church finances. The Senior Warden is the chair of the finance committee. To become Senior Warden, a person must be and remain a communicant in good standing having been baptized and confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church. He/she demonstrates leadership qualities through active participation in the life of the parish and at least one year of service on the Vestry. The Senior Warden shall have such powers and perform duties as may be granted to him/her by the Rector, the Vestry, the Bylaws of Saint John’s, the statutes of the State of Minnesota and the Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America and the Diocese of Minnesota. The Senior Warden is elected by fellow parishioners at the annual meeting for a term of one year.
Junior Warden: The primary focus of the Junior Warden’s ministry is buildings and grounds. The Junior Warden is the chair of the property committee. To become Junior Warden, a person must be and remain a communicant in good standing having been baptized and confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church. He/she demonstrates leadership qualities through active participation in the life of the parish and at least one year of service on the Vestry. The Junior Warden shall have such powers and perform duties as may be granted to him/her by the Rector, the Vestry, the Bylaws of Saint John’s, the statutes of the State of Minnesota and the Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America and the Diocese of Minnesota. The Junior Warden is elected by fellow parishioners at the annual meeting for a term of one year.
