Suffolk News-Herald

Vestry members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, on Tynes Street, recently participated in conference sessions called, &uot;Seeking the Kingdom – Congregations in Action.&uot; The Congregational Development Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia sponsored the conference and Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Virginia Beach hosted it.

Vestry members from St. Mark’s who attended the conference were James Thornton, Ann Watson Hill and Jesse B. Trent.

The event was designed for all parochial clergy, senior and junior wardens and all vestry members.

The Diocese of Southern Virginia sponsors Bishops’ Day as an opportunity for the vestries of Episcopal churches to gain insight into building up the body of Christ as stated in Ephesians. 4:12. Each parish sends a team to gather information and bring it back home to share. Team members learn how to strengthen church leaders, build working teams, establish healthy relationships among church members, strategize for mission, and deepen their spiritual ministry within the church.

The message from the keynote addresses of Bishop David C. Bane Jr. and Bishop Carol J. Gallagher contained three major points:

(1) The people of Southern Virginia are called to seek the reign of God, to be a people of hope, healing commitment, and compassion.

(2) They are challenged to grow spiritually, live courageously and celebrate their diversity.

(3) They must reach out to the world and proclaim the love of Christ.

Vestry members are charged with the responsibility of working with their parishes to carry out these commissions.

The vestry of an Episcopal church is its governing body.

The group is responsible for administering funds, maintaining buildings, choosing leadership and representatives, representing others, facilitating communications, giving leadership in parish programs, ministry, and worship, and praying for the parish.