Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

wryter2000

(46,037 posts)
Thu Feb 9, 2017, 12:05 PM Feb 2017

I'm our new Senior Warden

My rector asked me to be his Senior Warden. I was pretty intimidated because this is the first time I've even been on a vestry.

The previous Senior Warden tells me Fr. Wilson makes it really easy, and so far he has. I'm hoping for a smooth two years.

Here's my church, btw. The parish is 145 years old, and the building we're in is 105 years old. It used to be THE Episcopal church in the East Bay, with Kaisers populating the pews. Currently we're a very diverse congregation, including LGBT families.

http://www.stpaulsoakland.org

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I'm our new Senior Warden (Original Post) wryter2000 Feb 2017 OP
What does a Senior Warden do? Freddie Feb 2017 #1
In good times, I'm the rector's warden wryter2000 Feb 2017 #2
Congratulations shenmue Feb 2017 #3
Thanks wryter2000 Feb 2017 #4

Freddie

(9,263 posts)
1. What does a Senior Warden do?
Thu Feb 9, 2017, 12:09 PM
Feb 2017

Every denomination is structured differently. Is that like Council President in the ELCA?
I am treasurer of my church. One reason I like the position is that no one else wants to do it and they can't ask me to be Council President which I do NOT want to do.

wryter2000

(46,037 posts)
2. In good times, I'm the rector's warden
Thu Feb 9, 2017, 12:15 PM
Feb 2017

I'm pretty much supposed to support the rector and, by extension, his family. That could include telling him something he doesn't want to hear, but I doubt that'll come up with my rector.

During times between rectors (Lord, please don't let that happen), the Senior Warden is the chief executive. I understand that under very extreme conditions, the SW can administer the eucharist. That won't happen with a bishop right across the bay.

Various rectors have asked the SW to do certain things, but my rector doesn't seem to have extra jobs for me. Thank heaven, because I'm already full up with jobs around the church.

wryter2000

(46,037 posts)
4. Thanks
Thu Feb 9, 2017, 01:49 PM
Feb 2017

I love my rector and my church. I pretty much say yes to everything they ask unless I know I'm unqualified.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Christian Liberals & Progressive People of Faith»I'm our new Senior Warden