ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY and COMMISSIONS






Under the leadership of the Rector, St. Paul's is governed by a Vestry composed of twelve members elected by the congregation at an annual election. The congregation or the nominating committee with the nominee's permission nominates candidates for the Vestry. Four members are elected each year to serve a three-year term. Each year a Rector's Warden is chosen to serve as head of the Vestry and chief layperson of the parish. A Parish Warden is chosen to be responsible for physical facilities of the church's building and grounds.

The Vestry is responsible for all decisions concerning the operation of the parish. The Vestry meets the third Wednesday of each month in the church at 7:30pm. Meetings are open to members of the parish.


Vestry Officers:

2005-2008 2006-2009 2007-20010
Janet Buettel Barbara Ulffers Bill Eagleton
Donna Fisher Millie Hancock Linda Dunnagan
Charles Phillips Gay Bryant Susan Lukasik
Al Elkins Marti LoRusso Diana Enloe

Rector's Warden: Al Elkins
Parish Warden: Donna Fisher
Vestry Secretary: Jane Hill
Treasurer: Bill Bryant



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The Rector’s Warden:
  • The Rector’s Warden (formerly known as the Senior Warden) is responsible for the personal well being of the Rector and family, acting as an advocate for the Rector and providing the same with assistance in ministerial functions.
  • Acts as an advisor to the Rector.
  • Chairs the Vestry Meetings when Rector cannot attend.
  • Represents the Rector before the vestry, congregation and committees.
  • Assists the Rector in overseeing the pastoral concerns of the congregation.
The Parish Warden:
  • The Parish Warden (formerly known as the Junior Warden) is responsible for representing the congregation before the vestry and for insuring the on-going operation of the Church.
  • Responsible for oversight of the Church Buildings and property.
  • Responsible for the general parish hospitality and for welcoming new members.
  • Performs / manages maintenance and repairs to property.
  • Coordinates with Financial Warden for Capital Improvements.




Commissioners for the 2007 year are:

Education Commission:
Diana Enloe
Barbara Ulffers

Parish Life Commission:
Donna Fisher
Janet Buettel

Liturgy and Music Commission:
Millie Hancock
Susan Lukasik

Evangelism and Outreach Commission:
Gay Bryant
Marti LoRusso

Finance Commission:
Linda dunnagan
Bill eagleton

Property and Maintenance Commission:
Al Elkins
Charles Phillips


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Commission Program of the Episcopal Parish Of Alton:

The Episcopal Parish of Alton is organized on a Commission Plan. The Commissions are composed of interested parish members with the Chairman or Coordinator for each Commission coming from the Vestry. Below are listed the six Commissions and their duties and responsibilities; for this plan of governance to work, the Parish must have members of the congregation working on the various Commissions alongside members of the Vestry.

Description of Commission Responsibility:

Education: Responsible for Christian Education for the Parish. Goal is to present at least one (multi-week) Adult Christian Education program annually. Helps to develop/direct the Lenten Program. The staff position of the Director of Education has primary responsibility for the Sunday School Program for both Adults and Children and the Director reports directly to the Rector. The Library and Vacation Bible School report through this Commission. The Commission is a resource and/or assists in the leadership of Bible Study programs, Book Club activities, Educational Forums, inquiry into Special Education Programs, or any other educational program undertaken by the Parish.

Evangelism and Outreach: The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer defines the Church's mission as one that restores all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The Evangelism and Outreach Commission plays an integral role in that mission. The task of the Commission is to direct the Parish's outreach program to the unchurched, those members who have drifted away. and inquirers as they come and visit the Church. The Commission coordinates the Inquirers Class in preparation for Confirmation when the Bishop comes on his annual visit. The Commission is involved in supporting the Worship program to the Nursing Homes, helping with the direction of the programs to the Crisis Center and Oasis Women's Center, and assisting the Rector in developing and executing the Inquirers' Classes each year. The Daughters of the King activities of visiting the shut-ins, those in the hospital and those requesting prayer support are a part of the work of this Commission.

Finance: Works with the Treasurer of the Parish in developing the Annual Budget, organizing and reporting accounting procedures and conducting the annual audit. The Commission also plans and carries out the Every Member Canvas each year, engages in long-range financial planning as needed and oversees the property and other insurance programs needed by the Parish. Coordinates financial matters with Trinity Chapel as they affect the entire Parish. Assists parishioners who wish to do some planned giving in their estate planning. Works with the Treasurer in developing/evaluating a plan for investing the endowment funds and other restricted funds of the Parish. Is involved in any fund-raising program for the Parish for special projects, etc.

Liturgy and Music: Responsible for promoting cultural interests and activities within the Parish. Goal is to develop a greater appreciation for the liturgies of the Church and to offer more opportunities for participation. The Liturgy Commission assists the Priest in training Acolytes, Readers, Chalice Bearers, etc., as the need arises. The Commission supports the Music Program and Music Director through encouraging increased participation in the Choir, Handbell Ringers, and Special Music both within and in addition to the service music. They assist in the Music at St. Paul 's programming and in any other way that develops as needs are seen and responded to. This Commission is responsible for Columbarium policies and oversees the maintenance of niche sales.

Parish Life: Responsible for planning and implementing fellowship activities for the Parish, including but not limited to the Annual Parish Picnic, special coffee hour celebrations, entertainment outings, etc. In addition. the Commission is tasked with assisting parish members who could use some help on a short time basis, possibly with transportation or helping to provide some other service for a special need. The activities of the Parish Nurse Program are a part of the service of the Commission. The Commission also provides reports and other information from the Vestry to the entire congregation from time to time.

Property and Maintenance: This Commission is responsible with overseeing all aspects of the Physical Plant both at St. Paul's and at Trinity Chapel. It is responsible for fixing or causing to be fixed any damage (storm or otherwise), replacement of items due to normal wear and tear, keeping the church facilities in good repair, and refurbishing rooms and areas on an as-needed basis. It is also responsible for overseeing the maintenance of St. Paul's Garden and Trinity Chapel's grounds. With a physical plant as large and as well used as this Parish's buildings, there is constant work that must be done and a need for willing hands to help do the work. Commission members do some work, and other work is contracted out depending on the size and complexity of the work that needs to be done. This is a very pivotal commission, one that works in the background, and one that is appreciated, but not always given the thanks that it deserves. A little practical knowledge on how to fix things or who to call to get them fixed is helpful but not required.

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