Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

Vestry Retreats

Bootstrap your vestry retreat
By Loren Mead
“I really had a bad experience my first time on the vestry,” Anne said to me. Of course that upset me — in my years as a pastor I really did all I could, especially with my senior warden, to make our work as a vestry EFFECTIVE, first, but also enjoyable. Indeed, I hoped vestry persons would have some fun.
Build bonds of joy in a spirited retreat
By Donald Peeler
It is truly unfortunate when a vestry gathers in retreat to address only the mundane business that confronts every parish.
Create holy time away for your vestry
By Randy Ferebee and Alan Akridge
Why do so many vestries go on retreats? Why do they clear their busy calendars and make such time a priority for the health of their congregation?
Secrets of the Advent artichoke
By Barbara Bartocci
One day before Christmas, my four-year-old grandson Danny was acting particularly obstreperous. His exasperated mother finally said, “Danny, settle down and behave or Santa’s going to bring you rocks and sticks.” Danny’s eyes lit up. “Goody! I like rocks and sticks!”