What is the Vestry?
The Vestry is a vital part of the religious life of The Lovett School's Middle and Upper Schools. The Vestry exists to encourage students in their relationship with God, to assist and participate in weekly chapel services, to gather offerings for charity, and to carry out service projects.
-
Who may participate?
While the Vestry presents students with an opportunity to deepen their Christian faith, students of all religious persuasions or those who are searching for God are welcome to join, share their beliefs, and participate in activities. Also, students who are looking for friendship, fellowship, and an outlet for service are welcome.
What does the Vestry do?
Some activities of the Vestry are the same each year, others vary. Each fall, the Vestry sponsors an overnight retreat for fellowship and spiritual development. At Thanksgiving, students bring food and offerings to be taken to families in need in Atlanta (see video, below). The Vestry also sponsors holiday parties at area Boys and Girls Clubs and has organized student support to build elementary schools in Belize and Ecuador.
In connection with weekly chapel services, Vestry members serve as readers, torch bearers, crucifers, and ushers. Charities are selected to receive the offerings from chapel services.
How is the Vestry organized?
The Senior Wardens of the Vestry oversee the work of the entire Vestry and work closely with the school's chaplain and faculty advisors. Junior Wardens lead the planning for the fall retreat.
Vestry officers in charge of "Missions" help to develop and carry out activities unique to each year. They are in charge of the Thanksgiving and Easter service projects and set up the chapel for chapel services and maintain robes, torches, crosses, etc., and select students to participate in chapel as acolytes. Officers in charge of the Offering train ushers to receive the offerings during the services. Officers in charge of Music arrange musical selections to be played during chapel services.
The Vestry is advised by several faculty members, including the school chaplain. Vestry officers are selected by a combined process of invitation and election. The structure of the Vestry is flexible so as to adapt to changes and new emphases.
Want to become a Vestry member?
To become a member of the Vestry, students are asked to fill out a membership form or meet with one of the chaplains. The privilege of participating in Vestry activities is offered first to Vestry members.