Meet the Vestry
St. Philip’s Vestry is composed of 12 members elected by the congregation for three year terms. The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation, to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources (through delegation to the Ministry Boards) and finances.
Vestry Executive Council
The Vestry Executive Council (VEC) is comprised of the Rector, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and one other Vestry member appointed by the Rector. VEC assists the Rector in the efficient running of the parish between Vestry Meetings. Current members of VEC are:
Paul Bailey
Senior Warden
(2024-2026)
Bill Happer
Junior Warden
(2024-2026)
Donna Foster
Vestry Executive Council
(2025-2027)
Strategy #1: Whole Person Ministry
Ross Lively
Vestry Member
Angela Urquhart
Vestry Member
(2024-2026)
Donna Foster
Vestry Executive Council
(2025-2027)
Kris Holt
Vestry Member
(2025-2027)
Strategy #1: Whole Person Ministry
Team Members: Ross Lively, Donna Foster, Kris Holt, Angela Urqhart.
St. Philip’s is devoted to the strength and vitality of her parish. As one of three critical missions, the Whole Person Ministry implements an array of programs dedicated to meeting the needs of our members: body, soul, and spirit. Led by Deacon Pam and administered by Michele Gore, Wellness Coordinator, the St. Philip’s Care Team knits together efforts that have long been part of our community. Through Care Navigators, Helping Hands Volunteers, and Pastoral Care, the Team is uniquely positioned to address the diverse needs of our congregation now and into the future. Our initial focus was to meet the physical needs of our congregation, like providing pastoral care, offering home safety checks, establishing a healthcare equipment library, and organizing meal trains. In 2025, our Private Care Line went live, offering our congregation an anonymous way to contact our Care Team for assistance with pastoral care, calls or visits, grief support, and access to transportation services, among other services.
Your Care Team is comprised of more than 30 volunteers – medical experts, social workers, educators, and clergy. We are fully integrated into the fabric of each of St. Philip’s missions, drawing upon other groups like Men on a Mission, Parish Life, and the Stephen Ministry as needed.
In the next few weeks, the Care Team will distribute calling cards and magnets featuring the CARE LINE. In the future, we are considering hosting an annual Health Fair, memory care services, providing support for caregivers, offering information on topics such as aging at home and fall prevention, and offering yoga classes. Look for these upcoming opportunities as well as current services in the St. Philip’s newsletter, during church services, and on the announcement board.
Strategy #2: Structure for Change
Paul Bailey
Senior Warden
(2024-2026)
Doyle Brinson
Vestry Member
(2026-2028)
Chris Romig
Vestry Member
(2026-2028)
Marty Younts
Vestry Member
(2026-2028)
Strategy #2: Structure for Change
Team Members: Paul Bailey, Chris Romig, Doyle Brinson, Marty Younts
Status: On track with projected timelines
The goal of this strategy is to enhance the adaptability and resilience of the staff, vestry, and financial systems in preparation for both anticipated and unexpected changes that St Philip’s will face in our future. Execution of this strategy will ensure robust systems and processes that support long-term sustainability. The plan is divided into three major areas, referred to as “plans”: business process analysis, budget planning, and long-term facilities planning.
The first plan focuses on analyzing existing business processes and systems for resiliency. This effort includes several detailed steps such as assessing Information Technology (IT) requirements, gathering input through questionnaires, and conducting interviews with clergy and staff. The objective is to identify long-term personnel and technological needs and develop strategic responses.
The second plan targets the improvement of the budget planning processes. This will include the creation and dissemination of a revised budget cycle schedule that allows all participants adequate time to analyze and prioritize their requirements. It also involves engaging with key stakeholders like the treasurer, vestry, and committee chairs. These actions aim to ensure a structured and transparent budgeting process that supports strategic financial planning.
The third and final plan addresses long-term facilities planning through the development of five- and ten-year strategies. This plan begins with a 2025 baseline report that assesses current property conditions and usage. Building upon this foundation, the team will formulate a 2031 five-year plan and a 2036 ten-year plan that incorporate projected growth and parish concerns, such as property needs, parking, and memorial garden improvements.
Overall, Strategy #2 reflects a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to institutional resilience at St. Philip’s Church. By addressing personnel, financial, and physical infrastructure needs in a structured timeline, the church aims to position itself effectively for the future, no matter what changes may arise. This forward-thinking plan emphasizes sustainability, informed decision-making, and proactive leadership.
Strategy #3: Grow the Church
Mary Russell
Vestry Member
(2026-2028)
Paul Palmer
Vestry Member
(2025-2027)
Tracy Baltz
Vestry Member
(2025-2027)
Bill Happer
Junior Warden
(2024-2026)
Strategy #3: Grow the Church
Team Members : Tracy Baltz, Bill Happer, Paul Palmer, Mary Russell
The Mission of Strategy 3 is to help grow and strengthen the St. Philip’s community-not just through worship, but by encouraging deeper involvement in the activities and missions within our church.
We work together with Parish Life, Outreach and other church ministries to engage our current and new members and work to connect them to the vibrant life of St. Philip’s. We encourage participation in weekly Sunday services, the Wednesday noon service in the Chapel, the summer services on Oak Island, and the Saturday Celtic service. There is something for everyone and there are many ways to actively participate.
Here are a few highlights of our efforts:
- New electronic signage has been installed in the narthex. Important information about worship, leadership, and our ministries is readily available there. Additionally, upcoming events are displayed there as well.
- Our newly updated website improves our digital footprint in the community and fosters improved communication.
- Current parishioners, new members and those seeking a new church home can easily refer to the website to learn more about us.
- In partnership with Outreach we are exploring new ways to use our church campus and annex for both church functions and community activities.
We truly believe we are blessed to be a part of a church whose mission is to love God in all that we do. We are always excited to welcome new voices!
