Chapter Development

The Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church encourages the establishment of Diocesan Chapters to aid in improving local training, education, and fellowship among vergers as we continue to serve God in His Church. We have an active Chapter Development Committee ready to help you with any questions you may have about developing a new chapter or revitalizing an existing chapter. The bylaws of the VGEC speaks to chapter development in Article IX .

Starting a New VGEC Diocesan Chapter

One of the first steps in establishing a chapter would be to discuss your idea with your rector or priest-in-charge. You might discuss approaching your Diocesan office about coordinating your planning with them. Seeking the approval of your bishop is always advisable and your rector should be able to help.

Next, you might want to identify current members in your Diocese by requesting a listing of all the guild members in your diocese by contacting support@vergers.org. You might then contact them by phone or email to explore common interest in a VGEC Diocesan Chapter and to put together a steering committee.

Once a steering committee has been formed, your next step might be to host an informational/training meeting at a local parish. You might send an invitation to every parish or call each parish to ascertain if there is a verger currently serving or interest in the verger ministry.

This informational/training meeting should include a VGEC Board member or member of the Chapter Development Committee either in person or via Zoom. Contact support@vergers.org to arrange that. Your meeting could include a worship service and time for socializing .

For more information, please contact Thurl Headon, chair of the Chapter Development Committee at thurl@vergers.org or support@vergers.org. Thurl is more than happy to assist you in the process.