CALVARY EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
BY-LAWS
December 9, 2007
BYLAWS REVISION 01-01
Calvary Episcopal Church
April 26, 2001
Section 1. Purpose
This transmittal makes available a complete retyping and some revisions of the By-Laws.
Section 2. Background
(a)
In October, 1985 the By-Laws were revised. The revisions were not
incorporated into a new printing of the By-Laws.
(b)
At a Parish Meeting held January 6, 1992, a revision of several sections of
the By-Laws and some new sections were approved.
(c)
At a Parish Meeting held December 14, 1997, a new section was
approved.
(d)
At a Parish Meeting held April 26, 2001, revision of several sections of
the By-Laws were approved.
(e)
At a Parish Meeting held December 12, 2010, revision of several sections
of the By-Laws were approved.
Section 3. Summary of Changes
(a)
Article III, Section 4 revised to clarify Vestry membership and voting by
certain support personnel.
(b)
Article III, Section 7 changed to include restriction on length of
continuous service. Reference to three services has been eliminated.
(c)
Article III, Section 1A changed to reflect a downsized vestry; from 12
members to 8 members; reduced by 2 members in 2010, 1 member in
2011 and 1 member in 2012.
(d)
Article IV has been re-named. A new Section 2b has been added to
incorporate the responsibilities included in the old Article VIII which has
been eliminated. Also, the three year restriction on new clergy contracts
has been dropped because it conflicts with Diocesan requirements.
(e)
Article IV, Section 3 revised to provide that the Vestry shall have control
over all monies except Alms/Discretionary funds used by the Rector.
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(f)
Article IV, Section 8 revised to clarify the reason for removing a Vestry
Person.
(g)
Article V, Section 1 revised to allow some flexibility in the appointment
of Vestry Persons to the Standing Committee.
(h)
Article V, Section 1 revised to allow non vestry persons standing
committee vice-chairman opportunities.
(i)
Article V, Section 5 revised to clarify the duties of the Finance
Committee.
(j)
Article V, Section 8 provides the duties and responsibilities of the Music
Committee.
(k)
Article V, Section 8. Deleted. Music committee responsibilities added to
the Worship/Evangelism/Music Committee.
(l)
Article V, Section 9 revised to separate Stewardship into a separate
committee and to rename this section. Also, the duties, responsibilities,
and membership of the remaining committee have been clarified.
(m)
Article V, Section 9 revised to combine the Hospitality Committee with
the Pastoral Care Committee as one standing committee
(n)
Article V, Section 11 revised Committee name to read: “Christian
Education and Prayer Committee”
(o)
Article V, Section 13 included to provide the new Stewardship
Committee’s membership and responsibilities.
(p)
Article V, Section 13 revised to rename the Stewardship Committee to the
“Stewardship and Outreach Committee. Additional responsibility was
added.
(q)
Article V, Section 14 includes new Committee on Evangelism, its
membership and responsibilities.
(r)
Article V, Section 14 revised Committee name to read
“Worship/Evangelism/Music Committee. Committee membership
requirements and updated responsibilities are addressed in this change.
(s)
Article V, Sections 15, 16 and 17, have been renumbered 16, 17, and 18
respectively.
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(t)
Article V, Sections 9 through 19 have been renumbered 8 through 17
respectively.
(u)
Article V, Section 15 includes new Committee on Hospitality, its
membership and responsibilities.
(v)
Article VI, Section 7 is a new Section added to include the requirement
that the Organizations furnish the Vestry a copy of their By-Laws or othergoverning documents.
(w)
Article VII, Section 7 added to provide rules for the use of Special
Accounts.
(x)
Old Articles IX and X have been renumbered Articles VIII and IX.
(y)
Article III, Section 3, Paragraph B, last sentence. Eliminate “Warden” and
substitute “Any Vestry Member”.
(z)
Article III, Section 4, Paragraph 4 add “the Assistant Treasurer Special
Accounts”.
(aa)
Article IV, Section 4, Paragraph F. Eliminate “The hiring of all church
employees” and substitute “the sexton staff, and regularly monitor and
evaluate their performance”.
(bb)
Article V, Section 14, Delete in its entirety and substitute the new section
referring to the “Committee on Evangelism”.
(cc)
Article IX, Add the following sentence at the end of the paragraph
“proposed changes to these By-Laws should be submitted through the
Vestry to ensure proper preparation, processing and coordination”.
(dd)
Article III Vestry Member-ship and Elections. Delete Special Account
Treasurer. Defines new duties for the Vestry Secretary as required by the
Diocese
(ee)
Clarification of the majority vote requirement
(ff)
Article IV Vestry Responsibility and Functions. Removal of reference to
Rector’s discretionary fund
(gg)
Article V Vestry Committees. Deletes reference to special accounts
(hh)
Article V, Vestry Committees –Standing Committees. Add missing
reference to the Personnel Committee
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(ii)
Article VI Parish Council. Adds a budget requirement for Guilds and
organizations
(jj)
ARTICLE VII
Guilds and Organizations. Membership. Deletes
reference to the Special Accounts Treasurer
(kk)
Article VIII Parliamentary Authority. Language clarification as
recommended by Roberts
Section 4. Removal/Insertion of Pages
All copies of the By-Laws dated before April 26, 2001 should be properly destroyed or
filed.
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BYLAWS REVISION 01-01
Calvary Episcopal Church
December 9, 2007
Table of Contents
Section 1. Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Section 2. Background ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Section 3. Summary of Changes........................................................................................................................ 2
Section 4. Removal/Insertion of Pages........................................................................................................... 5
ARTICLE I. MEMBERS ENTITLED VOTE ............................................................................................ 8
SECTION 1. ELIGIBLE VOTERS ................................................................................................................................8
SECTION 2. .................................................................................................................................................................8
ARTICLE II. PARISH MEETING ............................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 1. .................................................................................................................................................................8
SECTION 2. .................................................................................................................................................................8
SECTION 3. .................................................................................................................................................................8
SECTION 4. .................................................................................................................................................................8
SECTION 5. .................................................................................................................................................................9
ARTICLE III. VESTRY MEMBERSHIP AND ELECTIONS ................................................................ 9
SECTION 1. VESTRY MEMBERSHIP AND QUALIFIED VOTERS ............................................................9
SECTION 2. ELECTION OF VESTRY MEMBERS ...........................................................................................9
SECTION 3. ELECTION OF THE WARDENS................................................................................................ 10
SECTION 4. SUPPORTING PERSONNEL ...................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 5. DELEGATES TO THE CONVENTION ..................................................................................... 10
SECTION 6. NOMINATING COMMITTEE .................................................................................................... 11
SECTION 7. VOTING PROCEDURE................................................................................................................. 11
ARTICLE IV. VESTRY RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS.................................................... 12
SECTION 1. .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
SECTION 2. .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
SECTION 3. .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
SECTION 4. DUTIES OF WARDENS ............................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 5. .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
SECTION 6. .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
SECTION 7. MEETING OF THE VESTRY....................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 8. REMOVAL OF VESTRY MEMBER ............................................................................................ 13
ARTICLE V. VESTRY COMMITTEES.................................................................................................. 13
SECTION 1. .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
SECTION 2. .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
SECTION 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS ............................................................................................................. 14
SECTION 4. .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
SECTION 5. .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
SECTION 6. .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
SECTION 7. .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
SECTION 8. .................................................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SECTION 9. .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
SECTION 10. ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
SECTION 11. ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
SECTION 12. ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
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SECTION 13. ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
SECTION 14. ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
SECTION 15. ................................................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SECTION 16. ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
SECTION 17. ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
ARTICLE VI. THE PARISH COUNCIL ................................................................................................ 18
SECTION 1. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 2. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 3. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 4. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 5. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 6. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION 7. .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
ARTICLE VII. GUILDS AND ORGANIZATIONS .............................................................................. 19
SECTION 1 ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
SECTION 2. .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
SECTION 3. .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
SECTION 4. .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
SECTION 5. .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
SECTION 6. .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
SECTION 7. .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
ARTICLE VIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY ............................................................................ 20
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS ........................................................................... 20
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ARTICLE I. MEMBERS ENTITLED VOTE
Section 1. Eligible Voters
A. All members entitled to vote shall be, communicants of the Episcopal Church – in
good standing as defined in Canon I. 17, Section 1, on active rolls of the Parish, at
least fifteen (15) years old and contributors of record for the twelve (12) month period
prior to posting the list of qualified voters for a Parish meeting.
B. The Vestry shall prescribe the qualifications for “contributor of record.”
Section 2.
The names of all QUALIFIED VOTERS described in Section 1. A shall be posted in a
convenient and conspicuous place in the church building for a period of not less than
thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting and one week before any special meeting.
The said list shall be supplied to the presiding officer of each meeting in sufficient
quantity to supply all tellers with a copy.
ARTICLE II. PARISH MEETING
Section 1.
The ANNUAL MEETING of the parish shall be held during the first two weeks in
December at a time and place designated by the Vestry, unless designated otherwise.
Section 2.
SPECIAL PARISH MEETINGS may be called by the Rector or in his absence by the
Senior Warden, or by at least one-third (1/3) of the Vestry or by petition of fifty (50)
qualified voters of the Parish.
Section 3.
A QUORUM shall consist of at least fifty (50) members entitled to vote at the Parish
meeting. A majority of the quorum present shall be necessary for the adoption of any
matter voted upon by the membership, except that a two-third (2/3) majority of the
quorum present shall be required to amend the By-Laws.
Section 4.
WRITTEN NOTICE OF MEETING of the Parish, special or regular, shall be given to
all qualified voters of the Parish not less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. Such
notice shall specify the date, place and time of the meeting and a proposed agenda. Such
notice shall also be posted in a convenient ad conspicuous place in the Church building
thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
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Section 5.
The Rector shall be PRESIDING OFFICER at all meeting of the Parish, or in the
Rector’s absence, the Senior Warden or Junior Warden, or in the absence of all these the
attending Parish members shall designate a presiding officer. Any Presiding officer may
delegate his duties to another for a temporary period during the meeting. If the
Rectorship of the Parish is vacant, the Bishop shall preside if he is present.
ARTICLE III. VESTRY MEMBERSHIP AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. VESTRY MEMBERSHIP AND QUALIFIED VOTERS
A. The vestry shall consist of the Rector, the Senior Warden, the Junior Warden, and
eight (8) Vestry members. All newly elected Vestry members and Wardens shall be
administered the oath of office with thirty (30) days after their election. The number
of Vestry members may be changed by amendment to the by-laws except that no
decrease shall have the effect of shortening the terms of any incumbent Vestry
member.
B. Qualified voters of the Parish, fifteen (15) years of older, shall be eligible for election
to the Vestry regardless of their race, color, nationality, ethnic origin or sex, except
that a majority of the Vestry may not be under the age of eighteen (18). Any Vestry
member younger than the legal age required by the Diocesan Cannons and public law
may not be included in the computation of a quorum for the transaction of contractual
business nor vote on the acceptance of any contractual obligations of the Church.
C. Members of the Vestry shall take and subscribe an Oath of support similar to the Oath
prescribed in the Vestry Act of 1798.
D. Resignations submitted by Wardens and Vestry members shall not become effective
until they have been accepted by the Vestry.
Section 2. ELECTION OF VESTRY MEMBERS
A. The term of a Vestry member shall be three (3) years with one third (1/3) elected at
each Annual Parish Meeting or until their successors are elected and administered the
oath of office.
B. A Vestry Member who has served a full three (3) year term shall not be eligible for
election to the Vestry until one full year has elapsed since the expiration of the
member’s previous term. The member, however, shall be eligible for election as a
warden.
C. In the event a Vestry seat becomes vacant, the Vestry shall name a qualified voter of
the Parish to serve in the office until the next annual meeting or at a special meeting
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of the Parish convened for that purpose, at which time the voters of the Parish shall
elect a person to complete the term.
Section 3. ELECTION OF THE WARDENS
A. The term of the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden shall be for two (2) years
elected at an annual meeting, or until their successors are elected and administered
the oath of office. The Senior Warden will be elected in the even year and the Junior
Warden in the odd year.
B. The Senior Warden and the Junior Warden may succeed themselves, except that no
person shall serve as Senior Warden or Junior Warden for more than four (4)
consecutive years. They shall be eligible for election as any vestry member, after
one (1) full year has elapsed since the expiration of their previous tern
C. In the event a vacancy occurs in the position of the Senior Warden or in the position
of the Junior Warden, the Vestry shall name one of their own to serve as Warden
until a new Warden is elected by the qualified voters of the Parish at the next annual
meeting to complete the term.
Section 4. SUPPORTING PERSONNEL
A. The Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary to the Parish and the Secretary
to the Vestry will be appointed to a one (1) year term by the Vestry after the first
regular Vestry meeting after the annual meting of the Parish The Vestry shall elect a
Secretary or Clerk of the parish who may or may not be a member of the Vestry. The
term of office, voting rights, and extent of authority shall be as prescribed by the
parish bylaws and resolutions of the Vestry. The Secretary or Clerk shall also keep
the record of all voting members of the parish.
B.
Persons so appointed will serve in an advisory capacity and will not be eligible to
vote on mattes before the Vestry.
C. These positions will not be filled by members of the vestry and appointees may be
paid a stipend.
Section 5. DELEGATES TO THE CONVENTION
A. The delegates and alternates to the convention must be a qualified voting member as
defined in Article 1. Section I of these BY-LAWS.
B. Each delegate and alternate shall be elected for a three (3) year term. Delegate and
alternates may be reelected to the office of delegate or alternate for no more than two
(2) consecutive terms.
C.
The term of these officers will be staggered so that one delegate and alternate is
elected for a three year term.
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D.
The number of delegates elected shall be determined in accordance with Article 11.
Section 4 (a) of the Constitution of the Diocese of Washington.
E. The delegates and/or alternates shall attend the Convention and, when the Convention
is not in session, Convocation shall report regularly to the Parish.
Section 6. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
A. A Nominating Committee consisting of seven (7) qualified voters will be elected at
each annual meeting. The committee’s purpose will be to prepare a slate of nominees
to the elected at the next annual meeting. Nominations from the floor will be in
order. One (1) person will be elected Chairperson of the Committee and six (6)
persons will be elected as members based on the service attended and/or other
characteristics which would be representative of the Congregation. No person will
be elected to the Nominating Committee more then two (2) consecutive times without
a break in service on the committee.
B. The Nominating Committee will canvas the Parish to secure interested and qualified
members to fill upcoming positions that will become vacant. Interested candidates
will complete a short biographical sketch and forward it and a recent photograph to
the Committee. The Committee in closed session will evaluate the applicants and
using their best judgement formulate a slate of nominees for presentation at the Parish
meeting. A slate, at the discretion of the Nominating Committee, may include more
than one name per position.
C. The Nominating Committee will post in some convenient and conspicuous place in
the church building photographs and biographical sketches of those running for
Church offices at least fifteen (15) days before the election. Copies of the slate will
be made available to all parishioners at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting-at
which the election will take place.
Section 7. VOTING PROCEDURE
A. Voting shall be by written secret ballot.
B. A nominee who receives the majority of the vote cast shall be declared elected to the
position to which he or she was nominated.
C. If no nominee receives a majority, the presiding officer shall announce the names of
the two nominees who received the greater number of votes. A ballot shall then be
taken between the two nominees that received the greatest number of votes. The
second ballot shall be treated the same as the first. If on any ballot a tie vote should
prevent determining the one elected, the matter shall then be decided by lot
D. Tellers in sufficient number shall be selected by the Vestry. Tellers shall be voting
members not running for office.
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E. The Vestry shall Judge: (1) The election of members to the Vestry and other church
offices; (2) The qualifications of voters, and (3) The qualification of parishioners
seeking election to the Vestry or to other church offices.
ARTICLE IV. VESTRY RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS
Section 1.
The Vestry has the RESPONSIBILITY for the corporate property and financial affairs
of the church and, in cooperation with the clergy of the church, to develop and implement
programs which will promote the mission of the church through teaching, preaching,
social action, worship and service.
Section 2.
Specifically, the Vestry of Calvary Episcopal Church will perform the following
DUTIES in accordance with the Bible and the Cannons of the General Convention, and
the Constitution and Canons of The Diocese of Washington:
A. Be responsible for all church property, furnishings and money.
B. Prepare and enter into written employment contract(s) with the clergy based
on Section 6. Canon 25, and Appendix B to the Canons of The Episcopal
Diocese of Washington, entitled Guidelines for Clergy Contracts.
C. Not encumber or alienate church property without the consent of the Bishop
and the Standing Committee.
D. Sign certificates of good character, for Postulants seeking admission as
candidates for Holy Orders.
E. Sign certificates for candidates for the Diaconate.
F. Provide adequate insurance on all buildings and their contents
G. Sign certificates for candidates for the Priesthood.
H. Provide the Rector with a “suitable and substantial” book to be used as the
Parish Register.
I. Pay the Treasurer of Convention sums required from them for the support of
the Bishop and other diocesan expenses.
J. Pay the salary of the Clergy.
Section 3.
The Vestry shall have CONTROL OVER ALL MONIES of the church whatever the
source, with complete authority to allocate and disburse the same, except the Alms Fund
Section 4. DUTIES OF WARDENS
A. Notify the Bishop when Parish becomes vacant.
B. Make sure the worship services are held on a regular basis in the absence of the
Rector.
C. Preside at Vestry and Parish meetings in absence of the Rector.
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D. Provide wine and bread or wafers for communion, adequate prayer books and
hymnals for the congregation and sufficient vestments for acolytes (servers),
layreaders, vergers, choir, etc.
E. Attend any meetings called by the Bishop for Wardens.
F. Supervise, in consultation with the Rector, the sexton staff, and regularly monitor and
evaluate their performance.
G. Provide the Vestry with a periodic report as to the performance and evaluations of all
employees (except the clergy).
Section 5.
All MEMBERS of the Parish may attend vestry meetings and may be granted the
privilege of the floor at the discretion of the Vestry.
Section 6.
The Vestry shall supervise all organizations in the Parish and shall work with the Parish
Council in such a manner as to promote the welfare of the congregation as a whole.
Section 7. MEETING OF THE VESTRY
A. Shall be held at least once a month on a date agreed upon by the Vestry.
B. The Rector shall preside at Vestry meetings or, in the Rector’s absence, the Senior
Warden or in the absence of both, the Junior Warden shall preside.
Section 8. REMOVAL OF VESTRY MEMBER
A. A Vestry member may be removed from the office for the following reasons: (1)
absence from vestry meetings to the extent that the Vestry member become
ineffective in carrying out his/her responsibilities as a member of the Vestry; (2)
malfeasance-evil conduct, and illegal, wrongful and harmful act; (3) misfeasancegrossly wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; (4) the wrongful and
injurious exercise of a lawful authority; and (5) nonfeasance-failure to perform an
explicit duty or an act for which the person is responsible as a member of the Vestry.
B. At least a two-third vote of the Vestry is required for removal.
ARTICLE V. VESTRY COMMITTEES
Section 1.
The Vestry of Calvary Episcopal Church will appoint, from its own number and voting
membership of the church the STANDING COMMITTEES needed to accomplish the
duties and responsibilities of the Vestry. Each Committee shall be composed of a Vestry
member and other Parish members and ‘subject matter experts” as a Chair and / or the
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Vestry deem necessary. Standing committees shall promptly elect a co-Chair from their
Parish membership.
Section 2.
The RESPONSIBILITIES of standing committees not defined by the bylaws shall be
fixed by the Vestry, from whom the committees shall receive the needed instruction and
by their acts shall be subject to review.
Section 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Give written monthly reports to the Vestry.
B. Make and submit a proposed annual budget to the Financial Committee.
Section 4.
There shall be an EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE composed of the Rector, the Senior
Warden, the Junior Warden and two Vestry-persons selected by the Vestry. Its duties
shall be the following:
A. Prepare the agenda for the Vestry meetings; and
B. Act for the Vestry on matters demanding attention between meetings of the Vestry in
a manner consistent with the decisions and guidelines set by the Vestry.
Section 5.
There will be a FINANCE COMMITTEE composed of at least two (2) members of the
Vestry and the Treasurer. Its duties will be, but not limited to the following
A. Review in advance, when feasible, all proposals requiring expenditure of church
funds not included in the current operating budget.
B. Review monthly the Statement of Cash Receipts Summary for budget up-dates.
C. Prepare the annual church budget for the vestry’s consideration and approval.
D. Suggest ways and mean of subsidizing shortcomings in the church budget.
E. Provide a quarterly statement of contributions to each member of the church.
F. Review monthly the receipts and disbursements.
G. Reconcile the bank statements and verify the balances with Treasurer’s report.
H. Monitor the opening and closing of accounts to verify that the provisions of Article
VII, Section 7, these By-Laws, and any published Guidelines for such accounts are
followed.
Section 6.
There shall be an AUDIT COMMITTEE and it duties shall be the following:
A. Periodic audits of the financial books and records of the Parish and report the findings
to the Vestry.
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B. Select, for the Vestry’s approval, an independent accountant to conduct the annual
audit of all financial records.
C. Obtain an Audit Report from the parish’s independent accountant and present that
report to the Vestry.
D. Assist the Treasurer in the preparation of the financial portions of the annual report to
the Diocese.
E. Review and certify the accuracy of any statement of receipts and disbursements or
any statement concerning any financial transactions of the Parish.
F. Recommend to the Vestry improvements in the Parish’s fiscal procedures.
G. Assist the Financial Committee in the preparation of the Parish’s annual budget.
Section 7.
There shall be a BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE composed of not less
than six (6) members with Senior Warden serving as Chairperson and the Junior Warden
serving as Vice-Chairperson. Its duties shall be as follows:
A. Responsible for the physical plant of the church.
B. Supervise maintenance, repairs and improvements to the church property and
grounds.
C. Prepare uniform proposals on all work to be done, secure, if feasible, more than one
bids or estimates and submit the bids or estimates to the Vestry, along with the
Committee’s recommendation, for Vestry approval.
D. Prepare a formal contract, upon acceptance of a bid by the Vestry, and submit it to the
Vestry for final approval.
E. Investigate and secure comparative prices on all equipment to be purchased for the
Parish.
F. See that the church is kept clean and that the sextons properly perform their duties.
G. Keep abreast of new developments in church management and report pertinent items
in this field to the Vestry.
Section 8.
There will be a PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE chaired by a member of the Vestry
and consisting of the Rector or a representative of the Rector, a member of the Lay
Minister’s Guild, a member of Parish Council’s Amenities Committee, a member from
each Guild or Organization that provides outreach and/or Social Services to the members
of Calvary and the community, and other volunteer members. Due to the personal, hands
on operation of this Committee, membership is not limited and sub-committees may be
established with Non-Vestry Members as chairs of any sub-committees. This
Committee’s responsibilities will include:
A. The areas of Alms, Bereavement, Children/Youth Outreach, Christian Care Giving,
Community Outreach, Counseling Homeless Ministries, Prison Ministry, Substance
Abuse Ministry, and other pastoral needs as they arise.
B. Identifying for and recommending to the Vestry groups or issues requiring special
funding or additional funding for charitable purpose.
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C. Carrying out all other Pastoral concerns which the Vestry or the Committee considers
necessary.
D. There will be a Hospitality Sub-Committee which will plan and coordinate
refreshments for hospitality after Sunday Church services or for other special events
including any requested by the Vestry.
Section 9.
There shall be a COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES
COMMITTEE. It shall be responsible for the promotion of important church events and
activities; publishing a periodic newsletter; making and keeping the historical records of
the Parish, and maintaining the bulletin boards in the church.
Section 10.
There shall be a CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND PRAYER COMMITTEE
composed of all segments of the church family (i.e., youth, young adults, senior citizens ,
clergy, etc.). It shall be responsible for operating the Church School, selecting a
Superintendent for a term of one year, obtaining teachers for the Church School, keeping
abreast of changes in the Diocese, and promoting activities for the benefit, welfare and
growth of the children.
Section 11.
There shall be a LEGAL COMMITTEE which shall be responsible for:
A. Review legal matters concerning the Parish.
B. Review all employment contracts.
C. Review all contracts involving funds over $2,500.
D. Review and recommend action concerning all proposed By-Law changes.
Section 12.
There will be a STEWARDSHIP AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE chaired by a
member of the Vestry consisting of the Rector, and six voting members of Calvary. The
membership of the Committee should be representative of the Church membership; i.e.
young adult, golden gems, single parents. The Committee will be responsible for:
A. Developing and implementing an in-depth, year round Stewardship Education
Program.
B. Annually reviewing and revising Calvary’s Mission and Stewardship statements.
C. Identifying financial mission goals for the congregation based on the question, “What
is Jesus Christ calling Calvary to do?
D. Communicating the stewardship commitment of both the Clergy and the Vestry to the
congregation.
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E. Regularly developing, and distributing Stewardship literature and/or other
information to assist members in their individual stewardship growth.
F. Actively plan and develop outreach activities amongst the parish and the community
to grow and develop the ministries of Calvary Episcopal Church.
Section 13.
There will be a Worship / Evangelism / Music Committee chaired by a member of the
Vestry consisting of the Rector, and voting members of Calvary. The Committee’s
membership should be representative of the Church membership; i.e, young adult,
seniors, single parents. Membership will also include the Director of Music, the Organist
and representatives of each of the choirs.The Committee will be responsible for:
A. Overseeing the evangelistic and church growth activities of the church through links
with the National and Diocesan Evangelism Commissions.
B. Studying materials relating to evangelism sent in by the Diocesan or National
Headquarters
C. Keeping the membership advised through educational programs, newspaper articles
and quest speakers of their role in evangelism.
D. Planning and organizing Parish-wide evangelism , retreats or revivals.
E. Keeping the Wardens and the Vestry advised of the Church’s needs in the area of
musical supplies, i.e., hymnals, robes and equipment.
F. In consultations with the Rector and Director of Music, planning and scheduling choir
festivals.musicals for the various religious seasons recognized by the Church.
G. In consultation with the Rector and Dierctor of Music, developing procedures to
ensure the learning/familiarizations of new hymns by the church membership for use
in worship.
H. There will be a representative member of this committee from each service
organization/ministry.
Section 14.
There will be a Personnel Committee The Vestry shall appoint annually a chair and vice
chair of the Personnel Committee. The chair and vice chair shall be members of the
Vestry. The duties and responsibilities of the Personnel Committee are stated in the
current version of the Calvary Episcopal Church Personnel Policies and Procedures
Handbook.
Section 15.
The Vestry may from time to time ESTABLISH OTHER COMMITTEES to deal with
special questions or matter as the Vestry deems appropriate.
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Section 16.
The Vestry may from time to time assign to committees such OTHER AND
ADDITIONAL DUTIES as it may determine.
Section 17.
The ORDER OF BUSINESS at all Vestry and Parish Meeting shall be set by either the
Vestry or the Executive Committee. However, the first order of business at all annual
Parish Meeting shall be the election of officers.
ARTICLE VI. THE PARISH COUNCIL
Section 1.
The Parish Council shall consist of REPRESENTATIVES from each parish organizations
and other interested members. The Vestry’s official representative to the Parish Council
will be selected by the Vestry. The Rector, the Wardens and the Parish Secretary are
members ex-officio.
Section 2.
The Parish Council and/or its OFFICERS shall regularly meet with the Vestry.
Section 3.
MEETINGS of the Parish Council may be called by the Rector, the Chairman of the
Parish Council or the majority of the council members.
Section 4.
The Parish Council will elect its Chairperson and other officers as the Council
prescribes.
Section 5.
The Parish Council shall serve as a CLEARING HOUSE for organizational activities
within the Parish.
Section 6.
The Parish Council shall maintain a CHURCH CALENDAR which shall be posted in
some convenient and conspicuous place. The calendar shall be kept current announcing
Church and Diocesan activities on a monthly basis or as often as needed.
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Section 7.
All Calvary Guilds, Activities and Organizations will produce a budget as prescribed by
the finance committee. Additionally they shall furnish the Vestry a copy and/or any
revisions of their By-laws or other governing documents. The chairperson of the Parish
Council will be responsible for obtaining subject documents and forwarding them to the
Vestry.
ARTICLE VII. GUILDS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1
MEMBERSHIP in guilds and organizations of the church shall be open to members in
good standing of Calvary Episcopal Church.
Section 2.
OFFICERS of each guild or organization shall be elected by the voting membership of
that guild or organization.
Section 3.
Each guild or organization shall send a REPRESENTATIVE to the Parish Council
meetings.
Section 4.
Each guild or organization shall choose a member to serve as its INFORMATION
OFFICER. The Information Officer shall furnish the Communications and Information
Service Committee with the news and information about the programs and activities of
the guild or organization.
Section 5.
All Parish guilds and organizations shall submit an ANNUAL REPORT to the Parish
Secretary at a time set by the Parish Secretary or the Vestry so that the reports may be
printed in Calvary’s Annual Parish Report. The reports of the guilds and organizations
shall include purpose of the guild or organization, number of active members, number of
meetings for the year, summary of activities for the past year; any other information
requested by the Parish Secretary.
Section 6.
No Parish guild or organization shall enter into or authorize any CONTRACT without
prior Vestry approval.
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Section 7.
ALL MONIES raised in the name of Calvary Episcopal Church shall be turned into the
Treasurer for deposit immediately following the activity or on the next Sunday, in the
format prescribed by the finance committee. The following information will be
furnished with all deposits: name and address of guild, organization, group, or individual
responsible for the account; name of the account, if different from above; authorized
signature(s) for withdrawal of funds and the purpose of the account.
ARTICLE VIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern Calvary in all cases to which they
are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special
rules of order Calvary may adopt, unless a two-third majority of those present and
constituting a quorum shall vote otherwise.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
These by-laws may be repealed, altered or amended at any regular or special meeting of
the Parish by a two-thirds majority of the quorum present PROVIDED that prior written
notice stating the proposed changes shall have been mailed to each voting member at
least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting. Proposed changes to these ByLaws should be submitted through the Vestry to ensure proper preparation, processing
and coordination.
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