“Bylawstide” FAQ’s
Bylawstide Week 4: Let’s Answer some FAQ’s!!
Vestry
Q: What is a vestry?
A: The vestry functions as the board of an Anglican church. You can read more about the vestry here. For the upcoming year (as we journey towards “congregational status”), the vestry will technically function as a “Mission Vestry,” but will function as similarly to a vestry of a “congregation” as possible.
Q: What’s the difference between a Mission Vestry and a normal vestry?
A: Our diocesan status is currently as a “Mission Church.” That means the Bishop has a bit more formal oversight than if we were a “Congregation.” The primary difference for our elected board is that a Mission Vestry makes recommendations but ultimate decision making authority lies with the bishop when it comes to temporal matters (budget, facilities, etc.). We anticipate becoming a formal “congregation” next fall, at which point responsibility and decision making authority for temporals will reside with the vestry.
Q: How large will Trinity’s vestry be?
A: The plan is for Trinity’s vestry to be made up of 5 laypeople, plus Mike+ “ex officio.”
Q: How long are vestry terms?
A: Generally those elected to vestry serve 3 year terms. So, two out of every three years we’ll elect two new members; one out of every three years we’ll elect one new member.
Q: How many people will we elect to the vestry this year?
A: Either two or three. We expect a few members of our Advisory Team to serve the shorter vestry terms as appointed members this year.
Q: What are the qualifications to serve on the vestry?
A: Per our diocesan Constitution and Canons (pg. 27):
Vestry Qualifications. Qualification for Vestry membership is based on the applicable passages of Titus. 1. A candidate shall be:
- a. A mature Christian;
- b. One who maintains an active life of prayer and study of Scripture;
- c. One whose life and relationships are in order;
- d. One who is known and respected among the Congregation;
- e. One who has been or is currently active in ministry
- f. One who is known as a cheerful giver of time, talent, and treasure;
- g. One who understands, has counted the cost of, and is committed to fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a Vestry member; and
- h. One who affirms the Fundamental Declarations of the Diocese as set forth in Article I of the Diocesan Constitution and the Standards of Morality and Ethics as set forth in Title II, Canon 5 of the Diocesan Canons.
At Trinity, we have added that vestry members must have worshipped at Trinity for at least one year and be an active member of the church.
Q: Why are we doing this now?
A: Our friend the Rev. Canon Dr. Mary Hays recently reminded me (Mike+) that a church plant should be as much like a parish as possible, and so we’re laying the foundation for the sort of governance practices and “institutionalization” that will set Trinity up to be fruitful in Burke and beyond for the long term.
Nominations + Election
Q: Who can nominate someone for the vestry?
A: Anyone who worships at Trinity can nominate someone for vestry. The nomination form is here. Nominations close this Sunday (October 19).
Q: When is the vestry elected?
A: Votes will be gathered online the week following November 2nd.
Q: Who is eligible to vote?
A: All members of Trinity over the age of 16 are eligible to vote.
Membership
Q: How do I become a member?
A: At this stage in our church life, it is quite simple:
- Fill out this membership form. It includes theological acknowledgements, affirmation of our church values, and a commitment to worship, give, and serve at Trinity.
- Write a short testimony.
- If you are new to the ANCA (Anglican Church in North America), you’ll need to be confirmed/received the next time the bishop visits Trinity (this winter). Think about this as a public declaration of faith and a commissioning for ministry at Trinity. If you are not new to the ACNA, a transfer of membership will suffice.
Q: How do I know if I’m a member?
A: Check this Google Sheet, which we’re working to keep updated with those who filled out the form, or email Liz (liz@trinityburke.com)
Parish Meeting
Q: When do we hear more about the vestry and coming year?
A: We’re hosting our biannual Parish Meeting after church on Sunday, Nov. 9th. We expect that we’ll have announced the new vestry via email prior to that meeting, but we’ll take that time to outline a bit more about what they will be doing, to share more about the state of the church, to outline where we’re headed in the coming year, and to share a financial update.
Random
Q: Why do Mike+ and Matt+ always have a plus after their names?
A: It’s shorthand for “Reverend” – deacons and priests use a “+” after their names. A bishop uses a “+” before his name. An archbishop uses “++” before his name.