Christ Church, Accokeek
Amendment of the Bylaws    May 4, 2003

EXPLANATORY NOTES:

The only substantial change in these Bylaws from the version approved on December 27, 2001, is in the definition of Vestry members and their term of office, Sec. 3 (a&b). References to a youth member and a representative from St. John’s Chapel have been dropped because both types of representation are still possible under the Sec. 3 as revised. The definition of a quorum has been changed in two instances (Sec. 2d, Sec. 10b); and sections referring to the amendment of the Bylaws have all been gathered together in the new Sec. 10.

Other changes are for clarification and are intended to convey the original meaning of the text, for example: Sec. 1 Members Entitled to Vote, Sec. 3 (g) on Affiliation, and Sec. 8 (c) on the Rector’s contract.

GUIDELINES FOR THE FORMATION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL

We are at a point of new beginning in Christ Church.  We need to reaffirm our identity as a congregation and clarify our expectation about how we are going to make decisions together.  Foundational to the decision-making process is the definition of who the voting members of the parish are. Baptismal membership is established simply by baptism and enrollment in the parish register. Voting membership involves further qualifications.  These qualifications normally are to be applied by each individual in a process of self-examination, but the individual may request the pastoral consultation of the Rector.

The Vestry has approved the following four norms as guidelines. These are based on the definition of a "communicant in good standing" as found in the national canons of the Episcopal Church (Title I Sec. 17):

1. Have you been Confirmed, or Received, in the Episcopal Church? That is, have you made an adult reaffirmation of your baptismal promises with prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop of the Episcopal Church?  [Book of Common Prayer, pp. 302-305; 413-419]
2.  Are you committed to Christ's ministry of reconciliation and service in St. John's Parish?
3.  Have you been "faithful in corporate worship" in Christ Church, receiving communion usually at least once a month during the past year?
Have you been "faithful in giving" financially to the support of the parish
during the past six months in proportion to your financial resources?

CANON 17: Of Regulations Respecting the Laity
http://www.churchpublishing.org/general_convention/pdf/cpi_cc_canontitle1.pdf

Sec. 1

(a) All persons who have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit, whether in this Church or in another Christian Church, and whose
Baptisms have been duly recorded in this Church, are members thereof.

(b) Members sixteen years of age and over are to be considered adult
members.

(c) It is expected that all adult members of this Church, after appropriate
instruction, will have made a mature public affirmation of their faith and
commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and will have been
confirmed or received by a Bishop of this Church or by a Bishop of a
Church in communion with this Church. Those who have previously made
a mature public commitment in another Church may be received, not
confirmed.

(d) Any person who is baptized in this Church as an adult and receives
the laying on of hands by the Bishop at Baptism is to be considered, for
the purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed;
also,

Any person who is baptized in this Church as an adult and at some time
after the Baptism receives the laying on of hands by the Bishop in
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows is to be considered, for the purpose of
this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed; also,

Any baptized person who received the laying on of hands at Confirmation
(by any Bishop in apostolic succession) and is received into the
Episcopal Church by a Bishop of this Church is to be considered, for the
purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed; and
also,

Any baptized person who received the laying on of hands by a Bishop
of this Church at Confirmation or Reception is to be considered, for the
purpose of this and all other Canons, as both baptized and confirmed.
 

Sec. 2 For the purposes of statistical consistency throughout the Church,
communicants sixteen years of age and over are to be considered adult
communicants.

Sec. 3 All communicants of this Church who for the previous year have
been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and
have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the
Kingdom of God, are to be considered communicants in good standing.

Schedule for Vestry Member Rotation

Vestry Members:  Year in which term of office ends
Trustees are not eligible for reelection for one year

2003 John Buchanan, Trustee
 Maura Clagett, Trustee
 Barbara Sturman, Senior Warden, eligible for reelection

2004 Brian Sturman, Trustee
 Chuck Clagett, Trustee
 Frank McDonough, Junior Warden, eligible for reelection

2005 Wes Courtney, Trustee
 John Grazioso, Trustee
 _________________, Senior Warden

2006 Hank Xander, Trustee
 Frank S. McDonough, Trustee
 _________________, Junior Warden

Sec. 3 (j) Vestry Oath:

"I, A.B., do declare my belief in the Christian religion and do declare that I accede to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and that in obedience to the same, I shall execute the office of a [Trustee] or Warden  without prejudice, favor or affection, according to the best of my skill and knowledge. So help me God.  Amen."

CANON 14: Of Parish Vestries
Constitution and Canons of General Convention 2000, p. 48.

Sec. 1. In every Parish of this Church the number, mode of selection, and
term of office of Wardens and Members of the Vestry, with the qualifications
of voters, shall be such as the State or Diocesan law may permit
or require, and the Wardens and Members of the Vestry selected under
such law shall hold office until their successors are selected and have
qualified.

Sec. 2. Except as provided by the law of the State or of the Diocese, the
Vestry shall be agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters
concerning its corporate property and the relation s of the Parish to its
Clergy.

Sec. 3. Unless it conflict with the law as aforesaid, the Rector, or such
other member of the Vestry designated by the Rector, shall preside in all
the meetings of the Vestry.

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