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BYLAWS

THE PARISH OF ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH   SIOUX CITY, IOWA

BYLAWS  Revised 2002

ARTICLE 1: PARISH MEETINGS (Source: IA Canon 23)

1.01 ANNUAL MEETING On the first Monday of January of each year or on any day thereafter not later than April 30, the Parishioners of the Parish shall assemble in Annual Meeting to elect persons to the Vestry and to transact such other business as may properly come before them. Notice of such meetings shall be given from the chancel at the regular services of the Church on two Sundays next proceeding the time of such meeting. If there is no Rector and if no services are held on such two Sundays, then the Senior Warden shall notify the members by mail of the time of the meeting not less than seven days preceding such meeting. When the Parish is without a Rector, the Bishop may, at the written request of the Parish Vestry, set a date following January 30 for the Annual Parish Meeting.

1.02 SPECIAL MEETINGS Special meetings of the Parishioners may be called by the Rector or by the Vestry, if there is no Rector, and shall be called by the Rector upon the written request of the Vestry. Notice of such special meeting shall be given from the chancel at the regular services of the Church on two Sundays next preceding the time appointed for the special meeting and shall declare the purpose of such meeting. If there is no Rector and if no services are held on such two Sundays, then the Senior Warden shall notify the members by mail of the time of the meeting not less than seven days preceding such meeting. When the Parish is without a Rector, the Bishop may, at the written request of the Vestry of such Parish, set a date for the special meeting following January 30 for the Annual Parish Meeting.

1.03 PRESIDING OFFICER The Rector shall preside at all Parish meetings. If there is no Rector, the Senior Warden shall preside. The clerk shall act as the recording secretary.

1.04 PERSONS ENTITLED TO VOTE At all regular and special meetings of the Parish, persons entitled to vote shall be confirmed communicants of the Parish, male and female, age 16 or over, in good and regular standing, and such other baptized persons of like ages who may have been in regular attendance at worship in the Parish who have contributed to its support for at least three months next preceding the election. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed. (For definitions, see Title I, Canon 17 of the National Church.)

1.05 RIGHT OF CHALLENGE The right of challenge shall be permitted. In case of challenge, communicant status and regular attendance shall be determined by the Rector, if there is one, or if not by the presiding Senior Warden. The matter of contribution to the support of the Parish shall be determined by the Treasurer of the Parish or in the absence of the Treasurer by any other Vestry person having knowledge of the case.

1.06 QUORUM A quorum at any regular or special meeting of the Parish shall consist of 20 persons entitled to vote therein.

ARTICLE 2: THE VESTRY (Source: IA Canon 24)

2.01 NUMBER The Vestry shall consist of fifteen (15) persons and having been so determined by the Annual Parish Meeting shall remain so until changed by the action of some subsequent Parish Meeting.

2.02 ELIGIBILITY Members of the Vestry shall be baptized persons and communicants of the parish, male and female, in good and regular standing, who have attained the age of sixteen (16) years, and such other baptized persons of like who may have been in regular attendance at worship in the Parish who have contributed to its support for at least three months next preceding the election.

2.03 TERM At the Annual Meeting, one-third of the Vestry persons may be elected for terms of three (3) years each. No Vestry person having served more than eighteen (18) months of a term shall be re-elected until one year has elapsed since his or her previous term has expired.

2.04 CHANGE IN NUMBER OF VESTRY PERSONS In the event of the increasing number of Vestry persons by action of the Parish Meeting, one-third of the increased number may be elected for terms of three (3) years each, one-third of the increased number for terms of two (2) years each, and one-third of the number for terms of one (1) year each. In the event of the decreasing of the number of Vestry persons by action of the Parish Meeting, there shall be at that meeting no election of Vestry persons.

2.05 REMOVAL Any or all elected or appointed members of the Vestry may be removed with or without cause by majority vote of the Parishioners present at a special meeting of the Parishioners called expressly for that purpose in accordance with Section 1.02 hereof, or for just cause by majority vote of the Vestry at any regular meeting of the Vestry or any special meeting of the Vestry called expressly for that purpose. For purposes of this section, the term “just cause” shall include, but not be limited to, absence from three consecutive regular meetings of the Vestry for reasons not due to personal or family illness, or other excused cause.

2.06 VACANCIES In the event of a vacancy occurring in the Vestry during the year, it may be filled by the Vestry or by a special Parish Meeting if the Vestry so requests by resolution. The election of a Vestry person or a filling of a vacancy in the Vestry by special Parish Meeting shall be by ballot. The polls shall be open not less than thirty (30) minutes or may be closed after all electors present have voted, if there is no objection to such closing from the floor.

ARTICLE 3: OFFICERS OF THE VESTRY (SOURCE: IA CANON 26)

3.01 Officers At the first meeting of the Vestry following the Annual Parish Meeting, members shall elect out of their own number a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden. They shall also elect from their own number or the Parish at large a Clerk or Recording Secretary, a Treasurer for the Parish, and may elect a Missionary Treasurer.

3.02 THE WARDENS It shall be the duty of the Wardens to protect the Church property and to see that all things needed for the orderly worship of God, the administration of the sacraments, and the ordinances of the Church are provided. In the absence of the Rector, the Wardens shall procure, under the advice of the Bishop, a suitable supply for the continuation of the services.

3.03 THE RECORDING SECRETARY It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to take minutes of the proceedings of the Vestry, to record them in a parish book kept for this purpose alone, to preserve the records, to attest the public acts of the Vestry, to perform such other duties as may be regularly assigned, and to deliver to successors all books and papers in his or her possession belonging to the Parish.

3.04 THE TREASURER It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all Parish funds (except Communion alms), to keep an accurate account of all monies,, and to disburse them as ordered by the Vestry. The Treasurer shall collect and remit all monies received for the Diocesan and General Church Program. The Treasurer shall render an annual account to the Vestry for audit and the books shall always be open to the inspection of the Bishop, the Rector, Wardens, or Vestry persons. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be regularly assigned and shall deliver to successors all monies, accounts, and vouchers in his or her possession belonging to the Parish. The Treasurer shall attend all Vestry meetings.

ARTICLE 4: VESTRY MEETINGS (Source: IA Canon 27)

4.01 ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Vestry shall be held promptly following the Annual Parish Meeting for the purpose of electing the officers of the Vestry.

4.02 REGULAR MEETINGS The Vestry, by resolution, shall determine the days for the regular meetings of the Vestry.

4.03 SPECIAL MEETINGS Special meetings of the Vestry may be called by the Rector and shall be called at the written request of three members of the Vestry, including one Warden.

4.04 MEETINGS WITH THE BISHOP Upon written request of the Bishop, the Rector, or the Wardens, if there is no Rector, shall call a meeting of the Vestry for conference with the Bishop. For action on such matters as shall grow out of such conference, a special meeting of the Vestry shall be held at such time as the Bishop may indicate.

4.05 NOTICE OF THE MEETINGS No notice of the Annual Vestry Meeting other than these Bylaws shall be required. No notice of the regular meetings, other than the resolution referred to in Section 4.02 above shall be required. Notice of special meetings of the Vestry shall be given or mailed to the members of the Vestry not later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour fixed for the meeting. However, a special meeting of the Vestry may be held at any time without notice, the Rector consenting, providing every member of the Vestry is present.

4.06 QUORUM There shall be no meeting of the Vestry unless the Rector, if there is one, and a majority of the Vestry are present. If the Rector is absent from the Diocese four calendar months or if the Rector declines or neglects to be present when duly notified of the meeting, the Vestry shall be competent to transact business if a majority of the Vestry, including one Warden, are present. However, in the sale of church property, the Rector, if there is one, must be present.

4.07 PRESIDING OFFICER The Rector, if there is one, shall preside at all meetings of the Vestry. In the absence of the Rector, the Senior Warden shall preside. In the absence of both the Rector and Senior Warden, the Junior Warden shall preside.

4.08 VOTING In all matters coming before the Vestry, each member of the Vestry shall have one vote. In no event shall any member of the Vestry cast more than one vote on the same questions. The Presiding Officer, if voting as a member of the Vestry, has no extra casting vote in the case of a tie. The Rector, if there is one, shall have a casting vote in the case of a tie.

ARTICLE 5: DUTIES OF THE VESTRY (SOURCE: IA CANON 25)

5.01 GENERAL DUTIES The Vestry shall:

  1. Cooperate with the Rector in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Parish and shall aid the Rector in the initiation, conduct and development of the program of the Church, both within and beyond the Parish;

  2. Accept responsibility for the Mission of the Church in the community, the diocese, the nation, and the world and shall be the means by which the General Church and the Diocese communicate with the Parish;

  3. Represent the Parish in its relations with the Rector;

  4. Serve as Council of Advice for the Rector upon the Rector’s request, or whenever in the judgment of both Wardens there are matters that should be brought to the Rector’s attention;

  5. Encourage fit men and women to enter the specialized ministries of the Church;

  6. Be the agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning the business affairs of the Parish, including but not limited to the purchase and sale of real and personal property and the hiring, retention, compensation, and management of all employees. However, real property of the Parish may not be sold or encumbered       without the written consent of the Bishop and the Standing Committee;

  7. Supervise the care, maintenance, and insurance of the buildings, furnishings,   and other properties of the Parish;

  8. Be responsible for the proper care of the finances of the Parish;

  9. Present a complete statement of the financial condition of the Parish to each Annual Parish Meeting;

  10. Make arrangements for the support of its Rector; and in the event of the Rector’s death, resignation or removal, notify the Bishop without delay, and supply the Rector’s place as soon as possible in accordance with the Canons of the General Convention; and,

  11. Be responsible for the duties of its officers enumerated in Article 3 of these bylaws. 

ARTICLE 6: COMMITTEES OF THE VESTRY

6.01 COMMITTEES The committees of the Vestry may be as follows: Christian Education, Outreach, Finance, Worship, Property, Endowment, Stewardship, Altar Guild, Memorial, Growth and Development, and Personnel. The Vestry may constitute additional committees from time to time and prescribe their functions.

6.02 MEMBERSHIP There shall be one (or more) member(s) of the Vestry on each Committee. Any vestry member may serve on more than one committee. Other members of the Parish shall be encouraged to serve on the Committees. The Rector shall be an ex-officio member of all Committees.

6.03 FUNCTIONS OF COMMITTEES The Committees shall study and become acquainted with their particular area of responsibility and shall submit a budget and a mission statement annually to the Vestry. A representative of each Committee shall submit written reports to the Vestry on a regular basis and may appear in person at the regular Vestry meetings.

6.04 OPERATIONS OF COMMITTEES The Rector shall be ex-officio chairperson of each Committee for organizational purposes. At the organizational meeting of the Committee, the members shall choose their permanent chairperson. Meetings of the Committees shall be held regularly at the call of the chairperson. All meetings of the Committees shall be open to any member of the Parish.

6.05 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE Members of the committee will promote educational programs that foster an environment encouraging positive life-long learning opportunities that aid individuals and the church community in developing deeper Christian relationships with themselves, others, and God.

6.06 OUTREACH COMMITTEE This committee shares a responsibility to all who live within the neighborhood and community and seeks to minister to and support the lives of those families and individuals within.

6.07 FINANCE COMMITTEE The Finance Committee shall assist the Stewardship Committee in promoting a year-round stewardship program. It shall prepare the annual budget for the Church and recommend its adoption to the Vestry. It shall assist the Stewardship Committee in the planning and execution of the annual Every Member Canvass designed to secure maximum pledges of financial support from every member of the Parish. With the Property Committee, it shall periodically review and examine the Church’s insurance coverage with the help of insurance specialists.

6.08 WORSHIP COMMITTEE The Worship Committee shall consider the needs of the congregation in matters of public worship and advise the Rector (with whom final responsibility rests) as to the number, nature, and scheduling of services. It shall be responsible for the following areas connected with the worship of the Church: Music, Acolytes, Lay Readers, Chalice Bearers, Ushers, and Lay Eucharistic Ministers.

6.09 PROPERTY COMMITTEE This Committee shall oversee the maintenance of the buildings and grounds and all other physical properties of the Church.

6.10 ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE             

            A. Membership and Meetings

               1.         This committee of the Vestry shall manage the Endowment fund with the rector acting as an advisory member.

The Committee shall consist of at least five voting members of the parish and shall include the senior warden, finance committee chair, one additional vestry member, with the rest being active members of the parish.

   2. No person shall serve on the Committee for more than three consecutive years. After one year lapses, a former member may serve on the Committee again.

               3. The Committee shall meet and discuss the Fund at least quarterly or more frequently if necessary.

      4. A quorum of the Committee for voting on matters concerning the Fund shall consist of three-fifths of voting members. A majority present and voting shall carry any motion or resolution.

      5. The committee shall elect from its membership a chairperson and recording secretary. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings and the recording secretary shall record the minutes of the meeting and supply the minutes to the Senior Warden of the Vestry and the rector.

B. Investment of the Fund

      1.         The Committee shall report to the Vestry on at least a quarterly basis and shall render a complete accounting of the Fund to the congregation upon request and at each annual meeting.

      2.         The Committee may select a professional money manager to handle the investment of the assets of the Funds, but it is required to retain one when the assets reach one-half million dollars. The Committee shall work with the manager in developing guidelines for the investment of the assets. The Committee is expressly granted the authority to consider common stock as an alternative for a portion of the assets of the Fund with the hope common stock investments will allow the Fund to appreciate in value over the long term.

   3.         Members of the committee shall not be liable for any losses which may be incurred upon the investments of the assets of the Fund except to the extent such losses shall have been caused by bad faith or gross negligence. No member shall be personally liable as long as he/she acts in good faith and with ordinary prudence. Each member shall be liable only for his/her own willful misconduct or omissions, and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any other member. No member shall engage in any self-dealing or transactions with the Fund in which the member has direct or indirect financial interest and shall at all times refrain from any conduct in which his or her personal interests would conflict with the interest of the Fund.

   4.         The Committee shall make recommendations as to the professional money manager and as to the overall investment guidelines for approval by the Vestry.

C. Distribution of Income

   1.         The Committee shall determine what is income and what is principal according to the Uniform Principal and Income Act. Income from the Fund shall be distributed every year as follows:

a. For a period of five years from the year in which this Resolution is adopted (1992), all income of the Fund shall be reinvested according to the terms of this Resolution.

b.      After the initial five-year period (ending 1997), one-third of the income shall be reinvested by the manager according to the Fund Investment Guidelines.

•                       c. One-third of the income shall be used for scholarships or grants to members of St. Thomas; for church-related leadership conferences or training for pursuit of educational objectives; for church-related leadership conferences or training; for outreach into the Sioux City community; and for projects of the local, state or national Episcopal Church in the U.S. and throughout the world. These amounts shall be distributed as recommended by the Mission Committee and approved by the vestry.

d. One-third of the income shall be added to the principal of the Capital Asset Fund to be used according to the terms and conditions of said Fund.

D. Expenditures of Principal

               1.      Upon recommendation of the Committee and approval by the Vestry, the principal may be spent only to meet an extreme emergency of the parish of St. Thomas and only upon approval of three-fourths of all of the members of the Vestry in office.

E. Amending the Plan of Operation

   1. Not withstanding section 10.02 hereof, this plan of operation shall be amended only upon approval of three-fourths of all of the members of the Vestry in office.

F. General

               1. A brochure shall be printed and distributed to all families of the congregation, which describes the endowment fund, its management, and purpose.

               2. Regular reports shall be made in the Thomas Times describing all non-confidential gifts received by the Fund. Reports shall also be made concerning all disbursements from the Fund.

               3. The Committee shall acknowledge all gifts by a personal letter of thanks to donors or the families of deceased donors.

4. The names of all non-confidential donors shall be recorded in a book of remembrance that shall be displayed in the narthex or other suitable location.

5.The Finance Committee shall develop a plan for increasing the size and number of gifts to our Endowment Fund.

6.11 STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE The Stewardship Committee shall work with the Finance Committee to implement the Every Member Canvas and further shall promote Stewardship education throughout the year.

6.12 ALTAR GUILD This committee will assist the Rector in all matters concerning the preparation of any type of worship service. Members will care for and maintain all linens, vestments, vessels, candles, and appurtenance under the direction of the Rector.

6.13 MEMORIAL COMMITTEE This committee shall determine how memorial funds will be allocated and develop programs to stimulate memorial giving. This Committee shall have its expenditures approved by the Vestry.

6.14 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT This committee shall assist in encouraging members to develop and sustain endeavors and programs that create a sense of community within St. Thomas, help all members to become more active in St. Thomas' mission, and attract nonmembers to participate in the activities of St. Thomas.

6.15 PERSONNEL COMMITTEE This committee shall make recommendations to the vestry relating to all personnel matters assigned to it. The committee shall review personnel policies periodically to ensure compliance with its provisions and recommend changes as needed. Areas of concern include but are not limited to job descriptions, job performance reviews, and salary and fringe benefits. 

ARTICLE 7: PARISH REGISTER AND RECORDS (Source: IA Canon 30)

7.01 REGISTERS The Rector shall keep a Register of Baptisms, Confirmations, Communicants, Marriages, and Burials within his or her Cure.

7.02 CONTENTS The Register shall specify name, time, and place of birth of each child baptized with names of the parents and sponsors; name, time, and place of the birth of each adult baptized with names of the parents and witnesses; name of each person confirmed; names of the persons married with names of the witness or witnesses required by civil law; name of each person buried and the time when each rite was performed. The Register shall embrace a list of all Communicants within the Cure. No confirmed person shall be recorded a Communicant until he or she has made his or her first Communion. If coming from some other Parish or Congregation, this person must also present a letter of transfer as required by the Canons of the General Convention, or such other evidence of his or her communicant status as is required.

7.03 RECORD OF FAMILIES AND ADULTS A separate record shall be kept showing a list of all families and adult persons within the Cure.

7.04 RECORD UPON DISSOLUTION Upon dissolution of the pastoral relationship, the Parish Register shall be placed in the hands of the Senior Warden for safekeeping. Upon the dissolution of the Parish, the Register shall immediately become the property of the Diocese, and the Bishop shall take charge thereof.

ARTICLE 8: CHURCH FUNDS (Source: IA Canon 31)

8.01 CHURCH FUNDS Separate funds of the Parish shall be established and maintained as follows: General Fund, Memorial Fund, Endowment Fund, and Capital Asset Fund.

8.02 GENERAL FUND The General Fund shall be the general operating account of this Church. The Treasurer shall cause all current and past due pledge payments, open plate offerings, and other special offerings, except those dedicated for special purposes, to be deposited in one or more General Fund operating accounts which may be either checking accounts or savings accounts. Money dedicated for a special purpose may, in the Treasurer’s discretion, be deposited to and disbursed from the General Fund. Pledge accounts paid in one year shall be segregated from operating funds in the year in which received and shall be applied to operating expenses of the year for which given.

8.03 MEMORIAL FUND The Treasurer shall cause all memorial gifts to be deposited in a Memorial Fund. They shall be disbursed therefrom for such purposes as may be recommended by the Rector’s Memorial Committee and, where possible, the purposes designated by the donors, subject to the approval of the Vestry.

8.04 ENDOWMENT FUND See Article 6.04.

8.05 CAPITAL ASSET FUND The fund will be directed by a committee of the five (5) most recent Senior Wardens, including the current Senior Warden, and the Rector. All funds will be invested in a manner to safely preserve principal. Earnings from the Fund shall be used for capital improvements and, only when necessary, physical maintenance of St. Thomas.

8.06 UNDESIGNATED GIFTS AND BEQUESTS All undesignated gifts and bequests will be tithed (10%) for mission work in the community and the world. The remainder (90%) of the undesignated gifts and bequests shall be used for the good of the parish as determined by the vestry and rector.

8.07 GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING FUNDS Only separate accounting need be maintained for the funds. Funds representing the special accounts may be commingled for investment purposes.

8.08 INVESTMENTS The Model Prudent Person Investment Act, codified as Section 633.123, Code of Iowa, and subsequent amendments thereto, shall be observed in the investment of the Funds.

ARTICLE 9: USE OF CHURCH PROPERTY (Source: IA Canon 29)

9:01 CHURCH BUILDING The Church building shall be opened for all services, rites, ceremonies, and other purposes authorized or approved of, either by The Episcopal Church, or the Church in this Diocese, represented by the Ecclesiastical authority thereof, but for no other purpose whatsoever, at such times as the Cleric-in-Charge, or when there is no Cleric-in-Charge, the Wardens, may deem proper.

9.02 PREFERENCES Church activities shall be given preference over all other activities in the utilization of the church building and other church property. Civic and non-profit organizations located within the Parish shall be given preference in scheduling after-church activities, absent other compelling circumstances. Under circumstances deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Vestry, church facilities may be rented and used by groups, organizations, or firms for private profit.

9.03 RENTAL RATES Chairperson of the Property Committee shall present to the Vestry for its approval the recommended rental rates.

9.04 PROCEDURE FOR USE Groups, organizations, and firms interested in using church facilities shall make application therefore through the office of the Rector. The Rector shall determine the appropriateness of the request and whether a rental fee should be charged. The renting of church property shall be left to the discretion of the Vestry, but the Rector shall be free to submit any particular request for usage, as he or she may deem appropriate. Before final approval for use is given, a Hold Harmless Agreement may be required.

9.05 SUPERVISION A member or employee of the Church or other designated responsible adult shall be present when the church building is being used to open, be present, and lock the building. The group, organization, or firm using the facilities shall have at least one adult in the role of a supervisor present during the time church facilities are being used.

 

ARTICLE 10: GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.01 CONSTRUCTION These Bylaws shall be deemed made and adopted under the authority of and in accordance with the Canons of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America and the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. They shall be interpreted and construed in conformity with such Canons, provided, however, that in the event of conflict between these Bylaws and such Canons, as the same now exist or may hereafter from time to time be amended, such Canons shall prevail and be deemed controlling.

10.02 AMENDMENTS Any Amendment to these Bylaws not inconsistent with the Canons may be made at any regular or special meeting of the Vestry. An Amendment is by majority vote of the membership of the Vestry, provided that the text of any such amendment shall have been personally delivered or mailed to all members of the Vestry not less than fifteen (15) days prior to such meeting.

10.03 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern all proceedings of all committees and of the Vestry when not in conflict with the Canons or these Bylaws.

10.04 EFFECTIVE DATE The Bylaws shall become effective upon adoption by majority vote of the membership of the Vestry and shall continue in full force and effect until amended, rescinded, or repealed.

10.05 ANNUAL BYLAWS REVIEW The senior warden will appoint a committee to review and suggest needed changes in the bylaws prior to the annual meeting. When amendments are approved by majority vote of the vestry, the clerk shall make the change in the bylaws.

10.06 PUBLISHING The bylaws shall be published annually and be readily accessible to the congregation, in the church directory if possible.

Amended by action of the vestry  9/9/02.
Episcopal Church  
Saint Thomas