Annual Parish Meeting 2025

 
 

Election Ballot

Initial nominations closed on September 28. The congregation may submit additional nominations by following the directions of Article 6, Section 5 of our Bylaws no later than October 12. At the Annual Parish Meeting, the current vestry is responsible for overseeing the ballot process, including checking people in and providing provisional ballots. The nominations committee is responsible for counting or arranging for the counting of the ballots. The rector and treasurers are responsible for verifying whether the provisional ballots are eligible.

Nominations Committee:

  • Chair, Diana Long

  • Mike Nisbet

  • Damon Holden

Roles to be filled in order by number of votes received:

  1. One, 3-year vestry term (currently Brian Heryford) for January 2026 - December 2028.

  2. One, 3-year vestry term (currently Mike Nisbet) for January 2026 - December 2028.

  3. One, 1-year vestry term (vestry appointed Diana Long to fill a vacated seat until next Annual Parish Meeting) for January 2026 - December 2026.

  4. One, 2-year synod delegate term (currently Donald Smithhisler) for 2026-2027.

  5. One, 2-year synod delegate alternate term (currently vacant) for 2026-2027.

 

Nominees for Vestry and Synod

Leslie Brown

It is a blessing and a privilege to be considered for the position as your representative on the St. Charles Vestry or at Diocesan Synod. Over the past three decades there have been many opportunities to serve both at St. Charles and the community at large. Here is the current list:  

St. Charles: Music Team, Vestry Secretary, Prayer Team, and Mission Team 

Community: Volunteer at Youth for Christ’s Bremerton drop-in center, take our Therapy Dog on visits to schools, nursing homes, and a library, play in the Poulsbo Community Orchestra, and play in the Olympic College Wind Ensemble 

 

Jeromy Frame

I grew up in Sacramento California, where early experiences in my community helped shaped a strong foundation of values and work ethics. I was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Orangevale, where I was deeply influence by the church’s emphasis on service, compassion and spiritual growth. These early roots played a vital role in my personal development and journey with Jesus.

The U.S. Navy brought me up to the Pacific Northwest 25years ago, a move that changed my life. Married my beautiful wife Jennifer Frame 23years ago and we are raising our two kids Jennalynn and Josiah. Whether in uniformed service (USN) or civil service (DLA) I have a natural desire and dedication for adaptability, teamwork and serving others.

Today I continue to live and work in Bremerton, staying connected to my faith, family and church. I love St. Charles, I have never felt more connected and closer to God through the BCP, Liturgical service, personal devotions and the weekly sacraments. I’m actively involved in three weekly bible studies that challenge me and aid me in my spiritual journey. I look forward to Serving the Lord in whatever capacity he leads me too.

 

Lydia Smithhisler

Hello, my name is Lydia Smithhisler and I have been living in Washington and a part of St. Charles congregation for as long as I can remember. 

My family primarily resides in Poulsbo, Washington, with extended family in Alaska, Florida, and various other places around the United States. I recently have moved to Port Townsend, but still like to return home on weekends to visit my family and to play at church on our Organ. 

I was confirmed as an Anglican in 2018-2019 and had my Anglican fourth day in 2024. While my primary involvement with the church is music, I also find our congregation to be a source of strength for the challenges that I must face at work and out in the world. My favorite Bible verse, that resonates the most with me would be Romans 12:21 "do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil by doing good". 

I am a Care coordinator for the WISe program in Jefferson County and work directly with youth and families that are in need. My work can vary from simply organizing schedules to being out on the field talking with youth that are suicidal or in Crisis. Prayer has been a constant part of my life, and it's an integral part of my job.

 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.

 

Alan (Al) Van Cleave

Born in Rapid City, SD, in 1962, with a midwestern farming background, I essentially grew up in the P.N.W. (Tacoma) from 1968 on, except for six years when I lived in the Bay Area of California.

I barely have a high school education, yet I have always been considered an overachiever by most. I was self-employed for nearly 40 years, operating two businesses in the flooring industry, where I still conduct independent consultations and inspections.

Early on in life, I attended church, but the family, as I drifted away due to dysfunctional issues and cultural influences that still to this day plague our society and culture.

My return to faith was inspired by my mother-in-law and father-in-law, who played a significant role in my journey. They lived their lives in the Christian faith, which helped me overcome my reservations about faith. I had judged Christianity by the actions of its imperfect messengers, and not realizing the perfection of Jesus and what he did for all of us. If not for Christ, I would not be blessed and here today.

What has drawn me to Anglicanism is its rich spiritual and biblical traditions. I am particularly grateful to my father-in-law for his guidance in this direction. His wisdom and faith have been instrumental in my journey.

 

Carl Bowers (Additional Nominee)

Member of St. Charles since 1994 I have served in a number of capacities at St. Charles through out those years. Really too many to list here. In brief I served on the Vestry that was responsible for St. Charles leaving the Episcopal church. Presently operate the sound board. I’ve attended A4D and spent 8 years doing Bible Study Fellowship and was a children’s leader. What I would really like to say is Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. The scripture verse that says it all is “1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I want to close with one of my favorite scripture verses, “Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

 

FAQs

Q. Why isn’t the person I nominated on the ballot?
A. It may be that there were too many nominations, they were ineligible, or they withdrew.

Q. May I add a nominee to the ballot?
A. Yes, Article 6, Section 5 of our Bylaws gives instructions for how to do this. The deadline is two weeks prior to the Annual Parish Meeting.

Q. May I nominate someone from the floor at the Annual Parish Meeting?
A. No, nominations from the floor are not permitted in our bylaws.

Q. What happens if we don’t fill every position?
A. It will be incumbent on vestry to appoint members for any unfilled positions if they so choose.

Q. What are the requirements to receive a ballot and to vote?
A. Article 1, Section 1 of the Bylaws state that one must be: baptized, over 18 years of age, a member of the Parish for at least three (3) months prior to the date of the vote or election, free from ecclesiastical censure, regular in his or her attendance at the Parish's services, a member who contributes to the expenses or needs of the Parish for at least three (3) months prior to the date of the vote or election, committed to the orthodox doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church.

Q. What happens if my name isn’t on the list of members eligible to vote?
A. You will receive a provisional ballot. The rector and treasurer will double check the church record to see whether or not it is eligible.

Q. May clergy vote?
A. No. ACNA clergy are members of their dioceses, not of any parish. They are may only vote at Synod.