Annual Parish Meeting 2026

 
 

Bylaw Changes

In addition to voting for vestry and synod roles, this year we will be voting on changes to our church Bylaws. These are important changes that you should pay attention to. The changes are proposed unanimously by vestry for the congregation to vote on at the Annual Parish Meeting. Please take the time to review the redline bylaws proposal below.

Simplifying Changes

The first bucket of changes are to simplify our bylaws.

  • Simplifying our nominations process.

  • Opening nominations to the whole congregation rather than the nominations committee.

  • Flexibility in when to have the Annual Parish Meeting (first quarter of the calendar year).

  • Permitting vestry decisions by email in-between meetings.

Diocesan Suggestions

Shortly after beginning this work, vestry learned that the diocese was developing a bylaws template for all of our churches to use and we have incorporated those.

  • Two consecutive terms for vestry and synod delegates.

  • Indemnification clauses for our vestry and officers.

  • Matching our financial review to the diocesan requirements.

  • Conflict of interest clauses.

Clarifying Changes

There are a number of other changes meant to bring clarity.

  • Officially adding the role of Jr. Warden.

  • Clearly defining Covenant and Confirmed Memberships.

  • Clarifying procedure for a vestry member removal.

  • Allowing nominations to a specific role of vestry or synod delegate.

  • Aligning ourselves with the Global Anglican Communion through Confirmed Members signing the Jerusalem Declaration.

Proposed 2026 Bylaws
 

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, Scott McDonald

  • Al Van Cleave

  • Damon Holden

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

  1. One, 3-year vestry term (currently Scott McDonald) for January 2027 - December 2029.

  2. One, 3-year vestry term (currently Carl Bowers - concluding someone else’s term) for January 2027 - December 2029.

  3. One, 2-year synod delegate term (currently Carolyn Kiess) for 2027-2028.

 

Nominees for Vestry and Synod

Carl Bowers

I am Carl Bowers. I am a retired Submariner. I retired from the Navy in 1992. I retired as an Instructor from PSNS in 2022. I have been a member of St. Charles since April 1994. I have been in various ministries. I have been a lay pastor, lay reader, taught children’s Sunday school. I am also on the intercessory prayer team. I have been the sound board operator for 20 years and head of the tech ministry. I served on the Vestry when we made the decision to leave the Episcopal Church and align with the Anglican diocese of Recife, Brazil. I was elected at last year’s parish meeting to fill an unexpired vestry term which ends in January. I would like to close with one of my favorite verses. Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” ESV.

 

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.

 

Laural Sledge

I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t part of a church family; especially during personal dark times, Jesus was walking with me – sometimes carrying me. Sharing this helps my community feel connected and reassured of shared faith experiences.

While attending a Presbyterian church, I served as a “deacon” for three terms, a lay leader of the deacon ministry, and led a single women’s Bible study. At St James Anglican Church, I was lay minister of hospitality; I served as a vestry member for two three-year terms and served on the intercessory ministry team.

While in school, I worked part-time as a medical assistant and earned a limited certification as a radiology technician in Urogynecology. For the last 34 years before I retired, I worked for Stanford University's School of Medicine in various Director of Administration and Finance roles, and the university honored me with the title of Director of Administration and Finance, Emerita.

Stephen and I have been married for 37 years. We enjoy traveling – especially our pilgrimage to the Holy Land and visiting churches and cathedrals large and small. In my free time, I read, walk, and volunteer where we live.

 

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 18 days 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.

 

Can I Vote?

In the past, people’s eligibility to vote has felt like a black box. This has understandably caused a confusion and consternation. Fortunately, Church Center (our new church database) allows you to see for yourself and resolve any complications before the Annual Parish Meeting! It may simply be that you were put into the system wrong. Below is a shot little video to show you how to log in and find your membership status. If you do not wish to use Church Center, you may also contact Fr. David.

Anyone who is listed as a “Covenant Member” or “Confirmed Member,” attends services regularly, and is over 18 years old should be eligible to vote.