Episcopal Church of the Advent - Vestry and Delegates

Delegates to 2012 Annual Diocesan Council

Delegates: NN and NN

Alternates: NN and NN

Delegates to Convention are Elected at the Parish Annual Meeting

Each congregation is required to meet annually within 30 days of the Diocesan Convention. The 169th Diocesan Convention was just held on January 27 so all parish annual meetings must occur by February 28, 2012. Canon 22 - Of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida (Section 1(a)), “There shall be a meeting of each congregation not later than thirty (30) days after the close of each annual meeting of the Diocesan Convention for the purpose of acquainting the congregation with the work of the preceding annual meeting and to select delegates to the next meeting of the Convention, and to conduct such other business as may be brought before it.”

Who are Delegates to the Diocesan Convention?

Delegates are clergy and elected lay representatives that have “seat, voice and vote” during the business sessions of convention. The job of a Convention Delegate is to provide a link between the congregation and the Diocese of Florida by representing the congregation at both the regional and diocesan levels, and by reporting back to the congregation on the events, actions and decisions of Convention. Delegates should give a report to the congregation at their annual parish meeting or another gathering of the church.

Clergy Delegates - all bishops, priests and deacons canonically resident (their official paperwork resides in this Diocese) in The Diocese of Florida as well as non-canonical priests in charge of a parish and are in good standing.

Lay Delegates – those elected by their congregation to attend the Diocesan Convention. Lay Delegates must be at least 18 years of age, a communicant in good standing and a regular attendee at worship services of his/her church. Lay Delegates are elected to serve for two (2) consecutive years (one-half shall be selected each year and each congregation shall designate those selected for initial one year terms. Each delegate shall serve until a successor is duly selected). The number of Lay Delegates from each congregation is based on the average Sunday attendance as reported in the last previous parochial report of a congregation according to the following formula: Average Sunday Attendance of 1-150, two (2) delegates, with one additional delegate thereafter for each additional 150 (or fraction thereof) in average Sunday attendance. Once elected, Lay Delegates and Alternate Delegates should reserve the date of the Pre-Convention Regional meetings and the Annual Convention on their calendars.

Alternate Lay Delegates - are elected to fulfill the duties of Lay Delegates should the original Delegate be unable to attend the Diocesan Convention (please note: notification that an Alternate Delegate will serve in place of an original Lay Delegate must be sent in writing by the rector (or his designee) to the registrar of Convention prior to Convention. Otherwise, that congregation will forfeit one Lay Delegate. It is strongly recommended that Alternate Delegates familiarize themselves with the issues to be brought before Convention and attend all pre-Convention meetings should they be called upon.

Duties of Lay Delegates

Lay Delegates represent their congregation and vote on business brought before the Convention. In order to be properly informed, Delegates are required to represent their congregation at the regional pre-convention meetings.

Example of what Delegate may vote for: At each Convention there are elections for diocesan committees who have members completing their term of service because most committees are comprised of both clergy and laity who serve staggered terms such as the Diocesan Council, the Standing Committee and the Eccliastical Court, as well as any Resolutions brought before Convention.

To Be a Well-informed and Prepared Delegate
Attend pre-convention meetings, review pre-convention mailings from the Diocese, review convention information in the Diocesan newspaper, The Dio-logue e-newsletter and/or the diocesan website (www.diocesefl.org).

Lay Delegates Must Be Certified
Each congregation is required to certify the selection of its Lay Delegates and Alternates on the “Certificate of Lay Delegates to Convention” form that is signed by the rector, vicar or one of the wardens and sent to the diocesan office by March 1st of each year.

Sample Diocesan Convention Format
Worship – Opening Eucharist on Friday
Fellowship – Reception immediately following the Eucharist
Banquet - Friday evening
Business – Bishop Howard’s address to convention, resolutions, elections for diocesan offices and reports.
And More – Vendor/Ministry exhibits