A Vestry or Bishop's Committee Notebook/Handbook is an essential tool for your congregation's governing body in executing its responsibilities. We have included below a suggested Table of Contents for Vestry/Bishop's Committee Notebooks with links to resources and/or samples of the documents referenced. Not all of these resources will be appropriate for all congregations, but most of them are. These handbooks are meant to be a tool for your use in assembling a healthy useful Notebook for your governing body.
For assistance on Vestry/BC Notebooks or other resources or manuals referenced below, please contact the Stewardship Office.
Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Notebook
Suggested Table of Contents
Preamble -(This is a simple statement about the Vestry's/Bishop's Committee's work)
The Marks of the Church –
Matthew 11:1-5 & Matthew 25:34-40;
As Readings for Meditations of the work of the Church
12 Marks of Healthy Church Behavior
Core Passions of the Congregation
Mission and Vision of the Congregation (Example)
Bishop Rickel’s Rules for Respect
Vision for the Diocese of Olympia
Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Contact List
Ministry Heads Contact List
With full listing of ministries
Congregational Calendar (12 month or 15 Month)
Vestry Meeting Schedule
Congregational Events
Major Moveable Feasts - Ash Wednesday/Easter
Diocesan Convention
Canonically Required Dates
Congregational Elections
Annual Mutual Ministry Agreement / Mutual Ministry Review Policies and Procedures
Letters of Agreement, including sabbatical schedule
Summary of Wardens’ Duties
Vestry/BC Person of the Month/Week (Example with # of Sundays in each month)
Duties of Vestry/BC Person of the Month Checklist (Example)
Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Declaration
Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Covenant
Lambeth/African Ubuntu Bible Study Method
Congregational Constitution and By-Laws (Example)
Diocesan Constitution and Canons (Updated from the latest convention)
Insert copy of Canon 9: regarding Rectors, Parishes & Vestries
Insert copy of Canon 10: Parish Registers and Parochial Reports
Insert copy of Canon 12: Business Methods in Church Affairs
Insert copy of Canon 13: Church Debt
Gift Acceptance Policy (sample online)
Procedures for Handling/Counting Money (Example)
Safeguarding Statement and Link to Diocesan Webpage
Finances/Insurance (also see copy of Canon 12 & 13 above)
Annual Budget
Orientation to "reading" congregation's financial statements
Financial Statements
Listing/Orientation to the congregation's endowments and restricted funds
Overview of Insurance Policies including Directors’/Officers’ binder
Meeting Minutes
Policies and Procedures Manual Table of Contents (Example)
Reference Sheet Noting Location of Policy and Procedures Manual
Appendixes