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TRANSCRIPT
of Otsego, MichiganLast Revised 07/27/2014
CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
Constitution&
Bylawsof
Peace EvangelicalLutheran Church
ofOtsego, Michigan
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- A bit of Our History -
Our congregation was organized on June 3, in the year of our Lord 1951.
Incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan on April 19, 1955.
A member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod since December 9, 1956.
This edition contains all previous and revised Articles adopted through July 27, 2014.
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CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... iA Bit of Our History.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… iiTable of Contents......................................................................................................................................... iiiPreamble........................................................................................................................................................ vi
CONSTITUTION
Article I - NameSection 1. Congregation Name…………………………………………………………………………………..…… 1
Article II - Articles of FaithSection 1. Word of God........................................................................................................................ 1Section 2. True Statements of Scriptural Doctrine.............................................................................. 1Section 3. Explanation ........................................................................................................................ 1Section 4. Variance ............................................................................................................................. 1Section 5. Controversy....................................................................................................................... 1
Article III - Purpose and ObjectivesSection 1. Purpose............................................................................................................................. 1Section 2. Objectives.......................................................................................................................... 2
Article IV - Synodical AffiliationSection 1. Synodical Affiliation............................................................................................................. 2
Article V - Church MembershipSection 1. Classification................................................................................................................... 2Section 2. Privileges and Responsibilities............................................................................................. 2Section 3. Church Discipline and Excommunication............................................................................ 3Section 4. Reinstatement...................................................................................................................... 3
Article VI - Powers and Rights of the CongregationSection 1. Primary.............................................................................................................................. 3Section 2. Secondary.......................................................................................................................... 3Section 3 - Other ............................................................................................................................... 3Section 4 - Limitations ......................................................................................................................... 3
Article VII – The MinistrySection 1. Calls and Elections……………………………………………………………………………………… 4Section 2. Pastor Qualifications…………………………………………………………………………………….
4Section 3. Teacher Qualifications…………………………………………………………………………………..
4Section 4. Vacancy Procedure………………………………………………………………………………………
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Article VIII - Officers of the Congregation
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Section 1. Officer Qualifications................................................................................................................. 4Section 2. Officers and Duties............................................................................................................... 4Section 3. Conduct................................................................................................................................ 4
Article IX - Removal from OfficeSection 1. Procedure........................................................................................................................... 4Section 2. Cause................................................................................................................................... 4
Article X - Meetings of the CongregationSection 1. Meetings............................................................................................................................... 5
Article XI - Separation or DissolutionSection 1. Separation......................................................................................................................... 5Section 1. Dissolution........................................................................................................................ 5
Article XII - Repeals and AlterationsSection 1. Unalterable Sections............................................................................................................ 5Section 2. Alteration Procedures............................................................................................................. 5Section 3. Alteration Timing.................................................................................................................. 5Section 4. Alteration Consent............................................................................................................... 5
BYLAWS
Article I - Meetings of the CongregationSection 1. Quarterly Meetings ................................................................................................................ 6Section 2. Timing of Quarterly Meetings................................................................................................. 6Section 3. Special Meeting Procedures.................................................................................................... 6Section 4. Order of Business................................................................................................................... 6Section 5. Meeting Order......................................................................................................................... 6Section 6. Personal Charge................................................................................................................... 6Section 7. Voting Rights........................................................................................................................ 6Section 8. Voting Qualifications.............................................................................................................. 6Section 9. Quorum............................................................................................................................... 6
Article II - Elected Officers and Term of OfficeSection 1. Officers and Terms................................................................................................................. 7Section 2. Board of Maintenance............................................................................................................ 7Section 3. Board of Elders.................................................................................................................... 7Section 4. Board Parish of Education..................................................................................................... 7Section 5. Limitations of Service............................................................................................................. 7
Article III - Election of OfficersSection 1. Nominating Committee........................................................................................................ 7Section 2. Nominating Committee Duties.................................................................................................. 7Section 3. Election Procedure............................................................................................................... 8Section 4. Officer Installation................................................................................................................ 8Section 5. Vacancy................................................................................................................................ 8
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Article IV - Duties of OfficersSection 1. President.............................................................................................................................. 8Section 2. Recording Secretary............................................................................................................. 8Section 3. Treasurer........................................................................................................................... 8Section 4. Financial Secretary.............................................................................................................. 9Section 5. Board of Elders ...................................................................................................................... 9Section 6. Board of Maintenance............................................................................................................ 9Section 7. Evangelism Chairman…......................................................................................................... 9Section 8. Historian.............................................................................................................................. 9Section 9. Board of Parish Education...................................................................................................... 9
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Article V - The Church CouncilSection 1. Personnel of Council.......................................................................................................... 10Section 2. Responsibilities.................................................................................................................. 10Section 3. Meetings............................................................................................................................. 10
Article VI - CommitteesSection 1. Evangelism Committee…...................................................................................................... 11Section 2. Auditing Committee.............................................................................................................. 11Section 3. Budget Committee............................................................................................................. 11Section 4. Ex-officio Members............................................................................................................. 11
Article VII - Reception into MembershipSection 1. Membership Requests........................................................................................................ 11Section 2. Constitution and Bylaws...................................................................................................... 11
Article VIII - Termination of MembershipSection 1. Transfer Procedure............................................................................................................... 11Section 2. Transfer vs. Release.............................................................................................................. 11Section 3. Loss of Membership Rights..................................................................................................... 12
Article IX - Repeals and Amendments of the BylawsSection 1. Repeal and Amendment Procedure ................................................................................... 12
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PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, the Apostle Paul sets forth, 1 Corinthians 14:40, that all things in the Church shall be done “in a fitting and orderly way,” and
WHEREAS, the history of the Christian Church of all times shows that certain agreements and regulations are helpful properly to fulfill the purpose and attain the objectives of congregations; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we, a congregation of Lutherans of Otsego, Michigan, do herewith, in the name of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and by subscribing our names hereto, adopt the following CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS.
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CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I - Name
Section 1. Congregation NameThe name of this congregation shall be Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Otsego, Michigan.
ARTICLE II - Articles of Faith
Section 1. Word of GodThis congregation accepts and confesses all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the verbally inspired and inerrant Word of God and submits to this Word as the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and life (II Timothy 3:15-17).
Section 2. True Statements of Scriptural Doctrine This congregation accepts and confesses all symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord of 1580 as true statements of Scriptural doctrine. They are:
A. The three Ecumenical Creeds1) The Apostles'2) The Nicene3) The Athanasian
B. The six Lutheran Confessions1) Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism2) Dr. Martin Luther's Large Catechism3) The unaltered Augsburg Confession4) The Apology of the Augsburg Confession5) The Smalcald Articles6) The Formula of Concord
Section 3. ExplanationThis congregation accepts and confesses these symbolical books without reservation, not insofar as, but because they are the presentation and explanation of the pure doctrine of the Word of God and a summary of the faith held by the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Section 4. VarianceHence, no doctrine shall be taught or tolerated in this congregation which is in any way at variance with these symbolical books and the Holy Scriptures.
Section 5. ControversyLikewise, all controversies which may arise in this congregation shall be decided and adjusted according to this norm of doctrine and practice.
ARTICLE III - Purpose and Objectives
Section 1. PurposeThe continuing purpose of this congregation, as a gathering of Christians, is to serve all people in God's world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 28:18-20).
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CONSTITUTION
Section 2. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this congregation shall be:A. To proclaim the Law and the Gospel, to lead sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for life and salvation. B. To strengthen believers in faith and sanctification through the means of grace (II Timothy 4:2; Luke 24: 46-48). C. To equip believers as disciples, stewards, and witnesses for sharing the Gospel of Jesus with our fellowmen.
ARTICLE IV - Synodical Affiliation
Section 1. Synodical AffiliationThis congregation shall affiliate itself only with a synod that holds to all the truths of God's Word in doctrine and practice and is bound to the confession of faith as set forth in Article II, if, and as long as, such a synod exists.
ARTICLE V - Church Membership
Section 1. ClassificationA. Baptized members of the congregation are those who have been baptized into the Christian
faith in the name of the Triune God (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16).B. Communicant members are those baptized souls who confess the chief parts of Christian
doctrine as written in Dr. Luther's Small Catechism and who have declared their adherence to all the canonical books of the Old and the New Testaments, without qualification, as the only rule and norm of faith and life.
C. Voting members are those male communicant members (I Corinthians 14:34, I Timothy 2:12) who have declared their agreement with this Constitution and who have been accepted by the voters' assembly of the congregation.
Section 2. Privileges and Responsibilities"God is love" (I John 4:8), and His love ever moves Him to bless the members of His Church with innumerable physical and spiritual gifts (I John 3:1; James 1:17). In return for all of these undeserved blessings, we can do nothing less than to love Him with all our heart (I John 4:19) and to show that love with the works that we do. The giving of such expressions we acknowledge as both a privilege and a responsibility. Some of the privileges and responsibilities to be noted are the following:A. Our God has given us His Word, the one thing needful (Luke 10:42), which alone can save our souls and tell us how to live a God-pleasing life (II Timothy 3:15-17). Consequently, a member of His Church will consider it a distinct privilege and a responsibility to
1) Hear and receive the Word of God diligently;2) Provide and promote opportunities for Christian education;3) Bring up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
B. Our God has given us two Sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, which are means that our Lord uses to bring His grace to us. Consequently, a member of His Church will
1) Have his children baptized early in life, for "Baptism now saves you also."(I Peter 3:21);2) Frequently partake of Holy Communion (I Corinthians 11:23-26), if he is recognized as one who can properly examine himself (I Corinthians 11:28). Only those in the confes-sional fellowship of faith are permitted to commune at our altar. (Close Communion — II Corinthians 6:14-15; Romans 16:17).
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CONSTITUTIONC. Our God has given us the privilege of being stewards over a certain portion of His estate and of receiving the steward's rich reward of grace (Matthew 25:14-30). Consequently, a member of His Church will
1) Continually remember that all his property, time, and talents really belong to God;2) Conscientiously determine which part of his money, time and talents shall be devoted to that which the congregation has made its concern, not omitting the work of the Synod (Mark 16:15; I Corinthians 9:14; 16:2; I Peter 4:10); 3) If he is a voting member, regularly attend the voters' meeting and lend the congregation his counsel and aid.
D. Our God has implanted within us who are Christians the New Man, who desires to live righteously (II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24). Consequently, a member of His Church will1) Not live in manifest works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), but lead a Christian life
(Galatians 5:22-25);2) When he has erred, permit himself to be fraternally admonished and corrected in the
spirit of Matthew 18:15;3) Refuse to hold membership in any organization whose teachings and practices conflict
with the Word of God, i.e. lodges (John 5:23; John 8:31, 32; II Corinthians 6:14-18).
Section 3. Church Discipline and Excommunication
Christian discipline shall be exercised in this congregation in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-20 toward those who err from the faith or who in other ways have given offense. At all times this shall be done in the spirit of the Gospel, namely, to regain the erring as brethren. Those members who finally must be excommunicated, and those who have excluded themselves from the congregation by evading Matthew 18:15-20 lose all their rights in the congregation and in its property. For excommunication, a unanimous vote of the voters' assembly is required.
Section 4. ReinstatementWhen an excommunicated member by the grace of God repents of his sin, he is to be reinstated with all former rights and privileges of this congregation (II Corinthians 2:6-8).
ARTICLE VI - Powers and Rights of the Congregation
Section 1. PrimaryIn all matters of Christian faith and life, the Word of God is supreme (Psalm 119:105).
Section 2. SecondaryIn all matters not decided by the Word of God, the voters' assembly alone shall have the right of decision (Romans 12:10; 14:19; Ephesians 5:21).
Section 3. OtherThe church council, any other elected committee or organization within the congregation, and any of its elected or appointed officers shall have no power or authority beyond that conferred upon them by the voters' assembly. However, in rare occasions of emergency, the church council may act in the name and for the welfare of the congregation. Such action must be fully explained at the next voters' meeting and submitted for approval.
Section 4. LimitationsNo group or society may be organized within the congregation without the approval of the voters' assembly. The voters' assembly shall be assured that the aims of such a group are in complete harmony with the congregation's aims before it grants its approval (II Corinthians 6:14-15; Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 1:10; 12:25).
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CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE VII - The Ministry
Section 1. Calls and ElectionsThe voters' assembly has the exclusive right to call pastors and teachers and to elect other officers.
Section 2. Pastor Qualifications
The pastorate of this congregation shall be conferred only upon such ministers or ministerial candidates as unqualifiedly and publicly profess their acceptance of and adherence to Article II of this Constitution; and such acceptance and adherence shall be required of them in the call or vocation extended by the congregation (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; Colossians 4:5-6; Ephesians 4:11-16).
Section 3. Teacher QualificationsThe teachers called by the congregation shall be such as are in accord with the confessional standard of the congregation (Article II) and are qualified for this field of work (Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 14:40).
Section 4. Vacancy ProcedureIn case of a vacancy in the office of pastor or teacher, the congregation shall notify the president of the local district of the Synod that he may assist in temporarily filling the vacancy and in giving his good counsel in regard to the calling of a new pastor or teacher.
ARTICLE VIII - Officers of the Congregation
Section 1. Officer QualificationsThe first New Testament congregation at Jerusalem chose men of "honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" (Acts 6:1-6) to aid the Apostles in the administration of its temporal affairs. Likewise shall this congregation choose officers and committee members with like qualifications to aid the pastor in administering its affairs (I Timothy 3:8-13).
Section 2. Officers and DutiesThe listing of the officers and their duties is given in the Bylaws.
Section 3. ConductThese officers shall be given the cooperation of the congregation in the performance of their duties and they shall conduct themselves in a manner befitting their responsible office (I Timothy 3:8-13).
ARTICLE IX - Removal from Office
Section 1. ProcedureIf anyone who holds an office in the congregation willfully neglects his duty and upon due admonition does not amend, the voters' assembly has the right and eventually the duty to remove him from office and to elect another in his place (I Timothy 3:8-13).
Section 2. CauseSufficient and urgent causes for removing a pastor or a teacher are persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, willful neglect of duty, or established inability to perform the duties of his office (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). In such cases, the advice and counsel of a
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CONSTITUTIONdistrict official is to be sought.
ARTICLE X - Meetings of the Congregation
Section 1. MeetingsMeetings of this congregation shall be held at such times and in such manner as stated in the Bylaws. The meetings shall give the voters of this congregation the opportunity to hear, discuss, and take necessary action in matters pertaining to the welfare of this congregation and of the church at large.
ARTICLE XI - Separation or Dissolution
Section 1. SeparationIf at any time a dissolution or separation should occur in this congregation - may God graciously prevent it - the property and all equipment of this congregation shall remain with that portion of the membership which adheres to this constitution, regardless of number.
Section 2. DissolutionIn the event of termination or dissolution of the congregation, the church council shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the congregation, dispose of its remaining assets, if any, exclusively for the purposes of the congregation, by distributing, at the direction of the voters' assembly, the remaining assets to (and only to) one or more organizations with which the congregation is in fellowship, which shall at the time qualify as exempt organization(s) (under section 501 ( c ) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Code).
ARTICLE XII - Repeals and Alterations
Section 1. Unalterable SectionsArticles II, III, IV, V, VI, Sections 1, 2, and 4, VII, Sections 1-3, IX and XII, Section 1, of this Constitution shall be and remain unalterable and irrepealable, inasmuch as they express clear, scriptural teachings.
Section 2. Alteration ProceduresProposals to alter or repeal any alterable or repealable article of this Constitution, or to add an article, shall be submitted in writing to the church council and shall be publicly announced on two Sundays immediately preceding the regular business meeting of the voters' assembly, and posted in the church during that period.
Section 3. Alteration TimingSuch a proposal shall be discussed in the meeting in which it is presented and voted on in the next regular meeting of the voters' assembly.
Section 4. Alteration ConsentA majority vote, consisting of not less than two thirds of the voting members present at such a constitutional meeting, shall be required to alter or repeal any alterable or repealable article of this Constitution, or to add an article thereto.
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BYLAWS
ARTICLE I - Meetings of the Congregation
Section 1. Quarterly MeetingsAt, or shortly following, the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year, a regular meeting of the congregation's voters shall be held.
Section 2. Timing of Quarterly MeetingsCongregational meetings shall be held quarterly, normally on the last Sunday of January, April, July and October. The January meeting shall be designated as the annual meeting.
Section 3. Special Meeting ProceduresSpecial meetings of the voters' assembly may be called by the church council, or the pastor, or upon written request of three voting members. Announcement of the meetings shall be sent by mail to all families, at least one week prior to the meeting, and shall also be given on two, with the purpose clearly stated. The church mailboxes may be used for the mail notification, as long as those announcements which are not picked up are sent through the regular mail at least one week prior to the meeting.
Section 4. Order of BusinessThe order of business for the regular meetings shall be as follows:A. Opening with a devotionB. Roll callC. Reading and approval of minutes of previous regular and special meetingsD. Reception of new members; transfer, release or removal from membershipE. Treasurer's reportF. Unfinished businessG. Reports of officers and committeesH. Recommendations of the church councilI. New businessJ. ElectionsK. Adjournment with prayer
Section 5. Meeting OrderThe meetings shall be conducted according to good, Christian order. Robert's Rules of Order may be followed for parliamentary procedure.
Section 6. Personal ChargeNo one shall bring to any meeting a charge or complaint against any member, or against a pastor or a teacher, unless he has first admonished him in a Christian manner according to Matthew 18:15-20.
Section 7. Voting RightsOnly voting members present at the meeting shall have the right to vote.
Section 8. Voting QualificationsVoting membership shall be restricted to male communicant members who have reached the age 18.
Section 9. QuorumThe voting members present at a properly announced meeting of the voters' assembly shall constitute a quorum.
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BYLAWS
ARTICLE II - Elected Officers and Term of Office
Section 1. Officers and TermsPresident 1 YearRecording Secretary 1 YearTreasurer 2 YearsFinancial Secretary 2 YearsBoard of Maintenance 2 YearsBoard of Elders 2 YearsAssimilation Elder 1 YearEvangelism Chairman 1 YearBoard of Parish Education 2 Years
Section 2. Board of MaintenanceThe Board of Maintenance shall consist of four or more members, in multiples of two. The term of office of one-half of the members shall expire at the end of each year. As soon as possible after election to office, they shall meet and elect from their membership a chairman subject to the approval of the voters' assembly.
Section3. Board of EldersThe Board of Elders shall consist of four or more members, in multiples of two. The term of office of one-half of the members shall expire at the end of each year. As soon as possible after election to office, they shall meet and elect from their membership a chairman subject to the approval by the voters' assembly.
Section 4. Board of Parish Education
The Board of Parish Education shall consist of four or more members. The term of office of one-half of the members shall expire at the end of each year. The principal is an ex-officio member of the Board of Education. As soon as possible after election to office, they shall meet and elect from their membership a chairman and a secretary subject to approval by the voters' assembly.
Section 5. Limitations of ServiceIt shall be the policy of the congregation that an elected officer serve no more than four consecutive years and that he again be eligible for re-election as an officer one year after the expiration of his term of office.
ARTICLE III - Election of Officers
Section 1. Nominating CommitteeThe church council shall present to the October meeting of the voters' assembly for ratification, a committee of three voting members to serve as a nominating committee.
Section 2. Nominating Committee DutiesThe nominating committee shall select from the voting membership, a slate of two or more consenting candidates for each vacant office.
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BYLAWS
Section 3. Election ProcedureThe voters' assembly, at its annual meeting shall hear the recommendations of the nominating committee, add to the list if it so desires, and proceed to elect by ballot. A majority of votes cast shall be necessary for election.
A. In case of a tie vote when balloting on two candidates, balloting will continue until one is elected. B. When balloting on three or more candidates, the candidate (or candidates in the case of a tie vote) receiving the least number of votes shall be eliminated and another ballot taken.
Section 4. Officer InstallationAs soon as possible after the annual meeting, the elected officers shall be installed in a regular service and shall be presented to the congregation.
Section 5. VacancyAny vacancy occurring during the year in an elective office shall be filled by election at the next meeting of the voters' assembly.
ARTICLE IV - Duties of Officers
Section 1. PresidentThe president shall preside as chairman of all meetings of the church council and voters' assembly and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him. He shall have general supervision of the affairs of the corporation subject to the regulations of the church council and the voters' assembly. He shall sign all deeds, mortgages, notes, leases, and/or all legal documents directed to be executed by the corporation and conduct all its business affairs according to established good order. He shall be ex-officio a member of all boards and committees.
Section 2. Recording SecretaryThe secretary shall record accurately the proceedings of all meetings of the church council and voters' assembly. He shall be responsible for the legal records of the congregation. He shall have the authority to countersign all deeds, mortgages, notes, leases, and/or legal documents executed by the corporation and assist in the orderly conduct of its business affairs according to established good order. He shall maintain a current record of all voting members and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the corporation.
Section 3. TreasurerThe treasurer shall receive from the financial secretary all monies and credit the same to the proper accounts. He shall promptly deposit all monies, in the corporate name of the congregation, in such banks or financial institutions as have been designated by the voters' assembly. He shall make disbursements by check from such accounts according to instructions from the church council or the voters' assembly. He shall make a monthly report to the church council and a quarterly report to the voters' assembly. He shall submit his records to the congregation annually for audit, or at any time the congregation so desires. In the absence of the recording secretary, he shall have the authority to countersign legal documents. In the event the treasurer is unable to carry out his duties, the president or recording secretary have the authority to carry out his obligations. The treasurer is ex-officio a member of the budget committee.
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BYLAWS
Section 4. Financial SecretaryThe financial secretary shall receive all contributions for the congregation, shall keep an accurate account of the same and deliver them to the treasurer indicating the proper accounts to be credited. He shall submit his records to the congregation annually for audit or at any time the congregation so desires. He shall also prepare such reports of contributions for the membership of the congregation as may be directed by the voters' assembly.
Section 5. Board of EldersA. The Board of Elders shall assist the pastor in the spiritual work in the congregation,
including cases of admonition and discipline, and they shall take the initial steps for admonition if the pastor or a teacher should give offense in doctrine or life. Such admonition shall always be in the most friendly, brotherly spirit of the Gospel. (Matthew 18:15-20)
B. They shall assist the pastor in insuring that all services are conducted in good order and that so far as possible, all members of the congregation are regularly in attendance and that they partake of Holy Communion frequently.
C. They shall submit nominations for head usher to the annual voters' meeting and shall along with the pastor assist the head usher in the selection of sufficient ushers to insure good order in all services.
D. They shall concern themselves with the progress of all instructional classes leading to confirmation and communicant membership, i.e. catechism and adult instruction classes.
E. They shall submit nominations for director of music and organists to the annual voters' meeting.
F. They shall submit a report to all regular meetings of the church council and voters' assembly.G. The chairman of the Board of Elders shall serve as president pro-tem in the event that the
president is absent from meetings of the church council or voters' assembly.
Section 6. Board of MaintenanceA. They shall be responsible for keeping all property and facilities insured and in good repair.
In the event of an emergency, they may expend such funds as are necessary to protect the congregation from serious loss without prior approval of the voters' assembly.
B. They shall make an inventory of all corporate property annually or as directed by the voters' assembly.
C. They shall submit a report to the regular meetings of the church council and the voters' assembly.
Section 7. Evangelism ChairmanThe evangelism chairman shall direct the activities of the evangelism committee and shall submit a report to all regular meetings of the church council and the voters' assembly.
Section 8. HistorianA. The historian shall be appointed annually by the church council at their January meeting. B. He shall keep a complete history of the congregation and shall see that all records and material in his keeping are properly stored.
Section 9. Board of Parish EducationA. The Board of Parish Education shall administer the establishment and operation of all
educational agencies within the congregation according to the direction given by the voters' assembly. Such agencies include but are not limited to: Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bible Classes, Youth Group, Pioneers, and Cradle Roll.
B. They shall annually, at their June meeting, appoint a Sunday School superintendent and leaders for the educational agencies. These appointments will be ratified by the voters' assembly at its July meeting.
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BYLAWS
C. The Board of Parish Education shall administer the establishment and operation of the Christian Day School according to the laws of the State of Michigan and the direction given by the voters' assembly.
D. They shall establish a school calendar annually and institute such courses of instruction as are required and beneficial for the education and spiritual training of the students.
E. They shall establish and monitor a School Policy Handbook stating the requirements for student enrollment, tuition payments, extracurricular activities, parent-teacher organizations and such other matters as the voters' assembly may direct.
F. The chairman shall preside at meetings of the Board of Parish Education and shall submit a report to all regular meetings of the church council and voters' assembly.
G. The secretary shall record accurately the proceedings of all meetings of the Board of Parish Education and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned to him.
ARTICLE V - The Church Council
Section l. Personnel of CouncilA. PresidentB. Recording SecretaryC. TreasurerD. Financial SecretaryE. Chairman of the Board of EldersF. Chairman of the Board of MaintenanceG. Evangelism ChairmanH. Chairman of the Board of EducationI. Pastor (ex-officio)J. School Principal (ex-officio)
Section 2. ResponsibilitiesA. The members of the church council shall adorn their high office with an honest way of life
and be good examples to the congregation (I Timothy 3:8-12).B. They shall aid the pastor in the spiritual affairs of the church.C. They shall be accountable for good order in the services.D. They shall particularly care in love for the poor, the sick, the widows, and the orphans
(Galatians 6:9-10).E. The members of the church council shall consult together concerning the total spiritual and
physical well-being of the congregation, giving due attention also to the work of the Lord in the church at large.
F. The officers of the church council comprise the corporate board of trustees under the laws of the State of Michigan, and shall therefore administer the corporate property according to those laws and the direction given by the voters' assembly.G. They shall implement resolutions of, and make recommendations to the voters' assembly
and carry out such assignments as are directed to them by the congregation.
Section 3. MeetingsThe church council shall meet regularly once each month. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or the president. The church council shall never convene to transact business without the knowledge of the pastor. Five members present constitutes a quorum at meetings of the church council.
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BYLAWS
ARTICLE VI - Committees
Section 1. Evangelism CommitteeThe church council shall annually appoint a evangelism committee of two or more members in multiples of two. The term of office shall be two years and the term of one-half of the members expires each year. The committee shall formulate evangelism programs and implement them on the congregational and family levels. They shall manage all publicity of the congregation.
Section 2. Auditing CommitteeThe chairman of the congregation shall appoint an auditing committee of two or more members at the regular October meeting of the voters' assembly. The committee shall annually audit all financial records within the congregation, whenever there is a change of treasurer or financial secretary, or whenever an audit is requested by the voters' assembly.
Section 3. Budget CommitteeA budget committee of three or more members shall be appointed by the church council no later than their regular meeting in July. The committee shall prepare the annual budget and present it, by way of the church council, to the regular October meeting of the voters' assembly for approval.
Section 4. Ex-officio MembersThe pastor is, by virtue of his office, an ex-officio member of all boards and committees.
ARTICLE VII - Reception into MembershipSection 1. Membership Requests
Persons who wish to be received into membership in this congregation other than through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism or the Rite of Confirmation, shall bring their request to the attention of the pastor or the church council. The council shall honor the request when accompanied by a letter of transfer or other recommendation from a sister congregation, or when qualifications for membership, as specified in Article V of this Constitution, have been met. Such action of the council shall be submitted for ratification by the voters' assembly and notice of such receptions reported to the congregation.
Section 2. Constitution and BylawsSince reception into membership signifies acceptance of and submission to this Constitution and Bylaws, each family shall be given a copy of the same prior to their reception so that they may become familiar with its provisions.
ARTICLE VIII - Termination of MembershipSection 1. Transfer Procedure
Those desiring a transfer from membership, shall bring their request to the attention of the pastor or the church council for action, to be submitted for ratification at the next meeting of the voters' assembly.
Section 2. Transfer vs. ReleaseTransfer of membership shall apply only to those who desire membership in a congregation which is in agreement with this one in doctrine and practice. Release from membership shall apply when affiliation is sought with those denominations not in agreement with our congregation in doctrine and practice.
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BYLAWS
Section 3. Loss of Membership RightsMembers transferred, released, or excommunicated from membership, lose all their rights in the congregation and in its property.
ARTICLE IX -Repeals and Amendments of the Bylaws
Section 1. Repeal and Amendment ProcedureProposals to alter or repeal any alterable or repealable article of these Bylaws, or to add an article, shall be submitted in writing to the church council and shall be publicly announced on two Sundays immediately preceding the regular business meeting of the voters' assembly, and posted in the church during that period.
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