CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

CONSTITUTION

 PREAMBLE

Whereas the Word of God demands that all things in all Christian congregations be done decently and in order ( 1Corinthians 14:40:  “Let all things be done decently and in order.”  Colossians 2:5: “…yet am I with you in the spirit joying and beholding your order…”).

And, whereas our fathers in order that this might be done have led the way by drawing up Christian church regulations.  Therefore, we, a number of Lutherans, resident in Central Park, Long Island, County of Nassau, Town of Oyster Bay, New York, have united and formed a congregation and we lay down this present document, signed by ourselves, the order in accordance with which all our congregational affairs, spiritual and material, are to be conducted.

ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE

The name of this congregation shall be, “St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession in Bethpage, Long Island, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York”.  The corporate name shall be, “St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bethpage, New York”.  This congregation shall hold membership in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as long as that Synod maintains the theological commitment stated in Article II below.  It shall support according to its ability, the work of the Synod in all its activities.

The purpose of this congregation shall be to serve its members and to extend the kingdom of God by the preaching of the Word of God, by the administration of the Holy Sacraments, and by the religious instruction of youth and adults, according to the confessional standard of the Lutheran Church (Article II), and to foster Christian fellowship and charity.

ARTICLE II – DOCTRINAL BASIS

This congregation accepts and acknowledges all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord as true and sound exhibition of Christian doctrine taken from and in full agreement with the Holy Scriptures; and in this congregation no doctrine shall be taught or tolerated which is a variance with these Symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, viz., l.  The Ecumenical Creeds: the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian.  2.  The unaltered Augsburg Confession.  3.  The Apology of the same.  4.  The Smalcald articles.  5.  Luther’s Large Catechism.  6.  Luther’s Small Catechism.  7.  The Formula of Concord.  According to this form of doctrine all doctrinal controversies, which may arise in this congregation, shall be decided and adjusted. 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

No one can be or remain a member of this congregation, or hold office in the same, or enjoy or exercise the rights and privileges of a member but such as:  A.  Are Baptized.  B.  Declare their adherence to all the Canonical Books of the Old and the New Testament as the only divine rule and norm of faith and life, and their acceptance of all the Lutheran Symbols.  C.  Do no live on manifest works of the flesh, (Gal. 5, 19-21) but lead Christian lives.  D. Contribute to the maintenance of the church to the best of their ability.  E. Submit to the church regulations which may have been established, or which may yet be established, provided that they are not contrary to the Word of God.  F.  Permit themselves to be fraternally admonished and corrected when they have erred.

ARTICLE IV – RIGHT TO HOLD OFFICE AND TO VOTE

All communicant members of this congregation as have completed their eighteenth year, have been a member of this congregation for at least three months, and are in good standing according to the requirements in Article III, shall be entitled to vote at congregational meetings.  The right to hold office shall belong to such only as have held voting membership for at least six months.

ARTICLE V – ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS

It shall be the duty of every voting member to attend, if possible, the meetings of the congregation, and by failing personally to attend a meeting; a member waives the right to cast his or her vote during the meeting.

ARTICLE VI – QUORUM

Regular meetings of the voting members of the congregation shall be announced on the program at divine worship for the two Sundays preceding such meeting.  One-Fourth of the average attendance of voting members present at congregational meetings in the past two years shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VII – VALIDITY OF RESOLUTIONS

In matters of doctrine and conscience, unanimity shall be required for a final decision (See Article XIII).  Other matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting properly convened, unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE VIII – RIGHT OF CALLING PASTORS AND ELECTING OFFICERS

The right of choosing and calling pastors and electing members of the Church Council of the congregation shall ever be vested in the voting members of the congregation and shall never be delegated to an individual or to a minor body of circle within the congregation.

ARTICLE IX – UPON WHOM THE PASTORAL OFFICE MAY BE CONFERRED

The pastoral office of this congregation may be conferred upon such ministers or candidates only as profess their acceptance and adherence to all the Canonical Books of the Old Testament and the New Testament as the inspired Word of God and all the Symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, enumerated in Article II, as derived from such Word of God, and the pastors shall be pledged to such faithful adherence of the Word of God and the Symbols of the Lutheran Church by the call extended to them and accepted by them.

ARTICLE X – MODE OF CALLING A PASTOR

The election of the pastor shall be performed in the following manner, via:  The names of one or more candidates shall be proposed at a meeting of the voting members of the congregation.  When a vote is taken, one name only shall be under consideration.  If several candidates have been nominated, the order of voting upon these shall be determined by a primary election, which shall be decided by a majority vote.  For a final decision, which must be reached by ballot, the votes of two-thirds of the members present are necessary to elect.

ARTICLE XI – SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

If the pastor is accused of false doctrine, scandalous life, or willful neglect of duty and such charges be corroborated by two reliable witnesses, the Church Council shall investigate such charges in the spirit of love and kindness. (1Timothy 5:19).  If upon investigation, such charges are substantiated, the case shall be immediately submitted to the Visitor of the Synodical District with which the congregation is affiliated.  If, however, the Church Council refuses to investigate any well-attested charges, a majority of the voting members has the right to lay the matter before the above-mentioned Synodical Officer.  If the voting members of the congregation disagree with the findings of the above-mentioned officer, it reserves the right to render its own decision after proper proceedings.

ARTICLE XII – EXCOMMUNICATION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

When a member of this congregation, after fruitless admonition in the various grades prescribed by the Word of God (Matthew 18:15-20), where the observance of such grades has been possible, shall have been expelled from the congregation, such excommunicated person shall then have forfeited all rights as a member of this congregation, and all claims upon the property of the congregation as such or upon any part thereof.  The same shall hold good with reference to such members as may have refused to submit to church discipline and thus excommunicated themselves, as also of those who may have severed their connection by removal or otherwise.

ARTICLE XIII – POWER VESTED IN VOTING MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION

The voting members of the congregation as a body shall have the supreme power in the external and internal administration and management of its own ecclesiastical and congregational affairs.  No decision, enactment, or performance in behalf of the congregation or with reference to a member thereof, as such shall be valid, whether it have proceeded from an individual or from a body within the congregation, unless it shall have been enacted or performed according to a general or special power conferred by the voting members of the congregation, and whatever may have been ordered or decided by individuals or minor bodies within the congregation, and whatever may have been ordered or decided by individuals or minor bodies within the congregation, under a power conferred by the voting members of the congregation, shall always be subject to revision and final decision by the voting members of the congregation, but not even the voting members of the congregation shall be empowered to order, enact, or decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Symbols of the orthodox Lutheran Church, and any such ordinance, enactment, or decision shall be null and void.

ARTICLE XIV – POWER OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL

The Church Council shall have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon it by the congregation and whatever power may have been delegated to it shall be at all times liable to changes or revision by the voting members of the congregation.

ARTICLE XV – TRUSTEES

All property of the congregation shall be in the custody and control of the successive Trustees, elected by the congregation, i.e., they are to manage the same, sign and execute documents in the name of the congregation, appear before court and carry out all those transactions, matters and obligations which may from time to time be undertaken by or required from the congregation; however, no power or authority is given them to act in any of these matters according to their own wish, will or judgment, but they are to act solely in accordance with the instructions given them by the congregation through formal resolutions of voting members.  Whenever the Trustees act arbitrarily, i.e., without authority and instructions from the voting members of the congregation, they shall be held personally and individually responsible for their transactions, and only then shall the entire congregation be responsible for their transactions and secure them against all loss when they act in accordance with the express resolutions and in obedience to the explicit instructions of the voting members of the congregation.

ARTICLE XVI – RIGHT TO PROPERTY IN CASE OF SCHISM

If at any time a separation shall take place in this congregation on account of doctrine, the property of the congregation and all the benefits therewith connected shall remain with those members who shall continue to adhere to Article II and IX of the Constitution.  

ARTICLE XVII – AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

If it be found necessary to amend this Constitution or By-Laws, or alter or repeal any alterable or repealable article of the Constitution or By-Laws, a motion to that effect must be made in a regularly called meeting of the voting members of the congregation.  If this motion is carried by a majority vote of the voting members present, proposed amendment repeals, or alterations shall be presented at the divine service of the congregation on three successive Sundays.  At the same time a second meeting shall be announced, in which the proposition is to be discussed.  Proposed amendments shall be added to the Constitution or By-Laws, or alterations or repeals made thereto when two-thirds of the voting members present at the second meeting have declared themselves in favor of them.

ARTICLE XVIII – UNALTERABLE AND IRREPEALABLE ARTICLES

            The following articles of this Constitution shall be unalterable and irrepealable:  Article 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I – MEETINGS

The meetings of the voting members of the congregation shall be quarterly, and shall be held on the third Sunday of the months of February, May, August and November.

Special meeting shall be called whenever the Church Council or the pastor deem it imperative; or upon the written request of five members addressed to the Secretary of the Congregation.  In the event that a special meeting is called, notification of such meeting must be mailed to each member directed to his last address forty-eight hours before such meeting is held or public announcement for two consecutive Sundays prior to such meeting.  The business of a special meeting shall be limited to the purpose for which it was called.

ARTICLE II – CHURCH COUNCIL

FUNCTION:

The Church Council, under authority received from the voting membership and on its behalf, shall administer the affairs of the congregation; review procedures, progress, and problems connected therewith; and give direction to its individual members and their commissions.  It shall supervise all auxiliary organizations within the congregation, and propose and administer the budget.  It shall serve as a planning and coordinating council for the congregation, inviting leaders of auxiliary organizations to meet with it at least once a year to plan and coordinate the church program and calendar of activities.  At least once a year it shall publish a plan outlining the planned activities for the next twelve months, and shall also publish an annual report to inform the congregation of past accomplishments and future plans.  It shall establish such guidelines and adopt such measures as it deems necessary for the proper conduct of its business and that of its members, commissions, boards and committees.

ELECTION:

The voting members of the congregation shall elect by ballot from among its male members, a President, Vice President, and six Elders, and from its male or female members a Secretary, Financial Secretary, three Trustees and six Commission Directors (Worship, Stewardship, Education, Evangelism, Fellowship and Property).  The Church Council shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Head Elder (Elder #1), Head Trustee (Trustee #1), six Commission Directors (Worship, Stewardship, Education, Evangelism, Fellowship and Property), and the Pastor ex-officio.

Members of the Church Council, Elders, and Trustees shall be elected for a term of two years.  The President, Financial Secretary, Elders 1, 3 and 5, Trustee 2, Stewardship Commission Director, Christian Education Commission Director, and Property Commission Director shall be elected in odd-numbered calendar years.  The Vice President, Secretary, Elders 2, 4 and 6, Trustees 1 and 3, Worship Commission Director, Evangelism Commission Director and Christian Fellowship Commission Director shall be elected in even-numbered years.  One person shall not hold more than one elected position at the same time.  All elected positions shall assume office on July 1 of the year of their election.

ARTICLE III – MEETING OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL

Regular meetings of the Church Council shall be held in the second week of each month.  Any voting member of the congregation may attend, but only council members have voting privileges.  By notifying the President in advance, Commission Directors may assign a proxy vote to their co-director, and similarly the Head Elder and Head Trustee may assign a proxy vote to another Elder or Trustee, respectively.  Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, by the President, or by three Council members upon written request to the president.  Notice of the date, time, and purpose of a special meeting shall be made to each member of the Church Council at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting.  Seven members of the Church Council (or their assigned proxy representative) shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of the members present at the meeting shall be required for any resolutions or legal acts on behalf of the congregation.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

The President, Vice President, Secretary and Financial Secretary shall constitute the officers of both the Congregation and the Church Council.

ARTICLE V – VACANCIES

When a vacancy occurs in any elected position by death, resignation, or otherwise, the President, with the approval of the Church Council, shall appoint a replacement to serve with full voting power until the next congregational meeting when a new election shall be held for the vacant position.  The term of office for the vacated position will remain the same as indicated in Article II of the By-Laws.

ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

The officers of the congregation shall enlist and supervise the services of a church office secretary to provide the Church Council, Commissions, boards, the Pastor, and the congregation with any required secretarial needs.  In addition, each officer shall have specific duties, as follows:

PRESIDENT:

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Church Council and of the voting members.  In his absence or inability to act, the Vice-President shall preside.  In meetings of the Church Council or of the voting members held to discuss doctrinal matters, the Pastor shall preside, or in his absence or inability to act, one of the elders.  The President shall conduct all meetings in an orderly and unprejudiced manner; when there is a tie in the vote, his vote shall decide.

VICE-PRESIDENT:

The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his absence, during his disability, or at his request.  He shall also serve as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee and shall assist the President in such duties as the President may assign to him.  He shall be authorized to sign checks for the disbursement of funds in the event of the absence, disability, or death of the Financial Secretary.  He shall also see that the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws are upheld.  Questions and parliamentary procedure not governed by the Constitution and By-Laws shall be decided by Robert’s Rules of Order.

SECRETARY:

The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings and decisions of the voting members and the Church Council in a proper minute book.  He shall also receive and attend to all correspondence, invitations, etc., and shall be diligent in the discharge of the necessary duties of his office.  At the termination of his office, he shall deliver the minute books, correspondence, and all documents pertaining to the business of the congregation in his possession to his successor.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY:

The Financial Secretary shall see to the receipt of all monies of the congregation and see that they are promptly deposited in the bank.  The Financial Secretary shall appoint a Treasurer and may appoint tellers, all approved by the Church Council, from among the members of the congregation to assist in the performance of his duties.  When it is impossible for the Financial Secretary to see to the receipt of the monies himself, he may authorize the Treasurer or teller to do so against due acknowledgment to the Financial Secretary.  The Treasurer, under the supervision of the Financial Secretary, shall also pay all bills, pay punctually all salaries fixed by the congregation, and book all receipts and expenditures. All disbursements must be made by check.  The Financial Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements made by the Treasurer, and shall submit a report at every regular meeting of the Church Council and the congregation.

ARTICLE VII – COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

COMMISSIONS:

Commissions, under the leadership of the respective directors, shall carry out the duties assigned to them in Article VIII below.  They shall disburse the congregation’s budgeted monies in a responsible manner under the supervision of the Church Council.  Commissions shall meet regularly and keep minutes.  Directors shall inform the Church Council each month of their Commission’s decisions, progress, problems, and expenditures.  Commissions shall also make reports at the regular meetings of the congregation.  Every commission shall prepare a charter for Council approval, detailing the specific responsibilities of the commission.  Each commission director shall appoint a co-director from the membership of the congregation, approved by the Church Council, to assist in the duties of the Director.  In addition to the Director and Co-Director, commission membership may vary according to need, but should be reported to the Church Council.

BOARDS:

1.  The Board of Elders: 

The Board of Elders shall be composed of the six elected Elders and the Pastor ex-officio, with Elder #1 serving as the Head Elder.  It shall be the responsibility of the Elders to encourage, assist and pray for the Pastor, be concerned with his welfare, and help and further his work in every possible way; for example, in visiting the sick, keeping order and discipline throughout the congregation, and preserving purity of doctrine and peace within the congregation.  They shall also be concerned with the spiritual welfare of the congregation, regularly reviewing the public worship attendance and the use of the Sacraments by members of the congregation.  They shall notify the Pastor of the sick, spiritually distressed, and other members in need of spiritual care.  The elders shall also accompany the Pastor while making calls, if he so desires, and make calls in his stead when he is absent or unable.  In the absence of the Pastor, or his inability to act, or during a vacancy, they should be diligent in securing the services of a substitute LCMS pastor or teacher, or when that is not possible they should conduct the regular services, and should deliver a prepared sermon sound in LCMS doctrine and approved by a LCMS pastor.

2.   Board of Trustees:

The Board of Trustees shall be composed of the three elected Trustees, with Trustee #1 serving as the Head Trustee.  It shall be the responsibility of the Trustees to represent the congregation in all suits at law, enter into contracts on behalf of the congregation, and to transact business devolving upon the congregation as an incorporated body.  In all such corporate matters, the Trustees shall act only in accordance with the instructions and resolutions of the congregation, as set forth in Article XV of this Constitution.  The Trustees shall maintain adequate insurance coverage, and set fees and regulate the use of all church-owned properties.  They shall control the issuance of all keys, and keep an updated inventory of all property and equipment.  The Trustees shall also have charge of all documents (legal papers, financial record, minutes, historical documents, etc.)  Which are of no immediate usefulness, and provide for their safe storage and protection.  They shall also see that an audit of the financial records be done each year.  The Trustees may be entrusted with other duties at the discretion of the congregation.

COMMITTEES:

1.   Budget Committee:

The Budget Committee shall be composed of the Financial Secretary, Head Trustee, and the Director of the Stewardship Commission.  The Financial Secretary shall be the Chairperson, and shall call a meeting of this committee no later than September 15th.  He shall have previously requested statements from all relevant agencies included in the budget concerning their recommendations for the coming year.  The budget shall be presented to the Church Council for its approval by its October meeting.  It shall then be presented to the voting membership of the congregation prior to the November congregational meeting for approval at that meeting.

2.    Nominating Committee:

A Nominating Committee consisting of three members of the congregation, with the Vice President Chairman Ex-Officio, shall nominate one or more candidates for each elected office and shall submit a list of such candidates at the regular April meeting.  Additional candidates for each elected office may be submitted ay any member at this meeting.  A complete list of the candidates shall be published or announced prior to the May congregational meeting.  Elections shall take place at this meeting.  Additional nominations may also be made from the floor at this meeting.

3.      Other Committees:

The President may appoint other committees to meet various needs of the Church Council.

ARTICLE VIII – DUTIES OF COMMISSIONS

COMMISSION ON WORSHIP:

            The Commission on Worship shall assist the Pastor in the planning of worship, including the enlistment and supervision of an organist and other personnel used in the preparation for the conduct of worship.  It shall study ways to enrich the worship life of the congregation, including the use of new forms and variations in worship practice.  The commission shall seek to lead the members of the congregation in the deepening of their personal worship experience and in regular participation in corporate worship.

COMMISSION ON STEWARDSHIP:

            The Commission of Stewardship shall study and promote the expression of Christian faith in daily living and in the corporate life of the congregation.  It shall teach the Christian use of money, leading members to higher levels of proportionate giving, and shall appoint a Recorder, approved by the Church Council, to provide quarterly and annual reports of contributions of all members of the congregation.  It shall plan and enlist participation in every-member Christian stewardship confrontations.  The Commission shall integrate new members into the life of the congregation and shall enlist the talents of members in the various aspects of the church’s ministry.  The Commission shall also receive all requests for mission support on behalf of the congregation, evaluate them and make recommendations to the Church Council.

COMMISSION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

            The Commission of Christian Education, in association with the pastor, shall supervise the conduct of the educational agencies and programs of the congregation, including the enlistment and training of teachers and leaders, provision for adequate supplies, equipment, and facilities, and regular evaluation of the congregation’s educational program in the light of current trends.  It shall make itself aware of recommended procedures and materials for a relevant educational ministry.  It shall encourage youth and adults to study, individually and in groups, the Bible and the relationship of the Christian faith to current issues and problems.  The commission shall promote the church’s publications and periodicals.  It shall supervise activities conducted in and by the congregation for youth and shall encourage qualified youth to consider entering church vocations and other vocations of service to people.  It shall provide adult and family social activities with an educational orientation.

COMMISSION ON EVANGELISM: 

            The Commission on Evangelism shall encourage a personal witness to the Christian faith as well as participation in the witness of the congregation.  It shall study and promote a greater understanding of the mission and ministry of the individual Christian, the congregation, and the Christian Church.  It shall plan and enlist participants in concerted efforts to reach the unchurched with the Gospel and to win them to Christ’s Church, and shall seek to regain former members who have alienated themselves from the church.  The commission shall endeavor to use various means of communication in the propagation of the Gospel and shall promote public relations.

COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP:

            The Commission on Christian Fellowship shall plan and oversee the social and service oriented activities of the congregation.  It shall plan, coordinate, and enlist personnel for special events within the life of the congregation and shall provide for contact between the old and the young.  It shall aid the Commission on Evangelism in the assimilation of new and returning members into the life of the congregation.

COMMISSION ON PROPERTY:

            The Commission on Property shall see to the regular maintenance, protection and improvement of all property of the congregation.  It shall provide for the necessary maintenance and care of all equipment, buildings and property, and shall supervise the work of a custodian and volunteer workers.  When immediate maintenance is required, the Property commission shall have the right to act on its own, provided the sum to be expended is not in excess of Two Hundred dollars ($200).  Expenditures above this limit must be approved by the Church Council.

ARTICLE IX – ORGANIZATIONS

            All organizations shall exist to aid the congregation in ministering to its members and to aid its members in ministering to others.  As outgrowths and expressions of the congregation’s life, the organization shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Church Council.

ARTICLE X – SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Pastor is by virtue of his office the principal of the Sunday School.  He shall be assisted by a superintendent, who shall be appointed by the Commission on Christian Education, for the term of one year.  The teachers of the school shall be enlisted by the pastor and the Christian Education Commission, and the appointments shall be reported to the congregation.  Only approved textbooks and lesson helps shall be used.

ARTICLE XI – MEMORIAL AND SPECIAL GIFTS

Memorial gifts of money will be placed in the General Memorial Fund to be used for special projects and items suitable for use as memorials as designated by the Church Council.  Gifts of tangible nature, such as articles of usefulness or beauty will be accepted only after consultation with and the approval of the Church Council, thereafter to become the property of the congregation.

ARTICLE XII - MEMBERSHIP

BAPTIZED MEMBERS:

 Baptized members are all members, regardless of age, who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God, who are under the spiritual care of the Pastor of this congregation, and who have been received in accordance with the following rules:

Reception – Baptized members are received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism by transfer from another Lutheran congregation, or with the consent of a parent or guardian in the case of children who were baptized in a congregation of another Christian Church.

Termination – A member in good standing shall, upon request, be transferred by the Pastor to another Lutheran congregation.  A baptized member who has not become a communicant and has ceased to be under the spiritual care of the Pastor of this congregation may have his membership suspended by the Pastor in conjunction with the Worship commission.  An effort must first be made to bring the member under such spiritual care.

Announcement -  All changes in membership shall be reported by the Pastor to the Church Council at its next meeting.

COMMUNICANT MEMBERS:

Communicant members are those…..

• Who adhere to Article III of the Constitution.

• Who attend divine worship services faithfully.

• Who partake of the Lord’s Supper frequently.

• Who devote their time and talents to the extension of the Kingdom of God.

• Who have been received into communicant membership in accordance with the following rules:

1. Reception – Communicant members are received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, following a course of instruction, of an un-baptized adult, through the rite of confirmation of a baptized person who has never been confirmed, by the transfer of a communicant of a congregation of another Lutheran congregation, by profession of faith of a communicant of a congregation of another Christian church, or by reaffirmation of faith of a former member of this or another Lutheran congregation.  Instruction in the doctrine and practice of the Lutheran Church, the nature of which shall be determined by the Pastor in conjunction with the Christian Education Commission, shall precede reception into communicant membership, except when such reception is by transfer.

2. Termination – A member in good standing shall, upon request, be transferred by the Pastor in conjunction with the Board of Elders, to another Lutheran congregation.  A member who joins a congregation outside the Lutheran fellowship shall have his membership terminated by the Pastor in conjunction with the Board of Elders.  A member whose whereabouts is unknown and cannot be established shall have his membership terminated by the Pastor in conjunction with the Board of Elders.  A member who conducts himself in an un-Christian manner, is admonished according to scripture, but refuses to repent, shall be excommunicated.  He shall be encouraged to attend public worship, and efforts shall be made to bring him to repentance.  When he does repent, the excommunication shall be lifted and he shall be reinstated as a communicant member of the congregation.

3. Announcement – Wherever practical, formal reception of communicant members shall take place in the presence of the congregation assembled for worship.  At the discretion of the Pastor, reception may be private.

4. Renewal – New communicant members, upon their reception, and all previous communicant members shall annually renew their membership with a commitment to serve the Lord and support the work of the Church for the following year.  This annual commitment, under the supervision of the Stewardship Commission, shall address the requirements for communicant membership previously set forth.  Member in good standing status shall also be reviewed annually, and shall be based on each individual’s desire and efforts exhibited towards meeting their previous year’s commitment.  An individual may be reinstated as a member in good standing by exhibiting a desire and effort to meet their commitment for a three-month period.  A member who is not in good standing for more that one year may have their membership terminated.  Membership status ultimately remains the decision of the congregation.

ARTICLE XIII – ORDER OF BUSINESS

The following shall be the Order of Business for every regular meeting:

• 1.      Opening with reading from scripture and prayer.

• 2.      Reading of minutes

• 3.      Report from the Pastor.

• 4.      Report of Boards (Elders and Trustees).

• 5.      Report of Commissions Directors.

• 6.      Report of Financial Secretary.

• 7.      Report of Committees.

• 8.      Unfinished business.

• 9.      New Business

• 10.  Elections (when required).

• 11.  Adjournment with prayer.

CHURCH COUNCIL – STANDING RESOLUTIONS

DECEMBER 10, 1987 – CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

(New Business – Item #2)

            The Finance Committee recommends that it be given authority to disperse 10% of our year-ending checking account balance to missions, determined by the Evangelism and Missions Commissions, over and above the budgeted mission funding for the year.  Motion to accept and make this a standing resolution, seconded and carried unanimously.

JANUARY 14, 1986 – CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

(New Business – Item #1)

            The Finance Committee recommends a standing resolution the 15% of year-end checking account balance be put aside as a contingency fund.  Motion made to accept  recommendations was seconded and carried unanimously.

JULY 14, 1987 – CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

(New Business – Item #7)

            Our General Savings Account earns interest.  A motion was made by Rick Balfour for a standing resolution to transfer any interest earned on the General Savings Account to St. Paul’s Contingency Fund.  Motion seconded by Fran Hickey and carried unanimously.