CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF ST.
PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
(REVISED:
FEBRUARY 22, 1998)
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
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 IR-REPEALABLE ARTICLES
The following articles of this
Constitution shall be unalterable and ir-repealable: 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 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 award 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 un-churched 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.
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…..
A. Who
adhere to Article III of the Constitution.
B. Who
attend divine worship services faithfully.
C. Who
partake of the Lord’s Supper frequently.
D. Who
devote their time and talents to the extension of the Kingdom of God.
E. 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. |
