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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
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THE CONSTITUTION:
The Constitution and By-Laws contained herein were adopted by this Congregation on May 4, 1980 with an effective date of July 1, 1980. All documents of similar nature previous to the effective date are superseded.
PREAMBLE
We believe that we exist for more than ourselves -- either ourselves personally or ourselves as a Congregation. Just as Jesus Christ was the man who lived for others, we have been made children of God by Baptism so that we, individually and together, will give and live for others. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of every congregational agency or committee is to give expression to and equip us for our mission and ministry to other people -- people both within and outside the household of faith. The Holy Scriptures hold that a Christian congregation should conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice (Psalms 119:105; Galatians 1:6-8; II Timothy 4:1-5). It is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that his disciples should preach the Gospel to the whole world (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:18-20: Acts 1:8) and He has commanded that Christians unite in worship (Hebrews 10:24-25), practice fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42), witness to all men (Acts 1:8), help each other grow in the Word (Ephesians 4:11-14), serve the needs of all people in Christian love (Ephesians 4:7-16; Mark 10:42-44; John 13:35; Galatians 6:10), administer the Office of the Keys as His Church (John 20:21-28; Matthew 18:15-20), and maintain decency and order (I Corinthians 14:40) in the Church.
ARTICLE 1: NAME
This Congregation shall bear the name:
Trinity Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) of Lexington Park, Maryland 20653.
ARTICLE 2: CONFESSION
As a Lutheran congregation of God's people, this Congregation acknowledges and accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired, inerrant, unchangeable, all powerful Word of God and as the only trustworthy and reliable authority in all matters of faith and life. All matter of doctrine and conscience shall be decided only by the Word of God.
This Congregation further acknowledges and accepts all the confessional writings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord of 1580, as faithful expositions of the doctrine of the Bible. These confessional writings are:
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1. The Three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostolic, Nicene, Athanasian)
2. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession
3. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
4. The Smalcald Articles
5. Luther's Large Catechism
6. Luther's Small Catechism
7. The Formula of Concord
No doctrine or practice in conflict, or inconsistent, with the above norms of our faith and life shall be taught or tolerated in this Congregation.
ARTICLE 3: SYNODICAL AFFILIATION
This Congregation shall be affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as long as the confessions and Constitution of said Synod are in accord with the confessions and Constitution of this Congregation as expressed in Article 2.
This Congregation shall, to the best of its ability, collaborate with said Synod and assist it in effecting all sound measures intended for the building up of the Kingdom of God.
ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP
A. Baptized membership in this Congregation is held by all those who are baptized in the Name of the Triune God with water and are under our pastoral care.
B. Communicant membership in this Congregation may be held only by those who:
1. Are baptized in the Name of the Triune God.
2. Have declared their acceptance of the confessions of this Congregation as expressed in Article 2 of this Constitution.
3. Have been accepted into communicant membership in accordance with the By-Laws of this Congregation and shall remain faithful to the responsibilities of membership as contained in the By-Laws. 4. Do not live in manifest works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), but lead a Revised Dec. 13, 2009 4 |
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Christian life.
5. Are not members of any organization conflicting with the Word of God and the conduct of a Christian (II Corinthians 6:14-18).
C. The membership, and membership privileges, of communicant members shall remain in force so long as they shall maintain their eligibility according to Section B of this Article and shall meet the requirements stated or implied in the disciplinary, or other provisions, of the By-Laws. A member who voluntarily severs his/her connection with this Congregation, or who has been released or transferred, or who has been excommunicated or excludes himself/herself according to the provisions of the By-Laws, shall be deemed to have terminated his/her membership in this Congregation along with all rights and privileges of such membership.
D. Confirmed members, who have qualified according to the membership provisions of the By-Laws, shall be received as Voting Members of this Congregation[MSOffice1] .
ARTICLE 5: ORGANIZATION
A. Administrative Boards
Responsibility and authority for the daily administration of congregational affairs shall be delegated to the following Administrative Boards:
1. A BOARD OF ELDERS 2. A BOARD OF EVANGELISM 3. A BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 4. A BOARD OF YOUTH 5. A BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP 6. A BOARD OF CHURCH PROPERTIES 7. A BOARD OF PARISH FELLOWSHIP 8. A BOARD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS 9. A BOARD OF SOCIAL MINISTRY
One member of each Administrative Board shall serve as the Director of that Board.
B. Officers of the Congregation
The Officers of the Congregation shall consist of a President, a Vice President, and a Treasurer, elected from among the Voting Membership in accordance with the By-Laws of the Congregation. The President of the Congregation, (or the Vice President when acting in the President’s capacity) shall be, ex officio, a member of all Boards. The Pastor of the Congregation shall be, [MSOffice1]This change is only going to be made if other changes are made in the Constitution, since changes have to be sent to District for approval. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 5 |
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ex officio, a member of
all Boards and their associated committees, and may, at his discretion,
attend any or all meetings related to congregational activity of any
kind. C. Parish Planning Council
The Parish Planning Council shall consist of the Pastor, the President, the Vice President, the Treasurer of the Congregation, and the Directors of the Administrative Boards listed in Section B of this Article. They shall hold a position on the Parish Planning Council by virtue of their call or election by the Voting Members of the Congregation so long as their term of office continues.
ARTICLE 6: PASTOR
Only such candidates shall be called and elected to serve as Pastor who profess acceptance of, and pledge faithful adherence to, the confessions of this Congregation as set forth in Article 2 of this Constitution.
In the absence of adequate cause for dismissal, as defined in the By-Laws of the Congregation, the tenure of office of a called or elected Pastor shall be the remainder of their active life, or until the Lord calls them into another field of service.
ARTICLE 7: SOCIETIES
Societies may be organized within the Congregation only with the express approval of the Voting Membership. Any decisions, enactment, or performance of or by societies or groups shall be invalid if they conflict with this Constitution and its associated By-Laws. The Pastor by virtue of his office, shall be the advisor for such societies or groups within the Congregation.
ARTICLE 8: PROPERTY RIGHTS
If, at any time, a separation should take place within this Congregation, the advice of the officers of District and Synod shall be sought. If, despite all efforts to compose differences in peace and love, a division into factions of the Congregation shall occur, the property of the congregation and all benefits therewith connected shall remain with those members who continue to adhere in confession and practice to Articles 2, 3, and 4 of this Constitution. In the event the congregation should disband, the property and all rights thereto shall be transferred to that District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod of which the Congregation is a member.
ARTICLE 9: VALIDITY OF RESOLUTIONS
All congregational matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the qualified Voting Members present at a properly convened meeting of the Voting Membership, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution and its associated By-Laws for dealing with certain situations or matters therein specifically mentioned and defined. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 6 |
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ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENTS
A. This Constitution may be changed or amended by a three-fourths majority of the votes cast in a regular meeting of the Voting Membership, provided that the intention to amend the Constitution and the wording of the amendments proposed shall be read to the Congregation assembled for worship on two different Sundays prior to the date upon which the amendment is presented for action.
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THE BY-LAWS OF THE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Baptized Membership
A. Baptized membership in this Congregation is held by all those who are baptized in the Name of the Triune God with water, and are under our pastoral care.
Section 2. Communicant Membership
A. Application for Membership - Procedure
Applicants for communicant membership in this Congregation shall consult the Pastor who shall determine whether such applicants are eligible for membership in accordance with Article 4 of the Constitution. Applicants not familiar with the doctrines and confessions of the Lutheran Church shall be required to attend a course of instruction, and to make profession of their faith either before the Congregation or, at the Pastor's discretion, before witnesses who are members of the Board of Elders, before being received as members.
Applicants from other Evangelical Lutheran churches shall submit a letter of transfer from their former Congregation to establish their eligibility for membership. In the case of applicants whose previous membership in a Lutheran Congregation has lapsed, the Pastor may arrange for a period of re-instruction prior to reaffirmation of faith for such applicants.
After applicants have given satisfactory evidence of their eligibility in accordance with the two preceding paragraphs, their admission as communicant members shall be reported by the Pastor to the Board of Elders. They then become eligible to become voting members of the congregation. The roster of new members shall be publicized in the various news media of the Congregation.
B. Privileges and Duties of Communicant Members
It shall be the privilege and duty of communicant members of this Congregation to:
1. Grow in the Christian faith and life through faithful use of the means of grace, searching the Scriptures at home and in fellowship with other members of the Congregation and its agencies, and partaking of the Lord's Supper frequently.
2. Live a morally decent life before God, abstaining from open works of the flesh (Galatians 5:18-21). 3. Provide for the proper Christian training of their children by instruction at home Revised Dec. 13, 2009 9 |
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and through the agencies of the Church.
4. Willingly contribute toward the maintenance of the Congregation and the extension of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad.
5. Place their God-given talents and abilities at the disposal of the Pastor, the officers, and other agencies of the Congregation as set forth in its Constitution and By-Laws, so that the purposes and functions of the Congregation may be effectively implemented.
ARTICLE 2: VOTING MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility
Any confirmed member of this Congregation shall be eligible to apply for Voting Membership status. To become a Voting Member, the confirmed member shall sign the official copy of the Church’s Constitution and By-Laws at a regular Voter’s Meeting.
Section 2. Privileges and Duties of Voting Members
It shall be the privilege and duty of Voting Members of this Congregation to:
1. Conscientiously and prayerfully exercise their right of suffrage in all measures that will advance the work of Christ's Kingdom both locally and in the church-at-large.
2. Willingly serve in any office or capacity for which their talents and abilities equip them.
3. Faithfully attend all meetings of the Voting Membership.
4. Assist with wholehearted diligence in administering the temporal and spiritual affairs of the Congregation.
5. Encourage, by personal example, friendly interest, and judicious counsel, such eligible communicant members who are not yet Voting Members to consider seriously accepting the responsibilities and privileges of Voting Membership.
ARTICLE 3: DISCIPLINE IN THE CONGREGATION
All discipline in this Congregation shall be administered in accordance with the order of discipline laid down in Matthew 18:15-20, I Corinthians 5:1-5, and other related New Testament passages under the direction of the Pastor and the Board of Elders.
Section 1. Communicant Membership -- Termination
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A. Transfers
A member desiring transfer to another Lutheran Congregation shall apply to the Pastor. A letter of transfer shall be issued by the Pastor. All such transfers shall be reported to the Board of Elders at the next regular meeting of that body.
B. Joining Other Churches
In cases where communicant members of this Congregation have joined a non-Lutheran Congregation, they shall be deemed to have terminated their membership in this Congregation, forfeiting all rights and privileges of such membership. All such terminations shall be reported to the Board of Elders at the next regular meeting of that body.
C. Whereabouts Unknown
Members whose whereabouts are unknown for a period of twelve months shall be removed from the membership list of the Congregation and placed in a file designated "Whereabouts Unknown". Such membership is terminated and shall be reported to the Board of Elders at the next regular meeting of that body.
D. Excommunication and Self-Exclusion.
When it has been determined that a member of Trinity Lutheran Church has not attended worship, communed, or contributed of their time, talents or treasure for one year, it shall be interpreted as lack of faith in Jesus Christ, and indifference to church membership, privileges, and responsibilities. If the member has not responded to Christian admonition, the member's name shall be transferred to the inactive file of the Congregation or turned over to the Board of Evangelism. The individual shall be notified of such action and shall be declared to have excluded himself/herself from this Christian Congregation. Such self-exclusion releases the individual from all responsibilities to this Congregation, but it also excludes the member from the privileges of church membership.
Unchristian behavior, i.e., openly adhering to false doctrine, giving evidence of an immoral and offensive life, or willfully despising the preaching of the Gospel and the Lord's Supper shall lead to excommunication only after attempts at reconciliation as found in Matthew 18 are followed by the Board of Elders.
Persons who have been removed from membership for whatever reasons shall be restored with all rights and privileges when they repent and ask forgiveness.
Section 2. Provisions Pertaining to Church Officers and Directors Any officer or director of the Congregation who willfully neglects the duties of his/her office may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Voting Members present in a regular Revised Dec. 13, 2009 11 |
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meeting of the Voters' Assembly. The Parish Planning Council (PPC) shall initiate such disciplinary action.
When an office is made vacant by disposition, resignation, death, or excommunication of the incumbent, a successor to such officer or director shall be appointed by the President, through consultation with the Pastor, for the remainder of the term. No officer or director shall hold directorship or elected membership in more than one board.
Section 3. Provisions Pertaining to Pastors
Sufficient grounds for removing a pastor shall be persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, and willful neglect of official duties or evident and protracted incapacity to perform the function of the sacred office. Charges on any of these counts shall be carefully investigated by the Board of Elders. Should such charges be substantiated by clear evidence, the individual involved shall first be given an opportunity to resign their position in the Congregation. Such opportunity having been given and declined, the Board of Elders shall, after consultation with the appropriate officers of the Southeastern District, notify the Voting Membership of the situation and shall submit the matter for action at a special meeting of that body. A three-fourths majority vote of the Voting Members present shall be required to remove the pastor. All Voting Members shall be notified by mail at least two weeks in advance of the special meeting.
ARTICLE 4: MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION
Section 1. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Voting Membership shall be held at least two times during the calendar year, May/June and November/December. The times of all Voters’ Meetings shall be set by the Parish Planning Council. The budget for the fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) shall be presented at the May/June meeting.
Every meeting of the Voting Membership shall be announced at the worship services on the Sunday preceding the date of the meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Voters' Assembly may be called by the Pastor and President, at the request of any one of the Administrative Boards, or at the request of 10 voting members of the Congregation. Notice of the date and time of such a meeting, and of the nature of the business to be transacted, shall be given at the Sunday worship services immediately preceding the time of the meeting, except as otherwise stated in these By-Laws.
Section 3. Order of Business at Regular Meetings Revised Dec. 13, 2009 12 |
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Regular meetings of the Voting Membership shall proceed as follows:
1. Sign-in of Voting Members 2. Scripture Reading and/or prayer 3. Reception of New Voting Members 4. Minutes of Previous Meeting, including Special Meetings 5. Unfinished Business 6. Treasurer's Report 7. Committee Reports 8. Administrative Board Reports 9. New Business 10. Pastor's Report of State of the Parish 11. Adjournment.
In general, for purposes of order, Robert's Rules of Order shall prevail.
Section 4. Restriction Pertaining to Voters' Assembly
Voting Members present at a properly called Voters' Assembly shall constitute a quorum, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution and By-Laws.
In the event of a tie vote, the President shall cast the deciding ballot.
There shall be no voting by proxy.
ARTICLE 5: THE OFFICE OF THE PASTOR
Section 1. Procedure for Securing a Pastor
After consultation by the Board of Elders with the President of the Southeastern District or their representative, candidates for the pastorate shall be proposed at the next regular meeting of the Voting Membership or at a special meeting called for that purpose. Additional candidates may be proposed by any Voting Member at the meeting called to discuss the candidates. The Voters shall then adopt a list of candidates. At that meeting, or at a subsequent regular or special meeting of the Voting Membership, the Voters shall elect one of the proposed candidates by ballot and simple majority. It shall be the duty of the President to see that notice of his election is delivered promptly to the candidate in whatever manner the Voting Membership shall deem advisable. Negotiation for pastoral candidates shall be delegated to the Board of Elders.
Section 2. The Pastoral Office The Pastoral Office is the authority conferred upon pastors by God, through a call of the Congregation. Upon being elected and accepting the call, the pastor is authorized and obligated Revised Dec. 13, 2009 13 |
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to proclaim to the Congregation the Word of God in its full truth and purity as contained in the canonical writings of the Old and New Testament and professed in the Book of Concord of the year 1580. He is further:
1. To administer the sacraments in accordance with their divine institution;
2. To discharge toward all members of the Congregation the functions of a minister in an evangelical manner, in particular to visit the sick and the dying and admonish indifferent and erring members;
3. To spiritually guard the welfare of the Congregation during its preparation for acceptance of Holy Communion;
4. To guide the Congregation in applying divinely ordained discipline of the Church;
5. To provide spiritual leadership and oversight in the educational agencies and the various adult and youth organizations within the Congregation;
6. To serve as an example by Christian conduct and to do all that is possible for the up building of the Congregation and for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. The pastor shall have the authority and responsibility for supervising the musical portion of all worship services. Members of the Congregation are to accord the pastor honor, love, and obedience in his ministry of God's Word, and to support his ministrations with diligence and faithful prayers; to help him in the discharge of his duties by cordial one-mindedness; by willing readiness, by peaceable conduct, and in every other way possible; and to provide for his maintenance according to the ability of the Congregation.
ARTICLE 6: ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS
Section 1. Nomination Procedure
The Parish Planning Council shall announce by the first Sunday in March, its selection of three qualified Voting Members who, together with the Vice President and Pastor, shall serve as the Nominating Committee. The Voters may then submit to the Committee the names of possible candidates for office. The Vice President shall serve as the Chair of the Committee.
The Nominating Committee, as soon as possible after its March selection, shall prepare a list of candidates drawn from among Communicant members of the Congregation. The committee shall endeavor to obtain a minimum of two candidates per office. An eligible member may be nominated for more than one office but can only be elected to one office. The nominees for President, Vice President, and the Treasurer must be Voting Members. This list shall be made available to Communicant members of the Congregation at least three weeks prior to the May/June meeting. Following the publication of the Nominating Committee's list, any CommunicantRevised Dec. 13, 2009 14 |
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member of the Congregation may submit to the Committee additional names for inclusion on the list, and such names shall be placed in nomination by the Committee along with the candidates already chosen, provided:
1. That such names shall be submitted at least 10 days before the date of the May/June meeting of the Voters' Assembly.
2. That the Nominating Committee, through consultation with the Pastor and the Parish Planning Council shall have investigated the status of the proposed candidates and found them spiritually eligible for office and willing to serve.
The Nominating Committee, at least one week before the date of the May/June meeting, shall post conspicuously on the church bulletin board the list of candidates for the following offices:
President, Vice President, Treasurer, Directors of the various Administrative Boards, and Board Members as necessary to complete the membership of the Board of Elders.
Section 2. Election Procedure
From the list of candidates for each elective office submitted by the Nominating Committee, the Voting Membership shall, at its May/June meeting elect by ballot and simple majority, one-half of the elective positions. The following shall be elected in an even year:
1. President
2. Treasurer
3. The Directors of the following Administrative Boards: Evangelism, Youth, Elders, and Church Properties.
4. Board of Elders, to the number required to complete one-half of the membership.
The following shall be elected in an odd year:
1. Vice President
2. The Directors of the following Administrative Boards: Public Relations, Christian Education, Stewardship, Parish Fellowship, and Social Ministry.
3. Board of Elders, to the number required to complete one-half the membership.
Section 3. Installation of Officers and Board Members - Term of -Office Revised Dec. 13, 2009 15 |
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The newly elected Church Officers, Directors, and the appointed and elected Board Members shall be installed before the end of September, and shall assume their duties of office as of July 1. The term of office of all Church Officers, Directors, and Board Members shall be two years, terminating on July 1 in the second years of their terms. The President, Vice President, Treasurer, Directors of Administrative Boards and elected Elders may serve only two successive elected terms in their office.
ARTICLE 7: DUTIES OF OFFICERS -- FUNCTIONS, POWERS, ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS, AND THE PARISH PLANNING COUNCIL
Section 1. Duties of Officers
A. President
1. Prepare agenda and set dates and times for the meetings of the Voter’s Assembly.
2. Preside at all meetings of the Voting Membership.
3. Enforce the Constitution and By-Laws to the best of his/her ability.
4. Carry out the resolutions of the Voting Membership.
5. Be welcome at meetings of any boards, committees, auxiliaries, groups, etc. (May appoint a representative if he/she chooses.)
6. Be responsive to all boards, committees, auxiliaries, groups, etc since they are responsible to the President.
7. Call and preside over the meetings of the Parish Planning Council.
8. Endeavor to coordinate the functions, plans, and activities of the Congregation.
9. Execute official correspondence of the Parish Planning Council, and boards or committees as may be necessary.
10. Appoint a Financial Review Committee consisting of two qualified communicant members of the Congregation other than the Treasurer and Financial Secretary to assess and review the financial records of the Congregation. Each year, the committee shall present their report at the May/June meeting of the Voting Membership.
11. May appoint a secretary to serve the Parish Planning Council who shall continue in office until the President's term of office expires. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 16 |
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12. Fill unexpired terms of office.
B. Vice President
1. Act for and in the stead of the President in the President 's absence.
2. Perform such duties as may be directed by the President.
C. Treasurer
1. Be responsible for accurate recording of Congregational receipts and disbursements and budgeted and actual expenditures according to proper accounting procedures
2. Present a financial report at Voters' Meetings and a preliminary report at the Parish Planning Council meetings.
3. Submit records to the financial review committee.
4. Be responsible for monthly remission of offerings for missions and church agencies and for prompt payment of salaries and bills.
5. Prepare and submit the proposed budget to the Parish Planning Council for approval prior to presenting it at the May/June Voters’ Assembly for congregational approval.
Section 2. The Parish Planning Council
A. The Parish Planning Council shall consist of the President, the Vice President, the Treasurer, the Directors of the Administrative Boards, the Director of Little Sonbeams Preschool and the Pastor of the Congregation. The Parish Planning Council shall:
1. Plan and coordinate the work of the Congregation.
2. The Parish Planning Council shall have the authority to decide, issues not under the jurisdiction of an Administrative Board and not specifically assigned to the Voters' Assembly.
3. Appoint the Nominating Committee as required.
B. The Parish Planning Council shall normally meet monthly. Additional meetings may be called by the President of the Congregation and/or the Pastor as required.
C. The Parish Planning Council shall keep minutes for each meeting.
Section 3. The Administrative Boards Revised Dec. 13, 2009 17 |
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A. General Duties and Powers of Administrative Boards
1. Each Administrative Board shall submit a report of its activities at each regular meeting of the Voting Membership, and on such other occasions as directed by the Voting Membership, and such reports may include specific recommendations for Congregational action and/or approval.
2. Each Administrative Board shall keep minutes for each meeting.
B. Organization and Meetings of Administrative Boards
1. Each Administrative Board shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Director of that Board. The Directors of each board will appoint members to their various boards (except for the Board of Elders).
2. The time and frequency of Board meetings shall be at the discretion of the Director of the Board and the Board members, except that, for good and sufficient reason, either the President of the Congregation or the Pastor may call a meeting of the Board at any time. Meetings thus called shall be classified as special meetings, and each person involved shall be notified of the date, time, and purpose of such a meeting.
Section 4. Specific Duties of the Administrative Boards
A. The Board of Elders
The Board of Elders shall be comprised of the Director of the Board and ten additional members, all elected by the Congregation in accordance with Article 6.
The duties of this Board require that only members noted for their Christian knowledge, zeal, and experience in the spiritual work of the Kingdom of Christ shall be elected to membership.
The responsibilities of this Board are to promote the spiritual welfare of the Pastor and Congregation. The Board shall:
1. Pray for the Pastor and other leaders.
2. Encourage the Pastor in his work.
3. Be concerned about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the Pastor and his family (adequate compensation, housing, free time, vacation, assistance in times of illness), and to that end specifically review these items at least once each year.
4. Exercise leadership in gathering a call list and calling a new Pastor when a vacancy occurs. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 18 |
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5. Assist the Pastor in maintaining discipline within the Congregation according to Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and Article 4 of the Constitution and Article 3 of the By-Laws of this Congregation.
6. Take spiritual charge and oversight of the familial groupings assigned to them, which may include visiting the sick and aged of the Congregation.
7. Coordinate with the Board of Christian Education thorough instruction of youth and adults for confirmation and church membership.
8. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
9. For the worship of the Congregation:
a. Supervise the organists, choir, and Altar Guild in conjunction with the pastor.
b. Provide for vicars, assistants, substitute pastors, and guest speakers.
c. Staff, train, and supervise the ushering staff.
d. Assist the Pastor with communion distribution.
e. Counsel with pastor regarding new forms of worship, liturgies, and hymns for use in public worship.
f. Recommend and annually review compensation as required for music staff.
g. Provide nursery services during worship.
B. The Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education shall consist of at least three members including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of this Board are to plan and administer the educational program of the Congregation, to determine policies, to select personnel and, to provide the necessary means and facilities. The Board shall:
1. Be responsible for the Christian education of children, youth, and adults in the Congregation.
2. Review and approve curriculum in conjunction with the Pastor. 3. Provide attendance statistics to the Church office to record members’ participation
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in the education program.
4. Work with the Board of Elders to coordinate confirmation classes.
5. Recruit and train teachers and leaders as needed.
6. Provide special education opportunities for disabled persons.
7. Maintain and cultivate the use of a multi media church library.
8. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
C. The Board of Evangelism
The Board of Evangelism shall consist of at least three members. including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of this Board are to bring the Gospel to the unchurched, by enlisting God's people in the work of spreading the Gospel. The Board shall:
1. Share with the Pastor in proclaiming the Gospel to all.
2. Promote and direct congregation-wide evangelism undertakings.
3. Receive, orient, and integrate new members into the Congregation.
4. Maintain a greeters program.
5. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
D. The Board of Youth
The Board of Youth shall consist of at least three members, including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of the Board are to involve the young people of the Congregation in the work of Christ, provide for their spiritual growth and nurture, and promote genuine Christian fellowship for the young people of the Congregation. The Board shall:
1. Promote attendance and involvement of the Congregation's youth at all youth activities.
2. Provide for the continuing spiritual growth of the young people of the Congregation through Bible study, prayer, and Christian service. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 20 |
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3. Plan and carry out a program for the young people of the Congregation.
4. Provide for public recognition of various youth achievements and accomplishments.
5. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
E. The Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship shall consist of at least three members, including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of this Board are to initiate programs for the development of good stewardship practices in the members of the Congregation in regard to time, talents, and treasures. The Board shall:
1. Contact and encourage new members for service to the Congregation, and encourage present members to use their talents in Christ's work.
2. Be responsible for maintenance of a congregational talent file.
3. Annually give every member an opportunity to make a commitment of his/her time, talents, and treasure for Christ's work through the Congregation.
4. Foster support for missions and charities through an ongoing program of information and education.
5. Screen outside appeals for funds and make appropriate recommendations.
6. Evaluate various programs for endowments, in wills, bequests, etc.
7. Be responsible for the accurate counting, recording, and safe deposit of all receipts of the Congregation.
8. Evaluate the offerings regularly and report these findings to the Congregation.
9. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
The Director of the Board of Stewardship shall appoint a Financial Secretary from among those appointed to the Board. The Financial Secretary shall:
1. Be responsible for the accurate recording of all receipts for the Congregation in a local financial institution
2. Be responsible for issuance of annual statements to members, showing their offering to date. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 21 |
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F. The Board of Church Properties
The Board of Church Properties shall consist of at least three members, including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of the Board are the proper maintenance and repair of church property. The Board shall:
1. Inspect church properties and equipment, and recommend to the Parish Planning Council of needed repairs, improvements, or replacements.
2. Determine and establish regulations governing the use of church property and equipment.
3. Control keys for church property.
4. Annually check the adequacy of all types of insurance for church property and equipment and negotiate insurance contracts.
5. Enlist work crews for repair, improvement, cleaning, painting, landscaping, decorating, and other projects.
6. Negotiate service contracts for church equipment as required.
7. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
G. The Board of Parish Fellowship
The Board of Parish Fellowship shall consist of at least three members, including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of this Board are the strengthening of the fellowship between Congregation members spiritually and socially, and the integration of new members into the life of the Congregation. The Board shall:
1. Plan, supervise, and implement fellowship gatherings of the Congregation.
2. Maintain constant contact with other Boards, suggesting to them ways of furthering the work of their Boards through fellowship and drawing from them requests and suggestions for fellowship activities.
3. Provide for the integration of new members and their families into the Congregation through periodic fellowship functions. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 22 |
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4. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
H. The Board of Public Relations
The Board of Public Relations shall consist of at least three members, including the elected Director of the Board.
The objective of the Board is to promote the Congregation and its activities to the community. The Board shall:
1. Represent the Congregation in community activities.
2. Maintain the church bulletin boards.
3. Work for the overall enhancement of the Congregation's image in the various media in the community.
4. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
I. The Board of Social Ministry
The Board of Social Ministry shall consist of at least three members including the elected Director of the Board.
The objectives of this Board are outreach and service to those in need in the congregation, the community, and St. Mary's County in general. The Board shall:
1. Provide food and other services to those in need.
2. Conduct food drives, appeals and purchases to maintain the inventory of the Care Pantry.
3. Introduce those served to the Lord Jesus Christ and invite participation in worship services at Trinity.
4. Establish and maintain a record of expenditures and client participation associated with the Care Pantry.
5. Maintain contact with benevolent and charitable agencies and recommend to the Congregation responses to opportunities for service.
6. Submit an annual budget to the Treasurer.
Section 5. Little Sonbeams Christian Preschool Revised Dec. 13, 2009 23 |
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1. The preschool is an educational ministry of the Congregation.
2. The preschool is self supporting.
3. The preschool shall have a board consisting of as many members as it deems necessary.
4. The preschool should develop its own governing by-laws which shall not conflict with the Congregation’s Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and By-Laws.
5. The Director of the preschool shall be appointed by the Parish Planning Council.
Section 6. Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended at any meeting of the Voting Membership by a simple majority vote, provided:
1. That a motion to submit for consideration such a proposal to amend has been made at a regular meeting of the Voting Membership;
2. That the entire Voting Membership has been advised of the nature of the proposed changes and of the date of the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be acted upon at least 14 days in advance.
All amendments to the By-Laws or to the Constitution shall be recorded in the official copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. Revised Dec. 13, 2009 24 |
Webpage last updated 03/02/2010 08:16:33 PM
