St Pauls Fleetwood Constitution




	The Constitution of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Fleetwood, Pennsylvania (Revised 11/30/05) PREAMBLE We, baptized members of the Church of Christ, responding in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, desiring to unite together to preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and carry out God’s mission, do hereby adopt this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed by its provisions. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Chapter 1.* NAME AND INCORPORATION C1.01. The name of this congregation shall be St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. C1.02. For the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the congregation of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is hereinafter designated as “this congregation.” C1.11. This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. in 1919 C1.12. This constitution was last approved by unanimous vote at a special meeting of the congregation called for that purpose on October 16, 2005. The changes were affirmed by the Office of the Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod in a letter dated September 7, 2005. Chapter 2. CONFESSION OF FAITH C2.01. This congregation confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. C2.02. This congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. a. Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new creation. b. The proclamation of God’s message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation, continuing in the history of Israel, and centering in all its fullness in the person and work of Jesus Christ. c. The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God’s Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce God’s revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God’s Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world. C2.03. This congregation accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life. C2.04. This congregation accepts the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this congregation. C2.05. This congregation accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession. C2.06. This congregation accepts the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the Church. C2.07. This congregation confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scripture and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God’s mission in the world. Chapter 3.* NATURE OF THE CHURCH C3.01. All power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, its head. All actions of this congregation are to be carried out under his rule and authority. C3.02. The Church exists both as an inclusive fellowship and as local congregations gathered for worship and Christian service. Congregations find their fulfillment in the universal community of the Church, and the universal Church exists in and through congregations. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, therefore, derives its character and powers both from the sanction and representation of its congregations and from its inherent nature as an expression of the broader fellowship of the faithful. In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic continuity of the communion of saints; in breadth, it expresses the fellowship of believers and congregations in our day. Chapter 4. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE C4.01. The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world. C4.02. To participate in God’s mission, this congregation as a part of the Church shall: a. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service. b. Proclaim God’s saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ’s sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations. c. Carry out Christ’s Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all. d. Serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing it to their needs. e. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world. f. Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives. C4.03. To fulfill these purposes, this congregation shall: a. Provide services of worship at which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered.* b. Provide pastoral care and assist all members to participate in this ministry. c. Challenge, equip, and support all members in carrying out their calling in their daily lives and in their congregation. d. Teach the Word of God. e. Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people. f. Respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and the suffering, and participate responsibly in society. g. Motivate its members to provide financial support for the congregation’s ministry and the ministry of other parts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. h. Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations, the synod, and the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. i. Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships consistent with churchwide policy. C4.04. This congregation shall develop an organizational structure to be described in the bylaws. The Congregation Council shall prepare descriptions of the responsibilities of each committee, task force, or other organizational group and shall review their actions. C4.05. This congregation shall, from time to time, adopt a mission statement which will provide specific direction for its programs. Chapter 5. POWERS OF THE CONGREGATION C5.01. The powers of this congregation are those necessary to fulfill its purpose. C5.02. The powers of this congregation are vested in the Congregation Meeting called and conducted as provided in this constitution and bylaws. C5.03. Only such authority as is delegated to the Congregation Council or other organizational units in this congregation’s governing documents is recognized. All remaining authority is retained by the congregation. The congregation is authorized to: a. call a pastor as provided in Chapter 9;* b. terminate the call of a pastor as provided in Chapter 9; c. call or terminate the call of associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers in conformity with the applicable policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; d. adopt amendments to the constitution, as provided in Chapter 17, and amendments to the bylaws, as specified in Chapter 16; de. approve the annual budget; ef. acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means; fg. hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose; gh. sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful means; hi. elect its Congregation Council, and require the members of the council to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions; and ij. terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as provided in Chapter 6. C5.04. This congregation shall choose from among its voting members laypersons to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly as well as persons to represent it at meetings of any conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision of which it is a member. The number of persons to be elected by the congregation and other qualifications shall be as prescribed in guidelines established by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C5.05. This congregation shall have a mission endowment fund that will operate as specified in this congregation’s [bylaws] [continuing resolutions]. The purpose of the mission endowment fund is to provide for mission work beyond the operational budget of this congregation. Chapter 6.* CHURCH AFFILIATION C6.01. This congregation shall be an interdependent part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or its successor, and of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This congregation is subject to the discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C6.02. This congregation accepts the Confession of Faith and agrees to the Purposes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and shall act in accordance with them. C6.03. This congregation acknowledges its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in which: a. This congregation agrees to be responsible for its life as a Christian community.* b. This congregation pledges its financial support and participation in the life and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. c. This congregation agrees to call pastoral leadership from the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in accordance with its call procedures except in special circumstances and with the approval of the bishop of the synod. d. This congregation agrees to consider associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers for call to other staff positions in the congregation according to the procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. e. This congregation agrees to file this constitution and any subsequent changes to this constitution with the synod for review to ascertain that all of its provisions are in agreement with the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and with the constitution of the synod. C6.04. Affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be terminated as follows: a. This congregation takes action to dissolve.* b. This congregation ceases to exist. c. This congregation is removed from membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America according to the procedures for discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. *d. This congregation follows the procedures outlined in C6.05.** C6.05. This congregation may terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the following procedure: a. A resolution indicating the desire of this congregation to terminate its relationship must be adopted at a legally called and conducted special meeting of this congregation by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present. b. The secretary of this congregation shall submit a copy of the resolution to the synodical bishop and shall mail a copy of the resolution to voting members of this congregation. This notice shall be submitted within 10 days after the resolution has been adopted. c. The bishop of the synod shall consult with this congregation during a period of at least 90 days.* d. If this congregation, after consultation, still desires to terminate its relationship, such action may be taken at a legally called and conducted special meeting by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present, at which meeting the bishop of the synod or an authorized representative shall be present. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed to all voting members at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. e. A certified copy of the resolution to terminate its relationship shall be sent to the synodical bishop, at which time the relationship between this congregation and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be terminated. f. Notice of termination shall be forwarded by the synodical bishop to the secretary of this church and published in the periodical of this church. g. Since this congregation was a member of the Lutheran Church in America, it shall be required, in addition to the foregoing provisions in C6.05., to receive synodical approval before terminating its membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C6.06. If this congregation considers relocation, it shall confer with the bishop of the synod in which it is territorially located before any steps are taken leading to such action. The approval of the Synod Council shall be received before any such action is effected. Chapter 7. PROPERTY OWNERSHIP C7.01. If this congregation ceases to exist, title to un-disposed property shall pass to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C7.02. If this congregation is removed from membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America according to its procedure for discipline, title to property shall continue to reside in this congregation. C7.03. If a two-thirds majority of the voting members of this congregation present at a regularly called and conducted special meeting of this congregation vote to transfer to another Lutheran church body, title to property shall continue to reside in this congregation. Before this congregation takes action to transfer to another Lutheran church body, it shall consult with representatives of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. C7.04. If a two-thirds majority of the voting members of this congregation present at a legally called and conducted special meeting of this congregation vote to become independent or relate to a non-Lutheran church body, title to property of this congregation shall continue to reside in this congregation only with the consent of the Synod Council. The Synod Council, after consultation with this congregation by the established synodical process, may give approval to the request to become independent or to relate to a non-Lutheran church body, in which case title shall remain with the majority of this congregation. If the Synod Council fails to give such approval, title shall remain with those members who desire to continue as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C7.05. Notwithstanding the provisions of C7.02. and C7.03. above, where this congregation has received property from the synod pursuant to a deed or other instrument containing restrictions under provision 9.71.a. of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this congregation accepts such restrictions and: a. Shall not transfer, encumber, mortgage, or in any way burden or impair any right, title, or interest in the property without prior approval of the Synod Council. b. Shall—upon written demand by the Synod Council, pursuant to †S13.23. of the constitution of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod— reconvey and transfer all right, title, and interest in the property to the synod. Chapter 8. MEMBERSHIP C8.01. Members of this congregation shall be those baptized persons on the roll of this congregation at the time that this constitution is adopted and those who are admitted thereafter and who have declared and maintain their membership in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and its bylaws. C8.02. Members shall be classified as follows: a. Baptized members are those persons who have been received by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism in this congregation, or, having been previously baptized in the name of the Triune God, have been received by certificate of transfer from other Lutheran congregations or by affirmation of faith. b. Confirmed members are baptized persons who have been confirmed in this congregation, those who have been received by adult baptism or by transfer as confirmed members from other Lutheran congregations, or baptized persons received by affirmation of faith. c. Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation. d. Associate members are persons holding membership in other Lutheran congregations who wish to retain such membership but desire to participate in the life and mission of this congregation, or persons who wish to retain a relationship with this congregation while being members of other congregations. They have all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Congregation Council of this congregation. C8.03. All applications for confirmed membership shall be submitted to and shall require the approval of the Congregation Council. C8.04. It shall be the privilege and duty of members of this congregation to: a. make regular use of the means of grace, both Word and sacraments; b. live a Christian life in accordance with the Word of God and the teachings of the Lutheran church; and c. support the work of this congregation, the synod, and the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through contributions of their time, abilities, and financial support as biblical stewards. C8.05. Membership in this congregation shall be terminated by any of the following: a. death;* b. resignation; c. transfer or release; d. disciplinary action by the Congregation Council; or e. removal from the roll due to inactivity as defined in the bylaws. C8.05.01. Process for Removal from the Roll a. Each quarter the Ffinancial secretary will provide reports to the Evangelism Team. The reports will be as follow: 1. Confirmed members who have not communed in the last 3 months and date of last communion, sorted (ascending) by last communion date. 2. Confirmed members who have not contributed in the last 3 months and date of last contribution, sorted (ascending) by last contribution date. 3. Confirmed members who have neither communed nor contributed in the past 3 months and dates of last contribution and last communion sorted (ascending) by date of last contribution or communion, whichever is earlier. b. The Evangelism Team will alert the Home Visitation Team to confirmed members who have not communed in the past 6 months. The Evangelism Team will attempt to contact, via visit or telephone, confirmed members who have not contributed or communed within the past 12 months. Results of contact will be provided to the pastor. c. The fFfinancial sSsecretary shall provide a report to the Congregation Council in the workshop meeting of the second month of each quarter (February, May, August, November) a list of confirmed members who have not communed and contributed during the previous year and this year to date. The individuals listed will be sent a letter by 1^st class mail stating that they are no longer voting members of the congregation, and unless specific reason can be provided by the pastor or the Evangelism Team, and unless they commune and/or contribute by the end of the calendar year they will be removed from the rolls of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. d. During the month of January of each year the Ffinancial Ssecretary will prepare a report of Potential Inactivation of Membership for the Congregation Council listing those confirmed members who have neither communed nor contributed during the previous two calendar years. The report will be provided to the Congregation Council at the workshop meeting in February each year. The Congregation Council will review the report and deem that certain individuals may be removed from this report due to specific stated circumstances. e. During the February business meeting the Congregation Council will direct the Pparish Aadministrator to take action to remove anyone remaining on the Potential Inactivation of Membership Report from the roll of the Congregation due to inactivity. The Pparish Aadministrator will prepare letters to all persons being inactivated informing them of the action taken. Additionally, the letter will state that persons who have been removed from the roll shall remain persons for whom the church has a continuing pastoral concern, that they no longer have the privilege of vote, and that active and voting membership can be re-instated by affirmation of faith and recommendation of the pastor to the Church Council. The letter will be signed by the president of the Congregation Council. BLC08.05. A member shall be placed on the inactive roll of members when he/she has not communed and made a contribution of record during the preceding year. C08.05.A05. Actions prior to Removal from the Roll a. With the reports in hand the Evangelism team will attempt to intervene and ascertain why members are not participating in the life of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. b. By having been alerted, the Home Visitation Team will also be in a position to intervene and may be in contact with family members who might help to restore active participation. While the Evangelism tTeam may have been in contact with lapsing individuals over the course of the past year, they will make a concerted effort at the one year mark and document such. c. While it may seem extreme, four letters over the course of the second year of inactivity in addition to the attempted phone calls and visits are a small consequence when considering removing someone from the rolls of the congregation. d. The Congregation Council may determine, on a case by case basis, that unique circumstances exist which should preclude removing someone from the roll. e. So be it. Such persons who have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons for whom the Church has a continuing pastoral concern. Chapter 9. THE PASTOR C9.01. Authority to call a pastor shall be in this congregation by at least a two-thirds majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a meeting legally called for that purpose. Before a call is issued, the officers, or a committee appointed elected by the cCongregation cCouncil to recommend the call, shall seek the advice and help of the bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Ssynod. C9.02. Only a member of the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or a candidate for the roster of ordained ministers who has been recommended for the congregation by the synodical bishop may be called as a pastor of this congregation. C9.03. Consistent with the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a. Every ordained minister shall:* 1). preach the Word; 2). administer the sacraments; 3.) conduct public worship; 4.) provide pastoral care; and 5.) speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God’s love for the world. b. Each ordained minister with a congregational call shall, within the congregation: 1.) offer instruction, confirm, marry, visit the sick and distressed, and bury the dead; 2.) supervise all schools and organizations of this congregation; 3.) install regularly elected members of the Congregation Council; and 4.) with the council, administer discipline. c. Every pastor shall: 1). strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, in the nation, and abroad; 2.) seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel; 3.) impart knowledge of this church and its wider ministry through distribution of its periodicals and other publications; and 4.) endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to the work of the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. C9.04. The specific duties of the pastor, compensation, and other matters pertaining to the service of the pastor shall be included in a letter of call, which shall be attested by the bishop of the synod. C9.05. a. The call of a congregation, when accepted by a pastor, shall constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment, which, except in the case of the death of the pastor, shall be terminated only following consultation with the synodical bishop and for the following reasons: 1). mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a specific term; 2.) resignation of the pastor, which shall become effective, unless otherwise agreed, 30 days after the date on which it was submitted; 3.) inability to conduct the pastoral office effectively in the congregation in view of local conditions, without reflection on the competence or the moral and spiritual character of the pastor; 4.) the physical or mental incapacity of the pastor; 5.) disqualification of the pastor through discipline on grounds of doctrine, morality, or continued neglect of duty; 6.) the dissolution of the congregation; or 7.) suspension of the congregation as a result of discipline proceedings. b. When allegations of physical or mental incapacity of the pastor or ineffective conduct of the pastoral office have come to the attention of the bishop of the synod, the bishop in his or her sole discretion may, or when such allegations have been brought to the synod’s attention by an official recital of allegations by the Congregation Council or by a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the congregation, the bishop shall, investigate such conditions personally in company with a committee of two ordained ministers and one layperson. c. In case of alleged physical or mental incapacity, competent medical testimony shall be obtained. When such disability is evident, the bishop of the synod with the advice of the committee shall declare the pastorate vacant. Upon the restoration of a disabled pastor to health, the bishop of the synod shall take steps to enable the pastor to resume the ministry, either in the congregation last served or in another field of labor. d. In the case of alleged local difficulties that imperil the effective functioning of the congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the bishop of the synod together with the committee described in C9.05.b. shall decide on the course of action to be recommended to the pastor and the congregation. If they agree to carry out such recommendations, no further action shall be taken by the synod. If either party fails to assent, the congregation may dismiss the pastor at a legally called meeting after consultation with the bishop, either (a) by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting where the bishop and the committee did not recommend termination of the call, or(b) by a simple majority vote of the voting members present and voting where the bishop and the committee recommended termination of the call. e. If, in the course of proceedings described in C9.05.d., the committee concludes that there may be grounds for disciplinary action, the committee shall make recommendations concerning disciplinary action to the synodical bishop who may bring charges, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the constitution of this synod. f. If, following the appointment of the committee described in C9.05.b or d., it should become apparent that the pastoral office cannot be conducted effectively in the congregation being served by the ordained minister due to local conditions, the bishop of the synod may temporarily suspend the pastor from service in the congregation without prejudice and with pay provided through a joint churchwide/synod fund and with housing provided by the congregation. C9.06. At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be appointed by the bishop of the synod with the consent of this congregation or the Congregation Council. C9.07. During the period of service, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties in the congregation of a regularly called pastor and may delegate the same in part to a supply pastor with the consent of the bishop of the synod and this congregation or Congregation Council. The interim pastor and any ordained pastor providing assistance shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of a pastor. C9.08. This congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to a former pastor before calling a successor. A pastor shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to this congregation. before beginning service in a call to another congregation or employment in another ministry setting related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C9.09. When a pastor is called to serve in company with another pastor or pastors, the privileges and responsibilities of each pastor shall be specified in documents to accompany the call and to be drafted in consultation involving the pastors, the Congregation Council, and the bishop of the synod. As occasion requires, the documents may be revised through a similar consultation. C9.11. With the approval of the bishop of the synod, the congregation may depart from C9.05.a. and call a pastor for a specific term. Details of such calls shall be in writing setting forth the purpose and conditions involved. Prior to the completion of a term, the bishop or a designated representative of the bishop shall meet with the pastor and representatives of the congregation for a review of the call. Such a call may also be terminated before its expiration in accordance with the provisions of C9.05.a. C9.12. The pastor of this congregation: a. shall keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation;* b. shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to the synod; and c. shall become a member of this congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the pastor shall hold membership in one of the congregations. C9.13. The pastor(s) shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. C9.14. The parochial records of this congregation shall be maintained by the pastor and shall remain the property of the congregation. The secretary of this congregation shall attest in writing to the bishop of this synod that such records have been placed in his or her hands in good order by a departing pastor before the installation of that pastor in another field of labor or by the granting by the synod of retired status to the pastor. C9.20. Ecumenical pastoral ministry C9.21. Under special circumstances, subject to the approval of the synodical bishop and the concurrence of this congregation, an ordained minister of a church body with which the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America officially has established a relationship of full communion may serve temporarily under contract as pastor of this congregation. under a contract between the congregation and the ordained minister in a form proposed by the synodical bishop and approved by the congregation. Chapter 10. CONGREGATION MEETINGS C10.01. The aAnnual meetings of this congregation shall be held at a time specified in the bylaws. BLC10.01.01. There shall be two regular congregational meetings each liturgical year. The Annual Congregation Budget Meeting shall be held annually on the second Sunday in Advent., and the Annual Congregation Reporting Meeting shall be held on the last Sunday in February. The time of day for the Annual Congregation Meetings will be established by the Congregation Council. C10.02. A special Congregation Meeting may be called by the pastor, the Congregation Council, or the president of this congregation, and shall be called by the president of the congregation upon the written request of ten percent of the voting members. The call for each special meeting shall specify the purpose for which it is to be held and no other business shall be transacted. C10.03. Notice of all meetings of this congregation shall be given at the services of worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays and by mail to all voting members at least 10 days in advance of the date of the meeting. The posting of such notice in the regular mail, with the regular postage affixed or paid, sent to the last known address of such members shall be sufficient. C10.04. Five percent of the voting members shall constitute a quorum. C10.05. Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted. C10.06. All actions approved by the congregation shall be by majority vote of those voting members present and voting except as otherwise provided in this constitution or by state law. *C10.07. Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of all meetings of this congregation.* Chapter 11. OFFICERS C11.01. The Congregation Council shall elect its officers and they shall be the officers of the congregation. The president, vice president and secretary shall be selected from the elected membership of the Congregation Council. The officers shall be elected by written ballot at the first Congregational Council meeting following the Annual Congregational Budget Meeting and shall serve for one year or until their successors are elected. Their terms shall begin at the time of their election. C11.02. The officers of this congregation shall be a president, vice president, secretary, financial secretary and treasurer. a. Duties of the officers shall be specified in the bylaws. b. The officers shall be voting members of the congregation. BLC11.02.01A05. The president shall serve as the elected leader to preside over meetings of the Congregation Council, the annual and any special meetings of the congregation, and to assist in the general administration of the congregation. BLC11.02.02B05. The vice-president shall assume the role of the president whenever that officer is absent or that role unfilled and to serve as a regular liaison with assigned Ministry Action Groups. BLC11.02.03C05. The secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the congregation and of the council in a volume provided by the congregation, which shall be preserved permanently in its archives. BLC11.02.04D05. The treasurer shall keep the financial records of the congregation; and shall receive all funds and disburse them on proper orders, making monthly remittance of benevolence receipts to the treasurer of the synod. BLC11.02.E05. The financial secretary shall receive and keep record of all income. BLC11.02.F065. The treasurer and the financial secretary shall make written report of all financial transactions to the Congregation Council monthly and to the congregation, together with a satisfactory audit, at its the aAnnual Congregation Reporting mMeeting. Fidelity coverage is provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C11.03. No officer shall hold more than one office at a time. No elected officer shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. Chapter 12. CONGREGATION COUNCIL C12.01. The voting membership of the Congregation Council shall consist of the pastor(s), and not more than 13 nor fewer than 9 elected members of the Congregation Council. Any voting member of the congregation may be elected, subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service permitted in that office. A member’s place on the Congregation Council shall be declared vacant if the member a) ceases to be a voting member of this congregation or b) is absent from four successive regular meetings of the Congregation Council without cause. Consistent with the laws of the state in which this congregation is incorporated, the congregation may adopt procedures for the removal of a member of the Congregation Council in other circumstances. C12.02. The members of the Congregation Council except the pastor(s) shall be elected by written ballot to serve for 3 years or until their successors are elected. Such members shall be eligible to serve no more than two full terms consecutively. Their terms shall begin at the close of the aAnnual Congregation Budget mMeeting at which they are elected. BLC12.02.01. The Congregational Council shall meet as early as practicable following the Annual Meeting of the Congregation Budget Meeting. At this meeting the Congregation Council shall reorganize in accordance with the constitution. Also, at this meeting the cCongregation Council shall determine the regular time of its monthly meetings. C12.03. Should a member’s place on the Congregation Council be declared vacant, the Congregation Council shall elect, by majority vote, a successor until the next annual meeting. Individuals who have served less than one-half of a regular term shall be eligible for nomination and possible election to a full term. C12.04. The Congregation Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The duties of the Congregation Council shall include the following: a. To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals. b. To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support. c. To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission. d. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastor(s) and staff and help them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling or employment. e. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all baptized persons. f. To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill, and, as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding. g. To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor. h. To emphasize partnership with the synod and churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as well as cooperation with other congregations, both Lutheran and non-Lutheran, subject to established policies of the synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. i. To recommend and encourage the use of program resources produced or approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. j. To seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel. C12.05. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for the financial and property matters of this congregation. The Congregation Council shall be the board of trustees of this congregation, and as such shall be responsible for maintaining and protecting its property and the management of its business and fiscal affairs. It shall have the powers and be subject to the obligations that pertain to such boards under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, except as otherwise provided herein. Utilization of the church buildings and property shall be in accordance with applicable bylaws. BLC12.05.a. Use of Church Building and Property BLC12.05.a.01. All members of the congregation who are in good standing shall be entitled to use the church building for marriages, funerals, and other functions consistent with Church order. Others may use the building for such occasions at the discretion of the officers of the Congregation Council. BLC12.05.a.02.. Auxiliaries and organizations of the congregation shall be entitled to use the church building for their programs and activities. Other organizations may use the building upon approval of the Congregation Council or its officers. BLC12.05.a.03. All activities and programs carried on by persons or groups who use the church building shall be consistent with good church order and with general policies determined by the Congregation Council.b. The Congregation Council shall not have the authority to buy, sell, or encumber real property unless specifically authorized to do so by a meeting of the congregation. cc. The Congregation Council shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by this congregation, shall supervise the expenditure of funds in accordance therewith following its adoption, and may incur obligations more than $10,000.00 in excess of the anticipated receipts only after approval by a Congregation Meeting. The budget shall include this congregation’s full indicated share in support of the wider ministry being carried on in partnership with the synod and churchwide organization. dd. The Congregation Council shall ascertain that the financial affairs of this congregation are being conducted efficiently, giving particular attention to the prompt payment of all obligations and to the regular forwarding of benevolence monies to the synodical treasurer. ee. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for this congregation’s investments and its total insurance program. C12.05.01. Use of Church Building and Property a. All members of the congregation who are in good standing shall be entitled to use the church building for marriages, funerals, and other functions consistent with Church order. Others may use the building for such occasions at the discretion of the officers of the Congregation Council. b. Auxiliaries and organizations of the congregation shall be entitled to use the church building for their programs and activities. Other organizations may use the building upon approval of the Congregation Council or its officers. c. All activities and programs carried on by persons or groups who use the church building shall be consistent with good church order and with general policies determined by the Congregation Council. C12.06. The Congregation Council shall see that the provisions of this constitution, its bylaws, and continuing resolutions are carried out. C12.07. The Congregation Council shall provide for an annual review of the membership roster. C12.08. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for the employment and supervision of the salaried lay workers of this congregation. C12.09. The Congregation Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the aAnnual Congregation Reporting mMeeting. C12.11. The Congregation Council shall normally meet once twice a month. One such meeting shall be as a committee of the whole. The second meeting shall be a regular meeting. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or the president, and shall be called by the president at the request of at least one-half of its members. Notice of each special meeting shall be given to all who are entitled to be present. CBLC12.11.A05. The following shall constitute the order of business at a regular meeting of the Congregation Council: Prayer or Bible Study Roll call and action on excuses Reading of secretary minutes Report of treasurer Report of financial secretary Report of the pastor Reports of standing committees Report of the Ministry Action Groups Report of special committees Other reports Reception of petitions and communications Unfinished business New business Adjournment with prayer C12.12. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of the members of the Congregation Council, including the pastor or interim pastor, except when the pastor or interim pastor requests or consents to be absent and has given prior approval to the agenda for a particular committee of the whole, regular or special meeting, which shall be the only business considered at that meeting. Chronic or repeated absence of the pastor or interim pastor who has refused approval of the agenda of a subsequent regular or special meeting shall not preclude action by the Congregation Council, following consultation with the synodical bishop. Chapter 13. CONGREGATION COMMITTEES C13.01. The officers of this congregation and the pastor shall constitute the Executive Committee. They shall: oversee all matters relating to the salaried staff of the congregation; advise the Congregation Council on the administration of the congregation; and, act on behalf of the Congregation Council between meetings in matters assigned to it. C13.02. A Nominating Committee of six voting members of this congregation, two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Congregation Council, shall be elected at the annualAnnual Congregation Budget mMeeting for a term of one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive re-election. BLC13.02.01. . The Nominating Committee shall, at the aAnnual Congregation Budget mMeeting of the congregation, nominate persons for membership on the Congregation Council for existing vacancies. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the time of the meeting. C13.03. An Audit Committee of three voting members shall be elected by the Congregation Council. Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Congregation Council. Term of office shall be three years, with one member elected each year. Members shall be eligible for re-election. C13.04. A Mutual Ministry Committee shall be appointed jointly by the president and the pastor. Term of office shall be two years, with three members to be appointed each successive year. *C13.05. When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Call Committee* of six voting members shall be appointed by the Congregation Council. Term of office will terminate upon installation of the pastor. C13.06. Other congregational committees of this congregation may be formed, as the need arises, by decision of the Congregation Council. C13.07. Duties of committees and teams of this congregation shall be specified in the bylaws.** BLC13.08. At its first regular meeting in each congregational year, standing committees shall be appointed by council, as the local and wider concerns of the congregation shall require. Each committee or team shall be composed of one or more members of the council and, in addition, other voting members of the congregation. The chairperson of each committee or team shall be a member of the congregation council determined by the committee or team. Although appointed by and responsible to the Congregation Council, these committees and teams shall be recognized as representative of the interests of and performing essential services for the congregation as a whole. The pastor shall have a voice and vote in all committees and teams. Except as stipulated in the following paragraphs, the duties of all committees and teams shall be assigned by the Congregation Council, along with such instructions as in its judgment are in the best interests of the congregation. All actions of committees and teams shall be subject to review by the council. BLC13.08.01. Christian Education: Theseis committeesteam, in association with the pastor, shall oversee the conduct and promotion of schools and the activities of all organizations within the congregation. It shall encourage the use of teaching and worship materials published or approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and seek to introduce the church’s periodicals and books of family devotion into the homes of the congregation. One of the primary aims of the Committee on Christian Education Team shall be to bring church vocations to the attention of qualified youth of the congregation. BLC13.08.02. Church Property: This committee team shall see to the proper maintenance and protection of all property of the congregation, and shall take care that the same is kept in good repair and is adequately insured. BLC13.08.03. Evangelism: This committee team shall stimulate and lead all members of the congregation in continuous and, from time to time, concerted endeavors to reawaken the spiritually indifferent and to reach others, who are as yet unworn, with the Gospel and attach them to Christ’s Church. To this end the committee team shall devote itself to deepening spiritual life and shall periodically study the congregation in the context of its surrounding community. BLC13.08.04. Finance: TheThis committeeteam, of which the treasurer and financial secretary shall be a members ex officio, shall prepare a draft budget for the succeeding year, including this congregation’s full indicated share in support of the wider ministry being carried on in its behalf by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod, and shall submit such draft budget to the Congregation Council for its action and later presentation to a the congregation at the Annual Ccongregational bBudget mMeeting. The committee team shall exercise oversight of all the financial affairs of the congregation to make sure that they are being conducted efficiently, giving particular attention to the prompt payment of all obligations and to the regular forwarding of benevolence monies to the synodical treasurer. It shall, subject to the approval of the Congregation Council, be responsible for the congregation’s investments, and shall also provide for annual audits of the accounts of the treasurer and the financial secretary, as well as of the accounts of the schools andother organizations within the congregation. BLC13.08.05. Social Ministry: The purpose of this committee team shall be to extend Christian compassion and helpfulness to the ill, the aged, the orphaned, the underprivileged, the imprisoned and, in general, to persons of all ages in need of aid in body or soul. It shall strive to enlist in these efforts as many as possible of the individual members and organizations of the congregation. This committee team shall further have the duty to study social conditions, primarily in the local community, in order to bring the cleansing and healing light of Christian truth to bear upon critical problems through thoughtful Christian discussion of facts and issues. BLC13.08.06. Stewardship: The financial secretary shall be a member ex officio, of this committeeteam. It shall be the function of this committee to evoke and promote the expression of Christian faith in daily living; to teach the Christian use of money; to diffuse knowledge of the congregation’s local, national and world-wide ministries; and to lead all its members to higher levels of proportionate giving for the Lord’s work. This committee team shall also be responsible for the annual Every Member Visit and other congregational efforts, which lead to informed and grateful giving. BLC13.08.07. Worship and Music: It shallThis team shall assist the Congregation Council in seeing that the services of God’s house are conducted regularly and in accordance with the liturgy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, that ushers are recruited and trained, and that hymnals and other devotional materials are provided and properly cared for. This committee team shall supervise, and strive to advance the welfare and effective service of, the choirs of the congregation. It shall arrange for the care of paraments, vestments and musical instruments and, in consultation with the pastor, the organist and the choir director, , it shall furnish music supplies appropriate for use in the worship of a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. C13.08.A05. Receipts of Memorial Fund Contributions shall be deposited in a money market account in the bank where the Congregational Council maintains general operating accounts. The monies shall be deposited by the Congregational Council Ttreasurer within 30 days of receipt. Request for use of funds shall be made to the Worship Ministry Action Group which, in concert with the pastor, will have sole discretion for utilization of these funds. In general, these funds will be used for theto enhancement, enrichment and sustainment of the worship life of the members of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Worship Ministry Action Group shall have as a regular item of on-going business on their monthly meeting agenda a fund status report of the Memorial Fund monies. Action will be taken at regularly or specially called meetings to consider requests for use of funds. When approved, a voucher will be forwarded to the Congregational Council Ttreasurer for disbursement. The Worship Ministry Action Group will provide an accounting of monies received and disbursed for the Annual Report of the Congregation. As guidance: 1. Any contributions received for the Memorial Fund which are not cash, e.g., stocks or bonds, shall be converted to cash as soon as reasonably possible by the Congregational Council Ttreasurer and the proceeds deposited in the money market account of the Memorial Fund. 2. In general, funds in the Memorial Fund should be utilized within a year of receipt. Care should be taken to properly record the source of all contributions and each contribution should be acknowledged to both the giver and the family of the memorialized. Additionally, each January a letter shall be sent to the family of all those memorialized within the past two calendar years stating how Memorial Fund monies were used during the calendar year. It is not necessary to specify how each contribution was utilized. 3. It is not intended that Memorial Fund monies will be carried over for extended periods of time and care should be taken to insure that contributions are utilized within a reasonable period of time. BLC13.08.08. Constitution: To review information and prepare drafts of amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws when necessary and to review existing Continuing Resolutions for changes, additions, and deletions and to make recommendations to the Congregation Council for appropriate action. Chapter 14. ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CONGREGATION C14.01. All organizations within this congregation shall exist to aid it in ministering to the members of this congregation and to all persons who can be reached with the Gospel of Christ. As outgrowths and expressions of this congregation’s life, the organizations are subject to its oversight and direction. This congregation at its annual meetingAnnual Second Congregation Meeting shall determine their policies, guide their activities, and receive reports concerning their membership, work, and finances. BLC14.01. The Schools of the Congregation. The responsibility for the operation of the schools of the congregation rests on the Congregation Council, through its committee on Christian Education. BLC14.01.01. A Sunday School shall be operated by the congregation, providing an opportunity for Christian education for all its members, as well as for others who desire to learn the Word of God. BLC14.01.01.01 An annual organizational meeting of those who participate in the Sunday Church School shall be held at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the school year, on a date determined by the officers of the school. At this meeting, the following officers shall be elected: General Superintendent Assistant General Superintendent Secretary Curriculum Coordinator BLC14.01.01.02 Officers shall be elected or appointed to one-year terms. The General Superintendent and the Assistant General Superintendent shall serve no more than two full terms, consecutively, in the same position. BLC14.01.01.03 A staff meeting shall be held at a time determined by the officers of the Sunday Church School. BLC14.01.02. Vacation Church School. BLC14.01.02.01. The Director of the Vacation Church School shall be appointed by the Congregation Council, upon nomination by the Committee on Christian Education. BLC14.01.02.02. No person shall serve more than three years, consecutively, as the Director of the school. BLC14.01.02.03 Other staff positions shall be filled by the Director in consultation with the pastor and the Chairman of the Committee on Christian Education. BLC14.01.03. St. Paul’s Nursery School BLC14.01.03.01. St. Paul’s Nursery School will be governed by a School Board appointed by the Congregation Council. BLC.14.01.03.01. St. Paul’s Nursery School will operate under a set of Continuing Resolutions recommended by the Board of Governors and approved by the necessary vote of the Congregational Council. CR14.01.03.01.01. Continuing Resolutions for St. Paul’s Nursery School CR14.01.03.01.02 (Insert Nursery School By-Laws here as a set of Continuing Resolutions) BLC14.01.03.02 The School Board shall recommend to the Congregational Council, the hiring and discharging of employees as necessary to maintain the operations of the school. BLC14.01.03.03 The teaching staff will include at least one lead teacher with certification in early childhood education. C14.02. Special interest groups, other than those of the official organizations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, may be organized only after authorization has been given by the Congregation Council and documented by a Continuing Resolution. Chapter 15. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS AND ADJUDICATION C15.01. Denial of the Christian faith as described in this constitution, conduct grossly unbecoming a member of the Church of Christ, or persistent trouble-making in this congregation are sufficient cause for discipline of a member. Prior to disciplinary action, reconciliation will be attempted following Matthew 18:15-17, proceeding through these successive steps: a. private admonition by the pastor,* b. admonition by the pastor in the presence of two or three witnesses, and c. citation to appear before the Congregation Council. If for any reason, the pastor is unable to administer the admonitions required by a. and b. hereof, the president (if not the pastor) or vice president shall administer such admonitions.