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2008 CHURCH COUNCIL Pastor Julianne Smith Ex-officio member of all
committees| Kathy Kimmel, President-Outreach Karen Magers-Vice President-Youth
& Groups Marty Denney -Outreach | Lois Dillon Worship & Music Fred Gillen-Facilities Steve Koehler-Christian Education Linda Welker-Worship & Music Paul Burkes Mindy Stecher-Outreach
CONSTITUTION FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH Back to Table of Contents In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. We, baptized members of the Church of Christ, desiring to be blessed together with Word and Sacrament and to unite as a congregation in the common confession, defense and propagation of our faith in Jesus Christ our Savior, do hereby adopt this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed by its provisions. ARTICLE I Section 1. The name of this congregation shall be the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Section 2. This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio. ARTICLE II Section 1. This congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord of the Church. The Holy Spirit creates and sustains the Church through the gospel and thereby unites believers with their Lord and with one another in fellowship of faith. Section 2. This congregation holds that the Gospel is the revelation of God’s sovereign will and saving grace in Jesus Christ. In Him, the Word Incarnate, God imparts Himself to men. Section 3. This congregation acknowledges the Holy Scriptures as the norm for the faith and life of the Church. The Holy Scriptures are the divinely inspired record of God’s redemptive act in Christ, for which the Old Testament prepared the way and which the New Testament proclaims. In the continuation of this proclamation in the Church, God still speaks through the Holy Scriptures and realizes His redemptive purpose generation after generation. Section 4. This congregation accepts the Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this congregation. Section 5. 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. Section 6. 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. Section. 7. This congregation affirms that the Gospel transmitted by the Holy Scriptures, to which the creeds and confessions bear witness, is the true treasure of the Church, the substance of its proclamation, and the basis of its unity and continuity. The Holy Spirit uses the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship. As this occurs, the Church fulfills its divine mission and purpose. ARTICLE III STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Back to Table of Contents Section 1. The church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and set to bear witness to God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world. Section 2. To participate in God’s mission, this congregation as a part of the Church shall: Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the Sacraments, and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness and service. 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. 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. 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 itself to their needs. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, and 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. 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. Section 3. To fulfill these purposes, this congregation shall: Provide services of worship at which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered. Provide pastoral care and assist all members to participate in this ministry. Challenge, equip, and support all members in carrying out their calling in their daily lives and in their congregation. Teach the Word of God. Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people. Respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and the suffering, and participate responsibly in society. 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. Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations, the synod, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships consistent with churchwide policy. Section 4. This congregation shall develop an organizational structure to be described in the by-laws. The church Council shall prepare descriptions of the responsibilities of each committee, task force, or other organizational groups and shall review their actions. [Such description shall be contained in continuing resolutions of the Church Council.] Section 5. This congregation shall, from time to time, adopt a mission statement which will provide specific direction for its programs. ARTICLE IV RELATION TO THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Section 1. This congregation is and shall remain a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America or its successor, and of the Northwestern Ohio Synod. Section 2. This congregation claims for itself all the rights and privileges and accepts all the duties and obligations, in connection with such membership. In so doing, this congregation recognizes the constitution, by-laws and constitutional enactments of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and of the synod to which it belongs as having governing force in its life. Section 3. This congregation covenants to support faithfully with prayer, personal service and offerings the common work of the church and of the synod for the Kingdom of God. Section 4. This constitution, and all amendments thereof, shall be transmitted to the synod for review to ascertain that none of its provisions is in conflict with the constitution and by-laws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or with the synodical constitution. The article herein embodying the Confession of Faith and the section declaring the adherence of the congregation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall not be altered without explicit action by the synod agreeing thereto. Section 5. The Bishop of the synod or his appointed representative shall have the right to be present at, and shall receive prior notice of, all meetings of the congregation, and of the church council during a pastoral vacancy. Section 6. Should the congregation desire to relocate, or merge with another congregation, it shall secure the advice and approval of the synod before any commitments to that end are entered into. Section 7. In case of strife or division, if any part of this congregation rejects the faith set forth in Article II, or refuses to abide by its obligations as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, that part of the congregation, whether a majority or a minority of its membership, which continues in unity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its faith shall be recognized as the lawful congregation and shall continue in possession of all the property of the congregation. Section 8. If this congregation a) disbands; b) ceases or fails
to maintain religious worship or services according to the tenets and usages
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; c) departs from membership
in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America without the consent of the
synod; or d) so decreases in numbers or financial strength as to render
it impracticable for the congregation to fulfill the purposes for which
it was organized or to protect its assets from waste and deterioration,
the synod to which The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Upper Sandusky,
Ohio, belongs shall have the right to take charge and control of all property
of the congregation and thereafter to hold, manage and convey the same
at the direction of the synod.
ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP Back to Table of Contents Section 1. This congregation shall consist of its pastor or pastors and other baptized persons within its fellowship. Child members are defined as those who have been baptized and are a part of the family of the congregation but who have not yet been confirmed. Adult or Confirmed members are those who have been duly received into communicant membership of the congregation by adult baptism, confirmation, certificate of transfer from another Lutheran congregation, or reaffirmation of faith. Each applicant for adult membership shall have been properly instructed in the Word of God and the faith of the Lutheran Church prior to his or her reception. All applicants for such membership shall be submitted to, and shall require the approval of, the church council. Section 2. It shall be the duty of confirmed members to avail themselves faithfully of the Means of Grace, joining regularly in the service of worship of this congregation, hearing the Word of God preached, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper. They shall earnestly study the Holy Scriptures and observe private and family devotions. As is fitting for those whom the Holy Spirit has called to faith and discipleship, the members of this congregation shall lead a Christian life in love, humility and peace, endeavoring through admonition, consolation and encouragement to edify one another. They shall endeavor to promote the unity and welfare of the congregation as a family of God. Section 3. Parents shall present their children for Holy Baptism in early infancy and shall diligently nurture them in the Christian faith in the home and in the schools provided by the congregation. Section 4. Acknowledging that all they are and they have, come as good gifts from God, members shall, as one expression of the gratitude and obedience, contribute to the financial support of the congregation and the general work of missions, mercy and education carried on by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Section 5. Confirmed members who have received Holy Communion or made a contribution of record to the congregation within the preceding two years shall be on the roll of active members and shall be so counted for report to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and to the synod. Those confirmed members who no longer qualify for that roll because they neither received holy Communion nor made a contribution of record to the congregation within the preceding two years shall be classified inactive. As such, they shall remain within the continuing concern of the congregation and shall be given conscientious pastoral care. An inactive member shall be restored by the church council to the active roll of confirmed member when he again receives the Lord’s Supper or makes a contribution of record to the congregation. Section 6. A communing member is defined as a member who has received the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at least once within the year. Section 7. Associate members are persons holding membership in other Lutheran (Christian) congregations who wish to retain such membership but desire to participate in the life and mission of this congregation. They have all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Church Council of this congregation. Section 8. At the request of a confirmed member, a transfer of membership to another Lutheran or other evangelical congregation shall be issued to him. Section 9. Membership in this congregation shall be terminated
by any other the following:
Such persons who have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons for whom the church has a continuing pastoral concern. ARTICLE VI Section 1. 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 regularly called for that purpose. Before a call is issued, the officers, or a committee elected by this congregation to recommend the call, shall seek the advice and help of the bishop of the synod. Section 2. If this congregation unites with one or more other congregations in calling a pastor, the church councils of all congregations in the parish shall meet jointly and agree on a single nomination for election, the balloting to be done separately in each congregation. Two-thirds of all the votes cast, and a majority of the votes cast in each congregation, shall be required for election. The joint church council shall issue the call. Section 3. If this congregation receives salary aid for its pastor from the Board of American Missions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, prior approval of that board must be secured to the nomination of a pastor and the amount of compensation to be offered to him. Section 4. A pastor of this congregation shall be a person whose soundness in the faith, aptness to teach, and educational qualifications have been examined and approved by the church, and who has been properly ordained; who accepts and adheres to the confession of Faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and of this congregation (ARTICLE II); and whose life and conduct are above reproach. Section 5. They shall be a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or shall promptly apply to become a member thereof upon acceptance of the call of this congregation. Should the synod refuse to receive them, or should they be deposed from the office of the ministry, they shall automatically cease to be a pastor of this congregation. Section 6. As soon as practicable after entering upon his duties, a pastor of this congregation shall be duly installed in his office by the Bishop of the synod or his appointee. Section 7. A pastor shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and conduct public worship in consistency with the faith and practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They shall care for their people individually and as a congregation, give catechetical instruction, confirm, marry in accordance with the teaching of the church and with the laws of the state, visit the sick and distressed, and bury the dead. They shall inculcate piety in individual and family life and supervise all schools and auxiliary organizations of the congregation. They shall install regularly elected members of the church council, and with the council, administer discipline. They shall seek out and encourage qualified young persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, in the homeland and abroad. They shall impart knowledge of the church and its wider ministry through distribution of its periodicals and other publications and shall endeavor to increase the liberality of this congregation in support of the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and of the synod. Section 8. In order that a pastor of this congregation may devote themselves fully to the duties of their office, they shall receive an adequate salary, paid in semi-monthly or monthly installments. Their expenses incident to attendance at meetings of the district shall be defrayed by the congregation. Section 9. The pastor shall keep the membership rolls of the congregation, reporting thereon periodically to the church council. They shall record acts in the official parish register, which shall be and remain the property of the congregation. They shall be the custodian of the seal. Section 10. When a pastor of this congregation desires to terminate their period of service, they shall submit their resignation to the church council for report to the congregation. Unless otherwise agreed, the resignation shall normally become effective two months after the date on which it is submitted. The resignation shall immediately be sent to the synod. Section 11.
Section 12. Charges against a pastor which, if sustained, would subject him to discipline shall be presented to the synod and adjudicated by it as set forth in the by-laws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Section 13. At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be appointed by the bishop of the synod with the consent of the congregation or the church council. Section 14. During said period of service, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties of a regularly called pastor. They may delegate the same in part to a supply pastor with the consent of the bishop of the synod. The interim pastor and any ministers who may assist them shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of a pastor. Section 15. This congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to the former pastor before calling a successor. Section 16. The privileges and responsibilities of an associate or assistant pastor shall be specified in their call, which shall be drafted in consultation with the bishop of the synod. ARTICLE VII Section 1. All who are on the active roll of confirmed members shall be eligible to vote in all congregational meetings. Section 2. An annual meeting of the congregation shall be held on a date to be determined by the church council. Section 3. Special congregational meetings may be called by the pastor, the church council, or shall be called at the written request of one-tenth of those on the active roll of confirmed 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 thereat. Section 4. Notice of all congregational meetings shall be given at the services of worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays or by mail to all who are on the active roll of confirmed members at least ten days in advance of the date of the meeting. Section 5. Ten percent of the active roll of confirmed members who are eligible to vote in congregational meetings shall constitute a quorum. Section 6. Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the governing parliamentary law of this congregation, except as otherwise provided in the constitution or by-laws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in the constitution of the Ohio synod of in this constitution or its by-laws. ARTICLE VIII Section 1. The church council shall consist of the pastor or pastors and twelve (12) council members. Any person on the active roll of confirmed members who is of legal age may be elected a council member subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service permitted in that office. Should a council member cease to be on the active roll of confirmed members in the congregation, or should he without excuse fail to attend four successive regular meetings of the church council, his place shall at once be declared vacant. Section 2. Council members shall be elected by ballot for terms of three years by a majority vote at the annual congregational meetings. Their tenure shall be so arranged that one-third of the terms expire annually. A council member shall be eligible to serve no more than two full terms consecutively. Vacancies occurring at interim shall be filled by the church council, the appointee to serve until the next meeting of the congregation. Section 3. All lay members of the church council shall be installed by the pastor according to the prescribed order of the church at the next public service following their election or as soon thereafter as convenient. Section 4. The duties of the church council shall include the
following:
To provide schools and facilities for Christian education for children, youth and adults. To inculcate the motives and practices of stewardship in all members of the congregation, and to encourage liberal giving to the work of the church in all its aspects at home and everywhere. To support the pastor in fulfilling their calling, and in so doing to visit the sick, the infirm and the spiritually indifferent, to minister to the poor and distressed and to seek to bring the unchurched into the fold of Christ. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastor(s) and staff and help them annual to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling, appointment or employment. To promote a spirit of peace and good will within the congregation and
if differences arise, to endeavor to restore harmony and mutual understanding.
To arrange for pastoral supply during the sickness or absence of the
pastor.
Section 5. The church council shall be the board of trustees of
the congregation, and as such shall be responsible for 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 Ohio. The church council shall not, however, have
the authority to buy, sell or encumber real property unless specifically
authorized to do so by a meeting of the congregation. It may prepare
an annual budget for adoption by the congregation, shall supervise the
expenditure of funds in accordance therewith following its adoption, and
may incur obligations of no more than $5,000.00 in excess of the anticipated
receipts only after approval by a congregational meeting.
Section 6. The church council shall see that the provisions of
this constitution and its by-laws are obeyed and that the resolutions of
the congregation are carried out.
Section 7. The church council shall be responsible for the employment
and supervision of the salaried lay workers of the congregation.
Section 8. The church council shall elect persons on the active
roll of confirmed members in the congregation who are of legal age as delegates
in the permitted numbers to the conventions of the synod and the meetings
of the district to which this congregation belongs. The expenses
incurred by such delegates in connection with their attendance, except
for travel to the conventions of the synod, shall be paid by the congregation.
Section 9. The church council shall normally meet once a month.
Special meetings may be called by the pastor or the president, and shall
be called 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.
Section 10. The church council shall submit a comprehensive report
to the congregation at the annual meeting.
Section 11. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist
of a majority of the members of the church council, including the pastor
or interim pastor, except when such person requests or consents to be absent
and has given prior approval to an agenda of routine matters which shall
be the only business of the meeting.
ARTICLE IX
Section 1. At its first meeting in each congregational year, the
church council shall elect a president, a vice-president, a secretary,
a treasurer or treasurers and, if desires, a financial secretary, who will
serve both the council and the congregation in their several capacities.
The president shall be chosen from the membership of the church council.
The other officers, if not members of the council, shall be accorded the
privilege of voice without vote in its meetings.
Section 2. All officers shall be confirmed members of the congregation
in good standing. If any of them ceases to be such, said office shall
at once be declared vacant by the council, which shall fill the vacancy
for the unexpired term.
Section 3. The president of the church council shall preside over
the meeting of said council and shall act as president of the congregation.
The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president.
Section 4. 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.
Section 5. The financial secretary; if such an office is activated,
shall receive and keep record of all income from contributing members and
other sources.
Section 6. The treasurer (s) shall keep the books of accounts of
the congregation. They shall receive all funds and disburse them
in proper order, making monthly remittance of benevolence receipts to the
treasurer of the synod.
Section 7. The treasurer (s) shall make written report of all their
transactions to the church council monthly and to the congregation, together
with a satisfactory audit, at its annual meeting.
ARTICLE X
Section 1. At its first meeting in each congregational year, the
church council shall appoint as many standing committees as the local and
wider concerns of the congregation shall require. Each such committee
shall be composed of two or more members of the council and, in addition,
other persons on the active roll of confirmed members of the congregation.
Although appointed by and responsible to the church council, these committees
shall be recognized as representative of the interests of, and performing
essential services for, the congregation as a whole. The pastor shall
have voice and vote in all committees.
Section 2. Except as stipulated in the following paragraphs, the
duties of all committees shall be assigned by the church council, along
with such instructions as in its judgment are in the best interests of
the congregation. All actions of committees shall be subject to review
by the council.
Section 3. There shall be a Committee on Christian Education.
This Committee, in association with the pastor, shall oversee the conduct
and promotion of the school 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 shall be to bring the call to the ministry
of the Gospel and to other full-time church vocations to the attention
of qualified youth of the congregation.
Section 4. There shall be a committee on Church Property.
This committee 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.
Section 5. There shall be a Committee on Evangelism and Social ministry.
This committee shall stimulate and lead all members of the congregation
in continuous and, from time to time, concerted endeavors to reawaken the
spiritually indifferent, to reach others, who are yet unwon, with the Gospel
and attach them to Christ’s church. To this end, the committee shall
devote itself to deepening spiritual life and shall periodically study
the congregation in the context of its surrounding community. This
committee shall further extend Christian compassion and helpfulness to
the ill, the aged, the orphaned, the under privileged, 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 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.
Section 6. There shall be a Finance and Stewardship Committee,
of which the treasurer(s) shall be a member, ex-officio. It may 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 church council for its action and
later presentation to a congregational meeting. The committee 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 money to the synodical treasurer. It shall, subject
to the approval of the church council, be responsible for the congregation’s
investments and its total insurance program. It shall also provide
for annual audits of the accounts of the treasurer and the financial secretary,
if there be one, as well as the accounts of the school and organizations
within the congregation. It shall also 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 shall also be responsible for the annual Every Member Visit and
other congregational efforts which lead to informed and grateful giving.
Section 7. There shall be a Committee on Worship and Music.
It shall assist the church 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 competent ushers are recruited
and trained, and that hymnals and other devotional materials are provided
and cared for. This committee 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 directors,
it shall furnish music supplies appropriate for use in the worship of a
congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Section 8. There shall be a Committee on Youth and Groups.
This committee shall oversee the organizations within the Congregation
not accounted for in other areas of this document. It shall see that
proper leadership is maintained in each organization including the work
of the Luther League. It shall serve as the promoter of functions
and events within the congregation, not accounted for in other committees.
Section 9. When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Call Committee of
seven (7) voting members shall be appointed by the church council.
Term of office will terminate at installation of the newly-called pastor.
The chairperson is to be chosen by the members of said committee.
ARTICLE XI
ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CONGREGATION
Section 1. All organizations within the congregation shall exist
to aid in the ministering to its members and to all whom it can reach with
the Gospel of Christ. As outgrowths and expressions of the congregation’s
life the organizations are subject to its oversight and direction.
The congregation at its meetings, or the church council, shall determine
their policies, guide their activities and receive reports concerning their
membership, work and finances.
Section 2. Special interest groups, other than the congregational
units of the official auxiliaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America may be organized only after authorization has been given by the
church council.
ARTICLE XII
Section 1. The offenses of which a confirmed member of this congregation
shall be subject to discipline are: denial of the Christian faith;
immoral or scandalous conduct; persistent troublemaking, especially within
the congregation; and, in general, behavior that is grossly unbecoming
a member of the Church of Christ.
Section 2. Discipline shall be administered by the church council
on behalf of the congregation, with the right to appeal to the synod in
accordance with the provisions of the synodical constitution. The
procedure which Christ instructed his disciples to follow (Matthew 18:15-17)
shall be adhered to in every case, proceeding through these successive
steps; 1) private admonition by the pastor, 2) admonition by the pastor
in the presence of two or three witnesses, and 3) citation to appear before
the church council.
Section 3. Persons cited to appear before the church council shall
be served with written summons at least ten days before the hearing.
In addition to notifying the accused of the time and place to appear, the
summons shall specify the exact charges that have been made against him.
If the accused fails to appear at the appointed hour without valid excuse,
the council may proceed with the hearing and may pass judgment in his absence.
Section 4. Should the accused be found guilty by the vote of at
least a majority of the members of the church council and renewed admonition
prove ineffectual, the council shall impose one of the following penalties:
1) censure before the council or the congregation; 2) suspension from membership
until proof is given of sufficient repentance and amendment; or 3) excommunication.
A resolution of the council suspending or excommunicating a member of this
congregation shall be delivered to him in writing.
Section 5. Acts of discipline may be reconsidered and revoked
by the church council upon receipt of evidence that injustice has been
done.
ARTICLE XIII
Section 1. This congregation may adopt by-laws. No by-law
may conflict with this constitution.
Section 2. By-laws may be adopted or amended at any legally called
meeting of this congregation with a quorum present by a majority vote of
those voting members present and voting.
Section 3. Changes to the by-laws may be proposed by any voting
member provided, however, that such additions or amendments be submitted
in writing to the church council at least 60 days before a regular or special
Congregational Meeting called for that purpose and that the church council
notify the members of the proposal with its recommendations at least 30
days in advance of the Congregational Meeting.
ARTICLE XIV
Section 1. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by
at least five (5) voting members or by the church council. Proposals
must be filed in writing with the church council sixty (60) days before
formal consideration by this congregation at is regular or special meeting
called for that purpose. The church council shall notify the members
of the proposal with the recommendations at least thirty (30) days in advance
of the meeting.
Section 2. A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:
be approved at a properly called meeting according to this constitution
by a majority vote of those present and voting; and
be ratified without change at the next annual meeting by a two-thirds
majority vote of those present and voting; and
have the effective date included in the resolution and noted in the
constitution.
Section 3. Any amendments to this constitution shall be sent by
the secretary of this congregation to the synod. The amendment shall
become effective within 120 days from the date of the receipt of the notice
by the synod unless the synod informs this congregation that the amendment
is in conflict with the constitution and by-laws of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, or the constitution of the Northwestern Ohio Synod.
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