Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97 ... 2008.pdfConstitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION

Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

CONSTITUTION

Table of Contents

Preamble ……………………………………………………….1

Constitution

Article I Name………………………………………………………..1

Article II Purpose……………………………………………………1

Article III Confessions………………………………………………2

Article IV Membership……………………………………………..2

Article V Office of the Ministry……………………………………4

Article VI Authority of the Congregation………………………..6

Article VII Property Rights………………………………………...6 Article VIII Doctrinal Literature………………………………….7

Article IX Synodical Membership........................................... 7

Article X By-Laws…………………………………………………..7

Article XI Amendments……...…….………………… ……………7

By-Laws

Article I Election of Officers……………………………………….9

Article II The Officers of the Congregation…………………….10

Article III The Church Council…………………………………..10 Article IV Qualifications, Terms, and Duties of Officers…...12

A. Chairman……………………………………………….12

B. Vice-Chairman…………………………………………13

C. Secretary………………………………………………..13

D. Treasurer……………………………………………….14

E. Financial Secretary……………………………………14

Article V Qualifications, Terms, and Responsibilities of Boards

A. Board of Elders………………………………………..15

B. Board of Trustees……………………………………..17

C. Board of Education…………………………………..17

Sunday School Superintendent………………….18

D. Board of Evangelism…………………………………18

E. Board of Stewardship………………………………...19

Article VI The Voters Assembly…………………………………20

Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 1

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Salem, Oregon

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

Be it resolved, that we, a congregation of Lutherans of the City of Salem, County of

Marion, State of Oregon, do in the Name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy

Ghost, and subscribing our names hereto, adopt the following:

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of this congregation shall be Messiah Lutheran Church of Salem, Oregon.

This congregation is a gathering of Believers in Christ and a nonprofit corporation.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The purpose of this congregation is: To glorify God, the Father, through His Son, Jesus

Christ, empowered by the Holy Ghost. To that end, this congregation endeavors to (1)

build up one another in faith which centers in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and, (2) to

bring others into a relationship with Jesus Christ through individual and group

evangelism. To accomplish this purpose, this congregation shall depend upon those

means of grace and power so designed by our Lord, namely the Word, and the

Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

This congregation is affiliated with the visible organization known as The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

ARTICLE III


CONFESSIONS

A. This congregation accepts without reservation:

1. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the written, inerrant Word of

God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice;

2. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and

unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, namely: the three

Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds), as

faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures, and rejects all the errors

which the creeds condemn; the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, as a true

exposition of the Word of God and a correct exhibition of doctrine of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church; and the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles, the

Treatise of the Authority and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord.

3. Any controversy involving matters of faith or doctrine that may arise in this

congregation shall be examined and corrected according to these standards.

B. All hymnals, text books, forms, writings, etc., used by this congregation for education

and worship shall conform in doctrinal content as stated in Article III, section A.

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the congregation includes:

A. Baptized members: all whom have been baptized in the name of the Triune God and

who are under the spiritual care of the pastor of this congregation, including children

who have not yet been confirmed.

B. Communicant members: baptized members who are in the Christian faith, accept the confessional standards of this Lutheran church, are familiar with the contents of

Luther's Small Catechism, and are not members of organizations whose principles and

conduct conflict with the Word of God.

1. Responsibilities of communicant membership:


a. Acceptance of the confessional standards of this congregation as stated in

Article III of this constitution.

b. Faithful attendance at divine worship.

c. Receive the Lord's Supper regularly.

d. Use the Word of God in the home through personal devotions.

e. By the power and direction of the Holy Ghost, strives to live a sanctified

life as an expression of God's love.

f. Scriptural giving of one's time, talent and treasure to the extension of

Christ's Kingdom.

2. Admission as a communicant member.

a. Rite of Confirmation

The rite whereby men, women, and children declare their intent to remain

faithful in the confession of the Triune God, even unto death.

b. Peaceful transfer from a sister Lutheran Congregation

Such transfers are secured through application to the congregation in

which the membership is held.

c. Affirmation of faith

Such persons are received who, upon their own declaration, choose to join

this Christian congregation.

3. Means of terminating membership.

a. Peaceful transfer to a sister Lutheran congregation.

b. Members who on their own have excluded themselves from the benefits of this congregation shall have their names removed by resolution of the

Voters Assembly.

c. A member whose conduct is unchristian shall be admonished according to

Matthew 18:15-20. If he or she remains impenitent after proper


admonition, he or she shall be excommunicated. Each case shall be

presented individually to the Voters Assembly for action. A two-thirds

vote by the voters present shall be required for excommunication. If such

a member deliberately absents him or herself from the meeting at which

the case is considered, or in some other manner makes it impossible to deal with the member, that member is excommunicated.

d. Those who have terminated membership forfeit all benefits of this

congregation.

C. Voting members: communicant members who have reached the age of 18 years, have

read the constitution of this congregation, and have been received by the Voters

Assembly.

1. Duties and privileges of voting membership

a. Attend meetings of the Voters Assembly.

b. Prayerfully consider service as an officer, board member, or committee

member.

2. A voting member may request release from voter status membership. The voter

member should submit such request to the Church Council for addition to the

agenda at the next voters meeting. Upon a "yes" vote of the voters assembly,

voter status will be terminated. Termination of voter membership will not affect standing as a communicant member. A member may ask to be reinstated as a

voting member.

ARTICLE V

OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY

A. This congregation has the exclusive right to call ordained and commissioned ministers.

The pastoral office shall be conferred only on such a male pastor or male candidate who

professes and adheres to the confessional standard set forth in this constitution, which is the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and

the only infallible rule of faith and practice; the three Ecumenical Creeds, namely, the

Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds, as faithful testimonies to the truth of

the Holy Scriptures, and rejects all the errors which the creeds condemn; the Unaltered

Augsburg Confession, as a true exposition of the Word of God and a correct exhibition


of doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; the Apology of the Augsburg

Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles,

the Treatise of the Authority and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord -- as

they are contained in the Book of Concord, and who is scripturally qualified for this

work.

B. Call of the pastor - The call of a pastor shall follow this procedure: The Church Council

shall appoint a call committee which shall consist of the chairman, vice-chairman,

secretary, treasurer, head elder and one additional voting member. As a part of its

duties, the call committee may consult with the congregation, the Circuit Counselor, and

the District President, as deemed necessary. The names of the candidates nominated by

the call committee shall be made known to all members by public announcement or by

bulletin. If, within a period of 14 days, no objection is entered and sustained, the

persons nominated and published shall be recognized as candidates and shall, in a

meeting constitutionally convened, proceed to an election by ballot. The candidate shall be chosen by receipt of the majority vote and the unanimous approval of the members.

The congregational members then shall recommend that the Voters Assembly, by

unanimous vote, issue a call to the chosen candidate. When a candidate is called

directly from an orthodox seminary, the constitutional authorities of Synod may be

requested to appoint the person to whom the call shall be extended.

C. Any ordained or commissioned minister may be removed from office by the Voters

Assembly by a two-thirds majority ballot vote, in Christian and lawful order, for one of

the following reasons: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, willful

neglect, abuse of the pastoral office, or inability or unwillingness to perform the duties of the pastoral office.

D. A vacancy pastor shall be appointed by the Voters Assembly upon a two-thirds majority

vote of the voters present. The vacancy pastor shall serve the congregation in

accordance with the terms agreed upon in the vacancy pastor contract until the induction

of a called pastor duly elected and qualified in accordance with Sections A and B of

Article V.


ARTICLE VI

AUTHORITY OF THE CONGREGATION

A. General - The congregation, through its Voters Assembly, shall have supreme authority in all external and internal administration and management thereof. The Voters

Assembly is not empowered to make decisions contrary to the Word of God and the

Lutheran confessions.

B. Right of Calling - The right to call a pastor is vested in the Voters Assembly and shall

not be delegated.

C. Decisions - Church business shall be decided by a majority vote of the Voters Assembly

unless otherwise specified by this constitution or bylaws. Issues of doctrine and

conscience shall be decided only on the basis of the Word of God and affirmed by the Voters Assembly.

D. Authority of Elected/Appointed Officers - Elected or appointed officers and boards shall

have no authority beyond that conferred upon them.

E. Removal from office - Any individual may be dismissed from office by the Voters

Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote. Sufficient causes for dismissal are persistent

adherence to a false doctrine, scandalous life, inability to perform, abuse of office, or

willful neglect of his or her official duties.

ARTICLE VII

PROPERTY RIGHTS

All property and assets of this congregation belong to Messiah Lutheran Church, a

confessional Lutheran Church as defined by Article III of this constitution. In the event

of a separation due to doctrinal differences, those members who remain faithful to

Messiah Lutheran Church and this constitution shall control the property and assets.

In the event that this congregation is dissolved, the property, and its disposition, shall be directed, after all outstanding debts have been paid, to a not for profit Lutheran

organization(s) engaged in affairs substantially similar to those of Messiah Lutheran

Church, which qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal

Revenue Code and its regulations, as amended, upon a two-thirds majority vote of the

members.


ARTICLE VIII

DOCTRINAL LITERATURE

In public services of this congregation, and in all ministerial acts, only such hymns,

prayers, and liturgies shall be used as conform to the confessional standards of Article

III. Likewise, in all classes for instruction in Christian Doctrine, only such books shall

be used that conform to the standards set out in Article III.

ARTICLE IX

SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP

This congregation shall hold membership in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, so as long as the Synod remains true to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions.

ARTICLE X

BY-LAWS

This congregation may adopt by-laws. Any by-law may be suspended or revised by a

two-thirds majority vote of those present at a meeting of the Voters Assembly properly

convened.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be adopted at a Voters Assembly

A. Amendments shall not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article III or with any

section of any other article that pertains to Scriptural doctrine and practice.

B. The proposed amendment(s) shall be published in the weekly bulletin for two consecutive weeks immediately preceding the Voters Assembly at which the

amendment is to be voted upon.

C. The affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the voting members present shall be

required for the adoption of amendments.


END OF CONSTITUTION


BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A. The Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee shall be composed of:

1. The members of the Board of Elders whose term of office is not expiring at

the end of the current year.

2. The members of the Board of Trustees whose term of office is not expiring

at the end of the current year.

3. The Pastor as advisory member.

B. Duties of the Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee shall present a

slate of candidates to the Church Council prior to the Voters Assembly at which

the election is held. The proposed slate should consist of two names, if possible,

for each office. The list of candidates shall be published at least two weeks prior

to the voters meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

C. Annual Election - Annual elections are held in November of each year. Elections

may be by paper ballot or acclamation.

D. Vacancies - In the event of a vacancy in any office, the Church Council shall

appoint a successor to serve until the next annual election.

E. Restriction of Terms of Office - All elected officers shall be permitted to hold the

same office for three consecutive terms. Terms run from January 1 through

December 31.

F. Restrictions on Holding Offices - No member shall chair more than one board at

one time.

G. Installation of Officers - All officers of the congregation shall be installed by the

Pastor during a public service.


ARTICLE II

THE OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION

A. THE PASTOR

"Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they

who labor in the Word and doctrine." (1 Tim. 5:17) The minister of the Gospel,

who labors in the Word and doctrine, is classified as an elder worthy of double

honor. He is to be regarded as a ruling elder and his counsel should be sought

concerning the important matters of the church. The Pastor is a voting member of

the Church Council and an advisor to all other boards and committees.

B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:

1. Chairman

2. Vice Chairman

3. Secretary

4. Treasurer

5. Financial Secretary

C. BOARDS

1. Board of Elders

2. Board of Trustees 3. Board of Evangelism

4. Board of Education

5. Board of Stewardship

ARTICLE III

THE CHURCH COUNCIL

A. ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS

1. Composition of the Church Council - The Church Council shall be

composed of the Pastor, executive officers, and board chairs.

2. Meetings - The Church Council shall ordinarily meet monthly in open

session and at other times as necessary, either in open or closed sessions

3. Presiding and Convening Authority - Any member of the Church Council

may call a special meeting of the council for the presentation of any


pressing matter relative to his or her duties. The convening authority for

regular meetings of the council is vested with its presiding officer, the

Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, or the Chairman of the

Board of Elders, in the order named.

B. DUTIES

The Church Council is vested with the management of congregational

affairs and consideration of the general welfare of the congregation. In this

regard, the council is charged:

1. To serve as the managing body of the congregation.

2. To serve as the planning body of the congregation, to submit long-range

plans and programs to the Voters Assembly for approval, and to implement those long-range plans.

3. To create necessary committees and appoint members to such committees.

4. To participate in the Voters Assembly.

5. To carry out resolutions of the Voters Assembly.

6. To write job descriptions.

7. To approve board chairs.

8. To report upon the insurance of the property of the congregation at the first

meeting of the Voters Assembly of each year.

9. To annually review all salaries and recommend adjustments.

10. To be jointly responsible for the conduct of corporate affairs. In this regard

the council's duties shall include:

a. Negotiate and sign all contracts and documents on behalf of Messiah

Lutheran Church. A valid contract must have the signature of three

executive officers.

b. Represent Messiah Lutheran Church in all legal matters and

transacts all necessary business of Messiah Lutheran Church as an

incorporated body.


c. Accept grants and bequests on behalf of Messiah Lutheran Church.

11. Arrange for election by the Voters Assembly of a delegate and an alternate

to District Conventions and other Circuit, District, or Synod sponsored meetings. The Church Council shall act as a nominating committee for

such delegates and representatives.

12. Each year, to appoint a financial review committee to perform a financial

review of the church's books and prepare a report for the April meeting of

the Voters Assembly.

ARTICLE IV

QUALIFICATIONS, TERMS, AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

All officers of the congregation, whether elected or appointed, shall meet the

requirements outlined in Holy Scriptures:

"Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for

money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested;

then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not

slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their

children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for

themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim 3:8-13

"Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy

Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business[.]"

Acts 6:3

A. CHAIRMAN

Qualifications - The chairman shall be a male voting member in good standing for the past two years.

Term of Office - One year.

Duties - The duties of the chairman shall be those generally required of an

executive officer.

1. Preside over all meetings of the Voters Assembly and the Church Council.


2. Ensure that all meetings of the Voters Assembly and Church Council are

conducted according to Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure where

those rules do not conflict with the Word of God or Christian charity and to

recommend likewise to all other boards and committees.

3. Consult with the Pastor and make recommendations to the council for

board chairs.

4. Make recommendations to the council for committee appointments as

required by the By-laws or prescribed by the council or the Voters

Assembly.

5. Ensure that all boards and committees are functioning properly, attending

meetings whenever necessary.

6. Prepare the agenda for each council meeting and Voters Assembly.

B. VICE-CHAIRMAN

Qualifications - The vice-chairman shall be a male voting member in good

standing for the past two years


Duties:

1. Preside over meetings of the Voters Assembly or the Church Council when

the Chairman is not present.

2. Attend board or committee meetings as requested by the Chairman.

3. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Chairman, the Vice-

Chairman shall succeed to the office of Chairman for the unexpired term.

C. SECRETARY

Qualifications - A voting member in good standing for the past two years.



Duties

1. Keep an accurate and permanent record of all meetings of the Voters

Assembly and the Church Council, including attendance records.

2. Maintain an accurate list of all voting members, officers (both elected and

appointed), and their terms of office.

3. Reproduce the minutes of Voters Assembly and council meetings in

sufficient number for distribution at the next meeting and for distribution to

boards and committees as requested.

4. Notify voters and council members of the date and time of regular and

special meetings.

5. Maintain files for committee reports, preserve the records of the Church

Council and Voters Assembly, and perform all such duties as generally

pertain to the office of secretary.

D. TREASURER

Qualifications - A voting member in good standing for the past two years.

Term of Office - Three years.

Duties:

1. Keep an accurate book of account.

2. Make disbursements as authorized by the council or the Voters Assembly.

3. Prepare and present a report at each council and Voters Assembly meeting.

4. Prepare an annual financial statement to be given to members at the end of

the calendar year.

5. Serve as member of the Board of Stewardship.

E. FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Qualifications - A voting member in good standing for two years.



Duties:

1. Receive, count, record, report to treasurer and verify funds via an authorizing signature, all contributions.

a. The Financial Secretary shall be assisted by another person

designated by the Church Council in the count and deposit

verification.

2. Maintain an accurate and comprehensive set of records listing individual

contributors accounts.

3. Serve as a member of the Board of Stewardship.

4. Distribute, with the assistance of the Board of Stewardship, the offering

envelopes to all members of the congregation.

5. Make available quarterly statements of contributions received to all

members of the congregation.

6. Annually order offering envelopes.

ARTICLE V

QUALIFICATIONS, TERMS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARDS

All boards shall meet no less frequently than once a quarter, but it is recommended

that each board meet once a month. Written reports of all meetings are to be

submitted to the Church Council. The Pastor is an ex officio member of all boards.

A. BOARD OF ELDERS

Number - A minimum of three men.

Qualifications - Men who are above reproach, having demonstrated their Christian

faith by living an exemplary life and possessing a mature understanding of the

teachings and confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In addition, elders

shall be voting members in good standing.



Duties:

1. Ordinarily meet with the Pastor monthly.

2. Assist the Pastor in matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the

congregation.

3. Assist the Pastor in carrying out church discipline according to Scripture.

4. Encourage a high level of spirituality in the congregation.

5. Endeavor to maintain and promote harmony in all areas of congregational

life.

6. Encourage members to attend services, to receive the Sacraments, to live

lives of Christian stewardship, and to encourage children in Christian

education.

7. Each elder shall be responsible for members assigned to him; he shall

contact his members on a regular basis, especially those that are spiritually

inactive to return to active service.

8. Assist in the service of worship so that everything is done in an orderly,

proper, and reverent manner in accord with Lutheran worship tradition.

9. Assist the Pastor in arranging for pulpit assistance, special services, and

guest speakers/pastors. If called upon, elders shall assist in the communion

service.

10. Supervise the organist, choirmaster, church ushers, acolytes, and altar guild.

11. Elders shall act as ex officio members of all boards and committees.

12. Be responsible for supplies and materials needed for worship services.

13. Be responsible for the welfare of the pastor and his family.

14. Submit a proposed board budget to the Budget Committee by September

15th

of each year.


B. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Number - A minimum of three members.

Qualifications - Voting members in good standing.


Duties:

1. Administer physical property belonging to the congregation.

2. Organize congregational workdays.

3. Procure necessary equipment and supplies for efficient maintenance.

4. Conduct annual safety and maintenance inspection of church property, with

a written report submitted to the Church Council within one week of this

inspection.


15th

of each year.

C. BOARD OF EDUCATION

Members/Qualifications/Terms

1. The Sunday School Superintendent.

2. A minimum of three voting members in good standing.

3. A term shall be three years.

Duties:

1. Supervise and direct all education including, but not limited to, Sunday

School, Confirmation, Cradle Roll, etc.


15th

of each year.


The Sunday School Superintendent

1. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a voting member in good

standing for the past two years, appointed by the pastor and the Board of

Elders.

2. Duties:

a. Enlist, in conjunction with the Pastor and Board of Education, a

teaching staff and workers for the Sunday School and obtain

substitutes when needed. The Sunday School staff shall be approved

annually by the Voters Assembly.

b. Supervise the Sunday School and be responsible for good order and

discipline.

c. Submit written reports to the Church Council and the Voters

Assembly at regularly scheduled meetings.

d. Systematically visit all classes of the Sunday School.

e. Preside as chair during business sessions of the Sunday School staff.

f. Keep Sunday School records.

D. BOARD OF EVANGELISM

Members/Terms:

1. A minimum of three voting members in good standing.


Duties:

1. Plan an evangelism program to reach out to the community.

2. Assist Pastor in training members of the congregation in lay visitation.

3. Make certain that all visitors are welcomed.

4. Submit a proposed board budget to the budget committee by September

15th

of each year.


E. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP

Members/Terms:

1. Treasurer

2. Financial Secretary

3. Three voting members in good standing.


Duties:

1. Promote a scriptural program of personal stewardship.

2. Submit a proposed board budget to the budget committee by September

15th

of each year.


ARTICLE VI - THE VOTERS ASSEMBLY

1. GENERAL

a. Meeting announcements - All regular and special meeting shall be announced in the public service (orally or in the bulletin) at least one

week prior to the meeting.

b. Additions to the Agenda of Regular Meetings - Any resolutions or

new business, not on the agenda, should be brought to the attention

of the chair prior to the meeting.

c. Special Meeting Agenda - The agenda of special meetings should be

limited to those items for which the meeting is called.

2. QUORUM

A quorum shall be 25 percent of all current voters in good standing. A

simple majority shall be required in ordinary business matters.

3. REPORTS

Regular Reports - The following shall present a report at all Voters

Assemblies: Pastor, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Board of Elders, Board

of Trustees, Board of Evangelism, Board of Education and Board of Stewardship, and any appointed committee, shall submit a written report at

each regular council meeting. The Treasurer's report shall be submitted in

writing.

4. LENGTH OF MEETINGS

Every effort shall be made to conduct the business of the meeting in a

period not to exceed two (2) hours duration, exclusive of recesses.

Business meeting time may be extended in successive fifteen (15) minute

periods by majority consent of those members present.

5. MEETING REQUIREMENTS

a. Regular Meetings - shall be held during the first month of each

quarter beginning in January. An exception to this schedule shall be

November, at which meeting officers will be elected and the

proposed budget for the following year will be presented for

discussion and adoption.


b. Special Meetings - shall be called by the Chairman, the Pastor, a

majority of the Church Council, or by written request of 10 or more

voting members, approved by the Church Council

6. ORDER OF BUSINESS

Following is the suggested order of business for regular meetings of the

Voters Assembly:

1) Prayer

2) Attendance

3) Acceptance of minutes.

4) Reception of new voting members

5) Pastor report 6) Financial Secretary report

7) Treasurer report

8) Board reports/Sunday School Superintendent

9) Committee reports

10) Old Business

11) New business

12) Open

13) Adjournment with the Lord’s Prayer.

7. COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS

a. The council shall be empowered, through the Voters Assembly, to

appoint, establish, or elect such boards and committees as are

deemed essential for its proper function.

8. THE SEAL OF THE CONGREGATION

The Seal of the congregation presents the Cross and the Crown, as symbol

of Jesus Christ the crucified and risen Savior, and as King and Lord of the

Church. The Seal shall be affixed to all wedding, baptismal, and confirmation certificates; transfers and releases; pastoral calls; agreements

with workers; and to any other official document of Messiah Lutheran

Church when a seal is deemed advisable. The seal has no legal effect.

The Pastor shall be the custodian of the Seal.

END OF BY-LAWS

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Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97 ... 2008.pdfConstitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION