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 as a congregation 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.
C 1.01 The name of this congregation shall be
Bethel Lutheran Church.
C 1.02 For
the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Bethel
Lutheran Church congregation is hereinafter designated as “this congregation”.
C 1.03 This congregation shall
be incorporated under the laws of the State of California.
*C 2.01 This
congregation confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
*C 2.02 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.
*C 2.03 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.
*C 2.04 This
congregation accepts the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true
declarations of the faith of this congregation.
*C 2.05 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.
*C 2.06 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.
*C 2.07 This congregation confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scriptures 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.
*C 3.01 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.
*C 3.02 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.
*C 4.01 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.
*C 4.02 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 itself 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 that the Spirit gives.
*C
4.03 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.
*C 4.04 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. Such descriptions shall be contained in continuing resolutions in the
section on the Congregation Council.
*C 4.05 This congregation shall, from time to time,
adopt a mission statement that will provide specific direction for its
programs.
*C 5.01 The powers of this
congregation are those necessary to fulfill its purpose.
*C 5.02 The powers of this
congregation are vested in the Congregation Meeting called and conducted as
provided in this constitution and bylaws.
*C 5.03 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. approve the annual budget;
e. acquire real and personal
property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means;
f. hold title to and use its
property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose;
g.
sell,
mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful
means;
h.
elect
its officers, Congregation Council and such members of boards and committees as
specified herein and require them to carry out their duties in accordance with
the constitution, the bylaws and the continuing resolutions;
i. 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 Sierra Pacific Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
*C 6.01 This congregation shall
be an interdependent part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or its
successor, and of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America. This congregation is subject to the discipline of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
*C 6.02 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.
*C 6.03 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.
*C 6.04 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.
*C 6.05 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 must 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 shall be published in the periodical of this church.
*C 6.06 If this congregation is considering
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.
*C 7.01 If this congregation
ceases to exist, title to undisposed property shall pass to the Sierra Pacific
Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
*C 7.02 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.
*C 7.03 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 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 Sierra
Pacific Synod.
*C 7.04 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.
*C 8.01
Members of this congregation shall be those baptized persons on the roll
of the 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.
*C 8.02 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 made a contribution of record to
this congregation.
d. Associate
members are persons holding membership in other Christian 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.
*C 8.03 All applications for
confirmed membership shall be submitted to and shall require the approval of
the Congregation Council.
*C 8.04 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.
*C 8.05 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.
Such persons
who have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons for whom
the Church has a continuing pastoral concern.
*C 9.01 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 elected by the Congregation Council to recommend the call, shall
seek the advice and help of the bishop of the synod.
*C 9.02 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.
*C 9.03 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 the 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
Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA.
*C 9.04 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 to by the bishop of the synod.
*C 9.05 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 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(s) without prejudice and with pay provided through
a joint synodical and churchwide fund and with housing provided by the
congregation(s).
*C 9.06 At
the 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.
*C 9.07 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.
*C 9.08 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.
*C 9.09 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 consultations involving the pastors, the
Congregation Council, and the bishop of the synod. As occasion requires, the
documents may be revised through similar consultations.
*C 9.11 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 call may also be terminated before its expiration in
accordance with the provisions of *C9.05.a.
*C 9.12 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;
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.
*C 9.13 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.
C 9.20 Ecumenical pastoral ministry
C 9.21 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.
CHAPTER 10. CONGREGATION MEETINGS
C10.01 The annual
Congregational Meeting and other regular meetings of this congregation shall be
held at a time specified in the bylaws.
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 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 Ten 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 by the
congregation shall be by majority vote except as otherwise provided in this
constitution.
C10.07 Robert's Rules of
Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of all meetings of
this congregation.
C11.01 The officers of this
congregation shall be a President, Vice President, Fiscal Officer and
Communications Officer.
C11.02 This congregation shall
elect its officers at the annual congregational meeting in the manner and for
the terms of office provided in the By-Laws. They shall become the officers of
the congregation at the time specified in the bylaws.
a.
Duties of the officers shall be those
specified in the bylaws.
b.
Any voting member of the congregation may be elected subject only to the
length of service permitted in that office.
c. Officers
of this congregation shall by virtue of that office be members of the
Congregation Council. The President, Vice President, Fiscal
Officer and Communications Officer of this congregation shall serve in the same
such office of the Congregation Council.
C11.03 No officer shall hold more than one office at
a time
C11.04 No officer shall be
eligible to serve more than three consecutive full terms in the same office.
C12.01 The membership of the
Congregation Council shall consist of the pastor(s), the four officers of this
congregation (President, Vice-president, Fiscal Officer and Communications
Officer), the Chair of the School Board and not less than five (5) nor more
than nine (9) other voting members of the congregation. The number of members
shall be set forth in the Continuing Resolutions.
C12.02 The congregation shall elect the number of council members needed to fill vacancies at the annual congregation meeting in the manner and for the terms of office provided in the Bylaws or Continuing Resolutions They shall become members of the Council at the time specified therein.
a.
Any
voting member of the congregation may be elected subject only to the length of
service permitted in that office.
C12.03 No member shall be eligible to serve more
than two consecutive full terms as an elected council member.
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, appointment, 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 consideration 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.
a.
The
Congregation Council shall be the board of directors of this congregation. As
such it 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 California except as otherwise provided herein.
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.
c. The Congregation Council may enter into contracts of up to
$1,000.00 for items not included in the budget.
c. 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 five (5) percent 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 and other benevolent
causes that further the mission of Bethel.
d. The Congregation Council
shall insure 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.
e. The Congregation Council
shall be responsible for this congregation's investments and its total
insurance program.
f. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for the raising
of funds for local and synodical budgets.
g. The Congregation Council
shall be responsible to include in the budget presented to the congregation for
approval the total of salaries/salary adjustments for called and lay staff.
h. The property of the
congregation shall be primarily for the use of the congregation in its normal
function as a Lutheran Church and shall not be used in any way contrary to the
purposes of the congregation. One time use of any property can be granted by
the majority of the Executive Committee but regular use must be approved by a
two-thirds majority of the Congregation Council.
C12.06 The Congregation Council
shall ensure that the provisions of this constitution, its bylaws and the
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 approve the appointment of the lay workers of this congregation
and shall ensure their adequate supervision.
C12.09 The Congregation
Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the annual
meeting.
C12.10 The Congregation Council
shall oversee the educational work of the congregation, including the Sunday
school, Day School, and such other agencies as the congregation may have or
establish for the purpose of Christian education.
C12.11 The Congregation
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.
C12.12 A quorum for the
transaction of business shall consist of a majority of the members of the
Congregation Council.
C13.01 An Executive Committee
is established. It shall be a standing committee and its membership shall
consist of the pastors and the officers of this congregation. The President of
the congregation serves as chair of this committee. The Executive Committee shall coordinate and
direct the entire ministry of the congregation. It shall review recommendations
of the pastors, ministry teams, committees, and members as well as the
synodical leaders. It shall make recommendations to the Council and appropriate
organizations.
C13.02
A Nominating Committee is established. It shall be a standing committee.
The Nominating Committee shall provide to
the President of the Congregation prior to the annual meeting a list of
candidates who have been found to be qualified and are willing to serve in an
elected or appointed position. It shall also serve in an advisory roll in
conjunction with the Ministry Facilitator to committee chairpersons and the
Congregation Council in identifying persons whose interests and gifts match the
needs of committees and boards.
C13.03 An Audit Committee is
established. It shall be a standing committee. The
Audit Committee shall perform an audit of the financial records of the congregation after the close of its
fiscal year. The chair of the committee shall report the results to the
Congregation Council.
C13.04 A Mutual Ministry Committee
is established. It shall be a standing committee. The Mutual Ministry Committee
shall serve as a confidant and as a support group to the pastors and staff of Bethel Lutheran Church.
C13.05 A Bethel School Board is established. It shall
be a standing committee. The Bethel School Board shall oversee the management
of the school to ensure its actions are in congruence with the philosophy and
mission of Bethel Lutheran Church.
C13.06 When a
pastoral vacancy occurs or is planned, a Call Committee shall be established by
the Congregation Council. It shall be an ad hoc committee. The Call Committee shall do all things
necessary to identify and recommend candidates for call to minister to the
congregation.
C13.07 Other congregational
standing and ad hoc committees and boards may be formed as the need arises by
decision of the congregation or Congregation Council. The purpose, membership
selection, duties and terms of office shall be specified in the bylaws and/or
the continuing resolutions of this congregation.
C13.08 Duties and terms of
office of the officers of this congregation and members of its committees and
boards shall be further specified in the bylaws and the continuing resolutions
of this congregation.
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 meeting shall, receive reports concerning their membership, work, and
finances.
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 specified in a continuing resolution.
*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 and 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.
*C15.02 The process for discipline of a member of the congregation
shall be governed as prescribed by the chapter on discipline in the Constitution,
Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. A member charged with the offense shall appear before the
Congregation Council after having received a written notice, at least 10 days
prior to the meeting, specifying the exact charges that have been made against
the member. If the member charged with the offense fails to appear at the
scheduled hearing, the Congregation Council may proceed with the hearing and
may pass judgment in the member’s absence.
*C15.03 Members of the Congregation Council who participate in the
preparation of written charges or who present evidence or testimony in the
hearing before the Congregation Council are disqualified from voting upon the
question of the guilt of the accused member. Should the allegations be
sustained by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Congregation
Council who are not disqualified but who are present and voting, and renewed
admonition prove ineffectual, the Council shall impose one of the following
disciplinary actions:
a.
censure
before the council or congregation;
b.
suspension
from membership for a definite period of time; or
c.
exclusion
from membership in this congregation.
Disciplinary
actions b. and c. shall be delivered to the member in writing.
*C15.04 The member against whom disciplinary action has been taken by
the Congregation Council shall have the right to appeal the decision to the
Synod Council. Such right may not be abridged and the decision of the Synod
Council shall be final.
*C15.05 Disciplinary
actions may be reconsidered and revoked by the Congregation Council upon
receipt of a) evidence that injustice has been done or b) evidence of
repentance and amendment.
*C15.06 For disciplinary actions in the congregation,
“due process” shall be observed as specified in 20.41.03. in the Constitution,
Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
American.
*C15.07 No member of a congregation shall be subject to
discipline for offenses that the Congregation Council has previously heard and
decided, unless so ordered by the Synod Council after an appeal.
*C15.10 Adjudication
*C15.11 When there is disagreement among factions
within this congregation on a substantive issue that cannot be resolved by the
parties, members of this congregation shall have access to the synodical bishop
for consultation after informing the chair of the Congregation Council of their
intent. If the consultation fails to resolve the issue(s), the Consultation
Committee of the synod shall consider the matter. If the Consultation Committee
of the synod shall fail to resolve the issue(s), the matter shall be referred
to the Synod Council, whose decision shall be final.
CHAPTER 16. BYLAWS
*C16.01 This congregation may adopt bylaws.
No bylaw may conflict with this constitution.
*C16.02 Bylaws
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.
*C16.03 Changes to the bylaws may be proposed
by any voting member provided, however, that such changes be submitted in
writing to the Congregation Council at least 60 days before a regular or
special Congregation Meeting called for that purpose and that the Congregation
Council notify the members of the proposal with its recommendations at least 30
days in advance of the Congregation Meeting.
*C16.04 Approved changes to the bylaws shall be sent by the secretary
of this congregation to the synod.
*C17.01 Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by at least 10
voting members or by the Congregation Council. Proposals must be filed in
writing with the Congregation Council 60 days before formal consideration by this
congregation at its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The
Congregation Council shall notify the members of the congregation of the
proposal with its recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.
*C17.02 A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:
a. be approved at a legally
called meeting according to this constitution by a majority vote of those
present and voting;
b. be ratified without change at
the next annual meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and
voting; and
c. have the effective date
included in the resolution and, if passed, noted in the constitution. (Such an
effective date must be stated in relation to the requirements of *C17.03. to
allow time for synodical review of the amendment.)
*C17.03 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 bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, or the constitution of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA.
*C17.04 Whenever the Model
Constitution for Congregations is amended by the Churchwide Assembly, this
constitution may be amended to reflect any such amendment by a simple majority
vote at any subsequent meeting of the congregation without presentation at a
prior meeting of the congregation, provided that the Congregation Council has
submitted by mail notice to the congregation of such an amendment or amendments
at least 30 days prior to the meeting. Following the adoption of an amendment,
the secretary of the congregation shall submit a copy thereof to the synod,
consistent with *C17.03.
CHAPTER
18. CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
*C18.01 The Congregation Council
may enact continuing resolutions. Such continuing resolutions may not conflict
with the constitution or bylaws of this congregation.
*C18.02 Continuing resolutions shall be enacted or amended by a
two-thirds vote of all voting members of the Congregation Council.
*C19.01 Consistent
with the provisions of the laws under which this congregation is incorporated,
this congregation may adopt provisions providing indemnification for each
person who, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Congregation
Council member, officer, employee, agent, or other member of any committee of
this congregation, was or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration, or
investigative proceeding.
* Required provision without alteration or amendment of the text in any
manner.