CONSTITUTION FOR WESTAKER CONGREGATION

Newfolden, Minnesota

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PREAMBLE

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

We, the members of the Westaker Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of  Newfolden, do solemnly adopt the following Constitution and By-Laws:

ARTICLE I

Name of Congregation

The name of this congregation shall be Westaker Free Lutheran Church of Newfolden,  Marshall County, State of Minnesota.  

ARTICLE II

 Confession and Denominational Affiliation

1.  This congregation believes and confesses that the Holy Scriptures, the canonical  books of the Old and the New Testaments, are the Word of God, revealed for the salvation of men, and therefore, in union with baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the  only source and rule of faith, doctrine, and life in the congregation. 

2.  This congregation accepts and adheres to the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the  Anthanasian Creeds and in addition thereto, the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and Luther’s Small Catechism. All preaching and teaching in the congregation shall  conform herewith.  

3.  The public worship of this congregation, as well as the ministerial acts performed,  shall be conducted in conformity with the altar-book and rituals recommended by the  Association of Free Lutheran Congregations when the same have been endorsed by  this congregation. This congregation shall strive for the reviving of its own members  and others, and the awakening of sinners to a personal relationship to Jesus Christ by  the preaching and teaching of the Law and Gospel with the message having  preeminence over the altar service.

4.  This congregation affiliates with the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations,  endorses its Guiding Principles and Rules for work, and supports its benevolences,  that is, missions at home and abroad, Christian education, and charities. 

ARTICLE III

Membership and Voting

1.  Members of this congregation shall be those who have been legally received into the  congregation and whose membership has not later been withdrawn or transferred, or  who have not been expelled.

2.  A child of a parent who is a member of the congregation becomes a member through  Baptism. Children of non-members become members of this congregation by the act  of confirmation. (adopted February 11, 2023, see Amendments Article III, Para 2) 

3.  Adults who are to be received into the congregation must:

a. Be baptized with Christian Baptism; 

b. Be confirmed or have a knowledge of Christian doctrine equivalent to that  required for confirmation; 

c. By confession and life show that they seek first the Kingdom of God and His  righteousness; 

d. Subscribe to this constitution and partake according to ability in the work and  expenses of the congregation.  

4.  Removed (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments Article III, Para 4) 

5.  All confirmed members and those having the knowledge of Christian Doctrine  equivalent to that for confirmation, and not under church censure, are eligible to vote. 6. Every member should participate in the business meetings of the congregation. A  member who is not present cannot vote and will have to accept the decisions made by the members who were in attendance at the meeting. 

ARTICLE IV

Meetings of the Congregation

1.  The power and authority of this congregation are exercised at the congregational  meetings, which shall consist of voting members, whose decisions shall be valid  when the meeting has been called in a legal manner.  

2.  The duties of the congregational meetings are:

a. To elect all officers of the congregation. 

b. To adopt such rules and make such decisions which are considered to be of  benefit and edification, and which do not conflict with this Constitution.  

c. To decide regarding hymn books.  

(Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Article IV, Para 2. c) 

d. To determine the budget of the congregation and decide how it shall be raised. e. To act on the admission of members to the congregation upon  

recommendation of the Board of Deacons.  

3.  The annual business meeting of this congregation shall be held the second Saturday in February or as the Pastor and the Church Council may decide. 

4.  The Chairman shall preside over congregational meetings and meetings of the church  council, or, in case of his absence or a vacancy in that office, the Deacons shall  appoint someone to preside.  (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Article IV, Para 4) 

5.  Special meetings may be called by the Pastor or by the Chairman elected by the  congregation. Special meetings may likewise be called when five (5) voting  members request the same in writing.  (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Article IV, Para 5; Adopted February 22, 2003, see  Amendments, Article IV, Para 5) 

6.  All congregational meetings are legally called when they have been announced at the  public services of the congregation on two Sundays previously.  

7.  Ten voting members shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE V

1. The officers and standing committees of this congregation are:

a. Pastor; 

b. Chairman  

(Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Article V, Para 1.b) 

c. Secretary; 

d. A Board of Deacons consisting of three (3) (or more) members; 

e. A Board of Trustees consisting of three (3) (or more) members; 

f. Financial Secretary (optional); 

g. Treasurer; 

h. Sunday School Superintendent; 

i. Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) members. One member shall  be appointed each year for a three (3) year term.  

j. An Auditing Committee consisting of three (3) members. One member shall  be elected each year for a three (3) year term.  

k. Removed. 

                                 Note: The Stewardship Committee is removed from the Constitution but remains an active committee in the church. (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Article V, Para

                                               1, k.)  

l. Christian Education Committee consisting of two (2) members (plus the  Sunday School Superintendent and the Sunday School Treasurer), one being  elected each year for a two (2) year term. 

a. The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the congregation, chairman of the Board of Deacons and the advisor to all  other boards, committees, and officers of the congregation, as well as of all subsidiary societies in the congregation. He  shall faithfully keep all the ministerial records of the congregation and  function as co-archivist together with the Secretary.  

b. The election or discharge of a Pastor must take place at a legally called  business meeting of the congregation and requires a two-thirds majority of  votes cast. 

c. If the Pastor wishes to resign, or in the event of his discharge, said resignation  or discharge shall not be effective until three months have elapsed.  

d. The Pastor or Interim pastor shall be duly trained, examined and ordained, or  licensed for the ministry of the Word of God in Lutheran congregations and so long as he is the Pastor of this congregation he is required to encourage and  work for the support of the institutions of the Association of Free Lutheran  Congregations.  

3.  The Chairman shall have the same qualifications as Deacons.  (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Article V, Para 3) 

4.  The Secretary shall carefully record the minutes of all the business meetings of the  congregation, and as co-archivist preserve the records, and perform all other duties  usually incumbent upon his office. He shall be elected by the annual meeting for a  term of three (3) years.  

5.  The Treasurer shall keep all financial accounts of the congregation, receive all  contributions for current expenses or benevolences and disburse the same according  to the decision of the congregation or the Board of Trustees. He shall be elected by  the annual meeting (or by the Board of Trustees from their own number) for a term of three (3) years. All financial accounts shall be audited by the Auditing Committee,  which shall report to the congregation.  

6.  The Sunday School Superintendent shall have charge of the Sunday School and with  the necessary assistants he shall conduct it according to the rules of the congregation.  He shall     be elected by the annual meeting for one year.  

7.  The Deacons shall be persons known for their Christian life and character, being  patterns for the flock and setting a good example in their manner of life, as described  in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. They shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual care of the  congregation. One (or more) Deacon shall be elected each year at the annual meeting for a term of three (3) years.  

8.  The Board of Trustees shall have charge of the financial and material affairs of the  congregation. They are elected, one (or more) each year for terms of three (3) years  each.

9.  The Chairman, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Secretary, and Treasurer shall  constitute the Church Council. (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Article V, Para 9) 

10.  All officers of the congregation are accountable to the congregation for their official  acts.  

ARTICLE VI

Property of the Congregation

The property of the congregation cannot be disposed of or encumbered, except by  decision made by a two-thirds majority of members present at a legal meeting of the congregation. In case of a division of the congregation, the property shall remain the possession  of that part of the congregation, which remains faithful to this constitution.  

ARTICLE VII

Change of Constitution and Amendments

1.  Sections 1 and 2 of Article II shall not be changed except through the following procedure: A motion for amendment must be presented in writing and passed by a  unanimous vote at the annual meeting of the congregation and cannot be enacted until the said amendment has been considered again at the next annual meeting at which  time a unanimous vote of those present, and voting, shall be required.  

2.  This constitution, except Sections 1 and 2 of Article II, may be amended through the  following procedure: A motion for amendment of this constitution must be presented in writing at the annual meeting of the congregation and cannot be enacted until the  said amendment has been considered again at the next annual meeting at which time a two-thirds majority vote of those present, and voting, shall be required.

BY-LAWS

SECTION I

Duties of Members

1.  It is the duty of every member of voting age to attend all legally called business  meetings of the congregation, unless good and valid reasons should hinder. 

2. The congregation desires that all its members should faithfully attend the worship  services of the church, and that everyone should work according to his measure of  faith and the grace given him toward his own salvation and the edification of the  brethren. All should support the congregation in its struggle against the world and the devil, as well as in its efforts to spread and establish the Kingdom of God among all  men on earth.  

3. Recognizing that all good gifts come from above, all members shall, according as  God has prospered them, contribute toward the current expenses of the congregation,  as well as to the Christian schools, missions and charitable institutions of the  Association of Free Lutheran Congregations.  

4. All members, and especially parents, should exercise due concern for the instruction  for the young in the Christian faith in the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and  the Confirmation Class. 

SECTION II

Procedure at Congregational Meetings

1.  All meetings of the congregation shall open with Scripture reading and prayer, and shall close with prayer. 

2. The order of business for the annual meeting is:

a. The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of the congregation.  b. The report of the Pastor concerning the spiritual conditions of the  

congregation, ministerial acts performed, and recommendations by the Board  of Deacons.  

c. The report of the Board of Trustees concerning the business affairs of the  congregation by the Chairman of the Board and Treasurer. 

d. The report of the Superintendent of the Sunday school.  

e. Report from church organizations.  

f. Unfinished business, including acceptance of new members into the congregation.  

g. The election of officers.  

h. New business.  

3.  The officers and committees of the congregation to be elected at the annual business  meeting are:  

a. Chairman; (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section II, Para 3.a.) 

b. A Secretary;

SECTION III

Method of Electing Officers

1.  When calling a Pastor, the congregation shall proceed as follows:

a. At a legally called business meeting a nominating committee of three (3) members shall be elected by ballot to select candidates and report at the next  meeting of the congregation. For this purpose it is desirable that the President of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations be consulted. Before calling a Pastor it is recommended that the candidate in question be examined  by the Colloquy Committee of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Nominations may also be made from the floor.  

b. Election of a Pastor shall be by ballot, and a two-thirds majority of all votes  cast shall be required.  

c. In cases where more than two (2) candidates are submitted, the one receiving  the lowest number of votes in each balloting shall be eliminated from the next  ballot until a decision shall have been reached.  

d. A letter of call shall be executed by the Board of Deacons and the Secretary of the congregation according to the form appended to these By-Laws, signed as  indicated, and sent to the candidate, together with a copy of the Constitution  and By-Laws.  

e. If the call is accepted, the pastor shall be duly installed by a church official of  The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations who shall have been agreed  upon by the pastor and the Board of Deacons.

2.  Deacons and Trustees of the congregation shall be elected by ballot. All other  elections take place by acclamation, unless otherwise decided.

3.  Nominations for all offices, except for the Chairman and the Sunday School  Superintendent, to be filled at the annual meeting shall be submitted by the  nominating committee. At least two (2) candidates for each office to be filled by  election should be submitted but nominations shall not be closed for any office except by decision of the meeting.  (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section III, Para 3; Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section III, Para 3) 

4.  No person shall serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms as  Trustee.

5.  The same person shall not hold office both as Deacon and Trustee in the congregation at the same time.  

6.  No person shall be elected Deacon or Trustee who has not been a member of the  congregation for at least one year.  

7.  Vacancies shall be filled by elections at congregational meetings, those so elected  holding office for the remainder of the unexpired term.  

8.  Removed.  (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section III, Para 8) 

9.  That the term of office of Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer be a term of three (3) years each. These terms not to run concurrently. (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section III, Para 9)

SECTION IV

Duties of the Deacons

1.  The Board of Deacons shall elect from its midst a secretary who shall carefully record all decisions.  

2.  They shall, during the absence of the Pastor, or during a vacancy, either personally or  through some other qualified person, lead the congregation in divine worship

3.  They shall be mindful of the spiritual condition of the congregation, of the attendance at services, of the sick and needy, and shall consider plans which will further the spiritual growth of the congregation.

4.  The Board of Deacons, together with the “Christian Education Committee”, shall  supervise the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School (when it is held) and any  other such related activities, as well as remind parents concerning their duties to their  children when neglect occurs.  

5.  The Board of Deacons shall submit nominations for the office of Superintendent and  Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School and Chairman of the congregation to  the annual meeting (or other regularly called meeting) for election by the  congregation. (Adopted February 22, 2003, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section IV, Para 5) 

6.  They shall appoint a Nominating Committee to make nominations for all other offices of the congregation. 

SECTION V

Duties of the Trustees

1.  The Trustees shall hold the property of the congregation in trust for the use and  benefit of the congregation and shall preserve the deeds and other valuable papers and documents

2.  The Trustees shall not buy, sell, rent, or mortgage the property of the congregation  without the consent of the congregation. (See Article VI of Constitution).

3.  The Trustees have under no circumstances the right to hinder the Pastor or the  congregation from using the church as directed by the congregation. In addition, they  will not allow the properties to be used in a manner counter to the beliefs held by the  congregation as laid out in Article II of the Constitution and Appendix II of the By Laws (Adopted February 9. 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section V, Para 3)

4.  The Trustees shall maintain the church and property in good and proper condition for  the use of the congregation and furnish heat and light of the church as needed.  

5.  Removed. (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section V, Para 5)

6.  The Trustees may expend the sum of not over $1000.00 for improvements or  alterations, without the approval of the congregation. (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section V, Para 5)

7.  The Board of Trustees together with the Treasurer shall be individually and  collectively responsible for the funds of the church. The Board may require a report  or a personal meeting with the Treasurer at any time.

8.  The congregation may elect separate treasurers for special collections of funds, but  their accounts, when finished, shall be turned over to the same Board of Trustees  which reports concerning the same to the annual meeting.

9.  The Board of Trustees shall elect from its midst a chairman, and a secretary who shall carefully record all the proceedings of the Board, and be responsible for all records of said Board. 

10.  The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall report to the annual meeting concerning  the business affairs of the congregation.

11. 
    

a. The Board of Trustees, together with the other council members, shall  supervise the collection of funds for the expenses of the congregation. The  same shall also submit to the annual meeting a budget for current and other  necessary expenses for the ensuing year.  

b. Removed. (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section V, Para 11, b) 

12.  The Church Council shall fill other positions as needed for the function of the  church, e.g. organist, choir director, janitor, secretary, lawn care, and so forth.  (Adopted February 9, 2019, see Amendments, Bylaws, Section V, Para 12) 

SECTION VI

Admission of New Members

1.  When anyone who is eligible desires to become a member of the congregation, he shall apply to the Pastor who shall, partly by conversation and partly by conferring  with the Board of Deacons, make himself acquainted with the faith and life of the  person in question. If the Pastor and the Board of Deacons approve of his admission, his application for membership shall be recommended to the next business meeting of the congregation.

2.  When non-Lutheran persons desire to become members of this congregation, aside  from being able to satisfy the requirements for membership mentioned in Article III  of this constitution, they should be willing to receive instruction in Luther’s Small  Catechism, with special attention to the “Articles of the Creed” and the Lutheran  interpretation of the two Holy Sacraments. Christian truth as set forth in the  Catechism must be accepted unreservedly by such applicants, either by the rite of  confirmation or in some other manner satisfactory to the Board of Deacons, prior to  their acceptance into membership.

3.  The congregation shall by a rising vote act upon each application for membership at a business meeting of the congregation and a simple majority of votes shall be  necessary to accept the application.

4.  When new members have been accepted by the congregation at a business meeting,  they shall be formally received and welcomed at a public service. The Pastor shall  ask the adult candidates if they have read the Constitution, secondly, if they accept it  and will in the future be faithful to it, and thirdly, if they will contribute according to  ability toward the expenses of the congregation. To these questions each one shall  audibly answer, “Yes”. Thereupon he shall declare them members of the  congregation and shall emphasize the meaning of this relationship in a short talk or  intercessory prayer in a manner that will be the edification of both the congregation  and those admitted into it.

5.  The Pastor and his family shall automatically become members of the congregation  where they shall reside by his acceptance of the letter of call. 

SECTION VII

The Exercise of the Right to Vote

1.  A list of the voting members of the congregation shall always be available for the  chairman at every meeting of the congregation.

2.  The congregation may, when it finds it advisable, suspend the right to vote for each  one who continuously fails to fulfill his duties in supporting the congregation  financially except when the reason is poverty. Such suspension shall be in effect until all the demands of the congregation in this respect are satisfied.

3.  Members who are under church discipline cannot exercise their right to vote from the  time their case is laid before the congregation by the Board of Deacons until they are  again received into full fellowship by the congregation.

4.  Only properly marked ballots shall be counted as being valid. A blank ballot is not valid. 

SECTION VIII

Church Discipline

1. The congregation zealously watches over the purity of doctrine and life of its members, and when anyone is overtaken in any trespass it strives in the spirit of meekness and love to restore such a one in accordance with Matthew 18:15.

2.  With this purpose in mind, it is forbidden anyone to accuse a brother before the congregation without first having sought privately to admonish him in love.

3.  If such admonition fails, the case may be brought before the Board of Deacons which thereupon, after careful consideration, shall seek through admonition and conviction by the Word of God to bring the erring one to confession and repentance.

4.  If these methods fail, the Board of Deacons shall submit the matter to the congregation together with its recommendations as to the proper course to be pursued. The means the congregation may employ are:

a. Admonition and intercessory prayer in the assembly of the congregation.

b. Exclusion from participating in the Lord’s Supper.

c. Expulsion from the congregation.

5.  Manifest indifference to the Word of God and persistent non-attendance at divine worship shall be investigated by the Board of Deacons which shall by loving admonition and prayer in their behalf seek to bring the negligent members of the congregation back to the assembly of the church.

SECTION IX

Change of By-Laws

A proposal for a change in or addition to these By-Laws may be submitted in writing to any congregational meeting and cannot be acted upon until the annual meeting following. A two-thirds majority vote of the members present is required for adoption.

APPENDIX I

Letter of Call

Pastor ________________,

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pursuant to a resolution passed at a legally called meeting held by ______________________________________, Date__________________________, we hereby call you to become Pastor of said church.

As Pastor we require of you:

1. That in public and in private you preach the Word of God in its purity as given in the Holy Scriptures and in conformity with the articles of faith accepted by our Lutheran Church.

2. That publicly and privately you lead a life in keeping with the sacred ministry of the Gospel.

3. That you diligently visit those in the congregation who are in physical or spiritual distress, or who for other reasons are in need of the ministry of Christian Love.

4. That you take pains to promote the instruction of the young in the Christian religion.

5. That you observe the Constitution and By-Laws of this congregation, a copy of which is included herewith.

6. That you do not in your official pastoral capacity participate in any ministerial act that conflicts with the beliefs laid out in Article II of the Constitution and Appendix II of the By-Laws. (Adopted February 9. 2019, see Amendments, Appendix, Letter of Call)

On behalf of ____________________________Church we hereby covenant and promise:

1. That as a Christian congregation we will respect you as our Pastor and teacher in accordance with the Word of God and the Constitution and By-Laws of this church.

2. That we, The Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees, as well as the other members of this church, will, as God gives us grace and to the best of our ability, assist you in performing the duties of your ministry and in maintaining Christian order and discipline within the congregation.

3. That we in true Christian fellowship will share with you our temporal we well as our spiritual blessings. Therefore we promise to pay you a stated salary of $_________ per annum, to be payable in semi-monthly installments, unless otherwise arranged by mutual agreement, and ________offerings per year at ______________, together with all incidentals for ministerial acts, as well as residence free of charge in the parsonage maintained by the congregation.

Signed__________________

Secretary of Congregation

Deacons: Trustees:

____________________ _________________________

____________________ _________________________

____________________ _________________________

____________________ _________________________

APPENDIX II

RESOLUTIONS ON MARRIAGE FROM CONFERENCES OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FREE LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS

RESOLUTION FROM 2000 AFLC ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

WHEREAS, the attack against Biblical Christianity is so intense in society today, including a direct assault against the Bible’s teaching on marriage and the family, BE IT RESOLVED, that we as the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations reaffirm our uncompromising stand on God’s Word that marriage is instituted by God to be between one man and one woman.

WHEREAS, we live in a culture in which homosexuality is being more aggressively promoted and more broadly accepted, BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations reaffirm our love in Christ for every person including those involved in the homosexual lifestyle while rejecting their lifestyle itself as sin,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage our congregations to pray for and support with their gifts those individuals and organizations seeking to reach and rescue those in a

homosexual lifestyle by Biblical means and message.

(Adopted by the 2000 Annual Conference)

RESOLUTION FROM 2015 AFLC ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

WHEREAS we are seeing increased cultural acceptance and even promotion of homosexual behavior and homosexual “marriage;” and WHEREAS we are seeing increased pressure and legal actions by governmental bodies at all levels - local, state and federal - against citizens, churches and other organizations who believe that homosexual behavior and “marriage” is antithetical to the Word of God; and

WHEREAS the United States Supreme Court is to decide whether homosexual “marriage” is a constitutional right;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we reaffirm the Marriage and Family Resolutions adopted at the 2000 Annual Conference and that it is the sincerely held belief of the AFLC that the Word of God makes clear that homosexual behavior is sinful and that marriage is only between one man and one woman;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we encourage AFLC member congregations to consider taking official action to likewise confirm that it is their sincerely held belief that the Word of God makes clear that marriage is only between one man and one woman and that homosexual behavior is sinful.

(Adopted by the 2015 Annual Conference)

AMENDMENTS

Previous Statements

Article III, Para 2: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 11, 2023:

All children of parents who belong to the congregation become members through Baptism. Children of non-members become members of this congregation by the act of confirmation.

Article III, Para 4: Previous statement prior to removal adopted February 9, 2019:

Admission may be granted forthwith when an applicant presents a letter of transfer duly issued from some other Lutheran congregation.

Article IV, Para 2. c: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9, 2019:

To decide regarding hymn books and books of instruction.

Article IV, Para 4: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

The chairman of the meetings shall be the Pastor, or in case of his absence or a vacancy in that office, it shall be filled by the Vice-Chairman of the congregation.

Article IV, Para 5: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

In addition to the annual meeting, the congregation shall hold three quarterly business meetings or as the Council may decide. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, or by the Vice-Chairman elected by the congregation. Special meetings may likewise be called when five voting members request the same in writing.

Article IV, Para 5: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9. 2019:

In addition to the annual meeting, the congregation shall hold three quarterly business meetings or as the Council may decide. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor or by the Chairman elected by the congregation. Special meetings may likewise be called when five (5) voting members request the same in writing.

Article V, Para 1.b: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

Vice-Chairman;

Article V, Para 1.k: Previous statement prior to removal, adopted February 22, 2003:

A Stewardship Committee consisting of the Treasurer and two (2) members elected for a one-year term.

Article V, Para 3: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

The Vice-Chairman shall have the same qualifications as Deacons.

Article V, Para 9: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

The Vice-Chairman, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Secretary, and Treasurer shall constitute the Church Council.

Bylaws, Section II, Para 3.a.: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

Vice-Chairman;

Bylaws, Section III, Para 3: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

Nominations for all offices, except for the Vice-Chairman and the Sunday School Superintendent, to be filled at the annual meeting shall be submitted by the nominating committee. At least two (2) candidates for each office to be filled by election shall be submitted but nominations shall not be closed for any office except by decision of the meeting.

Bylaws, Section III, Para 3: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9, 2019:

Nominations for all offices, except for the Chairman and the Sunday School Superintendent, to be filled at the annual meeting shall be submitted by the nominating committee. At least two (2) candidates for each office to be filled by election shall be submitted but nominations shall not be closed for any office except by decision of the meeting.

Bylaws, Section III, Para 8: Previous statement prior to removal adopted February 9, 2019:

The election of delegates to the Annual Conference of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations shall also take place at a business meeting of the congregation.

Bylaws, Section III, Para 9: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

That the term of office of Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer be a term of three (3) years each. These terms not to run concurrent.

Bylaws, Section IV, Para 5: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 22, 2003:

The Board of Deacons shall submit nominations for the office of Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School and Vice-Chairman of the congregation to the annual meeting (or other regularly called meeting) for election by the congregation.

Bylaws, Section V, Para 3: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9, 2019:

The Trustees have under no circumstances the right to hinder the Pastor or the congregation from using the church as directed by the congregation.

Bylaws, Section V, Para 5: Previous statement prior to removal adopted February 9, 2019:

The Trustees shall investigate the reasons for neglect with regard to participation in the expenses of the congregation and report concerning same to the congregation.

Bylaws, Section V, Para 6: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9, 2019:

The Trustees may expend the sum of not over $1000.00 in one year, for upkeep, improvements or alterations, without the decision of the congregation.

Bylaws, Section V, Para 11, b: Previous statement prior to removal adopted February 9, 2019:

A Financial Secretary may be elected by the Board of Trustees to assist the Board in keeping a record of all moneys received for current expenses or benevolences, or other purposes. His term shall be for one year. He may or may not be a member of the Board of Trustees (optional).

Bylaws, Section V, Para 12: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9, 2019:

The Church Council shall elect the organist and choir director annually and shall hire the janitor for the church.

Bylaws, Section V, Para 12: Previous statement prior to new statement adopted February 9, 2019:

None.

Bylaws, Appendix I, Para 6: adopted February 9, 2019:

That you do not in your official pastoral capacity participate in any ministerial act that conflicts with the beliefs laid out in Art II of the Constitution and Appendix II of the By-Laws

Bylaws, Appendix II: adopted February 9, 2019:

Change the Letter of Call to Appendix I and create Appendix II, which would contain a collection of our beliefs, starting with the Resolutions from the AFLC conferences on Marriage from  2000 and 2015

Revision 1: 2-19-2010

Revision 2: 2-09-2019

Revision 3: 2-11-2023