PARTI COMMUNION PREPARATION

PARTII CONFLICTING LOYALTIES

PARTIII MEMBERSHIP

PARTIV THE PASTOR(S)

PARTV MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

PARTVI OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

PARTVII PARISH RECORDS

PART I COMMUNION PREPARATION

1 This congregation invites all its members who have been prepared to receive the Sacrament, to participate regularly in Holy Communion.

2. Preparation for Holy Communion will be offered to children when parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and pastor(s) of the baptized child deem communion participation appropriate. Normally, this will occur at or about the second grade level; if the child expresses a desire to receive the Sacrament, is able to comprehend its gifts and demonstrates an ability to participate in the entire worship service.

3. Participation in Holy Communion shall be open to members of other congregations who accept the Lutheran teaching in regard to this Sacrament.

4. It shall be made known to prospective participants that the belief of this congregation is:

a.  Participation in the Lord's Supper is the reception of "the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given with bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us to eat and drink."

b.  We hold that a "person is well prepared and worthy who believes these words, given and shed for you for the remission of sins. But anyone who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is neither prepared or worthy, for the words require simply a believing heart."

  5. Records of participation in Holy Communion shall be maintained. If a member of another congregation communes, notice shall be sent to their pastor.

PART II CONFLICTING LOYALTIES

1. The buildings for this congregation shall be open to all people who share in its worship, instruction, pastoral care, and fellowship. However, ceremonies of noncongregational organizations shall be banned from congregational property if such ceremonies are deemed in conflict with, and/or detrimental to, the faith of the Church as outlined in Chapter 2 of the constitution. Church Council and/or the pastor(s) retain the right for such decisions.

PART III MEMBERSHIP

A. Baptized Members

1. A child, one or both of whose parents or guardians are members of this congregation, shall, upon receiving Baptism, become a baptized member.

2. A child, neither of whose parents or guardians are members of this congregation, shall, upon receiving Baptism, become a baptized member of the congregation, unless for good reason they are to be a baptized member of another congregation, in which case their membership shall be transferred to that congregation.

3. A child baptized in another congregation shall be received as a baptized member in this congregation when a transfer has been received.

4. An unbaptized adult who has received instruction and has given evidence of an adequate understanding and acceptance of the teachings of the Work of God as confessed by the Lutheran Church, shall, upon confession of faith and Baptism, become a baptized member of this congregation.

5. When one or both parents of baptized children are received into the membership of this congregation, such children should be received as baptized members with the consent of the member parent or parents.

6. Where a baptized child is an orphan or a ward of someone and these people move into the area served by this congregation, the child may be received as a baptized member when it is commended to the care of this congregation, by the congregation which baptized the child.

7. When the parents of a baptized child are not themselves members of the Lutheran Church, but move into the area served by this congregation and desire to have a child put within the pastoral care of this congregation, the child may be received as a baptized member.

B. Confirmed Members

1. A baptized adult, not previously a confirmed member of a Lutheran congregation, shall become a confirmed member of this congregation after having received instruction, having given evidence of adequate understanding of the teachings of the Word of God as confessed by the Lutheran Church, and having publicly affirmed their faith.

2. A baptized member of this congregation shall become a confirmed member through the rite of confirmation; except that an adult who has become a baptized member in accordance with the provisions of section III.A.4 of these bylaws, shall be considered a confirmed member without participation in the rite of confirmation.

3. An applicant for membership who presents a Letter of Transfer which certifies they are a confirmed member in good standing of a Lutheran congregation shall become a confirmed member of this congregation upon approval of the Church Council. The acceptance of the applicant shall be reported to this congregation.

4. An applicant for membership who presents evidence of confirmation in a Lutheran congregation but does not have a Letter of Transfer, shall be admitted as a confirmed member when the Church Council has determined that they meet the standards of Christian faith and life indicated in the constitution and bylaws and when they have reaffirmed their faith before this congregation.

C. Voting Members

1. The Church Council shall determine the roster of voting members of the congregation in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and bylaws. The roster of voting members shall be available at all regularly called meetings of the congregation. The term "in good standing" shall be defined to include:

a. Those who partake of Holy Communion.

b. Those who contribute to the congregational treasury according to the congregation's records.

c. Those who participate in the life and work of the congregation.

D. Pastoral Care of Membership

1. The congregation shall, in the event of the removal of a member from the community it serves, encourage the member to request a transfer to a Lutheran congregation which can serve them effectively. Should the member fail to request a transfer, a Lutheran congregation in the community of their residence shall be notified.

2. A confirmed member in good standing desiring to change their membership to another Lutheran congregation shall, upon request, receive a Letter of Transfer.

3. A confirmed member who does not, for a period of one year, partake of Holy Communion, support the church with their offerings, and does not appear to desire to participate in the life and worship of the congregation, shall be visited by the pastor(s) and congregation's officers and encouraged by them to active membership. If during the second year, the confirmed member does not actively participate, their name shall be removed from the membership roster of the congregation., but be retained on the responsibility list as one who is in special need of the congregation's prayer and concern.

4. A child, neither of whose parents or guardians are members of this congregation, may be removed from the roster of baptized members if they fail to participate in the life and worship of the congregation.

PART IV THE PASTOR(S)

1. When the congregation has decided to call a pastor(s), it shall issue a Letter of Call to the pastor(s)-elect in the form approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It shall be signed by the chairperson and secretary of the call committee at the meeting at which the Call was voted and shall be attested by the signature of the Bishop of the Synod. A Call to a clergy person to be an assistant pastor shall be issued only with the concurrence of the pastor(s) of this congregation and in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph.

2. The Call shall normally be for an indefinite period of time. A Call issued to an assistant pastor may be for a definite time.

3. If a pastor(s) receives a Call to another ministry, they shall consult the Church Council, or if they desire, the congregation, before reaching a decision. The Pastor shall announce their decision as quickly as possible, normally within three weeks. They shall notify the Bishop of the Synod of their decision. When a Call has been accepted, the pastor(s) shall terminate their ministry as soon as feasible, normally within a month.

PART V MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

1. Announcement of the time and place of the semi-annual meetings of the congregation shall be made at two public services immediately preceding the meeting, said services to be at least a week apart; and in such publications as the congregation or Pastor(s) may periodically issue, or by written notice to the voting members mailed not less than ten days in advance of the meeting.

2. The current roster of voting, confirmed, and baptized members shall be available at each meeting of the congregation.

3. At its April meeting the congregation shall elect the appropriate number of persons to fill expiring Church Council and Trust Fund Committee positions.

4. At the November semi-annual meeting the congregation shall vote on a budget for the following year and shall receive reports from all the organizations of the church. Such reports, including a financial statement, shall be submitted in writing to the Pastor(s) not less than 14 days before such meeting.

PART VI OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

VI.A. Membership and Meetings of the Church Council

1. In addition to the provisions of the constitution, the following shall govern membership on the Church Council and the conduct of its meetings;

a.  Only a voting member of the congregation shall be eligible for membership on the Church Council.

b.  A temporary appointment may be made by Council to fill a temporary vacancy due to a leave of absence of up to twelve (12) months. This temporary appointment shall have full voting rights. This temporary appointment shall expire upon the return of the elected Council member.

c.  A member of the Church Council who is absent from two consecutive regular meetings shall be consulted by the president of the congregation. If they are absent from three consecutive regular meetings without valid excuse, the Council may declare the office vacant.

d.  A quorum for any regular or special meeting of the Church Council shall be one-half its membership.

VI.B Duties and Responsibilities of the Church Council

1. In addition to the duties and responsibilities provided in the constitution the Church Council shall;

a.  Secure necessary staff other than the Pastor(s), such as administrative assistant, Christian day school teacher, business administrator, church musician, parish education director, parish secretary, parish worker or youth worker, intern, custodian, etc., and fix and review annually their salaries, performance and priorities.

b.  Review annually the salary of the Pastor(s) and make adjustments from time to time within the limits of the budget approved by the congregation.

c.  Receive reports regularly from the Treasurer to ascertain the expenditures are within the budget approved by the congregation.

d.  Assure itself that the Treasurer and others who have access to the funds of the congregation are adequately bonded.

e.  Appoint one new member in January to the audit committee which shall audit the fiscal records of the congregation and report its findings in writing at the April congregational meeting. Such audits shall include examination of existing insurance coverage.

f.  Be responsible for the buildings and premises of the congregation so that their use is normally limited to the functions of the congregation. Should groups or individuals not associated with the congregation desire to use such property, application shall be made to the Church Council for its approval.

g.  Exercise discipline in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.

h.  Form the following committees with the elected Church Council Committee Liaison guiding the activities that may be deemed necessary in the future. Each committee shall consist of the Church Council Committee Liaison plus four members and/or additional members as deemed necessary. Each committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members;

Worship
Adult Ministries
Property and Grounds
Stewardship
Care
Evangelism
Youth
Fellowship

i.  Have authority between meetings of the congregation to choose delegates to any group or meeting in which the congregation is entitled representation.

j.  Provide for a constitutional review every five (5) years. Submit for council and congregational approval, all constitution and bylaw changes.

  VI.C Duties of Officers

1 The president shall preside at meetings of the Church Council and of the congregation, and sign contracts and legal documents on behalf of the congregation.

2. The vice-president shall preside at meetings of the Church Council and of the congregation in the absence of the president. The vice-president shall also oversee the committees.

3. The secretary shall keep the minutes of the Church Council and of the congregation and shall have custody of the archives of the congregation.

4. The treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the congregation. They shall receive and disburse such funds in accordance with the decisions of the congregation and Church Council.

VI.D Duties and Responsibilities of the Committees

VI.D.l The Worship Committee shall;

a. Provide for meaningful and orderly worship consistent with Lutheran teaching and heritage.

b. Provide for the necessary personnel to prepare the worship setting and carry out its intention.

c. Obtain substitute pastoral assistance for vacation Sundays.

d. Manage the use of music and the fine arts; interview and make recommendations to council of persons to fill positions such as music directors, organists, etc.

VI.D.2 The Adult Ministry Committee shall:

a. Provide an effective education ministry for adults.

VI.D.3 The Stewardship Committee shall:

a. Plan and promote Christian Financial Stewardship for the good of the congregation, the larger Christian Church, and the world.

b. Present a proposed budget that does not exceed all estimated income by more than 10%.

c. Manage the financial program

d. Maintain financial records in coordination with the Treasurer.

e. Recommend appointment of a Financial Secretary to the Church Council.

f. Return to congregation members quarterly statements of their gifts.

VI.D.4 The Property and Grounds Committee shall:

a. Care for property, buildings and grounds.

VI.D.5 The Care Committee shall:

a. Direct the congregation's work of ministering to their own people in times of special need.

b. Direct the congregation's work of service in the broader community.

1.  Support programs to equip members in serving human needs.

2.  Provide channels of service through existing community programs by which members of the congregation may participate in serving human need.

c.  Direct the congregation's work of service in the broader community.

l.  Oversee the benevolence program of the congregation.

2.  Serve as liaison with organizations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other churches.

d.  Direct programs of incorporating members into the life of the community, and the giving of their time and talents.

VI.D.6 The Evangelism Committee shall:

a. Develop and direct programs to equip members in their daily witness.

b. Regularly evaluate the congregational climate of evangelism and new member receptivity, channeling such evaluation to appropriate committees.

c. Develop and direct programs and a congregational climate conducive to restoring inactive members.

d. Develop and direct activities for the purpose of new member cultivation, especially among unchurched community people.

e. Direct publicity and advertisement in the community.

VI.D.7 The Youth Committee shall:

a. Assess, develop and maintain opportunities for ministry by, for and with youth of this congregation and/or community.

b. Define youth as single persons twenty-five (25) years of age or younger.

c. Have a committee membership goal of 50% adult and 50% youth representation.

d. Provide continuing education and training of teachers and appointment of a Sunday School Superintendent.

e. Establish and maintain a church library.

VI.D.8 The Fellowship Committee shall:

a. Establish and operate fellowship functions for adults.

b. Establish and operate fellowship functions for families.

c. Establish Sunday morning activities that promote interpersonal relationships between members, i.e. coffee hour, name tags, etc.

d. Encourage and support the establishment of special interest groups, i.e.;

Softball
Volleyball
Bowling Leagues
Men's group
Breakfasts
Hobby groups
Women's group
Mother/Daughter banquet
Father/Son activities

VI.D. 9 The Nominating Committee shall:

a. The nominating committee shall be composed of the Pastor(s), the vice-president of the congregation, the Future Planning Committee Liaison, who shall serve as the chairperson of the nominating committee and also the convener, and three members of the congregation who shall be appointed by the Church Council in November and shall serve from the day of appointment until April of the following year. They shall present their recommendations to the Church Council for their review and discussion. The chairperson of the Future Planning Committee shall present the slate of nominees for council members and trust fund committee members to the congregation for their selection and election at the April Congregational Meeting. Nominations may be received from the floor with the prior consent of the individual whose name is being placed in nomination.

VI.D. 10 The Trust Fund Committee shall:

a. This Trust Fund receives, invests, and disburses moneys donated to Hosanna Lutheran Church for purposes other than operational ministries. It is not a building fund. It will distribute moneys for two purposes;

1.  New ministries, beyond Hosanna's benefit.

2.  Stewardship ministries to fund special projects that cannot be achieved through current or future operational expenses.

b. The Trust Fund has two(2) funds within it;

1.  The Memorial Fund - any funds or property received shall be considered belonging to the Memorial Fund unless the donor specifically states otherwise. Both principle and interest may be spent.<

2.  The Perpetual Fund - if a donor designates, moneys will be invested in a Perpetual Fund of which only the interest can be spent.

c.  Funds can be commingled as long as records of trusts are kept.

d.  Investing plans and disbursements of funds must be congregationally approved at a regular or specially called meeting. The committee cannot act independently of the congregation.

e.  The committee consists of five members serving three year terms on a staggered basis. The chairperson shall be chosen annually among its members. These persons cannot be held liable except in cases of gross neglect or bad faith. These persons cannot be members of the committee and council simultaneously. They are elected by the congregation as are council members.

VI.E Special Committees

1.  The Church Council has authority to appoint and have committees for specific purposes, i.e. Building Committee.

2.  The chairperson may appoint to that committee one voting member of Church Council for the duration of the committee life.

PART VII PARISH RECORDS

A. The records of the congregation shall be, and remain, the property of the congregation. The Pastor(s) shall be responsible for the maintenance of these records, except as otherwise provided herein. Upon the termination of the Pastor's service to the congregation, they shall have brought the records up to date prior to departure. The records shall consist of;

1.  The roster of baptized, confirmed and voting members.

2.  The ministerial acts performed by the Pastor.

3.  The minutes and reports of the district and the Handbook of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

4.  The minutes of the meetings of the congregation and the Church Council for which the Secretary of the congregation is responsible.

5.  The financial records of the congregation for which the Treasurer of the congregation shall be responsible.

B. The Pastor(s) shall report to the secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America such statistics as may be requested, and shall annually report to the congregation a summary of their ministerial acts.

C. Should the congregation be dissolved, the official records of the congregation shall be deposited in the archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or its successors.