Chapter1 Name and Incorporation
Chapter5 Powers of the Congregation
Chapter10 Congregation Meeting
Chapter12 Congregation Council
Chapter13 Congregational Meetings
Chapter14 Organizations Within the Congregation
Chapter15 Discipline of Members
Chapter18 Continuing Resolutions
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 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 the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
CHAPTER 1 NAME AND INCORPORATION
Cl.1 The name of this congregation shall be Hosanna Lutheran Church.
C1.2 For the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws the Hosanna Lutheran Church congregation is hereinafter designated as "this congregation".
Cl .3 This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio.
CHAPTER 2 CONFESSION OF FAITH
C2.1 This congregation confesses the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
C2.2 This congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel to be an embodiment of 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.
C2.3 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.
C2.4 This congregation accepts the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian creeds as true declarations of faith.
C2.5 This congregation accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
C2.6 This congregation accepts the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the church.
C2.7 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.
CHAPTER 3 NATURE OF THE CHURCH
C3. 1 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.
C3.2 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.
CHAPTER 4 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
C4.1 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.
C4.2 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 and bring them to faith in Christ 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 aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, 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 which the Spirit gives.
C4.3 To fulfill these purposes, the congregation shall:
a. Provide services of worship at which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments 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 suffering, and participate responsibly in society.
g. Motivate its members to provide financial support for the congregation's ministry and the ministry of the other parts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
h. Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations, the synod, and the church wide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
i. Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships consistent with church wide policy.
C4.4 This congregation shall develop an organizational structure to be described in the bylaws. The Church Council shall prepare descriptions of the responsibilities of each committee. Such description shall be contained in the bylaws. The Church Council shall prepare descriptions of the responsibilities of each task force or other organizational groups and shall review their actions. Such descriptions shall be contained in continuing resolutions of the Church Council.
C4.5 This congregation shall, from time to time, adopt a mission statement that will provide specific direction for its programs.
CHAPTER 5 POWERS OF THE CONGREGATION
C5.1 The powers of the congregation are those necessary to fulfill its purpose.
C5.2 The powers of this congregation are vested in the Congregation Meeting called and conducted as provided in this constitution and bylaws.
C5.3 Only such authority as is delegated to the Church 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. Appoint or terminate the appointment of associates in ministry 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 likewise dispose of its property by any lawful means.
h. Elect its Church Council, boards and committees, and require them to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution and bylaws, and continuing resolutions.
i. Terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as provided in chapter 6.
CHAPTER 6 CHURCH AFFILIATION
C6.1 This congregation shall be an interdependent part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or its successor, and of the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
C6.2 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.
C6.3 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 for appointments 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.
C6.4 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 C6.5
C6.5 This congregation may terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the following procedure:
a. A resolution indicating a 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 may 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 and the Synod Office at least 10 calendar 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.
e. Notice of termination shall be forwarded by the synodical bishop to the secretary of this church and published in the periodical of this church.
C6.6 If this congregation is considering relocation, it shall confer with the bishop of the synod 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
C7.1 If this congregation ceases to exist, title to undisposed property shall pass to the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
C7.2 If this congregation is removed from membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America according to its procedures for discipline, title to property shall continue to reside in this congregation.
C7.3 If a two-thirds majority of the voting members of this congregation, present at a regularly called and conducted special meeting of this congregation, vote to transfer to another Lutheran church body, Non-Lutheran body, or independent church, title to property shall continue to reside in this congregation. Before this congregation takes action to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, it shall consult with the representatives of the Southern Ohio Synod as covered in C6.5.
CHAPTER 8 MEMBERSHIP
C8.1 Members of this congregation shall be those baptized persons on the roll of this congregation at the time this constitution is adopted and those who are admitted thereafter and who have declared and maintain their membership in accordance with provisions of this constitution and its bylaws.
C8.2 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 who are in good standing, as provided by the bylaws. The exception shall limit voting upon financial or real property obligations where individuals must have obtained the age of eighteen (18) years.
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. They have all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Church Council of this congregation.
C8.3 All applications for confirmed membership shall be submitted to and require the approval of the Church Council of this congregation.
C8.4 It shall be the privilege and duties 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.
c. Support the work of this congregation and of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through contributions of their time, abilities and financial support as biblical stewards.
C8.5 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 Church Council.
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 care.
CHAPTER 9 THE PASTOR (S)
C9.1 Authority to call pastor(s) shall be in this congregation by at least two-thirds majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a meeting regularly called for that purpose. Before a call is issued, the Officers, or committee elected by this congregation to recommend the call, shall seek the advice and help of the bishop of the synod.
C9.2 Only a member of the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or who has been recommended for it by the synodical bishop may be called as a pastor of this congregation.
C9.3 Consistent with the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, every ordained minister shall preach the Word, administer the sacraments, conduct public worship, provide pastoral care, and shall speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God's love for the world. Each ordained minister with a congregation call shall, within the congregation, offer instruction, confirm, marry, visit the sick and distressed, and bury the dead; be a source of advisement to all schools and organizations of the congregation; install regularly elected members of the Church Council, and with the council administer discipline. Every pastor shall seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, in the nation, and abroad; shall impart knowledge of this church and its wide ministry through distribution of its periodicals and other publications; and shall endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
C9.4 The specific duties of the pastor(s), compensation, and other matters pertaining to the service of the pastor(s) shall be included in a letter of call.
C9.5 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;
a Mutual agreement to terminate the call or completion of a call for a specific term.
b. Resignation of the pastor.
c. Inability to conduct the pastoral office effectively in the congregation in view of local conditions, without reflection on the competence or the moral and spiritual character of the pastor(s).
d. The physical and mental incapacity of the pastor.
e. Disqualification of the pastor(s) through discipline on grounds of doctrine, morality, or continued neglect of duty.
f. The dissolution of the congregation.
g. In the case of alleged physical or mental incapacity of the pastor or ineffective conduct of the pastoral office, it shall be the responsibility of the bishop of the synod, when such difficulties are personally known or have been brought to the synod's attention by an official recital of allegations by the Church Council, or by a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the congregation, to investigate such conditions personally in company with a committee of two ordained ministers and one layperson.
h. 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 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.
i. The foregoing procedure shall never be invoked when questions of doctrine, morality, or continued neglect are involved, all such cases being treated as disciplinary matters.
j. If in the course of the proceedings, it shall 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 without prejudice and with pay provided through a joint church wide/synod fund and with housing provided by the congregation.
C9.6 At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor may be appointed by the bishop of the synod with the consent of this congregation or the Church Council.
C9.7 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 Church Council. The interim pastor and any ordained pastor providing assistance shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of a pastor.
C9.8 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.
C9.9 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 consultation involving the pastors, the Church Council, and the bishop of the synod. As occasion requires, the documents may be revised through a similar consultation.
C9.10 With the approval of the bishop of the synod, the congregation may depart from C9.5and call a pastor for a specific number of years. Details on such calls shall bein 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 in C9.5a.
C9.11 The pastor(s) shall keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation, and shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to the synod.
C9.12 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.
CHAPTER 10 CONGREGATION MEETING
C10.1 The semi-annual meetings of this congregation shall be held at time specified in the bylaws.
C10.2 A special Congregation Meeting may be called by the pastor(s), the Church Council, or the President of this congregation, and shall be called at the written request of at least 10% 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.
C10.3 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 voting 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.
C10.4 A majority of all voting members present shall constitute a quorum.
C1O.5 Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted.
C1O.6 All actions by the congregation shall be by majority vote except as otherwise provided in this constitution.
C10.7 Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of all meetings of this congregation.
CHAPTER 11 OFFICERS
C11.1 The officers of this congregation shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
a. Duties of the officers shall be specified in the bylaws.
b. The officers shall be voting members of the congregation.
c. Officers of this congregation shall serve similar offices of the Church Council and shall be voting members of the Congregation Council.
C11.2 At its April meeting, the congregation shall elect its officers by written ballot. Their terms shall be for one (1) year and begin on June 1 and end on May 31.
C11.3 No officer shall hold more than one office at a time. No elected officer shall be eligible to serve more than three (3) consecutive years in the same office.
CHAPTER 12 CHURCH COUNCIL
C12.1 The voting membership of the Church Council shall consist of the pastor(s) and not more than twelve(12) members of the congregation, and the officers of the congregation. The pastor(s) shall be an advisory member of all committees.
C12.2 At its April meeting the congregation shall elect its Committee Liaison members to Church Council by written ballot, as provided in the bylaws, with approximately one-third of the terms expiring annually. Committee Liaisons shall be voting members of the congregation. Their elected terms shall be for three (3) years and begin June 1 following the April congregational meeting at which they are elected. Members of Church Council, except the pastor(s), shall be eligible to serve no more than nine (9) consecutive elected years on Church Council.
C12.3 Should a member's term on Church Council or Trust Fund committee be declared vacant, the Church Council shall elect, by majority vote, a successor to fill the unexpired term.
Cl2.4 The Church Council shall have the 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 Church 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 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(s).
h. To emphasize partnership with the synod and church wide units 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 use of program resources produced or approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
C12.5 The Church Council shall be responsible for the financial and property matters of this congregation.
a. The Church Council shall be the board of directors of this congregation, and as such shall be responsible for maintaining and protecting its property and the management of its business and financial affairs. It shall have the powers and be subject to the obligations that pertain to such boards under the laws of the State of Ohio, except as otherwise provided herein.
b. The Church 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 Church Council shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by this congregation. It shall supervise the expenditures of funds in accordance with that budget. The budget cannot be exceeded by more than 10% without approval by a Congregational 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 church wide organization.
d. The Church Council shall ascertain 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 moneys to the synodical treasurer.
e. The Church Council shall be responsible for this congregation's investments and its total insurance program.
C12.6 The Church Council shall see that the provisions of this constitution, its bylaws and the continuing resolutions are carried out.
C12.7 The Church Council shall provide for an annual review of the membership roster.
C12.8 The Church Council shall be responsible for the appointment and supervision of the salaried and lay workers of this congregation.
C12.9 The Church Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the November Congregational Meeting.
C12.10 The Church Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or president, or at the request of at least one-half its members. Notice of each special meeting shall be given not less than five days prior to the meeting and shall be announced at a public service, if one is held during that period, to all those who are entitled to be present.
C12.11 A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of the members of the Church Council, including the pastor(s) or interim pastor, except when such person requests or consents to be absent and has give prior approval to an agenda of routine matters which shall be the only business of the meeting.
CHAPTER 13 CONGREGATION COMMITTEES
C13.1 Trust Fund Committee will consist of five members, serving three year terms on a staggered basis. These members cannot be members of the committee and Church Council simultaneously. They are elected at the April Congregational Meeting. The members of the committee can serve no more than two consecutive terms.
C13.2 A nominating committee will consist of the pastor(s), the Vice-President of Church Council and the Future Planning Liaison. These three will select three people from the congregation to fill out the committee. These appointees shall be approved by the Church Council.
C13.3 An Audit Committee of three voting members shall be appointed by the Church Council. Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Church Council. Term of office will be three years, with one member appointed each year. Members shall not be eligible for consecutive reappointments.
C 13.4 When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Call Committee of six voting members shall be elected by the congregation. Term of office will terminate at installation of the newly called pastor(s). The Call Committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members of the committee.
C 13.5 Other congregation committees may be formed as need arises, by decision of the Church Council.
C 13.6 Duties of congregation committees shall be specified in the bylaws.
CHAPTER 14 ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CONGREGATION
C14.1 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 determine their policies, guide their activities, and receive reports concerning their membership, work, and finances.
C14.2 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 Church Council and specified in a continuing resolution.
CHAPTER 15 DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS
Cl5.1 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, proceeding through these successive steps: a) private admonition by the pastor, b) admonition by the pastor(s) in the presence of two or three witnesses, c) citation to appear before the Church Council.
Cl5.2 A member charged with the offense shall appear before the Church Council having received a written notice, specifying the exact charges that have been made against the member, at least 10 days prior to the meeting. If the person fails to appear at the time and place without valid excuse, the Church Council may proceed with the hearing and may reach its conclusion in the member's absence.
C15.3 Should the allegations be sustained by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Church Council 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.
c. Exclusion from membership in this congregation. Disciplinary actions (b) and (c) shall be delivered to the member in writing.
C15.4 The member against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the Church 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.
Cl 5.5 Disciplinary actions may be reconsidered and revoked by the Church Council upon receipt of a) evidence that injustice has been done, b) evidence of repentance and amendment.
CHAPTER 16 BYLAWS
C16.1 This congregation may adopt bylaws. No bylaws shall conflict with this constitution. Bylaws are subordinate to the Congregation constitution.
C16.2 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.
C16.3 Changes to the bylaws may be proposed by any voting member provided, however, that such additions or amendments be submitted in writing to the Church Council at least 60 days before a regular or special Congregation Meeting called for that purpose and that the Church Council notify the members of the proposal with its recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the Congregation Meeting.
C16.4 Approved changes to the bylaws shall be sent by the secretary of this congregation to the synod.
CHAPTER 17 AMENDMENTS
C17.1 Amendments to this constitutions may be proposed by at least 10% of the voting members or by the Church Council. Proposals must be filed in writing with the Church Council at least 60 days before formal consideration by this congregation at its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The Church Council shall notify the members of the proposal with their recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.
C17.2 A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:
a. Be approved at a properly called meeting according to this constitution by a majority vote of those present and voting.
b. 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 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or the constitution of the Southern Ohio Synod.
c. Be ratified at the next semi-annual meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting, incorporating any changes from the synod into the final resolutions.
d. Have the effective date included in the resolution and noted in the constitution.
CHAPTER 18 CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
C18.1 The Church Council may enact continuing resolutions which describe the function of the various committees or organizations of this congregation and which are separate from and subordinate to the bylaws.
C18.2 Continuing resolutions shall be enacted or amended by a simple majority vote of all voting members of the Church Council present and voting.
Revised 02/14/95 (Last Revision 10/90)
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