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Saint Ansgar's Lutheran Church |
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St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal
Congregational Constitution
The decision was made by the Saint Ansgar's Church Council to post a copy of the congregations's constitution on the church website for the perusal of all members.
This copy of the constitution of Saint Ansgar's Lutheran Church was passed to the webmaster some years ago by the late Henning Ross-Jensen, a respected elder of the church.
ST. ANSGAR'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
CONSTITUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- PREAMBLE
- ARTICLE I ---- Name & Incorporation
- ARTICLE II --- Confession Of Faith
- ARTICLE III -- Nature & Mission
- ARTICLE IV --- Membership
- ARTICLE V ---- Authority
- ARTICLE VI --- Relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran - Church in Canada
- ARTICLE VII -- Office of the Ministry
- ARTICLE VIII - Congregational Meeting
- ARTICLE IX --- Congregational Council & its Officers
- ARTICLE X ---- Duties of the Congregational Council & its Officers
- ARTICLE XI --- Auxiliaries & Organizations
- ARTICLE XII -- Bylaws & Amendments
- BYLAWS
PREAMBLE
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Recognizing that the Church of Jesus Christ and its unity in "the assembly of believers among whom the Gospel is preached in its purity and the Holy Sacraments are administered according to the Gospel", and desiring to unite as a congregation in the common confession, defence and proclamation of our faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour, we the members of the Church of Christ adopt this constitution and pledge ourselves to be governed by its provisions.
ARTICLE I: Name & Incorporation
Section 1. The name of this congregation shall be St. Ansgar's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Section 2. This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of The Province of Quebec.
ARTICLE II Confession of Faith
Section 1. This congregation confesses the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - as the one true God. It proclaims the Father as Creator and Preserver, His Son Jesus Christ as Redeemer and Lord, and the Holy Spirit as Regenerator and Sanctifier.
Section 2. This congregation confesses that the Gospel is the revelation of God's saving will and grace in Jesus Christ, which He imparts through Word and Sacrament. Through these means of grace the Holy Spirit creates believers and unites them with their Lord and with one another in the fellowship of the Holy Christian Church.
Section 3. This congregation confesses the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God, through which God still speaks, and as the only source of the Church's doctrine and the authoritative standard for the faith and life of the Church.
Section 4. This congregation subscribes the documents of the Book of Concord of 1580 as witnesses to the way in which the Holy Scriptures have been correctly understood and explained and confessed for the sake of the Gospel, namely:
a. The Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds as the chief confessions of the Christian faith;
b. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession as its basic formulation of Christian doctrine;
c. Luther's Small Catechism as a clear summary of Christian doctrine;
d. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther's Catechism, the Smalcald Articles with the Treatise, and the Formula of Concord as further witnesses to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
ARTICLE III Nature and Mission
This congregation is a worshipping, learning, witnessing and serving community of baptized persons among whom the Word is proclaimed and the Sacraments are administered according to the Gospel, and whose corporate existence is recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. It shall provide support to enable the fulfilment of the mission and ministry of this Church.
a. Worship - This congregation, remembering God's mighty acts in the past, celebrating His abiding presence, and moving toward His promised fulfilment, will listen to the Word of God in Scripture and preaching, receive the Sacraments, and respond with confession, prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and with tithes and offerings. In order to assist members to acknowledge God's rule over their lives, their own unity as Christ's body on earth, and to express their relationship with God in public and in private, the congregation shall gather for worship regularly and, in accordance with the traditions of the Lutheran Church, recruit, equip and support members for leadership in worship, use appropriate worship materials, and make certain that worship has a place in other functions of the congregation.
b. Learning - The congregation shall develop an educational program designed to assist persons to grow in grace and faith and in the knowledge of the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions for service and witness in the world. To this end it shall provide learning opportunities with appropriate curriculum, shall recruit, equip, approve and support teachers, and shall ensure that adequate study undergirds all functions of the congregation.
c. Witnessing - This congregation, relying on the Holy Spirit, shall proclaim the Gospel by word and deed and thereby invite all people to repent and believe. The congregation shall recruit, motivate, equip and support its members to witness to their faith at every opportunity in daily life so that the Lord is glorified, the fellowship is strengthened, the lapsed are restored and new members are added to the congregation. It shall provide for the communication of the Gospel through fellowship in the wider Christian community. It shall assure that all congregational functions witness to the faith of the Church.
d. Service - This congregation shall live by faith active in love. It shall motivate, equip and support its members to minister in daily life; to participate as members of a caring community; to serve as Christians in all the institutions and structures of the society of which they are a part; and individually and corporately to promote justice and reconciliation, meet human needs and alleviate suffering. In these efforts the congregation shall co-operate with the Synod and the divisions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, other Christian churches and other groups in society. It shall make certain that all its functions strengthen the motivation and ability for service.
e. Support - This congregation in faithfulness to God shall provide leadership, organizational structures, facilities and funds to enable fulfilment of its functions. The congregation shall strive to maintain effective stewardship practices, evaluate regularly the total life and ministry of the congregation, and recruit, equip and support members of the congregation to provide for these activities.
ARTICLE IV Membership
Section 1. The membership of this congregation consists of those baptized persons who
a. Have been baptized in this congregation, or
b. Having been previously baptized in the name of the Triune Good, have been received either by
i. Transfer from another Lutheran congregation,
ii. Confirmation, or
iii. Affirmation of faith.
Section 2. Members of this congregation may also be classified as confirmed and voting.
a. Confirmed members are baptized members who have been
i. Confirmed in this congregation,
ii. Received by adult baptism,
iii. Received by transfer as confirmed members from another Lutheran congregation,
iv. Received by affirmation of faith as baptized adults.
b. Voting members are those confirmed or otherwise designated members who are members in good standing and have attained the age of 18 years.
Section 3. United in one Lord, one faith and one Baptism, the members of this congregation are to be constant in worship and in the study of the Holy Scriptures, regularly nourishing their life in Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar, presenting their children for Holy Baptism and providing for their Christian instruction.
The members are called by the Spirit to lead godly lives, to promote the unity and welfare of the congregation in the bond of peace, to proclaim the Gospel and to renounce the evil one. The commitment of each baptized member to this call is to be expressed through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, its Synods and this congregation by a life of repentance, faith, prayer and the sharing of resources.
Section 4. Membership in this congregation shall be terminated by any of the following:
a. Death,
b. Resignation,
c. Transfer or release,
d. Dismissal,
e. Inactivity.
Section 5. A confirmed member who does not, for a period of two years, partake of Holy Communion, support the church with offerings and participate in the life and worship of the congregation shall be visited by the pastor and one or more of the congregation's officers and be encouraged by them to active membership. If, during the third year, the confirmed member does not actively participate, the member's name may be removed from the membership roster of the congregation, but it shall be retained on a responsibility list as one who is in special need of the congregation's prayer and concern.
Section 6. A member who advocates doctrines which are contrary to the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Church or who is guilty of conduct that is grossly unbecoming a member of the body of Christ shall be subject to discipline.
Section 7. Discipline in the congregation shall be exercised in accordance with Matthew 18:15-18.
Section 8. Discipline shall be administered by the Congregational Council. A person who is requested to appear before the Congregational Council shall be advised in writing no less than ten days prior to the hearing.
The written notice shall include the time and place of the hearing and shall specify the exact reason for the hearing. If a person fails to appear at the time and place without valid excuse, the council may proceed with the hearing and may reach its conclusion in the member's absence. Should the person be found guilty by a two-thirds vote of the members of the council, the council shall impose one of the following:
a. Censure before the Congregational Council or the congregation,
b. Suspension from membership until evidence is given of sufficient repentance and amendment,
c. Exclusion from membership and denial of the Sacraments.
In the event of the imposition of (b) or (c) above, the action of the council shall be in writing.
Section 9. There shall be the right of appeal to the congregation. Right of further appeal from a decision of the congregation shall be as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the Synod.
ARTICLE V Authority
Section 1. This congregation shall operate in accordance with its own constitution, owning its own property, making decisions in regard to its programming, calling its pastor(s) after consulting with the Bishop, and retaining authority in all other matters that have not been committed to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada or its synods in their constitutions or by subsequent enactments.
Section 2. The authority of the congregation shall be vested in the congregational meeting, called and conducted in the manner provided in this constitution,, and in the boards and committees of the congregation as provided by this constitution or as assigned by the congregational meeting.
Section 3. Real property shall not be purchased, disposed of or encumbered in any manner except by resolution adopted by no less than a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a legally called meeting of the congregation.
Section 4. Should this congregation disband, all property not disposed of, real, personal and mixed, shall vest in the Synod of which it is a part, its successor or assigns.
Section 5. Should this congregation cease to exist or should its membership so diminish in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for the congregation to function according to its constitution and bylaws, the Synod shall after consultation with any remaining members deem the congregation to be defunct. The Synod through the Synod Council shall appoint trustees, including where feasible former members of the congregation, who shall take charge and control of the property of said congregation to hold, manage and convey the same on behalf of this Synod.
Section 6. In case of strife and division in the congregation, the council shall seek the advice of the bishop of the Synod.
ARTICLE VI Relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Section 1. This congregation is and shall remain a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada or its successor and of the Synod of the Church within whose boundaries it is located or to which it has otherwise been assigned.
Section 2. This congregation claims for itself all the rights and privileges and accepts all the duties and obligations connected with being part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. In so doing this congregation recognizes the constitution, bylaws and enactments of the Church and of the Synod as having governing force in its life.
Section 3. This congregation covenants to support faithfully with prayer, personal service and offerings the common work of the Church and of the Synod for the Kingdom of God.
Section 4. This constitution, and all amendments thereto, shall be transmitted to the Synod for review to ascertain that none of its provisions is in conflict with the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada or with the synodical constitution.
Section 5. Should the congregation desire to relocate or merge with another congregation, it shall secure the advice of the Synod before any commitments to that end are entered into.
Section 6. Should the congregation desire to sever its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada this decision shall require a two-thirds majority vote of all voting members present and voting at a legally called and conducted meeting. Such a decision shall not be effective until at least thirty days after the Bishop has been notified and until the initial action has been ratified by a two-thirds majority vote at a subsequent legally called and conducted meeting.
Section 7. This congregation prohibits any corporate worship with any organization which practises the form of religion without confessing faith in the Triune God and in Jesus Christ, the eternal and incarnate Son of God, as our only Saviour.
ARTICLE VII The Office of the Ministry
Section 1. A pastor of the congregation shall be a person whose soundness in the faith, aptness to teach and educational qualifications have been examined and approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, who has been properly ordained, who accepts and adheres to the Confession of Faith of this Church, and who strives in life and conduct to the above approach.
Section 2. Authority to call a pastor shall rest in the congregation. Such authority to call shall be exercised by not less than a two-thirds majority vote of members present and voting at a meeting legally called for that purpose. Throughout the call process the Congregational Council, or a committee authorized by the congregation, shall seek the advice and counsel of the Bishop of the Synod.
Section 3. Only an ordained minister on the roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada or one who is recognized for call by a synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada may be called as a pastor of the congregation.
Section 4. Every pastor shall:
a. Preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and conduct public worship in harmony with the faith and practice of the Church;
b. Baptize, confirm and marry in accordance with the teaching of the Church and with the laws of the Province of Quebec, visit the sick and distressed and bury the dead;
c. Encourage piety in individual and family life and provide pastoral leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations v of the congregation.
d. Install members of the Congregational Council and, with the Council, administer discipline;
e. 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, at home and abroad;
f. Encourage the members to be generous in support of the ministry of the congregation, the Synod and the Church;
g. Keep accurate membership records including baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials and communicants, and submit a report of such statistics annually to the secretary of synod on forms provided by the Church. The parish records shall be kept in a separate book which shall remain the property of the congregation;
h. Commend members who move to the pastoral care of the parish in which their new home is located.
Section 5. In order that a pastor of this congregation may be devoted fully to the duties of the office, adequate compensation and premiums under the Church's pension plan shall be provided. Expenses incident to attendance at conventions of the Synod and the Church and at meetings otherwise required by the pastor's office shall be defrayed by the congregation, except where other provisions are made.
Section 6. The regular call of the congregation when accepted by a pastor shall constitute a relationship which shall be terminated only for the following causes: 1) the resignation of the pastor; 2) the attainment by the pastor of the age of sixty-five years, after which time the pastor may be called for renewable two-year terms; 3) disqualification of the pastor through discipline; 4) division of a pastoral charge; 5) the physical or mental incapacity of the pastor; 6) continued neglect of ministry; 7) inability to conduct the pastoral office satisfactorily in the parish in view of local conditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual character of the pastor.
In the last three contingencies, the procedures provided for in the constitution of the Synod shall be followed.
Section 7. In the event of alleged defection in doctrine or alleged conduct unbecoming a pastor, the matter shall be referred by the Congregational Council to the Bishop for action as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
Section 8. At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be selected by the Congregational Council after consultation with the Bishop. The interim pastor shall have the responsibility of a regularly called pastor. All interim and supply pastors shall refrain from exerting influence in the call process of the congregation.
Section 9. When an additional pastor is called, the privileges and responsibilities of that pastor shall be specified in the call drafted in consultation with the incumbent pastor(s), the Congregational Council and the Bishop.
Section 10. Upon receiving a call to another ministry, the pastor shall consult with the Bishop and the chairperson of the Congregational Council before a decision is reached. The pastor shall inform the congregation and the Bishop of the decision on the call within thirty days of official notice. When a call has been accepted, the pastor shall normally terminate the ministry within two months.
ARTICLE VIII Congregational Meeting
Section 1. An annual meeting of the congregation shall be held on a date to be stated in the bylaws. Semi-annual or quarterly meetings may be held.
Section 2. Special congregational meetings may be called by the Congregational Council and shall be called at the written request, of one-tenth 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.
Section 3. Notice of all congregational meetings shall be given at the services of worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays or by mail to all voting members at least ten days in advance of the date of the meeting. The pastor shall be notified of all regular and special meetings of the congregation.
Section 4. All voting members present shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Bourinot's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the governing parliamentary law of this congregation, except as otherwise provided in the constitution or bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada or in this constitution or its bylaws.
ARTICLE IX Congregational Council and its Officers
Section 1. At its annual meeting the congregation shall elect the following officers, each for a term of two years:
a. Chairperson
b. Vice-President
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer
e. Financial Secretary
Section 2. There shall be a Board of Deacons of two members elected at the annual meeting of the congregation, each for a term of two years. One-half of the members of the Board shall be elected at each annual meeting of the congregation. No member of the Board shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms.
Section 3. There shall be a Board of trustees of two members elected at the annual meeting of the congregation, each for a term of two years. One half of the members of the Board shall be elected at each annual meeting of the congregation. No member of the Board shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms.
Section 4. There shall be a Board of Education of two members elected at the annual meeting of the congregation, each for a term of two years. One half of the members of the Board shall be elected at each annual meeting of the congregation. No member of the Board shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms.
Section 5. There shall be a Board of Evangelism & Fellowship of two members elected at the annual meeting of the congregation, each for a term of two years. One half of the members of the Board shall be elected at each annual meeting of the congregation. No member of the Board shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms.
Section 6. The officers of the congregation and the members of the boards shall constitute the Congregational Council. The officers of the congregations shall be the officers of the Congregational Council.
Section 7. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of the Congregational Council and of all boards and committees and shall be notified of all regular or special meetings.
Section 8. All elected members of the Congregational Council shall be installed by the pastor according to the prescribed order of the Church at the next public service following their election or as soon thereafter as convenient.
Section 9. The Congregational Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation ensuring that everything is done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The Congregational Council shall exercise such authority as is delegated to it by this constitution, the bylaws and the resolutions of the congregation. It may authorize the boards to appoint committees to assist in carrying out the program of the congregation.
Section 10. A majority shall constitute the quorum for transacting the business of the Congregational Council.
Section 11. If a vacancy occurs on the Congregational Council, the council shall fill the vacancy until the next meeting of the congregation. Should the unexpired term be one year or less, it shall not be considered in determining eligibility for succession.
Section 12. A member of the Congregational Council who is absent from two consecutive regular meetings shall be contacted by the chairperson of the congregation; if a member is absent from three consecutive regular meetings without valid excuse, the council may declare the position vacant.
Section 13. A special meeting may be called by the pastor, the chairperson or any three members of the Congregational Council. Notice of such 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.
ARTICLE X Duties of the Congregational Council and its Officers
Section 1. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the council and of the congregation. The agenda shall be prepared in consultation with the pastor.
Section 2. The vice-chairperson shall preside at the meetings of the council and of the congregation in the absence of the chairperson.
Section 3. The secretary shall keep the minutes of the council and of the congregation in a volume provided by the congregation, which shall be permanently preserved in the congregational archives.
Section 4. The treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the congregation and shall receive and disburse such funds in accordance with the decision of the congregation and of the council.
Section 5. The financial secretary shall maintain records of and issue receipts for all contributions.
Section 6. The vice-president, treasurer and financial secretary, acting as a committee shall be responsible for preparation of the annual budget to be submitted to council, stewardship activities and property rentals.
The treasurer and financial secretary shall make written report of all financial transactions to the council monthly and to the congregation with audit at the annual meetings. All financial officers shall be bonded.
Section 7. The Congregational Council shall:
a. Lead the congregation in stating its mission, in doing long-range planning, in setting goals and priorities, and in evaluating its activities in the light of its mission and goals.
b. Provide support for the pastor(s) and other professional leaders, assist them to review and evaluate their ministry and review annually their financial compensation making adequate adjustments;
c. Exemplify for the congregation the life that is worthy of the high calling in Christ;
d. Promote congregational unity and good will, fostering mutual understanding in times of conflict and exercising discipline, when necessary, under the provisions of this constitution;
e. Arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor.
f. Appoint or elect all staff, voluntary or salaried, for the effective administration of all aspects of parish life;
g. Appoint such committees as may be necessary or advisable;
h. Normally meet once a month;
i. Ensure that the annual budget includes adequate support for the church at large;
j. Emphasize the partnership of the congregation with the Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and encourage support for the work of the church at large;
k. Prepare an annual budget and a presentation to the annual meeting;
1. Supervise the expenditure of funds and ensure that the financial affairs of the congregation are conducted efficiently;
m. Appoint annually an auditing committee which shall make report to the annual meeting;
n. Seek to involve all members of the congregation in the support of the congregation and make recommendations to the congregation on stewardship emphasis and programs.
Section 8. The Board of Deacons shall seek to involve all members of the congregation in worship, witness and service, and make recommendations concerning those areas of congregational life to the congregation through the Congregational Council.
Section 9. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for maintaining and protecting the property of the congregation.
Section 10. The Board of Education shall
a. Seek to involve all members of the congregation in Christian education (Sunday School, Confirmation, Bible Study, etc.) and provide opportunities for regular study;
b. Develop an effective teaching ministry and provide for the training of teachers and leaders;
c. Elect the superintendent of the Sunday School;
d. Make reports to the annual meeting of the congregation.
Section 11. The Board of Evangelism & Fellowship shall
a. Take an active role in recruiting, motivating, equipping and supporting its members to witness to their faith at every opportunity.
b. Provide for the communication of the Gospel through fellowship in the wider Christian community, including organizing outreach programs.
c. Ensure that all congregational functions witness to the faith of the church.
ARTICLE XI Auxiliaries and Organizations
All auxiliaries and organizations within the congregation shall exist to aid it in ministering to its members and to all whom it can reach with the Gospel of Christ. Regular reports concerning the program and work of these organizations and auxiliaries shall be made to the Congregational Council and congregational meetings.
ARTICLE XII Bylaws and Amendments
Section 1. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by the Congregational Council and shall be proposed by the council at the request of five voting members. Such proposed amendments shall be
a. Read at two successive public services of the congregation or mailed to the voting members not less than thirty days before the meeting at which it is to be considered;
b. Approved with or without change by a majority vote of those present and voting;
c. Approved without further change at a second congregational meeting to be held no less than thirty days later by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting;
d. Become effective upon official notice and approval of the Synod Council.
Section 2. This congregation may adopt such bylaws, not in conflict with this constitution, as may be necessary. Such bylaws may be adopted or amended at any legally called and conducted meeting of the congregation by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting.
Section 3. The Confession of Faith as stated in ARTICLE II shall be that of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
Section 4. If in the judgment of the Synod Council an amendment to the constitution or bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, to the Approved Constitution for Synods or to the Approved Constitutions for Congregations ought to entail related amendments to this constitution, receipt of an official communication to that effect from the secretary of the Synod enclosing a draft of the amendment recommended by the Synod Council shall constitute proper proposal and notice thereof. Adoption of such an amendment shall then be in order at the next following meeting of the congregation.
BYLAWS
Part I MEMBERSHIP
Constitution Article IV
1. Baptized Members
a. A child one or both of whose parents or guardians are members of the congregation, shall, upon receiving Baptism, become a baptized member.
b. A child, neither of whose parents or guardians is a member of the congregation, shall, upon receiving Baptism become a baptized member of the congregation, unless for good reason he is to be a baptized member of another congregation, in which case his membership shall be transferred to that congregation.
c. A child baptized in another congregation shall be received as a baptized member in the congregation when a transfer has been received.
d. An unbaptized adult who has received instruction and has given evidence of an adequate understanding and acceptance of the teachings of the Word of God as confessed by the Lutheran Church, shall, upon confession of faith and Baptism, become a baptized member of the congregation.
2. Confirmed Members
a. A baptized adult, not previously a confirmed member of the congregation shall become a confirmed member of the congregation through the rite of confirmation after having received instruction and having given evidence of adequate understanding of the teachings of the Word of God as confessed by the Lutheran Church.
b. A baptized member of the 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 I (d) of this part of the bylaws shall be considered a confirmed member without participation of the rite of confirmation.
c. An applicant who presents a Letter of Transfer which certifies that he is a confirmed member in good standing of a Lutheran Congregation shall become a confirmed member of the congregation upon approval by the council. The acceptance of the applicant shall be reported to the congregation.
d. An applicant for membership who presents evidence of confirmation in a Lutheran Congregation but does not have a Letter of Transfer shall be admitted to confirmed membership when the council has determined that he meets the standards of Christian faith and life indicated in the constitution and bylaws and when he has reaffirmed his faith before the congregation.
3. Voting Members
The congregational council shall determine the roster of voting members of the congregation in accordance with provisions of the constitution and bylaws. The term "in good standing" shall be defined to include those who:
a. partake in Holy Communion, and
b. contribute to the congregational treasury according to the congregation's records, and
c. participate in the life and worship of the congregation.
Part II CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Constitution Article VIII
1. The annual meeting of the congregation shall be held on the last Sunday in the month of January. Notice of the meeting shall be given as provided for in the constitution (Article VIII, Section 3.).
2. The current roster of voting, confirmed and baptized members shall be available at each meeting of the congregation.
3. The annual meeting shall receive reports from all the organizations of the congregation. Such reports, including the financial statement, shall be submitted in writing to the pastor not later than January 10th before such a meeting.
4. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be:a. Opening devotion
b. Approval of the minutes
c. Reports of the pastor, the church council, the treasurer, committees
d. Elections
e. Approval of the budget
f. Unfinished business
g. New business
h. Closing prayer
5. In the following cases voting shall be by ballot:
a. To elect the officers of the church council
b. To adopt or amend the articles of incorporation, constitution or bylaws of the congregation
c. To call a Pastor or to request his resignation
d. To excommunicate a member of the congregation or remove a member from office of the congregation
e. To sever membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
f. To dispose of, or encumber, or purchase real property
g. When requested by ten or more voting members present
Part III CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS OFFICERS
Constitution Article IX
1. The Congregational Council shall consist of the members duly elected at the annual meeting of the congregation.
2. Officers of the congregation such as chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected in alternate years, and the secretary and treasurer shall be elected in like fashion.
3. Each officer shall only succeed him/her self twice.
4. Only voting members of the congregation shall be eligible for membership on the church council.
Part IV DUTIES OF THE CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS OFFICERS
Constitution Article X
1. In addition to the duties and responsibilities provided in the constitution the Congregational Council shall:
a. Receive reports regularly from the treasurer to ascertain that the expenditures are within the budget approved by the congregation. Any expenditure in excess of the total approved budget must be approved by the congregation.
b. Appoint annually an auditing committee composed of two members which shall audit the fiscal records of the congregation and report its findings in writing to the annual meeting. Such audit shall include examination of existing insurance coverage.
c. At the first church council meeting following the annual meeting appoint a Nominating Committee composed of three to five members from its own membership and from the congregation. The pastor shall serve as convener and advisory member.
d. Convene at least once a year a meeting of all committees to meet jointly with the church council to review the life, work and program of the congregation. If deemed desirable, the council may invite the leader of each auxiliary and organization of the congregation to the joint meeting.
2. Nominating Committee
a. The members of the Nominating Committee shall serve for the year following their appointment,. The Nominating' Committee shall nominate one or more candidates for each office to be filled and shall secure the consent of each candidate,
b. The list of nominees shall be announced to the congregation in conjunction with the announcement of the meeting of the congregation at which the elections are to take place.
c. In addition to the candidates submitted by the Nominating Committee, additional nominations may be made from the floor.
d. The church council shall fill vacancies on the Nomination Committee.