St. Timothy Lutheran Church

ARTICLE VIII SOCIETIES AND SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATIONS
ARTICLE IX FUND RAISING
ARTICLE X ORDER OF BUSINESS
ARTICLE XI INDEMNIFICATION

PREAMBLE
God requires that a Christian Congregation shall conform to His Divine Word in doctrine and practice (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 1:6-8; II Timothy 4:1-5) and that all things be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). Therefore, we, the members of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, accept and subscribe to the following Constitution in accordance with which all spiritual and material affairs of our congregation shall be governed.

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I - NAME & INCORPORATION
The name assumed by this corporation and which it shall be known in law is St. Timothy Lutheran Church. We are located at 450 E. Wilson Road, Otisville, Michigan. The congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of this congregation shall be to win and nurture souls for Jesus Christ through Christian fellowship and love, by the preaching of the Word of God, by the administration of the Sacraments, and by the religious instruction of all its members and prospective members, according to the confessional standards of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as found in Article III. This corporate body may hire employees, receive, hold title to, and manage such real estate and other property as it may need to accomplish said purpose and may mortgage, sell or dispose of such real estate and other property or any part thereof; and this corporate body shall have all rights and powers that are granted by the laws of the State of Michigan to religious corporations.

ARTICLE III - DOCTRINAL STANDARDS
This congregation accepts and acknowledges all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God, revealed and inerrant, and as the only trustworthy and reliable authority in all matters of faith and life.
This congregation accepts and acknowledges all the confessional writings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord of the year 1580, as true and genuine expositions of the doctrines of the Bible. These confessional writings are the following:
1. The three (3) Ecumenical Creeds: The Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian
2. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession
3. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
4. The Smalcald Articles
5. Luther's Large Catechism
6. Luther's Small Catechism
7. The Formula of Concord

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this congregation includes the following:
A. BAPTIZED MEMBERS

1. DEFINITION: Baptized members are all members who have been baptized in the name of the triune God, including the children on the membership rolls who have not yet been confirmed.
2. RECEPTION: Baptized members are received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, through transfer, or with the consent of one (1) or both parents or guardians in the case of children who have been baptized in another Christian Congregation.
3. DUTIES: Baptized members shall conform their lives to the teachings of Holy Scripture.

B. COMMUNICANT MEMBERSHIP

1. DEFINITION: Communicant members are those baptized members who have been confirmed in the Lutheran faith, accepted the doctrinal standards of Article III of this Constitution, are familiar at least with the contents of Luther's Small Catechism, and who are not members of organizations whose principles and conduct conflict with the Word of God.
2. RECEPTION: Communicant members are received through the Rite of Confirmation, by transfer from a sister congregation or by reaffirmation of faith, provided they conform to the requirements for membership in this congregation. Their reception shall be approved by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by the Pastor and Board of Elders.
3. DUTIES: Communicant members shall conform their entire lives to the rule of God's Word and to that end make diligent use of the means of grace, exercise faithful stewardship of God's gifts, and impart and accept fraternal admonition as the need for such admonition becomes apparent.
4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP: When a member of this congregation, after fruitless admonition in the various stages prescribed by the Word of God (Matthew 18:15-20), where the observance of such stages has been possible, shall be expelled by unanimous vote in a Congregational meeting, such person shall have no vote in such matter and shall forfeit all rights of membership in the congregation and all claims upon the property of the congregation as such, or upon any part thereof, as long as the member is not again received into membership by the congregation, but shall not be barred from public worship. The same forfeiture of rights shall apply to such member as refuses to submit to church discipline and thus excommunicate themselves, as also to those who sever their connection with the congregation.
Letters of transfer shall be granted by the Board of Directors and issued by the Pastor to communicant members applying to a sister congregation.
Members requesting to leave the church and join another church group may be granted a release by the Board of Directors upon request.
Members who have moved from this parish and failed to request a letter of transfer and/or release shall, after a period of one year, be contacted by the Elders and then may be declared by resolution of the Board of Directors to have forfeited their membership.

C. VOTING MEMBERSHIP:

1. DEFINITION: All communicant members who are age 18 and over shall be voting members and shall be given a copy of the constitution and bylaws of the congregation upon request.
2. DUTIES: Voting members are encouraged to attend all congregational meetings regularly, participate in the work of the congregation, and willingly accept responsibility according to ability.
3. TERMINATION: Termination of communicant membership automatically terminates voting membership.

ARTICLE V - THE OFFICES OF CALLED AND/OR CONTRACTED POSITIONS
The Pastoral office in this congregation shall be conferred upon such ministers or candidates only as profess their acceptance of and adherence to all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God, and all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church enumerated in Article III of this Constitution as derived from such Word of God, and are certified by the LC-MS. All called or contracted people shall be pledged to faithful adherence to the Word of God and the Symbols of the Lutheran Church by the call or contract extended to and accepted by them.

A. NOMINATIONS
The Board of Directors , under the leadership of the Chairman, shall serve as a Nominating Committee for all called and contracted positions. Any member of the congregation may submit the name of a candidate through any member of the Board of Directors. All names shall be submitted to the District President for information and recommendation. With the information and recommendation of names submitted along with additional names from the District's office, the Board shall present to the congregation, by means of public announcement, at least three preferred candidates, together with the biographical sketch of each. At the congregational meeting, called for the purpose of selecting a called or contracted person, the preferred list may be amended with the names from the District Office recommended list by two-thirds vote of those present.

B. ELECTIONS
The election of a called or contracted person from the list of candidates compiled by the Board of Directors shall be by secret ballot in a special meeting of the congregation called by the Chairman. The candidate receiving a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all votes cast shall, if possible, be made unanimous by a rising vote, and the call shall be sent to the elected person.

C. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Any officer or called or contracted person may be removed from office by the congregation at a congregational meeting, by secret ballot, in a Christian and lawful order for one of the following causes: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, and inability to perform his official duties or willful neglect of them. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present is required by secret ballot to remove such a person.

D. RESIGNATION
The congregation may request the resignation of officers or called or contracted persons from their position in the congregation in the case of prolonged incapacity or general incompetence. A 2/3 majority vote of those present is required for such a request.

ARTICLE VI - SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP
The congregation shall hold membership in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as long as this Synod remains true to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions. It shall send the required delegates to the conferences and conventions of the Synod when possible to do so. It shall support the work and programs of the Synod to the best of its ability.

ARTICLE VII - POWERS IN THE CONGREGATION
The congregation, represented by the Board of Directors, shall have the supreme power in the external and internal administration of its spiritual and material affairs. Any communicant member of the congregation may seek clarification from the Board of Directors relative to any matter regarding the affairs of the congregation.
The voting rights of the congregation shall be reserved for all expenditures and sales of property over $5,000.00.

ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS
The officers of this congregation shall be such officers, boards, or committees as the Bylaws of this congregation may prescribe.

ARTICLE IX - DIVISIONS / DISOLVEMENT
If at any time a division should take place in this congregation on account of doctrine, which Almighty God graciously prevent, the property of the congregation and all the benefits therewith connected shall remain with those members who shall continue to adhere to the Confession of Faith (Article 3, Constitution), and thereby remain members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
In case of disolvement all remaining assets and property will be transferred to the ownership of the Michigan District - Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

ARTICLE X - DOCTRINAL LITERATURE
Only such hymns, prayers and liturgies shall be used in the public services of the congregation and in all ministerial acts as conform to the confessional standard of Article III. Likewise, in all classes for instruction in Christian doctrine only such books shall be used as conforms to this standard.

ARTICLE XI - INDEMNIFICATION
The personal liability of the directors, officers, board members or trustees of this ecclesiastical Corporation is eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of SECTION 209 (c) of the Michigan Non-Profit Corporation Act, as that provision may be amended and supplemented. To further protect such volunteers, this Corporation assumes all liability to any person other than the Corporation or it's members for all acts or omissions of any such volunteer. The provision of this ARTICLE shall be retroactive to January 1, 1988.

ARTICLE XII - BYLAWS
This congregation may adopt such Bylaws as may be required for the accomplishment of its purpose.

ARTICLE XIII - CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

A. UNALTERABLE ARTICLES
Articles II, III, the introduction to Article V, and Article X of this Constitution shall not be subject to change or repeal.

B. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws may be adopted in a properly convened Congregation Meeting provided:

1. That they do not conflict with the provision laid down in Article III or with any section of any article that pertains to Scriptural doctrine and practices.
2. That the proposed change has been published at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting in which the amendment is voted upon.
3. Adoption of the amendment will be by a majority of all voting members present.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of St. Timothy Lutheran Church shall consist of ten (10) elected persons, at least (18) eighteen years of age, with the following titles: Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Parish Fellowship Director
Property Director
Education Director
Evangelism Director
Stewardship Director
Elder Director
Youth Director

ARTICLE II - FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS
A. CHAIRMAN

1. He shall be the presiding officer of all Congregational meetings and Board of Directors meetings unless he designates another male Director to serve in his place.
2. He shall be the chief officer of the congregation, and as such, he shall represent the congregation at any and all meetings, functions and occasions as may occur or appoint a designated representative for himself.
3. He is authorized to be our primary legal representative and to sign all legal documents.
4. He is authorized to sign checks in the absence of the Treasurer.
5. He shall be a male voting member.
6. All Boards, committees, assistants, etc. in the congregation shall be responsible to the Chairman, and he shall be welcome at any and all meetings of such groups either in person or by his designated representative.
7. At the end of each year he shall appoint an Auditing Committee, as outlined in Article VIII - B.
8. He shall prepare agendas for Board of Directors and Congregational meetings.

B. SECRETARY
The secretary shall:

1. Record and preserve a permanent record of the proceedings of all Congregational and Board of Directors meetings.
2. Conduct official correspondence of the congregation, Board of Directors, and committees under the supervision of the Chairman.
3. Present the minutes for adoption at subsequent regularly called meetings of the Congregation and Board of Directors.
4. Issue all official notifications, including notification of meetings and agendas.
5. Keep records of attendance at all Congregational meetings and Board of Directors meetings.
6. In the absence of the secretary, the chairman or his designate shall appoint a person to record the minutes of any Congregational or Board of Directors meeting.

C. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall:

1. Receive from the Financial Secretary a report of monies received through worship services, special offerings, or any other source and duly record same.
2. Be responsible for the disbursements and maintain an accurate and permanent record of congregational receipts, disbursements, and budgeted and actual expenditures according to proper accounting procedures.
3. Submit monthly financial statements to the Board of Directors, and an annual statement at the congregational meetings.
4. Submit permanent financial records for examination and audit annually.
5. Coordinate the flow of money from the treasury to the various Directors in such a way that an adequate balance is retained for the payment of salaries and other regularly recurring expenses.
6. In absence of the Chairman, be our legal representative to sign all legal documents.

D. PARISH FELLOWSHIP DIRECTOR
The Parish Fellowship Director shall be responsible for:

1. Planning (taking into consideration requests and suggestions from others) and supervising fellowship activities of the congregation from time to time through the year which will further the goals of the congregation.
2. Selecting a group of assistants, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, who will help to plan, coordinate, and execute the work necessary to the successful accomplishment of fellowship goals.
3. Providing for the reception of new members and their families into the congregation through fellowship nights and dinners.
4. Receiving and approving requests for the use of the congregation's facilities for wedding receptions and recreational activities by various groups or individuals.
5. Developing policies and rules for the use of the facilities in conjunction with the Property Director for approval by the Board of Directors, making sure the property and equipment are being used in accordance with such policies and rules.
6. Submitting an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administering the approved budget.
7. Setting up and removal of all Christmas decorations.
8. Submitting monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.

E. PROPERTY DIRECTOR
The Property Director shall be responsible for:

1. Maintaining all property and equipment of the congregation.
2. Securing adequate insurance on all properties and bonding of the Congregation's Financial Officers.
3. Submitting monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.
4. Enlisting the support and help of members for special repairs, improvement, cleaning, painting, decorating, landscaping, and other projects utilizing the time and talent file maintained by the Stewardship Director.
5. Appointing assistants as needed subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
6. Establishing and maintaining an inventory of all church properties, equipment, and supplies.
7. Submitting an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administering the approved budget.

F. EDUCATION DIRECTOR
The Education Director, in consultation with the Pastor, shall be responsible to:

1. Nuture the spiritual growth of the members; strengthen the Christian home and aid parents, children and young people in Christian family living; provide learning opportunities for all age levels of the congregation.
2. Encourage the congregation to establish agencies and organizations to help the parish best perform its education tasks (i.e. the Sunday School, youth and adult Bible Classes, Weekday Confirmation School, Vacation Bible School, etc.).
3. Appoint the superintendents and staff of the various educational agencies, including assistants as needed, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
4. Select curricula that are in keeping with the objectives and confessional standards of the church; give attention to enrollment, attendance and expansion programs; develop a teacher training and leadership education program.
5. Submit an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administer the approved budget.
6. Submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.

G. EVANGELISM DIRECTOR
The Evangelism Director shall be responsible to:

1. Plan, promote, and carry out an evangelism program in the congregation and community, appoint assistants as needed, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
2. Plan and supervise religious surveys of the community.
3. Arrange for the maintenance of sufficient files in order to keep a current Prospect record.
4. Enlist aid in greeting and visiting prospective members of the church.
5. Assist the pastor in training the membership to bring unchurched to the pastor's classes; and integrate new members into the life and work of the church.
6. Submit an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administering the approved budget.
7. Submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.

H. STEWARDSHIP DIRECTOR
The Stewardship Director, in consultation with the Pastor, shall be responsible to:

1. Give every member an opportunity to make a commitment of time, treasure and talents for Kingdom work through the congregation, annually encourage Gospel motivated giving in response to received blessings and proposed needs at St. Timothy as identified in the budget.
2. Provide opportunities for the development of talents through training courses, workshops, etc and sponsor stewardship and mission information in the congregation and its organizations.
3. Maintain a congregation talent file at all times, and provide for the immediate recording of the talents and abilities of incoming members.
4. Prepare the annual proposed budget for submission to the Board of Directors.
5. Appoint a qualified person to serve as Financial Secretary and other assistants subject to approval of the Board of Directors
6. Requisition and distribute offering envelopes.
7. Submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.
8. Submit an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administer the approved budget

I. ELDER DIRECTOR
The Elder Director shall:

1. Assist the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation.
2. Be a male voting member.
3. In the absence of Chairman and unless otherwise designated the Elder Director shall lead the Directors and /or Congregational meetings.
4. Engage in continual review of communion and church attendance of all members and make every effort to encourage members who have been negligent in their attendance at services, in the use of the Sacraments, and the financial support of the church, to fully enjoy the rights and privileges of their membership.
5. See to it that all services are conducted in such a manner as to avoid needless disturbances and to foster an attitude conducive to worship among those in attendance.
6. Assist the Pastor in arranging for pulpit assistance, music, special services,and guest speakers; including the administration of the Sacraments and the scheduling of services.
7. Consider complaints and grievances of members of the congregation if Matthew 18:15-16 has been fully observed, and report to the Board of Directors those which cannot be otherwise adjusted, in accordance with Matthew 18:17-18.
8. Supervise the duties of the Altar Guild.
9. Be in charge of the doctrinal content of church furnishings such as banners, candles,hymnals, etc.
10. Appoint, with the assistance of the Pastor, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, other men as assistants.
11. Be concerned about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the Pastor and his family, and annually review compensation.
12. Insure that the congregation functions in accordance with the established doctrine of the Church as listed in Article III of this Constitution.
13. Determine eligibility for membership of all individuals and families applying for membership in this congregation according to this Constitution.
14. Appoint the head usher and assist in supervising ushers.
15. Submit an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administer the approved budget.
16. Review yearly the salary and performance of the Church Office Secretary and Organists in conjunction with the Pastor and make appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors, or, in case of vacancy, interview and hire a replacement in conjunction with the Board of Directors.
17. The Elder Director shall also submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.

J. YOUTH DIRECTOR
The Youth Director shall:

1. Develop a program for the social fellowship of the youth of the congregation, including various recreational programs; plan and coordinate activities for youth with other youth groups outside the congregation, particularly with other Lutheran youth groups.
2. Appoint any and all boards, committees or assistants to carry out the youth ministry of the congregation subject to approval of the Board of Directors.
3. Promote attendance and involvement of the congregation's youth at all youth activities.
4. Actively engage in the selection and training of leaders for the youth program at all times.
5. Plan a special event to welcome the newly confirmed youth of the congregation and to invite them to join the Youth Group.
6. Provide for public recognition of various youth achievements and accomplishments.
7. Submit an annual budget to the Stewardship Director and administer the approved budget.
8. Submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors and/or Congregational meetings.

ARTICLE III - TERMS OF OFFICE
All members of the Board of Directors are elected for a two (2) year term with one half (1/2) of the members replaced or re-elected each year according to the following schedule:
Begins Service in Even Years
Begins Service in Odd Years
Chairman, Secretary, Property Dir.
Elder Director, Treasurer, Youth Dir.
Stewardship Dir.
Education Dir
Evangelism Director, Parish Fellowship Dir.

ARTICLE IV - ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. NOMINATIONS

1. The Chairman, at least two (2) months before the annual Congregational meeting, shall appoint the five (5) board members whose terms of office will expire that year to serve as a Nominating Committee.
2. The Pastor shall be ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee.
3. It shall be the duty of the committee to present to the annual Congregational meeting at least one (1) nomination for each opening to be filled.
4. Nominations are limited to voting communicant members of good standing.

B. ELECTION PROCEDURES
The Nominating Committee shall make arrangements for and conduct the elections at the annual Congregational meeting. They shall count the Ballots. Elections are determined on the basis of plurality. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall break any tie votes. The Nomination Committee shall announce the results as soon as all elections have been determined. Secret ballots shall be used. There shall be no absentee ballots. Newly elected officers assume office on January 1st. In case of a vacancy in an elective office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

A. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least once a month, with the possible exception of June and July if agreed upon by a majority of the Board of Directors.
2. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman or three (3) of the Directors or the Pastor. Ordinarily this meeting shall be other than the regularly monthly meeting of the Board.
3. The minutes of all regular Board of Directors' meetings are available to the congregation.
4. The Pastor does not have voting privilege in any Board of Directors' meetings. The chairman may only vote to break ties.
5. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the filled positions on the board.
6. Any Director may appoint another pre-approved person of their respective assistants to represent that Director at a Board of Directors' meeting and shall have voting privileges.
7. Directors who appoint assistants must have the members approved by the Board of Directors annually.
8. If a Director or his/her appointed assistant is not at three consecutive Directors meetings, a contact by the chairman will be made to that individual regarding the performance of duties.

B. THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

1. Shall meet annually on the 2nd Sunday of November. Special Congregational meetings may be called by the Chairman, the Pastor, or by petition of ten percent (10%) of the communicant members of the congregation.
2. The annual meeting shall elect the appropriate members of the Board of Directors. It shall approve the budget for the coming year.
3. A quorum shall consist of those members present.
4. Notice of Congregational meetings may be published by mail at least one (1) week in advance or by announcement at worship services two consecutive Sundays before such meetings.

ARTICLE VI - REFERENDUM
Any communicant member may request a vote of the Congregational Assembly on any matter voted upon by the Board of Directors. The petition must bear the names of ten percent (10%) of the communicant membership.

ARTICLE VII - NECESSARY APPOINTMENTS

A. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The selection, duties, and nature of the Nominating Committee are found in Article IV of these Bylaws.

B. AUDITING COMMITTEE
At the end of each year the financial records of the congregation shall be submitted for audit to a committee of at least two (2) communicant members who do not hold the office of Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Stewardship Director, or who are not involved in any way with the collection, recording, or disbursement of the congregation's money. The Auditing Committee shall report to the Board of Directors its findings by the end of January after the completion of the audit.

C. MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
The annual appointment of the Memorial Committee shall be by the Board of Directors. There shall be at least three (3) on said committee with the Pastor as an ex-officio member. They will evaluate needs of the church and make recommendations for gifts of love and memorials by individuals and/or groups. This shall be done in consultation with the Property Director. They shall receive and disburse all such gifts. All gifts and/or memorials received remain the property and are under the control of the church.

D. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors may at any time appoint assistants, or committees necessary for the advancement of the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, under the banner of St. Timothy Lutheran Church.

E. FINANCIAL SECRETARY
The Financial Secretary shall:

1. Be appointed by the Stewardship Director with the approval of the Board.
2. Make sure that all money of the congregation is received and deposited in the designated depository.
3. Furnish the Treasurer with a duplicate deposit slip for all receipts.
4. Submit weekly reports of receipts to the Pastor and Treasurer, as well as present monthly reports of receipts to the Board of Directors.
5. Issue quarterly financial reports to each member of the congregation concerning his/her contribuations.
6. Arrange for a necessary number of tellers, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, to count and record money received. There shall be at least (2) people present when monies are counted. All monies will stay in the church building until deposited.
7. Credit offerings according to the date on which they were received.
8. Consult immediately with contributors in the event that the amounts they have marked on the envelopes do not agree with the actual contents.
9. Submit the books for evaluation and audit annually, or at the request of the Board of Directors.
10. Together with the Pastor and Treasurer, provide for the safe storage of annual financial records, access to which is limited to the Pastor, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary, unless specific exceptions are necessary and approved by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII-SOCIETIES AND SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Subsidiary organizations shall be understood as such organizations within the congregation which foster one or more of the objects of the congregation, such as ladies' societies, mission societies, youth groups, men's clubs, choirs, parent-teacher organizations, or any other approved society of the congregation. The congregation assumes moral and legal obligations of such subsidiary organizations only as they have been approved by the church, and whose acts are not contrary to the constitution and by-laws of the church.
New subsidiary organizations shall be formed only with the approval of the Congregation in a Congregational meeting. The Congregation shall not approve any organization unless its activities foster the interests of the congregation. Subsidiary organizations shall file a copy of their constitution with the secretary of the congregation. Elective offices of the subsidiary organizations shall be filled only by members in good standing.
Should any subsidiary organization disband or fail to function, the congregation shall assume its liabilities and resources. If any subsidiary organization contemplates an undertaking, the expense of which might be greater than the amount in the treasury of said subsidiary organization, they shall first obtain the approval of the Board of Directors. When called upon to do so, the subsidiary organizations of the congregation shall make a report of their activities and financial standing to the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX - FUND RAISING
The solicitation of funds for material items for the church should never become the primary goal or concern of any organization of this congregation.

ARTICLE X - ORDER OF BUSINESS
Although it is to be expected that all meetings will be conducted in a spirit of Christian community and brotherhood, in the event of disagreement, procedures are to be dictated by Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE XI - INDEMNIFICATION
Each person who is or was a director, officer, board member, or trustee of this ecclesiastical Corporation starting January 1, 1988 and subsequently thereafter shall be indemnified, held harmless and defended by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Michigan as they may be in effect from time to time. In this regard, the Corporation assumes all liability to any person other than the Corporation or it's members for all acts or omissions of it's directors, officers, board members, or trustees, provided, however, the Corporation shall have no obligation to indemnify and director, officer, board member, or trustee in connection with any proceeding, or part thereof, initiated by such director, officer, board member, or trustee without authorization of the congregation. This Corporation shall make all reasonable efforts to purchase adequate liability insurance to protect it's directors, officers, board members and trustees against any liability asserted against and incurred by them in their capacity with the Corporation or arising out of his or her status with the Corporation, whether or not the Corporation would have power to indemnify such person against such liability under the laws of the State of Michigan. The purchase of such liability insurance shall not be interpreted as any type of waiver of any protection afforded the Corporation, it's agents or volunteer directors, officers, board members or trustees by Michigan laws. Any director, officer, board member or trustee of this Corporation who has been sued or claimed against, and seeks indemnification, protection or insurance coverage from this Corporation must give timely notice to another officer of this Corporation of such claim or lawsuit.