Church By-Laws
BY-LAWS OF THE WOODLAND HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
(ADOPTED AT THE FISCAL MEETING JANUARY 28, 2001)
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this Church is WOODLAND HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH ("WHCC") as incorporated under the laws of the State of California and whose denominational affiliation is with the United Church of Christ ("UCC").
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of WHCC shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for sharing in the worship of GOD and in making GOD'S Will central in our lives, individually and collectively, especially as that Will is set forth in the life, teachings, and death of Jesus Christ and to provide an environment open for all to worship GOD, develop Christian values, share life's experiences, strive for truth, justice and peace, and respond with compassion to the needs of others.
ARTICLE III - POLITY
The government of WHCC is vested in the members ("MEMBERS") who exercise the right of control in all its affairs subject in legal matters to the Articles of Incorporation granted by the State of California. While WHCC is subject to no ecclesiastical judicatory, it accepts the obligations of mutual counsel, comity, and cooperation involved in the free fellowship of UCC, and pledges itself to share common aims and works.
ARTICLE 1V - DOCTRINE AND COVENANT
WHCC recognizes the Bible as the book of religion of the Hebrew-Christian tradition and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the common aim of fellowship. Each MEMBER shall have the right to follow the Word of GOD according to the dictates of his or her own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
WHCC recognizes the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ as adopted.
The following shall be the Covenant of the MEMBERS: We are united in striving to know the Will of GOD as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of WHCC to proclaim the gospel to all people, exalting the worship of GOD and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of humankind. Depending as did our ancestors upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, we work and pray for the transformation of the world into the Realm of GOD; and we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be authorized by the Board of Deacons.
1. RECEPTION
A. MEMBERS shall be persons who have been received into its Fellowship: (1) after completion of classes of instruction in WHCC membership, (2) on presentation of letters of transfer from other Churches, (3) by reaffirmation of faith; or (4) on confession of faith and baptism.
B. The Board of Deacons shall authorize the reception of new MEMBERS and shall determine such matters as the qualification of letters of transfer, exemption from baptism because of conviction, or other special considerations pertaining to membership.
C. Persons joining WHCC shall be received by the MEMBERS present at a communion or worship service or at some other time as suggested by the Minister. Any who are unable to be received in public may, after approval by the Board of Deacons, be received by the Minister or Board of Deacons acting on behalf of WHCC.
2. DUTIES
MEMBERS are expected to strive, with GOD'S help, to be faithful to all duties essential to the Christian life; to attend the worship service of WHCC regularly; to give regularly for WHCC's support and benevolence; to share in its organized works; and to seek diligently the furthering of its spiritual welfare and the sharing with others of the Christian way of life.
3. RIGHTS
A Only active MEMBERS may vote on transactions of WHCC and serve on the Church Council or any of the Boards.
B. While the fellowship and interest of nonmembers and of inactive MEMBERS in all activities of WHCC are invited, the rights of active MEMBERS listed above shall not be extended to nonmembers or inactive MEMBERS with the exception that nonmembers may serve on Committees unless specifically prohibited herein.
4 TERMINATION
The Board of Deacons shall authorize the termination of an individual's membership or the change from active to inactive membership when:
A. A MEMBER requests termination or inactive status or requests a letter of transfer to another Christian Church, or
B. A MEMBER who desires to join a religious body with which WHCC is not in fellowship or which would not receive its letter, or desires not to join any other religious body, requests a statement of his or her standing and termination of his or her membership, or
C. A MEMBER has become inactive in the life of WHCC for a period of one (1) year. Such MEMBER shall be placed on an inactive list at the initiative of the Board of Deacons. This inactivity shall be defined by a failure to participate in the life of WHCC, to attend worship services and to contribute financially. After a person's name has been on the inactive list for one (1) year with no additional participation of any kind, he or she may be dropped from the membership by the Board of Deacons.
D. MEMBERS who persistently break their Covenant with WHCC shall be visited by a member of the Board of Deacons to offer understanding and assistance in every way possible. In extreme cases where no cooperation is forthcoming, the Board of Deacons may, by a three-fourths vote of all Deacons present at a meeting called for this purpose, put the MEMBER on the inactive list, or may terminate his or her membership by unanimous vote.
5. RESTORATION
Any person whose membership or active membership has been terminated may, for good and sufficient reason, be restored to active membership by a majority vote of the Board of Deacons.
ARTICLE VI - SERVICES AND MEETINGS
1. SERVICES OF WORSHIP
Regular services of worship shall be held each Sunday. Other services of worship, inspiration, prayer and study may also be held at any time.
2. THE SACRAMENTS
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated in regular worship services at least once in each quarter and on such other dates as the Board of Deacons shall determine. The baptism of adults and the dedication or baptism of children shall be administered at such times as the Minister, or, in his or her protracted absence, the Board of Deacons may determine.
3. CORPORATE MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP
Authority for the conduct of the business of WHCC vested in the membership is delegated to its representative bodies.
A. The fiscal meeting of WHCC ("FISCAL MEETING") shall be held in January for the approval of the final budget. During the preceding November a preliminary budget shall be presented to the membership either at a special meeting or by mailing to the membership.
B. The annual meeting of WHCC ("ANNUAL MEETING") shall be held in May for the nomination and election of Officers and members of Boards and Committees, other than those committees whose members are selected by the Church Council as elsewhere provided in these By-laws; the presentation of annual reports of WHCC Officers, Boards, Committees and organizations, and such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
C. SPECIAL MEETINGS for business shall be called by the Church Secretary within one (1) month upon the receipt of a written request from the Moderator, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Deacons, the Church Council or by ten (10) active MEMBERS.
D. The Church Council may, at its discretion, call an emergency meeting ("EMERGENCY MEETING") of the MEMBERS, if the need arises. In such instance, the Church Council shall cause a notice of such EMERGENCY MEETING to be disseminated to the active MEMBERS ("CONGREGATION") in as expeditious manner as may be warranted under the circumstances.
4. NOTICES AND REGULATIONS FOR CORPORATE MEETINGS
A. Notices for SPECIAL, FISCAL, ANNUAL, and other corporate meetings, with the exception of EMERGENCY MEETINGS, shall be given two (2) weeks in advance, in writing to all MEMBERS and/or by announcement during regular worship services on each of the two (2) preceding Sundays.
B. Forty (40) active MEMBERS or twenty percent (20%) of the CONGREGATION, whichever is less, present at such SPECIAL, FISCAL, ANNUAL, EMERGENCY or other corporate meetings shall constitute a quorum.
C. SPECIAL, FISCAL, ANNUAL, EMERGENCY and other corporate meetings shall be presided over by the Moderator or the Vice-Moderator in his or her absence. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall preside as Moderator in the absence of both Moderator and Vice-Moderator.
D. Voting in such meetings may be by voice, show of hands, or secret ballot. By motion, any MEMBER may call for a secret ballot. Unless otherwise required, a majority vote of the total MEMBERS present is decisive. All active MEMBERS of WHCC are entitled to vote at such meetings. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern proceedings covered in this section.
E. The Fiscal year of WHCC shall begin January 1 of each year. The Program year shall begin June 1.
F. Written annual reports from all Officers, Boards, Committees, and organizations shall be presented to the Church Secretary by April 30, and shall include complete financial reports unless finances are covered in the WHCC budget.
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS
All Officers must be active MEMBERS of WHCC.
1. MINISTER
Unless there is a prior employment agreement ("AGREEMENT") in effect, the Minister shall serve at the will of the CONGREGATION, as either an at will employee or an independent contractor. The terms and conditions of the Minister's services are subject to negotiation by the Board of Trustees, and may be documented in a letter offer of employment or formal agreement as approved by the CONGREGATION as specified below. Any offer of employment or agreement between the Minister and the WHCC shall clearly state that the Minister's services are at the will of the CONGREGATION and that any terms and conditions are subordinate to these By-laws. The selection of the Minister, any renewal of an existing AGREEMENT and the terms and conditions of service shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the eligible votes of the CONGREGATION cast at a meeting called for this purpose.
At his or her first opportunity, the Minister shall become a MEMBER of WHCC and of the Conference Association of which WHCC is a member.
Upon approval of two-thirds of the eligible votes cast by the CONGREGATION at a special meeting called for this purpose, the Minister may be requested to resign. Such resignation shall be effective sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice by the Minister. After such vote, the Church Council may revoke the Minister's duties and responsibilities, effective immediately, at its discretion. The Minister shall give a minimum sixty (60) days notice in case he or she wishes to leave, but in the case of loss of Ministerial Standing on the part of the Minister, all notice conditions are waived and relations shall cease at once.
The Minister shall be responsible for the pastoral care and spiritual welfare of WHCC with the assistance of the Board of Deacons. He or she shall seek to enlist followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, have under his or her care all services of public worship, and administer the activities of WHCC in cooperation with the various Boards and Committees. He or she shall be an advisory member of the Church Council, all Boards, Committees, subcommittees, and organizations, which shall regularly supply him or her with copies of their minutes. He or she shall have the administrative responsibility for the Church Staff. WHCC may, at its discretion, choose associate and/or assistant Ministers under the provisions above.
2. MODERATOR
The Moderator shall be the lay leader of WHCC. He or she shall preside at all meetings of WHCC except where otherwise specified herein. He or she shall acquaint himself or herself with the activities of the Boards, Committees, and organizations for the purpose of being currently informed in WHCC's Program. As lay leader of WHCC, he or she is an ex-officio member of all Boards, Committees, and organizations. In the event of a tie-vote in any Board or Committee meeting, the Moderator, or in his or her absence, the Vice-Moderator may cast a tie-breaking vote.
3. VICE-MODERATOR
The Vice-Moderator is accorded the privileges of the Moderator, and, in the absence of the Moderator, functions in his or her role. In the event of the resignation, removal, or death of the Moderator, the Vice-Moderator shall become the Moderator for the remainder of the resigned, removed or deceased Moderator's term.
4. CHURCH SECRETARY
As Secretary to the Corporation and the Church Council, the Church Secretary shall keep a faithful record of their proceedings. He or she shall be responsible for the keeping of a register with names of the MEMBERS, with dates and modes of their reception and removal, and a record of baptisms, deaths, and marriages, He or she shall give notices of all meetings when such notices are necessary; conduct all correspondence so far as this is not otherwise provided for; and perform such duties as are prescribed by law or usually pertain to the office of Church Secretary.
5. FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
The Financial Director shall be a member of the Board of Trustees and Chief Fiscal Officer of the Corporation. Annually, within sixty (60) days after the end of the Fiscal Year, and whenever the books are transferred to a new treasurer, he or she shall examine the accounts of the Treasurer of WHCC and all of its organizations, reporting thereon as required by WHCC or the Board of Trustees. The Financial Director shall chair the Finance subcommittee and shall provide such summary reports including financial trends and recommendations as the Board of Trustees may request.
6. HISTORIAN
The Historian shall keep a journal of all occurrences of interest to WHCC. He or she shall prepare an annual summary report of the current year's happenings of historical interest to WHCC.
7. OTHER OFFICER POSITIONS
Other officer positions may be established upon authorization by the Church Council.
8. TERMS OF OFFICE
All Officers, except the Minister, shall be elected at the ANNUAL MEETING for a term of one (1) year and shall be voting members of the Church Council. Unless a specific exception is made by vote of the CONGREGATION, after serving three (3) consecutive full terms, Officers, except for the Financial Director, Church Secretary, and the Historian, shall, for one (1) year be ineligible for re-election to the same position. Each Officer shall be responsible for instructing his or her successor in the functions of his or her office.
ARTICLE VIII - CHURCH COUNCIL
The Church Council shall consist of the Moderator as Chairperson, Vice-Moderator, Church Secretary, Financial Director, Historian, and the chairpersons of each Board and Committee (or their designees). In addition, one (1) additional Council member per Board shall be appointed by each of the respective Boards. The Chairperson of any new committee or auxiliary organization of WHCC may be admitted to membership on the Church Council by a two-thirds vote of the Church Council. All Council members shall be active MEMBERS of WHCC.
The Church Council shall meet on a specified day each month, unless otherwise announced in advance, for at least nine (9) months of the year. Meetings shall be open to all MEMBERS of WHCC. Special Church Council meetings may be called by the Moderator or by five (5) Church Council members, provided notice is given to the CONGREGATION from the pulpit or in writing at least one (1) week in advance. Eight (8) Church Council members shall constitute a quorum.
The Church Council shall have the authority to determine all WHCC matters except those specifically excluded herein or specifically assigned to others by these By-laws. Any action of the Church Council may be subject to review and decision by the CONGREGATION at a duly called SPECIAL MEETING in accordance with Article VI section 3C.
It shall be the function of the Church Council to visualize the entire mission of WHCC, to advise the Minister on the general direction of WHCC's activities, and to cooperate in the formation of a well-rounded program. The Church Council shall propose at the FISCAL MEETING a comprehensive program involving the chief objectives of WHCC for the coming year. All Officers, Boards, Committees, and organizations of WHCC shall report their plans, programs, and recommendations to the Church Council for their coordination and/or for its action. The Church Council may recommend to the various, Boards, Committees, and organizations such adjustments of policies and administration as may seem desirable.
Organizations and/or individuals of WHCC shall receive prior approval from the Church Council before undertaking special fund-raising projects. Approval will be given if these serve the best interests of WHCC. Such organizations and/or individuals shall first request approval for such fund-raising projects from the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall subsequently submit its recommendation as to the feasibility of such project to the Church Council.
The Church Council may appoint delegates to meetings of the Conference, Association, and other ecclesiastical councils.
ARTICLE IX - BOARDS
1. GENERAL
There shall be five (5) boards as hereinafter described: The Board of Deacons, the Board of Children and Youth Ministries, the World Service Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Adult Ministries. Each Board shall consist of at least six (6) members.
Board members shall be elected as provided in Article VI, Section 3. Those members elected to begin serving their three (3) year terms in June of any year shall be known as the "class" of that year. The probable size of this class is one-third of the currently authorized number of Board members. Unless a specific exception is made by vote of WHCC, after serving one full three-year term, Board members shall be ineligible for reelection to the same Board for a period of one (1) year. Completion of an unexpired term shall not count toward the three-year term limit. In the event of a vacancy on any Board or Committee, the Church Council may appoint a MEMBER to fill such vacancy until the next annual meeting of the CONGREGATION, at which time the CONGREGATION shall elect a MEMBER to complete the term of the vacancy. In the event that a new board or committee is added, the classes of MEMBERS shall be established as follows: one-third to serve three (3) years, one-third to serve two (2) years and one-third to serve one (1) year. Subsequent classes shall be for three (3) years each.
A quorum shall exist when the number of voting members present at a Board Meeting is more than half the number of regular members. The Boards shall meet regularly, keep permanent records, determine their own procedures, and may appoint subcommittees. The third unexcused consecutive absence at a regular meeting may be cause for removal of the member by the Church Council.
Board members shall excuse themselves from and not participate in voting concerning discussions and actions involving monetary transactions and performance evaluations between WHCC and themselves and/or members of their immediate family. The "immediate family" shall include all blood and adopted persons and persons related by marriage. In addition, such Board members shall depart any meeting where any such discussions or actions are occurring.
2. LIST OF BOARDS
A. BOARD OF DEACONS
The Board of Deacons shall share responsibility with the Minister for the pastoral care and spiritual welfare of WHCC. The Board shall assist the Minister in caring for MEMBERS with special concern for the poor, the sick, the sorrowing, the uncommitted, and the stranger.
The Board shall:
1) Serve as advisor to the Minister on matters related to and on the special focus for the worship service,
2) Support the worship service by:
*readying the sanctuary and assisting in the service as needed,
*preparing and assisting with the administration of communion,
*taking care of the altar table and its furnishings, and
*securing ushers for all services of WHCC,
3) Provide for the supply of the pulpit in case of a vacancy and/or in the absence of the Minister,
4) Be responsible for the recruitment, training, and supervision of the Care Team,
5) Assist the WHCC ministry through the establishment of small groups for study, prayer, fellowship, and/or mutual support,
6) Authorize membership and termination of membership in WHCC as specified in Article V. The Board shall make revisions of the WHCC roll at least once a year as provided in Article V and report same at the ANNUAL MEETING. The Board shall visit or otherwise contact and attempt to retain or else conduct an exit interview with any MEMBER who becomes or is about to become inactive.
7) Have sole jurisdiction in the administration of the Deacon's Fund. Ordinarily, there shall be received at communion services an offering for the Deacon's Fund to be used by the Board of Deacons for relief of the needy and welfare services.
Upon recommendation of the Board of Deacons, a Deacon who has served many years may be elected a Deacon Emeritus, which is an honorary and advisory position for life, by a vote of the CONGREGATION at an ANNUAL MEETING.
B. CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES BOARD
The Board of Children and Youth Ministries shall have the responsibility for the supervision and direction of the educational work of WHCC for all those through the age of 18 or high school graduation. The Board may select a Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator, subject to a favorable recommendation from the Board of Trustees and approval by the Church Council. The Board of Children and Youth Ministries shall be responsible for the Church School, with full power to appoint and remove teachers and other volunteer personnel. In addition, the Board may provide and maintain other religious educational activities including the Vacation Bible School, and youth fellowship programs.
C. ADULT MINISTRIES BOARD
The Board of Adult Ministries shall provide, facilitate, sponsor, and coordinate educational, spiritual and social activities for the adults of WHCC
D. WORLD SERVICE BOARD.
The World Service Board shall administer the benevolence program of WHCC through the World Service Fund. The Board shall educate the CONGREGATION on the needs around the world and work to instill the World Service philosophy into the Christian Education Program. All allocations made shall be recorded monthly by the World Service Board, and a complete breakdown of benevolence expenditures shall be published in the annual Church Report.
D. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Under the direction of WHCC, the Board shall have charge of all financial matters, of negotiating the terms of the AGREEMENT for all ordained employees, of hiring and terminating all non-ordained employees including the Treasurer and of custody and care of all WHCC property. The Board shall recommend to the Church Council the raising of money and shall authorize the Treasurer as to payment of moneys under the Board's control. Approval of the Board must be secured before major purchases are made, or any installation, alteration, or disposal of equipment or furnishings is undertaken in connection with WHCC properties. The Board shall be notified of gifts received.
Besides the regular members, the Board of Trustees shall include the Financial Director and representatives from both the Personnel Committee and the Stewardship Committee. The attending representatives shall be ex-officio members without the right to vote.
The Treasurer, though not necessarily a MEMBER, shall act as a non-voting financial consultant to the Board of Trustees and shall attend all Board of Trustees meetings. In addition he or she shall be the Treasurer of the Corporation. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall consult the Treasurer on all financial matters. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys of WHCC and give receipt for the same.
The Board of Trustees shall act as the Board of Directors of the CORPORATION. When acting in this capacity, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall be President of the CORPORATION, the Church Secretary shall be Secretary, and the Financial Director shall be Chief Fiscal Officer.
The Board of Trustees shall include three (3) operating committees: Finance, Facilities, and Operations. The Facilities operating committee shall serve as a coordinating point for the activities of Buildings and Grounds and Beautification.
The Board of Trustees shall obtain specific authorization by vote of the CONGREGATION to buy, sell, lease, or transfer real property. Contracts executed for the regular usage of WHCC facilities shall be authorized by the Board of Trustees and shall not be subjected to a vote from either the Church Council or WHCC.
ARTICLE X - STANDING COMMITTEES AND AD HOC COMMITTEES
There shall be standing committees as hereinafter described. Unless otherwise provided, committees shall consist of six (6) to twelve (12) members elected at the ANNUAL MEETING. Except for the Pastoral Relations Committee, terms of service and classes shall be as provided above for Boards.
The Council shall appoint an ad hoc Nominating Committee in January of each year. The Committee shall consist of the Vice-Moderator acting as Chairperson, a representative from each Board and Standing Committee, and three (3) members-at-large selected from WHCC by the Church Council. The Nominating Committee shall present a list of nominations for all offices, boards and standing committees to the Congregation at least two (2) weeks prior to the ANNUAL MEETING.
The Church Council may provide for other standing or ad hoc committees at its discretion.
1. STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
It shall be the responsibility of the Stewardship Committee to continuously cultivate within WHCC a philosophy of caring and stewardship that will result in a constantly growing support of WHCC's total Program by its MEMBERS. The Committee shall also plan in advance a pledge campaign based on the projected Program for the following year. The Stewardship Committee, with the approval of the Church Council and the Board of Trustees, shall lead the CONGREGATION in the annual November drive to determine the income to be available for the following year. All members of the Committee shall be active MEMBERS of WHCC.
2. MUSIC COMMITTEE
The function of the Music Committee shall be to cooperate with the Minister in seeking the enrichment and development of the musical interests of WHCC. Subject to a favorable recommendation from the Board of Trustees and approval by the Church Council, the Committee shall select organists, pianists, and choir directors and recommend purchase of musical instruments and equipment. The Committee shall be responsible for selection of music programs, the care of music and equipment, and for the recruiting of new choir members.
3. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The Personnel Committee shall consist of six (6) active MEMBERS appointed by the Church Council. It shall be the responsibility of the Committee to develop policies regarding the employment of ordained and non-ordained personnel by WHCC; to develop job descriptions, including compensation ranges, in coordination with appropriate Officers, Boards and/or Committees; and to monitor hiring and termination procedures. The Committee shall provide a confidential setting for consultation with, support to and evaluation of all non-ordained WHCC employees. Such employees shall not serve on this Committee.
Committee members shall excuse themselves from and not participate in voting concerning discussions and actions involving monetary transactions and performance evaluations between WHCC and themselves and/or members of their immediate family. In addition, such Committee members shall depart any meeting where any such discussions or actions are occurring. The "immediate family" shall include all blood and adopted persons and persons related by marriage.
4 THE PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Pastoral Relations Committee ("PRC") shall be a standing committee that seeks to support and maintain an open and healthy relationship between the Minister and the MEMBERS of WHCC. The PRC shall consist of three (3) active MEMBERS appointed by the Church Council in consultation with the Minister. The PRC is accountable only to the CONGREGATION and it shall make an annual report to the CONGREGATION. The PRC will meet, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis and it may report to the CONGREGATION after each of these meetings regarding the general deliberations and its advocacy on behalf of the Minister. The term of each PRC member shall be for one (1) year and the committee shall be reappointed each year by the Church Council in consultation with the Minister.
5. SPECIAL GIFTS FUND COMMITTEE
The Special Gift Fund Committee shall consist of six (6) members, all of whom shall be active MEMBERS. Except as provided in Article IX above, the term of each member shall be three (3) years. One (1) member of the Board of Trustees shall be a non-voting advisory member of the Committee. Meetings of the Committee shall be open to attendance by any MEMBER of WHCC.
The purpose of this Committee is to be the custodian of the Special Gift Fund into which the trustees shall placed all legacies and bequests not administered by the Trustees directly, especially bequests specifically designated by the donor(s) for some non-operational purpose. The Special Gifts Fund Committee shall manage and disburse those funds in accordance with the particular purposes designated by the donor(s). The Committee shall operate in accordance with these By-laws and the Rules Of Operation For The Special Gift Fund Committee, as adopted by the Church Council.
ARTICLE XI - WOODLAND HILLS NURSERY SCHOOL
The Nursery School Administrative Committee shall support the goals and operations of the Woodland Hills Community Church Nursery School as stated in the Nursery School by-laws. Such by-laws shall not be in conflict with these By-laws and, if such conflict does exist, these By-laws shall prevail. The Committee shall select a member to represent the Nursery School at Church Council meetings. Such representative shall not be entitled to vote at the Council Meeting.
ARTICLE XII- AMENDMENTS
These By-laws may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the MEMBERS present at a meeting properly qualified for this purpose. Such qualification requires that a notice specifying the time of meeting and the substance of the proposed amendment shall have been mailed to MEMBERS, given from the pulpit, or printed in the calendar on Sundays for two (2) weeks immediately preceding said meeting.