Friedens Church of Washington

Washington, Texas

Constitution

Mindful of the word of God, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” we have adopted the following Constitution for this congregation on December 11, 2005.

Article I. Name.

The name of this church organization shall be: Friedens Church of Washington, Washington, Texas.

Article II. Purpose, Confession and Affiliation.

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to establish, promote, and maintain in its community an evangelical Christian congregation for worship, for the promotion of the Christian life, and for development and building of the Kingdom of God both in this community and throughout the whole world.

Section 2. Confession

1. This Church recognizes and acknowledges the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God, the sole and infallible guide of faith and life, and accepts the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures as given in the symbolic books of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, the most important being: the Augsburg Confession, the Evangelical Catechism, and the Heidelberg Catechism, in so far as they agree, but where they disagree, this church adheres strictly to the passage of the Holy Scripture bearing on the subject, and avails itself of the liberty of conscience prevailing in the Orthodox Christian faith.

2. On the basis of this faith we acknowledge the following principles:

   1. That people are saved by a living faith, i.e., the recognition of a personal experience of the living Savior; 

   2. That the foundation of this experience is the Bible, the living Word of God, the sole and infallible guide of the Christian life and teaching; 

   3. That for this experience a full measure of religious liberty and freedom is necessary. 

Section 3. Affiliation

This shall exercise the option to affiliate with whatever denomination or association by vote one-third of the congregation voting members at a regularly called meeting vote to affiliate or withdraw from the same.

Article III. Membership Reception and Requirements.

Section 1. Reception

New Members may be received by any of the following methods:

1. Baptism and confirmation.

2. Baptism and confession of faith.

3. Letter of transfer from any Christian church.

4. Re-affirmation of faith.

Section 2. Requirements

1. A recognition of the spiritual obligations for Christians to give freely of their time, talent, and treasure to the church for fulfillment of its tasks.

2. Acceptance of this Constitution as binding and regulating the connection of the member with the church.

3. Acceptance and fulfillment of the duties of membership as stated in Article I, Section 2 of the By-Laws.

Article IV. Discipline.

Section 1. Members

Discipline in cases of unchristian conduct of a member and mediation of differences between the members lie, first of all, in the hands of the church council. An appeal may be made from the decision of the council to the congregation in a regular, duly called meeting. The manner of procedure in both instances shall be prescribed in Article VI, Section 1,2, &3 of the By-Laws.

Section 2. Pastor

Differences between the pastor and the congregation or complaints made by either party against the other that cannot be resolved locally shall be submitted to the pastoral relations committee of the church. The committee’s findings and recommendations shall be reported to the church council who shall then take any needed action in the matter.

Article V. Religious Education.

The congregation shall make ample provision for the religious education of its children and adults in close conformity with an established system of religious education. Additional provision for continued training and instruction of youths and adults shall be made.

Article VI. Administration.

Section 1. Congregational Meeting.

The supreme legislative and administration power of this church is vested in the congregation itself, assembled in meeting, duly and legally called as provided in Article III, Section 1 of the By-Laws.

Section 2. Congregational Prerogatives.

It is the prerogative of the congregational meeting to decide such questions as the buying and selling of property, building projects, the call or rejection of a pastor, establishment of an annual budget, policies of the congregation, and changes in the Constitution and By-Laws. For transaction of all other business, the administration of the church is entrusted to the church council, chosen and composed as provided in Article III of the By-Laws.

Section 3. Church Council.

There shall be an administrative body known as the church council which shall consist of eleven members of the church as provided in Article III, Section 2 of the By-Laws.

Section 4. Advisory Board.

In addition to the church council there shall be an advisory board, consisting of one member from each society or organization of the church. Its duties are provided for in Article III, Section 2 of the By-Laws.

Section 5. Pastoral Relations Committee

The Pastoral Relations Committee seeks to support and maintain an open and healthy relationship between the pastor and members of the congregation. Its duties are provided for in Article III, Section 3 of the By-Laws.

Article VII. The Pastor.

Section 1. Selection.

Only a minister who is in good standing shall be considered as a candidate for pastor.

Section 2. Election.

The pastor shall be elected by the congregation upon recommendation of the church council. Only one minister may be up for election at a time. A three-fourths majority of the voting members present for the meeting is required for election. Providing a Quorum is present as provided for in Article III, Section 1, paragraph (C) of the By-Laws.

Article VIII. Property.

The congregation may, in its corporate name, sue and be sued, hold, purchase and receive title by gift, grant, or other conveyance, to any property, real or personal, with the power to mortgage, sell or convey the same.

Article IX. Amendments.

Section 1. Constitution.

Additions and alterations to this Constitution may be proposed in any regularly called meeting of the congregation. They shall be referred to the church council which shall consider same and report to the next duly called meeting of the congregation. Said additions or alterations can be adopted by three-fourths majority of the voting members present.

Section 2. By-Laws.

The By-Laws may be amended in any duly called meeting of the congregation by a majority vote of the voting members present.

Section 3. Quorums.

Quorums for meetings shall be established as stated in Article III, Section 1, Paragraph (C) of the By-Laws.

Section 4. Restrictions.

Article II, paragraph (B) of Section 2; and Article VIII in the Constitution cannot be changed or amended. 

By-Laws

Article I. Privileges and Duties of Members and New Members.

Section 1. Privileges

1. All members of this congregation are entitled to a full share in the fellowship and spiritual blessings of the Church, the services of the pastor, officers, and workers of the Church, and to the Christian sympathy and support of all members. 

2. Members can withdraw from this Church or be transferred to another Christian Church upon their request to the Church Council. A letter of transfer shall be given.

Section 2. Duties

It is the duty of all members to take an active part in all functions of the Church for the glorification of God and the uplifting of human beings. This Includes:

1. Regular attendance at worship services and study services as becomes a Christian.

2. Devout use of the Holy Sacraments at all times.

3. Fervent prayer for the welfare of the Church.

4. Daily devotions in the home are encouraged.

5. Careful attention to the individual’s religious training, especially the instruction of youth: Parents and foster parents should see that their children regularly attend Church School and Confirmation classes.

6. Adherence to the Church’s established laws and authorities.

7. Display a spirit of Christian fellowship toward all people.

8. Membership in the organizations of the Church wherever possible.

9. Proper and adequate contribution to support the Church and its mission for God. Therefore:

   1. The Church will have individual membership and individual contribution will be made to take care of all current expenses of the Church.

   2. Husband and wife are to be separate members. All communicants are to be separate and individual members without regard to family ties. Husband and wife may use the same envelope and their contributions listed together when both are members.

   3. By the term “members” it is meant all those confirmed members or individual members of the Church.

   4. Members are to be divided into two groups: Confirmed members under age 18 are to be junior members and not to have voting privileges until they become senior members.

   5. Financial contributions to the Church are strongly recommended. The recommended amount is a tithe (10%) to God, half of which should be given through the Church. Junior members and senior members are encouraged to receive Holy Communion at the Lord’s Table, attend worship, and contribute financially to the Church.

   6. An individual becomes a junior member on January 1, following his or her confirmation. A junior member becomes a senior member on January 1 following his or her 18th birthday.

   7. Contributions are to include regular offerings, offerings for missions and offerings for maintenance of Church property.

   8. Envelopes may be used for regular offerings, but those who desire to pay annually, semiannually, or quarterly may do so.

   9. A record is to be kept of all contributions. At the end of the year, a report will be made to each individual and/or husband and wife if giving jointly, as to their giving record for the year. The report may also include a statistical summary of the year’s stewardship.  The Church Council may, if it deems necessary, or if instructed to do so by the annual meeting of the congregation, publish and mail to each member the complete contribution list.

Section 3. Admission of Members

1. Candidates for membership may be admitted to membership upon concurrence of the Pastor and majority vote of the Church Council.

2. This Church requires that a candidate for membership who has never been a member of a Christian Church, previous to admission, be given a thorough course of instruction in the fundamentals of the Christian faith and life, leading to public confession or confirmation as evidence of that person’s intention to a Christian life.

Section 4. Requirements for Maintaining Membership

Members who have not contributed financially to the Church, received communion or attended worship during a calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31) as regulated by the By-Laws, shall have their names erased from the Church membership roll, according to the following procedure:

1. No later than Sixty (60) days after the calendar year without contributing financially to the Church, receiving communion or attending worship, a Church member shall be notified in writing of the condition of the member’s standing. The Church member shall be encouraged to become current.

2. If the member who is in arrears chooses not to become current or fails to respond to the notice of this circumstance within Thirty (30) days, that member shall be erased from the Church membership roll by action of the Church Council and notice of this action sent to the individual. A person who has been dropped from membership or who has severed his/her membership from this Church cannot rejoin without approval of the Church Council and consulting the Pastor.

Article II. Religious Education.

Section 1. Confirmation Instruction

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to regularly conduct classes of instruction in the fundamentals of the Christian faith and life in preparation for confirmation, or confession of faith, and the admission to church membership.

Section 2. Sunday School and Week-Day Religious Education

It shall be the duty of the congregation to set aside at least one hour each Sunday for Bible or Sunday School and to support it in every way. In addition, it shall be the duty of the congregation to provide such hours of religious instruction during the week as circumstances permit.

Section 3. Control

The control of the Sunday School shall be vested in the Board of Religious Education which shall be composed of the Pastor, the Sunday School Superintendents, the Sunday School Secretary, and the Sunday School Treasurer.

A nominating committee consisting of three members of the congregation shall be appointed by the Sunday School Superintendent for the purpose of nominating the superintendent, secretary, and the treasurer whenever a vacancy occurs, or terms expire. Terms of office shall be for two years, and election shall be by the Sunday School teachers and officers.

The Board of Religious Education shall be only obligated to the teachers who shall have a final vote in all matters pertaining to the Sunday School.

A majority of teachers must be present at Sunday School teachers and workers meetings to transact business or duties as outlined below in Section 4. If a majority is not present at the regular meeting or called meeting, a notification will be made by letter for the next monthly meeting and regardless of the number present at this meeting, business may be transacted.

Section 4. Duties of the Religious Education Department

The duties of the Religious Education Department shall be:

1. To promote and supervise religious education in the Church.

2. To direct the affairs of the Sunday School; determine the curriculum and recommend appointment or discharge of all teachers.

3. To receive and administer all money contributed to the Sunday School for the purpose of religious education.

4. To purchase all supplies needed for Sunday School or for special education classes.

5. To organize the work for additional religious education opportunities.

6. To submit to the congregation at each annual meeting a report concerning progress and finances.

Article III. Administration of the Church.

Section 1. Congregational Meetings

(A) Meetings of the Congregation

(1) Annual Congregational Meeting.

The Annual Congregational meeting shall be held in January no earlier than the third Sunday. The Annual Meeting shall be conducted as follows:

(a) Opening prayer

(b) Reading of the minutes

(c) Report of the Church Council on conditions in the church with secretaries and Treasurer’s reports

(d) Reports of all organizations of the church

(e) Report of the auditing committee

(f) Pastor’s report

(g) Unfinished business

(h) New business

(i) Items from the floor

(j) Appointment of new members to the audit, memorial, and cemetery committees.

(k) Prayer and adjournment.

(2) Annual Budget and Election Meeting.

This meeting shall be held during the month of November. Meeting agenda will be as follows:

(a) Approval of next year’s budget.

(b) Elect new Church Council members.

(c) Elect new members to the Pastoral Relations Committee.

(3) Special Meetings:

A Special meeting of the Congregation may be called by the Church Council as required to transact business of an unscheduled nature. The agenda for these meetings must be listed in the official call as stated below.

Any member desiring to propose anything for consideration of the congregation shall first present the matter to the Church Council for its consideration and recommendation. Only such resolutions which have been referred to the Church Council shall be brought before the congregation.

(B) Calling of Congregational Meetings.

1. The Church Council will set dates and place for all Congregational meetings.

2. All congregation meetings shall be called either by announcement during morning worship on two consecutive Sundays, the first announcement being at least 14 days prior to the meeting, or by notification of every member in good standing through the mail before the time of the meeting. All meetings to be legal must be held on church property except in case of an emergency. In case of such emergency, due notice of the alternate place of meeting shall be given every member in good standing along with the time and date of such meeting. For Special Meetings an agenda must be included with call.

(C) Quorums

Forty members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business with a simple majority required for passage except for the election or dismissal of a pastor, the sale and purchase of church property, and amendments to the constitution in which case 1/3 of the voting members is necessary for a quorum. If a quorum is established to transact the above-mentioned business, a 3/4 majority vote is necessary. If a quorum is not present at a duly called meeting, the meeting shall be announced again in regular order as required in Section 1 (B) above and the members present at the second meeting shall constitute a quorum.

(D) General Meeting Information

1. All meetings shall be opened with a prayer and shall be closed in the same manner.

2. Inasmuch as hasty and uncontrolled deportment has no place in Christian meetings, every member is enjoined to ask for the floor and to speak in an appropriate manner as becomes a Christian.

3. All congregational meetings shall be conducted according to parliamentary rules of order.

4. All regularly called meetings may pass binding resolutions.

Section 2. The Church Council

(A) Composition.

The Church Council shall be composed of eleven members, as follows;

1. One class of five (5) board members with a term of two years.

2. A second class of five (5) board members with a term of two years.

3. Pastor.

After one full term on the Church Council, persons are not eligible for re-election until one full year has elapsed. Terms of board members will be staggered so that one class of board members is elected each year. They must have been members of the congregation for at least one year and be persons of good repute both in the church and the community.

(B) Method of Nomination.

The Church Council shall serve as the nominating committee for the ten-member board. Five members are to be nominated by the Church Council as nominees to serve the next two years in the following manner. All eleven Council members are to sit as a nominating committee in the last Council meeting before the Annual Budget and Election meeting of the congregation. Each Council member may nominate one person and from this list five will be selected by the Council as nominees to be presented to the congregation. Up to five persons may be nominated from the floor at the annual meeting of the congregation, but after one (1) minute, five (5) are not nominated, the number nominated shall be added to the council nominees, thus having at least five and no more than ten members as candidates for office of board member.

(C) Duties of the Church Council.

The Church Council shall transact all routine business of the Church, unless otherwise provided, such as employing all workers except Pastor, paying bills and salaries, and supervision of Church property. The Church Council shall also have authority to settle disputes of all organizations of the Church. They shall deem it their sacred duty to set a good example by regular church and church school attendance, by frequently partaking of the Lord’s Supper and publicly and privately leading an exemplary manner of life which becomes a Christian. The Church Council shall assist the Pastor in ministering to the needs and spiritual welfare of the Congregation. It shall be responsible for supplying of pulpit and supervision of Church services during vacancy in the pastorate. When a pastoral vacancy occurs, the Council shall immediately select a search committee for the selection of a new pastor.

(D) Authority of the Council.

A majority vote of the Church Council is sufficient to take action. Council actions pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation, church services and church discipline may be put into effect immediately but actions pertaining to major business matters become effective only upon approval by the congregation. Expenditures over $9,000.00 must have congregation approval.

(E) Organization.

The Church Council shall organize itself by electing a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, an envelope treasurer, and a church clerk, if the office is vacant. The envelope treasurer is to serve for only one year unless that person volunteers to serve another year. Should a vacancy occur on the Church Council, due to death or resignation, the Council may appoint by 2/3 vote another person to serve the unexpired term.

(F) Duties of Officers.

(1) President.

The duties of the president are to properly call meetings, to open and conduct all meetings and supervise the execution of all action of the Council. The president shall remind the pastor to properly announce all congregational meetings or have the church clerk send a call of such meetings to every member by mail. The president and secretary shall sign all minutes of the Council meetings. The president is also empowered with the secretary to sign all contracts, loans, deeds in the name of the congregation.

(2) Vice-President.

The vice-president shall preside at all meetings where the president is not present and also when business pertaining to the president is being discussed. The vice-president shall assist the president in the administration of that office.

(3) Secretary.

The secretary shall keep all records of transactions of the Council and congregational meetings; issue the call to all regular meetings at the request of the president; attend to all correspondence; with the president sign all contracts, loans, and deeds.

(4) Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall present to the council all bills received except recurring bills such as telephone, electricity, the minister’s salary, etc. The treasurer shall also have charge of all monies for the congregational support and shall make payment by check when payment is authorized by the Council. Recurring bills such as utilities and salaries shall be paid when due.

(5) Church Clerk.

The duties of the church clerk shall be as follows; the clerk shall keep an active membership roll of the church up to date. The clerk shall, when required, keep a record of those taking communion and of donations received from all members. The clerk shall advise the Council of those members who have not contributed financially to the church, received communion or attended worship during one calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31) period as regulated by the By-Laws. Contributions collected by the envelope secretary through lump sum and envelope and contributions collected by the treasurer are to be reported to the church clerk for his/her records. The church clerk shall renew the insurance on church property after advising the Council of the status of insurance carried on Church property. The clerk shall help the new treasurer establish bookkeeping in a similar manner so that annual comparisons can easily be made. The clerk shall inform the Council of the action of previous Councils if relevant to matters before it. The clerk shall supply new members with a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws.

(6) Envelope Treasurer.

The envelope treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all money received from each member of the Church and make a report to the church clerk of the total amount received from each member for the year. The envelope treasurer shall either turn the monies collected over to the treasurer or deposit same in the Church account and give the treasurer a deposit slip.

(7) Meetings.  

The Church Council shall meet as soon as possible after the congregational Budget and Election meeting to organize itself into committees and functions. Thereafter the Council shall meet monthly at a time and date to be decided by the newly organized Council. Council meetings are to be held on church property. Special meetings are subject to call by the President of the Church Council. The president presides at all meetings, and in the event of a tie, casts the deciding vote. The president shall have general supervision of the congregation. A quorum of 6 members of the Council is required to conduct business.

(H) Committees of the Church Council

1. The Board of Elders, composed of the secretary and one other Council member.

2. The Board of Deacons, composed of the Vice-president and one other Council member.

3. The Board of Trustees, composed of the president and treasurer.

4. The Board of Stewardship, composed of the church clerk and three other Council members.

(I) Duties of Standing Committees.

(1) Board of Elders.

Their special task shall be the care of the spiritual life of the congregation. They shall assist at the distribution of the Lord’s Supper and at the administration of the Holy Baptism. The care of the poor and the visitation of the sick are their special charge, and they represent the congregation in social service and charity organizations of the community.

(2) The Board of Deacons.

Same is entrusted with the order and conduct of all public meetings and services of the congregation. They are to be the ushers or supervise that branch of work. They have charge of the book and programs necessary for such meetings and shall see to it that all public offerings are properly received, counted, turned over to the envelope treasurer.

(3) Board of Trustees.

They shall have charge of management of Church property. They shall bring to the attention of the Council needed repairs and when ordered see that same are made.

(4) Board of Stewardship.

This board is to have charge of the benevolent activities of the congregation. They are to make suggestions as to the disposal of the money in the treasury for benevolence, see to it that the congregation is properly informed as to the benevolent undertakings of the denomination and the community and that proper interest in these undertakings is stimulated.

(J) Advisory Board.

The Chairperson of the Religious Education Department and a duly elected representative from each of the recognized organizations or departments of the Church are ex-officio members of the Council and may be called upon by the council for information and advice. The chairperson of the Council shall have the authority to dismiss ex-officio members from the Council meeting. Ex-officio members have voice but no vote.

(K) Dismissal.

Should a member of the Church Council be found guilty of misconduct that member shall be admonished in a Christian way by the other officers, and should this fail to bring correction, that member may be excluded from the Council by a two-thirds vote of the Council and another person be appointed to serve until the next annual Budget and Election meeting.

Section 3. The Pastoral Relations Committee

(A) Composition

The Pastoral Relations Committee shall be composed of six members, as follows:

1. One class of 2 members with a term of three years.

2. A second class of 2 members with a term of three years.

3. A third class of 2 members with a term of three years.

Members are eligible for re-election for a second term, but after two consecutive terms, persons are not eligible for re-election until three full years have elapsed. Terms of members will be staggered so that one class of members is elected each year. They must have been members of the congregation for at least three years and be persons of good repute both in the church and the community.

(B) Method of Nomination

The pastor and the church council president will each submit one candidate to the church council. The church council will then discuss the candidates. If a consensus cannot be reached, new names shall be submitted. Once the two candidates are chosen by consensus, they will go before the congregation at the Annual Budget and Election meeting. The congregation can either accepts the slate or rejects it. If rejected, the pastor and church council president again submit one candidate and the process repeats until selected.

(C) Duties of the Pastoral Relations Committee

The Pastoral Relations Committee seeks to support and maintain an open and healthy relationship between the pastor and members of the congregation. The committee serves in two primary ways: as an advisory group to the pastor and as support for the pastor’s leadership. As an advisory group the committee shares ideas, dreams, hopes, expectations, and concerns of the congregation with the pastor. As support for the pastor, the committee interprets roles, functions, and needs of the pastor to the congregation.

Constructive and caring communication in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust is essential to the work of the committee. This committee is the congregation’s fundamental support group for the pastor. It builds the framework in which conflict can be dealt with creatively. Its goals are the professional growth and well-being of the pastor and the promotion of mutual ministry between pastor and the congregation.

(D) Organization

The Pastoral Relations Committee shall organize itself by electing a chairperson and a secretary. The chairperson must have been a member of the committee for at least one year. The chairperson shall submit a written report for the annual meeting held in January. Should a vacancy occur on the Pastoral Relations Committee, due to death or resignation, the Church Council may appoint by 2/3 vote another person to serve the unexpired term.

(E) Meetings

The Pastoral Relations Committee shall meet as soon as possible after the congregational Budget and Election meeting to organize itself. Thereafter, the Pastoral Relations Committee shall meet quarterly at a date and time to be decided by the newly organized committee. Special meetings are subject to call by the Pastor or the Chairperson of the Pastoral Relations Committee.

Section 4. Church Safe Policy

(1) Policy Goal

This policy’s goal is to protect church members and children against harassment.

(2) General Policy

It is the policy of this church that all prospective employees, ministers and volunteers who regularly work with children and youth to submit to criminal background checks and complete a disclosure document in accordance with the safe church policy. A sex offender review for each minister will be conducted on an annual basis. The employment or authorized volunteer application and disclosure forms and background and driver’s license checks will be kept in a confidential locked file with the church office. When a person is no longer affiliated with Friedens Church of Washington, the file containing his/her forms will be placed in a confidential locked INACTIVE FILE in storage.

(3) Response Team

A response team with no fewer than two members, one male and one female, will be established by the Church Council of Friedens Church of Washington each year in preparation for the possibility of hearing complaints under its adopted statement of policy.

Article IV. Pastor.

Section 1. Term of Office

The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite period. In order to terminate this relation, a three months’ notice shall be required by either Pastor or congregation, unless otherwise agreed. The reasons to be presented in writing to either the Church Council or Pastor. See Article III, Section 1, Paragraph C of By-Laws for quorum and voting required.

Section 2. Duties of the Pastor

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to set a good example to the congregation and to conduct all services on Sundays and holidays and other days as the congregation may desire. Beside the regular Sunday Services the following services may be held: Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, Pentecost, and Thanksgiving Eve. Also, during the Season of Lent, mid-week services shall be held, the time determined by the Pastor and Council. The Pastor shall also direct the work of religious education; administer the Sacraments, administer Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, Easter, Pentecost, and other times when the congregation may request or desire. The pastor shall visit the sick, comfort the distressed and perform all duties as belongs to the Pastor’s office. The Pastor shall keep a record of all services performed and make an annual report of pastoral work to the congregation.

Section 3. Rights of the Pastor

The Pastor is a member of the Church Council, and an ex-officio member of all organizations of the Church. As long as the Pastor is in charge, no other pastor has the right to perform any religious ceremony or function in the Church, without the Pastor’s consent. To invite a speaker during a temporary absence of the Pastor or for special occasions, the consent of the Pastor and Church Council is necessary. The Pastor’s salary shall be paid promptly in monthly or semi-monthly installments and shall be sufficient for support of life and the preservation of the dignity of the Pastor’s calling. The amount shall be set by agreement between the Pastor and the congregation and should be reviewed annually in preparation for the annual budget of the congregation. The Pastor shall be granted an annual vacation with pay up to four weeks (28 days including only 4 Sundays). The Pastor may charge non-members for services rendered.

In case of death, the Pastor’s spouse shall have the use of the parsonage for three months if so desired.

Article V. Finances of the Church.

Section 1. Budget

The finances of the congregation shall be administrated by the budget system. The budget shall be composed of local church expenses, and other benevolences. It shall be fully prepared and approved by the Church Council before presentation to the congregation for its approval. Special offerings and collections for the Church or its missions must have the approval of the Church Council.

Section 2. Fees

Fees for services rendered to members and non-members will be published in the Building Use Policy and Rental Agreement form. These fees will be reviewed and updated regularly by the Church Council. All fees shall go into the Church General Fund.

(B) Fees for the use of Church facilities:

1. Fees for the use of the Sanctuary and the Activity Center are to be paid to the General Fund.

2. Fees for the use of the Fellowship Hall are to be paid to the Women’s Fellowship.

3. Fees and rules for use of facilities are to be set by the Church Council.

3. The Church property must be left clean by the party using it in time for the next scheduled use of the facility.

Section 3. Church Cemetery:

The Church cemetery is part of Friedens Church of Washington and shall be governed by the Church Constitution and its By-Laws.

(A) Control

(1) Cemetery Board:

A Cemetery Board shall control the layout, grave selection, maintenance, and finances of the cemetery including the Perpetual Care Fund.

1. Composition.

The Cemetery Board shall consist of five members. Board members shall be appointed by the Church Council for a five (5) year term. The terms will be staggered so that a new member is nominated each year. Members can be nominated for additional terms. They must have been members of the congregation for at least one year.

(B) Duties.

1. President  Shall preside over all meetings of the board.

2. Secretary  Shall record all minutes of board meetings.

3. Treasurer  Shall collect all fees, pay all bills due and invest Perpetual Care Fund
   moneys as directed by the Cemetery Board.

4. Custodian  Shall maintain cemetery maps, by recording all graves used or reserved.
   Meet with people wanting graves and show them graves available and stake
   graves before burials.

5. Assistant Custodian Shall become familiar with the custodian duties and assist the
   custodian when needed or perform his duties if the custodian
     unavailable.

(B) Burial Policy

(1) Layout

Area #1 The area of the cemetery bounded by Holle property, church yard, south drive, and west drive. This area is reserved for members only. (Section A)

Area #2 The middle area of the cemetery bounded by the church yard, south, north and west

drives. This area is for members and authorized non-members. (Section B)

Area #3 The area bounded by the church yard, the north and west drive, and the county road.

(Bosse Road). This area is for members only. (Section C)

Area #4 The area west of the present cemetery on the Holle property line will be
designated as Section D. (Cremation Sites)

Ares #5 The area west of the present cemetery in the middle of property will be
designated as Section E.

Area #6 The area west of the present cemetery on the Bosse Roadside of property will be
designated as Section F.

(2) Grave Sales & Reservations.

All grave sales and reservations must be approved by the cemetery board or their designated representative, the custodian. The buyer must contact the cemetery custodian and meet all requirements specified the By-Laws. Only Church Members can reserve a grave site. Former Church Members that were Baptized or Confirmed at Friedens are eligible for grave sites, but cannot reserve sites.

(3) Operation and Maintenance Policy

Friedens Church Cemetery of Washington is to be maintained according to the Operational and Maintenance Policy as Approved by Church Council.

(C) Perpetual Care Fund.

(1) Purpose.

This fund was established for the purpose of building a reserve of money, called the Permanent Cemetery Fund, large enough that investment income from this fund could be used to maintain the cemetery in its present condition forever.

 (2) Permanent Cemetery Fund

All money collected from sale of grave reservations, perpetual care fees and all donations must go into the Permanent Cemetery Fund. Only the interest or income earned by the permanent fund can be spent for maintenance or beatification. Expenditures over $2,000 per project must have Church Council approval. This fund cannot be dissolved except by vote of the congregation in the manner prescribed for sale of church property Article III. Section 1) in the By-Laws.

Section 4. Memorial Fund and Gifts.

The Memorial Fund shall be handled by a 3 member’s board appointed by the Church President for year terms. The terms will be staggered so that only 1 member is replaced each year.

Memorial fund donations made in memory of an individual are welcomed and encouraged. Memorial Fund gifts are to be used for purchase of items that are needed by the Church for beautification, operation, maintenance or may be transferred to other funds of the Church such as the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund and Building Fund. The Memorial Fund Members, after obtaining the approval of the Church Council, will have the authority to spend or transfer these funds at any time. A plaque will be placed on the memorial board showing a memorial was given in the individual’s name.

Section 5. Audits.

Audits are required to make sure monies of Church organizations are handled properly. 

The audit committee will consist of 3 members appointed by the Church President for 3-year terms. The terms will be staggered so that only 1 member is replaced each year. The member serving their last year will be Chairperson of the committee.

Each organization of the Church that receives and/or disperses monies shall provide the Audit Committee, at least seven (7) days prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting, all information needed for the audit. This should include all financial information including bank statements with checks, check book stubs, ledgers, receipts and any other records that are kept by the organization.

Article VI. Discipline and Mediation of Differences. 

Section 1. Discipline

When a member is accused of unchristian conduct, the Council shall appoint a committee of three to discuss the matter with the accused member. If, in truth, the member has committed a breach of Christian conduct that brings disgrace upon the Church, the committee shall reason with the member and exhort the member according to Scripture and otherwise. If the member shows no repentance or persists in unchristian conduct, the Council may suspend the person’s membership, and if no change occurs for better after a reasonable time, the Council may ask the congregation at a duly called meeting to expel the member. A suspended member loses right to vote. A member who is expelled has all membership privileges terminated.

Section 2. Mediation of Differences

If two or more members have a difference regarding congregational affairs and the Council is called upon to act as mediator, the Council shall request the parties involved to make a written statement of their side of the case. After deliberating on these statements, the Council shall call a special meeting, invite all the parties involved, and appeal to them to settle their differences in a Christian manner through mutual forgiveness. In case such appeal fails, the Council shall render its decision on the basis of the written statements.

Section 3. Appeal

Any party not satisfied with the decision of the Council may appeal to the congregation by offering a written statement of the case to the Council with a request that the written statement be submitted to the congregation for decision at its next regular meeting.

Article VII. Amendments and Quorum. 

Section 1. Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended at any regular called meeting provided the proposed changes were publicized in the official call of the meeting. A majority of those present and voting is needed for amendments if a quorum is present.

Section 2. Quorum

Forty voting members shall constitute a quorum except as stated in Article III, Section 1, Paragraph (C) of the By-Laws.

Article VIII. Installations.

All persons who have been called, elected, or appointed to service in the congregation shall be installed on the Sunday following their election or appointment or as soon as possible.

Cemetery Operational and Maintenance Policy

(A) Current Member / Past Member / Confirmed or Baptized

Grave pricing

Sections A, B and C:

• Current Members and Spouse $ 150.00 per grave

• Confirmed or Baptized members at Friedens $ 450.00 per grave

Sections E, and F

• Current Members and Spouse $ 300.00 per grave

• Confirmed or Baptized members at Friedens $ 600.00 per grave

Section D

• Cremation grave site $ 150.00 per site

Grave sites are not to exceed $ 1,300.00 per grave in sections A, B, C, E and F or $ 400.00 per cremation grave site in section D, without approval of church council and congregation approval. Cemetery Committee has the option to raise prices with church council approval with 30-day Congregation notice. Members and their spouse may reserve graves at any time before death. Members may reserve graves for dependent children (a Person who meets the IRS requirements to

be your dependent for tax purposes) before death.

(B) Operation Policy

1. Areas A, B, and C, the size of a grave shall be 6’ X 12’. Graves for sections E and F shall be 6’ x 12’. Cremation grave shall be 3’ X 3’. No more than one (1) individual’s remains can be placed in a grave site or two (2) in a cremation site.

2. The raised headstone in sections A, B, and C is to be no more than fifteen (15) inches, and in sections E and F, no more than twenty-four (24) inches in height above ground, including base. Stones placed at the foot of a grave site shall be flat and even with the ground. Cremation headstones must be flat and placed even with the ground at the head of each grave site. Military markers are to be placed at the foot of the grave site and are to be flat and even with the ground. A cemetery representative must be present to mark off the headstone or marker position at time of placement.

3. No cradle or curbing shall be put down around grave.

4.  No shrubs or trees shall be planted on the grave.

5. Families are urged to keep the use of flowers to a minimum, preferably one pot per grave.

6. The cemetery committee members have the authority to remove all wreaths, flowers and refuse from the graves when such items become old, weathered or unsightly.

7. Before any grave can be dug a cemetery member must mark it properly so that the undertaker will be able to find its proper location.

8. Each row of graves must be used or reserved before burial on a new row can be made.

9. No transfer or sale of a reserved grave space shall be binding until permission is granted by the cemetery committee. Upon removal of a body from Friedens Cemetery to another location or cemetery, a cemetery representative must be present at the removal. Upon such removal, the grave space reverts back to Friedens Church. Reserved graves that are unused, at the time of death of the person they were reserved for, will revert back to Friedens Church. 

10. No animals can be buried in the cemetery.