Weekly Newsletter 12/08/2022

December 8th, 2022
by Dmitriy Zherebnenkov

Greetings dear church!

In preparation for the next church membership meeting in January, we, the Elder Board, have been discussing various aspects of life and ministry in the church. In particular, we discussed the importance of all church members regularly attending these meetings. One of the goals of this meeting is to help us all acquire a feeling of ownership toward what is happening in the church. Besides listening to reports and voting on various issues, we want to have a good connection between the Elder Board and all members of the church during these meetings. We want to hear your thoughts, wishes, questions, and comments. For this to be orderly and productive, we need to plan for this. That’s why below you’ll find a section from the bylaws of the church.

8. Structure and Leadership of the Church

8.1 – Membership Meetings

1. The responsibilities of members include: affirmation of the Senior Pastor and other pastors of the church, deacons of the church, administrator, treasurer, accountant, revision committees, adoption, and amendment of the bylaws of the church, adoption and approval of the church budget, as well as the acquisition, sale and mortgage of real estate.

2. Each member of the church has a say in the management of church affairs listed in the responsibilities of membership meetings. This right is exercised through participation in the discussion of church issues and voting at membership meetings. The membership meeting is considered legitimate when it was announced at the general services not less than two weeks prior. (This amendment to the bylaws was adopted at the membership meeting held on August 2, 2011.)

3. The decisions of the membership meeting are considered legitimate if a simple majority voted for them, i.e. 50% + one vote of those who participated in the voting. Exceptions are as follows:

3.1. Election and confirmation of the pastors of the church. This requires the consent of at least 3/4 or 75% of the number of voters.

3.2. Adoption of amendments and additions to the church bylaws. This requires the consent of at least 2/3 or 67% of the number of voters.

4. Membership meetings are initiated by the Elder Board. The date of the meeting is communicated to the church members two weeks in advance.

5. Each member of the church may bring up any issue for discussion at an Elder Board Meeting or membership meeting. To do this, a member must submit a written proposal to any of the members of the Elder Board; the proposal must include the member’s name and contact information.

6. A decision is made on each submitted proposal or comment. The decision is reported to the member. If necessary, the Elder Board will present the matter to the membership meeting.

7. A decision made by the church through a vote becomes binding on every member of the church.

8. Decisions are made by an open vote, with the exception of the election of the senior pastor, other pastors, and deacons of the church. Ballots will be used to elect them. (This amendment to the bylaws was adopted at the membership meeting held on March 14, 2010)

Considering the information from the bylaws above, we invite you to prayerfully look at the ministries of the church and let your questions, wishes, and comments be made to the Elder Board. We will try to answer all your questions.

Reminder: On December 18^th we will have a Q&A regarding the Sheremet family’s ministry. If you have questions, please pass them on directly to Eugene Bardosh or the secretary of the church.

Announcements

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine. Go to our Give page or click the Donate button below. Select "Mission to Ukraine" fund when donating.

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Scripture To Memorize

Psalm 90:12-13

¹²So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
¹³Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants!

Upcoming Services and Meetings

Thursday (6:30 PM) – Children’s Bible School (open to all but required for parents), followed by Bible Study (Proverbs) for the whole church at 7:30 PM.

Sunday Services