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Cannon Falls is a growing small town (pop. 4,083) located in southeastern Minnesota.  It is surrounded by many other small communities and is centrally located on Highway 52 about 40 minutes from both Rochester to the south and Minneapolis/St. Paul to the north. Cannon Falls offers the advantages of small town living, a friendly atmosphere, yet provides access to urban amenities.

Cannon Falls is a beautiful setting year round and offers a vast array of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and interests throughout all four seasons.  Main Street houses many locally owned shops and restaurants.  Outdoor attractions include a community pool, John Birch Park, three local golf courses, a multitude of parks and playsets, snowmobiling, canoeing on the Cannon River, or bicycling on the 19.7 mile long Cannon Valley Trail.  Lake Byllesby Reservoir, the largest lake in southern Dakota County, offers two beautiful parks, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, splash pad and ice fishing.  Here is more information about exploring Cannon Falls and experiencing nature in the area https://www.cannonroots.com/.

Riverwood Community Church Cannon Falls, Minnesota 

Constitution

 Article One: Statement of Faith

Article Two: Name and Affiliation

Article Three: Mission Statement

Article Four: Participating Membership

Article Five: Church Government

Article Six: Congregational Meetings

Article Seven: Amendments

Article Eight: Acquisition, Disposition and Encumbrance of Real Property

By-Laws Article One: Ministry Expressions

Article Two: Definitions of Participating Membership

Article Three: Privileges of Participating Membership

Article Four: Responsibilities of Participating Membership

Article Five: Discipline of Participating Membership

Article Six: Procedure for Becoming a Participating Member

Article Seven: Procedure for Terminating Participating Membership

Article Eight: Church Leadership

Article Nine: Pastors

Article Ten: Staff

Article Eleven: Ministry Teams

Article Twelve: Business Meetings

Article Thirteen: Amendments 

Rev. 7/24/22 1 Rev. 7/24/22 2

Article One: Statement of Faith The Bible The basis for our belief is the Bible which consists of the 66 books of the Old and New  Testaments. God gave us all the books of the Bible and His Spirit worked through chosen  writers. The Bible is God's authority and reflects the backgrounds, styles, and  vocabularies of the human authors. The books of the Bible in their original versions are  without error and will never let us down. The Bible is our full and final authority over all  practices and beliefs. No other writings are God-given in the same way as the Bible. (2  Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21) God We believe there is one true, holy, perfect God. God has always existed and always will  as three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1,3;  4:24; Acts 5:3,4; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 4:5,6; 2 Corinthians 13:14) God is our Creator: God created, out of nothing, the world and everything in it. God is our Provider: God continues to be actively involved sustaining all of creation. God is our Savior: Throughout history and because of His love, God has and will continue to give the way and the means for people to return to God  and escape from sin and death. Salvation: Rescue & Renewal In the Bible, God invites all people into a relationship with Him. People were originally  created to know and love God, but we rebelled and chose our own way. As a result, we  are blocked from intimacy with God and we are unable to please God since our entire  self is distorted. Our sinful separation from God took place at the beginning of human  history, and all individuals since have suffered the consequences of: separation from God and a corrupted sinful nature. Therefore, we are all in need of God's rescue from our condition. (Genesis 1:26,27;  3:1,24; Romans 3:25; 5:12-18; 1 John 1:8) God offers His salvation as a free gift of His love. He does not offer it as a result of our  goodness or our efforts. And there is no other way back into a relationship with God  except by accepting His gift of salvation by turning from sin and turning to Jesus. Once  an individual has done this, God promises in the Bible that: all sin is forgiven, the individual is made new as a child of God, and God will bring the work of renewal to completion. (John 3:3,5; 1:12,13; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 2:8,9)Rev. 7/24/22 3 Jesus Christ: Savior Jesus Christ is fully God - the second Person of God's three persons - and fully human - through a miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and a virgin birth. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13). He perfectly obeyed God the Father throughout  His life. By His own choice, he paid for the sins of all by dying on the cross as our  substitute. His death on the cross: satisfied the just demands of God and rescued and renewed all who trust in Him alone. Jesus rose from the dead in the same body, though heavenly-transformed, in which He  lived and died. He ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God the  Father. He serves as the only Mediator between the Father and people, pleading to the  Father on behalf of His followers. He shall return to earth, personally and visibly, to  bring to a close human history and to fulfill God's biblical plan. (Isaiah 53; Matthew  20:28; John 3:16; Romans 3:24-26; 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians  1:7; 1 John 2:2; Matthew 28:6; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:14; Matthew 26:64;  Acts 2:33-36; Hebrews 7:25) The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life The Holy Spirit was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to apply Christ's  salvation to the world. The Holy Spirit: brings God's ways to light in the minds of sinners, wakes them up about their need for a Savior, and, when they choose Jesus, He gives them a new birth in Christ. At the point of accepting God's gift of Jesus as Savior, turning from sin, and agreeing to  follow Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in each Christ-committed follower. In the Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit: …provides spiritual assurance, strength, comfort, help, and wisdom. …plants a unique gift for building up the church. …guides in understanding and applying the Bible. The natural response to God's love and a genuine life-changing relationship with Jesus  Christ is the pursuit of a life of holiness and obedience to God. Christ-committed  followers develop in these areas only by allowing the work of the Holy Spirit, the third  Person of God's three persons, in their lives. Through faith, the Christ-follower accesses  the Holy Spirit's power and control. Only then is it possible for the Christ-follower to  lead a life of Christ-like character that achieves God's purposes. (John 16:5-15;  Romans 8:16,23,26,27; 1 Corinthians 12:7-31)Rev. 7/24/22 4 Human Destiny Death fixes the afterlife for each person. Everyone will be raised into the spiritual world  in bodily form. A judgment will determine the fate of each individual. Those who have  not followed Christ and accepted His gift of salvation will be separated from God forever  into everlasting punishment. Christ-followers will be ushered into a heavenly kingdom  and a relationship with God that lasts forever. (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17;  Matthew 24:42-51; Matthew 25:1-13; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians  5:10; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:4-6,11-15) The Church When a person agrees to accept Christ's gift of salvation and follow Him, they  automatically join the ranks of all Christ-committed followers. All believers are members  of Christ's body, the Church. There is one true worldwide Church made up of all those  who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and as their Lord. The Bible commands Christ-followers to meet together and be committed to: worship, prayer, the teaching of the Bible, the observance of baptism and communion as established by Jesus Christ (Acts 2:28-47; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:36-40; 10:47; 18:8;  Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29), Baptism means to totally cover or immerse. Jesus directed His followers to be  baptized which would show them to be totally covered with the Holy Spirit. His  disciples made a conscious decision to be baptized. They displayed this by being  immersed into water. We believe that this example of baptism holds the richest  connection to biblical example and testifies most accurately to others that we  are Christ's and have chosen to humbly identify ourselves with His death and  return to life. Other methods of believer's baptism are not practiced except in  rare instances where a total water immersion would be dangerous or  unavailable. Communion remembers our need for Christ, our acceptance of His sacrifice for  our sins, and our unity in Him and His body, the church. We participate together  as a church in sharing a communion "meal" of broken bread and juice. The  broken bread reminds us of Christ's body, which was broken for our sins, and it  also reminds us of our unity as we share in one loaf together. The juice reminds  us of Christ's blood spilled to purify us and make us holy and acceptable to God.  It also represents a victory celebration of our eternal life in Christ - forever with  Him in His Kingdom. Christ-centered community with each other, service to the church through the development and use of talents and gifts, the giving and sharing of material resources with each other and the church, and  outreach to the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).Rev. 7/24/22 5 Wherever Christ-committed followers meet regularly in obedience to this command, the  church, the body of Christ, is represented locally. Under the guidance and care of  pastors and other leadership, the church's members are to work together in love and  unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of loving God and loving others in Christ. (Romans  12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:12-16; Hebrews 10:24-25) 

Article Two: Name and Affiliation 

The name of this organization will be Riverwood Community Church. This church is  associated with Converge Worldwide. 

 Article Three: Mission Statement 

Riverwood Community Church is here to glorify God by reconciling lives through the  love of Christ. 

Article Four: Participating Membership Conditions of Participating Membership:

A Participating Member...  1. Has made a personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and  evidences a desire to live a consistent Christian life. 2. Has indicated agreement with Riverwood's Faith, Mission, and Vision statements. 3. Has indicated a willingness to abide by this constitution and its bylaws. 4. Has successfully completed Riverwood’s Participating Membership procedure – (c.f., Bylaws Article 6) 5. Has demonstrated obedience to Christ and His commands. 

Article Five: Church Government 

The Board of Elders and Ministry Teams, along with pastoral staff, will be responsible for  the general operation of the affairs of the church in accordance with the constitution  and bylaws. Major items of business will be brought before the Participating  Membership to be voted upon. 

Article Six: Congregational meetings Worship 

The church will meet Sundays for corporate worship. Business meetings The church will hold annual business meetings with special business meetings  scheduled as needed.Rev. 7/24/22 6 

Article Seven: Amendments 

This document, known as the Riverwood Community Church Constitution, contains the  principles and beliefs of the church. Amendments to this constitution will be by  two-thirds vote of Participating Members present at any business meeting of this church  provided each amendment will have been presented in writing, posted, and announced  at least three (3) months in advance of the meeting. At no time will any amendment be  adopted that would be determined to be contrary to the teachings of the Bible. 

Article Eight:  Acquisition, Disposition and Encumbrance of Real Property 

In a case of division of the Participating Membership, church property will belong to  those Participating Members who abide by this constitution. In a case of discontinuance  of the church program, the church property and debt will be transferred to Converge  Worldwide. Any action involving the construction of, financing of, or addition to the church facilities  outside of budgeted expenditures must be approved by the Participating Membership at  a business meeting called for such purpose and any sale, lease, transfer, or disposition  of all of the church property and assets shall likewise be approved by the Participating  Membership at a business meeting called for such purpose.  Once the Participating Membership has voted in favor of such action, the Elder Board has authority, by affirmative vote, to borrow money, buy, lease, acquire, own, hold,  improve, use and deal in and with, real or personal property, or an interest in property,  wherever located, and may sell, convey, mortgage, create a security interest in, lease,  exchange, transfer or dispose of all or a part of it's real or personal property, or an  interest in property, wherever located.Rev. 7/24/22 7 

Riverwood Community Church Bylaws 

Article 1 – Ministry Expressions 

As we live out our mission, we are committed to these six expressions of life with Christ: Devotion: Our devotion to God is borne out of gratitude for what He has done for us.  We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) Community: True community is realized when our lives are ‘reconciled’ to God and  relationships ‘reconciled’ to each other. Our ‘one-another’ lifestyle-rooted in  love enables us to link arms as one unified Body. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Discipleship: Through our lives and our words we help others have a deeper and clearer  understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We also help each other become  more faithful and active followers of Jesus Christ every day. (Matthew 28:19- 20) Service: We are called to serve others with whatever gifts we have received. (1 Peter  4:12) Outreach: Christ compels us to reach out. We do not seek our own benefit but that of  others, that they may be saved by the grace of God through faith. (Luke 19:10) Sending: By identifying those who will go, sending those called by the Holy Spirit,  supporting those who go, and those who receive them, we will fulfill Jesus’ call  to send out laborers into the harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38, Acts 13:1-3) 

Article 2 - Definition of Participating Membership 

All people who have chosen to accept Christ's work on the cross for their sins and now  follow Him in an intimate relationship as Lord and Savior are members of the all-time,  all-places church. Those Christ-committed followers who have chosen to align  themselves with Riverwood in its ministry, worship, and purposes may become  "Participating Members" of Riverwood as further defined in Article Four of the  constitution. 

Article 3 - Privileges of Participating Membership 

1. It identifies a person as a Christ-committed follower (Ephesians 2:9, Romans 12:5) 2. It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage a person in a walk with Christ  (Galatians 6:1-2, Hebrews 1:24-25) 3. It gives a person a place to discover and use gifts in ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-27) 4. It places a person under the spiritual protection of Christ-centered leaders  (Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:28-29) 5. It gives a person the accountability needed to grow (Ephesians 5:21)Rev. 7/24/22 8 

Article 4 - Responsibilities of Participating Membership 

With the privilege of membership come certain responsibilities. As they are enabled by  God to do so, members will: 1. Pray regularly for other members and the church pastor(s) and leadership; 2. Regularly participate in the ministries of Riverwood Community Church; 3. Care for others in the Body of Christ and prayerfully consider ministry within the  church; 4. Seek to follow Christ and His example in attitude and activity; 5. Share the good news of forgiveness in Christ with those who do not know Him; and 6. Give regularly and intentionally of God's financial provision to support the work of  the church. 7. Guard and protect Riverwood Community Church from slander and a spirit of  divisiveness ensuring a God honoring reflection in the community.

 Article 5 - Discipline of Participating Membership 

If a Participating Member of Riverwood Community Church is found to be in persistent,  unrepentant sin, action will be initiated to correct the sinning member. This will be done  with a concern for redemption and reconciliation rather than punishment and  ostracism. Biblical authority for church discipline is founded upon the following two principles:  (1) Believers are directed to not "… continue in sin…" (Romans 6:1); and  (2) Sin in the Christian's life is to be confessed and forsaken (I John 1:9;  Proverbs 28:13). Disciplinary action toward a member who persists in sin will be initiated only after it is  clear that the member has been approached: (A) individually (according to Matthew 18:15); and if he/she does not respond  then (B) with one or two other mature believers (Matthew 18:16; Galatians 6:1) If, after both of these actions, the member continues in the sin, a written complaint  should be submitted by the "witnesses" of (B) to the Board of Elders. The Elder Board will carefully investigate the complaint attempting to bring about clarity and restoration.  If all reasonable efforts fail to resolve the issue, the Elder Board will decide on further  action. Sins requiring discipline that may eventually result in exclusion from membership and  leadership include: 1) Sins of human character that obscure the holiness of God (I Corinthians 5:11); 2) Sins of divisiveness that bring confusion to the work of the church  (Romans 16:17); and  3) Sins that violate the truth of God by promoting false doctrine (II Peter 2:1-3)Rev. 7/24/22 9 

Article 6 - Procedure for becoming a Participating Member 

1. Prior to acceptance as a Participating Member, each person will complete an  introductory class that will cover Riverwood’s vision, values, beliefs and what it  means to be a Participating Member. This class will be led by the pastor or other  person appointed by the Board of Elders. 2. A person interested in membership will meet with two or more Elder Board members to determine that he/she agrees to uphold the conditions of membership  (c.f., Constitution, Article 4).  3. A person intending to become a Participating Member will sign the Membership  Covenant after having met with the Board of Elders. 4. The Elder Board will introduce new members to the Participating Membership at an  annual or special business meeting, or in a membership-wide publication. 

Article 7 - Procedure for terminating Participating Membership 

1. A Participating Member requesting a letter of transfer to another church will be  granted a letter stating his/her Participating Membership status at Riverwood. 2. When a Participating Member joins another church, his/her membership in  Riverwood Community Church is terminated without further action. Riverwood  Participating Members who are missionaries and join another church where they are  serving may retain their membership in Riverwood Community Church. Participating  Members may also retain their membership when they are temporarily relocated to  another city for their job or education and choose to join a local church in that  community. 3. A Participating Member may terminate their membership upon request. 4. A Participating Member who does not make an involved contact with the church for  one year will be put on an inactive list. A staff member, or representative of  Riverwood Community Church will attempt to contact him/her. If there is no  response within 6 months, the membership will be terminated. 5. A Participating Member whom the Elder Board determines to be guilty of gross  misconduct contrary to Article 4 of Riverwood Community Church's Constitution, will  be removed from the Participating Membership by a unanimous vote of the Board of Elders. That action will be taken only after reasonable efforts, as outlined in the preceding Discipline of Participating Members section (Bylaws, Article 5)Rev. 7/24/22 10 

Article 8 - Church Leadership Elder Board 

A. Qualifications 1. A Participating Member of Riverwood Community Church; 2. One who has demonstrated leadership, giftedness in ministry, and a  willingness to serve (I Peter 5:2-3); 3. One who is spiritually mature, i.e., not a new believer (I Timothy 3:6); 4. One who is able to communicate biblical knowledge in the leader’s specific  area of ministry (I Timothy 3:2); 5. One who is faithful to his wife and manages his own family well or if single, is  chaste and pure in his relationships with women (I Timothy 3:2-4); 6. One who possesses a good reputation within and outside the church  (I Timothy 3:2.7; Titus 1:6); 7. One who demonstrates self-control and appropriate biblical attitudes in  relationships (I Timothy 3:2-3; Titus 1:6-7); 8. One who demonstrates a measure of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22- 23);  9. One who is a member of a small group and regularly participates in public  worship at Riverwood Community Church; 10. One who has followed Christ’s command, and example, by being immersed  after coming to faith. B. Responsibilities The Elder Board will be responsible for the general operation of the affairs of the  church in accordance with the constitution and bylaws. C. Selection  New Elder Board members will be selected by the following process  (c.f. Acts 14:23, Titus 1:6) 1. The Board of Elders will welcome suggestions for potential Elder Board members from the congregation. 2. The Board of Elders will tentatively select new Elder Board members and  announce them to the congregation. 3. If Participating Members of the church have an objection to a proposed  leader, they may present that objection to the Board of Elders (c.f. I Timothy  5:19). 4. The Board of Elders will appoint Elder Board members by unanimous  agreement. 5. Participating Membership will confirm the appointment of new Elder Board members by simple majority vote at an annual or special business meeting. 6. With God’s guidance, we will strive for a minimum of five (5) and a maximum  of ten (10) Elder Board members at any one time. 7. The Senior Pastor will automatically be an Elder Board member.Rev. 7/24/22 11 D. Terms of Service 1. Elder Board members will continue in their service if they are willing to serve  and if they are reconfirmed in that position every year by the Board of Elders and Participating Members. 2. A Elder Board member can be removed at any time by a three-fourths vote  of the remainder of the Elder Board. 3. Members of the Board of Elders may not serve for more than four (4)  consecutive years (with the exception of the Senior Pastor), but may be  reappointed after a one-year absence. 

Article 9 – Pastors 

A. Qualifications 1. Senior Pastor Same as those for the Board of Elders (Bylaws, Article 8) as well as  possession of gifts, abilities, educational and professional qualifications. 2. Other pastoral staff The senior pastor will set qualifications for their specified area of  ministry. Positions will be approved by the elder board. B. Responsibilities Position descriptions and titles will be presented at the time of call and will be  reviewed annually by the Board of Elders. The Senior Pastor will be a member of  the Board of Elders. C. Selection 1. Senior Pastor A Call Committee will be appointed by the Board of Elders and ratified by  the Participating Membership. This committee will include two (2)  current Elder Board members. A candidate will be presented to the Board of Elders and to the congregation. An affirmative vote of ninety (90)  percent of Participating Members present at a special business meeting  will be required to call the Senior Pastor. The vote will be by written,  secret ballot. 2. Other pastoral staff The Senior Pastor will recommend to the Board of Elders any additions to  the pastoral staff. The Elder Board will consider such recommendations  and extend a call if deemed appropriate. D. Term 1. Resignation Pastors will serve indefinitely. Resignations will be acted upon by the  Elder Board. The time and terms of the resignation will be established by  the Elder Board, the Senior Pastor, and the resigning Pastor (may or may  not be the Senior Pastor).Rev. 7/24/22 12 2. Termination Senior Pastor - The matter of dismissal of the Senior Pastor will be handled with the  same spirit as discussed in guidelines for discipline of church members  (c.f. Bylaws, Articles 5). A recommendation for the dismissal may be  initiated by the Elder Board. The Board of Elders will make reasonable  effort to resolve grievances before any termination occurs. The  Participating Membership may dissolve the pastoral relationship by a  majority vote at any business meeting with the terms of dismissal  determined by the Board of Elders, including a minimum of three months  salary and benefits. Other pastoral staff Termination will be acted upon by the Elder Board after careful  consideration and consultation. The Board of Elders will make a  reasonable effort to resolve grievances before any termination occurs. 

Article 10 – Staff 

A. Ministry staff 1. Qualifications The same as for other pastoral staff (c.f. Bylaws, Article 9.A.2). 2. Responsibilities Position descriptions will be presented at the time of hiring and reviewed  annually. 3. Selection The pastor(s) will work closely with the Board of Elders to determine the  best available candidate(s). The Elder Board and will hire all ministry staff  within budgetary appropriations. 4. Term Ministry staff will serve indefinitely. Resignations will be acted upon by  the Board of Elders. The time and terms of the resignation will be  established by the Elder Board. The Elder Board will make a reasonable  effort to resolve grievances before any termination occurs. Termination  will be acted upon by the Board of Elders after careful consideration and  consultation. B. Administrative staff Other staff members will be hired within budgetary appropriations by the Senior  Pastor to carry out the church's ministry. Position descriptions will be presented  at the time of hiring and reviewed annually. Termination will be acted upon by  the Senior Pastor after careful consideration and consultation with the Board of  Elders. The Senior Pastor will make a reasonable effort to resolve grievances  before any termination occurs.Rev. 7/24/22 13

 Article 11 - Ministry Teams  

Ministry teams shall be formed as required to implement the varied ministries of  Riverwood Community Church and shall be chartered by the Senior Pastor to carry out  those ministries. The Senior Pastor will determine (on an annual basis) which ministry teams will function at Riverwood Community Church. This determination will be made  based upon the recommendation of church staff in accord with Riverwood Community  Church's purpose, strategies, and objectives.  Ministry Team Leaders Ministry team leaders shall be appointed annually and are subject to approval by  the Elder Board.

 Article 12 - Business Meetings Fiscal and Appointment Year Designation 

The fiscal year of the church will be from July 1 to June 30. The appointment year  of Riverwood Community Church will be from February 1 to January 31. Annual meetings At the annual meeting held every July, the budget will be presented. In  preparation for the meeting, the Board of Elders will provide church members  with written reports from key ministries, together with a financial report and a  report from the Senior Pastor at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting. At the annual meeting held every January, the newly selected Board of Elders will be affirmed and commissioned for service. In preparation for the meeting,  the Board of Elders will provide church members with a list of Elder Board  candidates at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting.  Major items of business may be presented at annual or special meetings. Major items of business include: • Senior Pastor Call Committee • Calling of a Senior Pastor • Acquiring, selling, or building upon real property • Borrowing money • Changes in the constitution/bylaws • Issues that require significant resources as determined by Elders,  Pastoral and Administrative Staff and Ministry Leaders • Significant changes to ministry direction as determined by Elders,  Pastoral and Administrative Staff and Ministry LeadersRev. 7/24/22 14 Special meetings Special meeting of the members of the church may be called by the Board of  Elders, the Senior Pastor, or by fifteen (15) percent of the Participating Members  submitting a petition to the Elder Board for the purpose of the stated call of the  meeting. All meetings of the church will be conducted in an orderly and gracious  manner. Notice of meetings Notice of date, hour, and reason for special meeting will be publicized two (2)  consecutive Sundays in advance of the meeting. Exceptions to this include  mortgaging, conveying, or encumbering of real property of the church that  require written and verbal announcements for four (4) consecutive Sundays and  changes to the constitution (which can only be changed at annual meetings  following three (3) months notification). Quorum Twenty-five (25) percent of the Participating Membership of the church will  constitute a quorum of any duly called meeting for the purpose of transacting  business. Voting Each Participating Member, eighteen years of age and older present at the  meeting, will be entitled to one vote in each matter. The vote of the majority of  the members present and those voting by absentee ballot will constitute the act  of all members unless otherwise specified in the constitution or bylaws.  Absentee ballots are valid if received by the Board of Elders prior to the meeting  at which the vote occurs, accompanied by a valid reason for absence. Major items of business, which require a vote among the Participating Members shall include: • Senior Pastor Call Committee • Calling of a Senior Pastor • Acquiring, selling, or building upon real property • Borrowing money • Changes in the constitution/bylaws • Issues that require significant resources as determined by Elders,  Pastoral and Administrative Staff and Ministry Leaders • Significant changes to ministry direction as determined by Elders,  Pastoral and Administrative Staff and Ministry Leaders 

Article 13 – Amendments 

Changes to the bylaws must be presented to the church by the Board of Elders and then passed by a simple majority vote of the Participating Members present  at any business meeting. A copy of the proposed change(s) will be presented in  writing, posted, and announced two (2) consecutive Sundays in advance of the  meeting. No bylaw may alter any part of the constitution.Rev. 7/24/22 15