REVISING OUR CONSTITUTION
A Task Force appointed by the Church Council has been at work since February preparing proposed amendments to bring the Redeemer Constitution up to date. Our present constitution was adopted in 1993, and amended in 1996.
Some sections of our constitution are required by the ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations. These are in Chapters 2-9, 15, and 17-19, and are marked with an asterisk (*). For the most part, our present constitution is in compliance and only requires minor changes in wording.
Other proposed amendments reflect changes in the way the congregation operates. A good example is that we hold our meetings in four sessions after church services to encourage the most participation. This practice now will be spelled out in our documents. The Task Force also focused on ensuring transparency and keeping the congregation well informed.
On this website, you will find the Proposed Amended Version of the Constitution, a Power Point presentation that summarizes the most important changes and gives some rationale, the Schedule for adopting the amendments, and contact information for the Task Force.
The proposed amendments were approved by the congregation in the congregation meeting on November 7-8. To become effective, the proposed amendments must be ratified at the congregation’s Annual Meeting in 2010.
----------------------------
SCHEDULE FOR REVISING OUR CONSTITUTION
August 18 – Council Meeting. Proposed amendments filed with the Council.
September 12 – Council Workshop. Opportunity for Council to make amendments to the proposal. Council approved final version.
The proposed amendments with the notice of the congregation meeting on November 7 & 8 were sent by mail to all members, so that the amendments were received before the end of September, more than 30 days in advance of the approval meeting.
October 10 & 11 – Information Meetings after the Saturday evening and Sunday 8:15
services.
October 18 – Information Meetings after the 9:45 and 11:00 services.
November 7 & 8 – Special Congregation Meeting to vote “en block” on the proposed
amendments. The meeting was convened after the Saturday evening service and recessed
after each service until after the Sunday 11:00 service, when it was adjourned. The
amendments were approved by a majority (282 for, 15 against).
2010 Annual Meeting –The approved amendments come up for ratification and must be ratified by a 2/3 majority.
- - - - - - - -
MORE INFORMATION
Recommended Constitution highlights (Power Point)
Recommended Constitution highlights (PDF)
Recommended Amended Constitution
Recommended Amended Constitution (PDF)
Current Constitution and Continuing Resolutions
Members of the Task Force
Schedule for Revising the Constitution
