Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
GATHERING MINUTES
Thursday, September 1, 2016
First Presbyterian Church
Collinsville, Illinois
Ruling Elder Dr. Michelle Smith, Moderator
The Rev. Erin Counihan, Vice-Moderator
The Rev. Terry Epling, Stated Clerk
Convening the Gathering
The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy met for a stated meeting on Thursday, September 1,
2016, at First Presbyterian Church, Collinsville, Illinois. The Moderator, Dr. Michelle Smith, called
the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. and led a unison opening prayer.
Declaration of a Quorum
The Stated Clerk, Rev. Terry Epling, affirmed that a sufficient number of commissioners and
Teaching Elders were registered to constitute a quorum. The Moderator declared a quorum
present. (The roll of registered attendees is attached as Addendum I. A quorum is 10% of the active
enrolled Teaching Elders, and Ruling Elders representing at least 10% of our congregations.)
Adoption of the Docket
The proposed schedule for the gathering was approved without objection.
Welcome from the Host Church
The Rev. Jeffrey Young, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Collinsville, welcomed
presbyters to the church. The Moderator thanked the pastor, session, and members for their warm
hospitality in hosting the meeting.
Corresponding Members, New Commissioners, and New Members
The Rev. Terry Epling, Stated Clerk, introduced the Rev. James Gale and the Rev. Landon
Whitsitt, members of Heartland Presbytery and of the Synod staff. On the recommendation of the
Stated Clerk, there were seated as corresponding members.
Ruling Elder John Rawlings, chair of the Dynamic Leaders Ministry Team, introduced the
Rev. Simmons Gardner and the Rev. Janet Riley as new members of the presbytery. Rev. Gardner is
honorably retired. Rev. Riley is Interim Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Edwardsville.
Following a confession of sin and assurance of pardon, presbyters sang Come Thou Fount of
Every Blessing.
Vibrant Congregations Ministry Team
On the recommendation of the Vibrant Congregations Ministry Team and at the request of
the congregations of College Avenue Presbyterian Church and The United Presbyterian Church,
Wood River, Illinois, presbytery approved the Plan of Union of the congregations to create the
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church. (ADDENDUM II)
The first worship service of the new congregation will be September 18, 2016. The Rev.
Carol DeVaughan (Honorably Retired) will serve as temporary pastor on the congregation.
Pastoral Transitions Administrative Commission
The Rev. Johanna Wagner, chair of the Pastoral Transitions Administrative Commission,
introduced Jay Summerville for examination for ordination. Mr. Summerville received a call to a
validated ministry as Chaplain of Aberdeen Heights, a Presbyterian Manor retirement community in
Kirkwood, Missouri.
The Rev. Sean Butler, chair of the Commission of Preparation for Ministry, spike to Mr.
Summerville’s preparation process and his readiness to receive a call.
Mr. Summerville read his statement of faith. He was examined by the presbytery. There
were four questions from three Teaching Elders and one Ruling Elder. The Rev. David Holyan
moved, it was seconded and approved to arrest the examination.
The Pastoral Transitions Administrative Commission moved that the examination be
sustained and Mr. Summerville approved for ordination to the ordered ministry of Teaching Elder.
Following discussion, the motion was approved unanimously.
The Pastoral Transitions Administrative Commission validated the ministry and approved
on behalf of presbytery the terms of call, which were not disclosed.
Presbytery approved by consent the recommendation of the Pastoral Transitions
Administrative Commission to ordain Jay Summerville to the ordered ministry of Teaching Elder on
Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., at Second Presbyterian Church, St. Louis. In consultation
with the Moderator, the commission will consist of these members: Michelle Smith (Moderator),
Rev. Susan Andrews, Rev. David Holyan, Rev. Jeff Welch, Ruling Elder Candace O’Connor (First of St.
Louis), Ruling Elder Jim Cook (Calvary, Mehlville), and Ruling Elder Carlene Davis (Second, St.
Louis). The Stated Clerk will invite the Rev. Mary Gene Boteler (Cincinnati Presbytery) to
participate as a corresponding member and preach the sermon. In addition, the Stated Clerk will
invite the Rev. Gershon Dotse (Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana) to participate in the
service and be seated with the commission as an ecumenical guest.
The Moderator read 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 and Colossians 3:12-15 and offered a reflection
on the scriptures. Presbytery sang the hymn Called as Partners in Christ’s Service. An offering was
received in support of Presbyterian Women of Giddings-Lovejoy’s efforts to provide hygiene kits for
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Nearly 300 kits were donated at this gathering.
Vision Team
1. Mound Ridge
On the recommendation of the Vision Team, presbytery approved the Ministry Partnership
Agreement dated August 9, 2016, between the Presbytery and Mound Ridge Retreat and Mission
Center, Inc. (ADDENDUM III)
On the recommendation of the Vision Team, presbytery approved the transfer of the Mound
Ridge Designated and Restricted Funds form presbytery accounts to the accounts of Mound Ridge
Retreat and Mission Center, Inc., including the Mound Ridge Designated Fund (inclusive of
campership funds), Mound Ridge Capital Appeals Campaign, and Mound Ridge Endowment Fund.
On the recommendation of the Vision Team, presbytery authorized the Property Work
Group to utilize appropriate legal counsel to transfer title of the real property to Mound Ridge
Retreat and Mission Center, Inc., according to the terms of the Ministry Partnership Agreement.
2. Per Capita
On the recommendation of the Vision Team, in consultation with the Administration and
Support Ministry Team, Presbytery approved a per capita apportionment for 2017 of $30.51.
The team introduced the draft of a working budget for 2017 for consideration and invited
feedback to the members of the team.
3. Presbytery Leader Dissolution of Relationship
On the recommendation of the Vision Team, Presbytery accepted the resignation of the Rev.
Anita Hendrix as Presbytery Leader effective September 1, 2016, with the terms of dissolution in
ADDENDUM IV.
The Rev. Paul Bembower moved, it was seconded and approved to move into Executive
Session to discuss personnel matters. Visitors were asked to leave the sanctuary during the
executive Session. No actions were taken in Executive Session.
At the conclusion of the Executive Session, Presbytery reconvened in open session. The Rev.
Dr. John Hembruch prayed a pastoral prayer.
4. Transitional Leadership
Presbytery approve the recommendation of the Vision Team to empower the Personnel
Work Group to contract with an Acting Presbytery Leader until the arrival of a Transitional/Interim
Presbytery Leader. The Personnel Work Group introduced the Rev. Gary Ferbet as the Acting
Presbytery Leader. Dr. Ferbet spoke briefly to the Presbytery.
The Vision Team recommended that Presbytery empower the Vision Team to interview and
nominate a Transitional Presbytery Leader. The Rev. Dan Anderson-Little moved, it was seconded
an approved to exclude the Stated Clerk, Rev. Terry Epling, from the Transitional Presbytery Leader
Nominating Committee. The motion was approved as amended.
5. 2017 Stated Meeting Schedule
On the recommendation of the Vision Team, Presbytery adopted the following schedule of
four stated meetings for 2017: Saturday, February 11 th; Thursday, April 27th; Thursday, August 31st;
and, Saturday, November 4th.
The Vice-Moderator, Rev. Erin, Counihan, assumed the chair and moderated the remainder
of the meeting.
Mission and Outreach Ministry Team
Ruling Elder Barbara Bowyer, chair of the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team, spoke
about the team’s activities and introduced its members.
General Assembly Commissioners
The Rev. Marc Wendleton and Ruling Elder Dianne Modrell spoke about their experiences
as commissioners to the 222nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Portland,
Oregon, in June.
Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA)
The Rev. Cedric Portis, and the Rev. Carol DeVaughan, Co-Chairs of the Committee on Local
Arrangements for the 223rd General Assembly (2018), shared a video and spoke to preparations for
the assembly in St. Louis.
Omnibus Motion
1. Minutes
Presbytery approved by consent the minutes of the stated meeting on June 4, 2016.
2. Committee on Representation and Nominations
On the recommendation of the Committee on Representation and Nominations, presbytery
approved the election of the following persons:
David Holyan (WMT) Personnel Committee Moderator
Class of 2018
Jeff Young (WMT)
Moderator, New Worshiping Communities Admin. Commission
John Harrison (WMT New Worshiping Communities Commission Class of 2018
3. Pastoral Transitions Administrative Commission
The Pastoral Transitions Administrative Commission reported that it had acted on behalf of
Presbytery to approve the request of the Rev. Andrew Kramer to retire effective October 1, 2016.
Rev. Kramer served as pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Illinois, until September
30, 2016.
Closing and Benediction
There being no further business, the Presbytery agreed by consent to adjourn at 3:49 p.m.
Rev. Counihan announced the next stated meeting on November 12 th at Trinity Chapel Presbyterian
Church, Cuba, and delivered a benediction.
Faithfully,
Rev. Terry Epling,
Stated Clerk
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September 1, 2016
Affton
Alton, Elm Street
Alton, First
ADDENDUM I
Verna Pickles
Tom Wyatt
Robert Thornberry
Alton, Salem
Ballwin, St. Mark
Bertha Larez
Cay Noble
Bruce Cranston
Ballwin, Taiwanese
Harry Streid
Belleville, First United Martha Dexheimer
Jackie Bainter
Mancy Kreeb
Belleville, Westminster Laurie Brown
Bethalto
Dale Dickerson
Bourbon, Argo
Bridgeton, John Calvin Rosalea Vogler
Virginia Messersmith
Bridgeton, Mizpah
Brighton, First
Kay Long
Cape Girardeau, First Cape Girardeau, Westminster Collinsville, First United Jodee Kleeb
Crestwood, Southminster
Joan Huisinga
Crystal City, Grace
Muriel Stephens
Gary Stephens
Cuba, First
Cuba, Trinity Chapel
Ed Windle
Dardenne Prairie
Steve Collier
John Akers
Dexter, First
Doniphan, First
Edwardsville, First
Donna Crider
Joyce Toussaint
Farmington
Margaret Bembower
Ferguson, First
Fisk
Florissant
Lynn Bohler
Florissant, John Knox John Thomas
Rance Thomas
Fredericktown, First
Scott Mier
Frontenac, Faith Des Peres
Barbara Abbett
Gerald, Boeuff
-
Attendance Roll
Glendale
Paige Stroud
Granite City, First United
Hardin, First
Hillsboro, First
House Springs, Hillside Imperial, Rock
Joanne Kramer
Ironton, First
Jackson, First
Jerseyville, First
Kampsville, First United Kirkwood, First
Al Murray
James Madson
Ladue Chapel
Jane Gere
Mark Templeton
Carole Olsen
Lynn Broeder
Marble Hill, Lutesville Maryland Heights
Mehlville, Calvary
Neal Donaldson
Moline Acres, Third
Bernice Thompson
Walter Hearn
Moro
Overland, New Horizons
Genevieve
Rottnek
Pacific
Marianne Perez
Park Hills, First
Perryville, First
Poplar Bluff, First
Potosi
Sedgewickville, Whitewater
Sikeston, Hunter Mem. St. Charles, New Hope St. Charles
St. Louis, Berea
St. Louis, Cote Brilliante St. Louis, Curby Mem. St. Louis, Gibson Hts. -
September 1, 2016
St. Louis, Oak Hill
Valery Welch
Brent Crittenden
St. Louis, Second
Mike Willock
Jim Ford
St. Louis, St. Andrew
St. Louis, West
St. Louis, Westminster Sharon McCaslin
St. Louis, Wurdak
Ste. Genevieve
Cindy Fieg
Steelville
Deloris Bell
Robert Bowness
Sullivan, First
Tonette Barnes
Union, First
Susan Buchanan
University City, First
University City, Trinity Washington
Vivian Marshall
Barbara Schofield
Webster Groves
Harriet Hall
John Rawlings
John Wagner
Wildwood, Woodlawn Carol Stepp
Wood River, College Ave.
Karen Wilson
Maggie
Dillinger
Wood River, United
JoAnn Lamar
Sarah Carmes
Teaching Elders
Dan Anderson-Little
Susan Andrews
Paul Bembower
Victoria Brown
Sean Butler
John Carothers
James Chi
Paula Cooper
Erin Counihan
David Crowley
Carol DeVaughan
Wendy Downing
Robert Dyer
Jillian Embrey
Anne Epling
Terry Epling
Gary Ferbet
Miriam Foltz
ADDENDUM I
Simmons Gardner
John Goodwin
Patrick Gruber
John Harrison
James Hartley
Susan Hayes
Dieter Heinzl
John Hembruch
John Higgins
David Holyan
Kemper Huber
Christopher James
Elizabeth Kanerva
Chris Keating
Gary Kornell
Andrew Kramer
Doug Mankell
David Marshall
Joan Marshall
Renita Mercado-Heinzl
Kim Nelson
Joshua Noah
Margaret Overstreet
Janet Riley
John Shear
Melanie Smith
William Smutz
Jeffrey Snell
Elinor Stock
Carleton Stock
Mark Strothmann
Mark Thomas
Michael Trautman
Johanna Wagner
Nancy Wagner
Wynn Ward
John Welton
Marc Wendleton
Denise Williams
Barbara Willock
Jeff Young
Edwin Zumwinkel, III
Commissioned Ruling Elders
Rob Cardwell
Julie Gvillo
Stephanie Knopf
Mark Wiley
Attendance Roll
September 1, 2016
Staff
Christy Foster
Presbyterian Women
Cindy Fieg
ADDENDUM I
Vision Team
Michelle Smith
Donald Marshall
Barbara Bowyer
Lorenzo Clayton
John Rawlings
The remainder of this page is intentionally blank.
Attendance Roll
HISTORY OF MERGER PROCESS
At the January 2016 Session meetings of College Avenue Presbyterian Church (CAPC) and The
United Presbyterian Church of Wood River (The UPC), the elders discussed the possibility of merging
the two congregations.
The Upper Alton Presbyterian Church was organized on January 8, 1837 and in 1925 the church was
incorporated and renamed College Avenue Presbyterian Church. The United Presbyterian Church
was formed on January 1, 1995, as the result of a merger between the First Presbyterian Church of
Roxana and the First Presbyterian Church of Wood River. Both the Wood River and the Roxana
churches were organized in 1921.
CAPC having faced two decades of poor financial planning and deferred building maintenance,
realized that their congregation had approximately ten months of funds left before it would no longer
be able to pay staff and monthly bills. In June 2015, the Session called a Congregational Meeting to
act on the recommendation to list the CAPC building for sale and to relocate to a new location
(assuming use of the proceeds from the sale of the building). CAPC subsequently reached out to The
UPC to discuss a potential “Nesting Agreement” which The UPC congregation approved on October
4, 2015. While both churches held separate weekly worship services, there were special times that
joint Sunday Services, Mission Opportunities and Fellowship Events were shared during the next few
months. Both congregations have the following in common: a similar amount of members; lagging
church attendance and aging congregations; and, are mission and service oriented to their
community and the world.
At separate Congregational Meetings held on January 31, 2016, the process for merger was outlined.
Both churches voted to enter into the Inquiry Phase of Merger discussions and also elected merger
teams, consisting of four members from each church.
The Merger Dialogue Committee met for the first time on February 3, 2016. The merger process was
discussed, meeting dates set and goals established. Sarah Carnes (The UPC) was elected chair and
Jeanne McCoy (CAPC) elected secretary. Dates were set for Listening Sessions for the
congregations: February 21, 2016, for The UPC; and February 28, 2016, for CAPC.
The Merger Dialogue Committee met weekly and discussed issues ranging from the demographics of
the surrounding community, to who we want to be as a church. A Redevelopment Plan was created
based review of the following: a comprehensive survey sent to all members of both congregations;
discussions from a joint Bible Study; and community demographic and regional informational
documents. Also included in the Redevelopment Plan was the proposed new Mission Statement:
“New Church Name, a welcoming community of faithful disciples, committed to fulfilling Christ's
example, joyfully serving through compassion, mission, justice and all-inclusive grace."
The Redevelopment Plan along with the recommendation from the Merger Dialogue Committee that
the churches proceed into the Merger Phase, were presented on April 28, 2016, to a Joint Session
Meeting. Members of Presbytery were also present. Both church Sessions voted unanimously to
proceed to the Merger Phase.
In the months following that vote, the Merger Committee has met frequently and has further
discussed the merger details outlined by Presbytery. The culmination of all those discussions is a
Plan of Union document that was presented in person, on July 25, 2016, to the Stated Clerk of
Presbytery, Terry Eppling. After receiving his approval, the Merger Committee formally voted to
proceed to the Joint Sessions for their consideration. The Merger Committee is respectfully and
prayerfully presenting the attached Plan of Union document.
Page | 1
THE PLAN OF UNION OF
COLLEGE AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
AND
THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Name:
The name of the merged church shall be LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.
Mission Statement:
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church, a welcoming community of faithful disciples, committed to
fulfilling Christ's example, joyfully serving through compassion, mission, justice and all-inclusive
grace.
Incorporation:
College Avenue Presbyterian Church and The United Presbyterian Church will utilize the services of
the legal counsel of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy to complete the necessary application for
new articles of incorporation for the merger of the two churches.
Election of Officers:
Ruling Elders: Sixteen (16) Ruling Elders of College Avenue Presbyterian Church and The United
Presbyterian Church (eight (8) from each church), will become the Ruling Elders of the merged
church (organized into three classes - four in 2016; six in 2017 and six in 2018). Each succeeding
year, four (4) elders will be elected to the upcoming class.
Deacons: Half of the deacons of College Avenue Presbyterian Church and The United Presbyterian
Church (six (6) from each church) will become the deacons of the merged church (twelve deacons
organized into three classes of four). Each succeeding year, four (4) deacons will be elected to the
upcoming class.
Trustees: Ruling Elders in active service on the Session of the merged church serve as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, and there will be no separate Board of Trustees.
Pastoral Leadership:
A Temporary Supply Pastor will be selected to begin service as of the official merger date of
September 15, 2016. Very soon after the merger date, a selected Interim Pastor Nominating Search
Committee will begin the search for an Interim Pastor. Once the Interim Pastor is in place, a Pastoral
Nominating Search Committee will be nominated by the Session, and upon approval of the
congregation, will begin the search for a Pastor.
Commitments:
All commitments, covenants, and agreements of the merging churches shall become the
commitments, covenants, and agreements of the merged congregation.
Church Property:
1. The merged congregation will remain in the 2550 Rock Hill Road, Wood River, IL facility.
2. The maintenance of the former College Avenue Presbyterian Church property, currently listed for
sale, will become the responsibility of the merged church.
3. Upon the successful sale of the former College Avenue property, a Task Force will be appointed
by the Session of the merged church. The Task Force will work to recommend a disposition plan for
the proceeds, for Session approval.
Page | 2
Personal Property:
Both churches shall inventory all personal property before the merger. The merged Session shall
decide the use and/or disposition of the personal property, or appoint a task force(s) to handle use
and/or disposition.
Church Records:
The records of both churches have been regularly reviewed by the Session Records Review
Committee of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. All records will be reviewed by the Stated Clerk of
the Presbytery before merger, and will become the records of the merged church.
Financial Review:
Audits: Both congregations have conducted internal audits and find all the books to be in order for
both churches through calendar year 2014. Additionally, a joint audit of the financials of both
churches will be conducted for years 2015 and 2016 up to the merger date. That joint audit is
targeted for completion by November 2016.
Asset Review: Contents of safety deposit boxes have been inventoried and the new Administrative
Committee will work on combination and name transfer to the new corporation. In addition, all
stocks, bonds and ongoing funds will be addressed for changes to church name and tax number.
Policies and Procedures: All existing financial policies and procedures will documented, reviewed,
and revised by the Administrative (or other appropriate) Committee for approval by the new Session.
Budgets: Combined budgets for the remainder of 2016, as well as a draft for 2017, were created for
the merged church. Staffing recommendations were made based upon those budgets.
Other Staffing:
1 part-time position of Director of Children and Youth.
1 part-time position of Administrative Assistant.
1 part-time position of Music Director.
1 part-time position for Maintenance/Custodian.
1 temporary, part-time position for Groundskeeper - (until the sale of CAPC building is complete).
3 part-time positions for Nursery Staff.
Covenant Network:
It is the recommendation of the Merger Committee that LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church also
begin the work to commit to becoming a church member of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
Awareness and education of the merged congregation should be part of the preparatory work.
Page | 3
BY-LAWS
Of
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church
Wood River, Illinois
DECLARATION
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church acknowledges itself to be a particular Congregation of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and recognizes that the Constitution of said Church is, with all its
provisions, obligatory upon it and its members.
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church (herein after Church) is affiliated with the Synod of Mid-America
and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, and subject to and bound by the Constitution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), consisting of the Book of Confessions and Book of Order.
The Church is a religious body which was organized and incorporated as a religious Corporation on
September 15, 2016, as LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.
MISSION STATEMENT
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church, a welcoming community of faithful disciples, committed to
fulfilling Christ's example, joyfully serving through compassion, mission, justice and all-inclusive
grace.
ARTICLE ONE - MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION
Section 1.01 - Members
The congregation is made up of all members on the active roll of the church. All such
members who are present at a congregational meeting are entitled to vote. No voting by proxy is
permitted. All congregational meetings may deal with both “corporate” and “ecclesiastical” matters.
Section 1.02 - Notice
Public notice of the time and place of all meetings of the congregation and of the purpose of all
meetings except the annual meetings of the congregation (as to which it shall be sufficient to state, in
the notice, that it is the annual meeting).
Notice shall be given orally or in writing during each morning worship service on the two (2)
successive Sundays, immediately prior to the time at which the meeting is to be held, that is, the
meeting may be convened immediately following the last notice given on the second Sunday, except
in the case of calling of pastors, as to which at least ten (10) days notice, as well as public notice on
two (2) successive Sundays is required.
Section 1.03 - Quorum
A quorum shall consist of one-tenth of the active membership. No meeting of fewer than three
(3) members shall be considered a congregational meeting.
Page | 4
Section 1.04 - Meeting May be Postponed if Session Members Predominate
Notwithstanding the presence of a quorum, if, of those active members in attendance, fewer
than half are members not then actively serving as elders, then, on the motion of any member
attending calling attention to this fact, the meeting shall be postponed and adjourned until the Sunday
immediately following, or until such further day as a meeting can be held consisting of members at
least one-half of whom are not then actively serving as elders, but not more than one postponement
shall be made on this ground alone. If no such motion is made, the meeting shall continue to conduct
its business until and unless such a motion is made.
Section 1.05 - Presiding Officers
(A)
The installed pastor shall be the moderator of all meetings of the congregation. If the
church has co-pastors, they shall, when present, alternately preside at meetings of the
congregation. When the church is without a pastor, the moderator of the Session
appointed by the Presbytery shall preside at all meetings of the congregation. If it is
impractical for the pastor or the moderator of the Session appointed by the Presbytery
to preside, he or she shall invite, with the concurrence of the Session, another minister
of the Presbytery to preside.
(B)
The Clerk of the Session shall be secretary of all meetings of the congregation. If the
Clerk is unable to serve, the congregation shall elect a secretary for that meeting. The
minutes of each meeting of the congregation shall be attested by the moderator and the
secretary and shall be entered in the Minute Book of the Session.
(C)
Since a minister/moderator is not a member of the congregation, she or he may not vote
in the meeting of the congregation. When there is a tie vote, the moderator presiding
shall put the question a second time. If there is a tie vote again, the motion is lost.
Section 1.06 - Call of Meetings of the Congregation
Except as otherwise provided herein, meetings of the congregation shall be held upon the call
(1) of the Session whenever it deems such a meeting is necessary; (2) by the Presbytery whenever it
deems such a meeting is necessary, or (3) by the Session when requested in writing by one-fourth of
the members of the active role of the congregation. The call shall provide for the date, time and place
of the meeting, and, except in the case of an annual meeting, the purpose thereof, that is, the
business to which the meeting is limited, which may be for any or all of the purposes appropriate to
an annual meeting, and, further, for the method or methods of giving notice to the members. Unless
otherwise specified in the call of the meeting, meetings of the congregation shall be held at the
principal regular place of worship of the congregation.
Section 1.07 - Time and Place of Annual
Meetings of the Congregation
Unless otherwise provided by the Session, the called meeting of the congregation for the
purpose of electing officers shall be immediately following worship service on a Sunday in November
in each year at the principal regular place of worship of the congregation. An annual meeting shall be
held no later than the end of February to receive annual reports and conduct any other business
appropriate to an annual meeting, on a date determined by the Session. Annual meetings held at
such time and place require no special call, but notice shall be given thereof as provided herein
above.
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Section 1.08 - Business to Come Before Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting of the congregation any proper business may be brought before the
meeting. This includes hearing reports of the Session along with plans for the coming year, hearing
reports from the Board of Deacons or other organizations of the church, if any there be, and
transacting other business as is appropriate. The annual meeting of the congregation shall review the
adequacy of the compensation of the pastor or pastors upon report of the prior review by the Session.
Congregational Business in General: Business to be transacted at meetings of the
congregation shall include and is limited to the following:
(1) Matters relating to the election of officers, if any there be;
(2) Matters related to the calling of a pastor, co-pastor, or associate
pastor;
(3) Matters related to the pastoral relationship, such as changing
the call, or requesting or consenting or declining to consent to
dissolution;
(4) Matters relating to buying, mortgaging or selling real property;
(5) Matters relating to permissive powers of the congregation,
such as emendations of, additions to or deletions from these
Bylaws or the adoption of new or restated Bylaws.
(6) Matters relating to the request of Presbytery to grant an exemption on
the terms of service for ruling elders and deacons, as permitted in this Constitution
(G-2.0404).
Section 1.09 - Business before Special Meetings
The business before special meetings of the congregation shall be limited to items specifically
listed in the call for the meeting.
Section 1.10 - Nominating Committee
Nominations of ruling elders, deacons and nominating committee members shall express the
diversity of the congregation’s membership.
-
One member of this committee shall be a ruling elder designated by the session, who is
currently on the session. This ruling elder shall serve as co-moderator of the committee.
One member of this committee shall be designated by and from the board of deacons. This
Deacon shall serve as co-moderator of the committee.
Four members of the committee, none of whom may be in active service on the session or on
the board of deacons, shall be nominated by the committee and elected by the congregation.
The pastor shall be a member of this committee, serving ex officio and without vote. The
nominating committee shall be elected annually and no member of the committee shall serve
more than three years consecutively.
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Section 1.11 - Election of Officers
At the called meeting of the congregation, in November, the congregation shall receive names
of those nominated by the Nominating Committee as ruling elders, deacons, and at-large members of
the Nominating Committee and elect them to succeed those whose terms are about to expire. They
shall also, at special meetings called for the purpose, elect officers to fill vacancies that may exist on
the governing councils. In order that each officer elected truly represents majority support of the
congregation, each officer shall be elected by a majority of those active members present and voting
(and not simply by a plurality) at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Voting shall continue until
such a majority is secured for each seat to be filled. The total votes for each candidate shall be
announced to the congregation, so that those voting, in a contested election, may consider any
apparently emerging consensus. Unless all the vacancies are filled at once, then, as the voting
proceeds, additional nominations shall be permitted for each vacancy to be filled. Those nominated
shall have indicated in advance, in writing or otherwise, to those presenting their nomination, their
willingness to serve if elected. While it is always in order to receive nominations from the floor, those
nominated from the floor must have indicated in advance their willingness to serve and be trained.
Section 1.12 - Pastoral Nominating Committee
A Pastoral Nominating Committee is to be elected by the congregation pursuant to the Book of
Order (G-2.0802). “The Session shall call a congregational meeting to elect a pastor nominating
committee that shall be representative of the whole congregation.” The Session may establish
guidelines for the composition of this committee. The committee’s duty shall be to nominate a pastor
for election by the congregation.
ARTICLE TWO - THE SESSION
Section 2.01 - Members of the Session
The Session is the ruling council for the congregation and shall consist of the installed pastor
or co-pastors, any associate pastors, and the ruling elders in active service. All members of the
Session, including the pastor, co-pastors and associate pastors, are entitled to vote. In addition, staff
members, at the discretion of the Session, may be requested to attend Session meetings if it is
determined that their presence will enhance the ministry and work of the church. Staff members will
have voice when attending meetings.
The Session shall establish working committees such as Christian Education, Mission,
Outreach and Evangelism, Worship, Congregational Nurture and Fellowship, Administration, Finance,
Personnel, Building and Grounds and Creation Care. At least one of the Committee Co-chairpersons
shall be a member of the Session; however, Deacons and ad hoc active members may be appointed
to committees. Work of committees shall be directed and ratified by the Session.
Section 2.02 - Number and Classes of Ruling Elders in Active Service
The Elder members of the Sessions of The United Presbyterian Church and of College Avenue
Presbyterian Church, shall at the time of the merger, consist of those active elders who have agreed
to serve on the Session of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church. There will be a total of sixteen (16)
(8 from each merging church). In the beginning, the classes will be structured in the following way,
with equal representation from each church in each class: four (4) members in the class of 2016; six
(6) members in the class of 2017 and six (6) members in the class of 2018. Beginning with the
annual meeting to be held in November 2016, the congregation shall elect four (4) elders in place of
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those whose terms are about to expire, meaning that the number of actively serving elders will begin
at sixteen (16) members in 2016; remain at sixteen (16) in 2017; fall to fourteen (14) in 2018; and
then fall to twelve (12) in 2019. From 2019 on, the number of actively serving Session members will
remain at twelve (12). Ruling elders are eligible for re-election to a consecutive three (3) year term.
However, no ruling elder shall be eligible to serve more than six (6) years, and a ruling elder who has
served six (6) consecutive years shall be ineligible for election to the same council for at least one (1)
year. (G-2.0404)
Section 2.03 - Powers and Duties of the Session
The powers and duties of the Session are as specified in the Book of Order, especially G3.0201”The Session” of the Form of Government, as well as these By-laws.
Section 2.04 - Meetings of the Session
Stated meetings shall be held no less frequently than once every calendar quarter upon such
reasonable notice. Special meetings of the Session may be held upon the call of the moderator, when
he or she judges it necessary, and shall be called by the moderator on written request of any two (2)
members of the Session. The Session shall also meet when directed to do so by Presbytery.
Ordinarily, three (3) days notice shall be given of all special meetings except when only routine
business is to be transacted. A quorum of the Session is the moderator and one-third of the elders,
but no fewer than two (2), except for the reception and dismissal of members, when the quorum shall
be the moderator and two (2) members of the Session; provided, however, that the Session, by
ordinary resolution, may from time to time fix its own quorum at any higher number or percentage for
any category or kind of business to be transacted, or for meetings generally.
Section 2.05 - Officers
(A)
The Pastor shall be the moderator of the Session. At such time as there may be copastors, they shall, when present, alternately preside in the Session. The moderator
possesses the authority necessary for preserving order and for conducting efficiently the
business of the Session. He or she shall convene and adjourn the Session in
accordance with its own action. The session shall not meet without the pastor or
designated moderator.
(B)
The Clerk of the Session shall be an Elder elected by the Session for such term as it
may determine. The Clerk need not be an Elder presently in active service as a member
of the Session. The Clerk shall keep the minutes of the Session and make
recommendations to the Session for the permanent safekeeping of the records of the
Session, the congregation and other organizations of the church. As minutes and all
other official records of the Session are the property in perpetuity of the Session or its
successors, the minutes and records shall be kept by the Session or, if no longer
required for frequent reference, they shall be deposited for permanent safekeeping as
provided in G-3.0107 of the Book of Order, Form of Government.
(C)
The Session shall annually elect a Treasurer, whose work shall be supervised by the
Session. Those in charge of the various funds of the church shall report at least
annually to the Session or to the Treasurer, as directed by the Session, and more often
when requested. At least the minimum standards of financial procedure required by the
Book of Order shall be observed, and such additional standards and procedures as the
Session may require or the Treasurer may recommend shall also be observed.
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(D)
Standing Committees shall have at least one Co-Moderator that is a member of the
Session.
(E)
If an Elder has missed three (3) successive meetings of the Session without an
acceptable excuse by that council, the congregation may on recommendation from the
council declare the position vacant and elect another person to fill the unexpired term.
(F)
The Session is responsible for providing instruction, examination and approval of new
Elders. (G-2.0402).
ARTICLE THREE - OTHER MATTERS
Section 3.01 – History of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church is the continuation and successor of both College
Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton and The United Presbyterian Church in Wood River, particular
churches of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy and of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), pursuant to
the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These churches, pursuant to approval granted
by the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy on September 1, 2016, merged and became one church,
known as LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.
At the time of the merger, the Session consisted of 16 (sixteen) Elders (half from each church)
then serving actively as members of the Sessions of the merging churches. The Board of Deacons
started at 12 (twelve), from those serving actively as members of the Board of Deacons, an equal
number from each of the merging churches.
Declaration of Trust
All the property heretofore held or received by LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church, whether
legal title is lodged in a corporation, a trustee or trustees, or an unincorporated association, and
whether the property is used in programs of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church or retained for the
production of income, is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).
Section 3.02 - Deacons
The Board of Deacons of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church shall consist of twelve (12)
members. Four (4) deacons shall be elected to serve for a term of three (3) years in place of those
whose terms are about to expire. Deacons are eligible for re-election to a consecutive three (3) year
term. However, no deacon shall be eligible to serve more than six (6) years, and a deacon who has
served six (6) consecutive years shall be ineligible for election to the same council for at least one (1)
year (cf. G-2.0404).
The Deacons serve under the authority and supervision of the Session. The Deacons shall
elect a moderator or co-moderators and a secretary from among its members. The Secretary shall
submit records of the meetings to the Session each month.
Section 3.03 - Corporation to Hold Property
The active members of the congregation of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church have created
a property-holding, non-profit corporation under applicable provisions of the laws of the State of
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Illinois formed and maintained as LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church. The corporation so formed,
shall have the following powers: to receive, hold, encumber, manage, and transfer property, real or
personal, for the congregation, provided that in buying, selling and mortgaging real property, the
trustees shall act only after approval of the congregation, granted in a duly constituted meeting; to
accept and execute deeds of title to such property; to hold and defend title to such property; and to
manage any permanent special funds for the furtherance of the purposes of the congregation, all
subject to the authority of the Session and under the provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). All active members are the members of said corporation, until other provision shall
be made by amendment to these Bylaws, but in no case shall the governing body of such corporation
deviate from policies and rules required of it by the Session of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.
Those persons elected Elders shall be considered to be elected as Corporate Trustees with the
Moderator/Co-moderators of the Administrative Committee to be considered Presidents of the
Corporation, the Treasurer as Treasurer, and the Clerk as Secretary.
Section 3.04 - Amendments to the Bylaws
Amendments to the Bylaws, deletions from or additions to the Bylaws and the adoption of new
or restated Bylaws may be made by a vote of a majority of a quorum of the members of LoveJoy
United Presbyterian Church, meeting on no less notice than that required for the election and call of a
pastor, provided that the exact terms and provisions of any such proposed change shall be distributed
with the notice of the meeting. Proposals for such amendments or changes may be made by the
Session or by petition signed by one-tenth of the active members and submitted to the Session,
which shall then call a meeting of the congregation to consider adoption of such proposals.
Section 3.05 Effective Date of These By-laws
These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon the approval of a simple majority vote of the
congregation of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.
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