Letter to Congregation | Bylaws | Articles | Resolution
August 24, 2010
Dear Family of Community Church of Joy,
The Constitution and Bylaws of Community Church of Joy make several references to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Last year our congregation voted to leave the ELCA and join LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ). Ninety-four percent (94%) of the voting members who were present at that meeting cast a vote in favor of leaving the ELCA.
Our departure from the ELCA necessitated that we revise the governing documents of our church. During this past year, our Board of Directors has thoroughly examined these documents; and after much prayer, consultation, and discussion, is now prepared to recommend to our congregation a new set of Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation to replace our previous governing documents.
A Special Congregational Meeting for the voting members of our church has been called for Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 1:00 pm in The Bridge. The express purpose of this meeting is to vote on the Resolution to approve and adopt our amended and restated governing documents, including Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. Immediately after this meeting is concluded, a second meeting will be called to affirm the church budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
We ask you to review the enclosed documents and pray for wisdom. This notice is accompanied by a copy of the proposed Bylaws, proposed Articles of Incorporation, and the Resolution on which we will be voting. If you require a large print version of these documents, please call Barbie Swanson at the church office (623-561-0500) to request a copy be mailed to your home. Additional copies will also be available at the Welcome Center in the main lobby after each Sunday service beginning September 12th, and viewable online here.
The Board of Directors of Community Church of Joy wants to be available to answer any questions you may have regarding both the new governing documents and the annual budget. Members of our Board will be available in Room 303 immediately after the 8:15 and 9:35 Sunday morning services on September 12th and September 19th to answer any questions you may have.
We encourage all voting members to prayerfully review our proposed governing documents and to attend this important Congregational meeting on September 26th. May God's blessing and favor fall upon your household.
In Christ,
Andy Kist
President of the Congregation