Good Shepherd, Ringwood
Constitution and By-laws

As adopted and amended at a meeting of the Congregation held:

Contents

Constitution

1. Name

The name of this Congregation is The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ringwood, hereinafter referred to as 'the Congregation'.

2. Confession

  1. The Congregation declares:
    1. It accepts without reservation the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as a whole and in all their parts, as the divinely inspired, written and inerrant Word of God, and as the only infallible source and norm for all matters of faith, doctrine and life.
    2. It acknowledges and accepts as true expositions of the Word of God and its own confession all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church contained in the book of Concord of 1580, namely, the three Ecumenical Creeds: the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed; the Unaltered Augsburg Confession; the Apology of the Augsburg Confession; the Smalcald Articles; the Small Catechism of Luther; the Large Catechism of Luther; and the Formula of Concord.
  2. The Congregation requires that all instruction and practice shall conform to the doctrinal basis laid down in Article II Clause 1 of this constitution.

3. Relationship to the Church

  1. The Congregation, as a member of the Lutheran Church of Australia Incorporated, hereinafter called 'the Church', and of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Victorian District, including Tasmania, hereinafter called 'the District':
    1. accepts the Constitution and By-laws of the Church and of the District;
    2. undertakes to participate in the work of the Church and of the District and to promote their Objects;
    3. agrees that where it cannot reach an amicable settlement on a question of ownership or control of any of its property, it shall in keeping with 1 Corinthians 6 make every effort to avoid action in the civil courts by first seriously seeking to settle any differences through the mediation and adjudication of the judicial system of the Church;
    4. agrees to submit to the President of the District any amendments, alterations, additions, and deletions which it may make from time to time to its Constitution for determination by the Church Council of the District that the amended Constitution remains in conformity with Article IV Clause 1 of the Constitution of the Church.
  2. In common with the Church the Congregation regards unity in doctrine and its application in practice as the necessary prerequisite for church fellowship, and it rejects religious syncretism or unionism in all its forms. It therefore adheres to the principle: Lutheran pulpits are for Lutheran pastors only; Lutheran altars are for Lutheran communicants only. Any exception to the application of this principle belongs to the sphere of privilege, not of right; and the determination of any such exception is to be made in consonance with the above by the conscientious judgment of the pastor, as the case arises.
  3. In common with the Church the Congregation regards as anti-christian any organisation or society, secret or open, which while practising forms of religion does not confess faith in the Triune God and in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Saviour from sin, and which in teaching or in practice substitutes salvation by works for salvation in Christ.

4. Objects

  1. The Objects of the Congregation are:
    1. to glorify the Triune God in its worship and in its work;
    2. to bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel in accordance with the Confession and practice of the Church;
    3. to gather into the Congregation such persons as are, or desire to become, members of the Church for their edification through the Word and the Sacraments;
    4. to help the members to dedicate their God-given spiritual, material and physical gifts to the service of their Lord;
    5. to enable the members to reach out into the community in their daily lives and in their Congregational activities as bearers of the Gospel.
    6. to exercise discipline over its members in conformity with the Scriptures and the Confession of the Congregation;
    7. to join with the Church and the District in building and extending the Kingdom of God;
    8. to acquire, dispose of or otherwise deal with real and personal property in the interest of the work of the Church and the Congregation.

5. Membership

  1. The Congregation shall comprise baptised, confirmed, and voting members.
    • BAPTIZED MEMBERS are all those
      1. who have been baptised in the Congregation;
      2. who have transferred as baptised members from another Congregation of the Church;
      3. who have been baptised in accordance with the institution of Christ and have placed themselves or have been placed under the spiritual care of the Congregation.
      Towards these the Congregation recognises a continuing spiritual ministry so long as they remain in the community served by the Congregation.
    • CONFIRMED MEMBERS are all those baptised members
      1. who have been confirmed in the Congregation; or
      2. who have been received as confirmed members by transfer from another congregation of the Church; or
      3. who after instruction in the Christian faith and acceptance of it have been received into the Congregation by adult reception according to the rites and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
      Confirmed members shall accept the Constitution of the Congregation.
    • COMMUNING MEMBERS are all those baptised members
      1. who are defined as confirmed members in V.I. (2) above and who commune at least twice a year; or
      2. who after instruction in the Sacrament of Holy Communion have been admitted to communion prior to confirmation and who commune at least twice a year
    • VOTING MEMBERS shall be confirmed and communing members who accept the Constitution and By-Laws of the Congregation. The voting rights shall be defined in the By-laws. Any voting members whose right to partake of the Lord’s Supper has been suspended by the Congregation as an act of church discipline is not entitled to exercise the right to vote while under such suspension.
  2. UNDER SPIRITUAL CARE PEOPLE are those people with whom the Congregation is in contact and who are not defined in any of the above categories. Towards these, the Congregation recognises a duty of spiritual care.
  3. The duties of members shall be:
    1. to strive to remain true to the baptismal covenant;
    2. to make diligent use of the Means of Grace, joining regularly in hearing the Word of God and partaking of the Lord's Supper;
    3. to lead a Christian life in love, humility and peace, endeavouring through admonition, consolation and encouragement to edify one another;
    4. to present their children for Holy Baptism in early infancy and diligently to nurture them in the Christian faith in the home and in the schools provided by the Congregation;
    5. to study the Scriptures in private and family devotions in the home;
    6. to promote the unity and welfare of the Congregation as a family of God;
    7. to express their gratitude to God for His material gifts and blessings by contributing regularly towards the financial support of the Congregation and of the Church as the Lord has prospered them;
    8. to recognise and carry out their mission to the community in their daily lives and in the activities of the Congregation;
    9. to support the pastor in all work in the Congregation and community through prayer and personal concern for the pastor's spiritual and material welfare;
    10. to avoid holding membership in anti-Christian societies.
  4. Membership in the Congregation shall terminate
    1. when persons are received into membership in another congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church after having obtained a Letter of Transfer from the Congregation;
    2. when persons join another church outside the fellowship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church;
    3. when the whereabouts of persons are unknown and cannot be established, in which case the names of such persons shall be removed from the list of members by action of the Congregational meeting;
    4. when persons are excommunicated or exclude themselves.
  5. Any action involving excommunication shall be determined according to the principles of Scripture contained in Matthew 18:15-20 and related passages. Persons who refuse to accept Christian admonition and to discuss their case with the Congregation or its representatives thereby exclude themselves.
  6. Upon termination of membership such members' right, title, interest or claim in, to, and upon any property of the Congregation shall cease and they shall have no claim to compensation for contributions made by them.

6. The Ordained Ministry

  1. The Congregation recognises and upholds the Office of the Ordained Ministry as the office divinely instituted for the public administration of the Means of Grace.
  2. The pastor of the Congregation shall be a man whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach, and other qualifications for office have been examined and approved by the Church.
  3. The duties of the pastor shall be
    1. to preach the Word of God and administer the Holy Sacraments according to the Confession of the Congregation (Article II);
    2. to exercise pastoral oversight over all organisations and activities of the Congregation;
    3. to live an exemplary life;
    4. to visit the sick, the infirm, the destitute, and the afflicted, and to exercise pastoral care among the members of the Congregation;
    5. to diligently instruct and train the young;
    6. to comfort, instruct, reprove, admonish, and warn, both publicly and privately, the members of the Congregation as the Word of God directs (2 Timothy 4:1-5);
    7. to equip and help the members to fulfil their Christian ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ and for outreach into the community;
    8. to be mindful of the calling as a winner of souls, both within and without the Congregation;
    9. to be responsible for the keeping and preservation of accurate Congregational records;
    10. to exercise as much as possible the right to attend the meetings of all committees and organisations of the Congregation;
    11. to submit a written pastoral report to the annual meeting of the Congregation.
  4. The right of the Congregation to call a pastor shall be exercised, where applicable in association with other Congregations
    1. in consultation with the President of the District or the President's deputy, and with regard to the regulations of the Church and of the District; and
    2. only at a meeting duly convened for this purpose and conducted according to the rules of the Church concerning calls and transfers.

7. Authority and Powers

    1. The Congregation as a body shall have supreme power to administer and manage all its affairs by a majority vote of those present and entitled to vote unless otherwise specified by the Constitution or By-laws.
    2. The Congregation, however, shall not be empowered to decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Confession of the Congregation (Article II), and any such decision shall be null and void. In matters of doctrine a decision shall be made only after careful study of the Word of God in accordance with Article II Clause 1.
  2. The Congregation shall have the right to appoint teachers and other helpers. It shall exercise this right, where applicable in association with other congregations, in accordance with the regulations of the Church and of the District..
  3. Officers or committees, whether elected or appointed by the Congregation, shall have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon them, and whatever power may have been delegated to them may at any time be varied or revoked by the Congregation.
  4. Any pastor, teacher or officer may be removed from office by the Congregation in Christian and lawful order in accordance with the rules of the Church, for one of the following causes: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, or wilful and persistent neglect of their official duties. In any such procedure voting shall be by ballot.
  5. The establishment and conduct of all institutions and societies within the Congregation shall at all times be subject to the approval and supervision of the Congregation.

8. Meetings

  1. The Congregation shall hold a regular annual meeting for the management of its affairs as prescribed in the By-laws.
  2. The Congregation may hold other meetings from time to time as prescribed in the By-laws.
  3. It shall be the duty of every member entitled to vote to attend the meetings of the Congregation unless unable to do so.
  4. All resolutions carried at a duly convened meeting of the Congregation shall be binding upon all members of the Congregation, whether present or absent, or refraining from voting, provided always that the required quorum was present.

9. Officers and Administration

  1. The Congregation shall appoint a committee of management, called the Church Council, which shall consist of the pastor, the chairperson, if the pastor is not the chairperson, the vice-chairperson, the secretary, the treasurer, and as many Pastoral Assistants and others as shall be prescribed in the By-laws.
  2. The Congregation shall appoint such other officers, committees and persons as need and occasion require for the proper conduct of its worship and the management of its affairs as prescribed in the By-laws or as determined from time to time by congregational resolution.
  3. The office of lay reader shall be restricted to male confirmed members.

10. Dissolution

Any decision to dissolve the Congregation shall be taken only after consultation with the President of the District and shall require a two-thirds majority vote of those present and entitled to vote, the quorum for such meeting being one-third of all members entitled to vote. Such a decision shall not become operative until the sanction of the Church Council of the District has been obtained. In the event of such dissolution, the Congregation may give indication regarding the use of its assets by the District and/or the Church. Where no such indication is given they shall be transferred to the District absolutely.

11. By-laws

The Congregation shall have power, by majority vote of the quorum prescribed in the By-laws for the transaction of ordinary business, to make, repeal, alter or amend By-laws not inconsistent with these or any amended rules for the regulation of its proceedings and the management of its business and affairs and for giving effect to the rules. Notice of any such change shall either be given at a duly called meeting of the Congregation held at least seven days earlier or be published to the Congregation on the two immediately preceding Sundays.

12. Alterations to the Constitution

  1. The Congregation shall have power at a duly convened meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and entitled to vote to repeal, alter, amend, or add to these rules, except as hereinafter provided, and subject to Article III.l.(d).
  2. notice of the proposed repeal, alteration, amendment, or addition shall be presented in writing and shall be read to the Congregation at a duly called meeting of the Congregation held at least fourteen days earlier or be published to the Congregation on the two immediately preceding Sundays.
  3. The quorum for such meeting shall be one-quarter of the members entitled to vote.
  4. Article II and Article XII Clause 4 of this Constitution shall be considered fundamental and shall not be repealed, added to, altered, or amended so as to alter their intent and meaning.

By–laws

1. Membership

  1. VOTING MEMBERS are all those communing members who have reached the age of 18 years. It shall be the duty of voting members to attend the meetings of the Congregation, and there shall be no voting by proxy.

2. Church Discipline

  1. The congregation shall exercise church discipline in an evangelical manner in accordance with the procedure laid down in Matthew 18:15-17. At all stages of the procedure, the purpose of all church discipline, to gain a member, is to be observed.
  2. The stages of discipline are:
    1. the personal admonition and endeavour to convince as erring member of the member’s fault;
    2. admonition in the presence of witnesses with the same endeavour;
    3. admonition by the congregation, which, if unheeded, will lead to the final step of exclusion. Excommunication shall be pronounced by the Pastor only after it has become evident that the offender is impenitent. If the stages of discipline cannot be carried out because the erring member refuses to submit to the discipline of the congregation, self-exclusion shall be declared to have taken place.
  3. The exercise of church discipline shall give due regard to the procedure adopted by the Church in its regulations under the Commission on Adjudication and Appeals.

3. Meetings

  1. The annual meeting of the congregation shall be held in or about the month of November.
  2. Other meetings of the congregation may be called by the pastor, the pastoral assistants, the church council, or upon the written request of any ten (10) voting members.
  3. Notice of meetings shall be by announcement at all services during the week preceding the meeting and also on the day of the meeting. 4. The chief business to come before the meeting shall be announced at the same time that the notice of meeting is given.
  4. Members present at a duly announced meeting shall have the right to transact formal business provided always that a quorum is present. A quorum shall be one-seventh of all voting members.
  5. A quorum of one-quarter of all voting members shall be required for the calling of a pastor, the appointment of a teachers or other salaried church worker, for the removal from office of the pastor or other officer, for the buying or selling of property, or for the undertaking of a large financial commitment by the congregation.
  6. The chairperson shall have a deliberate vote and, in the case of equal voting, shall have and exercise a casting vote so as to preserve the status quo,
  7. Unless specified in the Constitution or By-laws, the chairperson shall ordinarily decide the manner of voting, whether by show of hands or by ballot, but the meeting may itself decide by special resolution the manner of voting to be adopted.
  8. Items may be placed on the Agenda within the time schedule set and publicised by the church council by:
    1. any voting member;
    2. any committee appointed by the congregation;
    3. any organisation of the congregation;
    4. the pastor.
  9. The conduct of the meetings shall, where applicable, be in accordance with the rules for transacting business adopted by the Church.
  10. A decision duly arrived at by any properly constituted congregational meeting shall be binding upon all members of the congregation, whether present or absent, or refraining from voting.

4. Officers and Committees

  1. The elected officers and committee(s) of the congregation shall be: the Chairperson; the Secretary; the Treasurer; the Pastoral Assistants and others as determined by the congregation from time to time. A Vice-Chairperson shall be appointed by the Church Council from within those members elected to the Council.
  2. Elections shall be held annually. The term of office of elected officers and committees shall be two (2) years, and unless otherwise provided in these By-laws, one half, or as near as possible to one half of the elected officers and members of standing committees shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re- election.
  3. The standing committees shall hold regular meetings as determined from time to time, but usually not less than once a quarter on a specified day.
  4. All minute books, records, and correspondence of the congregation, its officers and committees, shall remain the property of the congregation.
  5. The pastor ex-officio may attend all meetings of the committees.
  6. No person shall ordinarily be a chairperson of more than one standing committee at the same time.

5. Term of Office and Duties of Officers

  1. The CHAIRPERSON shall
    1. preside at meetings of the Church Council and congregation;
    2. ensure that all elected and appointed officers and committees effectively carry out their assigned duties and generally encourage and cooperate with all office-bearers;
    3. ensure that an agenda is prepared for the meetings of the Church Council and congregation.
    4. be an ex-officio member of all committees.
  2. The VICE-CHAIRPERSON shall
    1. serve as chairperson in the absence or inability of the chairperson to act, at the request of the chairperson, or assume the office of chairperson when a vacancy occurs.
  3. The SECRETARY shall
    1. keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the Church Council and congregation, attend to all correspondence unless it be delegated to another person, prepare an agenda for meetings and see that committees are informed of decisions affecting their functions.
  4. The TREASURER shall
    1. keep an accurate record of receipts and payments in the form required by the congregation, pay promptly all accounts authorised by the Church Council or congregation, remit all moneys for Church and Parish purposes regularly, prepare progress reports on the finances of the congregation for meetings of the Church Council and congregation, cooperate with the Stewardship Committee in reviewing the financial position of the congregation, and submit his books for audit as required by the Church Council and congregation.
    2. be an ex-officio member of the Stewardship Committee.
  5. The congregation shall annually confirm the appointment of an AUDITOR(s) who shall examine thoroughly the books of the Treasurer and vouch for their correctness and otherwise advise on aspects of the Congregation's finances.

6. The Church Council

  1. The Church Council shall consist of the pastor, chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and at least three (3) others, one of whom shall be a pastoral assistant if the chairperson, secretary or treasurer is not a pastoral assistant, as determined by the congregation from time to time.
  2. The Church Council shall meet at least four (4) time per year to consider the general welfare of the congregation and its program of activities. It shall receive reports, including financial reports where applicable, from the standing and ad hoc committees and make recommendations to the congregation. In cases of emergency it may be called on to act between meetings of the congregation. In all matters, including the interpretation of policy established by the congregation, it shall be responsible to the congregation. It shall fill casual vacancies until the next annual meeting.

7. Pastoral Assistants

  1. The congregation shall elect at least eight (8) Pastoral Assistants.
  2. All Pastoral Assistants shall be voting members of the congregation.
  3. Generally, nominations for the position of Pastoral Assistant shall be provided to the Nominations Committee by the Pastor and the Pastoral Assistants. Suggested nominations for the position of pastoral assistant may be submitted in writing by any two (2) voting members of the congregation to the Nominations Committee two (2) weeks before the annual general meeting for the consideration of the Pastor and Pastoral Assistants.
  4. At the discretion of the Pastoral Assistants, each committee of the congregation may include a pastoral assistant as an ex-officio member.
  5. A newly elected Pastoral Assistant shall be installed to the office at a divine service.
  6. The Pastoral Assistants, working with the Pastor, shall concern themselves with the doctrine, spiritual life and outreach of the congregation and the care and welfare of its members.
  7. The Role of the Pastoral Assistant shall be:
    1. to serve as a confidant and adviser to the Pastor in matters of pastoral care and oversight
    2. to support the Pastor in the maintenance of Christian discipline and good order in the congregation
    3. to pray for, encourage, and be concerned about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the Pastor and the pastor’s family.
    4. to visit members and encourage them in regular attendance at services, in the use of the Sacraments, in the support of the congregation and the Church with their means and talents, in an active prayer life and involvement in the mission and outreach of the Church
    5. to assist the Pastor with the distribution of communion, in arranging for pulpit assistance, special services and guest speakers, and in general, be concerned that an attitude conducive to worship is maintained in the services.
  8. The goals of the Pastoral Assistant shall be:
    1. to be an example of Christian conduct for the congregation
    2. to encourage members to care for one another
    3. to encourage members to focus on outreach
  9. The Strategies of the Pastoral Assistant shall be:
    1. to meet regularly with the Pastor and discuss the needs of the congregation
    2. to encourage members to attend worship regularly
    3. to be supportive of all programs and aspects of congregational life
    4. to use the care list for regular contact and prayer
    5. to ensure younger members of the congregation are nurtured and encouraged to maintain their Christian beliefs and values

8. The Worship Committee

  1. The Worship Committee shall consist of at least four (4) members elected by the congregation.
  2. The Committee’s mission shall seek to lead the members of the congregation into an ever deepening understanding of the centrality of worship within the life of the congregation, emphasising that worship is both God’s activity, through word and sacrament and our response utilising all the means God has given us.
  3. The role of the Committee shall be:
    1. to assist the Pastor in planning appropriate worship in the congregation
    2. to foster congregational participation in worship including the involvement of all age groups with the particular nurturing of youth and children
    3. to encourage and assist interested persons who show potential to develop and use their particular talents in worship
    4. to oversee the drawing up of rosters for flowers, cleaning, linen, stewards, readers and musicians
    5. to recommend to Church Council the appointment of a choir director and organists
  4. The goals of the Committee shall be:
    1. to achieve excellence and full participation in worship, according to people’s various gifts
    2. to cater for all age groups and cultures within the congregation
  5. The strategies of the Committee shall be:
    1. to discover and utilise the many and varied talents of the congregation and focus these talents into involvement in the services
    2. to plan special services using art, drama and a variety of music
    3. to involve as many people as possible in the different aspects of worship with a special emphasis on the family and youth
    4. to encourage worship leaders and all others interested in the use of the arts in worship, to attend music and worship seminars

9. Stewardship Committee

  1. The Stewardship Committee shall consist of at least four (4) persons, including the Treasurer (ex-officio) and be elected by the congregation.
  2. The Stewardship Committee’s mission shall be to encourage the congregation to remain steadfast in service to God and the Church, challenging them to respond to giving willingly and joyfully of their God-given time, talents and money to the glory of God and the furtherance of His work.
  3. The role of the Stewardship; Committee shall be:
    1. to assist in discovering and promoting the use of talents of individual members of the congregation in order to meet the needs of both the congregation and the wider community
    2. evaluate its own role in relation to the total program of the congregation in order to support and facilitate, where possible, the various ministries of the congregation
    3. to concern itself with the financial considerations of the congregation, including the annual budget, all financial records, and fund raising activities
  4. The goals of the Stewardship Committee shall be:
    1. to discover and then endeavour to utilise the many and varied talents and abilities of the members of the congregation by channeling these talents and gifts into the appropriate ministries of the congregation
    2. to review the proportion of the congregation’s budget spent on others in the light of current needs and challenges
    3. to challenge the congregation to prayerfully consider their individual contributions to the life and development of the congregation, and its place in the local community, particularly in relation to their individual God given time, talents and money.
  5. The strategies of the Stewardship Committee shall be:
    1. to encourage discussion within the Small Group ministry on aspects of stewardship and the contribution of any submission to the Stewardship Committee for evaluation and possible implementation or recommendation to the Church Council
    2. to encourage members to serve in the various ministries of the congregation
    3. to sponsor stewardship education within the congregation
    4. to promote the unit budget principle as adopted by the Church Council
    5. to determine those external appeals which the congregation should support and promote these to the congregation where considered necessary
    6. to facilitate preparation of the annual income and expenditure budget in August for submission to the September meeting of Church Council
    7. to assist the Treasurer as necessary in the proper counting, recording and baking of funds received
    8. to monitor expenses and receipts against budget and recommend action to overcome any perceived problems or difficulties in achieving budgeted item amounts
    9. to ensure that financial records of all congregational auxiliaries are audited annually and that appropriate reports are presented to the Annual General Meeting
    10. to appoint an area door-knock coordinator (eg Red Cross) as required
    11. to conduct a survey of available resources within the congregation and regularly review the data, preferably annually

10. The Property and Maintenance Committee

  1. The Property and Maintenance Committee shall consist of at least four (4) members (one of whom may be the manager of the Good Shepherd retirement village) elected by the congregation.

    The Property and Maintenance Committee shall:

    1. see that the property, buildings, and possessions of the congregation are kept in good order
    2. maintain and improve the property within the limits of budgetary allocations made by the congregation for the purpose
    3. report major needs to the Church Council with recommended action
    4. make annual inspections of all congregational-owned property and buildings (except the Good Shepherd Retirement Village) and report findings to the Church Council
    5. establish and maintain an up;-to-date inventory of all congregational-owned equipment
    6. annually in September assess, determine and inform the Treasurer of the minimum insurance values on each building and contents thereof
    7. be responsible for the management of hall hiring
    8. annually review the hall hiring donations and recommend any variations to the Church Council
    9. submit a written report to the Annual Meeting of the congregation
    10. meet at least twice a year

11. The Fellowship Committee

  1. The Fellowship Committee shall consist of at least four (4) members, elected by the congregation
  2. The Committee shall:
    1. promote fellowship between congregational members and an awareness of the Christian bond which unites the congregational members
    2. improve and strengthen the sense of belonging of the members to the Church and congregation
    3. arrange meaningful fellowship programs in accordance with the desires of the congregation that cater for the various interests of all age levels and enables as many people as possible to be involved
    4. arrange catering for functions as required and ensure that amenities provided are maintained in reasonable order
    5. submit a written report and financial statement to the Annual General Meeting of the congregation and ensure that financial records are audited annually

12. Good Shepherd Retirement Village

  1. The Committee of Management of the Good Shepherd Retirement Village shall consist of up to five persons, elected by the congregation.
  2. The object of the Good Shepherd Retirement Village (“the Village”) shall be to provide accommodation and supportive care for aged persons under Christian auspices, irrespective of creed, by:
    1. offering to residents all support and care necessary for them to live a happy and satisfying life
    2. providing for residents pleasant and comfortable accommodation in which they can live with dignity and privacy
    3. offering a warm Christian environment in which residents are encouraged to participate in activities and events arranged in consultation with them by the Village Managers from time to time
    4. promoting opportunities for residents to participate in a variety of activities to meet their needs of entertainment, social, intellectual and physical stimulation
    5. creating a homely and friendly atmosphere in which residents are encouraged to conduct their lives, as far as possible, in the same manner as they had in their own homes
    6. offering residents every possible opportunity to exercise their rights of freedom of choice
  3. The Committee of Management (“the Committee”) shall:
    1. manage the Village which has been established to provide aged persons, irrespective of creed, with independent accommodation under Christian auspices
    2. comply with the provisions of the Retirement Act 1986 and its subsequent amendments, and with the accreditation standards of the Retirement Village Association of Australia
    3. elect a Chairperson and Treasurer from within those elected to the Committee
    4. be responsible for complete management of all financial aspects of the Village
    5. maintain books of account as are necessary for the proper and efficient functioning of the Committee, such books shall be and remain the property of the congregation
    6. appoint a suitably qualified Auditor to annually carry out an audit of the books of account of the Village
    7. as a matter of policy, endeavour to hold sufficient funds in reserve to cover at least four termination settlements at all times
    8. maintain the property in a good state of repair at all times
    9. recommend to the Church Council, the appointment/re-appointment and retirement of Village Manager/s as may be required from time to time
    10. submit a written report with audited financial statements to the Annual General Meeting of the congregation
    11. meet at least four (4) times a year

13. Standing Committees

The Standing Committees of the congregation shall be:

Stewardship, Property and Maintenance, Fellowship, and Retirement Village Committee of Management, or as determined by the congregation from time to time.

14. The Nominations Committee

  1. The Church Council shall annually appoint a Nominations Committee consisting of the pastor and four other members, preferably Church Councillors and/or Pastoral Assistants.
  2. The Nominations Committee shall:
    1. seek and receive nominations from members of the congregation for all offices and committees of the congregation and shall endeavour to include such nominations in the book of reports for the annual meeting
    2. nominate such persons as it considers suitable for the various offices and committees of the congregation in an endeavour always to present the congregation with a choice of candidates, at least for the major offices of the congregation
    3. consult all committees in good time to learn of possible vacancies and to solicit from the respective committees their nominations
    4. receive from officers intending to decline re-election an indication of such intention in good time
    5. ensure that all nominees are willing to accept office
  3. All nominations to the office of Pastoral Assistant shall require the prior consent of the pastor and pastoral assistants

15. The Lay Readers

The congregation shall appoint annually at least two (2) lay readers.