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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE PLAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH

1979

1980

ARTICLE I: NAME

The corporate name of this church shall be the Plain Community Church, Star Route, Leavenworth, Washington, set in order under the authority of Jesus Christ as stated in the New Testament. In conduct and practice it is to be scripturally independent as to its faith and government and in cooperative fellowship with bodies of believers who are earnestly contending for the faith.

The corporate name of this church shall be the Plain Community church, Star Route, Leavenworth. Washington, set in order under the authority of Jesus Christ as stated in the New Testament. In conduct and practice it is to be scripturally independent as to its faith and government and in cooperative fellowship with bodies of believers who are earnestly contending for the faith.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purposes of this Church are: to establish and maintain a church for Divine worship in Plain and surrounding communities; to preach, teach, and promulgate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the Holy Bible; to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and making His will dominant in the lives of men. It shall be the purpose of this organization to sponsor only that which is in accordance with the will of God as found in His Word, the Bible; and as set forth in the following "STATEMENT OF FAITH:"

The purposes of this Church are: to establish and maintain a church for Divine worship in Plain and surrounding communities; to preach, teach, and promulgate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the Holy Bible; to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and making His will dominant in the lives of men. It shall be the purpose of this organization to sponsor only that which is in accordance with the will of God as found in His Word, the Bible, and as set forth in the following "STATEMENT OF FAITH."

ARTICLE III: FAITH

As a Church we believe:

1. That the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative word of God. II Peter 1:21.

2. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. I1 Corinthians 13:14.

3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory to rule over the nations. John 10:30; Matt. 1:18-25; II Cor. 5.21; Acts 4:30; I Peter 1:19; II Cor. 4:14; Acts 1:9; I These. 4:16.

4. That man fell through voluntary transgression from a holy and happy state, and is therefore under condemnation of sin; that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ. Titus 3:5.

5. That in order to be saved, sinners must be born again or regenerated by the Holy Spirit, an absolute essential for personal salvation. John 3:7.

6. That the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer. James 5:14, 15.

7. That sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Heb. 10:10; Rom. 8:9, 10; Heb. 12:14. That Scripture teaches a life of holiness and separation by coming out from the world. II Cor. 6:17, 18. 1 Cor. 6:11.

8. That the Scripture commands the believer to be "filled with the Spiritâ€œ. This promise is fulfilled by God to the believer upon request through faith. Gal. 3:14; Lu. 11:13; Eph. 5:18.

9. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation. John 5:29.

10. That the gifts and operations of the Spirit should be manifested in the Church today as in the early Church. I Cor. 12, 13, 14.

ARTICLE IV: ORDINANCES

1. We believe in the ordinance of baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and the dedication of the little children shall be observed whenever requested. Rom. 6:5-5; Matt. 19:15-15.

2. We believe in the monthly observance of the Lord's Supper in which the believers by sacred use of the bread and wine are to commemorate together the suffering and death of Christ and His second coming. I Cor. 11:26.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

1. This Church shall consist of believers in Christ who manifest a changed life. They shall have voluntarily subscribed to the statement of faith herein set forth, shall attend the services regularly, and contribute according to their ability to the support of the church and its ministries.

2. The legal membership of the Church shall consist of such persons as are affiliated with us, whose names are written on the membership roll, are in good standing, are at least eighteen years of age, and reside in Plain or surrounding communities.

5. Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 may become associate members of this Church, but are not permitted legal privileges.

4. Members of the Church who shall willingly absent themselves from the regular services for one year shall not be counted in the legal membership.

5. The membership roll shall be in charge of the Pastor and Board of Trustees and should any question arise as to the eligibility of persons as members, it should be referred to the aforementioned for settlement.

ARTICLE VI: GOVERNMENT

1. There shall be a Board of Deacons appointed for a year at the option of the Pastor. Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13. They shall be appointed from among the male members of the Church. Their duty shall be to assist the Pastor in the spiritual work of the Church.

1. There shall be a Board of Deacons (three) appointed for a year by the Pastor. Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13. They shall be appointed from among the male members of the Church. Their duty shall be to assist the Pastor in the spiritual work of the Church.

2. There shall be a Board of Trustees, consisting of 7 members, and they shall be custodians of the Church property. Any person of lawful age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Chelan County, Washington, and a member of the corporation may be elected a trustee of the corporation. The Trustees and Deacons should regularly attend the services and must be examples of good works in all things and above reproach both in their own lives and in the lives of their immediate families, and must conform to the standards stipulated by the word of God. The corporate powers, business, and property of the corporation shall be exercised, conducted, and controlled by the Trustees, except that Trustees shall not have the right to lease, mortgage, or sell property of the corporation without the approval of a majority of the members given in regular meeting.

3. The seven (7) Trustees of the corporation shall hold office for two years on a staggered basis. Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be elected in even number years while positions 5, 6, and 7 will be elected in odd number years.

3. The seven (7) Trustees of the corporation shall hold office for two years on a staggered basis. Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be elected in even numbered years while positions 5, 6, and 7 will be elected in odd numbered years.

4. Should a vacancy occur by death, resignation, or otherwise, it shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Trustees at their option, and shall hold office until his successor is elected at the next annual meeting of members or at any special meeting called for that purpose.

5. At the regular meeting in December a three-member nominating committee shall be formed for the purpose of presenting to the membership at the annual meeting in January a slate of qualified people willing to serve in the following offices:

1. Board of Trustees

2. Sunday School Superintendent

3. Assistant Sunday School Superintendent

4. Organist

5. Greeting Chairman

6. Music Committee

Members of this committee shall consist of one board member serving in a position not up for election in the current year, appointed by the Pastor, and two members who are not board members and elected by the membership.

6. A majority of the whole number of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

7. At their first regular meeting after election each year the Board of Truatees shall meet for the purpose of organization and shall elect from its own members a chairman, and a board secretary, which said officers shall be officers of the Board. At this time they shall also elect a church secretary-treasurer, such position to be filled by a member of the Board or, at the Board's option, to be elected from the membership at large.

7. At their regular meeting after election each year the Board of Truatees shall meet for the purpose of organization and shall elect from its own members a chairman, and a board secretary, which said officers shall be officers of the Board. At this time they shall also elect a church secretary-treasurer, such position to be filled by a member of the Board or, at the Board's option, to be elected from the membership at large.

8. Each officer shall hold office for one year and until his successor is elected and qualified. The Board of Trustees shall appoint such other officers or employees as is deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation, except that the Pastor of the Church shall be selected by the Board of Trustees on approval by members. No officer except those appointed by the Board to perform work, labor, and services, and the Pastor, as aforesaid, shall be paid any salary or compensation, except actual expenses incurred in carrying out corporate activities, under the direction of the Board.

9. In the event of the death or resignation of any officer or vacancy for any reason, a temporary officer to act in his place shall be appointed by the Pastor and at the next meeting of the Board after the annual meeting of members his successor shall be elected.

9. In the event of the death or resignation of any officer or vacancy for any reason, a temporary officer to act in his place shall be appointed by the Board Chairman and at the next meeting of the Board after the annual meeting of members his successor shall be elected.

10. In the absence of the Pastor, the chairman shall preside at all meetings of members and at all meetings of Trustees. He shall execute with the secretary in the name of the corporation all deeds, bonds, contracts, and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees to be executed.

10. The Board Chairman shall preside at all meetings of members and at all meetings of members and at all meetings of Trustees. He shall execute with the secretary-treasurer in the name of the corporation all deeds, bonds, contracts, and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees to be executed.

11. The Board secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of the membership and of the Board of Trustees, and this record shall be preserved for future reference as the property of the Church.

12. The church secretary-treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and report the status of such accounts at the monthly Board of Trustees' meeting and at the annual membership meeting. The secretary-treasuser shall answer to the Board for the disbursal of all funds and the selection of the proper depository for funds on hand.

The secretary-treasurer, along with the Board chairman (see Art. VI, Sec. 10) shall execute all deeds, bonds, contracts and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees. All correspondence required in connection with church business will be handled by the secretary-treasurer.

The secretary-treasurer, along with the Board Chairman (see Art. VI, Sec. 10) shall execute all deeds, bonds, contracts and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees. All correspondence required in connection with church business will be handled by the secretary-treasurer.

13. There shall be a Pastor who shall have the general oversight and supervision of the work of the Church and all its departments. He shall conduct the services, and shall be member ex-officio of all committees. He shall preside at all business sessions of the Board of Trustees, but shall have no legal authority regarding church properties. He shall preach the gospel regularly, administer the ordinances, act as moderator of all meetings for the transaction of all business, supervise the teaching ministry of the church, tenderly watch over its membership and spiritual interests, and organize and develop its strength for the best possible service.

13. There shall be a Pastor who shall have the general oversight and supervision of the work of the Church and all its departments. He shall conduct the services, and shall be member ex-officio of all committees. He shall be in attendance at all business sessions of the Board of Trustees and tender his Pastoral report monthly at these meetings, but shall have no legal authority regarding church properties. He shall preach the gospel regularly, administer the ordinances, supervise the teaching ministry of the church, tenderly watch over its membership and spiritual interests, and organize and develop its strength for the best possible service.

ARTICLE V11: OFFICIAL MEETINGS

ARTICLE VII: OFFICIAL MEETINGS

1. The annual business meeting of the corporation shall be held the second Tuesday of each January. Notice shall be given two Sundays preceding the time of such meetings.

2, Special meetings of the corporation may be called by the Pastor or by the Board of Trustees's chairman.

3. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held the first Monday evening of every month. A majority shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meetings.

ARTICLE VIII: VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS

1. The Pastor shall be elected by the membership for an indefinite term by a two-thirds vote. The candidate for Pastor shall be recommended by the Board of Trustees to the membership for election. In case a special meeting shall be called for that purpose, due announcement shall be made at all services on at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the time set for the appointment or special meeting.

2. The tenure of office in the pastorate shall perpetuate as the Church may choose, or it shall be disquieted by resignation, removal, death, or disqualification only. Power is vested in the Board of Trustees to declare the pastorate vacant at any regular meeting, provided the Board shall first have asked for the Pastor's resignation and the resignation shall have been refused.

2. The tenure of office in the pastorate shall perpetuate as the church may choose, or it shall be disquieted by resignation, removal, death, or disqualification only. Power is vested in the Board of Trustees to declare the pastorate vacant at any regular meeting, provided the Board shall first have asked for the Pastor's resignation and the resignation shall have been refused.

ARTICLE IX: SUNDAY SCHOOL

1. There shall be a Sunday School created and conducted as a branch of the Church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Pastor.

2. There shall be a Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent elected at the annual meeting of the Church.

ARTICLE X: YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY

1. There shall be a Young Peopleâ€˜s Society created under the supervision of the Pastor and conducted as a branch of the Church activities.

ARTICLE XI: MISSIONARY SOCIETY

ARTICLE XI: LADIES GROUP

1. There shall be a Missionary Society created and conducted (at the option of the Pastor) as a branch of the church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Pastor.

1. There shall be a Ladies Group created and conducted as a branch of the Church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Board.

ARTICLE XII: COMMITTEES

1. The Church organist, a music committee of two members, and a greetings chairman shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Church.

2. Two ushers shall be appointed by the Pastor to serve for one year.

ARTICLE XIII: FINANCING

1. The Church shall be financed by the scriptural system of tithes and offerings of the members.

2. The Pastor shall be given regular financial support, the amount and manner of which shall be determined by agreement between the Pastor and Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE XIV: DEFUNCTION

In tne event of the dissolution of the above corporation all of the property and funds of the corporation after the payment of all debts thereof shall be distributed one half to Overseas Crusades Inc. now of P.O. Box 66, Palo Alto, Calif. and the other half to World Gospel Mission now of 123 West 5th St., Marion, Indiana; the same being Christian mission Boards.

In tne event of the dissolution of the above corporation all of the property and funds of the corporation after the payment of all debts thereof shall be distributed one half to the Slavic Gospel Association Inc., Box 1122 Wheaton, Ill., 60187, and the other half to Christa International, Freemont Ave. No. at 193rd, Seattle, WA, 98133, the same being Christian mission boards.

ARTICLE XV: DISCIPLINE

1. Personal differences between members of che Church shall be dealt with according to Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1

2. In preferring charges against any member, these charges shall first be presented to the Board of Trustees. They then shall notify the accused of the nature of these charges, and then set a time when these charges shall be heard by the Board of Trustees. The accusers shall be present and face the defendant. If the matter cannot be settled by the Board, they shall be empowered to call a special meeting of the church.

ARTICLE XVI: AMENDMENTS

The constitution may be changed or amended by ratification of the membership present at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made at least two Sundays preceding the time of such meetings, or all members of the corporation shall have been notified in writing by the secretary of the Board of Trustees at least ten days prior thereto.

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE PLAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH
1979

ARTICLE I: NAME

The corporate name of this church shall be the Plain Community Church, Star Route, Leavenworth, Washington, set in order under the authority of Jesus Christ as stated in the New Testament. In conduct and practice it is to be scripturally independent as to its faith and government and in cooperative fellowship with bodies of believers who are earnestly contending for the faith.


ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purposes of this Church are: to establish and maintain a church for Divine worship in Plain and surrounding communities; to preach, teach, and promulgate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the Holy Bible; to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and making His will dominant in the lives of men. It shall be the purpose of this organization to sponsor only that which is in accordance with the will of God as found in His Word, the Bible; and as set forth in the following "STATEMENT OF FAITH:"


ARTICLE III: FAITH

As a Church we believe:

1. That the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative word of God. II Peter 1:21.

2. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. I1 Corinthians 13:14.

3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory to rule over the nations. John 10:30; Matt. 1:18-25; II Cor. 5.21; Acts 4:30; I Peter 1:19; II Cor. 4:14; Acts 1:9; I These. 4:16.

4. That man fell through voluntary transgression from a holy and happy state, and is therefore under condemnation of sin; that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ. Titus 3:5.

5. That in order to be saved, sinners must be born again or regenerated by the Holy Spirit, an absolute essential for personal salvation. John 3:7.

6. That the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer. James 5:14, 15.

7. That sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Heb. 10:10; Rom. 8:9, 10; Heb. 12:14. That Scripture teaches a life of holiness and separation by coming out from the world. II Cor. 6:17, 18. 1 Cor. 6:11.

8. That the Scripture commands the believer to be "filled with the Spiritâ€œ. This promise is fulfilled by God to the believer upon request through faith. Gal. 3:14; Lu. 11:13; Eph. 5:18.

9. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation. John 5:29.

10. That the gifts and operations of the Spirit should be manifested in the Church today as in the early Church. I Cor. 12, 13, 14.


ARTICLE IV: ORDINANCES

1. We believe in the ordinance of baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and the dedication of the little children shall be observed whenever requested. Rom. 6:5-5; Matt. 19:15-15.

2. We believe in the monthly observance of the Lord's Supper in which the believers by sacred use of the bread and wine are to commemorate together the suffering and death of Christ and His second coming. I Cor. 11:26.


ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

1. This Church shall consist of believers in Christ who manifest a changed life. They shall have voluntarily subscribed to the statement of faith herein set forth, shall attend the services regularly, and contribute according to their ability to the support of the church and its ministries.

2. The legal membership of the Church shall consist of such persons as are affiliated with us, whose names are written on the membership roll, are in good standing, are at least eighteen years of age, and reside in Plain or surrounding communities.

5. Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 may become associate members of this Church, but are not permitted legal privileges.

4. Members of the Church who shall willingly absent themselves from the regular services for one year shall not be counted in the legal membership.

5. The membership roll shall be in charge of the Pastor and Board of Trustees and should any question arise as to the eligibility of persons as members, it should be referred to the aforementioned for settlement.


ARTICLE VI: GOVERNMENT

1. There shall be a Board of Deacons appointed for a year at the option of the Pastor. Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13. They shall be appointed from among the male members of the Church. Their duty shall be to assist the Pastor in the spiritual work of the Church.

2. There shall be a Board of Trustees, consisting of 7 members, and they shall be custodians of the Church property. Any person of lawful age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Chelan County, Washington, and a member of the corporation may be elected a trustee of the corporation. The Trustees and Deacons should regularly attend the services and must be examples of good works in all things and above reproach both in their own lives and in the lives of their immediate families, and must conform to the standards stipulated by the word of God. The corporate powers, business, and property of the corporation shall be exercised, conducted, and controlled by the Trustees, except that Trustees shall not have the right to lease, mortgage, or sell property of the corporation without the approval of a majority of the members given in regular meeting.

3. The seven (7) Trustees of the corporation shall hold office for two years on a staggered basis.  Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be elected in even number years while positions 5, 6, and 7 will be elected in odd number years.

4. Should a vacancy occur by death, resignation, or otherwise, it shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Trustees at their option, and shall hold office until his successor is elected at the next annual meeting of members or at any special meeting called for that purpose.

5. At the regular meeting in December a three-member nominating committee shall be formed for the purpose of presenting to the membership at the annual meeting in January a slate of qualified people willing to serve in the following offices:

    1. Board of Trustees
    2. Sunday School Superintendent
    3. Assistant Sunday School Superintendent
    4. Organist
    5. Greeting Chairman
    6. Music Committee

Members of this committee shall consist of one board member serving in a position not up for election in the current year, appointed by the Pastor, and two members who are not board members and elected by the membership.

6. A majority of the whole number of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

7. At their first regular meeting after election each year the Board of Truatees shall meet for the purpose of organization and shall elect from its own members a chairman, and a board secretary, which said officers shall be officers of the Board.  At this time they shall also elect a church secretary-treasurer, such position to be filled by a member of the Board or, at the Board's option, to be elected from the membership at large.


8. Each officer shall hold office for one year and until his successor is elected and qualified. The Board of Trustees shall appoint such other officers or employees as is deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation, except that the Pastor of the Church shall be selected by the Board of Trustees on approval by members. No officer except those appointed by the Board to perform work, labor, and services, and the Pastor, as aforesaid, shall be paid any salary or compensation, except actual expenses incurred in carrying out corporate activities, under the direction of the Board.

9. In the event of the death or resignation of any officer or vacancy for any reason, a temporary officer to act in his place shall be appointed by the Pastor and at the next meeting of the Board after the annual meeting of members his successor shall be elected.

10. In the absence of the Pastor, the chairman shall preside at all meetings of members and at all meetings of Trustees. He shall execute with the secretary in the name of the corporation all deeds, bonds, contracts, and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees to be executed.

11. The Board secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of the membership and of the Board of Trustees, and this record shall be preserved for future reference as the property of the Church. 

12. The church secretary-treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and report the status of such accounts at the monthly Board of Trustees' meeting and at the annual membership meeting.  The secretary-treasuser shall answer to the Board for the disbursal of all funds and the selection of the proper depository for funds on hand.

The secretary-treasurer, along with the Board chairman (see Art. VI, Sec. 10) shall execute all deeds, bonds, contracts and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees.  All correspondence required in connection with church business will be handled by the secretary-treasurer.

13. There shall be a Pastor who shall have the general oversight and supervision of the work of the Church and all its departments. He shall conduct the services, and shall be member ex-officio of all committees. He shall preside at all business sessions of the Board of Trustees, but shall have no legal authority regarding church properties. He shall preach the gospel regularly, administer the ordinances, act as moderator of all meetings for the transaction of all business, supervise the teaching ministry of the church, tenderly watch over its membership and spiritual interests, and organize and develop its strength for the best possible service.


ARTICLE V11: OFFICIAL MEETINGS

1. The annual business meeting of the corporation shall be held the second Tuesday of each January. Notice shall be given two Sundays preceding the time of such meetings.

2, Special meetings of the corporation may be called by the Pastor or by the Board of Trustees's chairman.

3. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held the first Monday evening of every month. A majority shall constitute a quorum  at any regular or special meetings.


ARTICLE VIII: VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS

1. The Pastor shall be elected by the membership for an indefinite term by a two-thirds vote. The candidate for Pastor shall be recommended by the Board of Trustees to the membership for election. In case a special meeting shall be called for that purpose, due announcement shall be made at all services on at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the time set for the appointment or special meeting.

2. The tenure of office in the pastorate shall perpetuate as the Church may choose, or it shall be disquieted by resignation, removal, death, or disqualification only. Power is vested in the Board of Trustees to declare the pastorate vacant at any regular meeting, provided the Board shall first have asked for the Pastor's resignation and the resignation shall have been refused.


ARTICLE IX: SUNDAY SCHOOL

1. There shall be a Sunday School created and conducted as a branch of the Church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Pastor.

2. There shall be a Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent elected at the annual meeting of the Church.


ARTICLE X: YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY

1. There shall be a Young Peopleâ€˜s Society created under the supervision of the Pastor and conducted as a branch of the Church activities.


ARTICLE XI: MISSIONARY SOCIETY

1. There shall be a Missionary Society created and conducted (at the option of the Pastor) as a branch of the church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Pastor.


ARTICLE XII: COMMITTEES

1. The Church organist, a music committee of two members, and a greetings chairman shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Church.

2. Two ushers shall be appointed by the Pastor to serve for one year.


ARTICLE XIII: FINANCING

1. The Church shall be financed by the scriptural system of tithes and offerings of the members.

2. The Pastor shall be given regular financial support, the amount and manner of which shall be determined by agreement between the Pastor and Board of Trustees.


ARTICLE XIV: DEFUNCTION

In tne event of the dissolution of the above corporation all of the property and funds of the corporation after the payment of all debts thereof shall be distributed one half to Overseas Crusades Inc. now of P.O. Box 66, Palo Alto, Calif. and the other half to World Gospel Mission now of 123 West 5th St., Marion, Indiana; the same being Christian mission Boards.


ARTICLE XV: DISCIPLINE

1. Personal differences between members of che Church shall be dealt with according to Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1

2. In preferring charges against any member, these charges shall first be presented to the Board of Trustees.  They then shall notify the accused of the nature of these charges, and then set a time when these charges shall be heard by the Board of Trustees. The accusers shall be present and face the defendant. If the matter cannot be settled by the Board, they shall be empowered to call a special meeting of the church.


ARTICLE XVI: AMENDMENTS

The constitution may be changed or amended by ratification of the membership present at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made at least two Sundays preceding the time of such meetings, or all members of the corporation shall have been notified in writing by the secretary of the Board of Trustees at least ten days prior thereto.

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE PLAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH
1980

ARTICLE I: NAME

The corporate name of this church shall be the Plain Community church, Star Route, Leavenworth. Washington, set in order under the authority of Jesus Christ as stated in the New Testament. In conduct and practice it is to be scripturally independent as to its faith and government and in cooperative fellowship with bodies of believers who are earnestly contending for the faith.


ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purposes of this Church are: to establish and maintain a church for Divine worship in Plain and surrounding communities; to preach, teach, and promulgate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the Holy Bible; to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and making His will dominant in the lives of men. It shall be the purpose of this organization to sponsor only that which is in accordance with the will of God as found in His Word, the Bible, and as set forth in the following "STATEMENT OF FAITH."


ARTICLE III: FAITH

As a Church we believe:

1. That the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative word of God. II Peter 1:21.

2. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. I1 Corinthians 13:14.

3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory to rule over the nations. John 10:30; Matt. 1:18-25; II Cor. 5.21; Acts 4:30; I Peter 1:19; II Cor. 4:14; Acts 1:9; I These. 4:16.

4. That man fell through voluntary transgression from a holy and happy state, and is therefore under condemnation of sin; that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ. Titus 3:5.

5. That in order to be saved, sinners must be born again or regenerated by the Holy Spirit, an absolute essential for personal salvation. John 3:7.

6. That the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer. James 5:14, 15.

7. That sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Heb. 10:10; Rom. 8:9, 10; Heb. 12:14. That Scripture teaches a life of holiness and separation by coming out from the world. II Cor. 6:17, 18. 1 Cor. 6:11.

8. That the Scripture commands the believer to be "filled with the Spiritâ€œ. This promise is fulfilled by God to the believer upon request through faith. Gal. 3:14; Lu. 11:13; Eph. 5:18.

9. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation. John 5:29.

10. That the gifts and operations of the Spirit should be manifested in the Church today as in the early Church. I Cor. 12, 13, 14.


ARTICLE IV: ORDINANCES

1. We believe in the ordinance of baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and the dedication of the little children shall be observed whenever requested. Rom. 6:5-5; Matt. 19:15-15.

2. We believe in the monthly observance of the Lord's Supper in which the believers by sacred use of the bread and wine are to commemorate together the suffering and death of Christ and His second coming. I Cor. 11:26.


ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

1. This Church shall consist of believers in Christ who manifest a changed life. They shall have voluntarily subscribed to the statement of faith herein set forth, shall attend the services regularly, and contribute according to their ability to the support of the church and its ministries.

2. The legal membership of the Church shall consist of such persons as are affiliated with us, whose names are written on the membership roll, are in good standing, are at least eighteen years of age, and reside in Plain or surrounding communities.

5. Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 may become associate members of this Church, but are not permitted legal privileges.

4. Members of the Church who shall willingly absent themselves from the regular services for one year shall not be counted in the legal membership.

5. The membership roll shall be in charge of the Pastor and Board of Trustees and should any question arise as to the eligibility of persons as members, it should be referred to the aforementioned for settlement.
 

ARTICLE VI: GOVERNMENT

1. There shall be a Board of Deacons (three) appointed for a year by the Pastor.  Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13. They shall be appointed from among the male members of the Church. Their duty shall be to assist the Pastor in the spiritual work of the Church.

2. There shall be a Board of Trustees, consisting of 7 members,  and they shall be custodians of the Church property. Any person of lawful age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Chelan County, Washington, and a member of the corporation may be elected a trustee of the corporation. The Trustees and Deacons should regularly attend the services and must be examples of good works in all things and above reproach both in their own lives and in the lives of their immediate families, and must conform to the standards stipulated by the word of God. The corporate powers, business, and property of the corporation shall be exercised, conducted, and controlled by the Trustees, except that Trustees shall not have the right to lease, mortgage, or sell property of the corporation without the approval of a majority of the members given in regular meeting.

3. The seven (7) Trustees of the corporation shall hold office for two years on a staggered basis.  Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be elected in even numbered years while positions 5, 6, and 7 will be elected in odd numbered years.

4. Should a vacancy occur by death, resignation, or otherwise, it shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Trustees at their option, and shall hold office until his successor is elected at the next annual meeting of members or at any special meeting called for that purpose.

5. At the regular meeting in December a three-member nominating committee shall be formed for the purpose of presenting to the membership at the annual meeting in January a slate of qualified people willing to serve in the following offices:

    1. Board of Trustees
    2. Sunday School Superintendent
    3. Assistant Sunday School Superintendent
    4. Organist
    5. Greeting Chairman
    6. Music Committee

Members of this committee shall consist of one board member serving in a position not up for election in the current year, appointed by the Pastor, and two members who are not board members and elected by the membership.

6. A majority of the whole number of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

7. At their regular meeting after election each year the Board of Truatees shall meet for the purpose of organization and shall elect from its own members a chairman, and a board secretary, which said officers shall be officers of the Board.  At this time they shall also elect a church secretary-treasurer, such position to be filled by a member of the Board or, at the Board's option, to be elected from the membership at large.

8. Each officer shall hold office for one year and until his successor is elected and qualified. The Board of Trustees shall appoint such other officers or employees as is deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation, except that the Pastor of the Church shall be selected by the Board of Trustees on approval by members. No officer except those appointed by the Board to perform work, labor, and services, and the Pastor, as aforesaid, shall be paid any salary or compensation, except actual expenses incurred in carrying out corporate activities, under the direction of the Board.

9. In the event of the death or resignation of any officer or vacancy for any reason, a temporary officer to act in his place shall be appointed by the Board Chairman and at the next meeting of the Board after the annual meeting of members his successor shall be elected.



10. The Board Chairman shall preside at all meetings of members and at all meetings of members and at all meetings of Trustees. He shall execute with the secretary-treasurer in the name of the corporation all deeds, bonds, contracts, and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees to be executed.

11. The Board secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of the membership and of the Board of Trustees, and this record shall be preserved for future reference as the property of the Church. 

12. The church secretary-treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and report the status of such accounts at the monthly Board of Trustees' meeting and at the annual membership meeting.  The secretary-treasuser shall answer to the Board for the disbursal of all funds and the selection of the proper depository for funds on hand.

The secretary-treasurer, along with the Board Chairman (see Art. VI, Sec. 10) shall execute all deeds, bonds, contracts and any and all other instruments authorized by the Board of Trustees.  All correspondence required in connection with church business will be handled by the secretary-treasurer.

13. There shall be a Pastor who shall have the general oversight and supervision of the work of the Church and all its departments. He shall conduct the services, and shall be member ex-officio of all committees. He shall be in attendance at all business sessions of the Board of Trustees and tender his Pastoral report monthly at these meetings, but shall have no legal authority regarding church properties. He shall preach the gospel regularly, administer the ordinances, supervise the teaching ministry of the church, tenderly watch over its membership and spiritual interests, and organize and develop its strength for the best possible service.


ARTICLE VII: OFFICIAL MEETINGS

1. The annual business meeting of the corporation shall be held the second Tuesday of each January. Notice shall be given two Sundays preceding the time of such meetings.

2, Special meetings of the corporation may be called by the Pastor or by the Board of Trustees's chairman.

3. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held the first Monday evening of every month. A majority shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meetings.


ARTICLE VIII: VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS

1. The Pastor shall be elected by the membership for an indefinite term by a two-thirds vote. The candidate for Pastor shall be recommended by the Board of Trustees to the membership for election. In case a special meeting shall be called for that purpose, due announcement shall be made at all services on at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the time set for the appointment or special meeting.

2. The tenure of office in the pastorate shall perpetuate as the church may choose, or it shall be disquieted by resignation, removal, death, or disqualification only. Power is vested in the Board of Trustees to declare the pastorate vacant at any regular meeting, provided the Board shall first have asked for the Pastor's resignation and the resignation shall have been refused.


ARTICLE IX: SUNDAY SCHOOL

1. There shall be a Sunday School created and conducted as a branch of the Church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Pastor.

2. There shall be a Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent elected at the annual meeting of the Church.


ARTICLE X: YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY

1. There shall be a Young Peopleâ€˜s Society created under the supervision of the Pastor and conducted as a branch of the Church activities.


ARTICLE XI: LADIES GROUP

1. There shall be a Ladies Group created and conducted as a branch of the Church activities, which shall be under the general oversight of the Board.


ARTICLE XII: COMMITTEES

1. The Church organist, a music committee of two members, and a greetings chairman shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Church.

2. Two ushers shall be appointed by the Pastor to serve for one year.


ARTICLE XIII: FINANCING

1. The Church shall be financed by the scriptural system of tithes and offerings of the members.

2. The Pastor shall be given regular financial support, the amount and manner of which shall be determined by agreement between the Pastor and Board of Trustees.


ARTICLE XIV: DEFUNCTION

In tne event of the dissolution of the above corporation all of the property and funds of the corporation after the payment of all debts thereof shall be distributed one half to the Slavic Gospel Association Inc., Box 1122 Wheaton, Ill., 60187, and the other half to Christa International, Freemont Ave. No. at 193rd, Seattle, WA, 98133, the same being Christian mission boards.


ARTICLE XV: DISCIPLINE

1. Personal differences between members of che Church shall be dealt with according to  Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1

2. In preferring charges against any member, these charges shall first be presented to the Board of Trustees.  They then shall notify the accused of the nature of these charges, and then set a time when these charges shall be heard by the Board of Trustees. The accusers shall be present and face the defendant. If the matter cannot be settled by the Board, they shall be empowered to call a special meeting of the church.


ARTICLE XVI: AMENDMENTS

The constitution may be changed or amended by ratification of the membership present at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made at least two Sundays preceding the time of such meetings, or all members of the corporation shall have been notified in writing by the secretary of the Board of Trustees at least ten days prior thereto.