BYLAWSOFCROSSLAKE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CROSSLAKE, MN
Added
Subtracted

ARTICLE I
RELATION OF BYLAWS TO LAWS OF CHURCH AND STATEThe Crosslake Presbyterian Church, being a particular congregation of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.), is a Minnesota non-profit corporation and is hereinafter referred to as a congregation.
These bylaws are subject to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), theConstitution and laws of the United States of America, and the State of Minnesota, the rules andregulations of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys and the Articles of Incorporation ofCrosslake Presbyterian Church, Crosslake, Minnesota.

ARTICLE II
MEMBERSThe membership of the Crosslake Presbyterian Church, Crosslake, Minnesota shall consist ofbaptized members, active members, affiliate members and other participants. Reference is madeto the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for the qualifications and privileges ofmembership in the congregation.
(G-1.04)
Being one of few congregations in Crosslake of the Reformed tradition, the congregation accepts
the responsibility of serving persons of Presbyterian heritage as well as those who come fromother church traditions.
Membership is an outward sign of commitment to a life-long process of continuing education in
the Biblical faith and of personal maturation as a follower of Christ. Members are expected to:• Attend worship services regularly.
• To give systematically of their time and means to support the church and its
benevolences.
• To involve themselves in Christian service to their brothers and sisters in the community,
the country and the world.
• To diligently promote the spiritual welfare of the church.
• To encourage others to make a commitment to Christ.

1Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

ARTICLE III
MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION
A. Members Entitled to Vote
Only members classified as “Active Members” of Crosslake Presbyterian Church, Crosslake,
Minnesota in good and regular standing are entitled to vote on all questions affecting theaffairs, both ecclesiastical and corporate, of the congregation.
Voting either in person or by video conferencing is permitted.
Voting by proxy, voting by mail and cumulative (voting for members in which each voter isallowed as many votes as there are members to be elected) voting are not permitted.
B. Business of the Congregation
Business to be transacted at meetings of the congregation shall be those items specified by
the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). (G-1.0503)
C. Annual Meeting
There shall be a combined annual Ecclesiastical and Corporation Meeting of thecongregation held during January each year at a time and date specified by the Session.
D. Special MeetingsSpecial meetings of the congregation shall be called (1) by the Session whenever it deems
such a meeting is necessary, (2) by the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys whenever it deems
such a meeting is necessary, or (3) by the Session when requested in writing by one-fourth(1/4) of the members on the active roll of the congregation. The business to be conducted atSpecial Meetings of the congregation shall be limited to items specifically listed in the callfor the meeting. (G-1.0501 and G-1.0503)
E. Notice of Meetings
Public notice of the time, place and purpose of a congregational meeting shall be given on
two (2) successive Sundays. The meeting may be convened following the notice given on
the second Sunday.
F. QuorumA quorum for meetings of the congregation is the Moderator and twenty (20) percent of theactive members of the congregation entitled to vote.
G. Prayer at Meetings
All meetings of the congregation and of its elected and appointed working organizations shallbe opened and closed with prayer.
H. Rules of OrderThe meetings of the congregation shall be conducted in accordance with the current Robert’sRules of Order.

2

Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

I. Moderator
The Moderator of meetings of the congregation shall be as specified in the Constitution of thePresbyterian Church (U.S.A.). (G-1.0504)
J. Secretary
The Clerk of Session shall serve as the Secretary at meetings of the congregation. If theClerk is unable to serve, the congregation shall elect a Secretary. (G-1.0505)
K. Minutes of Congregational Meetings
The Moderator and Clerk of Session/Secretary shall affirm the minutes of each
Congregational meeting. The Session shall read, correct, approve, and make available theminutes of that Congregational Meeting at its next scheduled meeting and shall enter theminto the permanent record.

ARTICLE IVNOMINATING COMMITTEE
A. Members of Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall consist of the following members: (G-2.0401)
1. One (1) member shall be a current ruling elder on Session.
2. At least three (3) active members shall be elected from the congregation at large.
None of these may be a current ruling elder on Session. Consideration shall be given
to the representation of diversity in the congregation.
3. The Pastor shall serve in an ex-officio capacity with voice but no vote.
4. Additional members, appointed by Session, may serve on the committee with voice
but no vote.
B. Election and Term of Office
One class of Nominating Committee members shall be elected each year for a term of twoyears. No Nominating Committee member shall be elected for a term of more than two (2)years, nor shall a member serve on the Nominating Committee for consecutive terms, except
a member completing a partial term may be eligible for election to a full term. Following
completion of a full term, a Nominating Committee member shall be ineligible to be elected
to a new term for a period of at least one (1) year.
C. Responsibilities
The Nominating Committee shall present nominations to the congregation for the offices ofRuling Elder, Deacon, and congregational elected members of the Nominating Committee.
Only one person shall be nominated for each vacancy.
Full opportunity shall always be given for nominations from the floor by any eligible voter,
only if the person nominated has given his/her consent prior thereto.

3

Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

ARTICLE V
THE SESSION
A. Number of Members
The Session shall consist of the Pastor(s) and no fewer than three (3) or more than five (5)ruling elders divided into three (3) classes.
Fair representation shall be given to men and women as well as various ages and abilities.
(G-3.0103)
B. Election
Only members classified as “Active Members” of the congregation are eligible for election tothe office of ruling elder.
One class of ruling elders shall be elected each year for a term of three (3) years, two (2)years except when it is necessary to elect a ruling elder(s) for a shorter term in order toequalize the numbers in the classes or to fill vacancies. A meeting of the congregation is toordinarily be called in September or October or November for the purpose of the election ofofficers. The date and time of that meeting shall be determined by the Session. Public noticeof such meeting shall be in accordance with ARTICLE III, E.
Vacancies on the Session shall be filled at a Special Meeting of the congregation or at theAnnual Meeting.
C. Terms of Office
The term of office shall commence with the installation of the ruling elder and shall cease
upon the installation of a successor. The normal term of office will commence in January forruling elders elected in September or October or November.
No ruling elder shall be elected for a term of more than three (3) years, two (2) years, norshall a ruling elder serve on the Session for consecutive terms, except a ruling eldercompleting a partial term may be eligible for election to a full term but may be eligible for 1
additional 2-year term if nominated by the nominating committee, except a ruling eldercompleting a partial term may be eligible for election to a full term. Following completion ofa two full terms, a ruling elder shall be ineligible to be elected to a new term for a period of atleast one (1) year.
A ruling elder on Session wishing to resign from active service does so to the Session andthat ruling elder’s resignation is effective upon consent of the Session.
D. Responsibilities and Powers
The responsibilities and powers of the Session shall be those specified by the Constitution of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (G-3.02) and the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act.
The members of the Session shall be considered the Trustees of the organization.

4Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

E. Annual Report
The Session shall report annually to the congregation regarding the following:
1. All matters relating to the spiritual welfare of the congregation.
2. The receipts and expenditures for the previous fiscal year, which shall be the calendaryear.
3. A budget, consisting of both estimated income and expenditures, for the ensuing year.
4. A balance sheet, showing the assets and liabilities, of the congregation.
5. New programs and activities undertaken for the welfare of the congregation.
6. The activities of the Board of Deacons and all other groups and organizations of thecongregation.
7. Recommendations regarding changes in the Terms of Call of the Pastor(s).
F. Meetings, Quorum and Records of the Session
Meetings of the Session are open to observers except when the Session determines to meet inprivate to consider especially sensitive business.
Members of Session may attend session meetings through the following methods:
1. In person attendance.
2. Through audio (teleconference), email or video conferencing. (Video conferencing being
the preferred communication.)
The Moderator of the Session may call a Special Meeting of the Session when he/she judges
it necessary and shall do so when requested by any two members of the Session. The Session
shall also meet when directed to do so by the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys. (G-3.0203)
An email meeting has to include the whole Session. Discussion of the motion would need tobe discussed prior to voting, and a consensus of what to do if the discussion develops making
it clear that it really needs to happen face to face. To avoid a face to face, Session may allow
a couple of days for clarifying questions to take place before taking an email vote. If anyone
raises anything other than clarifying questions, the discussion and vote stops and the item
goes on the agenda for the next face to face Session meeting.
Emergency meetings of the Session may be carried out by email. If the email vote is notunanimous, the Moderator, the disputing ruling elders or ruling elder may request meeting inperson to resolve the issue. The Clerk would keep a copy of the Session member’s emailvote.
These meeting methods are also acceptable methods for the Board of Deacons and allCommittees. Going forward, methods of meetings and voting by Session members, Board of
Deacons, and Committees may be conducted in whatever manner is acceptable in thebusiness and legal communities at the time.
A quorum of the Session shall be the Moderator, Clerk of Session or appointed clerk pro-tem
and two thirds (2/3) simple majority of the ruling elders.
All meetings of the Session shall be opened and closed with prayer.

5

Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

The minutes of the Session and congregation as well as the registers and rolls are open toinspection by members of the congregation, except for judicial cases. They shall be
submitted annually to the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys for its general review.
G. Moderator
The Pastor of the congregation or a person appointed by the Pastor or by Minnesota Valleys
Presbytery shall be the Moderator of the Session and the Session shall not meet without theModerator present, except as provided in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.). (G-3.0104)
H. Clerk of Session
The Session shall annually elect a ruling elder to serve as Clerk of Session (G-3.0104). The
Clerk of Session will not be a voting member of Session. If the Clerk is unable to attend aSession meeting, the Moderator will appoint a Clerk pro-tem.
I. Treasurer
The Session shall annually elect a Treasurer. (G-2.0205)
The responsibilities of the Treasurer shall conform to (G-0205) and include all duties as
specified in a job description approved by the Session.
J. Financial Secretary
The Session shall annually elect a Financial Secretary.
The responsibilities of the Financial Secretary shall include assisting the Treasurer and otherduties as specified in a job description approved by the Session.
Information regarding monetary contribution amounts from a specific contributor(s), pledged
or otherwise, shall be considered confidential and shall not be divulged to anyone without theapproval of Session.
K. Committees
The Session shall form such committees as necessary to carry out the work of the Church.
The Session may also appoint special committees or task forces from time-to-time to carryout specific functions. Session shall annually appoint committee and task force chairs.
Ruling elders on Session are encouraged to be on a committee(s) outside of Session. They
may or may not act as chair of the committee. The committee chairs shall involve othersfrom the congregation who may be members, affiliates, and other participants to oversee andconduct the various ministries of the congregation.
The Session may convene each year a Consistory, inviting the participation of all persons in
the congregation who have been ordained as ruling elders or deacons in this or anothercongregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and persons who have served in counterpart
roles in churches of denominations not practicing ordination. The Session may also invite
other persons as it determines. The purpose of the Consistory shall be to seek advice andcounsel as to the spiritual condition and health of the congregation and to elicit visions forthe future.

6Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

ARTICLE VI
THE BOARD OF DEACONS
A. Number of Members
The Board of Deacons shall consist of no fewer than three (3) nor more than nine (9) deacons
divided into classes.
Fair representation shall be given to men and women as well as various ages and abilities.
(G-3.0103)
B. Election
Only members classified as “Active members” of the congregation are eligible for election tothe office of deacon.
One class of deacons shall be elected each year for a of three (3) years, two (2) years at themeeting of the congregation ordinarily called in September or October or November for thepurpose of election of officers. The date and time of that meeting shall be determined by theSession. Public notice of such meeting shall be in accordance with ARTICLE III, E.
Vacancies on the Board of Deacons shall be filled at a Special Meeting of the congregation
or at the Annual Meeting.
C. Terms of Office
The term of office shall commence with the installation of the deacon and shall cease upon
the installation of a successor. The normal term of office will commence in January for
deacons elected in September or October or November.
No deacon shall be elected for a term of more than three (3) years, nor shall a deacon serveon the Board of Deacons for consecutive terms, except a deacon completing a partial term
may be eligible for election to a full term. two (2) years, but may be eligible for 1 additional
2-year term if nominated by the nominating committee. Following completion of a full term,a deacon shall be ineligible to be elected to a new term for a period of at least one (1) year.
A deacon wishing to resign from active service does so to the Session and their resignation iseffective upon consent of the Session.
D. Responsibilities and Powers
The responsibilities and powers of the Board of Deacons shall be those specified by theConstitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). (G-2.0201)
Deacons shall be encouraged to involve others in the congregation in accomplishing theirministry of care and compassion.
E. Meetings, Quorum and Records of the Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons shall meet at least quarterly, upon the call of its Chair, or when
directed to meet by the Session.

7Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023

The Board of Deacons shall report to the Session at least once annually as to meetings held, asummary of activities, and any recommendation for the welfare of the congregation. (G2.0202)
F. Organization
The Board of Deacons shall elect a Chair and a Secretary from among its members. The
Board of Deacons may, from time to time, elect such other officers as it finds needful to theefficient operation of the Board of Deacons.
The Secretary shall keep a record of the Board’s proceedings.

ARTICLE VII
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules ofOrder, except in those instances where the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
provides otherwise. (G-3.0105)

ARTICLE VIIIAMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active members of thecongregation at any Annual Meeting or at any Special Meeting of the congregation called forthat purpose. A notice of the meeting whereby such amendments are to be considered shall
include the full, printed text of the proposed amendments.
Approved by the congregation on April 7, 2002, and Amended on July 30, 2023, (previouslyAmended on September 30, 2018; December 6, 2015; January 30, 2011; December 18, 2005;
and June 6, 2004.)
All Book of Order references are found in the current biennial Book of Order (Constitution of thePresbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) Part II).

8Draft with revisions of By-Laws July 2023