|
|
Unity
Center |
|||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
BYLAWS |
|
ARTICLE
I Identification Section
1.01 – STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The purpose of Unity Center of
Christianity, Mills River, N.C. a corporation of the State of North Carolina,
(hereafter referred to in these Bylaws as Unity Center in Mills River) is to
teach the Truth of Jesus Christ as interpreted by Unity School of Christianity,
Unity Village, Missouri, and approved by the Association of Unity Churches,
hereinafter referred to as AUC, a non-profit corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Georgia, with headquarters at Unity
Village, Missouri. In the accomplishment of this purpose Mills River Unity
shall endeavor to conduct services of worship, classes of instruction, and
adopt other means that in the judgment of the Minister will further the
principles of practical Christianity among mankind. Section
1.02 - AUC MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBLITIES Mills River Unity is a member of AUC. The
operation and conduct of this ministry shall comply with the regulations and
policies of AUC as outlined in the AUC Bylaws, insofar as they do not
conflict with the laws of the State of North Carolina. (a) Leadership. This Ministry shall have as
its leader an ordained Unity Minister. (b) Teaching. The principles of practical
Christianity shall be taught through this Ministry using methods textbooks,
and other literature and materials which in the judgment of the Minister meet
Unity standards. (c) Mailings. Copies of all substantive
printed matter mailed by this Ministry to its Membership shall be sent to the
office of the Executive Director of AUC. (d) Reports. As Administrative Director of
this Ministry, the Minister shall make annual reports to AUC on forms
supplied by AUC. ARTICLE
II Membership Section
2.01 - QUALIFICATIONS A member of Mills River Unity shall
endeavor to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of Love and Truth
as taught by Unity. He shall further the work of this ministry through his
interest, love and support. Section
2.02 – ELECTION OF MEMBERS Anyone desiring membership in Unity Center
in Mills River shall file an Application for Membership card with the
Ministry office. This application shall be presented to the Board of
Directors at its next regular meeting. Upon a majority affirmative vote of
the Directors present and voting, the applicant shall become a member and
shall be notified accordingly by the Board. All Staff members and licensed
Unity teachers are considered members of this Ministry. Section
2.03 – TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP (a) Tenure. A member shall retain
membership until it is voluntarily severed, or as long as his ideas and
conduct are in accord with the qualifications specified in Section 2.01. (b) Removal. Removal from the membership
role of any member, whose qualifications are in question, requires at least a
two-third (2/3) affirmative vote of the Board of Directors, including
agreement by the Minister. Prior to action concerning removal, the member
must be given an opportunity for a hearing before the board. Any member who
has moved and left no address may be removed from membership by a majority vote
of the Board one month after sending a first class letter of notification to
the last known address. Section
2.04 – POWERS OF MEMBERS Members of Unity Center in Mills River
shall have the power to do the following: (a) Vote at any membership meeting, at
which the member is present, called in accordance with Section 2.05. (b) Elect members to the Board of Directors
as specified in Section 3 .04. (c) Ratify the Bylaws of this Ministry or
any amendments thereto as specified in Section 7.01 (d) Vote on any question of purchase, sale
or pledge of real property owned and used for the operation of this Ministry
which exceeds Five Thousand Dollars ($5000.00) in value. A seventy-five
per-cent (75%) affirmative vote of those present and voting is required to
approve the sale or pledge. Refer to Section 3. 03(b) 7. (e) Elect a member, and his alternate to
serve on the Nominating Committee as specified in Section 3. 04(b) 1. (f) Call a special membership meeting when
the affairs of t.1is Ministry warrant such action. Refer to Section 2.05 (b).
(g) Vote to override any action of the Board Of Directors providing it is
communicated to the membership in writing ten (10) days prior to the
subsequent meeting of the membership and seventy-five percent (75%) of those
present and voting have the authority for determination. (h) Vote for the removal of any Director
from his office in accordance with Section 3 .05(a) (4). (i) Vote on any matters officially brought
to the attention of the Membership. (j) Offer suggestions to the Minister or
Board of Directors as may seem advisable for the good of this Ministry. Section
2.05 - MEETINGS AND QUORUM (a) Annual Membership Meeting. The annual
membership meeting of Unity Center in Mills River shall be held at its
official headquarters on the third Sunday in May at the time of day
designated by the Minister and Board of Directors. (b) Special Membership Meetings. Any time
the affairs of this Ministry warrant, a special membership meeting may be
called by: 1.
The Minister 2.
A majority of
the Directors of the Board. 3.
Submitting a
petition having been signed by Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Membership. A written request must be submitted to the
Board who shall, within a reasonable length of time, call the meeting on
behalf of the requesting party. The purpose(s) for the special meeting shall
be stated both in the written request and in the written notice to the
Membership. Business conducted at the special meeting shall be limited to the
are stated purpose(s). (c) Written Notice. Written notice stating
the date, time and place shall be mailed to all members at least ten (10)
days before any membership meeting. (d) Quorum. Forty-five (45) members or
twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership, whichever is less, shall
constitute a quorum at any membership meeting. (e) Participation. Participation in the
business affairs of any membership meeting shall be restricted to members in
attendance. Attendance and/or participation of other persons must be approved
by the Board of Directors. (f) Voting. Unless otherwise provided
herein, the vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be
necessary for approval or disapproval of that action being voted upon. Refer
to Section 2. 04(d) and (g) and Section 7.01. ARTICLE
III Government Section
3.01 - ADMINISTRATION. The government of Mills River Unity shall
be vested in the Minister, who is the Administrative Director, and The Board
of Directors elected from Membership. Section
3.02 - MINISTER (a) Duties. As the Spiritual Leader, the
Minister shall be responsible for the scheduling, conduct and content of
services, classes, and all other activities that further the purpose of this
Ministry as specified in Section 1.01. As Administrative Director, the Minister
shall be: 1. Responsible for the complete function of this
ministry. 2. A voting member of the Board of Directors on all
matters except his own employment, or that of his successor. 3. A member of all committees. Refer to Section 4.01. (b) Compensation. The compensation of the
Minister shall be fixed by agreement between the Minister and the Board of
Directors. (c) Vacancy. Should a vacancy occur
in the office of the Minister, the Board of Directors shall communicate with
the office of the AU C and request another Minister. The Minister shall be
assigned by AUC upon his approval by the Board. Section
3.03 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS - MEMBERS (a) Structure. The Board of Directors shall
consist of the Minister and eight (8) Directors elected from the Membership
of Unity Center in Mills River. Each elected Director shall hold office for
three years or until his successor is duly elected. These offices shall be
filled at the annual membership meeting in accordance with Section 3.04. No
Director elected by members (Section 2.04b) shall serve more than two
consecutive terms of three years each without an interval of one year between
terms. (b) Duties. As representatives of the
Membership, the Directors of the Board shall: 1. Uphold the spiritual purpose of this Ministry as
stated in Section 1.01. 2. Uphold the highest interest of the Membership in
conduction the business of this Ministry. 3. Be conversant with these Bylaws. 4. Be faithful in attendance at services, Board and
membership meeting of this Ministry. 5. Make determinations of the business needs of this
Ministry and authorize payment of monies for those purposes. 6. Administer the property of this Ministry, both real
and personal. 7. Make determinations on the purchase, sale or pledge
of real or personal property belonging to this Ministry. All decisions in
favor of the purchase, sale or pledge of real property exceeding Five
Thousand Dollars ($5000.00) in value shall be presented to the Membership at
a properly constituted membership meeting to be voted on in accordance with
Section 2.04 (d). 8. Authorize the employment of all staff personnel of
this Ministry and set and approve their salaries. See Section 3.02 (a) (2). 9. Set dates for the fiscal year 10.
Have an audit
of the financial records of this Ministry done at the end of each fiscal year
by two members of our congregation who are familiar with bookkeeping
procedures and financial reporting, with the assistance of the Treasurer. 11.
When deemed
advisable, secure a fidelity bond for the Treasurer, the amount to be set by
the Board. 12.
Approve
applicants for membership in accordance with Section 2.02. 13.
Act to fill the
unexpired term of any Director in accordance with Section 3.05 (b). 14.
Elect officers
of the Board, and their successors to fill any unexpired term when necessary,
See Section 3.07. 15.
Ratify
committees and their chairmen as appointed by the Board President. See
Section 4.01. 16.
Communicate
with the AU C for aid in resolution of all matters concerning the Minister's
services which cannot otherwise be reasonably resolved. 17.
Consider other
duties brought to their attention by the Minister and other Directors. Section
3.04 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ELECTION (a) Qualifications. Any person
elected to the Board of Directors must be an active member of Mills River
Unity. He/she shall be a person who: 1. Desires to serve on the Board. 2. Endeavors to live in accord with the Jesus Christ
principles of Love and Truth as taught by Unity. 3. Furthers the work of this Ministry through his
active interest, love and support. 4. Is a sincere and contributing student of Unity,
conversant with its teachings. 5. Has demonstrated leadership capabilities. 6. Has fulfilled all the requirements of the nominating
process outlined in the Nominating Committee manual. (b) Nominating Committee. A Nominating
Committee shall be formed at least three months prior to the annual
member-ship meeting, and shall initiate a search for at least two qualified
candidates for the Board of Directors. The congregation shall be invited
(through regular Sunday announcements and newsletter notices) to make their
recommendations for Board candidacy known to the Nominating Committee prior
to the annual cut-off date of April 15. The Nominating Committee will accept
nominations from the congregation anytime between the day after the annual membership
meeting and April 15th. The committee shall consist of the Minister
and three members selected in the following manner: 1. At the annual membership meeting, the membership
shall elect one of its members and his alternate, to serve on the Nominating
Committee for the next year's election. 2. The Board shall elect one of its Directors. 3. Together with the Minister, the above two Committee
members shall select a third Committee member from the Membership who shall
become Chairman of the Nominating Committee. (c) Nominating Procedure. As the presiding
officer of the annual membership meeting, the President shall: 1. Read Section 3.04 just prior to the call for
nominations. 2. Call upon the Chairman of the Nominating Committee
to present the Committee's nominations. Nominees should never be chosen on the
basis of a person's business success or financial resources alone. All nominees no matter how nominated must
qualify in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. (d) Election. Votes shall be cast by
ballot. The nominees receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected
to the Board of Directors. Section
3.05 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - VACANCY AND REPLACEMENT (a) Vacancy. The office of a Director may
be vacated by any of the following means: 1. Resignation of the Director. 2. The Board voting for the removal of a Director due
to absences from three (3) successive regular board meetings. Absences may be
excused by the Board upon written request. 3. The Board voting for the removal of a Director
because of his failure to fulfill the duties of his office as specified in
Section 3.03 (b). 4. The Membership voting for removal of a Director
because of his failure to fulfill the duties of his office as specified in
Section 3 .03 (b). See Section 2.04 (h). (b) Replacement. Should a vacancy occur on
the Board of Directors, the Board shall proceed to fill the vacancy by ballot
at its next regular meeting. In case of emergency, a special meeting may be
called. Only persons meeting the qualifications specified in Section 3.04 (a)
may be considered as replacements. No replacement shall have served as
Director during the year prior to his election. A majority vote of those
present and voting shall be necessary to elect. The term of the newly elected
Director shall expire on the same date as the term of the Director he
succeeds. Section
3.06 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - MEETINGS AND QUORUM (a) Regular Board Meetings. The regular
business meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at the headquarters
of this Ministry on the first Sunday of each month, unless otherwise
specified by the Board. (b) Special Board Meetings. Special
meetings of the Board shall be called by the President under any of the
following conditions: 1. By request of the Minister. 2. By request of two or more Directors. 3. As the President deems it necessary. The request shall be filed in writing with
the Board Secretary. Reasonable effort must be made to notify all Directors
of any special meeting. (c) Quorum. Six (6) Directors shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (d) Minister Attendance. The Minister has
the right to attend all board meetings. He must be notified of all special
meetings. Section
3.07 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - OFFICERS. Officers of the Board of Directors shall
consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The
President shall be elected at the last regular board meeting prior to the
annual membership meeting. He shall assume office at the first board meeting
following the annual membership meeting, at which time all other officers of
the Board shall be elected. All officers shall be elected by a majority vote
of Directors present and voting, and shall hold their respective offices for
one year or until their successors are duly elected or qualified. (a) President. The President shall: 1. Preside at all Board of Directors meetings. 2. Preside at all membership meetings. 3. Appoint committees in accordance with Section
4.01. 4. Be a member of all committees by virtue of his
office, except the Nominating Committee. 5. Sign such papers and documents, upon proper
authorization as may be necessary. (b) Vice-President. The Vice President
shall: 1. Perform all duties of the President in his
absence. 2. Become President in case the office of the
presidency becomes vacant. In such a case, a new Vice-President shall be
elected from among the remaining Directors to fill the remainder of the term. (c) Secretary. The Secretary shall: 1. Keep, or cause to be kept, an accurate record of the
minutes of all board and membership meetings. 2. Hold in custody and be responsible for all reports,
contracts, other than legal papers, minute books, and the corporate seal,
which items shall be kept in the Ministry office at all times, or in such
other depository as prescribed by the Board. (d) Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:, 1. Be custodian of the funds of this Ministry. He shall
pay out, or cause to be paid out, funds authorized by the Board. Refer to
Section3.03(b)(10). 2. Keep, or cause to be kept, a record of all financial
transactions, and submit a monthly financial report at each regular board
meeting. 3. Submit a financial report, covering the last
complete fiscal period, at the annual membership meeting. 4. Count, or cause to be counted, by the appointment of
qualified persons, all funds received, and be responsible for their
deposit. 5. Place, or cause to be placed, the funds of this
Ministry in the bank or other depository approved by the Board. ARTICLE
IV Committees Section
4.01 - FORMATION Committees for any specific purpose, with
the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be appointed y the Board
President. Approval by the Minister plus ratification by the Board is
required. ARTICLE
V Seal Section
5.01 - DESCRIPTION The corporate seal of this Ministry shall
include the name of the Ministry in a circle, which encloses the name of the
city, state, and date of incorporation. Section
5.02 - DISSOLUTION (a) All property and funds remaining after
the payment of the debts of the corporation shall be delivered to the
Association of Unity Churches, a nonprofit corporation organized under the
laws of the State of Georgia, for religious and educational purposes. (b) Such funds or property shall be for the
use and benefit of the Association as may be determined by the Board of
Trustees of the Association, in alignment with current policies and
procedures. (c) The Association shall make available
according to its current policies and procedures, funds for the reestablishment
of a Unity ministry in Mills River, North Carolina. (d) Should the Association no longer exist,
any assets remaining of this corporation after dissolution shall be disposed
of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the County in which the principal
office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or
to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which
are organized and operated exclusively for purposes set out in Section 5.01
(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. ARTICLE
VI Meeting Procedures Section
6.01 - ORDER OF BUSINESS The regular order of business at
Board of Directors and membership meeting, unless otherwise agreed on by the
Board, shall be as follows:
Section
6.02 - RULES OF ORDER ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER shall be the
authority of this Ministry on parliamentary law and its usage, unless
otherwise provided by these Bylaws. ARTICLE
VII Bylaws Amendments Section
7.01- PROCEDURE Amendments to these Bylaws must be made by
voting members of this Corporation at a legally constituted membership
meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed amendments must be
distributed to all members at least ten (10) days prior to the required
membership meeting. An affirmative vote of seventy-five per-cent (75%) of all
members present and voting shall be necessary to pass any amendment to these
Bylaws. These Bylaws fully supersede all previous Bylaws adopted by Unity
Center in Mills River. May 20, 2012 (Date of Revision) |
|
|
We appreciate every donation! |
|
|
©
1996-2012 Unity Center of Christianity, Inc., Mills River
NC
Last modified:
Fight Spam! Click Here!