Minutes of Special
Membership Meeting
Forsyth Central
Auditorium
On Sunday, April 27, 2003 immediately following the morning worship service a Special Meeting of the Church Membership was convened pursuant to Article III, Section 3 of the bylaws.
Dave Allen began the meeting with a prayer. Dave then identified himself as the Interim Council Leader and identified Michael Smith as the Secretary of the Interim Council and Secretary of the Special Meeting.
Dave asked that all members stand to ensure we had quorum. Approximately 50 members were present which constituted a quorum of the membership for the transaction of business requiring member approval.
Dave then identified the three items that would be addressed at the meeting:
Item 1 – Vote on proposed bylaws
Dave introduced and described the NewSong bylaws document including how they were crafted. Dave then asked for a motion to adopt the bylaws. Rhonda Sloyer made that motion which was seconded by Clair Miller. Dave opened the floor for discussion and there was none. Tom Fredrick then called for a vote. The proposed bylaws were approved by unanimous vote by a show of hands of the full members present.
Item 2 – Vote on proposed annual budget for 2003
Tom Fredrick introduced and described the NewSong 2003 budget including details regarding salaries and other categories that make up a large percentage of the proposed budget. Dave then asked for a motion to adopt the budget. Tim Gunter made that motion which was seconded by Brian Brown. Dave opened the floor for discussion and there was none. Pat Plant then called for a vote on the budget. The proposed budget was approved by unanimous vote by a show of hands of the full members present.
Item 3 – Election of Elders
Jim Stockdill introduced and described the process of Elder selection at NewSong. Stockdill chaired the nominations team, which also included Vicki Eitel and Lawrence Williams. The following nominated Elders were asked to come forward:
Tom Fredrick
Dave Allen
Curt Sloyer
Michael Smith
Brent Orr
Brian Brown
Jim then asked for a motion to elect the elders that were nominated. Rhonda Sloyer made that motion which was seconded by Dolores Sloyer. Dave opened the floor for discussion and there were two questions asked by members:
Pat Plant asked if there were any women nominated as prospective Elders.
Dave Allen responded that there were four women nominated. Two of these declined the nomination and two were not eligible. Dave added that women are eligible to serve as Elders at NewSong.
A second question was asked concerning how the Elder selection process will normally work (since this was an unusual instance of this process). Dave responded that the process will usually occur in September of each year when the existing Board of Elders will begin the nomination process if they believe additional Elders are needed.
Lisa Tatum called for a vote on the Elders and the Elders were elected by a unanimous vote by a show of hands.
Finally there was a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting and the meeting ended.