Updating the Constitution Q&A

At its regular meeting on December 11, 2023, the Congregational Council of St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran church moved to amend the Constitution of St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church by substitution. Copies of the substitution constitution are available at the Welcome Desk and Upper Room.

An updating of our present constitution began a year ago by a task force appointed by the Congregation Council. The task force was composed of Pastor Herb Garnes, Bridget Linsmaier, Council secretary, congregational members, Josh Galayda, Esq. and Dr. Kelly Roth, parliamentarian. The purpose was to bring our constitution into compliance with the ELCA model constitution for congregations, and to reflect the present practices of the congregation. The constitution review committee of the Northeastern Ohio Synod has approved the constitution for presentation to the NEO Synod Council following our congregational vote at the Annual meeting. In short, if we adopt the updated constitution the review committee will recommend to the Synod Council that they approved it. The major updates include reducing the Congregation Council to seven members plus the called pastors, and moving organizational structure, i.e., committees and their responsibilities, to the Bylaws.

The present constitution requires that the congregation be informed of any proposed amendments to the constitution at least 30 days in advance of the congregational vote, therefore, please let this message serve as that announcement. The Annual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 11, 2024.