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Bylaws

ARTICLE I
Identification

SECTION 1.01 - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of Unity Church of Practical Christianity (Clear Lake) Corporation is to teach the universal principles of Truth, as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ and interpreted by Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches, a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Georgia with headquarters at Lee's Summit, Missouri, hereinafter referred to as the Association.

In the accomplishment of this purpose, Unity Church of Practical Christianity will endeavor to conduct services of worship and classes of instruction and to demonstrate the principles of Truth by using them in the operation of the ministry and to adopt other means that in the judgment of the Minister will further the principles of practical Christianity among people everywhere.

SECTION 1.02 - ASSOCIATION OF UNITY CHURCHES MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Unity Church of Practical Christianity is a member of the Association of Unity Churches. The operation and conduct of this ministry will comply with the regulations and policies of the Association as outlined in the Association Bylaws, insofar as they do not conflict with the laws of the State of Texas.

    (a) Leadership. This ministry will have as its leader an ordained or licensed Unity Minister(s) in good standing or a person serving under special dispensation approved by the Association. Refer to Section 4.02 (c).

    For the purpose of these Bylaws, the term " Minister " will include a person serving under special dispensation of the Association.

    (b) Teaching. The Principles of practical Christianity will be taught through this ministry using methods, textbooks, literature, and other materials approved by the Association.

    (c) Mailings. Copies of all printed matter mailed by this ministry to its membership will be sent to the office of the President of the Association.

    (d) Reports. The Minister as Administrative Director will make annual reports to the Association on forms supplied by the Association.
 

ARTICLE II
Office and Official Records

SECTION 2.01 - PRINCIPAL OFFICE.

The principal executive office of the corporation will be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Said office will be in the County of Harris, State of Texas, or at such other place within the State of Texas as the Board of Trustees hereafter will designate. The Corporation may also have offices at such other place or places, as the Board of Trustees may from time to time designate.

SECTION 2.02 - OFFICIAL RECORDS

Records of membership, finances, donation, corporate minutes, etc. will be maintained at the principal office of the corporation. Official church documents are to be available to church officers and Minister at all times.

 

ARTICLE III
Membership

SECTION 3.01 - QUALIFICATIONS

A member of Unity Church of Practical Christianity will have a basic knowledge of the Unity teaching and our ministry, will endeavor to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of love and truth as taught by Unity, and will further the work of this ministry through his/her active interest, love and support, both personal and financial.

SECTION 3.02 - ELECTION OF MEMBERS

Anyone desiring membership in Unity Church of Practical Christianity will file an Application for Membership card with the ministry office, attend a required Introduction to Unity Orientation Class and have a personal consultation with the Minister. The application will be presented to the Board of Trustees at its next regular meeting. Upon a majority affirmative vote of the Trustees present and voting, the applicant will become a voting member and will be notified by the Board Secretary accordingly. The new member will then be received into official membership at the next Membership Sunday service. Minister(s) and Licensed Unity Teachers are considered members of this ministry.

SECTION 3.03 - TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP

(a) Active Member. A member will retain status as an active member through his/her participation in attendance at services, prayer, service, classes or giving during the fiscal year.

(b) Inactive Member. An active member will become inactive:
  1. When a member discontinues his/her activities (see 3.03(a)) for one year or
  2. As determined by at least a two thirds of the Board of Trustees and the Minister, that the member no longer fulfills the qualifications of membership (see 3.01).
In either case, the Board of Trustees will then attempt to notify the said member of their inactive status, impending removal, and requirements for reinstatement to active status by certified mail within ten days of such a determination.

(c) Reinstatement of Inactive Member. Members who have been advised by the Board of inactive status under 3.03(b) may regain active status:
  1. by demonstrating the membership qualifications as indicated in Section 3.01 [Qualifications] for a period of 6 weeks, or
  2. via a hearing before the Board of Trustees.
(d) Removal. An active or inactive member will be removed from the membership roll by:
  1. Request of the member or
  2. Notification received that he/she has joined or transferred to another church.
An inactive member will be removed from the membership roll:
  1. if after 30 days after notification of their inactive status he/she has not indicated to the church of their intent to be reinstated or
  2. if he/she does not complete the reinstatement requirements (see 3.03(c))
(e) Reinstatement of Removed Member. After official removal from the Membership Roll , members must reapply for membership in accordance with section 3.02 [Election of Members]

SECTION 3.04 - POWERS OF ACTIVE MEMBERS

Active Members of Unity Church of Practical Christianity will have the power to do the following:

(a) Vote at any membership meeting, at which the member is present, called in accordance with Section 3.05.

(b) Elect members to the Board of Trustees as specified in Section 4.04.

(c) Ratify the Bylaws of this Ministry or any amendments thereto as specified in Section 8.01.

(d) Vote on any expenditure for the operation of this Ministry which exceeds Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in value. An affirmative majority vote of those present and voting is required for approval. Refer to Section 4.03 (c) (7).

(e) Elect a member, and his alternate, to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team as specified in Section 4.04 (b).

(f) Call a special membership meeting when the affairs of this Ministry warrant such action. Refer to Section 3.05 (b).

(g) Vote to override any action of the Board of Trustees. This vote must be taken at a duly constituted membership meeting. Refer to Section 3.05(a) and (b). Notice of the issue to be voted on must be submitted to the membership in writing ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Seventy-five percent of those present and voting have the authority for determination.

(h) Vote for the removal of any or all Trustees from his/her office in accordance with Section 4.05 (a). A 2/3 affirmative vote of those present and voting is required.

(i) Vote on any matters officially brought to the attention of the Membership.

(j) Offer suggestions to the Minister or Board of Trustees as may seem advisable for the good of this Ministry.

(k) Any ten (10) active members may request Conflict Transformation assistance by notifying the President of the Association of Unity Churches in writing with copies to the Board of Trustees and Minister. Upon receipt of a request for assistance from ten or more active members to the President or designee of the Association of Unity Churches, said person will confer with the Minister and/or Regional Representative to evaluate whether further action is required.

SECTION 3.05 - MEETINGS AND QUORUM

(a) Annual Membership Meeting. The annual membership meeting of Unity Church of Practical Christianity will be held at its official headquarters on the 3rd Sunday in January at the time of day designated by the Minister and Board of Trustees.

(b) Special Membership Meetings. Any time the affairs of this Ministry warrant, a special meeting may be called by:
  1. The Minister
  2. A majority of the Trustees of the Board
  3. Submitting a petition having been signed by 10% of the active membership; a written request must be submitted to the Board who will, within reasonable length of time, call the meeting on behalf of the requesting party.
The purpose(s) for the special meeting will be stated both in the written request and the written notice to the Membership. In the case of a Special Membership Meeting called by written petition, the written notice of the meeting to the membership will faithfully reflect (restate, reproduce) the purpose(s) for the special meeting stated in the petition. Business conducted at the special meeting will be limited to the pre-stated purpose(s).

(c) Written Notice. Written notice stating the date, time and place will be mailed to all active members at least ten days before any membership meeting. [Note: "Mailed" because the notice needs a postmark for legality.]

(d) Quorum. Those active members present and voting at a membership meeting called pursuant to the notice provisions of Section 3.05 (c) will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any membership meeting.

(e) Participation. Participation in the business affairs of any membership meeting will be restricted to active members in attendance. Participation of other persons in discussion of business must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the active members in attendance. Association representatives have a right to participate in discussion when they have been invited by the Minister, the Board, or the membership.

(f) Voting.Unless otherwise provided herein, the vote of a majority of the active members present and voting or by absentee ballot will be necessary for approval or disapproval of the action being voted upon. Refer to Section 3.04 (d) and (g), and Section 8.01. Active members unable to be present in a membership meeting may vote by absentee ballot upon application to the church office in advance of the meeting date. Absentee ballots must be returned prior to the meeting. Absentee ballots will not be accepted at special membership meetings. Proxy votes are not allowed.

(g) Prayer. In any membership meeting, the Board President, Minister(s), and Association of Unity Churches Conflict Transformation Representative, or any member may request that action on an item of business be suspended while the membership enters into a time of prayer on the issue. Upon such request the President will provide a period of prayer and silence.

 

ARTICLE IV
Government

SECTION 4.01 - ADMINISTRATION

The government of Unity Church of Practical Christianity will be vested in the Minister, who is the Administrative Director, and the Board of Trustees elected from the Membership.

SECTION 4.02 - MINISTER

(a) Duties. As the Spiritual Leader, the Minister will 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 will be:
  1. Responsible for the complete functioning of this Ministry, including the hiring and termination of all employees, subject to approval of the board.
  2. A voting member of the Board of Trustees on all matters except own employment, or that of a successor.
  3. Appointing ministry teams in accordance with Section 5.01.
  4. A member of all ministry teams. Refer to Section 5.01.
  5. Responsible for seeking Association assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the Ministry.
(b) Compensation. The compensation of the Minister will be fixed by agreement between the Minister and the Board of Trustees.

(c) Vacancy. The position of a Minister may be vacated by any of the following actions:
  1. Resignation, or
  2. After complying with Section 4.03(e) [Termination of Employment of Minister(s)], the Minister's removal because of failure to fulfill the duties of the position as specified in Section 4.02(a).
Should a vacancy occur in the office of the Minister, the Board of Trustees will communicate with the President of the Association of Unity Churches and request a list of applicants for the position.

SECTION 4.03 - BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- MEMBERS

(a) Structure. The Board of Trustees will consist of the Minister and from four to six Trustees elected from the membership of the Unity Church of Practical Christianity. The number of Trustees will be set by a simple majority vote at the Annual Membership Meeting to take effect for the following year. Each elected Trustee will hold office for 3 years. Offices will be filled at the annual meeting in accordance with Section 4.04 as the terms of elected Trustees expire. No elected Trustee will serve more than two consecutive terms of 3 years each without an interval of one year between terms. No active Licensed Unity Teacher, individual receiving compensation from the ministry (with the exception of the Minister), or the relative of, or significant other of an individual receiving compensation from the ministry may serve on the Board of Trustees. Further, no Board member will be the relative of, or significant other of another Board member.

(b) Prayer. It is important that in addition to adhering to the normal procedures for legal functioning set forth in these bylaws, that the spiritual principles taught by Unity be utilized in the handling of decisions before the Board of Trustees. During the discussion of an item of business, any Trustee may request time for prayer about the issue. Upon request, the President will provide a period of prayer and silence.

(c) Duties. As representatives of the Membership, the Board of Trustees will:
  1. Uphold the spiritual purpose of this Ministry as stated in Section 1.01.
  2. Uphold the highest interest of the Membership in conducting the business of this Ministry.
  3. Be conversant with these Bylaws, and establish policy for the operation of the church.
  4. Be faithful in attendance at services, board and membership meetings of this Ministry.
  5. Make determination 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 of the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real or personal property belonging to this Ministry. All decisions in favor of the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property exceeding Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in value will be presented to the Membership at a properly constituted membership meeting to be voted on in accordance with Section 3.04 (d).
  8. As recommended by the Minister, authorize the employment of all staff personnel of this Ministry and set and approve their salaries. See Section 4.02 (a).
  9. Set dates for the fiscal year.
  10. Each year cause to be prepared a complete financial statement with disclosures which will set forth the fiscal conditions and operations of the Ministry.
  11. When deemed advisable, secure a fidelity bond for the Treasurer, the amount to be set by the Board.
  12. Act to fill the unexpired term of any Trustee in accordance with Section 4.05 (b).
  13. Elect officers of the Board, and their successors to fill any unexpired term when necessary. See Section 4.07.
  14. Ratify Ministry Teams and their chairpersons as appointed by the Board President. See Section 5.01.
  15. Seek Association assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the ministry.
  16. Consider other duties brought to their attention by the Minister and other Trustees.
  17. Attend and actively participate in ongoing Board Education Programs.
  18. To keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of membership.
  19. To keep or cause to be kept accurate records of gifts to the ministry in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations; and acknowledge in writing contributions in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
  20. Will secure liability insurance for all Board of Trustee members and Minister.
(d) Employment of Minister. It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to employ a licensed or ordained Unity Minister for the church through cooperation with the employment management procedures of the Association of Unity Churches.

(e) Termination of Employment of Minister. After a ministry and its Minister have cooperated with the Conflict Transformation procedures of the Association of Unity Churches, a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Trustees, or two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting of the active church membership is required to terminate the employment of a Minister.

SECTION 4.04 - BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- ELECTION

(a) Qualifications. Any person elected to the Board of Trustees must be an active member of Unity Church of Practical Christianity. He/she will 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/her active interest, love, and support.
  4. Is a sincere and continuing student of Unity, conversant with its teachings.
  5. Has demonstrated leadership capabilities.
(b) Nominating Ministry Team. A Nominating Ministry Team will be formed at least three months prior to the annual membership meeting, and will initiate a search for a minimum of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancies in the Board of Trustees. The Ministry Team will consist of the Minister and three active members selected in the following manner:

  1. At the annual membership meeting, the Membership will elect one of its active members, and an alternate, to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team for the next year's election.
  2. The Board will elect one of its Trustees.
  3. Together with the Minister, the above two Ministry Team members will select a third team member from the active membership who will become Chairperson of the Nominating Ministry Team. In the event of unavailability to serve of the persons so elected, the Board will select a person from the active membership to fill the vacancy, other than a current Board member.
  4. In the event of an interim Board the Nominating Ministry Team will complete its selection process within thirty (30) days from the establishment of the interim Board.
(c) Nominating Procedure. As the presiding officer of the annual membership meeting, the President will:
  1. Read Section 4.04 just prior to the call for nominations.
  2. Call upon the Chairperson of the Nominating Ministry Team to present the Ministry Team's nominations.
  3. Call for additional nominations from the floor. 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 4.04 (a)
(d) Election. Votes will be cast by ballot. The two nominees receiving the largest number of votes will be elected to the Board of Trustees.

SECTION 4.05 - BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- VACANCY AND REPLACEMENT

(a) Vacancy. The office of a Trustee may be vacated by any of the following means:
  1. The resignation of the Trustee.
  2. The Board voting for the removal of a Trustee due to absences from three successive regular board meetings. Absences may be excused by the Board upon written request.
  3. The Board voting for the removal of a Trustee because of a failure to fulfill the duties of the office as specified in Section 4.03
  4. The Active Membership voting for removal of a Trustee because of failure to fulfill the duties of the office as specified in Section 4.03 (c). See Section 3.04 (h).
  5. If more than fifty-percent (50%) of the Board of Trustees is to be recalled, the entire Board of Trustees must be recalled. Refer to Section 3.04 (h)
  6. If the entire Board of Trustees is recalled by the membership, then the membership may re-elect recalled Trustees. The number re-elected must be less than fifty-percent (50%) of the recalled Trustees.
If resignations on the Board have brought the number of Trustees to less than a quorum, a Nominating Ministry Team will submit a slate of qualified nominees to the membership to fill the vacancies.

(b) Replacement. Should a vacancy occur on the Board of Trustees, at the earliest opportunity, the Board will fill the vacancy by appointing an active member. In case of an emergency, a special meeting may be called. Only persons meeting the qualifications specified in Section 4.04(a) may be considered as replacements. No replacement will have served as a Trustee during the year prior to their election. A majority vote of the Board will be necessary. The term of the newly appointed Trustee will expire on the same date as the term of the Trustee succeeded.

(c) Interim Board. If the entire Board of Trustees has been recalled, or a quorum does not exist, the active church membership may choose to elect an interim Board whose term of office will not exceed sixty (60) days. At the end of sixty (60) days a permanent Board must be elected.

SECTION 4.06 - BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- MEETINGS AND QUORUM

(a) Regular Board Meetings. The regular business meetings of the Board of Trustees will be held at the headquarters of this Ministry on the third Monday of each month, unless otherwise specified by the Board.

(b) Special Board Meetings. Special meetings of the Board will be called by the President under any of the following conditions.
  1. By request of the Minister.
  2. By request of two or more Trustees.
  3. As the President deems it necessary.
The request will be filed in writing with the Board Secretary. Reasonable effort must be made to notify all Trustees of any special meeting

(c) Quorum. At least 51% of the current Board (all elected Trustees and the Minister) must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(d) Minister Attendance. The Minister has the right to attend all board meetings with the exception of those meetings or portions thereof that pertain to determinations of the Minister's salary and/or review of work record. He/she must be notified of all special meetings.

SECTION 4.07 - BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- OFFICERS

Officers of the Board of Trustees will consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All officers will be selected in a manner decided by the Board, at the first Board meeting after the annual meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose of selecting officers. Officers will hold their respective offices for one year or until their successors are duly elected or qualified.

(a) President. The President will:
  1. Preside at all Board of Trustees meetings.
  2. Preside at all membership meetings.
  3. Appoint Ministry Teams in accordance with Section 5.01
  4. Be a member of all Ministry Teams by virtue of the office, except the Nominating Ministry Team.
  5. Sign such papers and documents, upon proper authorization, as may be necessary.
  6. Be responsible for the planning of Board orientation, retreats, and workshops
(b) Vice-President. The Vice-President will:
  1. Perform all the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
  2. Become President in case the office of the presidency becomes vacant. In such a case, a new Vice-President will be elected from among the remaining Trustees to fill the remainder of the term.
(c) Secretary. The Secretary will:
  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 legal papers, minute books which items will be kept in the Ministry office at all times, or in such other depository as prescribed by the Board.
  3. Attend to all official business required by the Board.
d) Treasurer. The Treasurer will:
  1. Be custodian of the funds of this Ministry. He/she will pay out or cause to be paid out, funds authorized by the Board. Refer to Section 4.03 (b).
  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. When counting ministry funds there should be at least two (2) persons present.
  5. Place, or cause to be placed, the funds of this Ministry in the bank or other depository approved by the Board.
 

ARTICLE V
Ministry Teams

SECTION 5.01 - FORMATION

Ministry Teams for any specific purpose, with the exception of the Nominating Ministry Team, will be appointed by the Board President. Approval by the Minister plus ratification by the Board is required.

 

ARTICLE VI
Seal

SECTION 6.01 - DESCRIPTION

The Corporate seal of this Ministry will include the name of the ministry in a circle, which encloses the name of the city, state, and the date of incorporation.

SECTION 6.02 - DISSOLUTION

Should this Corporation dissolve, all property and funds remaining after the payment of the debts of the Corporation will be delivered to the Association of Unity Churches, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, for religious and educational purposes. Such funds or property will 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. The Association will make available according to its current policies and procedures, funds for the re-establishment of a Unity ministry in the Friendswood/Clear Lake Area.

Should the Association no longer exist, any assets remaining of this Corporation after dissolution will 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 will determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for purposes set out in Section 5.01 (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

ARTICLE VII
Meeting Procedures

SECTION 7.01 - RULES OF ORDER

The latest edition of ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER will be the authority of this Ministry on parliamentary law and its usage, unless otherwise provided by these Bylaws,

 

ARTICLE VIII
Bylaws Amendments

SECTION 8.01 - 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 mailed to all active members at least ten days prior to the required membership meeting. An affirmative vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of all active members present and voting will be necessary to pass any amendment to these Bylaws. These Bylaws fully supersede all previous Bylaws adopted by Unity Church of Practical Christianity.  
 
 
 
 
 


Attest – Secretary ________________________         Date: ______________

Date of Adoption or Revision

Amended March 14, 1999 to extend the term of office of the Board from 2 years to 3 years.

Amended March 11, 2001 to move the AGM to January and adjust the minimum number of Board candidates.

Amended January 20, 2002 AGM to align with up to date bylaws recommended by the Association.

Amended January 19, 2003 to improve Membership process, eliminate the Alternate Trustee and approve the change in church name.

Amended January 16, 2005 to provide flexibility in the number of Board Trustees.

Amended November 18, 2007 to add board approval for hiring and termination of employees.