CHANGING SEASONS

It’s fall, ya’ll! The leaves are turning colors and then they will soon be turning loose. I do not really mind autumn, but I confess the chill winds of winter and the drab landscape that accompanies it is not my favorite time. But, as sure as the promises of God, spring will come, and the grass will green while flowers will grow.

Change is a part of life. That includes life in our churches and the Haywood Baptist Association. As the theologian Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” Yet, it is our duty to give you information about changes, so you can make informed decisions.

We are, in fact, required to do so when there are changes proposed for our Constitution and By-laws. The officers formed a study committee, chaired by Byron Burnette, along with Kris Estep and Steve Frazier that brings the following recommendation:

Below is the current reading of ARTICLE VII:

Article VII- Meetings

1. Regular Meetings:

·       The Association shall meet quarterly on or as close to the second Tuesday of the first month of each quarter except for the Annual Meeting which will occur in October. 

·       The Association year is November-October

Here are the proposed changes to ARTICLE VII: 

Article VII- Meetings

1. Regular Meetings:

·       The Association shall meet biannually (twice per year) on or as close to the second Tuesday of April and October. The Annual Meeting shall be held in October. 

·       The Association year is January-December

Over the years, we have seen diminishing attendance and dwindling interest in the quarterly meetings. Therefore, we believe that to concentrate on two larger meetings will be more efficient. The provision for a “special called meeting,” remains should necessity arise. We will still plan to present a quarterly report of our activities and spending.

Here are the requirements for the changes:

ARTICLE XV—AMENDMENTS

A. These By-Laws may be amended by a three-fourths (75%) vote of the active Board Members at a Regular or Special Called Meeting of the Board Members, provided that (1) a copy of the proposed amendments for consideration and (2) the date, place, and time of the meeting is given not less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.  Notice may be provided in the Association’s newsletter, electronic format, or by special mailing to the churches.

B. All proposed amendments to the By-Laws will be presented first to the Associational Officers prior to being voted on by the Board Members of the Association.

We will vote on these at our annual meeting on October 28.

Thanks for your prayerful consideration.

Your Mission Strategist,

Dennis Thurman