Home
ByLaws
Calendar
Endowment
E-Prayer
Human Care
Just Thinking
Mission Grants
MMV
Officers
Pledge
Spanish/Hmong
WOW Newsletter
Stamp Projects
Voltr. Missions

For Guidelines for writing your Bylaws, click here.

Table of Contents
(just click on links below)

Appointed Officers
Amendments
Board of Directors
Conventions and Representation
Departments and Standing Committees
District Organization
Duties of Elected Officers
Emergency Action
Executive Committee
Fiscal Year
Mite Grants
Name
Nominations
Officers
Official Publication
Parliamentary Authority
Pastoral Counselors
Recommendations, Resolutions, and Appeals
Special Appointed Personnel
Zone Organization

The name of this organization shall be Pacific Southwest District (hereinafter referred to as the District) of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (hereinafter referred to as the LWML). The LWML is an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (hereinafter referred to as LCMS).

Article II – District Organization

Women’s organizations within the congregations within the boundaries of the LCMS District may make application for membership in the LWML District by indicating in writing to the Board of Directors their compliance with the bylaws of the District and their desire to adopt the LWML object of mission education, mission inspiration, mission service, and mission grants.

1. The unit of membership shall be a women’s society within LCMS congregations, on campuses, in resident homes, or other single settings within the boundaries of this District.
2. Units from other districts with geographical proximity to the District may be accepted as members upon approval of the Board of Directors of both districts.
3. Any woman who is a communicant member of her congregation and who participates by promoting the object of the LWML is eligible for membership in the LWML.
4. Wherever there are two (2) or more women’s societies within a congregation or other single setting, they shall be considered as one (1) unit.
5. Individual membership is available to a woman in an LCMS congregation or other single setting with or without a unit affiliated with the LWML. Individual membership is not considered a unit.
6. Women who hold membership in an LCMS congregation may form a society in a setting other than a congregation, campus, or a resident home upon approval of the District Executive Committee. The central location of the society shall determine zone membership.

Each unit within the District shall be allowed two (2) delegates to the biennial convention of the District. (Article IV, Section 2)

Section 4

All regular LWML mission offerings in the societies within the District shall be received from Mite BoxesÔ or freewill offerings. These offerings shall be submitted at least quarterly to the District Financial Secretary.

Section 5

The District shall remit twenty-five percent (25%) or more of such regular mission offerings to the LWML at least four (4) times each year for the approved LWML mission grants and the administration of the LWML.

Section 6

The societies within the District shall order from the District Quarterly Chairman the desired number of copies of the official LWML magazine (hereinafter referred to as the Quarterly) for distribution to their members. The District shall order the desired number of copies and remit payment for same to the LWML office.

Section 7

The District shall assume the cost of sending representation to the LWML-sponsored training workshops.

Section 8

The District shall be under the supervision of the LCMS Pacific Southwest District (hereinafter referred to as the LCMS District).

Units of the District shall unite to form zone organizations. The territory of these zones shall coincide with the LCMS District circuits. Variation in boundaries shall be referred to the Board of Directors for decision.

Section 2

Each zone shall be allowed one (1) accredited delegate to the biennial convention of the LWML for ten (10) or fewer units, and one (1) additional delegate for each ten (10) additional units or major fraction thereof. Delegates are to be selected as provided by the zone bylaws.

Each zone shall be organized to promote Christian fellowship and to further the educational, inspirational, and service objectives of the LWML.

Section 4

Each zone shall adopt its own bylaws, which shall be in conformity with the object and basic principles of the bylaws of the District. These zone bylaws and all proposed amendments shall thereto be submitted to the District Bylaws Committee for approval before being presented to zone membership for adoption.

Article IV – Conventions and Representation

Section 1

1. A District convention shall be held biennially in the even-numbered calendar years during the month of May or June at a place determined by the convention or Board of Directors.
2. Zones shall extend invitations to host District conventions, to the district President, by October 30 in the odd-numbered years five (5) years prior to the proposed date of the convention.
3. The Executive Committee shall approve the invitations from zones with adequate facilities and personnel to host the convention.
4. Qualifying zones shall present invitations to the convention body four (4) years in advance.

Members of the convention who shall have voice and vote therein shall be:

1. two (2) accredited delegates from each unit of the District;
2. voting members of the Board of Directors;
3. past Presidents of the District who are currently LWML members residing within the District.
4. past presidents of any LWML District who are currently LWML members residing within the Pacific Southwest District.

1. Each accredited delegate shall have an alternate to the District convention.
2. The name of the delegate and her alternate shall be presented to the convention Credentials Chairman at least six (6) weeks in advance of the convention, certified by the society president and pastor.

The elected officers shall be as follows:

• President
• Vice President of Christian Life
• Vice President of Communications
• Vice President of Gospel Outreach
• Vice President of Growth and Development
• Vice President of Human Care
• Recording Secretary
• Financial Secretary
• Treasurer

They shall be active members of LWML.

Section 2

1. The elected officers shall be elected by ballot at the District biennial convention to serve for a term of four (4) years, or until their successors are elected, and shall not be eligible for reelection to the same office.
2. The election of officers shall be as follows:

1. The President, Vice President of Christian Life, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Growth and Development, Financial Secretary, and one (1) Pastoral Counselor shall be elected in one (1) convention.
2. The Vice President of Human Care, the Vice President of Gospel Outreach, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and one (1) Pastoral Counselor, shall be elected in the next.
3. The Nominating Committee shall be elected at each convention.
4. A majority vote shall constitute election to office.
5. If there are more than two (2) nominees for an office, a plurality vote shall elect.

1. Officers shall assume their duties at the close of the biennial convention in which they are elected.
2. The outgoing financial officers shall, within thirty (30) days following the convention, deliver to their successors all material and funds pertaining to their office.
3. All outgoing and newly elected officers shall meet prior to the first regular meeting of the Board of Directors following the District convention, at which time the outgoing officers, shall turn over all material of their office to the newly elected officers, with the exception of financial officers.

The President shall:

1. preside at all conventions of the District and at all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee;
2. be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee;
3. sign all vouchers for payment of money from the treasury of all legitimately-incurred expenditures and bills;
4. present a report to the District convention, including the activities of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee;
5. attend all LWML conventions and meetings of the Board of Directors;
6. be responsible for the execution of all valid resolutions passed by the District convention and Board of Directors;
7. be responsible for sending a letter to the pastors of new churches offering assistance from the District to help organize the women’s group;
8. appoint an Archivist-Historian, Assistant to the President, Host Committee Chairman, Parliamentarian, Planner, Site/Travel Coordinator, Special Gift Fund Chairman, and two (2) Special Gift Fund Committee members. All appointments shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors;
9. appoint emergency committees as necessary and advise the Executive Committee promptly of such action;
10. perform duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Vice President of Christian Life may perform the duties of the office of the President in the absence or at the request of the President and shall:

1. serve as chairman of the Christian Life Department and appoint a Spiritual Resources Chairman, a Retreat Chairman, each biennium and all necessary committee members, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
2. present the names of Retreat Committee members, appointed by the Retreat Chairman, to the Board of Directors for approval;
3. assist the Retreat Chairman in the presentation of a retreat each biennium, as approved by the Board of Directors;
4. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Vice President of Communications may perform the duties of the office of the President in the absence or at the request of the President and shall:

1. be chairman of the Communications Department;
2. appoint chairmen of the Publication Committee and Electronic Communications Committee and the Public Relations Director and all necessary committee members subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
3. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Vice President of Gospel Outreach may perform the duties of the office of the President in the absence or at the request of the President and shall:

1. serve as chairman of the Gospel Outreach Department, chairman of the Mission Grant Committee, and appoint a Mission Advocacy Chairman and all necessary committee members, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
2. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Vice President of Growth and Development may perform the duties of the office of the President in the absence or at the request of the President and shall:

1. fill the temporary vacancy in the office of the President, in the event of an emergency or unexpected vacancy, until an election is held by the Board of Directors (Article X, Section 3e); and shall:
2. in an emergency, be authorized to sign checks for the Treasurer and be bonded at the expense of the District for an amount determined by the Executive Committee;
3. serve as chairman of the Growth and Development Department;
4. serve as chairman of the Structural Resource Committee and appoint her own committee, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
5. appoint a Resolutions Coordinator, Special Ministries Chairman, and all necessary committee members, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
6. supervise a member development program each biennium as approved by the Board of Directors;
7. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Vice President of Human Care may perform the duties of the office of the President in the absence of or at the request of the President and shall:

1. serve as chairman of the Human Care Department and appoint an Ingathering Coordinator and Servant Opportunities Committee Chairman and all necessary committee members, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
2. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Recording Secretary shall:

1. record proceedings of District conventions and meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee;
2. provide a copy of the minutes to each member of the Board of Directors, LWML President, and others as directed by the Executive Committee;
3. keep an up-to-date list of member societies and provide pertinent information to the Board of Directors, standing committee chairmen, and the LWML;
4. keep an accurate record of all churches opened in the LCMS District and report same to the Board of Directors;
5. assist new groups in joining the District by:

1. sending a welcoming letter;
2. sending information on new societies to the Executive Committee, the Zone President, the Quarterly chairman, and the LWML office, and reporting the same to the Board of Directors;
3. presenting a membership certificate.

1. be responsible for mailing the ballots to the Board of Directors for the purpose of filling the vacancy in the office of the President;
2. be responsible for receiving ballots and calling a meeting of the tellers to tally them. The tellers shall be the Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary and the Treasurer with the Parliamentarian as adviser (Article X, Section 3e).
3. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Financial Secretary shall:

1. be bonded at the expense of the District for an amount determined by the Executive Committee;
2. receive all monies and keep an itemized account of all receipts;
3. deposit all funds at least biweekly in a financial institution or financial institutions convenient to the District Treasurer and approved by the Executive Committee;
4. send to the District Treasurer an itemized record of all deposits;
5. prepare a report of receipts at least four (4) times yearly for distribution to the Board of Directors;
6. present biennial and supplemental reports of receipts at the District conventions;
7. close accounts and prepare books for financial review biennially;
8. distribute Mite BoxesÔ and voucher pads;
9. serve on the Special Gift Fund Committee;
10. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Treasurer shall:

1. be bonded at the expense of the District for an amount determined by the Executive Committee;
2. receive transaction slips concerning all funds from the Financial Secretary and keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements;
3. disburse all funds in accordance with the policy of the District and at the discretion of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee;
4. make payments for approved grants as authorized by the Board of Directors;
5. prepare a financial report at least four (4) times yearly for distribution to the Board of Directors;
6. be responsible for preparation of biennial budget guidelines;
7. present biennial and supplemental reports at the District conventions;
8. close accounts and prepare books for financial review biennially;
9. serve on the Special Gift Fund Committee;
10. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

1. A Nominating Committee of five (5) members shall be elected by ballot from a slate of ten (10) candidates. The committee shall serve a term of two (2) years or until its successor committee is elected. A member may not serve consecutive terms.
2. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall serve as chairman of the committee and be a voting member of the District Board of Directors.
3. A vacancy on the committee shall be filled by the candidate receiving the next highest number of votes.
4. Each candidate for the Nominating Committee shall be from a different zone of the District.

The Nominating Committee shall:

1. receive nominations for candidates for elective office from the membership of the District by a date determined by the Executive Committee;
2. submit the names of at least two (2) candidates, if possible, for each elective office and ten (10) candidates for the Nominating Committee;
3. select candidates who are active members of LWML and have given written consent to serve, if elected;
4. submit a report for publication in the PSW – LMWL District publication prior to the convention;
5. prepare ballots with the names listed in alphabetical order.

In addition the Nominating Committee shall:

1. obtain nominations for Pastoral Counselor from LWML district membership by the date determined by the Executive Committee;
2. obtain approval by the LCMS District President of the candidates selected by the Nominating Committee;
3. obtain written consent of the candidates to serve if elected.

With the exception of Pastoral Counselors, additional nominations may be made from the floor of the convention. The written consent of the nominee shall have been secured.

Section 5

The Nominating Committee shall submit to the Board of Directors a list of candidates to fill any vacancy of an elective office with the exception of the President.

Article VIII – Appointed Officers

Section 1

The appointed officers shall be an Assistant to the President, Planner, Site/Travel Coordinator, and Special Gift Fund Chairman. They shall:

1. be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors;
2. be active members of the LWML;
3. serve a term of two (2) years or until their successors are appointed and be eligible for reappointment;
4. be advisory members of the Executive Committee and attend meetings at the President’s request;
5. be voting members of the Board of Directors;
6. be responsible to the President;
7. report to each regular meeting of the Board of Directors and to the convention.

The Assistant to the President shall:

1. attend the convention and all meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee;
2. draft and send such correspondence as may be requested by the President, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee;
3. keep a record of all zone officers and local presidents and make it available to the Board of Directors and District Committee members;
4. report any changes in District Officers and standing committee chairmen to the LWML;
5. provide notices of meetings to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee;
6. serve as Chairman of the Credentials Committee;
7. direct the publication of the convention manual;
8. coordinate zone rally dates;
9. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Planner shall:

1. be responsible for familiarizing the District with the LWML vision and focusing the District vision through the planning process;
2. serve as the planning liaison between District LWML, District LCMS office, and other entities;
3. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Site/Travel Coordinator shall:

1. be responsible for travel arrangements for the District, securing reservations as directed by the President;
2. develop and administer support services for conventions, retreats, and other District events;
3. serve as chairman of the Convention Site Committee;
4. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Special Gift Fund Chairman shall:

1. be responsible setting the time and place for semi-annual meetings, in consideration of committee members;
2. schedule special meetings as deemed necessary or at the request of two (2) committee members;
3. receive requests for funds;
4. inform applicants of funding decisions in a timely manner;
5. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The special appointed personnel shall be the Archivist-Historian, Host Committee Chairman, and Parliamentarian. They shall:

1. be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors;
2. be active members of the LWML;
3. serve a term of two (2) years or until their successors are appointed and are eligible for reappointment;
4. attend meetings as advisory members at the request of the President;
5. be responsible to the President.

The Archivist-Historian shall:

1. write a history of the District activities for the biennium;
2. gather and preserve records and other material of historical significance within the District;
3. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Host Committee Chairman shall:

1. appoint the Host Steering Committee and chairmen of the committees, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors;
2. schedule and preside over all meetings of the Host Committee;
3. be familiar with the duties of all Host Committees and supervise all Host Committees to ensure that all duties published in the Convention Procedures Manual are followed;
4. in conjunction with the President and/or Site/Travel Coordinator, make all arrangements for the Convention Hotel and/or site and convention meals;
5. submit expense vouchers in accordance with the convention program for approval of the President and payment by the Treasurer;
6. with the President and District Financial Officers, prepare a convention budget for approval by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors within the time frame designated by the President;
7. with the Assistant to the President and other Host Committee Chairmen, coordinate printing needs for the convention;
8. perform other duties as outlined in the Convention Procedures Manual.

The Parliamentarian shall:

1. serve as adviser on parliamentary procedures upon request;
2. be an ex-officio member of the Structural Resources Committee;
3. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers of the District, the presidents of the zones, the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Assistant to the President, Site/Travel Coordinator, Planner, and Special Gift Fund Chairman, The Parliamentarian, Archivist-Historian, Host Committee Chairman, and Pastoral Counselors serve as advisory personnel.

Section 2

1. The Board of Directors shall hold four (4) regular meetings each year in March, May/June, September, and December.
2. Special meetings may be called at the request of the President or at the written request of five (5) zone presidents.
3. A meeting of the Board of Directors may be held in the convention city prior to the opening of the District convention, taking the place of the regular May/June meeting.
4. Except as otherwise provided, the time and place for holding other Board Meetings shall be determined by the President or other majority vote of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors.

The duties of the Board of Directors shall be:

1. to transact the business of the District in the interim between conventions;
2. to consider recommendations, resolutions, and projects for presentation to the District biennial convention;
3. to promote the work and program of both the LWML and District LWML;
4. to fill all vacancies in elective positions;
5. to elect a President in the event a vacancy occurs in that office. The vacancy shall be filled by the vice presidents who are serving in the third or fourth year in their term of office. If there is no regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of vacancy, the vote shall be by mail ballot;
6. to approve mission grant proposals for presentation to the convention;
7. to take action on mission grants that are not progressing as planned (Article XV, Sections 3, 4)

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers of the District.
2. The Archivist-Historian, Assistant to the President, Host Committee Chairman, Parliamentarian, Planner, Site/Travel Coordinator, Special Gift Fund Chairman, and Pastoral Counselors shall serve as advisers.

1. The Executive Committee shall hold four (4) regular meetings each year in February, May, August, and November.
2. Special meetings shall be called at the request of the President or at the written request of three (3) committee members.

The duties of the Executive Committee shall be:

1. to arrange for bonding of the Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President of Growth and Development and for the issuance of public liability insurance for the benefit of the District, in such amount as the Executive Committee deems appropriate;
2. to approve the program of the biennial retreat and the District convention;
3. to approve the formation of a society in a setting other than a congregation, campus, or residential home (Article II, Section 2f);
4. to approve the financial institution(s) used for financial transactions (Article VI, Section 8c);
5. to approve Standing Committee members appointed by the Vice Presidents (Article XIII, Section 1b);
6. to approve task force committee members appointed by the Special Ministries Committee (Article XIII, Section 5b1);
7. to approve emergency recommendations, resolutions, or appeals for presentation to convention body (Article XVI);
8. to determine the advisability of holding a convention in event of a great emergency (Article XVIII).

The Pastoral Counselors shall be two (2) pastors of the LCMS within the boundaries of the Pacific Southwest District and shall serve a term of four (4) years. One (1) Pastoral Counselor shall be elected in each biennial convention. A newly elected Pastoral Counselor shall assume his duties at the close of the convention in which he is elected.

Section 2

The Pastoral Counselors shall:

1. serve the District in an advisory capacity;
2. serve as spiritual leaders to the officers and members of the District;
3. prepare devotions and worship services as requested;
4. serve as advisers to committees as assigned by the President;
5. alternate attending LWML conventions and both attend all District conventions and meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as advisory members;
6. be eligible for reelection but may not serve consecutive terms;
7. perform other duties as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual.

1. The departments shall be Christian Life, Communications, Gospel Outreach, Growth and Development, and Human Care, with a Vice President serving as chairman of each department and a Pastoral Counselor as adviser.
2. The standing committees, appointed by the Vice President of each Department and approved by the Executive Committee, shall be:

Retreats
Spiritual Resources
Electronic Communications
Publications
Mission Advocacy
Mission Grants
Resolutions
Special Ministries
Structural Resources
Ingathering
Servant Opportunities

3. The Public Relations Director shall be a member of the Communications Department and report to that Vice President.

The Christian Life Department shall include the Retreat Committee and the Spiritual Resource Committee.

1. Retreat committees shall:

1. provide a retreat each biennium, as approved by the Board of Directors;
2. make available mini-retreat materials and participate in their implementation as approved by the Board of Directors.

1. The Spiritual Resources Committee, consisting of three (3) members, shall:

1. provide materials or programs to enable the women of the church to grow spiritually;
2. issue a current list of program materials available to aid the zone and local program chairmen, sending material upon request;
3. promote the use of District program resources and the sharing of material with their societies.

The Communications Department shall consist of the Electronic Communications Committee, Publications Committee, and the Public Relations Director.

1. The Electronic Communications Committee, consisting of three (3) members, shall:

1. maintain a web site;
2. continually update the Assistant to the President with e-mail addresses received through the web site.

1. The Publications Committee, consisting of three (3) to five (5) members, shall:

1. be responsible for compiling and publishing the District LWML newsletter on a quarterly basis;
2. submit one (1) copy to Pastoral Counselor adviser for review prior to printing;
3. mail the District publication to the District Archivist-Historian, District LCMS Office, LWML Board of Directors, Quarterly Editor-in-Chief and News Editor, Public Relations Director, LWML Office, and others;
4. publish a convention newsletter;
5. appoint a Quarterly chairman.

1. The Public Relations Director shall:

1. direct a program of public relations to help the District women identify with the LWML and the church;
2. direct convention publicity;
3. publicize District activities.

The Gospel Outreach Department shall consist of the Mission Advocacy and Grants (MAGS) Committee and the Gospel Outreach Committee.

1. The Gospel Outreach Committee, consisting of at least two (2) members, shall:

1. encourage and equip women to share the Gospel with all people;
2. seek and actively promote mission opportunities;
3. administer the scholarship fund (as outlined in the District Leader’s Manual) for those individuals serving in the mission field.

1. The Mission Advocacy and Grant Committee (MAGS), consisting of at least three (3) members, including the Vice President of Gospel Outreach, shall:

1. present proposed grants to the Board of Directors for approval;
2. submit a list of approved grant proposals to the membership at least four (4) weeks before the District convention;
3. present an impartial presentation of the approved grant proposals to the convention;
4. prepare ballots for voting at the convention;
5. submit reports to the Executive Committee and to the Board of Directors on the progress of each adopted grant;
6. present a written report of committee activities to the convention.

The Growth and Development Department shall include the Resolutions Coordinator and the Special Ministries and Structural Resources Committees.

1. The Resolutions Coordinator shall:

1. receive and present miscellaneous resolutions and appeals by individuals, societies, and zones (excluding those for Mission Grants) to the Board of Directors;
2. submit approved resolutions and appeals to the convention body through a publication distributed at the convention;
3. upon request of the President, assist in implementing all adopted resolutions.

1. The Special Ministries Committee shall consist of four (4) members who shall serve as coordinators of Leader Development, Young Women, Cross Cultural, and Wives of Pastors’ programs and shall:

1. with the approval of the Executive Committee, appoint task force committee members;
2. encourage and equip women to reach out in love;
3. provide materials and training to enable each member to increase skills for serving her Lord;
4. create and provide techniques, ideas, and resources which will enrich and stimulate individuals and increase member development in the units;
5. identify women with special abilities and talents to serve in leadership positions.

1. The Structural Resources Committee, consisting of three (3) or more members with the Parliamentarian serving as ex-officio member, shall:

1. study the bylaws of the District and submit to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for consideration amendments it deems advisable;
2. submit the required number of copies of all proposed amendments to the LWML Structure Committee Chairman for review;
3. submit all proposed amendments to the District convention;
4. submit required number of copies of the District bylaws, upon adoption, to the LWML Structure Committee for filing;
5. keep up-to-date copies of the District bylaws for any member upon request;
6. receive and approve all zone bylaws;
7. prepare model bylaws for zones and societies for distribution upon request;
8. create and distribute a model for establishing a new society, including specific steps to be taken for receiving a charter.

The Human Care Department shall include the Ingathering Coordinator and Servant Opportunities Committee.

1. The Ingathering Coordinator shall:

1. inform women of the District about projects they can prepare in the home or church to provide comfort and the basic necessities to those who are in need;
2. be alert to crisis situations at home and abroad and encourage women of the District to help supply provisions for those who have immediate survival needs;
3. plan and coordinate the ingathering for the District convention;
4. provide information to members regarding ingatherings for the LWML convention and give necessary instructions on how to complete projects;
5. serve as the liaison to LCMS World Relief and inform members of the needs of that organization;
6. coordinate collection of Stamps for Missions and other materials as requested by the Executive Committee.

1. The Servant Opportunities Committee, consisting of three (3) members, shall:

1. alert members to opportunities and challenges for mission service in the church, community, and world;
2. plan activities and servant events in which women of the district may become involved in Christ-like, hands-on service to those who are hurting and in need;
3. encourage active participation, provide materials, and offer suggestions for mission service opportunities to be developed on the zone or local level;
4. challenge members to be alert to service opportunities and respond as Christ would have them do.

The LWML-PSW newsletter will be published quarterly by the Publications Committee and serve as the official publication under the supervision of the Communications Department, District President, and one (1) Pastoral Counselor.

Article XV – Mission Grants

Section 1

Each recommendation for District Mission Grants shall be approved and signed by the President and Pastoral Counselor of the society or zone submitting the proposal. The required number of copies of the grants shall be submitted to the District Mission Grant Committee by stated deadline in the odd-numbered years. Such recommendations may be proposed by individual LWML members, units, zones or LCMS boards.

Section 2

The Mission Grants Committee shall submit these recommended grants to the LCMS District President; LCMS Director of Urban and Ethnic Ministries, Pacific Southwest District; the LCMS committee, under whose jurisdiction consideration of the grants would fall; and the LWML District Board of Directors, for approval.

Section 3

The Mission Grant Committee shall present the approved proposed grant projects to the membership four (4) weeks prior to the District convention. The Committee shall also present an impartial presentation of the approved proposed grant proposals to the convention.

Section 4

After adoption by the convention, grants must be put into use for that specific project within the biennium or be returned to the District treasury for reallocation. The Board of Directors has the authority to extend the time in the case of extenuating circumstances.

Section 5

In the event that grant monies are returned to the District treasury for reallocation, or changes in the project arise, the Board of Directors is authorized to take action as needed.

Article XVI – Recommendations, Resolutions, and Appeals

Recommendations, resolutions, and appeals may be submitted for consideration to a convention by individual members, societies, or zones. They shall be in triplicate, signed by the President and Pastoral Counselor of the society or zone, and sent to the Resolutions Coordinator by the designated date in the odd-numbered year.

Emergency or other recommendations, resolutions, or appeals not received by the prescribed time may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee, be presented to the convention for consideration.

Article XVII – Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the District shall be from January 1 to December 31 inclusive.

Article XVIII – Emergency Action

In the event of any great emergency such as war, epidemic, disaster, or other prevailing conditions, making the holding of a District convention inadvisable, the Executive Committee shall have the authority to determine whether or not the convention shall be held. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee shall decide. In the event the convention is not held, the Executive Committee shall have the authority to plan the procedure for conducting the routine convention business subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Article XIX – Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the proceedings of the District in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the teachings of the LCMS, applicable law, and these bylaws.

Article XX – Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at the biennial District convention, provided the proposed amendments have been presented for consideration to the District Board of Directors and published in the District official publication (Article XIV) previous to the convention. By unanimous vote a proposed amendment may be presented to the convention without previous notice. A three-fourths (3/4) vote shall be required for adoption.

Adopted-May 20, 2000
Revised –June 04, 2004

[ Home ] [ Bylaw Guides ]