Principles of Spiritualism

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We believe in Infinite Intelligence.

 

We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Spirit.

 

We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith, constitute true religion.

 

We affirm the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death.

 

We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact scientifically proven by the phenomena of spiritualism.

 

We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals and that they make their own happiness or unhappiness as they obey or disobey Nature's physical and spiritual laws.

 

We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any human soul here or hereafter.

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We affirm that the precepts of prophecy and healing are divine attributes proven through mediumship.

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Allegiance

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All members of HLSC pledge to abide by the By-Laws and our rules of conduct. All members agree to support HLSC to their chosen degree of participation, talents and assistance.

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OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

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Section 1: The elective officers of HLSC shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. They shall each serve a limit of three (3) consecutive Two-year terms. Officers shall assume their positions immediately following the annual members’ meeting.

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Section 2: There shall be one (1) elective Trustee on the Board of HLSC. The Trustee shall provide advice and assistance to the officers on behalf of HLSC and shall vote on all actions taken by the Board. The Trustee shall serve a limit of three (3) consecutive One-year terms. A Trustee shall assume the position immediately following the annual members’ meeting.

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Section 3: Any elected member of the Board of HLSC who missed two (2) unexcused consecutive meetings or a total of three (3) during a term shall be replaced by appointment of the President first, the Vice-President second, or by a majority vote of the Board third.

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Section 4: The newly elected officers and trustee shall take the following oath:

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“I (name) having been duly elected (office), do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully perform my duties in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of HLSC until my successor is duly elected and installed.”

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Section 5: In the absence of availability of other nominees for officers or trustees the currently serving Board or any members may run for another term.

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Section 6: If an officer chooses to resign before their term is complete and an acceptable replacement is found the HLSC board members may appoint said replacement. This replacement may run for the position at the next Members' Meeting.

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DUTIES OF OFFICERS

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Section 1: President. The President shall preside over all Board meetings of HLSC and all annual membership meetings. The President shall have general supervision over the affairs and officers, requesting reports from those officers as needed and shall give a report at each annual members’ meeting, detailing activities of the office, reviewing the status of the Corporation, and providing recommendations for growth. The President may call special meetings of the Board of Directors be giving adequate notice of seven (7) days to each Board member. The President may vote in case of a tie or when the vote is taken by ballot. The President shall be cosigner on all bank accounts and shall cosign all checks and/or transfers as specified in the Rules and Regulations. The President shall appoint an assistant to the Secretary or Treasurer, if needed, and shall appoint all committee leaders, and shall be a member of all committees, ex-officio. The President shall sign all certificates and other documents authorized by the Board. The President shall call the Annual Members' Meeting on the second Sunday after Labor Day after church service. The outgoing President shall release all records, documents and reports to the newly elected President immediately following the annual members’ meeting.

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Section 2: Vice-President. The Vice-President shall serve in the absence of the President within the boundaries of the President’s responsibilities and authority. The Vice-President shall remain fully informed of the President’s ongoing activities and shall serve in the President’s absence due to death or removal of that officer or at the request of the President. The Vice-President shall assist the President in all duties and responsibilities at the President’s request. The out-going Vice-President shall release all records, documents and reports to the newly elected Vice-President immediately following the annual members’ meeting.

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Section 3: Secretary. The Secretary shall receive all membership applications and fees with a receipt provided to the member. This Officer shall transmit a report at each Board meeting and at each annual membership meeting. This Officer shall maintain a file of all Church records, past and present. The outgoing Secretary shall provide the newly elected Officer with all documents within a ten (10) day period.

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Section 4: Treasurer. The Treasurer shall pay all bills and expenses of HLSC. Amounts and details are specified in Rules and Regulations. A duplicate file of all receipts shall be kept. The Treasurer shall be custodian or all funds and securities of HLSC. All monies shall be deposited in a bank chosen by the Board. This Officer shall provide a report of accounts to the Board on a monthly basis, or to the President of the Board as requested, and shall provide a yearly report at each annual membership meeting. This Officer shall notify each member of yearly dues two weeks prior to the due date. An audit of accounts shall be performed prior to each annual membership meeting. Membership may require the Treasurer to be bonded. The Treasurer shall provide any newly elected Officer with all records within ten (10) days of election.

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DUTIES OF HLSC MINISTERS (PASTORS)

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1.     Ministers will plan and conduct church services.

2.     Ministers will be available for members in their times of need:

        a.    Provide spiritual guidance

        b.    Perform weddings

        c.    Perform healings

        d.    Perform funerals

        e.    Teaching beliefs

3.     Ministers will always conduct themselves as described in conduct section at beginning of Rules and Regulations.

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Appointment of the HLSC Ministers.  

The HLSC Board approves and appoints all Ministers

(also known as Pastors) who will serve our church.

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​MEMBERSHIP

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Section 1: An adult voting member must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Anyone under the age of eighteen (18) may become a junior member with the permission of a parent or guardian.

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Section 2: In order to become eligible for HLSC Membership one (1) of the following conditions must be met:

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A. Three (3) months of attendance.

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B. A letter of recommendation from another Spiritualist Church official.

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Each new adult member is encouraged to complete a course in the Philosophy of Spiritualism. This class is offered once each year. New members will be provided a current copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of HLSC. Any adult member wanting to run for office is expected to become fully knowledgeable of the Constitution and By-Laws.

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Section 3: Membership forms shall be obtained from the Secretary/Treasurer and shall be returned with full payment of the current annual dues. All membership applications shall be approved by the Board.

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Section 4: All adult members shall have voting rights at each annual membership meeting or any special membership meeting called provided current annual dues have been fully paid.

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MEETINGS

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Section 1: All meetings of the Board will be conducted according to the following agenda:

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Call to order

Invocation

Roll Call

Secretary/Treasurer Report

Correspondence

Committee Reports

Unfinished Business

New Business

Benediction

Adjournment

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Section 2: All Board Meetings, Membership Meetings and Annual Meetings will follow the agenda in Section 1. President's Report and elections will be done at the Annual Meeting according to the agenda for that meeting. 

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Section 3: The Board of Directors will call an Annual Members’ meeting by notifying all members in writing at least fourteen (14) days in advance.

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Section 4: Regular meetings of the Board shall be called by the President with at least a seven (7) day notice to each Board member. Special meetings of the Board or the membership may be called by the President or a majority of the Board to process a particular topic with a ten (10) day written notice given by the President. A Special meeting of the membership may be called by a majority of the members in good standing (dues fully paid) with a fourteen (14) day written notice given to all members.

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Section 5: A simple majority of the full number of Board members must agree on every act of the Board before any vote can be enacted.

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Section 6: A quorum for any members’ meeting shall consist of those attending.

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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS​

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Before election there will be a Second Roll Call and a count of how many present.

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If only one person is running the President asks the Secretary to cast one vote for _______ for the position of ________.

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SWEARING IN OF OFFICERS​

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"I, ____________________being duly elected as __________________,      do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully perform my duties in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of Healing Light Spiritualist Church until my successor is duly elected and installed."

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FISCAL YEAR​

The fiscal year for the Corporation of HLSC shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.

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Full Financial Disclosure to Members of the financial report reviewed and approved is always available to members by request.   

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CHURCH COLLECTIONS AND THE TWO PERSON RULE​

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Monies collected at church services or related activities are immediately counted by the minister conducting the service and then verified at that time by another minister or appointed HLSC officer.  In the event a minister or officer is not present, a patron, who is not related to the servicing minister, may verify.  Upon verification the monies will be placed in an envelope and sealed.  The counter and verifier will sign their names legibly on the envelope along with the date of the collection.

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facebook

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Upkeep and Entries will be handled by the admins appointed on the Facebook Page account. Currently the President and Secretary are admins.

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HLSC NEWSLETTER AND OTHER MAILINGS​

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A person approved by the Board of Directors will oversee mailings to members and parishioners that deal with church related news unrelated to HLSC Board or financial information.  All newsletters and related church reporting sent by the pastor are accomplished via email.  Such reporting may also be available in hard copy at church services.  The pastor, at his/her discretion, may also mail copies of reports to people who do not have access to email.

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STRUCTURE OF CHURCE SERVICE​

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The conduct of church service will be structurally consistent with the criteria set forth below:

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        1.     Greeting

        2.    Meditation and Healing

        3.    Inspirational talk

        4.    Collection

        5.    Messages from Spirit

        6.    Exceptions are allowed for special services as ministers see fit.

        7.    The last Sunday of the month is the Healing and Message                       Circle. This service omits the Inspirational talk and allows                       anyone present to give messages as time allows.

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CHANGES TO CHURCH SERVICE​

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The lead pastor must be included in discussions the board has regarding anything which will affect church services, church-related activities, and/or the spiritual practices of the church.

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MAJOR CHANGES TO CHURCH ACTIVITIES​

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Any major changes regarding church services and church activities must be brought before the membership.

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CLASSES AND EVENTS​

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All proposed classes and events will be brought to the board for approval.

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TAX SUBMISSIONS​

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Federal and state tax statements are submitted when required by the Treasurer. These proposed submissions must be reviewed and approved by the President and Vice President.

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Weekly Time and Location of Church Service 

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10:30am on Sunday at the Healing Light Spiritual Center

38 Stage Road, Etna, Maine

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