Pre-Conference Materials - Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference June 11-12, 2021
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Pre-Conference Materials
Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference
June 11-12, 2021
Virtual Session
ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8, 11A
Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference Secretary
Rev. Ethan L. Carnes
E-mail: ACSecretary@igrc.orgGreetings in the wonderful name of Jesus!
It’s time to heal!
The lacerations and abrasions caused by this COVID-19 Pandemic, the wounds of
division, the gashes of racism, the polarizing harmful hurts of our political divide, the
painful injuries of unemployment and poverty, along with the damaging discussions
about schism have left us all in need of the healing “balm in Gilead.”
It’s time to heal!
The IGRC Annual Conference offers us an opportunity to come together for a bit of
relief from the distresses that cause damage and despair. Our virtual gathering will be
a time of rejoicing and celebration of the hope and the promise of healing that belong
to followers of Jesus Christ. We can confidently cast our cares on him because he cares
for us and offers healing to each.
In Ecclesiastes chapter three, we are reminded that there is a time and a season for ev-
erything. We believe that now is our time to heal. We need to experience the healing
power of Christ as a community and as a denomination. The long night of pain ac-
companied by the gloom and darkness of a global pandemic has left us in need of a
healing touch from the master. While we will not be able to gather in-person, we can
gather and experience powerful soul-stirring worship that will promote healing and
recovery. We can also engage in celebratory moments of our successful mission and
ministry achievements across the IGRC and around the world. We can experience
healing as we offer prayers of thanksgiving for God’s abiding healing presence and the
hope that Christ promises for a full recovery.
Once again, we will have a revised Annual Conference Session. The 2021 Annual
Conference will be held online on Friday and Saturday, June 11th and 12th. Everyone
is invited to participate but a completed registration is needed in order to provide
log-in credentials for voting and participating in this online meeting.
Welcome to our time of healing and renewal.
God Bless,
Bishop Frank Beard
Illinois Area Office of The United Methodist Church
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Frank J. Beard Janice L. Griffith
Resident Bishop, bishop@igrc.org Executive Assistant to the Bishop, jgriffith@igrc.org
P.O. Box 19207 Springfield, Illinois 62794-9207 Ph: 217-529-3820 Fax: 217-529-4190
Carol Conover, Secretary to the Bishop, cconover@igrc.org Karen Schultz, Receptionist, kschultz@igrc.orgIllinois Great Rivers Conference
of
The United Methodist Church
Information & Reference
Section
to the
2021 Annual Conference Session
Submitted by
Rev. Ethan Carnes
Conference Secretary4 Information Section 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Information & Reference Section
Table of Contents
Call to Annual Conference................................................................................... 5
Purpose of the Pre-Conference Workbook .......................................................... 5
Order of Annual Conference ............................................................................... 5
Communicating at Annual Conference................................................................. 7
Media: Ordering and Distribution........................................................................ 7
Video Recordings............................................................................................. 7
Distribution of Materials.................................................................................... 7
Journal-Yearbooks - Ordering............................................................................. 7
Expectations of Lay and Clergy Members............................................................ 7
Behavior Guidelines and Common Courtesies....................................................... 7
General Information............................................................................................ 8
Parliamentary Matters......................................................................................... 8
Governing Rules ............................................................................................. 8
The Standing Rules ......................................................................................... 8
Roberts Rules of Order ..................................................................................... 8
Voting and Speaking Rights at Annual Conference ............................................... 8
Electronic Voting ............................................................................................. 9
Speaking at Annual Conference........................................................................... 9
Presenters of Reports and Resolutions ................................................................ 9
Identify Yourself .............................................................................................. 9
Parliamentary Rules for the 2021 Session............................................................ 9
Pre-Conference Meetings................................................................................... 9
Parliamentary Motions Guide: Reference........................................................... 10
Relevant General Conference Rules of Order .................................................... 11
Rule 1. Authority of the Presiding Officer .......................................................... 11
Rule 2. Calling the Conference to Order ............................................................ 11
Rule 3. Directions for Securing the Plenary Floor ............................................... 11
Rule 4. Plenary Speakers For and Against ......................................................... 12
Rule 5. Interrupting the Speaker ..................................................................... 12
Rule 6. Speaking More Than Once; Length of Speech ......................................... 12
Rule 7. Point of Order .................................................................................... 12
Rule 8. Electronic Recording ........................................................................... 13
Rule 9. Right to Make Motions ......................................................................... 13
Rule 10. Plenary Voting Procedure ................................................................... 13
Business Procedure .......................................................................................... 13
Rule 11. Motion to Adjourn ............................................................................. 13
Rule 12. Final Adjournment ............................................................................ 13
Rule 13. Unlawful Motion After Speech ............................................................. 13
Rule 14. Regular Calendar... ........................................................................... 13
Rule 15. Published Reports in Possession of Conference ...................................... 14
Suspending, Amending, and Supplementing ..................................................... 14
Rule 16. Suspension of the Rules ..................................................................... 14
Rule 17. Amending Rules ............................................................................... 14
Rule 18. Robert’s Rules of Order, Supplemental Authority ................................... 14
E-Newsletter Subscription Form ....................................................................... 15
Subscriptions to The Current Are Free!.............................................................. 162021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Information Section 5
Call to Annual Conference
NOTICE is hereby given of the Twenty-Fifth Session (199th Session, Counting Antecedent Annual Conferences)
of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church to be convened in a hybrid online/
remote voting site format during June 11-12, 2021. The Annual Conference Session begins on Friday, June 11,
2021, with the following sessions, which members, unless specifically excused, are expected to attend:
• Clergy Session: Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Laity Session: Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Laity Session: Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Excused absence forms are available from the conference superintendents. All excused absence forms must be
completed and returned to the annual conference secretary by no later than June 30, 2021, for the record of
excused absences to be recorded in the Journal-Yearbook.
Purpose of the Pre-Conference Workbook
This Pre-Conference Workbook is mandated by the Standing Rules of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. The
purpose of the workbook is to give members all the information they need for the annual conference sessions. This
year the workbook is divided into four sections.
• Episcopal Welcome Letter
• Pre-Conference Information Section (this document)
• Legislative Items & Reports
• Consent Calendar
Order of Annual Conference
Agenda
The agenda will be posted prior to the annual conference. Online annual conference sessions will follow Standing
Rules III.I. Any legislative items not in the pre-conference materials may be summitted at least 10 days prior to the
Annual Conference session.
Consent Calendar
A Consent Calendar has been created to expedite voting. The Consent Calendar is created by the Conference
Secretary in consultation with the Bishop and Sessions Committee. To removing an item from the Consent
Calendar for separate consideration see Standing Rules II.I.3.e.
Supplemental Material
Materials submitted prior to the annual conference session will be considered pre-conference material and
managed as such for communication purposes. Legislative items and reports may be received by the Conference
Secretary, according to the rules of the session.
What Am I Doing Here? Basics for Beginners
Feeling overwhelmed? Wondering why you said “yes” to your election as a lay (or clergy) member of annual con-
ference? Most members feel a bit anxious or confused the first few times they come to annual conference. Here are
a few explanations and definitions to help you along.6 Information Section 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Annual Conference is:
• People with a purpose: The purpose of the annual conference is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the trans-
formation of the world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry
beyond the local church; all to the glory of God.” (¶601, 2016 Book of Discipline).
• Geography: The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference is composed of ten districts covering downstate
Illinois. Our districts have the following names: Cache River, Embarras River, Illinois River, Iroquois River,
Kaskaskia River, LaMoine River, Mississippi River, Sangamon River, Spoon River, and Vermilion River.
• A legal entity: The 2016 Book of Discipline, ¶33, states: “The annual conference is the basic body in the
Church... It shall discharge all duties and exercise such powers as the General Conference under the Constitu-
tion may determine.” The annual conference is a legal unit in both church law and civil law.
• An annual gathering for:
• Spiritual formation: Members of and visitors to annual conference are renewed for the mission of the
church through worship of God, which includes inspirational preaching by Bishop Beard and others, sacred
music and praise songs led by a variety of choirs and musicians, Holy Communion, the commissioning
and ordination of deacons and elders, morning devotionals, and other services of celebration and
remembrance. Members and visitors also have opportunities to learn from conference speakers, who help
us understand God’s Word and world and our role as stewards of both.
• Community formation: One of the abiding benefits of annual conference is meeting new friends
and building relationships with lay and clergy members. Because of the number of people attending,
opportunities exist at annual conferences that can’t be duplicated at the local church level.
• Mission formation: The church exists for the maintenance of worship, edification of believers, and
the redemption of the world. At annual conference we engage in intentional and holy conversation
and decision-making about how we, in partnership with God, can facilitate this purpose. Our agenda,
therefore, includes certain items on which the conference must act, including reports, resolutions, and
amendments. The annual conference follows the rules of the General Conference, The Illinois Great Rivers
Annual Conference, and Roberts Rules of Order, Revised. All of this is done to insure to the greatest
degree possible that all business is conducted on an equitable basis. The resident bishop, Bishop Beard is
the presiding officer.
• Statistics: We need to remember that “statistics” represent resources cultivated and employed by our
congregations for fulfilling the vision and mission of the church.
What do lay members do?
• Lay members are a key link between their local church or charge and the other churches of the Illinois Great
Rivers Annual Conference.
• Lay members serve as principal communicators between their local church or charge and the global United
Methodist Church, not only while annual conference is in session, but throughout the year.
• Lay members are full participants, along with the clergy members of the annual conference, in making
decisions on all the issues before the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference (except on matters of ordina-
tion, character, and conference relations of clergy).
• Lay members have year-round responsibilities in their local church or charge, where by virtue of office, they
are members of: the charge conference, the church council, the staff/pastor parish relations committee, and
the finance committee.
Communicating at Annual Conference
Announcements
No announcements may be made, due to the online session format.2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Information Section 7
Hospitality and Secretarial Staff
Hospitality and secretarial staff members voluntarily share their time and talent to make our Annual Conference
Session flow smoothly and as comfortably as possible.
Remote Sites
In order accommodate equal opportunities of voting, remote sites/locations will be designated for individuals who
wish to vote in person, instead of online. These sites will allow access to only registered members. Special accep-
tations will be made by the remote site marshals for persons such as caregivers or spouses of voting members. The
remote sites shall be included as a part of the bar of the session.
Marshals and hospitality staff will record a vote by hand of voting members present at the remote locations.
The marshals shall record the votes on a Voter Form provided by the Conference Secretary. The forms will be
signed and mailed directly to the Secretary immediately following the annual conference session in order to
validate voting. Marshals will report the votes during the sessions to the secretarial staff, named by the Confer-
ence Secretary, in whatever means they authorize. These votes will be included in the total votes presented to the
presiding officer and conference body.
Persons must choose their remote location by June 1, 2021. A list of locations will be made accessible in registra-
tion materials.
Media: Ordering and Distribution
Video Recordings
Videos of the services as well as videos produced by IGRC Communications for the 2021 Annual Conference
Session will be posted on the Conference’s website at the conclusion of Annual Conference.
Distribution of Materials
Those wishing to distribute informational materials to members of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference at
the site of Annual Conference must secure authorization from the annual conference secretary. The only accept-
able items are those that relate directly to the agenda of our Annual Conference Session.
Journal-Yearbooks - Ordering
Each Annual Conference member is entitled to one free copy of the Journal-Yearbook. Unless a printed copy is
specifically requested using the form found in the Supplemental Packet, Journal-Yearbooks will be delivered to
members on CD-ROM. Additional printed copies of the Journal-Yearbook may be ordered at a cost of $12.00 per
copy. Additional CD-ROM copies are $4.00. Please note the deadline for orders and the need for payment to ac-
company the order either at Annual Conference Session or with mailed orders. Persons may also access the Jour-
nal-Yearbook online at no cost by going to www.igrc.org
Expectations of Lay and Clergy Members
Behavior Guidelines and Common Courtesies
1. Bar of the Conference: During an online session the bar of the conference will be considered the
electronic voting platform as determined by the sessions committee, the Conference Center, Remote
Voting Locations, and any other areas designated by the Conference Secretary.
2. Being Present: : (Note: change in formatting only)
• Remote Sites should provide adequate seating for members to ensure hand votes are counted
accurately and without confusion or disruption.8 Information Section 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
• Persons participating online should secure an adequate internet signal in order to ensure full
participation if possible.
• Please set your cell phones on vibrate, or better yet, turn them off if you are in a remote voting site.
General Information
Conference Theme
Our Annual Conference 2021 theme is “A Time To Heal” based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Parliamentary Matters
Governing Rules
The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference is governed by the General Conference Rules and the Standing Rules
of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, and in situations where the above do not apply, Roberts Rules of
Order, Revised.
The Standing Rules
The Standing Rules of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference are found on page 309 of the 2020
Journal-Yearbook.
Roberts Rules of Order
Voting and Speaking Rights at Annual Conference
1. Lay members have the right to vote on all measures except in the election of clergy delegates to the General
and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences; on the granting or validation of license, ordination, or reception
into full Annual Conference membership; or on any question concerning the character and official conduct of
ordained ministers, except those who are lay members of the Board of Ordained Ministry (¶602.6).
2. Clergy members in full connection shall have the right to vote on all matters in the annual conference except
in the election of lay delegates to the General and Jurisdictional or central conferences and shall have sole re-
sponsibility for all matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.
3. Provisional clergy members shall have the right to vote in the annual conference on all matters except consti-
tutional amendments, election of clergy delegates to the General and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences,
and matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy. Provisional clergy members who have
completed all of their educational requirements may vote to elect clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional
or Central Conferences (see Judicial Council Decision 1181 and ¶ 35, Article IV).
4. Associate clergy members shall have the right to vote in the annual conference on all matters except con-
stitutional amendments and matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy. When as-
sociate members are members of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, they have the right to vote at
clergy session on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy (¶ 635.1). Affiliate clergy
members shall have the right to vote in the annual conference on all matters except the constitutional amend-
ments, election of clergy delegates to the General, Jurisdictional or Central Conferences, and matters of ordi-
nation, character, and conference relations of clergy (see Judicial Council Decision 1181 and ¶ 35, Article IV).”
5. Full-time and part-time local pastors under appointment to a pastoral charge shall have the right to vote in the
annual conference on all matters except constitutional amendments; election of delegates to the General and
Jurisdictional or Central Conferences and matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Information Section 9
When local pastors are members of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, they have the right to vote at
clergy session on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy (¶ 635.1). Local pastors
who have completed course of study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive
years under appointment before the election may vote to elect clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional or
central conferences (see Judicial Council Decision 1181 and ¶ 35, Article IV).”
6. Deaconesses may be seated at the Annual Conference Session with voice and vote. (¶1913.5).
7. Ordained elders or ordained clergy from other annual conferences and other Methodist denominations may
be granted voice but not vote in the annual conference to which they are appointed. (¶346.1)
8. Elders or ordained clergy from other denominations may have the right to vote on all matters except constitu-
tional amendments, election of clergy delegates to the General and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences, and
matters of ordination, character, and the conference relations of clergy (¶346.2).
9. Retired Local Pastors have the right to voice, but not vote (¶320.5).
10. Supply Pastors do not have the right to voice or vote. If they are retired clergy members, or are elected as a lay
member to Annual Conference, then they are covered under those categories above.
Electronic Voting
Members of the 2021 Annual Conference will vote electronically through a secured ZOOM platform and by hand
vote for remote sites. Electronic voting is fast, accurate, and secure.
Speaking at Annual Conference
Presenters of Reports and Resolutions
Those who are presenting particular reports or resolutions are expected to be available during the online session.
The communications team will manage the presenting mode and ZOOM platform. Please note that the agenda
committee sometimes makes last-minute adjustments to the schedule, so presence during all sessions is advised.
Identify Yourself
When speaking to the Annual Conference session, presenters and other speakers will clearly identify themselves by
name, along with their church and district names.
Parliamentary Rules for the 2021 Session:
(See Legislative Item 101: Establishing Debate)
“That for this 2021 online session Standing Rule III.I.4(a) be suspended so that before calling for a vote of the Con-
ference body the presiding officer may recognize up to three Conference members to make speeches of no more
than three minutes in support of and three Conference members to make speeches of no more than three minutes
in opposition to legislative motions.”
No amendments shall be accepted. Voting on items and reports will only be FOR or AGAINST with no amendable
debate.
Pre-Conference Meetings
The sessions committee will hold pre-conference meetings with the authors and/or designees present in order to
facilitate discussion and answer questions prior to the actions of the called sessions.10 Information Section 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Parliamentary Motions Guide: Reference
Based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th Edition)
Part 1, Main Motions: The motions below are listed in order of precedence.
Any motion can be introduced if it is higher on the chart than the pending motion.
Can you Does it Can it be Can it be What vote is
You want to: You say:
interrupt? need a 2nd? debated? amended? needed?
Close the meeting I move to adjourn No Yes No No Majority
Take a break I move to recess No Yes No Yes Majority
Register a I rise to a question of
Yes No No No None
complaint privilege
Follow the I call for the orders of
Yes No No No None
agenda the day
Lay a question I move to lay the
No Yes No No 2/3 majority
aside question on the table
I move the previous
Close the debate No Yes No No 2/3 majority
question
Limit or extend I move that debate be
No Yes No Yes 2/3 majority
a debate limited to...
Postpone to a I move to postpone
No Yes Yes Yes majority
certain time the motion to...
Refer to a I move to refer the
No Yes Yes Yes majority
committee motion to...
Modify wording I move to amend the
No Yes Yes Yes majority
of a motion motion by...
I move that the
Kill the main
motion be postponed No Yes Yes No majority
motion
indefinitely
Bring business
I move that
before the assembly No Yes Yes Yes majority
(or "move to")
(a main motion)
Part 2, Incidental Motions - No order of precedence. Arise incidentally and decided immediately.
Enforce the rules Point of order Yes No No No None
Submit matter to I appeal from the
Yes Yes Varies No Majority
the assembly decision of the chair
I move to suspend
Suspend the rules No Yes No No 2/3 majority
the rules
Avoid main
I object to consider-
motion all Yes No No No 2/3 majority
ation of the question
together2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Information Section 11
I move to divide the
Divide the motion No Yes No Yes majority
question
Withdraw a I move to withdraw the
No No No No majority
motion question
Demand a rising I move for a rising
Yes No No No None
vote vote
A question of
Parliamentary inquiry Yes No No No None
Parliamentary law
Request
Point of information Yes No No No None
information
Part 3, Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly
Take a matter I move to take from
No Yes No No Majority
from the table the table
Cancel a 2/3 or majority
I move to rescind No Yes Yes Yes
previous action with notice
Reconsider
I move to reconsider No Yes Varies No Majority
a motion
Relevant General Conference Rules of Order
(Note: The 2021 online session will follow Standing Rule III.I and/or legislation that may suspend the rules
to conduct the business of the sessions. The following rules of order are a reference of relevant general
proceedings for the 2021 Annual Conference. For a complete list of order see the 2019 reference section.)
Rule 1. Authority of the Presiding Officer
The presiding officer... shall decide and rule on points of order.
1. A delegate may appeal the ruling to the body without debate, except that the presiding officer and the appel-
lant, in the order here named, shall each have three minutes for a statement in support of their respective po-
sitions. A tie vote in the case of appeal shall sustain the presiding officer (See Rule 29.3 in the 2019 reference
materials). Any delegate who raises a point of order shall cite the rule believed to have been violated.
2. At the discretion of the presiding officer, a time for prayerful discernment may be taken during deliberation.
Such a time should be for group meditation and prayer and shall end at the call of the presiding officer, at
which time deliberation shall be resumed.
3. The presiding officer shall have the right to recess a session of the body at any time at the presiding officer’s dis-
cretion and to reconvene at such time as the presiding officer shall propose. Consistent with the spirit of ¶ 722
of The Book of Discipline, in rare circumstances the presiding officer shall also have the right to stipulate that
the session shall reconvene in closed session with only delegates, authorized personnel, and authorized guests
permitted to attend such a session following recess.
Rule 2. Calling the Conference to Order
When the presiding officer calls the body to order, no delegate shall speak, address the chair, or stand.12 Information Section 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Rule 3. Directions for Securing the Plenary Floor
A delegate desiring to speak to the Conference shall hold up the appropriate placard to be recognized by the bishop
presiding. Unless raising a point of order or parliamentary inquiry, the delegate shall not speak until given the
floor. The bishop presiding shall consider the various sections of the auditorium in rotation. The delegate recog-
nized shall proceed to the nearest microphone and shall first announce her or his name... A delegate recognized by
the presiding bishop may not yield the floor to another delegate.
Rule 4. Plenary Speakers For and Against
1. When the report of a committee is under consideration, it shall be the duty of the bishop presiding to ascer-
tain, when recognizing a delegate to the Conference, on which side the delegate proposes to speak; the bishop
presiding shall not assign the floor to any delegate proposing to speak on the same side of the pending ques-
tion as the speaker immediately preceding if any delegate desires to speak on the other side.
2. Except for non-debatable motions (Rule 21 in the 2019 reference materials), no report shall be adopted or
question relating to the same decided, without opportunity having been given for at least two speeches for and
two against the said proposal.
3. The motion to call for the previous question, which is itself non-debatable, is not in order without opportuni-
ty having been given for at least two speeches for and two against the proposal. Any delegate who moves the
previous question (that is, that the vote be now taken on the motion or motions pending) shall also indicate to
what it is intended to apply, if any secondary motion or motions are also pending. If said delegate does not so
indicate, it shall be regarded as applying only to the immediately pending question. This motion shall be taken
without debate and shall require a two-thirds vote of those present and voting for its adoption. If it is adopted,
the vote shall be taken on the motion or motions to which it applies without further debate (See Rule 21). After
three speeches for and three against and provided no secondary motions come before the floor, the questions
shall be put automatically. However, the chairperson and/or duly authorized delegate or delegates presenting
the committee’s report... shall be entitled to speak before the vote is taken. These speeches shall be limited to
three (3) minutes (See Rule 9).
Rule 5. Interrupting the Speaker
No delegate who has the floor may be interrupted except for a point of order, a parliamentary inquiry, a point of
information, to challenge a misrepresentation, or to call attention that the time has arrived for an order of the day.
Rule 6. Speaking More Than Once; Length of Speech
1. No delegate shall speak a second time on the same question if any delegate who has not previously spoken on
the question desires the floor.
2. No delegate shall speak more than twice on the same subject under the same motion, except as provided in
Rule 7.2
3. No delegate shall speak longer than three minutes unless that time is extended by the body (See Rule 7.3).
Time of translation shall not count against the three-minute limit.
4. The three-minute limit on delegate speeches may be amended by a majority vote of the body at any time and
for any period of duration.
Rule 7. Point of Order
A delegate wishing to raise a point of order shall address the presiding officer and say, “I rise to a point of order.”
The presiding officer shall interrupt the proceeding. If a delegate is speaking, that one shall immediately yield the
floor. The presiding officer shall then direct the delegate raising the point of order to state the point as briefly and2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Information Section 13
concisely as possible, citing the rule invoked in the point of order. The delegate shall not presume to decide the
question or argue the point. A point of order is decided by the presiding officer without debate unless in doubtful
cases the presiding officer submits the question to the body for advice or decision. When the presiding officer rules
on a point, debate is closed, but the decision may be appealed (See Rule 3).
Rule 8. Electronic Recording
No electronic recording by either video or voice may be made of any portion of the... Conference unless specifical-
ly authorized... in order to maintain the integrity of all performance licenses.
Rule 9. Right to Make Motions
Only voting delegates have the right to make or second motions in accordance with the rules and upon recognition
by the presiding officer.
Rule 10. Plenary Voting Procedure
1. Voting shall be by electronic means unless otherwise ordered by the Conference, provided, however, that in
elections, voting may be by written ballot. Electronic voting devices shall be available on the platform for dele-
gates making a presentation to the Conference.
2. Only delegates within the bar of the Conference when the vote is taken shall be entitled to vote. No delegate
shall cast a vote in place of any other delegate.
3. No other business shall be in order when a vote is being taken or when the previous question has been called
until the process is completed, except such as relates to the vote itself or such business as the presiding officer
may deem appropriate.
Business Procedure
Rule 11. Motion to Adjourn
The motion to adjourn, when unqualified, shall be taken without debate and shall always be in order, except:
1. When a delegate has the floor;
2. When a question is actually put or a vote is being taken and before it is finally decided;
3. When the previous question has been ordered and action is pending;
4. When a motion to adjourn has been lost and no business or debate has intervened;
5. When the motion to fix the time to which the Conference shall adjourn is pending. This rule does not apply to
a motion for final adjournment of the Conference.
Rule 12. Final Adjournment
At final adjournment, all unfinished business shall remain unfinished.
Rule 13. Unlawful Motion After Speech
After making a speech on a pending question, a delegate may not make a motion that would limit or stop debate
without first relinquishing the floor.
Rule 14. Regular Calendar...14 Information Section 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
The Secretary of the... Conference shall keep the Calendar [Agenda] which includes the orders of the day... Busi-
ness placed on the calendar shall be considered in the order recommended by the Committee on Agenda and Cal-
endar [Sessions Committee], see Standing Rules III.I.
Rule 15. Published Reports in Possession of Conference
Reports submitted by... the deadline, as announced by the Secretary of the... Conference, shall appear in the
[Pre-Conference Workbook]. The report as published in the [Pre-Conference Workbook] is the official copy, subject
only to grammatical, or other obvious editorial changes and shall be regarded as in the possession of the Conference.
Suspending, Amending, and Supplementing
Rule 16. Suspension of the Rules
The operation of any of the provisions of the Plan of Organization and Rules of Order [Standing Rules] may be sus-
pended at any time by a two-thirds vote of the Conference (See Rule 29.4 in the 2019 reference materials).
Rule 17. Amending Rules
The Plan of Organization and Rules of Order [Standing Rules] may be amended or changed by a two-thirds vote
of the Conference; provided the proposed change or amendment has originated in the Committee on Plan of Or-
ganization and Rules of Order [Standing Rules] or has been presented to the Conference in writing and referred to
this committee, which committee shall report thereon not later than the following day (See Rule 29.4 in the 2019
reference materials).
Rule 18. Robert’s Rules of Order, Supplemental Authority
In any parliamentary situation not covered by the Plan of Organization and Rules of Order [Standing Rules], the ...
Conference shall be governed in its action by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Information Section 15
E-Newsletter Subscription Form
The Illinois Great Rivers Conference and its ministries publish several electronic newsletters aimed at keeping you
informed. If you would like to be placed on the mailing list for this type of information, please complete the follow-
ing subscription form:
District News Ministry News
Cache River Camping and Retreat Ministries and/or
Embarras River Beulah East Bay Little Grassy
Illinois River Christian Educators Fellowship
Iroquois River Congregational Development
Kaskaskia River Missions and Outreach
LaMoine River New Streams and Discipleship Ministries
Mississippi River Pastoral Care and Counseling
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2 Illinois Great
3 Rivers Conference
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6 The United Methodist Church
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18 Legislative & Reports
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2021 Annual Conference Session
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43 June 11-12, 2021
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462 Legislative & Reports 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
1 Legislative & Reports Section
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3 Table of Contents
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Legislative
5 Item 100: Organizational Motions................................................................... 3
6Legislative Item 101: Establishing Debate ........................................................................ 3
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Legislative Item 102: Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund:
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Articles of Incorporation................................................................. 4
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Legislative
10 Item 103: 2022 Conference Spending Plan......................................................7
11 2022 IGRC Spending Plan Proposal..................................................................... 7
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Legislative Item 103 A: Supplement to 2022 Conference Spending Plan...........................9
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Legislative Item 104: Commission on Equitable Compensation....................................... 15
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Legislative
15 Item 105: Property Matter-Closure East Peoria Faith UMC............................. 16
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Legislative Item 106: Property Matter-Closure Fairview UMC.......................................... 16
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Legislative
18 Item 107: Property Matter-Closure Florence UMC......................................... 17
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Legislative Item 108: Property Matter-Closure Granite City Niedringhaus UMC...............18
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Legislative Item 109: Property Matter-Closure Iroquois UMC.......................................... 18
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Legislative
22 Item 110: Property Matter-Closure New Hope UMC....................................... 19
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Legislative Item 111: Property Matter-Closure Olive Branch UMC................................... 20
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Legislative Item 112: Property Matter-Closure Roberts UMC........................................... 21
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Legislative
26 Item 113: Property Matter-Closure Saint David UMC..................................... 21
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Legislative Item 114: Property Matter-Closure Texas UMC.............................................. 22
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Legislative
29 Item 115: 2022 Clergy Health Insurance Allowance...................................... 23
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Legislative Item 116: 2022 Housing Exclusion for Retired & Disabled Clergy..................23
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Legislative Item 117: Property Matter-Resolution for Closure
32 United Church of Altona UMC......................................................... 24
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Legislative
34 Item 118: Property Matter-Resolution for Closure Christ UMC.......................25
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Legislative Item 119: Committee on Nominations Report................................................ 25
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Report 200: 2022 Advance Specials and Five Star Challenge........................................... 34
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Report
38 201: Report of the Conference Treasurer............................................................. 39
39 2020 IGRC Actual to Budget............................................................................ 40
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Report 202: Report of the IGRC Board of Trustees.......................................................... 44
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Report
42 203: Report of the Board of Pensions and Benefits.............................................. 46
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Report 204: Report of the Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund................................. 48
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Report 205: Report of the United Methodist Foundation.................................................. 50
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Report
46 206: Report of Connectional Ministries Related Spending Plans...........................51
Consent Calendar............................................................................................................ 562021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Legislative & Reports 3.
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2 Legislative Item 100: Organizational Motions
3 Vote: Adopted ☐ Failed ☐
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Subject: Procedures for this On-Line Annual Conference Session
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Submitted by: Rev. Ethan Carnes, Annual Conference Secretary
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BE IT RESOLVED,
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1) That this session of the annual conference be conducted according to the policies of Standing Rule III.I -
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Online Annual Conference Session; and
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2) That, in addition to the electronic platform set by the Sessions Committee, the bar of this Annual Conference
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Session shall include the registered participants at these eight (8) remote sites:
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• Marion Aldersgate UMC (Cache River District)
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• Pekin Grace UMC (Illinois River District)
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• Champaign New Horizon UMC (Iroquois River District)
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• Salem Grace UMC (Kaskaskia River District)
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• Quincy Vermont Street UMC (LaMoine River District)
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• Belleville St. Matthew UMC (Mississippi River District)
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• Galesburg First UMC (Spoon River District)
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• Bloomington Wesley UMC (Vermilion River District); and
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3) That the agenda of the annual conference is the agenda submitted by the annual conference sessions
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committee and that the chair of the sessions committee is permitted to make last-minute changes to the
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agenda to maximize the use of time; and
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4) That the roster of secretarial staff and remote site tellers named by the conference secretary be elected; and
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5) That the conference secretary be authorized and directed to include as an addendum to the report of daily
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proceedings of the 2021 Annual Conference session, each of the following:
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a) Summaries of the worship services, addresses, and awards posted on the 2021 Annual Conference
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session website but which were not included during the June 11-12, 2021 live stream of the 2021 Annual
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Conference session, and
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b) A summary of the 2021 Annual Conference Ordination and Commissioning Service, to be scheduled for
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a later date, and
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c) Summaries of all other reports in written form, submitted to the conference secretary by the various
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boards, committees and agencies related to the Annual Conference and posted on the 2021 Annual
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Conference session website, which due to the technical and or time constraints were not presented during
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the June 11-12, 2021 live stream of the 2020 Annual Conference session.
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44 Legislative Item 101: Establishing Debate
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46 Vote: Adopted ☐ Failed ☐
Subject: Procedures for this On-Line Annual Conference Session
Submitted by: Rev. Ethan Carnes, Annual Conference Secretary4 Legislative & Reports 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
1BE IT RESOLVED,
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That for this 2021 online session Standing Rule III.I.4(a) be suspended so that before calling for a vote of the Con-
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ference body the presiding officer may recognize up to three Conference members to make speeches of no more
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than three minutes in support of and three Conference members to make speeches of no more than three minutes
5 opposition to legislative motions.
in
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8 Legislative Item 102: Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund:
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Articles of Incorporation
11 Vote: Adopted ☐ Failed ☐
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Subject: Preacher’s Aid Society and Benefit Fund: Articles of Incorporation
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Content: Amends the Preacher’s Aid Society and Benefit Fund: Articles of Incorporation
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Submitted by: Rev. Keith Anderson, Executive Director
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16 ARTICLE I: CORPORATE NAME
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The corporate name of this Society shall be THE PREACHERS’ AID SOCIETY AND BENEFIT FUND OF THE ILLI-
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NOIS GREAT RIVERS CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, here-after called the SOCIETY.
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ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
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The
22 membership of the Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund shall be the members Members, clergy and lay, of
the
23 Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference and all lay members Members of the Board of Directors who are not
members Members of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference.
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26 ARTICLE III: PURPOSE
27 exclusive purposes of the corporation are: This Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and/or ed-
The
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ucational pur-poses including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations which qualify as
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exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the corre-
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sponding section of any future United States internal revenue law, or to any other person or entity exclusively for
31 charitable purpose;
such
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33 administer all funds that are received by the corporation through gifts, devises, memorials, bequests of property
To
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either real or personal, from any source and to receive, hold, and manage all funds received and all real estate and
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personal property owned by the corporation;
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37 pay only the net income from investments and such other income as may be distributable under the current
To
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by-laws of said the Society, and for religious and charitable pur- poses in such amounts and in such manner, as the
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Board of Directors may from time-to-time decide and determine, for religious and charitable purposes in support-
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ing the retired ministers of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church or its legal
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successor, and in supporting the spouses and dependent children of retired ministers and deceased ministers of said
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conference or its legal successor [, and in supporting other qualified ministers serving and having served Methodist
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churches within and to the extent of the geographic limits of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference irrespective of the
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continued existence of said Conference,] as is legally allowed by a 501(c)3 organization. Funds may be used for no
45 purposes. The corpus shall remain intact and the income shall be kept in a separate account.
other
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In the event of dissolution or termination of said Society, all assets of the corporation will be first applied toward the
payment in satisfaction and discharge of all liabilities and obligations of the Society, and then all remaining assets2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Legislative & Reports 5. 1will be paid or distributed to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church, or its designat- 2 successor organization, to be used for religious and charitable purposes for the support of all retired ministers, ed 3 spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children in the manner in a manner as would otherwise have been pro- 4 vided by the Society; or, in the event that the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church or its 5 designated successor organization does not then exist, to a successor another organization to then duly qualified and 6 existing for the religious and charitable purposes in support of all the retired ministers, spouses of retired ministers, 7 surviving spouses of active or retired ministers, and dependent children of deceased ministers previously serving the 8 Illinois Great River Conference or its designated successor organization irrespective of the continued existence of 9 Conference or successor organization;, or the funds will be distributed to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference said 10 The United Methodist Church, or its succession organization, to be used for religious and charitable purposes for of 11 support of all retired ministers, spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children in the manner of the Soci- the 12 goals, and if none then exists, a.c. to any other organization then duly qualified and existing for the religious and ety’s 13 charitable purposes as the Board of Directors of the Society shall then in its sole discretion decide and determine. 14 15 ARTICLE IV: MANAGEMENT 16 The management of the Society shall be vested in a Board of Directors consisting of eight clergy (only one of the 17 clergy in each class shall be a retired clergy) who shall be members Members of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference 18 and seven laity who shall be members Members of the local churches of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, elected 19 by the members Members of the Society at the annual meeting. 20 21 ARTICLE V: OFFICES AND AGENCY REGISTERED AGENT 22 The 23 principal office of this corporation will be located at such place as the Board of Directors from time to time may determine 24 by resolution. In addition, the corporation may maintain other offices as its business requires. 25 The 26 registered office of this corporation may be the same as its principal office. The address of the registered office will 27 be identical with the office of the registered agent of the corporation. Such office will be continuously main- tained 28 with the State of Illinois for the duration of the corporation. The Board of Directors may from time to time change 29 the address of its registered principal office by duly adopted resolution and submission of the appropriate statement 30 to the Secretary of State’s office. 31 The 32 registered agent of this the corporation may be either an individual, resident of the State of Illinois, or a domes- tic 33 or foreign corporation, authorized to act as such agent. Such an agent will be continuously maintained by this corporation 34 in the by and pursuant to the laws of the State of Illinois. A successor registered agent may be appointed if 35the office of such the registered agent becomes vacant for any reason, or such agent becomes disqualified or inca- pacitated 36 or is or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling to act, or if the corporation acting through the its Board of Directors 37 revokes the appointment of such agent by duly adopted resolution. The new appointment will be made by duly 38 adopted resolution of the Board of Directors and submission of the appropriate statement to the Illinois Sec- retary 39 of State’s office. Such The registered agent and any successor registered agent will be recognized as an agent of 40 this the corporation on whom any process, notice, of or demand required or permitted by law to be served on a corporation 41 may be served. 42 The 43 corporation will not recognize the resignation of any duly appointed registered agent appointed by it unless and until 44 it first receives a copy of such agent’s resignation as sent to filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, such copy the 45 same to be sent to served on the corporation by registered or certified mail, addressed to the principal office of the 46 corporation Corporation as it is known to such agent, and directed to the attention of the secretary. , s Such copy to shall be sent served within five (5) days after the date of filing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and such statement of resignation will be acceptable only if it discloses the effective date of resignation to be not less than
6 Legislative & Reports 2021 Session of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference
fourteen
1 (14) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the date of such filing.
2 ARTICLE VI: AMENDING ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
3The Articles of Incorporation of the Society may be amended at any regularly scheduled annual meeting of the
4Society held during the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, or at any properly noticed special meeting of the
5Society, and approved only upon the affirmative vote of ninety percent (90%) of those Members then in attendance.
6Any proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation shall be mailed to the Members of the corporation at
7least ninety (90) days prior to the meeting where such a proposal is will be discussed.
8A special meeting of the corporation may be authorized by a majority vote of the Board of Directors or by forty percent
9(40%) of the Members of the corporation. Meeting notices must be sent to the Members of the corporation at least
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ninety (90) days prior to the meeting stating the purpose of the special meeting so called, and only such stated business
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may be conducted at the time and place of the special meeting so called.
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The Articles of Incorporation of the Society may be amended: On recommendation of the Board of Directors at any
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regularly scheduled annual meeting of the Society held during the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference. Such
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recommendation shall be approved only and upon the by affirmative vote of ninety percent (90%) majority of a
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vote of those Members then in attendance at a regularly scheduled annual meeting of the Society, held during the
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annual session meeting of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, or of or at any special meeting of the corpo-
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ration held between ninety (90) and one-hundred-twenty (120) days after the annual meeting of the Illinois Great
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Rivers Annual Conference. The approval of any such recommendation shall be confirmed upon the affirmative
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vote of ninety percent (90%) of those Members then in attendance second ninety percent (90%) majority of a vote
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of those in attendance at aa regularly scheduled annual meeting of the Society held during the annual meeting of
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the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, or at any special meeting of the corporation held between ninety (90)
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and one-hundred-twenty (120) days next after the annual meeting of following the conclusion of the Illinois Great
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Rivers Annual Conference whereby such recommendation is approved.; or,
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On recommendation of the Board of Directors at any special meeting of the corporation held between ninety
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(90) and one-hundred-twenty (120) days prior to the commencement of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Con-
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ference. Such recommendation shall be approved only upon the affirmative vote of ninety percent (90%) of those
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Members then in attendance. The approval of any such recommendation shall be confirmed upon the affirmative
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vote of ninety percent (90%) of those Members then in attendance at the next following regularly scheduled annual
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meeting of the Society held during the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference. any action to change the Articles of
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Incorporation. A second ninety percent (90%) majority would be required to approve any change to the Articles of
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Incorporation. The membership of the corporation recommending to a special called meeting of the corporation to
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be held between ninety (90) and one-hundred- twenty (120) days after the annual meeting any action to change the
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Articles of Incorporation. A second ninety percent (90%) majority would be required to approve any change to the
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Articles of Incorporation.
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OR
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The Articles of Incorporation of the Society may be amended by a ninety percent (90%) majority of the vote at a
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special called meeting of the corporation, meeting at least ninety (90) and one-hundred-twenty (120) days prior
40
to the regularly scheduled annual meeting, recommending any change to the Articles of Incorporation. A second
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ninety percent (90%) majority vote would be required to approve any change to the Articles of Incorporation at the
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regularly scheduled annual meeting held during the annual session of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference.
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Any proposed change to the Articles of Incorporation shall be mailed to the members of the corporation at least
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ninety (90) days prior to the meeting where such a proposal is will be discussed.
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A called meeting of the corporation may be authorized by a majority vote of the Board of Directors or by forty
percent (40%) of the members Members of the corporation. Meeting notices must be sent to the members MembersYou can also read
