Articles of Incorporation

WOMEN OF REFINED DISTINCTION (WORD)

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

Name

This Organization shall be known as the Women of Refined Distinction – WORD

ARTICLE 2

Mission

The mission of WORD is to promote spiritual growth and maturity in women, reflecting our belief in the authority of God’s Word and preeminence of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

ARTICLE 3

Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Articles and any special rules of order the Organization may adopt.

ARTICLE 4

Purpose

The Organization’s purpose is to equip women for Life, Ministry and Missions.

ARTICLE 5

Equipping Women for Life

By providing opportunities for personal growth, believing that every woman is valued as a role model of Biblical truth to her family, her work, her church, and her community.

By providing Bible Study opportunities that reflect issues of everyday life.

By providing and or attending seminars targeted to the needs and growth of women.

By providing fellowship opportunities which serve to encourage the building
of positive friendships.

By providing a spiritual network of support which serves to build one another up.

ARTICLE 6

Equipping Women for Ministry

By engaging women in fruitful and fulfilling service to our Lord, believing that every woman is gifted by God and should have the opportunity to develop that gift.

By providing opportunities to be involved in the planning and executing of a special events and activities (e.g. Annual Women’s Day, Fall Retreat, Spring Fling, etc.).

By providing opportunities to minister to one another in the church body through practical helps and meeting the practical needs of those in our church family.

By encouraging women to seek their gifts and put them into use in our church body.

ARTICLE 7

Equipping Women for Missions

By supporting the missions of New Life Christian Fellowship of Lancaster.

By serving our community by identifying a local non-profit organization to support.

By supporting and serving our local church congregation and meeting place.

ARTICLE 8

Membership

The membership of this Organization shall consist of all women who believe in the Organization’s

Statements of Fundamental Truths. Members are nonvoting.

ARTICLE 9

Membership Dues

Membership dues is $20.00 a month or $240.00 annually

ARTICLE 10

Statements of Fundamental Truths

The Organization embraces the following statements concerning the truth.

The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing, I Corinthians 1:l0; Acts 2:42). No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines. We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Truths is inspired or that it is the final work on Bible truth. However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to “set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).

a. That the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments were written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit and are God’s revealed word to man. They are the sufficient, infallible rule and guide to salvation and all Christian worship and service (II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Thessalonians 2:13). The Bible is the inspired Word of God, equally in all parts and in the whole is totally inerrant in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme revelation from God and of God, superior to conscience and reason, though not contrary to them; and it is therefore our infallible rule in all manners. All the Scriptures center about the Lord Jesus Christ and hence that no portion is properly read nor understood until it leads to Him.

b. That Scripture teaches that there is one and only one true and living God, who is self-existent, and the eternal “I AM,” the creator of heaven and earth and the redeemer of mankind. That He has chosen to reveal Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the same in essence, though distinct in personality (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-l 1; Matthew 28:18-l 9; Luke 3:22). These three are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfection and are worthy of the same homage and obedience (Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3,4; II Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-6). The mode of His existence, however, is a subject far above the understanding of man. He is the fountain of all perfection and happiness. He is glorified by the whole of creation and is worthy to be loved and served by all intelligence. He, therefore, is the only proper object of worship (Jeremiah 10:10; Exodus 3:14; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19, 20; Job l1:7; Psalms 19:1, 2; 145:10; 150:6; Exodus 34:14).

c. Creation

1. Of the World

God spoke into existence the world and all things that it contains, for His own pleasure, and the enjoyment of His creatures (Revelation 4:11; I Timothy 6:17).

2. Of Man

God created man in His image according to Genesis 1:26 as a triune being consisting of spirit, soul (which is made of the mind, will and emotions), and a body.

3. Primitive Man and His Fall

Our first parents, in their original state, were upright. They naturally preferred and desired to obey their creator and had no preference or desire to transgress His will until they were influenced and inclined by Satan to disobey God’s commands. Previous to this, the only tendency of their nature was to do righteousness. In consequence of their first transgression, the state under which the posterity of Adam came into the world is so different from that of Adam that they have not that righteousness and purity which Adam had before the fall; they are not willing to obey God but are inclined to do evil. Hence, none, by virtue of any natural goodness and mere work of their own, can become the children of God (Genesis 1:26-31; 3:l-7; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Psalms 51:5; John 6: 44; Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians 2.14).

d. That Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the son of Man, was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1: 23; Luke 1:31, 35). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22). That He came into the world to save men from the guilt and condemnation of sin (John 3:16), offering His blood as an atonement (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21) and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4). His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-l 1; Hebrews 1-3). Also, that His divinity is proved from His titles, His attributes, and His works (John 1:14; Luke 1:26-35; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:31). That He is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for His redeemed. We also acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord over all things in Heaven, and in Earth, and under the Earth (John 1:12-14; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37-38; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 7:25).

e. The Holy Spirit

1. The Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts and attributes of an intelligent being. He guides, knows, moves, gives information, commands, forbids, sends forth, reproves, as the instrumental segment of the God Head in the liberal dispersion of spiritual gifts, and can be sinned against (John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:11; Genesis 1:2; Acts 10:19; 13:2; 16:6; 13:4; John 16:8; Mark 3:29; Acts 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; I Corinthians 12).

2. The works of God are ascribed to the Holy Spirit; creation; inspiration, giving of life, and sanctification (Job 33:4; II Peter 1:21; I Peter 3:18; I Corinthians 6:11).

3. Of Sanctification: That sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we become partakers of His holiness; that it is begun at regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the continual use of the appointed means especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer (I Thessalonians 4:3; I John 2:29; Romans 8:5; Philippians 2:12-13).

f. The Salvation of Man. Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by Grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. The inward evidence of salvation is direct witness of the Spirit and the outward evidence to all men of a life of righteousness and true holiness (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-l5; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Romans 8:16; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

Salvation is an inclusive word, which gathers into itself all the redemptive acts and processes, i.e., justification, redemption, deliverance, imputation, sanctification, glorification, etc. The Hebrew and Greek words for salvation imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, and soundness. Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without human works (Romans 3:27-28, 4:1-8, 6:23, Ephesians 2:8). Salvation is in these three tenses:

Condition of Salvation - The grace of God, which brings salvation, hath appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, and, being justified by grace through faith, he becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Evidence of Salvation - The inward evidence, to the believer, of his salvation, is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of unconditional love, righteousness, and true holiness, demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit (John 13:35; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:24).

Final Result of Salvation - The spirit of the believer who dies in Christ immediately goes to be with the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:42-43; II Corinthians 5:8).

ARTICLE 11
Governing Body

Chief Executive Officer (CEO/Founder) - Manage day-to-day programs, finances, volunteer/community outreach services, and leadership training. The CEO/Founder has ultimate decision making authority.Take charge of coordinating the training of staff, fundraising, website, and marketing. Available at all times.

Role responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop agenda and preside over meetings
Supervise all general fundraising activities
Handle grant applications and any outside funding
Oversees short-term and long-term financial and strategic goals
Travel to meet and negotiate with possible donors
Responsible to the board for an organization's overall performance
Provide feedback to staff and board members
Make sure the flow of funds meets present needs of organization’s mission

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – manage the financial affairs of the organization, often including such basic tasks as selecting a bank, reconciling bank statements, and managing cash flow. The CFO should be knowledgeable about who has access to the organization’s funds and any outstanding bills or debts owed. The CFO will create and maintain systems for ensuring the organization’s ongoing solvency and oversee the development of the organization’s financial policies.

Chief Recording Officer (CRO) - the elected officer who handles meeting minutes, correspondence, and documentation. It is the responsibility of the secretary to maintain accurate committee records.

Role responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Before the meeting – coordinate with CEO to ensure that a meeting reminder is sent to WORD members and remind members of any action items they are responsible for presenting at the next meeting.
At the meeting – record attendance/absences, take accurate minutes.
After the meeting – review minutes with CEO and then publish to all WORD members

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Social Relations Advisor (licensed professional counselor or community liaison)
Community Recovery Coach (addiction guide and mentor)
Health and Wellness Advisor (registered nurse or insurance or clinician or fitness guru)
Prayer Chaplain (prayer warrior committed to praying for others)

ARTICLE 12

Duties of the Board of Directors

Board of Directors Members are Voting Members

ARTICLE 13

Social Relations Advisor Board Member

What is a Social Relations Advisor?

The Social Relations Advisor encourages, equips, and connects WORD with the community by identifying and addressing social needs.

What does a Social Relations Advisor do?

The Social Relations Advisor develops and implements innovative external and internal relations strategies and campaigns that support the

ARTICLE 14

Recovery Coach Board Member

What is a Recovery Coach?
Recovery Coach promotes recovery and removes barriers and obstacles to recovery.

What Does a Recovery Coach Do?

A Recovery Coach serves as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking or already in recovery from an addiction to alcohol and or other drugs.

ARTICLE 15

Health and Wellness Advisor Board Member

What is a Health and Wellness Advisor?

The Health and Wellness Advisor identifies ways to promote physical, spiritual, emotional and financial health and wellness for WORD and the community at large.

What does a Health and Wellness Advisor do?

The Health and Wellness Advisor identifies programs, activities, seminars, workshops and events that encourage behavioral change. The Health and Wellness advisor has a sound understanding of the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices.

ARTICLE 16

Prayer Chaplain Board Member

What is a Prayer Chaplain?

A Prayer Chaplain is a lay person who functions as an extension of the W.O.R.D. Women’s ministry.
A Prayer Chaplain is not a counselor or an ordained minister.
She is a W.O.R.D. board member who wants to serve and to grow spiritually.
Being a Prayer Chaplain is transformative soul work as it deepens one's spiritual path through prayer and service.
A desire to pray, experience in prayer or praying with others is required to serve as the Prayer Chaplain for W.O.R.D.

What Does a Prayer Chaplain do?

A Prayer Chaplain:

Prays at the opening and closing of W.O.R.D. meetings and conferences.
Is available to support others on their spiritual journey.
Creates and holds sacred space.
Lovingly listens and holds what is heard in the strictest of confidence, meaning that what is shared with the Prayer Chaplain is not discussed with anyone else, including the person who made the initial prayer request (i.e. listen, pray and release).
Prays with others.

ARTICLE 17

Meetings

The Organization shall meet the third Saturday of every month from 11:00 AM ‘til Noon.
Meeting quorum consists of 4 out of 7 Governing Body members.

ARTICLE 18
Annual Day

WORD’s Women’s Day weekend is held the second Saturday and Sunday in September annually.

ARTICLE 19

Terms of Governing Body

The minimum term limit is 2 years. The Organization has no term limit.

ARTICLE 20

Selection of Governing Body
Candidates for Board membership will be identified by a Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee will be comprised of members who actively
support the Organization’s purpose.

ARTICLE 21

Amendments

Section 1. Articles of Incorporation

The Articles may be amended in any manner at any regular or special meeting of the Governing Body, provided that specific written notice of the proposed amendment of the Articles setting forth the proposed amendment or a summary of the changes to be effected thereby shall be given to each member at least three days in advance of such a meeting if delivered personally, by facsimile, or by e-mail or at least five days if delivered by mail. As required by the Any amendment to Article VIII, Article IX or Article X of the Articles shall require the affirmative vote of all governing body members then in office. All other amendments of the Articles shall require the affirmative vote of an absolute majority of governing members then in office.

Section 2. By-Laws

The Governing Body may amend these Bylaws by majority vote at any regular or special meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed amendment or summary of the changes to be affected thereby shall be given to each member within the time and the manner provided for the giving of notice of meetings of governing body members.

ARTICLE 22

Books and Records
The Organization shall keep complete books and records of account and minutes of the proceedings of the Governing Body.

ARTICLE 23

Exempt Status and Dissolution

This corporation is organized exclusively for religious purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

No part of the net earning of the corporation shall insure to the benefit, or be distributable to its Covenant Partners/members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purposes. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding provision of any future federal tax code or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other corresponding provision of any future federal tax code.

Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the board of directors shall after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all of the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purpose of the corporation, or for one or more other exempt purposes, in such manner, or to one or more organizations described in Sections 501 (c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provision of any future federal tax code), as the board of directors shall determine. Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of appropriate jurisdiction exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

We, the undersigned, are all of the initial directors or incorporators of this organization, and we consent to, and hereby do, adopt the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of the 7 preceding pages, as the Bylaws of this corporation.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Board of Directors on this 29th day of June 2020.

Sharon Kay
Sharon Kay, Founder/CEO, Women of Refined Distinction – WORD, Inc.

Preston Kay
ATTEST: Preston Kay, Pastor, New Life Christian Fellowship of Lancaster