Greetings Presbyterian Humans and Friends,

Let me begin by apologizing for the delay in sending out this draft. An unexpected family tragedy demanded that I be away for a bit. I thank all those who shared prayers and messages of support during this difficult time.

The draft bylaws and standing rules are available here: DRAFT BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES

A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. These are not “amended bylaws and standing rules,” they are replacement bylaws and standing rules. This means that immediately upon their passage they will replace ALL current bylaws and standing rules.

2. You have 30 days to review these prior to the next stated meeting. This is more than enough time to still qualify for the first read prior to the Sept. meeting. Read them. Review them. Prepare to discuss and amend them as needed.

3. I know that your little fingers are aching to send suggestions. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY REVISIONS BY EMAIL, TEXT, PHONE CALL, CASUAL CHAT, OR MESSENGER PIGEON. THE PROPER METHOD FOR AMENDING THIS DOCUMENT IS DURING THE MEETING AT WHICH THEY ARE CONSIDERED…NO EXCEPTIONS. This is, as we say, how the sausage is made. That said, if you have questions about how to amend them, wording for amendments, or any other related questions, you can email statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org

4. The committee did not make any changes to the basic structure of the document or the order of items in the document except to add the Collaborating Committee and Administrative Action Commission. If you want to suggest that items be moved to different locations within the document…yepper…that is an amendment for the meeting.

5. Additions and subtractions are also handled during the amendment process.

PLEASE NOTE: GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION, AND NON-SUBSTINATIVE CHANGES WIL BE HANDLED DURING THE FINAL REVIEW OF THE APPROVED DOCUMENT. THERE IS NO NEED TO LENGTHEN THE PROCESS BY OFFERING AMENDMENTS FOR THESE ITEMS.

LET ME OFFER A SPECIAL THANKS TO ELDERS LINDA VANBUSKIRK AND NEIL ROTACH FOR THEIR TIRELESS WORK IN CRAFTING THIS DOCUMENT. THEY ALONE WERE THE COMMITTEE WILLING TO HANDLE THIS HURCULEAN TASK AND I AM DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR ATTENTION, PROFESSIONALISM, AND HARD WORK. THANK YOU!!!

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!!!

Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, Stated Clerk