Constitution and By-laws of Bethany Baptist Church of McCandless Township, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania (Revision of May 1979) Article I. ORGANIZATION Section 1. Name The name of this church shall be The Bethany Baptist Church of the Town of McCandless. Section 2. Incorporation The Bethany Baptist Church of the Town of McCandless was incorporated under and pursuant to the provision of Article II of the "NONPROFIT CORPORATION LAW" of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 9th day of June, 1972. Section 3. Organization The Bethany Baptist Church was organized February 17, 1973. Section 4. Affiliation The church shall maintain affiliation with the Middle East Baptist Conference and the Baptist General Conference. Article II. PURPOSE This church exists as a community of Christians dedicated to the worship and glorification of God through: 1. proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world, 2. the administration of Baptism and the Lord's supper, 3. instruction of believers in matters pertaining to the Christian life, 4. ministry to the spiritual and physical needs of men, 5. mutual encouragement of members in living the Christian life, all of which shall be consistent with the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Article III. AN AFFIRMATION OF OUR FAITH 1. The Word of God We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 2. The Trinity We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. 3. God The Father We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. 4. Jesus Christ We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. 5. The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. 6. Regeneration We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. 7. The Church We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. 8. Christian Conduct We believe that a Christian should live for the Glory of God and the well being of his fellowmen; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. 9. The Ordinances We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. 10. Religious Liberty We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. 11. Church Cooperation We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis. 12. The Last Things We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. (Adopted by the Baptist General Conference in 1951.) ARTICLE IV. COVENANT OF THE BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH Led by the Holy Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and to confess Him as Lord, and baptized on this confession in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another, as one body in Christ, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him. We promise by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love and in the paths of righteousness. With this in view we engage to strive together for both the peace and purity of this church to sustain its worship and steadfastly to cherish and hold its ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute, as faithful stewards, such time, talents and money, in the measure that God prospers each of us, that the responsibility for the work of the local church and the world-wide ministry of spreading the Gospel be faithfully and effectively discharged. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions to teach the Bible to our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to be just in our dealings and faithful in our engagements; to be exemplary in our deportment; to avoid unkind words and unrighteous anger; to uphold our bodies as temples of God; to combine zeal and knowledge in our efforts to advance the cause of our Savior; to make Christ first in all things both spiritual and temporal. We further engage to give and receive admonition with meekness and affection; to remember each other in prayer, and to aid each other in case of sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the Scriptures, to seek it without delay. We moreover engage that when we move from this place we will unite as soon as possible with some local church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of the Word of God. ARTICLE V. GOVERNMENT Section 1. Policy Recognizing Jesus Christ as the only head of the Church, this congregation shall seek to ascertain and to obey the will of our Lord in all matters of faith and of practice. The government of this church is vested in the body of members who compose it. Thus the final authority of decision shall be the congregation to whom the Council and the staff are responsible. Section 2. Council The administration of the business of this church shall be the responsibility of the Council of Elders subject to the final authority of the congregation. The Council of Elders shall be the trustees and directors of this church. Section 3. Liability No officer or any member of the Council or a committee, appointed and/or elected by this church shall be personally or individually liable for any error or mistake, act or omission for or on behalf of this church, occurring within the scope of his or her duty as officer, Council or committee member, excepting only for his or her willful misconduct or violation of law. Section 4. Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the church shall begin on the first day of April and close on the last day of March. ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Admission A person desiring to unite with this church who is in substantial agreement with the faith and practice of the Church shall: a) meet with the pastor privately or with other candidates for a period or periods of instruction in which the Way of Salvation and other important matters relative to membership in a Baptist Church are clearly explained, b) have been baptized by immersion, and c) meet with the Council of Elders or Committee thereof for consultation at which time they shall give satisfactory evidence of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. Church membership will be granted upon recommendation of the Council of Elders and a majority vote of the members present at a meeting of the Church. Section 2. Responsibilities and Rights A. Every member of the church is expected to attend its meetings, to work for its growth, to fittingly represent his Lord and church in the community, and to contribute regularly and according to his ability. B. Members shall strive with God's help to keep their church obligations. They shall hold their Pastor in esteem and pray for him as well as other officers of the church and work with them in carrying out the program of the church. They shall endeavor to preserve the unity of the church, and, if at any time they find themselves opposed to the fundamental doctrines of this church, they shall not seek to disrupt its fellowship but shall quietly withdraw from its membership. C. All members in good standing as defined by section 2A above and section 4 below shall have equal rights, except that those under eighteen years of age shall be ineligible to vote on the sale or purchase of real or personal property, but may vote on all other matters upon reaching sixteen years of age. Members of this church have no property rights and upon termination of membership shall be entitled to no interest in the assets. Section 3. Withdrawal of Membership Any member desiring to sever his membership shall be dismissed upon request to the Council of Elders. Such dismissal, if so requested, may be accompanied by a letter of commendation. Any member who joins another church will be dismissed from membership in this church. Such dismissals shall be reported to the church by the Council. Section 4. Discipline of Members Members who persist in living unchristian lives and who habitually neglect their church obligations may be removed from membership. The Pastor and other members of the Council of Elders shall seek to meet with all such persons in order to restore them to fellowship. Failing to see satisfactory evidence of repentance and reformation, the Council shall report the offenders to the church, recommending removal from membership. In all cases of grievances between members, the offenders shall be dealt with in accordance with the rules set forth in Matthew 18:15-20. No public charge to the church shall be made until such reconciliation has been attempted. Charges shall be written and be submitted to the Council for further action and possible church decision. ARTICLE VII. DOCTRINE This church accepts the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired record of God's revelatory actions in human history and as the authoritative basis for its doctrine and practice. The confession of faith adopted by this church is regarded as an expression of the essential doctrines of grace as set forth in the Scriptures. This document shall be subject to revision by the congregation as new insights from the Word of God shall indicate ways in which our faith and life may be brought into closer accord with the teachings of Scripture. This church has also adopted a covenant as a means by which its members may express their intent to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of the church and in the affairs of daily life. ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS This constitution may be amended only at the Annual Meeting of the church by a three-fourths vote of those qualified, present and voting, provided a quorum is present and voting. Notices of such amendment shall have been given from the pulpit on four successive Sundays in advance, and a copy of the proposed amendment shall have been posted in a conspicuous place for the same four Sundays. BY-LAWS OF THE BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH Revision of October 2004 ARTICLE I. COUNCIL OF ELDERS Section 1. Definition and Duties of Elders Elders are understood to be the overseers and shepherds of the congregation. Elders shall oversee all activities of the church. The Council of Elders shall be completely responsible for the administration of all church business subject to the final authority of the members of Bethany Baptist Church. Elders shall work together in the accomplishment of the purpose of the Church as set forth in Article II of the Constitution. The Council of Elders shall appoint Deacons to the offices of Clerk, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer, and as chairmen of all active appointed committees. Members of each committee shall be selected from the membership under the direction of the Council of Elders. Council of Elders shall meet at least once a month. Council of Elders shall maintain a "Manual of Operation", in which the specific duties of each officer and committee, as well as the Council itself, shall be defined. Section 2. Qualification of Elders The qualification of Elders are the spiritual virtues listed in I Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-3. Each Elder shall be a male member in good standing of Bethany Baptist Church, and shall have attained the age of twenty one years. Section 3. Number of Elders The pastor shall serve as an elder by virtue of his call to the congregation. The Council of Elders shall consist of as many Elders of the congregation as the Elders shall deem necessary each year and propose to the Elder Review Committee (see By-laws Article III, Section 3A). No more than one member of any household shall be on the Council at a given time. Section 4. Moderator A Moderator of the Council of Elders shall be chosen by the Council from the eldership following the Annual Business Meeting, or whenever a vacancy occurs. The Moderator shall preside at business meetings of the Church and the Council of Elders, and perform such functions as set forth in the Manual of Operations and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. Section 5. Terms of Office for Elders A. A Pastor shall serve an indefinite term as provided by By-laws Article VI. B. Other Elders shall serve for one year and be reviewed annually, or sooner if deemed necessary, by the Elder Review Committee (see By-laws Article III, Section 3A) in regard to character and effectiveness. The church membership shall confirm each member of the Council of Elders annually at the Annual Business Meeting by secret ballot. Confirmation will require two-thirds majority vote. C. Office shall be assumed upon the conclusion of the Annual meeting. In case of confirmation at some time other than the annual meeting, office shall be assumed upon the conclusion of the meeting at which the confirmation is made. Section 6. Financial Policy of the Council of Elders Every conveyance, sale or mortgage of the Church property (real or personal) must be ratified by the Church. All expenditures not provided for in the budget greater than $1000 for any one item in any one fiscal year shall not be made without the approval of the Church. ARTICLE II. DEACONS Section 1. Definition and Duties Deacons are understood to be the assistants to the Elders and will chair all Standing Committees. Deacons will serve in such offices as Clerk, Financial Secretary and Treasurer and in other administrative posts as deemed necessary by the Council of Elders. Section 2. Qualifications of Deacons The qualifications for Deacons are the spiritual virtues listed in I Tim. 3:8-13. Each member must be a member in good standing of Bethany Baptist Church, and shall have attained an age of twenty-one years. Section 3. Terms of Office Deacons shall be selected annually by the Council of Elders and reviewed annually in terms of character and effectiveness by the Elders. ARTICLE III. OFFICES AND COMMITTEES Section 1. Offices The duties of deacons appointed by the Council of Elders as Clerk, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer are as follows: Clerk: The Clerk shall keep minutes of all business meetings of the Church. He shall conduct all official correspondence in the name of the Church, shall maintain the membership records and perform other such functions as set forth in the Manual of Operations. Financial Secretary: The Financial Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all monies received and deposit same in the name of the Church in the bank as directed by the Council of Elders. He shall work under the supervision of the Finance Committee and the Council. He shall provide members with contribution envelopes and send annual statements of account to each contributor and perform other such functions as set forth in the Manual of Operations. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all monies deposited in the bank. He shall pay by check all approved obligations of the Church and shall make detailed reports to the Church at each regular business meeting and at the Annual Meeting and perform other such functions as set forth in the Manual of Operation. He shall work under the supervision of the Finance Committee and the Council of Elders. Section 2. Standing Committees Standing Committees shall aid the Council of Elders as it deems necessary, through deacons appointed to chair each active committee. Committee duties are as follows: A. WORSHIP. This committee shall exercise supervision, in conjunction with the Pastor, over church services, monies budgeted to the Worship Committee, music, ushering and welcoming, provide necessary items and assistance for the preparation of the Lord's Supper and Baptism, and shall perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation. The director of music and the head usher shall be ex-officio members of the committee. B. FINANCE. The committee shall exercise supervision over monies budgeted to the Finance Committee, all financial matters including the placing of adequate insurance. It shall annually present a financial report to the Church. Prior to the annual business meeting it shall present in writing to the Council of Elders a proposed budget for the coming fiscal year which the Council may recommend to the Church for approval. It shall also perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation. The church Treasurer and the Financial Secretary shall be ex-officio members of this committee. C. EDUCATION. This committee shall exercise supervision over all educational activities (including the appointment of the Sunday School teachers and administrators), monies budgeted to the education committee, and shall perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation. The Director of Education and the Sunday School Superintendent shall be ex-officio members of this committee. D. MISSION. This committee shall exercise supervision of missionary education, activities, monies budgeted to the Mission Committee, and shall also perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation. E. OUTREACH. This committee shall exercise supervision over visitation in all areas of the work of the Church, monies budgeted to the Outreach Committee, and shall perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation and as Pastor and/or Council may direct. F. BUILDING AND GROUNDS. This committee shall concern itself with maintenance and improvements of the buildings and grounds under direction of the Council of Elders, and shall also perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation. G. FELLOWSHIP. [PLACEHOLDER FOR LATEST AMENDMENT] This committee shall exercise supervision over all recreational activities of the Church, monies budgeted to the Fellowship Committee, and shall perform such other duties as set forth in the Manual of Operation and as Pastor and/or Council may direct. Section 3. Other Committees A. ELDER REVIEW COMMITTEE shall review each member of the Council of Elders in regard to character and effectiveness in responsibility based on By-laws Article I. This committee will present the name of at least one candidate for each position as outlined in By-laws Article I. They shall also nominate qualified candidates for an Elder Review committee to serve for the following year. No person shall serve two years in succession. They shall also nominate an auditing committee. An Elder Review Committee shall mail a report of their nominations to every member thirty days before the annual meeting. They shall also provide a ballot of all nominees to each member at the Annual Meeting. In the case of vacancies, the report of the committee shall be mailed fifteen days previous to an election. To fill an unexpired term a member shall be confirmed by the Church at any Quarterly Business Meeting or Special Business Meeting. B. AUDITING COMMITTEE - An Auditing Committee of three members of the Church shall be nominated by the Elder Review Committee prior to the Annual Business Meeting. They shall audit the books of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer once a year and at such other times as the Council may direct and submit a written report to the Church at the completion of the audit. C. OTHER COMMITTEES The Council of Elders may appoint such other committees as it from time to time may deem necessary. ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS Section 1. Public Meetings A. The Church shall meet every Sunday for worship and may also schedule other meetings as deemed necessary. B. The Observance of the Lord's Supper shall be monthly at such times as the Council of Elders shall advise. Section 2. Committee and Group Meetings Groups concerned with the business or activities of the church shall meet as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Church and their particular task. Such meetings will be scheduled with the approval of the Council of Elders in order to maintain a balanced church program. The Pastor shall be notified in advance of proposed meetings of any committee or group. Section 3. Church Business Meetings A. Any matter of business requiring action by the Church may be presented and acted upon at any scheduled meeting of the congregation. B. Special business meetings of the church may be held at any time by oder of the Council of Elders, the Pastor, or upon written request of a quorum of the membership. Such requests shall be submitted to the Moderator of the Church. C. A quarterly business meeting shall be held on the third Sunday of July, October, and January. D. The annual report and election meeting shall be held on the third Sunday of April providing it does not fall upon Easter Sunday in which case it shall be held the Sunday following Easter. E. For any general, business or congregational meeting where a quorum is not defined elsewhere in the By-laws, the definition will be: at least one-third of the voting members, that live in proximity to the Church and are active (attend church at least once in a three month period) will constitute a quorum. "Proximity to the Church" will be determined by the Council. For the calling of or dismissal of a pastor the quorum shall consist of at least 40% and not less than 20 of the qualified voters. ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS Section 1. Time The annual affirmation of members of the Council of Elders, and election of Elder Review Committee and Auditing Committee shall be held at the Annual Business Meeting in April. Section 2. Procedure A. Nominees - All nominees shall meet the qualifications set out for elders in Article I, Section 2 of these By-laws and shall have given their consent to serve. Non-elder members of the Elder Review Committee and the chairman of the Auditing Committee shall meet the qualifications set out for deacons in Article II, Section 1, of these By-Laws and shall have given their consent to serve. B. Nomination - In accordance with the provisions of Article III, Section 2A of these By-Laws, it shall be the duty of the Elder Review Committee to nominate at least one qualified person for each eldership position in a report to each member of the Church thirty days prior to the annual election, (fifteen days prior to special elections to fill vacancies). Additional nominations of qualified persons may be submitted in writing by any Church member qualified to vote to a member of the Elder Review Committee no later than ten days prior to the annual election (five days prior to special elections to fill vacancies) for inclusion on the ballot. Proposed members of the Elder Review Committee and the Auditing Committee shall be presented to the congregation in the same manner. C. Elections - The Nominating committee shall provide a written ballot of all qualified nominees to each member qualified to vote at the time of the election. All elections shall be by written ballot, a majority of the ballots cast being necessary for the election of any officer. If there is but one candidate for each office, the Church may by unanimous vote dispense with the written ballot. Section 3. Vacancies Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled for the unexpired term at any business meeting. Section 4. Qualifications of Voters On all matters members in good standing who have reached their sixteenth birthday shall be eligible to vote. There shall be no voting by proxy. ARTICLE VI. PASTORAL RELATIONS Section 1. Qualifications The pastor shall be sympathetic and cooperative with the Baptist General Conference and in substantial agreement with the faith and practice of this church. Section 2. Duties The pastor shall preach the gospel, administer the ordinances and exercise as concern for the spiritual needs of the Church. He shall serve as the administrator of Council policy, seeking to organize and develop the strength of the Church for the best possible service. He shall be ex-officio member of all the committees of the Church and its auxiliary organizations. Section 3. Establishment of Pastoral Relationships A. SELECTION AND DUTIES OF PULPIT COMMITTEE When it is necessary to call a pastor, a representative pulpit committee consisting of four members from the Council of Elders and three members of the Church at large, shall be named by the Council of Elders, and ratified by the Church. This committee shall seek a suitable man for pastor of the church and shall arrange for the Church to become acquainted with him. In seeking a suitable man, the committee shall consult the leaders of our Conference and take suggestions from the members of the Church. It shall investigate the merits of a man giving consideration to his personal character, education, ministerial record and abilities, especially his preaching ability. The committee, in consultation with the Finance Committee, shall also formulate the terms of the call. B. EXTENSION OF THE CALL. The recommendation of the Pulpit Committee concerning the call of a pastor and the terms of such call shall be presented to the Church at a specially called business meeting, notice of such a meeting and its purposes having been read from the pulpit on the Sunday prior to the meeting. A vote of two-thirds of the qualified members, present and voting, shall be necessary to extend a call to anyone under consideration. Only one candidate shall be presented to the Church at one time. The vote shall be by written ballot. When the call has been approved by the Church it shall be sent to the candidate by the Church Clerk. The candidate's written acceptance of the call shall establish the pastoral relationship as of the date agreed upon by the Church and the candidate. Section 4. Working Arrangements with the Pastor The Pastor's salary and provisions for his vacation and participation in opportunities for service or growth, such as the annual meetings of the Baptist General Conference and the MidEast Baptist Conference and Bethel Founder's Week, shall be fixed at the time of the call and shall be annually reviewed by the Council of Elders. Section 5. Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships A. The pastoral relationship may be terminated upon thirty days notification in writing on the part of the Pastor or the Church. The pastor shall first give his resignation to the Council of Elders before it is presented to the Church at regular or specially called business meeting. If in the judgment of the Church the continuance of the pastor's ministry shall be undesirable the relationship may be discontinued immediately, but the salary shall be continued for thirty days. B. Any proposal to dismiss the Pastor shall be referred to the Council of Elders for its consideration before any action may be taken by the Church. The Council of Elders shall be required to present to the Church any written request for the dismissal of the Pastor when signed by twenty per cent of the membership of the Church. Such action shall be taken at a regular or specially called business meeting and shall be by closed ballot with a two-thirds majority vote of the qualified members present and voting to carry the motion for dismissal. C. In the event that the Pastor wins a vote of confidence of the Church at such an election, all officers signing such a petition mentioned above in Section 5B of this article shall automatically relinquish their office. ARTICLE VII. OTHER EMPLOYEES Other salaried Church workers may be hired at any regular or specially called meeting of the membership. A majority vote of the members present and qualified to vote shall be necessary to hire anyone under consideration. All salaried employees shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and the Council of Elders. Salaries and vacations shall be fixed at the time of employment and may be changed upon recommendation of the Council of Elders and vote of the Church. The Council of Elders shall cause to presented to each salaried worker a written description of his or her duties and responsibilities. ARTICLE VIII. AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS No organization shall be formed or considered a part of the Church organization before its sponsors have submitted their plans to the Pastor and Council of Elders for sanction and approval and such sanction and approval has been granted. Each organization shall present a report concerning its activities and finances to the Church at its annual report meeting. ARTICLE IX. DISPOSITION OF CHURCH PROPERTY Section 1. Division In case of organic division of the Church, the Church properties shall belong to those members who abide by this Constitution. Should any controversy arise as to who is abiding by this Constitution, the question be submitted to the Trustees of the MidEast Baptist Conference and their decision shall be final. Section 2. Dissolution Should conditions arise when, for any reason, the Church work cannot continue, the Church properties shall be transferred to the MidEast Baptist Conference. Section 3. Consolidation Should conditions arise where a consolidation with another church of the same denomination be advisable, the Council of Elders shall be authorized by the Church to negotiate the terms of such a consolidation in so far as the property is concerned. A report of such agreement must be made to the Church and approval granted by the Church before any legal papers are signed. ARTICLE X. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall guide the Church in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution or the special rules of order of this Church. ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS These By-laws may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds vote of those qualified, present and voting, provided a quorum is present and voting, and that notice of such amendment shall have been posted in a conspicuous place on two successive Sundays in advance.