Shomreem Police Ministries

Ministry Name The name and mailing address of the organization shall be The Police Shomreem Ministries, and it receives mail at P.O. Box 6083, Lindenhurst, Lake County, Illinois, 60046-6083.

The Origin Of The Ministry’s Name: The word Shomreem is a Hebrew word that is Biblical in nature. This word means “watchman” or “one who watches over”. This word is found in the following Bible verses: 1 Samuel 14:16. 2 Samuel 18:24-27. Psalms 130:6, 127:1. Ecclesiastes 12:3. Songs Of Solomon 3:3, 5:7. Isaiah 52:8, 21:11-12. Jeremiah 6:17, 31:6. Ezekiel 33:6. Ezek 3:17. Luke 2:8. Hebrews 13:17.

The fact that the ministry name is Hebrew in origin, illustrates that this ministry is devoted to serving the L-rd G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The verse below is the factual basis where the foundation of this ministry comes.

"16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of G-d (G-d Breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of G-d may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV)

4 " Hear, O Israel! The L-RD is our G-d, the L-RD is one! 5 " You shall love the L-RD your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 " These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 " You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 " You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 " You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut 6:4-9 NASU)

10 "You stand today, all of you, before the L-RD your G-d: your chiefs, your tribes, your elders and your officers, even all the men of Israel, 11 your little ones, your wives, and the alien who is within your camps, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water, 12 that you may enter into the covenant with the L-RD your G-d, and into His oath which the L-RD your G-d is making with you today, 13 in order that He may establish you today as His people and that He may be your G-d, just as He spoke to you and as He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Deut 29:10-13 NASU)

Ministry Description and Purpose: Police Shomreem Ministries is a ministry of care that works along with local public safety agencies to liaison between local ministers and the agency in need of chaplaincy services. Police Shomreem Ministries is an independent Judeo-Christian non-profit religious entity. This ministry will partnership with local Judeo-Christian ministers to volunteer their services at local public safety agencies who need chaplaincy services. We will also directly minister to the chaplaincy needs of the emergency services personnel and citizens in the communities we serve.

ARTICLE II

Participants: The government and direction of the business of the Police Shomreem Ministries shall be vested in its Board of Managers. Participation in this Ministry shall be open to representatives from faiths, churches and national associations who support and provide spiritual care in law enforcement settings and who affiliate with the Police Shomreem Ministries.

Associate Participants: Those who do not officially represent faiths, churches, and national associations may be approved and appointed by the Executive Board as Associate Participants and may take part in the activities of the Ministry.

Honorary Participants: The Ministry may appoint Honorary Participants who in the past have given service to Police Shomreem Ministries. They may take part in the activities of the Ministry.

Meetings: Police Shomreem Ministries shall hold a Business Meeting, to which all participants, associate participants and honorary participants are invited, not less than every two years. Other meetings and activities may from time to time be arranged by the Board of Managers.

Finance: The Board of Managers shall authorize the Treasurer to make payments for operational expenses and to further the purposes of the Police Shomreem Ministries. A statement of accounts shall be sent to the Board of Managers at intervals of not less than 6 months and an annual statement of accounts Board of Managers.

Changes to the Constitution: The constitution may be changed with the approval, by a two thirds majority of those present and voting, at a Board of Managers Meeting of Police Shomreem Ministries providing that notice has been given to all participants of the proposed change not less than 3 months before the meeting.

The Officers Of The Board of Managers: The officers of the Police Shomreem Ministries shall be a President – Chairman Of The Board. The Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Registrar. Other officers such as Trustees and Assistants may be appointed as directed by the Board of Managers. These other officers shall be chosen by ballot at every annual meeting from among the members thereof. All government and direction of the business of the Police Shomreem Ministries shall be vested in its Board of Managers. As needed, committees of participating members may be formed by the Board Of Managers.

The President & Chairman Of The Board Of Managers: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Ministry and over the Board of Managers and shall exercise the usual functions of a presiding officer, under general parliamentary rules, subject to an appeal to the Ministry, in proper cases under those rules. In his absence the ranking Vice-President shall preside and in the absence of the President and the Vice-Presidents a chairman pro tempore shall preside. The President shall be ex officio a member of all committees other than the Committee on Nominations. He/She shall have power to convene the Board of Managers and appoint the place of such meeting when called by him. He/She shall also perform such other representative duties on behalf of the society, either personally or by correspondence, as the Board of Managers may find desirable or necessary, or as customarily appertain to his/her office and he shall enforce a strict observance of the Bylaws of the Ministry. In case of his decease, resignation, neglect to serve or inability from any cause to act as President, the duties of the office shall devolve on the Vice-President until the vacancy caused by such decease, resignation or neglect to serve, shall be filled, or until the inability shall cease.

Vice-President Of The Board Of Managers: In addition to the duty of the Vice-President, he/she will act in the circumstances set forth in this document. The Vice-President(s) shall have such other duties as the Board of Managers may from time to time designate. The Vice-President will act the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer until such a time as the Board of Managers deems separation of these duties to other appointees.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall collect and keep the funds and securities of the Ministry and as often as those funds shall amount to two hundred dollars or more they shall be deposited in some bank in the State of Illinois which shall be designated by the Board of Managers, to the credit of the Police Shomreem Ministries in the State of Illinois and such funds shall be drawn thence on the check of the Treasurer for the purposes of the Ministry only. Out of these funds he/she shall pay such sums only as may be ordered by the Ministry or Board of Managers and shall perform such other duties as the Ministry or the Board of Managers or his office may required of him. He/she shall keep a true account of his receipts and payment and at each Annual meeting, render the same to the Ministry with a full statement of the financial condition of the Ministry. For the faithful performance of his/her duty he/she shall give such security as the Ministry or Board of Managers in lieu of its action thereon, may from time to time require.

Secretary: The Secretary shall conduct the general correspondence of the Ministry and keep a record thereof. He/she shall notify all qualified and accepted candidates of their admission and perform such other duties as the Ministry or Board of Managers or his/her office, may require of him/her. He/she shall have charge of the Seal, Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, historical and other documents and records of the Ministry other than those required to be deposited with the President or the Registrar and shall affix the Seal to all properly authenticated certificates of membership and transmit the same without delay to the member for whom it shall be issued or to his proper representative. He shall also notify the Registrar of all admissions to membership and transmit to him the applications and proofs of eligibility of all persons so admitted. He/she, together with the presiding officer shall, when necessary, certify to all acts of the Ministry and in proper cases authenticate them under Seal. He/she shall have charge of all printing and publications directed by the Ministry or by the Board of Managers. He/she shall give due notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Ministry and of the Board of Managers and shall attend the same. He/she shall keep fair and accurate records of all the proceedings and orders of the Ministry and of the Board of Managers and shall give notice to the officers of all votes, orders, resolves and proceedings of the Ministry or of the Board of Managers, affecting them or appertaining to their respective duties: and, at the annual meeting and more often, if required, shall report to the Ministry the names of those candidates who have been admitted to membership and also the names of those members whose resignations or voluntary withdrawals have been consented to and accepted and also the names of those members who have been expelled or dropped for non-payment of dues or for failure to substantiate claim of descent. In his absence from any meeting a Secretary pro tempore may be designated therefore, unless the Assistant Secretary shall be present to act in such capacity. An assistant Secretary will be appointed as needed by the Ministry. The Vice-President can act in the capacity as a Chaplain as needed by the Ministry.

Registrar: The Registrar shall receive from the Secretary, file and keep on record all the proofs upon which memberships have been granted, declarations of members on admission of adherence to the Bylaws of the Ministry, together with a list of all documentation related to the individual Chaplains Ministry. The Registrar shall also assist the Vice-President in his/her duties. The Registrar shall also be a voting officer and member of the Board of Managers. The Registrar can act in the capacity as a Chaplain as needed by the Ministry.

Future Plans: As this ministry grows the Constitution can be amended to add officers to the Board of Managers.

ARTICLE II

The vision of Police Shomreem Ministries is to: develop a countywide group of chaplains and law enforcement agencies willing to partnership together in Lake County, Illinois. Our prayers are to serve the needs of the police officers and citizens in these communities.

As a shepherd watches the flock, this ministry will be there for those who serve, watch and protect.

“For thus says the L-rd G-D, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 " As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.” [Ezek 34:11-12 NASU]

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” [James 5:16 NASU]

To bring hope where no hope is seen. To minister to the victims and witnesses of evil, pain or suffering. To hear the pain of those who experience tribulation in their lives and bring them out of the darkness and into the light. G-d is light.

“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” [1 Thess 5:14 NASU]

Public Safety chaplains are comforters, pastors, teachers, and counselors. Chaplains are creative and understanding as they demonstrate G-d’s grace and love in ministering to people. Chaplains serving with law enforcement, fire department, and emergency services agencies minister to the employees of the agency as well as the people served in the community.

Chaplains help people discover spiritual resources and faith by providing worship services, religious education, pastoral care, and counseling.

As persons called by G-d, Public Safety Chaplains are trained to serve in an environment of critical incident service and response. There are not many areas of mission service that require greater spiritual sensitivity and more rapid response to human need than a critical incident or disaster.

Chaplaincy is an expression of ministry that places chaplains inside various settings, which include hospitals, corporations, prisons, public safety agencies, and the military services. As such, the ministry of chaplaincy is an extension of the local church reaching into our diverse and multi-cultural society providing spiritual care to people. Chaplains perform the roles of pastor, preacher, teacher/rabbi, evangelist, counselor, and administrator as they represent the church and the denomination from "inside" the using agency.

Entering that saddest of moments is no easier for a chaplain, but the chaplain brings experience, training and skills to the tragedy that are as specialized as the law enforcement resources every officer develops with training and experience. As a team, both chaplain and officer make an important difference in the lives of persons touched by tragedy. We work together.

Chaplains represent a wide variety of religious traditions and levels of professional preparation and endorsement. But when the chaplain is working in the police world, each is "chaplain" for everyone, not the religious leader of a particular denomination serving a particular congregation or service agency. Chaplains serve many personal and spiritual needs of individuals where they are, when they need the support of another person who comes to them without judgment, with openness, and cares for them until the crisis moment is over. Chaplains respect the persons they serve, even though there may be profound differences in race, gender, economic status, religious experience and many other factors.

Chaplains come at any hour, in all kinds of weather. Mostly, they listen. But, they also comfort people who are shaking with fear, with a gentle touch . . . or perhaps, if someone asks, a prayer will be offered in guarded privacy to support the trembling of spirit that comes in difficult moments. Chaplains also understand the difficulties of public bureaucracies, assisting with the "red tape" moments of life for officers and the public alike. They spend many hours riding as active passengers with officers on patrol duty. They also participate in a wide variety of training programs with their officer partners. Often chaplains are asked to teach classes dealing with stress, family life, relationships, ethics, and other issues. All chaplains responding to 9-11disasters raised their own funds to cover their expenses. Many law enforcement agencies, cities, police unions, churches and individuals contributed to make it possible for their chaplain to respond when needed.

1. The Police Shomreem Ministries shall have the right and power to acquire by gift, devise, bequest, purchase, or otherwise, and to own, sell, rent, use or to otherwise deal in and with real or personal property, or any interest therein situated in or out of the State of Illinois.

2. This ministry shall have the right and power to do all things necessary to execute and carry out the purpose for which it is established. All operations and functions will be of a non-profit nature.

3. This ministry shall have all the rights and powers, which are guaranteed, to organizations of like nature by the laws of the State of Illinois, the laws of the different states in which it shall conduct business, and the laws of the United States.

4. This corporation shall have the right and power, through its Board of Managers, to discipline or remove from membership and revoke the credentials of any church or individual member who shall be found guilty of an offense which, according to the judgment of the Board of Managers and any appointed or elected committee of the Board of Managers.

All business meetings of the Board of Managers shall be conducted in and according to accepted rules of parliamentary procedure. The agenda for the annual meeting shall include the following:

A. Call to order by the Chairman of the Board
B. Prayer
C. Opening remarks by the Chairman of the Board
D. Report of the President/CEO

E. Other reports noted on the agenda
F. Appointment of Committees and announcement of committees previously appointed. If any.
G. Unfinished business
H. New business
I. Committee reports. If any
J. Election of officers. If any
K. Selection of time and place of next International Convention
L. Adjournment with prayer

The every day business of the Police Shomreem Ministry can be managed, by the Board of Managers, via U.S Postal Service, e-mail correspondence and telephone conferences.

Major Expenditures: No major expenditures shall be made without the approval of a majority of the Board of Managers.

Confidentiality Of Records:

1. All corporation records, documents, correspondence, and files; and all records, documents, correspondence and files of all applicants and members are privileged information, and shall be restricted to the examination and use of members of the Board of Managers, employees of the Police Shomreem Ministries and persons authorized by law to examine them.

2. The release of information concerning members of the Police Shomreem Ministries shall be at the discretion of the President-Chairman of the Board.

3. Personal references concerning the character and ability of an applicant for participation or membership shall be kept in strict confidence, and information contained therein is not to be divulged to any unauthorized person, including the applicant, without the consent of the person giving the reference.

ARTICLE VII

Legal Obligations

1. This ministry will obey all Local, State and Federal Law, in all it's activities and functions.

2. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall be inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its 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 the purposes set forth in Article Third hereof. 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 or in opposition to 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, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

3. Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

4. No member of the Police Shomreem Ministries Board of Directors, or any of its Committees, shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her participation with the Police Shomreem Ministries. Each individual shall disclose to the Police Shomreem Ministries any personal interest which he or she may have in any matter pending before the Police Shomreem Ministries and shall refrain from participation in any decision on such matter.

Any member of the Police Shomreem Ministries Board, any Committee or Staff who is an officer, board member, a committee member or staff member of a borrower organization or a loan applicant agency shall identify his or her affiliation with such agency or agencies; further, in connection with any credit policy committee or board action specifically directed to that agency, he/she shall not participate in the decision affecting that agency and the decision must be made and/or ratified by the full board.

Any member of the Police Shomreem Ministries Board, any Committee, staff or Associated Minister shall refrain from obtaining any list of Police Shomreem Ministries clients for personal or private solicitation purposes at any time during the term of their affiliation.

Purpose And Reason For The Amendment in Article II Of This Amendment: In order to meet the organizational test for exemption under article 501 (c) (3), our organizational documentation of the Constitution and Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation must be amended to include the following provision. This amendment is a correction to Article VII, Legal Obligations section #3, of the Bylaws of Police Shomreem Ministries. This amendment is in response to a request for this change from the Internal Revenue Service, Director Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements, Department of the Treasury mailed July 28^th, 2005 and received July 30^th, 2005.

The Amendment: Upon the dissolution of the organization (Police Shomreem Ministries) assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purpose or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purpose.

ARTICLE III

The above amendment is hereby recorded as an amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws of Police Shomreem Ministries, and the Articles of Incorporation filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, under The General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986.

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