From time to time, there are decisions that belong to all of us … not just to staff or leadership, but to the whole church family. When one of those moments comes up, this is where you’ll find it.

Below, you’ll see the specific issue we’re praying through together, why it’s in front of us, and everything you need to know before you cast your vote. Thank you for participating.

Hi Neighborhood Church Family,

It’s hard to believe Connect Coffee opened over a year ago! As part of our ongoing commitment to legal and financial stewardship, we are working with the California State Board of Equalization to obtain an Organizational Clearance Certificate for property and tax compliance.

To complete this process, California state law requires us to update specific wording in our Articles of Incorporation. Any amendments to these Articles must be approved by a member vote. Read the proposed change below.

How to Participate:

• Review: Please review the proposed amendment to Article Sixth below.
• Deadline: Cast your vote by August 6, 2026.
• Questions? Reach out to Executive Pastor Kelly Thomas.

Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (2026)

Proposed Amendment (Article Sixth)

“Article Sixth of the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation shall be amended to read as follows:

This corporation is one which does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to the members thereof, and it is organized solely for non-profit purposes. The property of this non-profit corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable and/or religious purposes, and upon the liquidation, dissolution or abandonment of this organization, its assets, remaining after payment or provision of payment of all debts and liabilities of this organization, shall be distributed to an organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational and/or religious purposes meeting the requirements of Revenue and Taxation Code section 214.”

Current Wording (Amended in 1968)

“Article Sixth reads as follows:
This corporation is one which does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to the members thereof, and it is organized solely for non-profit purposes. The property of this non-profit corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable and/or religious purposes, and on dissolution none of its assets shall inure to any individual, but shall be distributed to a fund or foundation whose property is dedicated to exempt purposes as specified in Revenue and Taxation Code section 214 and section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. If this corporation holds any assets on trusts, such assets shall be disposed of in such manner as may be directed by decree of the superior court of the county in which this corporation’s principal office is located, upon petition therefor by the attorney general or by any person concerned in the liquidation.”

As stated in our Bylaws and adopted by the Board of Elders:

A voting member is anyone who actively participates in the life and mission of Neighborhood Church by meeting the following criteria:

• Age: 16 years of age or older.
• Alignment: Affirms the mission and vision of Neighborhood Church:
• Our Mission: To inspire people wherever they are to live like Jesus wherever they go.
• Our Vision: To be a church unchurched people love to attend.
• Faith: Aligns with our posture as a Jesus Church—believing Jesus reveals who God is and choosing to submit your life to Him as King, Lord, and Savior.
• Participation: Engaged in at least one of the following during the calendar year prior to a vote:
• Contributed financially to the mission of Neighborhood Church.
• Served on a volunteer team.
• Participated in a small group.
• Committed to inviting unchurched friends, family, or co-workers to sit with you at church events.

Note on Voting: Individuals who meet these qualifications as of December 31 are eligible to participate in affirmation and approval votes held during the following calendar year. A voting member is eligible to participate in the annual affirmation of the Elder Board slate, affirmation of the annual ministry budget, and approve any changes to the by-laws and constitution. By casting your vote you are annually reaffirming your commitment to the Mission and Vision of Neighborhood Church and you are confirming that you continue to meet the membership requirements listed above.