BCS GAP

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About BCS Christian GAP (BCS GAP)

What We Do

BCS GAP is a community association that began in hopes of encouraging Christian fellowship, learning, and service participation among graduate students and young professionals in the Bryan/College Station Area. Please see our Articles of Organization and Statement of Beliefs below.

Articles of Organization

ARTICLE I - NAME AND LOCATION OF ORGANIZATION

Section 1.1

The official name of this organization shall be Bryan-College Station Christian Graduate Students and Young Professionals. This organization may also be commonly known or referred to within this document and in the public domain as "BCS Christian GAP" or "BCS GAP".

Section 1.2

The principal office of this organization shall be located in the city of Bryan or the city of College Station, Brazos County, Texas.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

Section 2.1

The purpose of this organization is to foster community, fellowship, and spiritual growth among the young adults of the churches in Bryan-College Station and surrounding communities, regardless of denominational affiliation. Organizers of BCS Christian GAP recognize this time of life as a crucial point in a person's faith journey, and strive to encourage accountability, faith, and participation in the church. BCS Christian GAP is organized not to compete with, but strengthen, our individual churches and denominations while increasing understanding and charity amongst ourselves.

Section 2.2

This organization is established as an Unincorporated Nonprofit Association under the provisions of the Texas Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act (TUUNAA), Article 1396-70.01 of Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes. BCS Christian GAP shall operate under those provisions, as specified in the TUUNAA (or the corresponding provisions of future Texas Civil Statutes).

Section 2.3

This organization is established exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles, BCS Christian GAP 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, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Section 2.4

No part of the net earnings of BCS Christian GAP shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its directors, officers, or other private persons, except that this organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purposes and objectives set forth in these Articles. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization 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.

Section 2.5

Upon the dissolution of this organization after paying or adequately providing for the organization's debts and obligations, the remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit funds, foundations, or corporations, which are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and/or scientific purposes and which have established their tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE III - STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 3.1

The Statement of Faith of BCS Christian GAP shall be defined by the following five statements:

  • We believe in God the Father, eternal creator and sustainer of all that is - past, present and future.
  • We believe in God the Son, the Living Word, who became human and lived among us in Jesus Christ our Lord - fully human and fully God. He died on a cross that we might be forgiven of our sins, and was resurrected from the dead, that we might have eternal life.
  • We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the Divine presence in our lives for guidance, comfort, and strength.
  • We believe in the unity of the three Persons of God.
  • We believe in the Bible, Old and New Testaments, as the inspired Word of God; and in the church, the Body of Christ, as the community of all believers, which exists to bear witness to all the world of the love and forgiveness found in God through Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

Section 4.1

Membership in BCS Christian GAP is open to all individuals who, after signifying their agreement with and adherence to the Statement of Faith defined in Section 3.1, express a desire to associate with the organization.

Section 4.2

Membership dues shall be paid in the amount and manner prescribed by the organization at such a time as dues are deemed necessary.

Section 4.3

Churches and church-related organizations may become supporters and/or sponsors of BCS Christian GAP and its activities by signifying agreement with and adherence to the Statement of Faith defined in Section 3.1.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

Section 5.1

The Officers of BCS Christian GAP shall consist of a President and a Treasurer. The term of each office is one calendar year.

Section 5.2

An Officer of BCS Christian GAP must be a Member in good standing of the organization. There is no limitation on the number of terms or number of consecutive terms a Member may occupy an elective office.

Section 5.3

Elections for Officers shall be held during the final regular meeting of each calendar year. The election of each office shall be considered separately. Nominations for Officers shall be taken from Members in attendance at the meeting and shall be seconded by another Member in order to be considered. The person receiving a majority of eligible votes for a particular office will be declared elected to that office.

Section 5.4

In the event that one or more offices become vacant, a special election shall be held to fill the vacant position(s) for the remainder of that calendar year in a manner consistent with Section 5.3.

Section 5.5

The President of BCS Christian GAP shall preside over meetings of the organization, or arrange for another person to preside if absent. The President shall also serve as the primary point of contact for the organization.

Section 5.6

The Treasurer of BCS Christian GAP shall maintain the financial records and bank account of the organization and collect and distribute monies received by the organization.

Section 5.7

The Executive Board of BCS Christian GAP shall consist of the Officers and shall be responsible for the administrative duties of the organization. These administrative duties may consist of, but are not limited to, the following: official correspondence, purchases on behalf of the organization, and representing the organization at various functions and events. Any of these administrative duties may be delegated by the Executive Board to one or more Members as needed or as desired.

ARTICLE VI - FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Section 6.1

Regular meetings of BCS Christian GAP shall be held as determined by the membership and shall be announced through electronic mail or traditional mail.

Section6.2

Other activities of BCS Christian GAP pursuant to the purposes and objectives of the organization shall be held as determined by the membership. These activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Social events, Organized charitable and volunteer efforts, Seminars or presentations for educational and/or spiritual growth, and Retreats or conferences that include one or more activities listed in (a) through (c).

Section 6.3

BCS Christian GAP shall not organize or sponsor any activities that would compromise the organization's existing or potential tax-exempt status.

ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS

Section 7.1

Amendments to these Articles may be considered only at scheduled meetings of the organization. If a meeting is called for the specific purpose of considering an amendment, it must be announced at least two weeks in advance. Both the time of the meeting and the text of the proposed amendment shall be announced through electronic mail or traditional mail.

Section 7.2

Potential amendments to these Articles must be submitted by a petition of at least two (2) Members. Amendments must be submitted to an Officer at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which a vote on the amendment would be taken.

Section 7.3

Amendments shall be voted on using a secret ballot. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of all ballots cast shall be necessary to adopt an amendment, provided the total number of voters casting a ballot shall not be less than a majority of the membership eligible to vote.