First Congregational
CHURCH BYLAWS
ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP
- QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. All who, at the time of adoption of these bylaws are Members of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Meredith, NH.
a. All who want to become Members of the First Congregational Church of Meredith and express that desire to Board of Deacons, who meets with the Pastor, and who have been or will be baptized.
b. All who are recommended by another church in letters of transfer.
c. All who, having completed a course of instruction, approved by the Pastor, become Members through the rite of Confirmation.
d. All who profess a reaffirmation of faith or by affirmation of faith.
2. Having met qualification stated above, such persons are welcomed by the Church in a worship service arranged by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. Their names and membership classifications are recorded in the Church Register.
- CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS
1. ACTIVE MEMBERS
a.
Full Members, to the best of their ability, attend the worship services of this Church, give systematically to its financial support and its benevolences, share in its activities, and seek diligently and prayerfully the spiritual welfare of the whole Church. Full Members may vote at all Church Member meetings, may serve as officers, on all Boards and Committees, and as Church Delegates. Full Members may have associate membership in another Christian Church.
b. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Associate Members have membership in this Church and primary membership in another Christian church. They have all the rights and privileges of Full Members except they are not eligible to become officers of this Church, but are fully entitled to be members of the Council, Boards, or Committees of the Church.
2. INACTIVE MEMBERS
Inactive Members are those who, for a period of two years, have not been present for any Church activity or supported the Church by a contribution. The Board of Deacons contacts the Member to encourage participation or to determine if transfer to inactive membership is appropriate. If this results in a change of classification, the Clerk notifies the person of the action taken and records the change in the Church Register. Inactive members are ineligible to vote at the Annual meeting or special meetings of the Church members or to hold any Church positions.
3. REMOVAL FROM MEMBERSHIP
a. By request from the Member for release from membership.
b. By request to the Clerk from the Member for a letter of transfer
for full membership in another church.
c. Upon notice of death.
4. RESTORATION OF MEMBERSHIP
An inactive or former Member may be reinstated to Full or Associate membership by request to the Board of Deacons and consultation with the Pastor. The Board or Pastor notifies the Church Clerk about such changes in the membership rolls.
5. MEMBERSHIP LIMITATIONS
No individual Church member shall have the authority to act independently for or on behalf of the Church Council or First Congregational Church UCC of Meredith in contractual matters concerning the Church, unless previously authorized by the Church Council or Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE II – PASTOR
A. The Pastor, also called a minister, will have charge of the spiritual welfare of the congregation, preach and teach the Word of God, and administer the sacraments.
B. The Pastor will be a full Member of this Church and an ex-officio non-voting Member of all Boards and Committees, except as otherwise indicated in these bylaws.
C. The pastor will adhere to the professional standards as prescribed in the UCC Manual on Ministry and to the terms of the Call to this Church.
D. The Pastor administers at his/her discretion the “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” for human needs. The donations to funds to this Fund are managed solely by the Pastor.
E. The Pastor’s term of service may be brought to an end either at the initiative of the minister or by a two-
thirds vote of the Church Members. A 90-day notice of termination shall be provided by either party.
ARTICLE
INTRODUCTION
1. All Officers are responsible to the Church Membership.
2. All Officers will be elected at each Annual Meeting to serve for one (1) year.
3. All Officers must be Full Members of this Church.
A. MODERATOR
1. The Moderator will preside at all Annual and Special meetings of the Church Membership and the Church Council meetings.
2. The Moderator will be responsible for maintaining close contact with all Boards and Committees with a view toward better coordination and more efficient implementation of plans and programs approved by the Church Members and the Church Council.
3. The Moderator is an ex-officio, non-voting member of all Boards and Committees.
4. With Council’s approval, the Moderator appoints Ad-Hoc Committee Members.
5. No moderator can be elected to serve more than three (3) years in succession.
6. In the absence of the Moderator, another Church Officer will preside at that meeting.
B. CLERK & ASSISTANT CLERK
1. The Clerk will record all transactions at business meetings of the Church Membership and the Church Council. The Clerk will present the minutes of these meetings at the next business meeting for approval.
2. The Clerk shall oversee the keeping of the Church Register of the names of all Members and classes of membership with dates of admission, transfer, or death, and the record of dates of baptisms and marriages conducted in this Church.
3. The Clerk will oversee the issuing of letters of transfer, maintain all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings.
4. The Assistant Clerk will serve in the absence of the Clerk and perform other duties assigned by the Clerk.
C. TREASURER & ASSISTANT TREASURER
1. The Treasurer is ultimately responsible for the collection and disbursement of funds.
2. The Treasurer and Asst. Treasurer will share the duties of this office, but will divide the collection and disbursement of funds as deemed appropriate by the Treasurer.
3. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer will not pay bills contracted by any Officer, Board or Committee of the Church in excess of their budgeted allotment unless authorized by the Board of Trustees.
4. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer are authorized to sign checks and open accounts.
5. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer will keep separate ledger accounts as follows:
a) Monies received for: i) the general operating funds; ii) those received for support of public worship; iii) all Boards and Committees.
b) Monies received for specific benevolences.
c) Monies received for investment, memorial, or endowment funds will be kept in separate accounts.
6. The Treasurer will notify the Auditing Committee when all accounts are ready for auditing, as soon
after the close of the fiscal year as possible.
7. The Treasurer will prepare a written report for inclusion in the Annual Report summarizing by line
item, receipts, expenditures, investments, memorials, endowments and all other Church monies.
8. The Treasurer will furnish Boards and Committees with the status of their budgets upon request.
9. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer are Members of the Finance Committee.
10. Annually, the signature cards for bank accounts will be updated with the signatures of the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Chair of the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE IV – CHURCH COUNCIL
A. PURPOSE
The Church Council is subordinate to the Church Membership and is the representative body of the Church and serves in an executive capacity. The Church Council represents all Officers, Boards, and Members, the Church Council works for the common good of the Church Membership. In accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws, it has general supervision of Church affairs.
B. MEMBERS
1. The Church Council consists of the Pastor, Moderator, Clerk; Assistant Clerk; Treasurer; Assistant Treasurer; and all attending Members of the Boards and one representative from the Women’s Fellowship.
2. The members of the Church Council each have one vote.
3. The elected term for officers, board members, and delegates is from Feb 1st to Jan 31st, annually.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The ultimate authority for Church affairs rests with the Church Members. Responsibility for daily operations rests with the Pastor, Officers, elected Boards, and Committees. In areas not requiring action by the Church Members as a whole, and not otherwise delegated by these bylaws, the Church Council has the authority and responsibility to act for the Church Members with the exceptions of accepting a pastoral candidate and for the expenditure of non-budgeted General or Special Funds.
2. The Church Council coordinates the activities of the Church. Adjustments and improvements
may be made to maintain harmony and equity in the administration and conduct of this Church.
3. When necessary, the Council resolves differences that may occur, with authority to mediate disputes
or achieve resolution by a decisive vote. Its decisions may be subject to review, revision or repeal by
the Church Members at the Annual Meeting or Special Church Members meetings.
4. The Council receives regular reports from the Pastor, Treasurer, Boards, Standing Committees,
Church organizations, and special Committees when appropriate.
5. The Council may review decisions of the Boards, Committees, and other Church organizations and
give guidance as necessary.
6. The Council may establish Committees for specific purposes not otherwise delegated to the Boards or
other committees.
7. The Council establishes and maintains an updated Church Policy and Procedure Manual.
8. The Council serves as a forum for discussion of items to be considered at meetings of the New
Hampshire Conference, UCC and Merrimack Association and provides input, without direction, to the
Church’s Delegates.
9. The Council acts on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee for filling any vacant elected
positions of the Church. All vacancies having more than sixty days of an un-expired term may be
filled. Such appointments by the Council will continue until a successor, elected at the next Annual
Meeting, assumes the position.
10. When a vacancy occurs for the Pastor, the Council will nominate Members for the Pastoral Search
Committee.
11. The Council serves as custodian of the Church historical records.
12. The Council is responsible for preparation of the Annual Report of this Church.
ARTICLE V – BOARDS
1. Each Board is responsible to the Church Membership.
2. Board members must be Full or Associate members of this Church.
3. Board members are elected at the Annual Meeting for a one (1) year term.
4. Each Board may choose or elect its own officers, as needed.
5. Each Board reports at each regular Church Council meeting.
6. Each Board prepares a written account of the year’s activities for inclusion in the Annual Report.
7. Each Board submits a proposed annual budget to the Finance Committee.
8. Each Board administers its own budget as approved by the Church Members. They are also responsible for the budgets of their Committees.
9. Each Board may establish or eliminate Sub-Committees as deemed appropriate.
10. Each Board submits to the Council detailed information about the Board and its Sub-Committees for inclusion in the Policy and Procedure Manual and updates as they occur.
A. BOARD OF DEACONS – Celebrating … for God, through Christ
1. PURPOSE
This Board, acting on behalf of the First Congregational Church, UCC, of
2. MEMBERS
This Board consists of a maximum of twelve (12) persons.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
a This Board assists the Pastor with the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, Confirmation, Worship services and other programs and services relating to the spiritual life of this Church and its Members.
b. This Board provides for a substitute in the absence of the Pastor, including obtaining an interim pastor when needed.
c. This Board develops and maintains a process whereby, out of Christian concern, Church Members and others will be contacted, as necessary, to encourage their active participation in the worship, fellowship and activities of the Church. It makes visitations as needed or requested.
d. With the Pastor, this Board reviews requests from persons seeking membership, it provides for a worship service at which times such persons will be welcomed into Full or Associate membership. The Board shall submit those names to the Clerk of this Church.
e. This Board provides overall guidance of the Church’s education program by offering, to families and individuals of all ages and stages of faith, creative and innovative educational and recreational growth opportunities, addressing the whole person in body, mind and spirit.
f. This Board conducts the annual pastoral evaluation process, including review of his/her compensation package. When agreement is reached, the Committee presents its recommendations to the Finance Committee prior to their finalizing the annual budget.
g. This Board oversees the annual performance and salary review of the Organist and Choir Director.
B. BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Building … for God, through Christ
1. PURPOSE
This Board, acting on behalf of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Meredith, NH has charge of its business financial affairs and oversees and maintains the Church property.
2. MEMBERS
This Board consists of a maximum of nine (9) members. The Church Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer are ex-officio, non-voting members.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. This Board will present a detailed report at each Annual Meeting of all its major actions, and the condition of the property. Reports on all Church assets and investments for the prior year. The detailed written report of financial and property matters for the calendar year will be included in the Annual Report.
b. This Board is responsible for the job descriptions, the advertising for, the hiring of and the annual job evaluations of the Church’s Sextant and Office Manager.
c. This Board oversees the use of Church property by members and other groups. They will also determine if there is to be a rental charge and see to its collection.
d. The Chair of the Board of Trustees is authorized to act on behalf of the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer, in the absence of both for a period of more than six (6) days.
4. THE POWERS OF THIS BOARD
a. This Board has no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property, or make capital improvements of said property in excess of five (5) percent of the total annual budget, without the specific vote of Church Members at a duly called meeting authorizing such action.
b. This Board has authority to conduct the routine financial affairs of budgeted items up to the budget limits, but it will not incur indebtedness in excess of five (5) percent of the total budget, unless authorized to do so by a vote of Church Members at a duly called meeting. It has the power to borrow at any time, only in anticipation of the collection of pledges, not more than $25,000 for a period not to exceed six (6) months.
c. This Board has the authority to negotiate Letters of Credit on behalf of the Church, but no use of said Letter of Credit may be taken without a vote of the Church Members at a duly called meeting. Upon an affirmative vote of the Church Members, a transfer may be activated by the signature of the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, and the signature of the Chair of the Board of Trustees and one other member of the Board of Trustees. (3 signatures required).
d. This Board has the custody of any gifts given to the Church under the following conditions:
i. No purchase of equipment for the Church or offers of gifts from any individual, groups or organizations may be made to the church without the prior approval of this Board.
ii. No real property may be received without the vote of the Church Members, at a duly called meeting, along with accompanying votes for its care and maintenance or disposition.
iii. Chattel goods, not part of pledged or budgeted items, may be received, sold, converted or disposed of by the Board of Trustees up to the value of $3,000. Any items in excess of that amount require a vote of the Church Members.
5. THIS BOARD OVERSEES OR
a. PERMANENT FUNDS
This Board will have the responsibility of investing all permanent Church funds, subject to any specific provisions listed in other sections of these Bylaws.
b. INVESTMENTS
Funds may be placed in any investment that this Board feels gives safety of principal, growth against inflation and provides a reasonable rate of return.
1. The dividends or interest from these funds may be used for the operating budget of this Church or for other projects upon an affirmative vote of those Church Members present and voting at a duly called Church Members’ meeting. The principal may only be used for non-budgeted specific purposes upon a two-thirds vote of those Church Members present and voting at a duly called Church Members’ meeting.
c. GIFTS, MEMORIALS
From time to time, members, relatives of members or friends will make gifts, bequests or a memorial to the Church in honor of or to memorialize a person or group. Any such gift,
bequest or memorial (monetary, chattel or real property) shall have the names(s) or the person(s) honored listed in a permanent fashion. Any gift, bequest or memorial given to this Church for a specific purpose of designated use is excluded from the following terms:
1. Cash gifts, memorials or bequests given to honor or memorialize person(s) or groups(s) shall have 50% of said gift, bequest or memorial placed in the Endowment Trust.
2. The remaining 50% of said gifts, memorials or bequests shall not be used for the annual operating Church budget, but be temporarily placed in the Endowment Trust until a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Church Members present and voting at a duly called Church Members’ meeting to be placed in (1) an investment account, (2) a Trust account, (3) Capital Reserve Fund or Building Fund, (4) a specific program, need or capital fund drive, or (5) as agreed to by a donor, estate of the donor or donor’s family.
d. TRUSTS
1. ENDOWMENT TRUST
a. An endowment trust may be established.
b. This Board shall be listed in the Endowment Trust document as custodians of monies deposited in this Trust. The original principal deposits must be left to accrue interest and dividends. The interest, dividends and capital appreciation may not be used for the Church operating budget, but shall only be used for non-budgeted specific purposes, upon a two-thirds affirmative vote of those Members present and voting at a duly called Church Members’ meeting. Any change to the trust principal, other than the addition of new gifts, re-invested income or capital appreciation of the trust, shall require a four-fifths vote of those Church Members present and voting at a duly called Church Members’ meeting.
c. From time to time, the Church Members may establish a ceiling as to how much the Endowment Trust will continue to accumulate interest, dividends and capital appreciation before assigning excess growth to other Church Trusts or projects where the monies may work for the betterment of the Church or its mission projects.
NOTE: The Endowment Trust document shall be maintained in the Church files and may be examined in the Church office.
e.
1. This Board and the Council will review any Real Estate offer, inform & solicit feedback from Church Members, then report back to Council with a recommendation.
2. Real estate may be received, leased or purchased by this Church, when a positive motion is presented at a duly called Church Member meeting and receives a two-thirds affirmative vote of those Church Members present at a duly called Church Member meeting and voting.
3. The sale of any Church real estate may only be done after a request is submitted to the Church Membership by the Church Council at a duly called Members Meeting. Following a vote to proceed at a duly called Church Members Meeting, then and only then, can the proposed sale be consummated by the mailing of a ballot to every Member, following the system as given by Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. A time period of twenty-one days will be allowed for this process. At the completion of twenty-one days, a two-thirds affirmative vote of those Members returning ballots is required for passage. The Board of Trustees will then act as sellers for the Church.
C. BOARD OF MISSIONS – Living … for God, through Christ
1. PURPOSE
This Board, acting on behalf of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Meredith, NH seeks to promote the work of the Church Members as they reach out to the community, the nation and the world.
2. MEMBERS
This Board consists of a maximum of six (6) Members.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. This Board keeps the Church Members informed of various missions and encourages their participation and support on the local, state, national and international levels.
b. This Board will conduct the annual stewardship campaign, usually conducted in the late fall.
ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES
The categories for the Church committees are:
A. BOARD COMMITTEES
B. STANDING COMMITTEES
C. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
- BOARD COMMITTEES
INTRODUCTION
- These Committees are established or eliminated by Boards as deemed appropriate. Each Committee reports to its respective Board.
b. Details about these Committees may be found in the Policy and Procedure Manual.
- STANDING COMMITTEES
INTRODUCTION
- These permanent Committees are established by and report to the Church Membership.
- Each Committee submits detailed information to the Church Council for inclusion in the Policy and Procedure Manual and provides updates as they occur.
- Funds needed by a Standing Committee are requested from the Board of Trustees but are administered by the Committee.
- Each Committee prepares a written account of the year’s activities for inclusion in the Annual Report.
1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
a. PURPOSE
This Committee recruits and nominates Church Members to serve this Church in elected positions.
b. MEMBERS
Six (6) members serve on this Committee. One member from each Board, and three Church members to serve as Members at large.
c. RESPONSIBILITIES
1) This Committee reports to the Church Membership.
2) This Committee prepares a slate of nominations for elected positions for the following year and presents it for the Annual Meeting. Its slate shall be available for the Membership at the time of the first call for the Annual Meeting.
3) This Committee submits nominations to the Church Council when there is a vacancy in any elected position.
2. AUDITING COMMITTEE
a. PURPOSE
The Auditors examine, for accuracy and completeness, the financial records of this Church. The results are reported in the Annual Report for that year.
b. MEMBERS
Three (3) Church Members serve on this committee.
c. RESPONSIBILITIES
This Committee audits the books promptly after notification by the Treasurer that the records are ready. Standard auditing procedures are followed.
3.
a. PURPOSE
This Committee is responsible for the research, study and evaluation of proposals or new programs that would add to the Church’s ministry for its Members and the greater community.
b. MEMBERS
Nine (9) Members serve on this Committee. They are the Pastor, the Moderator, one member from each Board, three Members-at-large (two members-at-large and one member under the age of twenty-one), and one representative from the Women’s Fellowship.
c. RESPONSIBILITIES
This Committee strives to develop, maintain and update a minimum five-year plan that includes recommendations for new and ongoing programs that the Church Members may review, amend, replace or add to at each Annual Meeting, commensurate with the Church’s human and financial resources. The current plan is to be included in the Annual Report.
4. PASTOR PARISHIONER RELATIONS COMMITTEE
a. PURPOSE
This Committee serves as an intermediary to improve Pastor Parishioner relations, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of this Church’s spiritual life and mission.
b. MEMBERS
This Committee will consist of a maximum of five (5) members, selected by the Nominating Committee, whose ideas and opinions are valued by both the Pastor and the Church Members
c. RESPONSIBILITIES
1) This Committee serves as an advisory group, bringing concerns of the Congregation to the Pastor, and as a support group for the Pastor’s leadership in the Congregation.
2) It meets periodically, at least bi-annually, with the Pastor, or with concerned Members as necessary, providing a communication link between the Pastor and the Church Members, using constructive and caring communication in an atmosphere of trust. Confidentiality must be maintained within the Committee, except when subjects must be presented to the Church Membership.
3) It helps the Church and the Pastor deal with conflict. The sensitive nature of this Committee’s work must always be considered.
4) It assists a new Pastor in start-up procedures.
5) It assists in termination procedures for the Pastor, should it become necessary.
5. Finance Committee
a. PURPOSE
This Committee will prepare the proposed detailed annual budget, using input from Officers, Boards, Committees and Organizations. The proposed budget will be presented to the Church Council by November 1st for the Council’s suggestions. The proposed budget must be available to each Church Member at the time of the first call for the Annual Meeting.
b. MEMBERS
A minimum of five (5) members serve on this Committee. They are the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, two (2) Members of the Board of Trustees and one (1) member from each of the other two Boards. As requested, members at large may be appointed to serve.
c. RESPONSIBILITIES
i. This Board prepares the annual budget.
ii. Monitors income and expenses of the Church on a monthly basis.
6. Flower Committee
a. PURPOSE
Arranging for flowers for weekly service and during holidays, coordinate holiday decorations with Board of Deacons, and the beautification of the exterior church grounds.
b. MEMBERS
Volunteers from the congregation
C. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
1. The Church Membership or Church Council may appoint special Committees to address specific issues.
2. Such Committees report to the Church Council unless otherwise voted by this Church. They submit written reports of their activities for the Annual Report.
3. They are disbanded when purposes have been satisfied.
1. PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
a. PURPOSE
Whenever a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Pastoral Search Committee is formed to screen potential candidates and to recommend a candidate for vote by the Membership. Once a candidate is called, the Pastoral Search Committee assists with the new Pastor’s installation and assimilation into the Church and community.
b. MEMBERS
i. A minimum of seven (7) Church Members will serve on this committee from volunteers elected by congregation.
ii. The full state of nominees will be presented for vote at a duly called special meeting of the Church Members.
iii. The Pastoral Search Committee selects its own Chair.
c. RESPONSIBILITIES
i. This Committee follows the guidelines, for this process, set by the U.C.C. and the New Hampshire Conference, U.C.C.
ii. The Pastor will be called upon the recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee and a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Church Members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Church members. Installation of the Pastor will be performed by the Merrimack Association at a time agreed upon by the Association, the Church and the Pastor.
2. OTHER SPECIAL COMMITTEES are created as needed i.e. Fundraising Committee, Bylaw Revision Committee, etc.
ARTICLE VII – ORGANIZATIONS
The growth and development of other organizations which further the purpose of this Church are encouraged. Such organizations, consisting principally of Church Members, are regarded as integral parts of this Church and are under its general oversight, through its Pastor and the Church Council. They may have a representative in the Church Council.
ARTICLE VIII- DELEGATES
The church is entitled to official representation in regional and state organizations of the UCC. The number of Delegates is determined by the bylaws of these organizations. Delegates are to be Full Members. Delegates are elected at the Annual Meeting of this Church, and to serve for a one-year term. They make reports to the Church Membership. Reasonable expenses for these delegates should be paid by this Church.
ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS
A. FOR WORSHIP
Public services of worship are held each Sunday and at other times as the Church Membership or the Board of Deacons may determine. The Lord’s Supper may be celebrated on the first Sunday of the month and/or at other times as decided by the Church Membership or the Board of Deacons. Services of baptism will be arranged with the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
B. FOR BUSINESS OF THE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
INTRODUCTION
a. The fiscal year of this Church is from January 1 through December 31.
b. All business meetings are open to all Members of this Church.
c. At all business meetings, fifteen percent of the Membership constitute a quorum. (as reported to the Merrimack Association annually)
d. Nominations from the floor will be accepted for all elected positions.
e. Voting is by voice, a show of hands, or a written ballot when requested at the meeting by five Members or at the discretion of the Moderator. Written ballots are recorded for future reference.
f. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order ,Newly Revised shall govern this Church in all cases to which they are applicable in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws or special rules of this Church.
C. ANNUAL MEETING
a. The Annual Meeting is held during the month of January, the date, time and place to be set by the Church Council and announced with the call.
b. The meeting shall be called by the Clerk by reading such notice at the three consecutive Sunday worship services prior to the meeting and by any other appropriate means of notification.
c. Copies of the proposed budget, preliminary Treasurer’s report, Annual Report, and the Nominating Committee report shall be available to Members at the time of the first call for the Annual Meeting.
d. The proposed Church budget for the ensuing year is reviewed and voted on, and the nominations for elected positions are presented for vote, with terms starting February 1. Other business may be transacted as specified in the call of the meeting or at the discretion of the Moderator.
D. SPECIAL MEETINGS
a. Special meetings are called by the Clerk, at the written request of the Church Council, Pastor, any Board, or by any ten (10) Full Members. The purpose of the meeting being clearly stated in the request and call.
b. The call for such meetings is read at the Sunday worship service at least three (3) consecutive Sundays prior to the scheduled meetings.
ARTICLE X – ANNUAL REPORTS
Reports covering the calendar year shall be prepared by the Pastor, Officers, Boards, Committees, Church Organizations, and any persons responsible for special committees or activities. These reports are published in the Annual Report of this Church, available to the Church Members at the time of the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer’s report for the Annual Meeting covers the period of January 1 through December 31, and is prepared at the close of the fiscal year and is made available to the Church Membership by January 15 of the following year.
ARTICLE XI – POLICY
The Church Council maintains a manual for the policies and procedures of Officers, Boards, Committees, and Church Organizations or functions. They will submit detailed information for the manual, including any procedures and Membership specifications not stated in the bylaws of this Church. Any changes in the information should be provided as they occur.
ARTICLE XII – SUCCESSOR RIGHTS
In the event this Church ceases to exist because:
The Church changes from United Church of Christ to another denomination or merges with another Church, then all real estate and assets will continue to exist under the new corporation designation.
The Church becomes so depleted in membership and/or assets that it does not function as an active Church in the conducting of regular worship and related activities for a period of two years, then the real estate shall be sold and all assets will be disbursed as the remaining Members agree.
Then the Members present at any dissolution of the Church will preserve any existing memorial gifts and Trusts and have them administered as nearly as possible according to the intent of the donors and for the continued support of Christ’s work in this community.
ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of this Church may be proposed by the Church Council, Boards, Committees, or ten (10) Church Members. The written text shall be submitted to the Church Council, which will request the Clerk to call a Church Members meeting for vote on the proposal(s). This call shall be read at three (3) consecutive Sunday worship services prior to the meeting. The written text must be made available to the Church Members thirty (30) days prior to this meeting. The proposed amendment(s) must receive a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of Church Members present and voting.
Committee for updating Church By-Laws, 2009:
Dave Kuether, Nancy Nunamacher, Carol Euiler, Kitty Bevington, Deb McNeish, Sue Andersen, Ron Andersen, Helen Robinson, Kenneth Haley, ex-officio: Pastor Russ Rowl
