BYLAWS
SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
United Church of Christ
Concord, New Hampshire
ARTICLE I--NAME and SEAL
This Church shall be known as South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Concord, New Hampshire. It shall be incorporated as a voluntary corporation under the laws of the State of New Hampshire. It shall have a seal which shall be circular in form and bear the inscription: "South Congregational Church of Concord, New Hampshire. Organized 1837. Incorporated 1917. Seal."
ARTICLE II--PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATIONS
1. Statement of Purpose. The purpose of this Church shall be: to maintain a place to worship God, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the rites and sacraments of the Christian church; to witness and strive for righteousness, justice, and peace among all people; to develop Christian character through the education of both youth and adults; to promote Christian fellowship within this Church and the Church Universal; and to provide a means for Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners to render loving service in the Concord community and throughout the world.
2. Organizations. Keeping in mind that this Church is united in purpose, it welcomes the creation of organizations which shall assist in the accomplishment of its purpose, including fellowship groups for youth and adults, circles, societies, and associations. Each organization which derives its principal membership from the Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners of this Church shall be regarded as an integral part of the Church and shall receive general oversight from the clergy and the Church Council. All such organizations shall be expected to: cooperate fully in the realization of the Church's purpose; adhere to all provisions of these Bylaws; and coordinate their activities through the Church office and the Church Council.
ARTICLE III--POLITY
1. Ecclesiastical Authority. This Church is an independent body amenable to no other ecclesiastical authority, having within itself all necessary powers of government and discipline. This Church accepts the covenant of mutual counsel, comity, and cooperation involved in the free association of the United Church of Christ and pledges itself to share in the common aims and works of the United Church of Christ at the Merrimack Association, New Hampshire Conference, and National levels. This Church shall work to extend ecumenical fellowship in all ways possible, including membership in the Greater Concord Interfaith Council.
2. Government. Subject to the laws of the State of New Hampshire relating to voluntary corporations, the government of this Church shall be vested in its Members who, through participation in Annual and Special Meetings of the Church, shall: determine policy; elect the officers of the Church and members of its boards and standing committees; approve the Church budget; call the Clergy; establish staff positions; vote to alter or amend these Bylaws; and otherwise direct the Church's affairs. Individuals elected or appointed to fill Church offices or to serve on boards and committees shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the diversity of the congregation. Except for meetings of the Personnel Committee and Search Committees and executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, meetings of the Church Council and of boards and committees shall be open to all Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners of this Church.
ARTICLE IV--STATEMENT OF FAITH
Consistent with our commitment to the freedom and responsibility of the individual and the right to personal judgement in matters of faith, we subscribe to the following statement, adapted in doxology form for the 25th Anniversary of the United Church of Christ, as a summary of Christian beliefs widely held in our congregation, and as a testimony to but not as a test of our faith.
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and our God,
and to your deeds we testify.
You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image and set before each one
the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and
apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to
to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the Church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants
in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the
struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.
ARTICLE V--MEMBERSHIP
1. Members. Members are those persons received into full membership by confession of faith, including confirmation, presentation of letters of transfer from other churches, or reaffirmation of faith. Members shall, to the best of their ability: attend the Sunday worship services of the Church; contribute regularly to the financial support of this Church and its benevolences at home and abroad; share in its organized work and activities; and seek, diligently and prayerfully, the spiritual welfare of the whole Church. Members who move away from the Concord area shall be encouraged to transfer their full membership to a church in their new community and if they choose to maintain an affiliation with this Church may remain on the parish list as Associate Members. Members who move but still desire to maintain their full membership in this Church shall be expected to communicate with the Church at least once each year and to make some financial contribution to its support. Members shall be eligible to vote in person at all Annual and Special Meetings of this Church and to serve as Church officers, members of the Church Council and of all boards and committees, and as delegates from this Church.
2. Associate Members. Associate Members are those persons who choose to maintain or enter into a formal affiliation with this Church while they simultaneously enter into or maintain full membership in another church. Associate Members shall have the same benefits and responsibilities as Members, except that they shall not be entitled to vote at Annual or Special Meetings of this Church. They are welcomed into the Church's worship and fellowship life and are invited to participate in its programs and activities, including service on the Board of Christian Education, Board of Christian Outreach, and most committees. Associate Members shall not be eligible to serve as Church officers, as members of the Church Council, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, Personnel Committee, or a Pastoral Search Committee, or as delegates from this Church. Associate Members shall not be reported as Members on the membership roll or entitled to letters of transfer. A list of Associate Members shall be maintained on the church computer.
3. Parishioners. Parishioners are those persons who do not wish to formally affiliate with this Church, but do wish to share in its worship and fellowship life. Parishioners shall have the same benefits and responsibilities as Members, except they shall not be entitled to vote at Annual or Special Meetings of this Church. In addition, they shall not be eligible to serve as Church officers, as members of the Church Council, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Board of Christian Education, Board of Christian Outreach, Nominating Committee, Personnel Committee, Membership Committee, Stewardship Committee or a Pastoral Search Committee, or as delegates from this Church. Parishioners can serve on Music, Guild and Pastor’s Aid without membership at South Church.
4. Inactive Members. The Administrator shall annually review the membership roll of the Church. Members whose addresses are unknown or who, for a period of two years, have not communicated with the Church or contributed to its support may be transferred to the inactive list which shall be kept on file in the Church office. Prior to taking this action, the Administrator’s proposed additions to the inactive list shall be reviewed by the Clergy, Membership Committee and Board of Deacons. In addition, the Administrator shall attempt to notify said Members of their proposed transfer to inactive status. From the date of their transfer to the inactive list, individuals shall not be reported on the membership roll or included on the parish list. An Inactive Member shall be reinstated as a Member upon his/her written request to the Administrator. Inactive Members shall not be entitled to vote at Annual or Special Meetings of this Church and shall not be eligible to serve as Church officers, as members of the Church Council or any board or committee, or as delegates from this Church.
5. Removal of Members from the Membership Roll. Members shall be removed by the Administrator from the membership roll upon their written request to the Church, upon their death, or upon the issuance by the Administrator of a letter of transfer or letter of introduction from this Church to a specific church to be named in said letter. The member’s status may be changed to Associate Member according to the provisions of Article 5: Section 2. In addition, if it is verified that a Member of this Church has full membership in another church, his/her membership in this Church shall automatically be terminated and his/her name shall be removed from the membership roll.
6. Removal of Associate Members or Parishioners from the Parish List. Associate Members and Parishioners shall be removed by the Administrator from the parish list upon their written request to the Church or upon their death. In addition, Parishioners shall be dropped from the parish list when they no longer reside in the Concord area. The Administrator may also remove Associate Members and Parishioners from the parish list when they no longer participate in Church activities or contribute to its support. Before taking this action, the Administrator shall consult with the Clergy, Membership Committee and Board of Deacons.
7. Termination of Membership or Affiliation. If any Member, Associate Member, or Parishioner persistently violates the character and spirit of Christian discipleship, his/her membership or affiliation with the Church shall be reviewed by the Board of Deacons. After due notice, opportunity for a hearing, and faithful efforts to bring said individual to repentance, the Board of Deacons may recommend to the Members at a Special Meeting of the Church called for this purpose in accordance with Article XI, Sections 4 and 5, that his/her membership or affiliation be terminated. If this recommendation is approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members present and voting, then said individual's membership or affiliation shall be terminated and his/her name shall be dropped from the membership roll and/or parish list, as appropriate.
ARTICLE VI–CLERGY
1. Procedures for Call. Whenever it becomes necessary to call Clergy for the Church, the Church Council shall appoint a Pastoral Search Committee consisting of at least seven and no more than eleven voting members, all of whom shall be Members of the Church. In accordance with Article III, Section 2, every effort shall be made to ensure that this committee reflects, to the extent practicable, the diversity of the congregation. If a Minister of Spiritual Growth is to be called, the Pastor shall serve as a non-voting member of the Search Committee. If the Pastor is to be called, the Search Committee shall consult periodically with the Minister of Spiritual Growth who shall not serve on the Search Committee. The Church Council shall name a chairperson or co-chairpersons of the Search Committee. The Search Committee shall meet as often as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. It shall keep written minutes, but said minutes shall not be made available to the congregation. The Search Committee shall seek the counsel of and follow the standard search procedures recommended by the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Search Committee shall act by a majority vote of its voting members, except that the vote to recommend a candidate to the congregation shall be made by at least two-thirds of its voting members. The Search Committee shall present the candidate to the Members at a Special Meeting of the Church called for this purpose in accordance with Article XI, Sections 4 and 5. Clergy shall be called for an indefinite time by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members present and voting. The terms of call shall be negotiated with the Clergy being called, set forth in writing by the Search Committee, and approved by the Board of Trustees and the Church Council. The terms of call shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Deacons and any modifications approved by the joint Church Council/Board of Trustee Budget Committee. Changes in compensation must also be accepted by the Members of the Church as part of their review and approval of the annual Church budget. The performance of the clergy shall be evaluated annually by the Board of Deacons, in conjunction with the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and Personnel Committee. The Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the Board of Deacons shall also provide support to the clergy. Clergy may resign from his/her call by giving 60-days written notice to the Church President. Upon a vote by at least two-thirds of the Members present and voting at a duly-called Special Meeting of the Church, the Church may also ask clergy to resign from his/her call, said resignation to become effective within 60 days following such vote.
2. Affiliation and Installation. Clergy shall become a Member of this Church after accepting the Church's call. He/she shall also establish standing as an ordained clergy with the Merrimack Association of the United Church of Christ. After fully meeting all criteria established by the Merrimack Association's Committee on Church and Ministry, clergy shall be installed at a formal installation service conducted by the Merrimack Association.
3. Duties. The Clergy shall serve as pastors and teachers for the Church and its people. In cooperation with the Board of Deacons, they shall have charge of the spiritual life of the Church. Their special duty is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, administer the rites and sacraments of the Christian church, bring comfort to the distressed, the sick, and the dying, and seek to lead the congregation to a deepened commitment to the will of God. They shall be responsible for the leadership of worship services, the enabling of lay ministries, and evangelism, including calling on prospective members and making the Church more visible in the community. They shall bring to the congregation an increased awareness of the Church as part of the Merrimack Association, the New Hampshire Conference, and the United Church of Christ. The Pastor is the chief executive of the Church as an institution, with the right of initiative and general supervision but not of veto. He/she shall oversee the work of the Church staff who shall be administratively accountable to him/her. The Pastor is a full, voting member of the Church Council, an ex-officio member of the Memorial Gifts Committee and the Stewardship Committee, and an ex-officio member, without vote, of all other boards and standing committees. The Pastor may delegate his/her membership on any board or standing committee to the Minister of Spiritual Development. Except for Pastoral Search Committees (see Article VI, Section 1), both Clergy may be appointed as full, voting members to any temporary committee established by the Church Council, including Staff Search Committees. The Minister of Spiritual Growth is a full, voting member of the Church Council. In addition to sharing the spiritual leadership of the Church, The Minister of Spiritual Growth's particular duties shall be defined by the Church Council after consultation with the Pastor, the Board of Deacons, and any other Church board or committee for whose program area he/she is primarily responsible. As provided in Article XI, Section 8, clergy shall prepare an account of his/her activities for the preceding year for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church.
ARTICLE VII– SUPPORT STAFF
1. Establishment and Appointment. Some staff positions, either full or part time, shall be established by a majority vote of the Members of the Church present and voting at a duly-called Special Meeting or as part of their review and approval of the annual Church budget. Such positions may include, but shall not be limited to, Church Administrator, Minister of Music, and Christian Education Director. A job description for each position shall be developed and maintained by the Personnel Committee in consultation with appropriate Church boards and committees. The Church Council shall appoint a Search Committee for the Church Administrator, Minister of Music, and Christian Education Director which shall include, but not be limited to: the Pastor or Minister of Spiritual Growth; two members of the relevant Church board or committee; the President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, or a Member-at-Large of the Church Council; and one additional representative of the Church-at-large, who shall not currently be a Church officer or member of any board or committee. When conducting a search for music staff, a representative of the Board of Deacons and a representative of the Chancel Choir shall be added to the Search Committee. Upon recommendation of the Search Committee, an individual shall be appointed to a staff position by a majority vote of the total membership of the Church Council. The Church Council shall also approve the initial terms of appointment, including salary and benefits. The performance of each staff member shall be evaluated annually by the Personnel Committee. This committee shall recommend any changes in compensation to the joint Church Council/Board of Trustee Budget Committee. Changes in compensation must also be accepted by the Members of the Church as part of their review and approval of the annual Church budget.
Staff members may resign by giving 14-days written notice to the Pastor and Church President. In the case of problems arising between staff or between clergy and staff, the church leadership shall proceed according to the steps laid out in the Problem Resolution Policy. If, following all due process, a problem remains unresolved, then, a majority vote of the total membership of the Church Council, a staff member may be asked to resign, said resignation to become effective within 14 days following such vote.
2. Duties. Staff shall carry out those functions detailed in their job description, as well as those unenumerated duties normally incumbent upon their position. They shall be administratively accountable to the assigned Supervisor, who shall oversee their work. In addition, in carrying out their assigned functions and related duties, they shall receive guidance, counsel, and direction from the appropriate Church board or committee or staff person. They shall be expected to attend staff meetings as required by the Pastor. They shall coordinate their activities with other staff, so as to ensure the smooth operation of the Church. If it is required as part of their job description, they shall be expected to attend meetings of the relevant Church board or committee. They shall be invited to attend meetings of the Church Council, where they may be asked to give reports or to provide other information. If it is required as part of their job description, they shall prepare an account of their activities for the preceding year for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church.
3. Church Administrator. Without limitation of the duties set forth in Section 2 of this Article, the Church Administrator shall, based on information provided to him/her by the Collections and Deposits Committee, keep a record of all monies received by the Church, including payments on pledges and Church offerings and transmit a weekly deposit report to the Treasurer (see Article VIII, Section 6); maintain confidentiality relative to an individual's level of giving to the Church; prepare and distribute quarterly statements as may be necessary for the timely collection of pledge payments; upon request or as required by law, provide Members, Associate Members and Parishioners with an annual statement of their pledge amount, order offering envelopes and see that they are distributed; and assist the Clerk in the annual review and updating of the membership role and the parish list.
ARTICLE VIII--OFFICERS
1. Qualifications, Election, Term, and Removal. The officers of this Church shall be a President, Vice President, Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer. All officers shall be Members of the Church and shall be subject to the Safe Church Policy of South Church. They shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting by a majority vote of the Members present and voting from a slate presented by the Nominating Committee or from additional nominations made from the floor. They shall be elected for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of office shall commence on June 1 and end on May 31 of the following year. Except as otherwise limited in this Article of the Bylaws, all officers shall be eligible to succeed themselves. An officer may be removed from office for cause by a vote of at least two-thirds of the total membership of the Church Council. If any office becomes vacant, the Church Council shall appoint a Member to fill the remaining portion of the unexpired term. If any officer, because of illness, disability, or a temporary absence, is unable to carry out the duties of his/her office, the Church Council may appoint a Member to serve, at the Council's pleasure, as an officer pro tempore. In addition to the powers and duties specified below, officers shall have those responsibilities normally incumbent upon their office.
2. President. The President is the corporate head of the Church. He/she shall serve as a full, voting member and chairperson of the Church Council and develop the agenda for its meetings. He/she shall also serve as an ex-officio member and chairperson of the Delegates Committee. The President shall maintain close contact with the clergy, chairpersons of boards and committees, and other organizations, with a view towards better coordination and more efficient achievement of the purpose of the Church as stated in Article II, Section 1. As provided in Article XI, Section 8, the President shall prepare an account of his/her activities for the preceding year for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church. After serving as President, an individual shall be ineligible for reelection to that post for a period of two years.
3. Vice President. The Vice President shall serve as a full, voting member of the Church Council and in the absence of the President he/she shall preside at meetings of the Council. He/she shall also serve as an ex-officio member and chairperson of the Memorial Gifts Committee, and an ex-officio member of the Delegates Committee. He/she shall carry out other duties as assigned by the President. In the normal course of events, it is expected that the Vice President will ascend to the presidency. After serving as Vice President, an individual shall be ineligible for reelection to that post for a period of two years.
4. Moderator. The Moderator shall preside at Annual and Special Meetings of the Church. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, he/she shall make any and all rules necessary for the orderly conduct of said meetings. Such rules may be overturned by a majority vote of the Members present and voting.
5. Clerk. The Clerk, with the help of Church staff as necessary, shall: keep a written record of all business transacted at Annual and Special Meetings of the Church; as provided in Article V, maintain and update the membership roll which shall include, at a minimum, the dates and means of reception and removal of each Member; report changes in membership at each Annual Business Meeting of the Church; keep a list of all baptisms, weddings, and funerals performed by the Clergy; read the necrology at each Annual Business Meeting; and prepare a report for the preceding year for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church.
6. Treasurer. The Treasurer, as authorized by the annual Church budget or by vote of the Church Council (see Article IX, Section 5-m), shall disburse in a timely fashion all current operating funds of the Church, including such special collections or designated gifts as may be received from time to time and such other funds as may be deposited or transferred into the Church's operating account. He/she shall keep an accurate account of the same and shall be responsible for processing the biweekly payroll and filing required reports and making related payments to the Internal Revenue Service, the Pension Board of the United Church of Christ, the New Hampshire Conference, and the Corporate Division of the New Hampshire Department of State. All checks drawn by the Treasurer shall be in the name of the Church and shall be countersigned by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees or a member of said Board designated by the Chairperson (see Article X, Section 5-e (ii)). Upon the authorizing vote of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer may enter into contracts on behalf of the Church. He/she shall prepare and submit monthly financial reports to the Board of Trustees and the Church Council. The Treasurer shall also prepare an annual financial report for the preceding fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. This report shall include a statement of all deposits to and expenditures from the current operating account, including special offerings and designated gifts received by the Church, and for any other designated or undesignated funds under the Treasurer's control. This report shall be published in the Annual Reports of the Church. It shall be independently audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and so certified. In carrying out his/her duties, the Treasurer shall receive help, as necessary, from Church staff. The Treasurer is a full, voting member of the Church Council and an ex-officio member, without vote, of the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE IX--CHURCH COUNCIL
1. Voting Members. The Church Council shall consist of the following voting members: the President, Vice President, and Immediate Past President; the Clergy, the Administrator and Treasurer; a representative from the Board of Christian Education, Board of Christian Outreach, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Membership Committee, Music Committee, and Stewardship Committee; the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee; a youth representative under the age of 21 who shall be appointed annually by the Christian Education Committee in consultation with the Clergy; a delegate from this Church to the Greater Concord Interfaith Council (see Article X, Section 5-g); and three representatives of the Church-at-Large. They shall be subject to the guidelines of the Safe Church Policy. Except for executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, staff members and representatives of other Church committees and organizations, including fellowship groups, may attend Council meetings with voice but without vote.
2. Immediate Past President and Members-at-Large. It shall be the duty of the Immediate Past President and the Council Members-at-Large to bring the feelings and concerns of the congregation to the Church Council on which they shall serve as full, voting members. They shall also serve as ex-officio members of the Delegates Committee. One Member-at-Large shall be elected at each Annual Business Meeting by a majority vote of the Members present and voting from a nominee presented by the Nominating Committee or from additional nominations made from the floor. Members-at-Large shall serve for a term of three years or until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of office shall commence on June 1 and end on May 31. After serving one full term, Members-at-Large shall be ineligible for reelection to that post for a period of one year. The Immediate Past President or a Member-at-Large may be removed from office for cause by a vote of at least two-thirds of the total membership of the Church Council. If the Immediate Past President or a Member-at-Large resigns or is otherwise unable to fulfill his/her term, the Church Council shall appoint a Member to serve in that capacity until the next Annual Business Meeting of the Church when an individual shall be elected to fill the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
3. Meetings. Regular meetings of the Council shall be held monthly during the months of September through June at times to be decided by the Council. Special meetings may be called at other times, as necessary, by the President, the Clergy, or any five members of the Council. The Administrator shall notify all members by mail, at least five days in advance of a special meeting. A majority of the voting members of the Council shall constitute a quorum for any meeting. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 5-k and 5-l of this Article, as long as a quorum is present, the Council shall act by a majority vote of its members in attendance. As provided in Article III, Section 2, except for executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, meetings of the Church Council shall be open to all Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners of this Church.
4. Powers. The Council shall interpret and implement the will of the Members of the Church in the interim between Annual and Special Meetings. To this end, it shall serve as the executive committee of the Church and oversee its operations according to these Bylaws. It shall have full power to act for this Church in those areas which do not require action by the Members as a whole and are not assigned by these Bylaws to a board or committee. The Council may review the decisions of all boards, committees, and organizations, including fellowship groups. Its actions may, in turn, be reviewed by the Members at an Annual or Special Meeting of the Church. It shall serve as the coordinating body for all the interests and activities of the Church and its organizations and shall make such adjustments and improvements as may seem wise in the areas of direction and procedure. It may require any Church organization to submit an annual financial report for examination. It shall mediate disputes between Church boards and committees. It shall hear reports from the clergy, officers, staff members, and all boards, committees, and organizations of the Church and take such actions relating thereto as may be necessary. At all times, the members of the Council shall keep the welfare of the Church as a whole foremost in their minds.
5. Duties. In addition to the broad powers outlined above, the Council shall carry out the following specific duties.
a. It shall prepare such materials as it deems necessary and appropriate to assist members of boards, committees, and other organizations in carrying out their duties. It shall annually establish a process by which all boards and committees set and evaluate their goals. It shall devote at least one meeting to a review of these goals and to long-range planning for the Church.
b. It may delegate to a particular board or standing committee duties which are not specifically provided for in these Bylaws and are not within the authority of any other board or committee.
c. It may establish such temporary committees as it deems necessary for the efficient operation of the Church. It may establish working groups or task forces in such areas as long-range planning, church growth, or, upon the recommendation of the Board of Christian Outreach, particular issues of social concern.
d. Each year, no later than its regular meeting in September, it shall appoint a Nominating Committee which shall consist of a chairperson, chairperson-elect, and such other members as may be necessary. All individuals appointed to this committee shall be Members of this Church. Members of this committee shall serve from the day of their appointment until their successors are appointed and qualified. After serving one term, the chairperson and the chairperson-elect shall be ineligible for reappointment to that same position for a period of one year. Upon his/her appointment, the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee shall become a full, voting member of the Church Council. This committee, with the advice of the clergy and appropriate Church staff, shall prepare and present at the Annual Business Meeting of the Church a slate of nominees which shall consist of a single nomination for each Church office and position which is scheduled to be filled by election at said meeting (see Article VIII, Section 1, Article IX, Section 2, and Article X, Section 1). This provision in no way limits the right of any Member of the Church to make additional nominations for any office or position from the floor of said meeting. Throughout the year, this committee shall suggest individuals for appointment to various positions by the Council (see Article IX, Section 5, Subsections c, e, f, and g). In accordance with Article III, Section 2, the Nominating Committee shall make every effort to ensure that individuals elected or appointed to fill Church offices or to serve on boards and committees shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the diversity of the congregation. Except for simultaneous service on the Delegates Committee, no person shall hold more than one elective Church office or position at the same time. As provided in Article XI, Section 8, the Nominating Committee shall prepare a report for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church.
e. It shall periodically review and approve any modifications to the guidelines for accepting, maintaining, and using memorial gifts. It shall annually commission a Memorial Gifts Committee to carry out the provisions of said guidelines, including the authorization of expenditures from the memorial gifts account. The Memorial Gifts Committee shall consist of the Vice President, who shall serve as this committee's chairperson, a Clergy member, a representative of the Board of Deacons, and a representative of the Board of Trustees. As provided in Article XI, Section 8, the Memorial Gifts Committee shall prepare a report for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church. (See also Article X, Section 5-c.)
f. It shall provide for interim clergy in the absence or illness of any one of the clergy.
g. In accordance with Article VI, Section 1, whenever it becomes necessary, it shall appoint a Pastoral Search Committee to seek a new Pastor or Minister of Spiritual Growth. It shall name a chairperson or co-chairpersons of the Search Committee. It shall, with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees, approve the initial terms of call for new clergy. As provided in Article VI, Section 3, it shall, after appropriate consultation, define the particular duties to be carried out by the Minister of Spiritual Growth.
h. Upon a majority vote of its total membership, it may ask a staff member to resign, said resignation to become effective within 14 days following such vote.
i. As provided in Article VIII, Section 1, Article IX, Section 2, and Article X, Section 1, it may by a vote of at least two-thirds of its total membership remove from office for cause an officer, the Immediate Past President, a Council Member-at-Large, or a member of any board or standing committee. As provided in Article VIII, Section 1, if a vacancy occurs in an elective office of the Church, it shall appoint a Member to fill the remaining portion of the unexpired term. In the event that an elective officer is unable to carry out his/her duties due to an illness, disability, or a temporary absence, it may also appoint a Member to serve as an officer pro tempore. As provided in Article IX, Section 2, if the Immediate Past President or a Member-at-Large resigns or is otherwise unable to fulfill his/her term, it shall appoint a Member to serve in that capacity until the next Annual Business Meeting of the Church. In accordance with Article X, Section 1, it shall fill a vacancy on any board or standing committee, said appointee to serve until the next Annual Business Meeting of the Church. As provided in Article X, Section 2, it may appoint members beyond the number specified in Article X, Section 5, to serve on standing committees.
j. Following the Annual Pledge Campaign, it shall meet with the Board of Trustees as a joint Budget Committee to review, modify, and endorse the proposed annual Church budget. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall chair this committee. This committee shall meet to make adjustments in the proposed budget to be presented to the Members for their review and approval at the Annual Budget Meeting of the Church. In the interim between Annual Budget Meetings, the Council is authorized to make such changes in budgeted expense items, except for salaries and benevolences, as may be required to properly operate the Church. (See Article X, Sections 5-e (viii) and 5-k.)
k. Upon the recommendation of the Board of Christian Outreach, Board of Trustees, or Stewardship Committee, as appropriate, it shall authorize all fund-raising campaigns, including special offerings and capital-funds drives. (See Article X, Sections 5-b, 5-d (ix), and 5-k.)
l. Upon the recommendation of the Board of Christian Outreach, it shall endorse appropriate courses of social action which Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners may take in regard to social problems and needs in the community, state, nation, and world. (See Article X, Section 5-b.)
m. Upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, it may vote to recommend to the Members for their approval at an Annual or Special Meeting of the Church those matters relating to trust funds and endowments, Church property, and indebtedness enumerated in Article X, Sections 5-e (i), 5-e (iii), and 5-e (iv). (See also Article XI, Sections 2-5.)
n. As provided in Article X, Section 4, except for the Delegates Committee, Personnel Committee, and Stewardship Committee, it shall approve the times established for the regular meetings of all boards and standing committees.
o. As provided in Article XI, Section 1, it shall, upon the recommendation of the Board of Deacons, approve the scheduling of special worship services and approve changes in the regularly-scheduled times for the administration of the Lord's Supper.
p. In accordance with Article XI, Sections 2-5, it shall set the dates for Annual and Special Meetings of the Church and direct the Administrator to call said meetings.
q. In accordance with Article XI, Section 6, it shall annually set the date for the installation of elected lay leaders and the ordination of Deacons.
r. It shall prepare an account of its own activities for the preceding year for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church. The Council's report shall also include a statement of its goals for the Church for the coming year.
s. In accordance with Article XII, it may propose alterations or amendments to these Bylaws to the Members of the Church for their adoption.
t. It shall annually appoint a Collections and Deposits Committee which shall consist of a chairperson and at least six additional members. Members of this committee shall serve from the day of their appointment until their successors are appointed and qualified. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to count all Sunday receipts as well as any other funds received by the Church during the previous week. The count shall be completed at the Church, each and every Sunday, immediately following worship. This committee shall also prepare a deposit of all collected items and deposit them to the credit of the Church in the night depository box at the bank where the Church maintains its depository account. The count and deposit shall be completed by at least two members of this committee and at least two members shall be present during the entire period. The counters shall follow the procedures established by the Church Council and shall provide the Church Administrator with sufficient information so that he/she can keep a record of all moneys received by the Church. (See Article VII, Section 3.)
ARTICLE X--BOARDS AND STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Qualifications of Members, Election, Term, and Removal. Elected members of all boards and standing committees shall share the work to be carried out and shall have the right to vote at all board or committee meetings. Members of the boards and committees shall be subject to the Safe Church Policy guidelines. All individuals elected to serve on the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Delegates Committee, Membership Committee and Personnel Committee shall be Members of this Church. At least one of the individuals elected each year to all other boards and standing committees shall be a Member of this Church. All individuals elected to serve on the Board of Christian Education and the Board of Christian Outreach shall be either Members or Associate Members. One third of the elected members of each board or standing committee shall be elected at each Annual Business Meeting by a majority vote of the Members present and voting from a slate presented by the Nominating Committee or from additional nominations made from the floor. The term of office for the Board of Deacons is one three-year term, and they shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of office shall commence on June 1 and end on May 31. After serving two consecutive full terms on the same board or standing committee, an individual shall be ineligible for reelection to that board or standing committee for a period of one year. For the purposes of this Section of the Bylaws only, an individual who fills more than one-half of a term to which some other person was originally elected shall be considered to have served a full term.. A member of a board or standing committee may be removed from office for cause by a vote of at least two-thirds of the total membership of the Church Council. If an elected member of a board or standing committee resigns or is otherwise unable to fulfill his/her term, the Church Council shall appoint, consistent with the provisions of this Section, either a Member, Associate Member, or Parishioner, to serve in that capacity until the next Annual Business Meeting of the Church, when an individual shall be elected to fill the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
2. Additional Members. The membership of all boards shall be limited to that established in Section 5 of this Article. The Council may appoint such additional members to a standing committee as may be needed to fully carry out the duties assigned to said committee by these Bylaws or by the Church Council. The terms to be served by any additional members shall be specified by the Council. Appointed members shall have the same rights and responsibilities as elected members, including the right to vote at committee meetings.
3. Officers. At its first meeting in June, each board and standing committee, except for the Delegates Committee and the Personnel Committee, shall elect one of its elected members to serve as chairperson for the ensuing year. In accordance with Article IX, Section 1, at its first meeting in June, each board and standing committee, except for the Delegates Committee and the Personnel Committee, shall elect one of its elected members, who is also a Member of the Church, to serve as a full, voting member of the Church Council for the ensuing year. If he/she is properly qualified, a board or standing committee may elect the same individual to serve concurrently as chairperson and Council representative. The names of the chairperson and Council representative shall be reported to the Church President, Clerk, and Church office. The Committee shall keep a written record of all business transacted at meetings of the board or standing committee. Following each meeting, copies of said minutes shall be distributed to all members of the board or standing committee, and to the Church President, Pastor, Minister of Spiritual Growth, Clerk, and Church office.
4. Meetings. Except for the Delegates Committee which shall meet at least four times each year at the call of the Church President, the Personnel Committee which shall meet as needed and the Stewardship Committee which shall meet as needed at the call of its chairperson, each board and standing committee shall hold regular, monthly meetings during the months of September through June at times established by its members and approved by the Church Council. Special meetings may be called at other times, as necessary, by the chairperson upon his/her own initiative or upon the request of the Church President, the clergy, or any three members of the board or committee. The chairperson shall notify all members at least three days in advance of a special meeting. A majority of the voting members of a board or standing committee shall constitute a quorum for any meeting. As long as a quorum is present, all boards and committees shall act by a majority vote of those members in attendance who are entitled to vote. As provided in Article III, Section 2, except for executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, meetings of boards and standing committees shall be open to all Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners.
5. Duties. The boards and standing committees of this Church shall be limited to those identified in this Section of the Bylaws. Each board or standing committee shall carry out those duties enumerated in this Section or delegated to it by the Church Council. In order to carry out its duties, each board and committee may establish subcommittees, as necessary, and such internal operating procedures as are consistent with these Bylaws. As appropriate, boards and standing committees shall provide guidance, counsel, and direction to Church staff. All boards and standing committees shall recommend an annual budget for their area of responsibility to the joint Church Council/Board of Trustee Budget Committee. Upon request or as necessary, each board and standing committee shall report on its activities to the Church Council. As provided in Article XI, Section 8, each board and standing committee shall prepare an account of its activities for the preceding year for publication in the Annual Reports of the Church.
a. Board of Christian Education. The Board of Christian Education shall consist of no fewer than six and not more than nine elected members. This board, together with the clergy and appropriate Church staff, shall be responsible for the general supervision of all educational programs, including nursery and toddler programs, the Church school, and youth and adult fellowship and study groups. To this end, it shall: establish the direction and procedures to be employed in the educational work of the Church; provide guidance, counsel, and direction to the Church's educational staff; strive to promote Christian character and fellowship by organizing and carrying out educational activities and events for all ages; evaluate and select the curriculum and other materials to be used in the Church school and other educational programs; recruit, train, and remove, if necessary, Church school teachers and youth and adult fellowship and study group leaders; and, as provided in Article IX, Section 1, in consultation with the clergy, annually appoint a youth representative under the age of 21 to serve on the Church Council.
b. Board of Christian Outreach. The Board of Christian Outreach shall consist of no fewer than six and not more than nine elected members. This board, in cooperation with the clergy, shall be responsible for stimulating, educating, and guiding the congregation in ways to render loving service in the Concord community and throughout the world. To this end it shall: encourage Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners to witness and strive for righteousness, justice, and peace among all people; identify organizations, groups, or persons which are in need of assistance either from individuals or through the special benevolences of the Church; promote opportunities to support missionary service and provide benevolent giving, including local missions, basic support of Our Church's Wider Mission, support of our closely-related seminaries, and special offerings and projects of the United Church of Christ, New Hampshire Conference, Merrimack Association, and Concord Interfaith Council; as provided in Article IX, Section 5-k, recommend to the Church Council for its authorization special offerings or fund-raising campaigns for benevolent purposes; keep informed about social problems and needs in the community, state, nation, and world; recommend to the Church Council appropriate courses of social action which Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners may take in regard to these matters; encourage and lead Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners to pursue such actions once they have been endorsed by the Council; and, as provided in Article IX, Section 5-c, recommend to the Church Council the creation of working groups or task forces on particular issues of social concern.
c. Board of Deacons. The Board of Deacons shall consist of no fewer than six and not more than nine elected members, appointed so that there is a balance of genders. New members shall be ordained by prayer and the laying on of hands (see Article XI, Section 6). The members of this board, in cooperation with the clergy, shall have charge of the spiritual life of the Church, including worship services, celebration of the sacraments, caring for Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners with Christian love, and providing counsel to all boards and committees on matters affecting the spiritual life of the Church. To this end, they shall: establish, with the clergy, the content and order of the worship service, including the role that music shall play in worship; as provided in Article XI, Section 1, recommend to the Church Council for its approval the scheduling of special worship services and changes in the regularly-scheduled times for the administration of the Lord's Supper; assist in the administration of the sacraments of the Lord's Supper and Baptism; provide for adequate leadership of worship when the clergy are temporarily absent; as provided in Article V, Sections 4 and 6, assist the Administrator in the annual review and updating of the membership roll and the parish list; as provided in Article V, Section 7, review the membership or affiliation of any Member, Associate Member, or Parishioner who persistently violates the character and spirit of Christian discipleship, and, if appropriate, recommend to the Members of the Church at a duly-called Special Meeting that said individual's membership or affiliation be terminated; designate one of its members to convey condolences to Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners who are bereaved; as provided in Article IX, Section 5-e, designate one of its members to serve on the Memorial Gifts Committee and to maintain the Memorial Gifts Record Book, send acknowledgments to the donors of memorial gifts, and send notices of such gifts to surviving family members; provide support to the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee; assist with periodic evaluation of the clergy annually, review the terms of call of each clergy, and recommend any modifications to the joint Church Council/Board of Trustee Budget Committee; and, as provided in Section 5-i of this Article, designate one of its members to serve on the Music Committee and Christian Education Committee. All Members of this Church who have previously served this Church as Deacons shall constitute a permanent Diaconate. They may be called upon to assist the current members of the Board of Deacons in carrying out their duties, and they may be invited to meet with the Board in an advisory capacity.
d. Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. The Pastor Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) shall consist of five members, appointed by the Deacons in consultation with the Clergy, for a term of not more than five years. While it is recommended that the majority of members
be current or past Deacons of the church, it is required that at least one member be currently serving on the Board of Deacons.
The PPRC will meet at least six times each year and will meet at least twice with the active Clergy as a team and at least twice with the active Clergy as individuals.
The PPRC is charged with helping attend to the relationship between Clergy and Congregation and serves as a supportive source of feedback and constructive advice or criticism in both directions. The committee serves as an intermediary sounding board and facilitative body to help the Congregation understand the nature of ordained leadership and maintain a healthy level of differentiation and self-accountability.
The PPRC assist the Deacons by developing, every two years, a substantial evaluation process of settled Clergy which creates learning objectives and supports decisions concerning salary.
The PPRC exists as a safe place to discuss, understand and move toward the resolution of difficulties of any kind. This includes difficult or unresolved issues between clergy, presuming they have previously discussed the issue between themselves. All PPRC deliberations are kept in strict confidence.
e. Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall consist of no fewer than six and not more than nine elected members and the Treasurer, who shall serve as an ex-officio member, without vote. In accordance with these Bylaws, this board shall have general charge of the Church's business and financial affairs and the care of its physical property. To this end, the Board of Trustees shall carry out the following duties.
i. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall appoint an Investment Committee which shall consist of three members of the Board of Trustees.
ii. It shall administer all trust funds and endowments, see that they are properly invested, and that the income is used in accordance with any terms established by the grantor and instructions or policies established by vote of the Members of the Church. The Board of Trustees shall have custody of all deeds, securities, papers, and accounts relating to the invested funds of the Church and its property. All such accounts and securities shall be held in the name of the Church. The signatures of the Board Chairperson and of one member of the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees designated by the Chairperson of the Investment Committee shall be required for all withdrawals from invested funds and for the sale or transfer of Church assets, including securities. All interest received from the Church's investments or proceeds derived from the sale or transfer of Church assets, including trust funds and endowment accounts and securities, shall be deposited to the credit of the Church. The Investment Committee shall provide the Board of Trustees with a quarterly inventory of investments, and at the end of each fiscal year, which shall correspond to the calendar year, the Investment Committee shall prepare a report containing an itemized accounting of all Church invested funds, including a listing of all investment accounts and securities together with their balances and market value at the beginning and end of the fiscal year as well as a record of the disposition of any income. Said report shall include a detailed list of all Memorial Funds together with the name of each such Fund, its balance at the beginning of the year, any additions to or disbursements therefrom and its balance at the end of the year. The Investment Committee's report shall be published in the annual reports of the Church and shall be independently audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and so certified. In carrying out its duties, the Investment Committee shall receive help as necessary from the Church staff. The principal amount of trust funds and endowments shall not be used for the current operating expenses of the Church without the concurrence of the Church Council and the authorizing vote of the Members. (See Article IX, Section 5-m.
iii. It may vote to authorize the Treasurer to enter into contracts on behalf of the Church. As provided in Article VIII, Section 6, all checks drawn by the Treasurer shall be in the name of the Church and shall be countersigned by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees or a member of the Board designated by the Chairperson. The Board of Trustees may vote to authorize the Investment Committee to establish brokerage accounts in the name of the Church for the purpose of receiving and/or selling gifts or bequests which have been made to the Church. It may also vote to authorize the Investment Committee to establish in the name of the Church such brokerage accounts as may be necessary for the administration of invested funds, including trust funds and endowments.
iv. It shall oversee the use, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the Church's property, but shall have no authority to make alterations therein or to buy, sell, transfer, mortgage, or lease property without the concurrence of the Church Council and the authorizing vote of the Members (see Article IX, Section 5-m). It shall see that said property is adequately insured.
v. It shall not incur any indebtedness in excess of 15% of the annual Church budget without the concurrence of the Church Council and the authorizing vote of the Members. (See Article IX, Section 5-m.)
vi. It shall annually set the amount of the blanket bond which shall be purchased by the Church to cover all employees, officers, and board and committee members who handle Church funds.
vii. As provided in Article VI, Section 1, it shall, with the concurrence of the Church Council, approve the initial terms of call for new clergy.
viii. Annually it shall initiate the development of the proposed annual Church budget by establishing the process by which the clergy, staff, officers, boards, and committees submit their operating budget requests. The Board of Trustees shall then meet with the Church Council as a joint Budget Committee to carry out the duties specified in Article IX, Section 5-j. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall chair this committee and shall present the proposed budget to the Members for their review and approval at the Annual Budget Meeting of the Church. In the interim between Annual Budget Meetings, the Board of Trustees shall receive and review monthly financial reports from the Treasurer and, if necessary, shall recommend to the Council for its approval such changes in budgeted expense items, except for salaries and benevolences, as may be required to properly operate the Church.
ix. As provided in Article IX, Section 5-k, it shall recommend to the Church Council for its authorization additional fund-raising campaigns for other than benevolent purposes, including special offerings and capital-funds drives. (See also Sections 5-b and 5-k of this Article.)
x. As provided in Article IX, Section 5-e, it shall designate one of its members to serve on the Memorial Gifts Committee.
f. Church Guild. The Church Guild shall consist of 12 elected members. This committee shall be responsible for making preparations for communion and hosting Church receptions. To this end, it shall: care for the communion appointments, including the chalice, serving plates, cups, and linens; prepare and arrange the appointments and elements for each communion service; and arrange for most receptions, including those to honor present members and recognize the clergy.
g. Delegates Committee. The Delegates Committee shall consist of the Church President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, and the Council Members-at-Large, plus additional elected members based on the NH Conference rules. The elected membership of this committee shall include at least one individual who is less than 25 years old and reflect, to the extent practicable, the diversity of the congregation. If alternate delegates are needed to insure full representation at said meetings, the Church Council, as provided in Section 2 of this Article, shall appoint a sufficient number of Members of the Church to serve as additional members of the Delegates Committee. The Delegates Committee shall provide representation for the Church at meetings of the New Hampshire Conference, the Merrimack Association, the Greater Concord Interfaith Council, and such other religious meetings and ecclesiastical councils outside the local fellowship as may require delegates from this Church. The members of the Delegates Committee shall carry the sentiments of the Members to all organizations whose meetings they attend and shall make periodic reports to the congregation on the activities and meetings of those organizations. The Church President shall chair this committee and shall assign members, as appropriate, to attend the various meetings and councils and to make reports. In accordance with Article IX, Section 1, the Church President shall also name one of the delegates from this Church to the Greater Concord Interfaith Council to serve as a full, voting member of the Church Council. The Delegates Committee shall meet at least twice each year at the call of the Church President.
h. Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall consist of no fewer than six and not more than nine elected members. This committee, in cooperation with the clergy, shall be responsible for working to bring individuals into the fellowship and service of the Church, including the cultivation, preparation, and assimilation of new members. To this end, it shall: develop and carry out a plan to make the Church more visible in the community; maintain a list of prospective members by seeking out new visitors; refer the names of these individuals to the clergy; assist the clergy in contacting and calling on prospective members to welcome them and/or invite them to attend worship; assist the clergy and the Board of Deacons in the education of new Members and Associate Members regarding the teachings of the Christian church, the purpose of this Church and its relationship to the United Church of Christ, the benefits and responsibilities of membership, and the programs and activities of this Church; identify Members and Associate Members who have become inactive in Church life and encourage them to return to the Church and its fellowship; and assist the clergy and other Church staff in providing hospitality and orientation for new Members and Associate Members and in developing and carrying out methods for assimilating them into the life and fellowship of the Church.
i. Music Committee. The Music Committee shall consist of no fewer than six and not more than nine elected members, of whom no more than two shall be current members of the Chancel Choir, and a representative from the Board of Deacons who shall serve ex officio. The Music Committee shall be responsible for promoting the music ministry of the Church. To this end, it shall: in collaboration with the clergy and the Board of Deacons, establish the direction and procedures to be employed in the ministry of music; provide guidance, counsel, and direction to the Church's music staff; provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to become involved in the music life of the Church by developing and promoting a wide-range of musical events, activities, and organizations; as needed, arrange for soloists and other guest musicians to enhance the worship service; and, as needed, obtain the services of a substitute organist and other musicians to provide music for the summer worship services.
j. Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee shall consist of five members elected by the congregation. The committee shall meet in June of each year and choose its own chairperson. The committee shall carry out those duties enumerated in Article VII, Section 1. This committee shall also hear grievances and seek to resolve disputes which may arise between staff members, staff and clergy, or staff and the boards or committees they work with. It shall make periodic reports of its activities to the Church Council. If necessary, it may recommend appropriate action(s) to the Church Council. The Personnel Committee shall meet as often as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
k. Stewardship Committee. The Stewardship Committee shall consist of six elected members. This committee, in consultation with the Church Council, Board of Trustees, and Board of Christian Outreach, shall be responsible for: carrying out the Annual Pledge Campaign to seek pledges from Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners to fund the annual Church budget; organizing additional fund-raising campaigns authorized by the Church Council (see Article IX, Section 5-k); promoting a program for planned
giving to the Church through bequests, life income gifts, and trusts; and working, in cooperation with the clergy, to promote stewardship throughout the year. The Stewardship Committee shall meet as often as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
ARTICLE XI--MEETINGS, INSTALLATIONS, AND REPORTS
1. Public Worship and the Administration of Sacraments. Meetings for public worship shall be held on Sundays and at such other times as may be approved by the Church Council, upon the recommendation of the Board of Deacons. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall be administered on the first Sunday of each month throughout the year, unless this schedule is altered by the Church Council, upon the recommendation of the Board of Deacons. Individuals may receive the sacrament of Baptism on such days as the clergy shall designate.
2. Annual Meeting. Each year the Church Council shall direct the Administrator to call the Annual Meeting of the Church, which shall be held, at the Council's discretion, on any day from May 1 through May 20. The purpose of this meeting shall be: to hear reports from the clergy, Church President, and Clerk (see Article VIII, Section 5); to hear other reports, as necessary; in accordance with Article VIII Section 1, Article IX, Section 2, Article, IX, section 5-d, and article X, Section 1, to receive the report of the Nominating Committee and to elect officers, Council Members-At-Large, and board and committee members to serve for appropriate terms: to hear the the Treasurer's report on the financial position of the Church for the preceding fiscal year, July 1 to June 30; to hear the report of the Stewardship Committee; to review and approve the operating budget of the Church for the current fiscal year (see Article IX, Section 5-m, and Article X, Section 5-e (viii); and to transact any other business which may come before the meeting.
3. Special Meetings. Special Meetings of the Church may be scheduled by the Church Council upon its own initiative, at the request of one of the clergy, or, as authorized in Article V, Section 7, at the request of the Board of Deacons. The Council shall be required to schedule a Special Meeting within 30 days of receipt of a petition signed by 5% of the Members of the Church. The Council shall direct the Administrator to call all Special Meetings. As appropriate, the purpose of special meetings shall be: to act on the recommendation of the Board of Deacons that the membership or affiliation of a Member, Associate Member, or Parishioner be terminated (see Article V, Section 7); to vote to call clergy or to request their resignation (see Article VI, Section 1); to vote to alter, buy, sell, transfer, mortgage, or lease Church property (see Article X, Section 5-e (iii); to vote to incur any indebtedness in excess of 15% of the annual Church budget (see Article X, Section 5-d (iv); to vote to alter or amend these Bylaws (see Article XII); to consider any other items which require immediate action by the Members as a whole; to consider items specified in a petition signed by 5% of the Members; and to transact any other business which may come before the meeting.
4. Notification, Quorum, and Voting. In accordance with Sections 2-4 of this Article, all meetings of the Church shall be called by the Administrator at the direction of the Church Council. The call shall state the purpose of the meeting and include the date, time, location, and an agenda. The Administrator shall post the call in the Parish House and alert members of the meeting date at least 15 days in advance of the said meeting through the newsletter and bulletin. To the extent possible, notice for each meeting shall also be read from the pulpit, printed in the Sunday bulletin, and published in the Church newsletter. Ten percent of the Members shall constitute a quorum for any meeting of the Church. Except as otherwise provided in Article V, Section 7, Article VI, Section 1, and Article XIII, as long as a quorum is present, action shall be taken by a majority vote of the Members present and voting. When electing officers, Council Members-at-Large, and board and committee members, if three or more individuals are nominated for the same position and no individual receives a majority vote on the first ballot, a run-off election shall be held between the two individuals who received the most votes on said ballot. In addition, in the absence of a quorum, the Members present may vote to adjourn the meeting to a fixed date.
5. Installation of Elected Lay Leaders and Ordination of Deacons. As determined each year by the Church Council, elected officers, Council Members-at-Large, and board and committee members shall be installed at a worship service to be held on any Sunday from May 16 through June 15. New Deacons shall be ordained at the same worship service. Regardless of the date of their installation, all elected lay leaders shall take office and begin service on June 1.
6. Installation of Clergy. In accordance with Article VI, Section 2, services for the installation of clergy shall be held as necessary.
7. Reports. The Members, Associate Members, and Parishioners of this Church shall be kept informed about the activities of its Clergy, staff, officers, and boards and committees through publication of the Annual Reports of the Church. In accordance with Article VIII, Section 6, the report of the Treasurer and Investment Committee shall cover the preceding fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. All other reports shall be for the program year of the Church which shall run from June 1 through May 31 of the following year. Each year, the Administrator shall establish the publication date for the Annual Reports of the Church and the deadline for submission of individual written reports. Annual reports shall be required from the: President; Pastor; Minister of Spiritual Growth; Staff, if specified in their job description; Clerk; Treasurer; the Investment Committee; Historian; Librarian; Church Council; Board of Christian Education; Board of Christian Outreach; Board of Deacons; Board of Trustees; Church Guild; Delegates Committee; Membership Committee; Memorial Gifts Committee; Music Committee; Nominating Committee; Pastor's Aid Committee; Personnel Committee; Stewardship Committee; and from such other individuals, committees, organizations, or groups as may be specified by the Church Council.
ARTICLE XII-Bylaws Review
These bylaws shall be reviewed every two years by the Church Council and the chairs of all identified committees.
Article XIII Amendments
These Bylaws may be altered or amended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members present and voting at the Annual Budget Meeting, the Annual Business Meetings, or any duly-called Special Meeting of the Church. Proposed alterations or amendments shall be mailed or forwarded electronically to all Members at least 14 days in advance of the meeting at which they are to be acted upon. Amendments or alterations may be proposed by the Church Council or by a petition signed by 5% of the Members of the Church. The vote to adopt any alteration(s) or amendment(s) shall specify the effective date of said alteration(s) or amendment(s).
Revised 10-5-09
Voted and approved by the congregation on November 8, 2009