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CONSTITUTION of

Webster United Church of Christ

Pursuant to the Laws of the State of Michigan as Adopted by the Congregation on October 18, 1998, and amended by the Congregation on January 31, 1999.  Subjected to review in 2002, without any Amendments offered for consideration during January 26, 2003 Annual Meeting.   This Constitution shall supersede any previous Constitution.

Article 1

NAME

This Church is called the Webster United Church of Christ.  It is located in Webster Township, Washtenaw County, State of Michigan.

Article 2

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Church, governed by the principles of Congregationalism, is to worship God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through common worship and service.

Article 3

GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATION

(A)      The government of this Church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject, however, to the laws of the State of Michigan relating to ecclesiastical corporations.  Because the autonomy of the local church is the heritage of Congregationalism, the denomination is essentially a fellowship in its organization.  The principles of fellowship, the promise of covenant and cooperative action are recognized and honored as the ties that link this Church with Local Associations of Churches, State Conferences, and the General Synod of the United Church of Christ.

(B)       The Church may in its corporate name sue or be sued, acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise and own, hold, invest, reinvest or dispose of property, both real and personal, for such work as the Church may undertake and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage, care for and transfer, rent, lease, mortgage, or otherwise encumber, sell, assign, transfer and convey such property for the general purposes of the Church; it may receive and hold in trust both real and personal property and invest and reinvest the same and make any contracts for promoting the objects and purposes of the Church.

(C)       All elected Officers, Board Members, the Pastor and employees shall be indemnified by the Church to the maximum extent feasible under law for all actions taken within the authorized scope of their duties.

 

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Article 4

FAITH, COVENANT AND SACRAMENTS

(A)      This Church recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith and practice, and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship and Christian love.  Each Member shall have the right to interpret the Word of God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

(B)       The following statement of faith, covenant and sacraments are an expression of the spirit in which the Church interprets the Word of God.

Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ

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 Saviour, you have come 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.

Covenant

In the presence of God and these witnesses, I give myself unreservedly to God's service, and take this to be my Church.  Ever mindful of the welfare of my fellow Members, I promise to walk with them in faithfulness and Christian love.  I promise that so far as I am able, I will attend the services of the Church, observe its sacraments, share in its work, support its benevolences, and endeavor to make it a fruitful body of Christians.

Sacraments

The Church, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, observes two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion.

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Article 5

MEMBERSHIP

(A) Membership in this Church shall be open to any person who has been baptized, and has been confirmed or has made a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and has been welcomed into the fellowship of the Church at a regular service of worship.  The Pastor, working in conjunction with the Board of Deacons, will instruct and prepare all candidates for membership.  Membership is open to all, in accordance with the gospel covenant which binds into unity "faithful people of all ages, tongues and races."

(B)       The duties of membership are to:

(1)       Walk with fellow Members in faithfulness and Christian love and regard all other Members as friends needful of companionship, conversation, support and aid.

(2)       Attend the services of the Church and observe or participate in its sacraments.

(3)       Share in the work of the Church, and be expected to share the leadership responsibility of service and teaching.

(4)       Support the benevolences of the Church and be expected to make regular financial contributions to support the local and world missions of the Church.

(5)       Endeavor to make the Church a fruitful body of Christians, and become aware of the needs of all others and act to meet those needs.  Encourage others to become new members of the Church.  Make your faith obvious in all situations and relationships.

Article 6

DISSOLUTION

(A)      A determination to dissolve must be made in due course after the calling of a Special Congregational Meeting for such purpose.  Upon dissolution of the Church, its assets and all property and interests of which it shall then be possessed, including any devise, bequest, gift or grant contained in any will or other instrument, in trust or otherwise, made before or after such dissolution, shall be transferred as shall be determined by two-thirds vote of the active members.  The transfer, however, shall only be made to a charitable organization.  A Special Meeting of the Members, separate from the meeting in which the determination to dissolve was made, shall be called for the purpose of voting upon such transfer.  If the necessary two-thirds vote needed cannot be made, the meeting shall adjourn and all property and interests of this Church shall be transferred to the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ.

(B)       At no time shall any retiring or seceding member(s) have any right in or to the Church property or assets.

Article 7

ABIDANCE

The Pastor, employees, all Officers and Members of the Church shall agree to support the processes embodied in this Constitution and in the Bylaws.

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Article 8

AMENDMENT

The Constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds vote of the Active and Sustaining Members voting, including valid proxies, at any Annual Meeting or at any Special Meeting called for that purpose, the proper notice having been given as required by the Bylaws (Article 13). 

Any amendment proposed by five percent (5%) of the Active Members of the Church or by the Church Council shall be considered at the next Annual Meeting or at a Special Meeting called for that purpose.  The Church Council will appoint a Constitution Review Committee at least once every three years, which committee shall be the same committee charged with review of the Bylaws.

Article 9

MISCELLANEOUS

           Church Council, without need for further authorization, will have and shall exercise administrative responsibility for the organizational format of this Constitution, and for correction of typographical errors and oversights in grammar, punctuation and spelling wherever they appear in this Constitution or any amendment thereof.

 

Journal of Adoption, Amendments and Review

This constitution was adopted October 18, 1998 and last Amended: January 31, 1999

This Constitution cleared the Constitution & Bylaws Review Committee of 2002, without any proposed amendments developed for consideration by the Congregation during the Annual Meeting of January 26, 2003.

            A committee appointed by Council last reviewed this Constitution: May 2002.

                        Committee Members:

                        Mark Boonstra

                        David Calhoun

                        Rev. LaVerne Gill, Pastor

                        Karen Hertenstein, Chairperson

                        Karen Keller

                        Mike Metzler

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BYLAWS

of

Webster United Church of Christ

Pursuant to the Laws of the State of Michigan as Adopted by the Congregation on October 18, 1998, and Amended by the Congregation January 31, 1999, and again Amended by the Congregation January 26, 2003, January 25, 2004 and January 29, 2006.

These Bylaws shall supersede any previous Bylaws.

Article 1

MEMBERSHIP

(A)       There will be three defined types of membership in this Church, Active, Sustaining, and Inactive.

(1)        An Active Member of this Church is defined as one whom within a calendar year:

Attends worship services, and

Observes or participates in the sacraments as defined in the Constitution, and

Contributes financially, as they are able, to the support of the Church and its benevolences and mission(s), and

Strives to participate in a Board, Committee, project or similar activity of this Church.

Such a member has the right to vote, subject to any applicable rules regarding voting at any Congregational meeting.

(2)        A Sustaining Member of this Church is defined as one who has been absent due to, but not limited to; military service, attendance at college, or illness or infirmity and is able to maintain an informed participation in the life of the Church.

Sustaining Member status is assigned by the Membership Committee to preserve for the Sustaining Member, during such absence, the benefits of active membership including the right to vote.

(3)        An Inactive Member of this Church is defined as one who for a calendar year:

Does not qualify as an Active Member, or Sustaining Member, or

Has temporarily relocated from the community or,

Requests this status.

  (B)       The Membership Committee will annually advise the Church Clerk of Inactive Members or Sustaining Members for a reporting to the Congregation.   The Membership Committee will define the procedure for membership change notification and/or removal and the procedure for appeal of a membership status change.   Only Active Members and Sustaining members will have voting privileges in any meeting of the Church.   Reinstatement of an Inactive Member will occur with a renewal of covenant with the Church in a public service of worship.

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Article 2

CHURCH ORGANIZATION

The Governing Body of this Church will be the Membership assembled in Church Meeting.   It is the function of the Church Council, pursuant to these Bylaws, to represent and act for the Congregation in the times between Congregation Meetings.   The vote of the majority of Active and Sustaining Members present at the Congregation Meeting will be the action of the Church, except as may otherwise be provided herein.   A quorum will consist of 25% of Active and Sustaining Members.   Elected officers of the Church will have been Active Members of the Church for a period of not less than one year prior to standing for election to office.

Article 3

PASTOR

Duties             The Pastor's duties to the Congregation will be:

(1)        To be a member of the Church and to provide overall leadership for the Congregation and facilitate dialogue and growth, and

(2)        To encourage each person to seek an understanding of God in all aspects of life, and

(3)        To be in charge, with the support of the Deacons, of the spiritual welfare of the Congregation by preaching the Gospel, administering the Sacraments, encouraging religious education, and overseeing all services of public worship, and

(4)        To be active in pastoral service through visiting, counseling, and consoling, and

(5)        To direct, coordinate and supervise the Staff in working to meet the needs of the Church.   The Pastor has day-to-day managerial responsibility for the Staff.   The Pastor will participate with the Deacons in conducting the performance review of the Music Director.   Unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws, the Pastor will conduct performance reviews for other paid Staff no less frequently than once a year.   Staff will include those individuals who occupy positions for which payment is made in return for services rendered; such positions include, Associate or Assistant Pastor, Music Director, Director of Christian Education, Secretary, Custodian, and other positions which may from time to time be designated by Council as Staff positions.   Council will have, pursuant to Article 4, authority to hire/fire paid Staff, and

(6)        To maintain a good working relationship with the Council, Boards of Deacons, Trustees,   Christian Education, Outreach Ministries and all other Church groups, and

(7)        To regularly report to the governing Church groups and submit to the Congregation, at the Annual Meeting, a report on her/his work for the past year, the condition of the Church community and her/his projections of and recommendations for the future, and

(8)        To abide by and honor the Ordained Minister's Code of the United Church of Christ.

(B)        Duties of the Congregation to the Pastor will be:

(1)        To provide time, money and encouragement for participation in continuing education, the affairs/activities of the community at large as it pertains to the Church's needs and place in the community, and with the larger UCC denominational activities, and

(2)        To respect the time and talents of the Pastor's family and not require them to assume roles of leadership or levels of involvement beyond their wishes, and

(3)        To respect the family's privacy and need for time together.

(C)             Direction

(1)        The Call and Direction for the Pastor comes from the Congregation.   The Board of Deacons serves as support and feedback to the Pastor throughout her/his tenure.   An Executive Committee of the Council defined in Article 5 of these Bylaws will mediate any differences with the Pastor.   It is acknowledged that the Pastor will naturally heed her/his Calling from God and the dictates of her/his Christian conscience.

(2)        An Annual Performance Review and Salary Assessment will be conducted by the Executive Committee.

(D)             Voting/Membership

The Pastor has voting privilege at Council and Congregational meetings, and will be an ex-officio member of all Boards and Committees.

(E)             Vacancy

(1)             Whenever a vacancy occurs because the Pastor has resigned or been dismissed, the Council will appoint a Pastoral Search Committee consisting of seven or more members including at least one youth member, one member from the Board of Deacons, one member from the Board of Trustees, one member from the Board of Christian Education and one member from the Board of Outreach Ministries.

(2)        The Council President will convene the first meeting of the Pastoral Search Committee and will preside until a Chairperson and Secretary are elected.   The Council President will serve ex-officio on the Pastoral Search Committee.   The first task of the Committee will be to determine the present spiritual needs and financial status of the Congregation.   The Pastoral Search Committee's budget will be arranged with the Trustees.   The Pastoral Search Committee will state the terms of the relationship including the agreement of the Church to participate in the Pension Fund of the UCC, the Pastor's health insurance program, housing arrangements, and other terms agreed between the Candidate and the Committee.    The Committee will also present a copy of the Church's Constitution and Bylaws to the Candidate.

(3)        The Search Committee will present to the Congregation the name of the Candidate (drawn only from candidates recommended by Michigan Conference of the UCC) it recommends to fill the vacancy at a Congregational Meeting called as specified in these Bylaws (Article 13).   A favorable two-thirds vote of the Active and Sustaining Members of the Church present constitutes a Call.   Ballots will be cast in writing.

(4)        The Pastoral Search Committee will be dissolved upon acceptance of the Call.   Election to the Pastorate will be for an indefinite period of time.

(5)        The resignation of the Pastor will be made in writing.   It will be read from the pulpit at the regular Sunday Church service.   It will be published in the Church's official communication document and then the Church will act upon it, within two weeks, at a Special Congregational Meeting.

(6)        In the event of dismissal, the Executive Committee of the Council will direct the procedure.   The Committee will immediately notify the Michigan Conference of the UCC that dismissal is being considered.   There will be a Special Congregational Meeting called to deliberate.   There will be no more than three Special Congregational Meetings called for this purpose.   The length of time to determine whether or not dismissal will be sought will not exceed three months.   A two-thirds vote of the Active and Sustaining Members of the Church present at the meeting constitutes a dismissal.   Ballots will be cast in writing.   Notice of such termination will be sent by the Council President to the Pastor and to the UCC Conference Executive.

(7)        This Bylaw concerning the Pastor is included as a measure of loving protection for both the Pastor and the Congregation.   It will be the responsibility of the Congregation and the Pastor to always seek first the tenets of faith and teachings of the Christian Gospel in nurturing their relationship.

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Article 4

COUNCIL

For purposes of these Bylaws, an Officer of the Church is the Council President, Clerk, Treasurer, and Members of the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Board of Christian Education and Board of Outreach Ministries.

(A)       Duties

(1)        As the Executive body of the Church and representative of the Congregation between meetings, the Council will provide leadership, set policy and advise the various Boards and Committees of the Church.

(2)        The Council will act as the principal organization within the Church to discuss major issues affecting the Church including regular provision for long-range planning.

(3)        The Council may appoint committees or task forces to serve specific purposes.

(4)        Council will appoint temporary replacements to fill vacancies on Boards and Committees and in Offices, until the next Annual Meeting, or until such time as otherwise provided for in these Bylaws, after soliciting and considering recommendations from the Board or Committee or Office in need of a temporary replacement.   Council is not obligated to fill the vacancy with the recommended replacement.  

(5)        The Council will have authority to hire, discipline, or discharge any of the paid Staff, except the Pastor, upon recommendation of the Executive Committee.

(6)        The Council will arrange for an annual audit of the financial records of the Church that may, but need not be a formal CPA audit.

(7)        Council will ensure all Boards of the Church, and such Committees and Groups as   determined by Council, appoint a member of that Board, Committee or Group to serve on the Safe Church Committee for purposes of implementing and overseeing compliance with the Safe Church Policy of the Church.

(8)        The Council President will conduct an orientation program for newly elected officers and Board members within six weeks following the Annual Meeting.   The curriculum will include a review and discussion of the Church Constitution and Bylaws.

(9)        The Council President will conduct all Council and Congregational Meetings.   The President will appoint a Church officer to conduct a meeting in her/his absence.

(10)        The Council President will sign official Church documents as required.

(11)        The Council President will set the agenda for Council Meetings, Congregational and Annual   Meetings.   Agendas will be posted at least one week prior to the meeting.

(12)      Church Council will be the primary resource within Webster Church for the resolution of conflicting interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws, or reconciling issues arising out of the implementation thereof.

(B)             Meetings

(1)        The Council will meet at least quarterly for the transaction of such business that may properly come before it.   The first meeting of the Council will occur within one month after the Annual Meeting.

(2)        At least sixty percent of the Council, including at least three of who will be elected Officers, constitutes a quorum for any vote and they approve an action by a simple majority.    Closed sessions at the end of a regularly scheduled Meeting may be called to discuss (i) personnel matters, (ii) anonymous gifts, or (iii) other matters when agreed upon by a quorum when such Closed Meetings are deemed to be in the best interests of the Church.  

(3)             Meetings may be conducted by phone or other means (i.e., electronic mail or teleconferencing) for (i) physical emergencies or (ii) implementation of a minor decision previously made at a regularly scheduled meeting.   Minutes of these meetings must be kept and included as part of the official record of the Church.

(4)        All Council Meetings will be open.   Non-Council members may participate in debate of the matters before Council but may not make, second, or vote on any motion.   Council reserves the right to determine when and how long persons who are not Council Members may participate in the debate of a Council Meeting.

(C)             Direction

The Council will be responsible to the Congregation.

(D)             Voting/Membership

(1)        The Council will be composed of: the Pastor; President; Clerk; Treasurer; Chairperson (or designee) from the Boards of Deacons, Trustees, Christian Education, Outreach Ministries, the Cemetery Association, and any additional Boards established by the Congregation.   All voting Council Members are required to be Active Members of the Church.   Each Board will designate one member to be present at Council meetings.

(2)        The Council President will be elected to a one year term at the Annual Meeting.   The Council President will be an Active Member of the Church, will have served at least one term as an elected Church Officer (Trustee, Deacon, Christian Education Board, Outreach Ministries Board, Treasurer or Clerk).   The Council President may serve a maximum of two consecutive years and will wait at least one year before serving as Council President again.   The Council President will only vote at Council Meetings to break a tie.   

(3)        Any Board Representative to Council who has three unexcused absences in a single year will be asked to step down from the Council.   The relevant Board will be asked to name a new Representative to ensure consistent participation.   It is the obligation of all elected Boards and Officers to report to and participate in the Council in a consistent manner.   It will be the responsibility of the Council President to monitor attendance and the entire Council's responsibility to remove Members whose non-attendance mandates removal.   The Council President will also be removed from office after three unexcused absences in a single year; it is the entire Council's responsibility to monitor the Council President's attendance.

(4)        Each Board or Committee will submit a monthly report of their activities to the Council.   Committees and Boards are formed to lead or represent the Congregation in specific activities.   Committees and Boards will manage and conduct work in their special areas, cooperating with each other and Council, drawing upon the support of the Congregation.

(E)             Vacancy

If a Council Presidency vacancy occurs, the vacancy will be filled by appointment of a Church Officer or qualified Active Member elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Council at which Meeting a quorum is present.   If the required affirmative votes are not possible, then the vacant office will be filled by nomination and election at a Special Meeting of the Congregation.   If a vacancy occurs within a month prior to the Annual Meeting, the filling of such a vacancy may be postponed until the Annual Meeting.

 

Article 5

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(A)             Members of the Council as set forth below may meet as an Executive Committee.   The Executive Committee will consist of the Council President, the Chairperson of the Deacons, the Chairperson of the Board of Christian Education, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the Chairperson of the Board of Outreach Ministries.   Closed sessions may be called to discuss (i) personnel matters, (ii) anonymous gifts, or (iii) other matters when agreed upon by a quorum when such closed meetings are deemed to be in the best interests of the Church.   Meetings may be conducted by phone or other means (i.e. electronic mail or teleconferencing) for (i) physical emergencies or (ii) implementation of a minor decision previously made at a regularly scheduled meeting.   Minutes of these meetings must be kept and included as part of the official record of the Church.   The Executive Committee may not take any actions on its own, unless authorized to do so by the Council.   Their recommendations in any matter directed to them by the Council will be accorded the greatest weight by Council.

(B)        If any matter, which the Executive Committee may consider, involves a member of Council (or affects a member of Council indirectly, but in a manner likely to cause the appearance of impropriety if such member were to be involved in deliberations), an Executive Committee of Council will be formed which does not include that Council member so involved or so affected.

(C)        A specific function of the Executive Committee will include the conducting of at least an annual review of the Pastor and any pastoral Staff (Assistant or Youth Minister, etc.).   At a minimum such review should include input from the Deacons and Trustees.   Any Congregational surveying will be conducted with professional assistance from evaluative and pastoral improvement resources available either directly from the Michigan Conference, UCC or from or sanctioned by the national offices of the UCC.   The prime purpose and orientation of such review will be the fostering of constructive dialogue and growth and improvement of Pastor/Congregation relations.   The Executive Committee may be called upon by Council to investigate or study and recommend, or to fulfill a duty in the hiring, firing or handling of personnel issues (such as setting salary or disciplinary problems) of the Staff.

(D)       In the case of a complaint involving a Member of the Church and any member of Council or other problem that such Church Member feels has not been adequately addressed within the Committees and Officers of the Church, the following procedure involving the Executive Committee will apply:

(1)        The Church Member may, either in writing or at a regular Council Meeting, request addition to the Executive Committee by her/his choice of no more than two additional voting Members (the "Requested Committee").

(2)       The Requested Committee will meet initially with the Church Member making the complaint; it is the prerogative of the Requested Committee to refuse to hear further or act on the Church Member's complaint and if they so decide, they will thereupon disband without taking any further action or hearing concerning the Church Member's complaint.   The Requested Committee will report their actions to Council and the matter will be at a close unless the Council will determine to consider the matter further, in which case the special provisions of this Section will apply no further.

(3)        If the Requested Committee determines the matter merits further attention they will give it, but must make a report to the Council concerning their deliberations after the passage of no more than six weeks.

(3)        Upon the completion of their deliberations, the Requested Committee will make a recommendation to Council to resolve the complaint or for a broadening of the Requested Committee's charge to study the matter for not more than an additional six weeks.

(4)        The complaining Church Member's ability (or the ability of any other Church Member) to call for a Congregational Meeting concerning such matter will be suspended for so long as the matter is being considered by the Requested Committee pursuant to the procedures set forth in these Subsections 1-5.

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Article 6

BOARD OF DEACONS

(A)      Duties

(1)       The Board of Deacons, together with the Pastor, is responsible for the spiritual leadership of the Church.  The Deacons assist the Pastor in evaluating the strengths, weaknesses and needs of Church worship.  They coordinate and help plan all worship services.  The Deacons are responsible for the delivery and coordination of the music ministry.

(2)       The Deacons schedule, prepare and assist in the Sacraments.  They consult with the Pastor on questions of marriage and baptisms for non-members of the Church.  They participate with the Pastor in conducting the performance review of the Music Director.

(3)       The Deacons plan programs and formulate strategies for outreach and assist the Pastor in the care of people who seek membership in our Church community.  They provide organization and programs for any special or extenuating needs of members of the Church as part of Congregational life.

(4)       The Deacons are responsible for securing pastoral supply during the Pastor's absence.

(5)       The Deacons arrange a schedule of greeters, acolytes, lectors and altar flower providers for Sunday services, and arrangements for weddings, funerals and fellowship hours.

(6)           The Deacons are responsible for tabulating weekly Church attendance and posting it in the Church.  Total attendance for each Sunday, current and the year before, will be provided by the Deacons for the Annual Report.(A)       Duties

(1)        The Board of Deacons, together with the Pastor, is responsible for the spiritual leadership of the Church.   The Deacons assist the Pastor in evaluating the strengths, weaknesses and needs of Church worship.   They coordinate and help plan all worship services.   The Deacons are responsible for the delivery and coordination of the music ministry.

(2)        The Deacons schedule, prepare and assist in the Sacraments.   They consult with the Pastor on questions of marriage and baptisms for non-members of the Church.   They participate with the Pastor in conducting the performance review of the Music Director.

(3)        The Deacons provide input to the Board of Outreach Ministries for program and activity consideration.  

(4)        The Deacons assist the Pastor in the care of persons who seek membership in our Church community.   The Deacons provide organization and programs for any special or extenuating needs of members of the Church as part of Congregational life.

(5)        The Deacons are responsible for securing pastoral supply during the Pastor's absence.

(6)        The Deacons arrange a schedule of greeters, acolytes, lectors and altar flower providers for Sunday services, and arrangements for weddings, funerals and fellowship hours.

(7)        The Deacons are responsible for tabulating weekly Church attendance and posting it  in the Church.   Total attendance figures for each Sunday, current and the year before, will be provided by the Deacons for the Annual Report.   The Deacons will convene a meeting of the Membership Committee once annually.   The Membership Committee will consist of the Pastor, the Clerk, a Deacon and one Member-at-Large.   The Membership Committee will determine status and make recommendations concerning Church membership.

(8)        The Board of Deacons is responsible for managing and administering the Deacons Fund, as defined in Article 10.

(B)             Meetings

(1)       The Board of Deacons will meet at least monthly and at such other times as they may agree, providing that timely notice has been given to all Deacons for any unscheduled meeting.   The first meeting of the Board will occur within one month of the Annual Meeting.   The outgoing Chairperson will convene the first meeting of the newly elected Board and the Board will elect a Chair, a Secretary, who will also serve as Vice-Chairperson, and a Cashier, each of whom will serve for the current year. The Board of Deacons will appoint a member to serve on the Safe Church Committee for purposes of implementing and overseeing compliance with Safe Church Policies and Practices of the Church.

  (2)       At least sixty percent of the Deacons constitute a quorum for any vote and they approve an action by a simple majority.   Closed sessions at the end of a regularly scheduled meeting may be called to discuss (i) anonymous gifts or (ii) other matters when agreed upon by a quorum of the Deacons when such closed meetings are deemed to be in the best interests of the Church.   

(3)          Meetings may be conducted by phone or other means (i.e. electronic mail or teleconferencing) for (i) physical emergencies or (ii) implementation of a minor decision previously made at a regularly scheduled meeting.   Minutes of these meetings must be kept and included as part of the official record of the Church.

(4)        The Chairperson or Secretary will be responsible for ensuring that the Board's agenda and meeting minutes are publicly posted in a timely fashion.

(C)             Direction

The Deacons receive direction from the Congregation, the Council, recommendations and assistance from the Pastor, and input from the Board of Christian Education.

(D)             Voting/Membership

            The Board of Deacons will consist of Active Church Members of the Church elected at an Annual Meeting, or appointed by proper action of Council as provided for under Duties of Council.   The Board will consist of a minimum of eight Members and a maximum of 12.   Term of office is for three years.   A Deacon may serve a maximum of two successive 3-year terms (6 years) and will then be ineligible for re-election as a Deacon for two years.

(2)        The Deacons will designate a representative to serve as a voting Member of the Church Council.   The Chairperson of the Board of Deacons is a voting Member of the Executive Committee.

(3)        Any Deacon who has three unexcused absences in a single year will be removed from the Board.   It will be the responsibility of the Chairperson to monitor attendance and the entire Board's responsibility to remove members whose non-attendance mandates removal.

(E)             Vacancy

If a vacancy occurs, the vacancy will be filled by appointment of a Church Member who is elected by the affirmative vote of a quorum of the Council.   If the required affirmative votes are not possible, then the vacant Office(s) will be filled by nomination and election as specified for new Officers, at a Special Congregational Meeting.   The remainder of any such term will be filled at the Annual Meeting.   If a vacancy occurs within a month prior to the Annual Meeting, the filling of such a vacancy may be postponed until the Annual Meeting.

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Article 7

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

(A)       Duties

(1)        The entire assets and property of the Church will be entrusted to and managed by the Board of Trustees.  

(2)        Acting as exclusive agent for the Church, the Board of Trustees will be authorized to purchase, rent, acquire, receive, hold, sell, convey, transfer, mortgage or otherwise encumber, all or any part of the property of the Church, whether real or personal, provided that the Board of Trustees will not purchase, sell or convey any real or personal property belonging to the Church or in which the Church has a right or interest, or issue notes or bonds against any real or personal property of the Church unless such action will be previously approved by a two-thirds majority of the Active and Sustaining Members of the Church who are of legal age who will be present at an Annual or Special Meeting called for such purpose.

(3)        The Board of Trustees will be responsible to receive and dispense all funds, other than funds given to the Church as memorials, required for the corporate life of the Church as the Church may direct in the annual budget or otherwise.

(4)        The Board of Trustees may rely and act upon both (i) specific spending authorizations as well as (ii) any general spending limits which the Congregation may, for the flexibility and efficiency of managing the Church's business, authorize and approve in the annual budget.   Trustees will consult with the Council before overspending any line item of the annual budget or any other expenditure up to a maximum of $2,000.00.   Any other such non-budgeted expenditure greater than $2,000.00 requires Congregational approval.

(5)        The Board of Trustees will be responsible for appointing a Stewardship Committee to conduct the Stewardship Campaign of the Church.   The Assistant Treasurer will Chair the Stewardship Committee.   The Trustees will work with other boards, committees and groups in the Church to formulate a pro forma annual budget to be used in conducting the Stewardship Campaign.   Before the Stewardship Campaign begins, the pro forma budget will be approved by the Congregation during a Special Meeting of the Congregation called for that purpose.   The Stewardship Campaign will be conducted during the Fall season with a goal of completion before Advent.   With the results of the Stewardship Campaign known, the Board of Trustees will review the pro forma budget, and make any adjustments deemed necessary.   The Trustees will propose that the reviewed and adjusted budget be adopted at the Congregation's Annual Meeting.

(6)        The Board will keep the Council advised of major decisions and activities.   They will submit to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting a report on the Board's work for the past year and projections and recommendations for the future.

(7)        The Board of Trustees will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the property of the Church.   Uses of Church property outside Church programs must be specifically approved by the Trustees.

(8)        On behalf of the Board of Trustees, all legal papers and documents will be signed by the Chairperson or by the Secretary in the absence of the Chairperson and one other Member of the Board if required.

(9)        The Board of Trustees will maintain possession of a duplicate safe deposit box key in conjunction with the Clerk.

(10)      A designated Trustee, with the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, will review investment opportunities and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees as a whole.  

(11)      The Board of Trustees will ensure each Board, Committee and Group has elected or designated a member of that Board, Committee or Group to serve as Cashier for that Board, Committee or Group.   Cashiers will be subordinate to the Board of Trustees and to the Church Treasurer in fiduciary matters.   Cashiers will be responsible for remitting into the care of the Board of Trustees all monies, funds or gifts received by the respective Board, Committee or Group, with an accounting or record of source(s) of the remittance and the reason(s) or purpose(s) for which such has been received.    The Board of Trustees will prepare and publicize relevant Policy and Procedure directives and instructions as may be necessary.

(B)             Meetings

(1) The Board of Trustees will meet at least monthly and at such other times as they may agree, providing that timely notice has been given to all Trustees for any unscheduled meeting.   The first meeting of the Board will occur within one month of the Annual Meeting.   The outgoing Chairperson will convene the first meeting of the newly elected Board and the Board will elect a Chair a Secretary who will also serve as Vice-Chairperson , each of whom will serve for the current year.   The Board of Trustees will appoint a member to serve on the Safe Church Committee for purposes of implementing and overseeing compliance with Safe Church Policies and Practices of the Church.

(2)        At least sixty percent of the Trustees constitute a quorum for any vote and they approve an action by a simple majority.   Closed sessions at the end of a regularly scheduled Meeting may be called to discuss (i) anonymous gifts or (ii) other matters when agreed upon by a quorum when such closed meetings are deemed to be in the best interests of the Church.   

(3)             Meetings may be conducted by phone or other means (i.e. electronic mail or teleconferencing) for (i) physical emergencies or (ii) implementation of a minor decision previously made at a regularly scheduled meeting.   Minutes of these meetings must be kept and included as part of the official record of the Church.

(4)        The Chairperson or Secretary will be responsible for ensuring that the Board's agenda and meeting minutes are publicly posted in a timely fashion.

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(C)             Direction

The Trustees receive direction from the Congregation and recommendations and assistance from the Treasurer and the Church Council.

(D)             Voting/Membership

(1)        The Board of Trustees will consist of Active Members of the Church elected at an Annual Meeting, or appointed by proper action of Council as provided for under Duties of Council.   The Board will consist of a minimum of eight Members and a maximum of 12.   Term of office is for three years.   A Trustee may serve a maximum of two successive 3-year terms (6 years) and will then be ineligible for re-election as a Trustee for two years.

(2)        The Trustees will designate a representative to serve as a voting member of the Church Council.   An appointed Member of the Trustees will work with the Treasurer to review cash disbursement, journal account reconciliation, and details of spending and receipts each month.   The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is a voting Member of the Executive Committee.

(3)        Any Trustee who has three unexcused absences in a single year will be removed from the Board.   It will be the responsibility of the Chairperson to monitor attendance and the entire Board's responsibility to remove Members whose non-attendance mandates removal.

(E)             Vacancy

If a vacancy occurs, the vacancy will be filled by appointment of a Church Member who is elected by the affirmative vote of a quorum of the Council.   If the required affirmative votes are not possible then the vacant Office(s) will be filled by nomination and election as specified for new Officers, at a Special Congregational Meeting.   The remainder of any such term will be filled at the Annual Meeting.   If a vacancy occurs within a month prior to the Annual Meeting, the filling of such a vacancy may be postponed until the Annual Meeting.

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Article 8

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

(A)      Duties

(1)       The Board of Christian Education, with the support of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons is responsible for the religious education of the Church.

(2)       The Board of Christian Education is responsible for the guidance and development of all religious education programs and youth organizations of the Church including Church School, adult education, Bible study, confirmation, and vacation Bible study.

(3)       The Board of Christian Education shall define the responsibilities and duties of the Director of Christian Education.

(4)       The Board shall provide for training of Church School  teachers, approve the Church School curriculum and educational materials.

(5)       The Board will make an annual performance appraisal of the Director of Christian Education.

(6)       The Board will secure interim assistance during absences of the Director of Christian Education, subject to approval of the Church Council.

(7)       The Board will propose and manage an annual budget to carry out these duties