BYLAWS
CONGREGATIONAL,
INCORPORATED
The name of this church shall be
The
¨ Spiritual Vitality and Growth
¨ Caring and Fellowship
¨ Christian Values for Life
We believe that holding true to these values will enable us to further our mission and continue to be led by God.
ARTICLE III P0LITY AND FELLOWSHIP
1. The government of this church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject however, to the Corporation Laws Chap. 598 of the State of Connecticut.
2. This church also recognizes its fellowship with other
3.
The right to join as a member of, associate, or maintain a special relationship
with any denomination, conference, or association, is vested in the members of
the church. A 2/3 vote of members
present at a special congregational meeting or at any Annual Meeting called for
that purpose with due notice of the proposed changes having been stated in the
call, is required to change any standing membership, association, or
relationship, or lack thereof.
Faith: This church acknowledges Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of man, as its sole head. It acknowledges as brothers in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Work of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two Sacraments: Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
One expression of this faith is:
“We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus and our Father, and to His deeds we testify:
He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will, declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into His church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be His servants in the service of men, 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.
He promises to all who trust Him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, His presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in His kingdom which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto Him. Amen.”
Covenant: We covenant one with another to seek and
respond to the Word and the will of God.
We purpose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known and to
be made known to us. We hold it to be
the mission of the Church to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world, while worshiping God and striving for truth,
justice, and peace. As did our fathers,
we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the
triumph of righteousness and eternal life.
1. Membership in this church shall be open to any
person who has been baptized and then has been confirmed, or has made other
public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In accordance with the Gospel covenant which
binds into a unity “faithful people of all ages, tongues and races,” membership
is open to all without regard to race or color.
2. Members shall pledge themselves to attend the regular
worship of the church and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper; to live the
Christian life; to share in the life and work of the church; to contribute to
its support and benevolence; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of
the membership and the community. To aid
them in understanding this pledge, prospective members shall attend introductory sessions
conducted by the Pastor with the aid of the Diaconate.
3. Upon completion of the introductory sessions the Pastor and
the Diaconate shall recommend to the church those to be received into
membership. The church shall vote upon
this recommendation at a Sunday morning service preceding their admission.
4. Any member may, on request, be granted a letter of transfer
or release. If wishing to join a body
not in fellowship with this church, the member may be dismissed with a
certificate of church membership.
5. Any member whose address has long been unknown or who for a period
of two years, in spite of spiritual care and every effort by the Pastor and the
Diaconate, either has not attended the church’s worship or contributed to its
support, may, by recommendation of the Diaconate and the vote of the Executive
Council, and after notification, be removed from the active membership list and
placed on the inactive list. If after
the expiration of
a year the relationship remains unchanged, the name may be dropped from this
inactive list by a further vote of the Executive Council. Inactive members shall not be allowed the
privilege of voting on church business nor be eligible to serve on church
boards. Likewise, upon recommendation of
the Diaconate and vote of the Executive Council, any inactive member may be
reinstated to the active list.
1. The governing body of this church shall be the membership
assembled in church meeting. The vote of
a majority of active members present at the meeting shall be the action of the
church unless otherwise specified. All
active members regardless of age shall be entitled to vote.
1. The Minister shall have spiritual oversight of the church as
its teacher and counselor. In
cooperation with the appropriate Boards and Committees, the Minister shall seek
by pastoral work, preaching, and teaching of the Gospel to lead the church to
understand and respond to the challenge of Christian Discipleship in the light
of a constantly changing world.
2. The Minister shall be a member of the Executive Council and
an ex officio member of all boards and committees. It shall be the Ministers’ responsibility,
with the Diaconate, to keep an accurate roll of members and a list of
admissions and removals. The Minister
shall keep a record of baptisms, marriages, and funerals.
3. When a vacancy in the office of Minister occurs, a Pulpit
Committee consisting of seven or more members appointed by the Executive
Council shall seek a candidate for the office.
Council, Board, or Committee membership shall not preclude appointment
to this committee. The Pulpit Committee
shall present the name of the recommended candidate to the Executive Council
for approval. Following this, at a
meeting of the congregation called for this purpose, the Pulpit Committee shall
present for discussion the qualifications of the candidate and the reasons for
its recommendation. No less than two
weeks later at a legally called meeting the candidate’s name shall be presented
for a vote of the church. A 3/4
affirmative vote by secret ballot of the members attending shall constitute a
call.
4. The Minister shall hold office until the Ministers’
resignation has been accepted or until the church, at a meeting legally called
for that purpose, shall by an affirmative vote of 3/4 of such meeting terminate
the pastorate. Three months’ notice
shall be given by either church or Pastor.
A shorter period may be authorized by the Executive Council upon request
of the Pastor.
5. In the event of criticisms of the Pastor, they shall be communicated to the Chairperson of the Executive Council and to the Chairperson of the Diaconate who, using wise discretion, shall discuss these in Christian love with the Pastor.
ARTICLE VIII EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
1. The Executive Council shall consist of the Pastor,
Chairperson of the Executive Council, Chairperson of the Diaconate,
Chairperson of the Prudential Board,
Chairperson of the Stewardship Board, Chairperson of the Church School Board,
Chairperson of the Youth Ministry Board, Chairperson of the Board of Christian
Mission and Social Concern, Chairperson
of the Poquonock Playschool Board,
Chairperson of the Board of Nominators, Clerk, Treasurer, Financial
Secretary, and three members at large, who shall be elected for a term of one
year.
2. The Executive Council shall elect from its members at large
a vice Chairperson and an assistant clerk, to remain in office until their
successors are chosen.
3. The Executive Council shall meet at least monthly; July and
August may be excepted. Additional meetings may be called at any time
by the Chairperson
or in The Chairpersons absence the Vice Chairperson, or by request of any three
members of the Council. Notice of all
Executive Council meetings shall be given at least five days prior to the
meeting.
4. The Executive Council shall be responsible for and have
authority over the total program of the church, its boards, committees, and organizations
as it seeks avenues of Christian witness.
5. It shall review and act on matters brought before it by any
council member, committee, organization, or church member, bringing before a
meeting of the church those matters requiring major decisions. It shall foster coordination among the
boards, committees, and organizations of the church. In its executive capacity, it may initiate
new programs and committees that might be needed from time to time.
6. Upon recommendations of the Prudential Board, it shall make
changes in the church budget if they are deemed necessary. However, the Council shall enter upon no
contract involving non-budgeted expenditures in excess of $2,000 without the
approval of the church.
7. The Chairperson of the Executive Council or in the
Chairpersons’ absence the Vice chairperson of the Executive Council shall be
the moderator at all meetings of the church, and shall be an ex officio member
of all boards and committees.
8. The Executive Council shall approve for appointment and
establish compensation for all persons employed by the church.
9. The Executive Council will ensure that all boards and
committees are in compliance with the provisions of the "Policies and
Procedures for the Protection of Children and Youth".
10. When the Chairperson of a Board is unable to attend a meeting
of the Executive Council, the Board may send one of its members as a delegate
with full voting powers.
1. The Diaconate shall be a Board consisting of twelve Deacons
to be elected at the Annual Meeting. A
balance of six men and six women would be preferred, but not required. They
shall serve for a term of two years and be elected in such a manner that six
Deacons shall be elected at each Annual Meeting.
2. The Diaconate shall elect its own Chairperson to remain in
office until a successor is chosen. The
Chairperson shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. The Diaconate shall meet at least monthly; July and August
may be excepted.
4. The Diaconate shall share with the Minister the
responsibilities for the spiritual life of the congregation and its
evangelistic outreach to the community.
It shall assist and support the Pastor in the conduct of the services
and sacraments of the church.
5. The Diaconate shall appoint the Director of Music and the
Organists with the approval of the Executive Council. The Director shall be responsible to the
Diaconate.
6. The Board shall biennially review the church rolls with the
Pastor to determine individual membership standing in accordance with Section 5
Article V of these By-Laws.
7. The Board shall meet with the Pastor to recommend to the
church those persons to be received into membership in accordance with Article
V of these By-Laws.
8. As part of its ministry to the church, this Board in
consultation with the Pastor shall develop a program of visitation.
9. The Diaconate shall be responsible for the ushering program
of the church.
10. The Diaconate shall oversee the provision of flowers at the
regular service of the church and other appropriate occasions, and their
distribution after the service.
11. The Diaconate shall arrange for pulpit supply.
12. The Diaconate shall be responsible for the spiritual
educational programs and related activities for the adults of the church. These
programs may include, but not be limited to, Bible Study and Second Hour
programs on Sunday mornings.
13. The Diaconate shall prepare and submit to the Prudential Board, annually, its proposed budget for the ensuing year, including compensation for all persons under its administrative responsibilities.
14. The Diaconate shall oversee the provision of hospitality
following the regular services of the church and at other appropriate
occasions.
1. The Church School Board shall consist of eight members, four
elected at each Annual Meeting for terms of two years.
2. The Church School Board shall elect its own chairperson to
remain in office until a successor is chosen.
The Chairperson shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. The Board shall meet once a month; July and August may be excepted.
4. The Board shall, with the Pastor, be responsible for the
spiritual educational programs and related activities for the children of the
church including, but not limited to, the Library,
5. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to administer and
maintain a Church School Program and to secure and supervise any personnel
needed for this program. The primary
concern of the Church School shall be the Christian Nurture of the children of
the Church, including study, related activities, worship, and special
celebrations. Appropriate records shall
be maintained.
6. The Board shall recommend to the Executive Council the
hiring of a person to function as Director of Christian Education and shall thereafter
be responsible for the activities of this person.
7. The Director of Christian Education shall be hired by the
Executive Council and shall perform assigned duties under the direction of the
Board. The Director of Christian Education shall report regularly to the
Board. The Director of Christian
Education shall remain employed until either the Director or the Executive
Council shall terminate the relationship by giving 90 days’ written notice. A shorter period of time may be authorized by
the Executive Council upon request of the Director of Christian Education.
8. The Board shall prepare and submit to the Prudential Board,
annually, its proposed budget for the ensuing year, including compensation for
all persons under its administrative responsibilities.
ARTICLE XI YOUTH MINISTRY BOARD
1. The Youth Ministry Board shall consist of four members, two
elected at each Annual Meeting for terms of two years.
2. The Board shall elect its own Chairperson to remain in office until
a successor is chosen. The Chairperson
shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. The Board shall meet once a month; July and August may be excepted.
4. The Board shall be responsible for the education, spiritual
growth, and related activities of the youth of the church including, but not
limited to, the Pilgrim Fellowship (PF) groups, youth discussion classes, and
Confirmation programs.
5. The Board shall work closely with the Pastor, paid
professional worker(s), volunteer advisor(s), and others to insure that suitable
programs are planned and implemented.
6. The Board shall recommend to the Executive Council the
hiring of a person to function as a Youth Coordinator and shall thereafter be
responsible for the activities of this person.
7. The Youth Coordinator shall be hired by the Executive
Council and shall perform assigned duties under the direction of the
Board. The Youth Coordinator shall
report regularly to the Board. The Youth
Coordinator shall remain employed until either the Youth Coordinator or the Executive
Council shall terminate the relationship by giving 90 days’ written
notice. A shorter period of time may be
authorized by the Executive Council upon request of the Youth Coordinator.
8. The Board shall prepare and submit to the Prudential Board, annually,
its proposed budget for the ensuing year, including compensation for all
persons under its administrative responsibilities.
ARTICLE
XII BOARD OF CHRISTIAN
1. The Board of Christian
2. The Board shall elect its own Chairperson to remain in
office until a successor is chosen. The
Chairperson shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. The Board shall meet at least once each month; July and
August may be excepted. A quorum shall consist of four members.
4. The Board shall be responsible for programs which educate
and challenge the membership to act with regard to the Christian Outreach of
the church. It shall study and inform
the church about the work of the U. C. C. Denomination and of other Christian
bodies throughout the world, with particular reference to the work of the
Ecumenical Movement.
5. It shall explore those issues which require the concern and
action of the Christian Community. To
implement its concern it shall institute educational programs for the church
membership, inform the membership of opportunities for local and worldwide Christian
witness and service, and develop concrete ways by which the Christian concern
of the people can be expressed.
6. The Board shall recommend to the Prudential Board a program
of benevolent giving for inclusion in the annual church budget. It shall also be responsible for all special
non-budgeted benevolent offerings subject to the approval of the Prudential
Board.
7. The Board shall recommend to the Executive Council for its
approval the names of persons to function as delegates from this church to
Ecclesiastical Conferences and community action groups. These delegates shall report to this Board
which shall then report when necessary to the Executive Council for appropriate
action.
1. The Prudential Board shall consist of the Treasurer and
seven other members, three and four members to be elected on alternate years
for terms of two years.
2. It shall elect its own Chairperson to remain in office until
a successor is chosen. The Chairperson
shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. It shall elect one of its members to serve as Assistant
Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall
discharge such duties as the Treasurer may direct and shall, in the absence or
disability of the Treasurer, serve in the Treasurers’ stead.
4. The Board shall meet at least once each month; July and
August may be excepted.
5. a. The Board is
responsible for the formulation of a Preliminary Budget of Expenditures and,
with the advice of the Stewardship Board, Receipts for the Church for the
ensuing year, utilizing the data submitted by other boards.
b. The Preliminary Budget will be presented to the Executive Council for approval. It may then be submitted to the Congregation for acceptance as the basis for the annual church canvass.
c. Subsequent to the canvass, the Board will prepare the Final Budget and will submit it to the Executive Council for approval prior to its being submitted to the Congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting.
6. Any departure from the budget shall be cleared through the
Prudential Board which shall then make a recommendation to the Executive Board
for its approval.
7. The Board shall annually review the insurance program of the
church or shall appoint someone to perform this task. It shall make any recommendations for a
change to the Executive Council.
8. It shall establish a means for approving all bills before
they are submitted to the Treasurer for payment. It shall also establish a
system of internal control and reporting of finances.
9. It shall receive and manage endowments, legacies, tangible
gifts and trust
funds now belonging to the church or hereafter acquired, subject to the final
approval of the Executive Council.
10. The Board shall recommend to the Executive Council for its
approval the use of memorial funds. It
is intended that these funds be spent for items of a lasting memorial
character. The Board shall take into
consideration suggestions of the Diaconate.
11. The Prudential Board shall be responsible for proper
maintenance and upkeep of all church property and buildings. To this end it shall make recommendations,
through regular budget procedures, for all necessary repairs, replacements, and
maintenance costs.
12. The Prudential Board shall recommend to the Executive Council
the hiring of a person/persons or an outside agency to function as Sexton.
a. All activities of the Sexton shall be under the direction of the Prudential Board.
b. The Sexton shall report regularly to the Prudential Board.
c. This position shall hold until either the Sexton or the Executive Board shall terminate the relationship by giving 90 days’ written notice. A shorter period may be authorized by the Executive Board upon request of the Sexton.
1. The Stewardship Board shall consist of the Financial
Secretary and four other members, two elected at each Annual Meeting for terms
of two years.
2. It shall elect its own Chairperson to remain in office until
a successor is chosen. The Chairperson
shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. It shall elect one of its members to serve as Assistant
Financial Secretary, who will discharge such duties as the Financial Secretary
may direct and serve as Financial Secretary in the Financial Secretary’s
absence or disability.
4. The Board shall meet monthly; July and August may be excepted.
5. The Board’s overall mission shall be to manage and encourage
the giving of time, talent, and treasure to the church. The Board shall coordinate and schedule all
fund-raising activities of the church and shall take direct responsibility for
organizing and directing the annual church canvass. It shall develop programs to encourage
participation in the life of the church, thus allowing members to realize their
ownership of the church. Is shall
develop methods of assessing the aspirations and needs of the church
membership. It shall help people to discover the meaning of church membership
through Scriptural teaching.
6. In order to facilitate scheduling and year-to-year
continuity the Board shall recruit leadership, coordinate, and maintain records
for the following activities:
¨ Memorial giving and Book of Remembrance
¨ Special collections
¨ Bequests
¨ Fund-raising activities
7. The Board shall assist the Prudential Board in preparation
of the church budget, meeting jointly with them when necessary and providing
information on anticipated income.
ARTICLE XV POQUONOCK PLAYSCHOOL BOARD
1. The Poquonock Playschool Board shall consist of four elected
members, two chosen at each Annual Meeting for terms of two years, the
Registrar and the Treasurer to be appointed annually by the board for not more
than six consecutive years, and one nonvoting representative from the school
staff to be appointed annually by the Board.
2. The Board shall elect its own Chairperson to remain in
office until a successor is chosen. The Chairperson
shall report monthly to the Executive Council.
3. The Board shall meet once a month unless otherwise
specified.
4. The Board shall be responsible for: the philosophy of the
school’s operating policies and its program, recruiting the staff, securing and
maintaining supplies and equipment, providing the food, keeping the records,
and emergency staffing.
5. The Board may form a committee or committees, which include
other interested persons, to aid in implementing its responsibilities.
ARTICLE XVI BOARD OF NOMINATORS
1. The Board of Nominators shall consist of four members, two
elected at each Annual Meeting to serve terms of two years. These members may, at the same time, each
serve in another elected position.
2. The Board of Nominators shall elect its own Chairperson, to
remain in office until a successor is chosen and who shall report its
activities to the Executive Council.
3. It shall be the duty of the Board of Nominators to propose
the names of members to be considered for election at the Annual Meeting, who
shall fill the various offices and boards of the church.
4. The Board of Nominators shall, with the approval of the
Executive Council, also fill any vacancies of officers and boards occurring
between Annual Meetings.
5. All persons proposed by the Board of Nominators shall be
active members of the church in accordance with Article V on membership. With the exception of the Minister, a paid
employee shall not serve on the Board to which that employee reports.
6. The list of nominees from this Board shall be presented to
the Clerk at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting to be promptly posted in
the church building and circulated throughout the membership.
7. Additional nominations to any elected position may be made
by the membership at large, provided such nominees are active members and are
presented to the Clerk in nomination at least ten days prior to the Annual
Meeting. Following notification of the
Board of Nominators, such names shall be posted in the church.
ARTICLE XVII BOARD OF AUDITORS
1. Two Auditors shall be elected, one each year at the Annual
Meeting, for terms of two years.
Auditors shall be allowed to succeed themselves in office only once. Auditors may serve in another capacity
provided it is non-financial.
2. They shall perform an audit, using generally accepted audit
procedures, of all financial records and reports of the church and shall submit
a written opinion at the Annual Meeting.
3. The financial reports of all other boards, committees, and
organizations are subject to audit.
ARTICLE XVIII OFFICERS AND ASSISTANTS
The officers of this church shall be the chairperson of the Executive Council, the Clerk, the Treasurer, and the Financial Secretary.
1. Chairperson of the Executive Council: The Chairperson of the Executive Council shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year, renewable once, and shall be an ex officio member of all boards, committees, and organizations and shall preside at all church meetings.
2. Vice Chairperson: The Vice Chairperson shall be elected by the
Executive Council from its members at large, to function only in the absence of
the Chairperson.
3. Clerk:
a. The Clerk of the church shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years.
b. The Clerk
shall keep records of all Executive Council meetings and of Annual or
c. The Clerk shall be responsible for issuing calls to the congregation for special meetings in accordance with Article XXIII on “Meetings.”
4.
Assistant Clerk: The Assistant Clerk shall be elected by the Executive
Council from its members at large, to function only in the absence of the
Clerk.
a. The Treasurer of the church shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and may serve three consecutive terms.
b. The Treasurer shall be under the jurisdiction of the Executive Council and shall present monthly to that council a statement on the condition of the church finances for which the Treasurer is responsible.
c. The Treasurer shall receive and have charge of all funds of the church reported by the Financial Secretary.
d. The Treasurer shall be responsible for all disbursements as authorized in the annual budget or as directed by the Executive Council.
e. The Treasurer shall be a member of the Prudential Board.
a. The Financial Secretary of the church shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and may serve three consecutive terms.
b. The Financial Secretary shall be under the jurisdiction of the Executive Council and shall report monthly to that council.
c. The Financial Secretary shall receive all monies given to the church unless other persons are so directed by the Executive Council.
d. All monies received by the Financial Secretary from pledges, plate collections, and other sources shall be deposited in the church bank account and reported to the Treasurer at regular intervals.
e. The Financial Secretary shall record all pledges to the church and credit payments thereon.
f. The Financial Secretary shall provide for the Pastor and the Diaconate the necessary information to update the active and inactive membership lists in accordance with Article V on membership.
g. The Financial Secretary shall be a member of the Stewardship Board.
ARTICLE XIX DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ORGANISTS
1. The ministers of music shall consist of one or more of the following positions at the discretion of the Executive Council and upon recommendation of the Diaconate. The positions shall be Director of Music, Associate Director of Music and one or more regular (staff) Organists.
2. The Director of Music, the Associate Director of Music and
any regular Organist shall be appointed by the Diaconate with the approval of
the Executive Council. The Director of
Music, Associate Director of Music and any regular Organist shall remain
employed until either the incumbent or the Executive Council shall terminate
the relationship by giving 90 days’ written notice. A shorter period of time may be authorized by
the Executive Council upon request of the incumbent.
3. The Director of Music and the associate director of music
shall be responsible to the Diaconate.
The Director shall be responsible for the music program of the church in
cooperation with the Minister. The
Associate Director of Music, in coordination with the Director of Music shall
assist in the development and implementation of the music program.
4. Any Regular Organist shall serve under the direction of the
Director of Music.
1. The Historian shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the
church for a term of one year. The
Historian shall be eligible for reelection for an indefinite number of terms
and shall be able to serve at the same time in another elected capacity.
2. The Historian shall keep such records of historical interest
as do not belong to the duties of the Clerk.
ARTICLE XXI OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES
1. All organizations shall be responsible to and have their
ultimate authority vested in the Executive Council.
2. Each organization shall report its plans and activities to
the Executive Council at any time it or the Council deems necessary.
3. The financial records of all organizations shall be subject to audit.
4. All Boards are empowered to appoint committees as needs for
their services may arise. Members of
committees need not be members of the church.
1. The Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated regularly in
accordance with a schedule established by the Minister and the Diaconate.
2. The Pastor shall invite all persons who accept Jesus Christ
as Lord and Savior to participate in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper,
regardless of church affiliation.
3. Baptism for adults and children shall be administered at
such times as the Pastor may appoint.
1. The Annual Meeting of the church shall be held in the month of
May at a date to be determined by the Executive Council. Written notice of said meeting shall be sent
to all members at least ten days prior to the meeting date. The purpose of the Annual Meeting shall be to
elect persons to the positions enumerated in these By-Laws, to hear and approve
annual reports, adopt the financial budget for the current year, and transact
any other business proper to come before the congregation.
2. Special church meetings may be called by the Executive
Council or by a petition to the Council signed by not less than five percent of
the active members. The Council shall
call such meetings within three weeks from receipt of the petition. Ten days’ notice of such meeting and its
purpose shall be sent to the membership by the Clerk.
3. Voting at all church meetings, unless specified otherwise in
these By-Laws, shall be by voice or upon show of hands at the discretion of the
Moderator, provided, however, that upon request of not less than five members,
voting shall be by written ballot. A
majority vote of those present shall decide each question unless otherwise
specified.
4. At any church meeting a quorum shall consist of ten percent
of the active membership.
5. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority
for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by these By-Laws.
ARTICLE XXIV GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. The fiscal year of the church shall be the year beginning
each April 1 and ending each March 31.
2. Financial Control:
a. All financial records shall be subject to audit.
b. Any Board or Committee submitting a request for a single item in excess of $1,000.00 must obtain at least two written estimates. If it is not practical to obtain written estimates, a committee estimate may be submitted. The Treasurer must certify availability of funds and the Executive Council must approve the expenditure before a commitment is made.
3. All officers, boards, and organizations shall be ultimately
responsible to the Executive Council.
4. Council and Board Meetings:
a. The Council and all Boards must be called into meeting by the incumbent Chairperson to organize, and be briefed on the By-Laws within one month of the Annual Meeting.
b. They shall elect a Chairperson to remain in office until a successor is chosen.
c. They shall also elect a secretary and other officers as deemed necessary.
d. All Chairpersons, or in their absence the Vice Chairpersons or a representative named by the Chairperson, shall report monthly to the Executive Council and have a vote.
e. Except as otherwise specified, 50% of its members shall be a quorum at all council and board meetings.
5. The Pastor, Officers, Historian, Music Director, and the Chairpersons
of boards and organizations shall submit an Annual Report of their activities
and accomplishments, along with a financial statement, to the Clerk for review
by the Executive Council and for publication prior to the Annual Meeting.
6. Members may serve in only one elective position each year
unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws.
7. Any member may serve two consecutive terms of office but
must then be ineligible for election to that same office for at least one year,
unless otherwise specified.
8. Members holding elective office shall, when unable to
fulfill their terms of office, submit a written resignation to the Chairperson
of the Board they serve stating the date it is to become effective.
9. Any member appointed to fill more than half an unexpired
term of office shall be considered to have served a full term.
10. The Executive Council has authority, by a 3/4 vote at a
meeting called for that purpose, to remove for just cause any member from
elective office.
11. All legal documents obligating the church to financial
responsibility shall be executed by an officer(s) of the church.
12. All positions in the church, elected or appointed, volunteer
or salaried, are open to all without regard to sex; however, elected positions
are open only to active members.
The church and its property shall be forever devoted to religious purposes. No officer, director, member, or employee thereof shall receive any pecuniary profit from the church except reasonable compensation for services in effecting one or more of its purposes. In the event of the dissolution of the church its property shall become vested in and its functions as trustee, if any, administered by such church or other organization which is organized and operated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes which the membership of the church shall designate at a meeting called before the said dissolution, or, in the absence of such determination, as the Superior Court of the County of Hartford shall determine.
These By-Laws may be amended or repealed by a 2/3 vote of members present at a Special Meeting called for that purpose or at any Annual Meeting, due notice of the proposed changes having been stated in the call.