As amended at a Special Church Meeting held on November 19, 2006.
Article 1 Name
The name of this church shall be The Central Square Congregational Church in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, as provided by Chapter 187 of the Acts of the General Court of Massachusetts of 1904.
Article 2 Purpose
The purpose of this church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus the Christ in the worship of God, in the proclamation of the Gospel, and in seeking to make God's will dominant in our lives, especially as that will is set forth in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus; and it seeks to become a ‘Fellowship of the Concerned’ to serve the spiritual, moral, and social needs of its members, the surrounding community, and the whole world.
Article 3 Mission Statement
We are a Christian Community of people who being bound by our covenant, are reaching out to our neighbors, at home and the world, sharing our faith and our resources.
Article 4 Polity
The government of this church is Congregational and acknowledges no head but Jesus the Christ. It is a member of the United Church of Christ (as of January 1961). Though subject to the control of no ecclesiastical body, it recognizes and supports the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation with the United Church of Christ and all its congregations, especially those of the Massachusetts Conference and the Pilgrim Association. The church’s powers of government are derived from its voting members. These powers, when delegated to Officers, Boards, and Committees, can be revoked or revised by the members of the congregation at a special meeting.
Article 5 Covenant
We covenant one with another to seek and respond to the Word and Will of God, and 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 the Christ in all the world, while worshiping God and striving for truth, justice, brotherhood, and peace. As did our forbearers, we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We work and pray for the increase of the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.
Article 6 Faith
Section 1
Faith This church acknowledges as its sole head Jesus the Christ, Son of God, and Savior. It acknowledges as brothers and sisters in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word 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 Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
Section 2
Statement of Faith The Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ sets forth those beliefs most commonly held among us: “We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our Brother, and to whose deeds we testify: creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole of creation to its Creator. God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues and races. God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, 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. God promises to all who trust in the Gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of Grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God. Amen.”
Article 7 Fellowship
We believe in the autonomy of the local church, but also recognize our Connectedness with Pilgrim Association, Massachusetts’s Conference and United Church of Christ. We will work earnestly for the fulfillment of our Lord's Prayer for his disciples: 'that they may all be one.'
Article 8 Membership
Section 1
Qualifications of Admission Membership in this church shall be open to anyone, who has made a public confession of faith in Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior, and by means of Confirmation in this church or by the following procedure: 1) Personally appear before a representative the Growth Committee to present credentials (certificate or statement of Baptism, or letter of transfer from another church) and request membership; in the case of new believers, to testify to a personal faith in Jesus the Christ and request baptism and admission to membership. 2) To attend new comer informational meetings, 3) be recommended for membership by the Growth Committee at a church meeting. 4) Be accepted by a majority vote at that meeting 5) publicly subscribe to the Covenant of the Church, and be formally received into the fellowship of the church at a church worship service (except that special provision may be made for persons unable to attend service).
Section 2
Associate Memberships Associate Membership shall be open to persons who hold membership in another Christian church and who wish to retain that membership while associated with this church. Such persons shall be admitted by the same procedure and have the same rights and privileges as regular members, and shall fulfill the same responsibilities. Instead of a letter of transfer an associate member shall submit a letter from his home church declaring that he is a regular member in good standing.
Section 3
Responsibilities All members; including Associate Members, shall pledge themselves to attend the regular worship services of this 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 benevolences; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.
Section 4
Rights All members; including Associate Members, shall be eligible for all the offices of the church, and shall have the right to vote on all matters brought before the church, except that only those members 18 years of age or over shall serve as officers or have the right to vote on financial matters.
Section 5
Terminations A member whose address has been unknown for two years, or who for a period of two years, in spite of spiritual care, has not attended worship services, contributed to the support of the church, or responded to communications from the church, may by recommendation of the Board of Deacons and having been notified be placed on an inactive list and would not be eligible to vote at church meetings. Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of recommendation and transfer to another church shall be entitled, upon request, to receive it by vote of the Board of Deacons, and issued by the Clerk. That person's membership in this church shall terminate upon issuance of such a letter. Should any member become an offense to the church and its good name for any reason, on recommendation of the board of deacons, and after due notice and/or hearing, the church may by a two-thirds vote suspend or terminate the membership of that person.
Section 6
Restorations Any person whose membership has been suspended or terminated may be restored to membership at his or her request by vote of the church, either 1) upon evidence of his or her repentance or reformation (if suspension or termination was because of some offense) or 2) upon recommendation of the Minister and the Board of Deacons (if suspension or termination was on account of continued absence or release from the Covenant).
Article 9 Pastors
Section 1 Duties
The Pastors shall be responsible for fulfilling their duties as specified in the conditions of their Call and Job Description.
Section 2 Selection
1) When it is necessary for the church to seek a new pastor, it shall seek help from the Area Minister of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. 2) The Cabinet shall appoint a Search Committee which shall consist of not less than seven or more than eleven member. At least one member shall be chosen from each of the 5 Boards of Administration. The Cabinet’s appointments shall be approved by the Church. 3) The Moderator shall call the first meeting of the Search Committee, it shall elect its own chairperson and determine its own organizational procedures and the criteria and methods it will employ in its search. It shall consult with the various Boards regarding financial, stewardship or other matters as necessary for carrying out its duties. 4) The Search Committee, will recommend a candidate to the congregation and shall arrange for the congregation to hear the candidate at a regular Sunday morning service followed by a Special Church Meeting for voting on the Committee's recommendation. Approval of the candidate by a two-thirds majority shall constitute a Call. 5) In the formal Call the terms of the proposed relationship shall be stated in writing by the Church.
Section 3 Installation
After assuming his or her duties in the Church, the new Pastor and the Church, on the advice of the Board of Deacons, will request the Pilgrim Association to arrange a service of installation. A report of this service shall be prepared, signed by the Clerk of the Association and the Conference Executive.
Section 4 Termination
1) The pastoral relationship may be terminated by either party: 1) the Pastor, by giving a written notice to the Cabinet, or 2) the Church, by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a Special Meeting called for the purpose. A briefer notice may be mutually agreed upon. 2) When either party decides to terminate the relationship, the Official termination shall be by action of the Church, either in accordance with the vote of the Church Meeting, or in acceptance of the Pastor’s resignation. Written notice of such termination shall be sent by the Clerk to the Pilgrim Association.
Section 5 Interim Pastor
In the event of a temporary or permanent absence of a Pastor, the Board of Deacons may secure an Interim Pastor to serve as long as necessary with the help of the Area Minister.
Article 10 The Cabinet
Section 1 Membership
The Church Cabinet shall consist of the Pastor(s), the Officers of the Church, the Chairpersons of the Boards and of all permanent committees, and the Presidents (or other Executives) of all Church Organizations. (All Cabinet members must be members of the church, so if the President of an Organization is not a church member another person shall be appointed to represent that Organization in the Cabinet). The Church Moderator shall serve, as Chairperson of the Cabinet, but in the case of the Moderator's absence the Vice-Moderator shall preside.
Section 2 Responsibilities
The Cabinet shall hear and act upon reports of the Boards, Committees, Groups, and Officers, and maintain general oversight of the work of the Church. However, decisions and actions of the Cabinet shall be subject to review by all members of the church assembled in Annual or Special Meetings, and may be modified or rescinded by a majority vote of such meetings.
Section 3 Meetings
The Cabinet shall meet monthly except July and August and as often as it deems necessary to accomplish its tasks. Special Meetings may be called at any time by the Moderator, the Vice-Moderator, the Pastor(s) or any five members of the Cabinet. At each regular meeting all Officers, Boards, Committees, and Organizations shall be prepared to report on their current activities and plans for future work. A majority of the membership of the Cabinet shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4 Committees
The Cabinet shall have the power to appoint Special Committees for special purposes whenever it may consider them necessary, and to supervise the work of such committees and receive reports from them. Any additional permanent committees shall be established only by amendment of these By-Laws.
Section 5 The Budget
The Cabinet shall receive and consider the proposed Annual Budget submitted by the Board of Trustees for the operation of the church for the following year. Upon approving this proposed budget the Cabinet shall instruct the Trustees to present and recommend it to the Church at the Budget Review Meeting; but if the Cabinet does not approve, it shall request the Trustees to consider appropriate revisions. The Cabinet shall have emergency powers to authorize the Board of Trustees to borrow up to $2,000 to meet urgent demands not anticipated in the budget. Whenever income fails to meet the budgeted expenses the Board of Trustees shall have authority to decide where necessary cuts shall be made, or additional income secured, but the approval of the Cabinet shall be required if any item in the budget is to be cut more than 20%.
Article 11 Boards of Administration
Section 1 Basic Guidelines
A) The basic life and work of the Church shall be under the direction and supervision of Boards of Administration: Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Board of Stewardship, Board of Christian Education, and Board of Christian Outreach.
B) The members of the Boards shall be elected for terms of three years, their terms arranged in such a manner that one-third of them shall be elected each year, members shall be eligible to serve a second consecutive term, and they shall not be eligible for re-election until after the lapse of one year.
C) On or before June 15 of each year of the Boards shall elect a Chairperson and Secretary to serve through the following May, and shall include the name of the newly elected Chairperson and Secretary in the Annual Report of the Board.
D) On or before the October Cabinet meeting of each year, each of the Boards shall present to the Board of Trustees an itemized budget request to cover the expense of the work charged to it for the coming year.
E) The Chairperson of each Board (or an appointed representative) shall be present at every meeting of the Cabinet and be prepared to report all activities and plans of the Board affecting the life of the Church.
F) Each Board shall elect a Secretary to keep records of its proceedings and file a copy of the minutes of each meeting with the Moderator and another copy with the Church Secretary prior to holding the next meeting of the Board.
G) The Chairperson of each Board shall submit an Annual Report to the Church Secretary not later than December 31 of each year, to be included in the Annual Report of the Church.
H) Chairpersons of each Board shall provide orientation for all others at the first meeting of the new term. Newly elected members shall be invited to attend the next scheduled meeting after being elected for the purposes of orientation and elections of officers of the Board.
I) A quorum will be considered a majority of the members of the Board. Each board shall meet monthly except July and August. Special meetings may be called at the direction of the Chairperson
J) At their own discretion, they may appoint sub-committees to carry out specific aspects of their work, and the chairperson of such sub-committees shall be a member of the Board.
K) Each Board shall create and maintain job descriptions, policies and procedures for the said Board. Job descriptions, policies and procedures will be brought before Cabinet for review and upon approval shall be placed on file with the church office for future reference.
Section 2 Board of Deacons
A) The Board of Deacons shall consist of 9 members. They shall be responsible for ministering to the spiritual, pastoral and worship needs of the members of the Church and community.
B) They shall be responsible, in consultation with the Pastor(s); for the order of Worship in the church services, the preparation and distribution of the elements in the observance of the Lord's Supper; policies regarding Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals, special programs of worship.
C) They shall counsel with the Pastor(s) regarding the performance of pastoral duties and shall assist and support the Pastors in all the spiritual affairs of the church. When for any reason the Pastor must be absent they shall secure a substitute to conduct the church service.
D) Before October 15 of each year they shall carefully review the Pastor's salary and allowances and make an appropriate recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding those items along with budget requests to cover all the financial needs of their work for the coming year.
E) A Pastor Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) for the pastor(s) shall be established and operated under the auspices of the Board of Deacons (BOD), in accordance with the PPRC Policy developed and approved by the BOD and reviewed by the Cabinet on 5/16/2002. A copy is on file in the Policy/Procedure Manual in the church office. As stated, the PPRC has no decision-making authority, rather is advisory in nature. Its sole purpose is to monitor the quality of the relationship between pastor and congregation. The content of meetings shall remain in confidence; only dates of meetings made public. Permission to share contents/recommendations requires a unanimous vote of pastor(s) and members. The BOD and pastor(s) will review membership annually. Term of service is 3 years with a possible second term.
F) The Deacons Fund shall be a discreet and separate fund apart from the Diaconate or Budget Fund. It is to be administrated under the sole discretion and auspices of the Board of Deacons (BOD) to further its work as deem necessary and appropriate. It shall be held in a specific account at a local financial institution, not obligated to defray to defray operating expenses, nor included in the church budgetary process. Monthly reports of contributions and disbursements shall be made available to the BOD.
Section 3 Board of Trustees
A) The Board of Trustees shall consist of 9 members, and the other 3 shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Stewardship, the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, the latter 2 without vote.
B) They shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of the church and all the physical properties of the church and church holdings. They shall inspect periodically both the church and its holdings and report to the Cabinet any conditions requiring repair or renovation.
C) They shall be required to hire, direct and supervise the work of the custodian.
D) They shall supervise the use of valuable properties, such as silver service and similar portable equipment and supplies.
E) They shall maintain a book of rules, procedures, and policies governing the use of the church building and all its properties and equipment by members, non-members, and outside organizations, and to be responsible for their enforcement.
F) They shall be responsible for all the business affairs of the church, including the purchase of necessary supplies, and the hiring of the Office Secretary.
G) They shall execute all contracts, for all personnel and for lease property, furnishings, and equipment; but they shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, or transfer real estate, stocks, bonds, or other intangibles, nor to sell any furnishings or equipment owned by the church without specific approval by vote of the church.
H) They shall project long-range financial plans by which the physical facilities of the church shall be kept in good repair and all financial obligations met, and shall keep the Board of Stewardship informed concerning the financial requirements of such plans.
I) They shall be responsible for preparing and administering the Annual Budget of the church: 1) in the fall of each year they shall invite the Chairpersons of every Board and Committee to present and explain their requests for funds from the budget for the following fiscal year. These requests must be made before the October Cabinet meeting 2) The Board shall review and evaluate all these requests for funds, as well as the needs of all other phases of the church, and in the light of estimated available income shall prepare a proposed Annual Budget for the entire church for the following fiscal year, and present it to the Cabinet no later than the December meeting. If the Cabinet finds this proposed budget acceptable, the Cabinet shall instruct the Trustees to present and recommend it to the Annual Budget Meeting of the church; if not, the Cabinet shall recommend that the Trustees consider appropriate revisions before the date of the Annual Budget Meeting. 3) If at any time during the fiscal year income fails to meet budgeted expenses the Board shall determine where necessary cuts in expenses shall be made, or how additional funds shall be secured; but the approval of the Cabinet shall be required if any item in the budget is to be cut more than 20%. 4) If at any time during the year any Officer, Board or Committee finds that essential or desirable activities or programs are being hampered by the limitations of the Annual Budget, they may petition the Board of Trustees for a revision of the budget or a special allotment of funds to meet emergency needs. Such petitions shall be considered at the next regular or special meeting of the Board, and their decision shall be final.
J) When money, property, or intangibles with a value of $100 or more are given to the church, not as memorials but with or without stipulation as to a purpose, the Board of Trustees shall outline specific plans for the use of such gifts, but shall secure the approval of the Cabinet before implementing those plans.
K) The Board of Trustees shall provide a complete audit of all the financial records of the church to be performed and reported to the Cabinet promptly after the close of each fiscal year.
Section 4 – Board of Stewardship
A) The Board of Stewardship shall consist of 6 members
B) They shall be responsible, through the development of special programs and the annual fall financial drive, for raising adequate funds to meet the Annual Budget requirements for the church.
C) They shall create and maintain a year round program of Stewardship Education, keeping the members of the church informed of the financial needs of all phases of work of the church and of progress in meeting the needs.
D) They shall supervise the work of the Financial Secretary and shall arrange for one of the members to work with the Financial Secretary immediately following the church service each week in counting and recording the loose cash received in the offering.
E) They shall be responsible for contacting new members and securing their Pledges, and for communicating with members who are seriously in arrears.
Section 5 – Board of Christian Education
A) The Board of Christian Education shall consist of 9 members,
B) They shall be responsible for creating and maintaining a program of Christian Education for persons of all ages within the church, always working in close co-operation with the Pastor(s).
C) They shall recruit and arrange for the training of the necessary personnel to staff and operate a competent Church School. On or before July 1 of each year they shall select and appoint a Church School Superintendent who shall be responsible to the Board for carrying out its policies and plans.
D) They shall also be responsible for selecting and providing, in consultation with the Superintendent and or Director of Christian Education, the necessary curriculum materials for the School. They shall be responsible for maintaining a Youth Program in addition to the Church School. They shall recruit adult advisors and work closely with them and the Ministers in creating well-balanced programs of religious, social, and recreational activities suited to the needs of both junior high and senior high young people. If an employed staff person (such as a Seminarian, Student Assistant, Youth Minister or Director of Christian Education is required for carrying out any of these responsibilities, the Board shall find and recommend such a person to the Cabinet, and shall supervise his or her work in consultation with the Pastor(s).
E) The Board shall establish and maintain a Library in the church to encourage children, youth and adults to become better informed about themselves, their problems, and the urgent issues, as well as about the Bible and the Christian Faith: and to provide resources and reference materials for the use of the Church School, both students and teachers.
Section 6 – Board of Christian Outreach
A) The Board of Christian Outreach shall consist of 6 members.
B) They shall be informed, and keep the people of the church informed, concerning the most important events and activities of the local Council of Churches, the Pilgrim Association, the Massachusetts Conference, and the United Church of Christ and all it organizations: and they shall recommend and supervise the allocation of funds for the support of those agencies and their programs.
C) They shall be responsible for maintaining a program of missionary education and action geared to the missions programs of the United Church of Christ, involving children, youth, and adults, and seeking always to work in cooperation with other organizations within the church in planning missionary projects and programs
D) They shall be responsible for maintaining a program of social awareness and action, seeking to involve the people of the church in Christian concern and effective action regarding the problems of the local community and of society in general.
E) They shall appoint delegates to attend the meetings of the local Council of Churches, and Pilgrim Association, and the Massachusetts Conference, and shall receive reports from them, and inform the people of the church regarding their activities. The Board shall make provisions in its Annual Budget for whatever expenses may be incurred by such delegates.
Article 12 Officers
Section 1 Officers and Their Terms
The Officers of the Church shall be as follows: Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary, and Historian. All the Officers shall be members of the church and at least 18 years of age. They shall begin their service at the end of the June Cabinet Meeting and shall serve terms of 2 years. After serving 3 consecutive full terms in an office, they shall not be eligible for re-election to that office until after the lapse of one year. No person shall serve more than one elective office at the same time. No Officer shall serve on a permanent committee. Each outgoing Officer shall provide orientation to the incoming Officer.
Section 2 – The Moderator
The Moderator shall preside at the Annual Meeting and at all regular and special meetings of the church, and at all meetings of the Cabinet. He shall also perform other duties as specified in these by-laws.
Section 3 - Vice-Moderator
The Vice-Moderator shall perform all the duties of the Moderator whenever the Moderator is absent or unable to serve.
Section 4 – The Clerk
The Clerk shall:
A) Keep a faithful record of proceedings at church meetings, providing the Moderator with one copy and keeping another on file at the church office,
B) Keep a register of the names of all members of the church, and the dates and modes of their reception and removal,
C) Keep records of all baptisms, marriages and funerals performed in the church or parish by any Pastor representing this church,
D) Co-operate with the Church Secretary in maintaining files in the church office for all important correspondence and the reports of all Officers, Boards, and Committees,
E) See that all Officers and members of Boards and Committees are officially notified of their election, and are provided a copy of the bylaws explaining their duties,
F) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Minister(s) or the Moderator. In case the Clerk is absent from any meeting, a Clerk pro-tem shall be appointed by the Moderator
G) Shall maintain a record of all policies, job descriptions, and bylaws.
Section 5 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
A) Receive, record, hold, and disburse all church money, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, and shall keep complete and accurate books of account
B) Have custody of all valuable papers relating to the property of the church and a copy of all employee contracts,
C) Prepare regular financial statements and give reports at the direction of the Board of Trustees,
D) Furnish a bond, for which the church shall bear the cost .
E) Keep the church funds in such banking institutions as shall be. approved by the Board of Trustees, and
F) Be an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, but without a vote.
Section 6 Assistant Treasurer
The Assistant Treasurer shall:
A) Have the same duties as the Treasurer
B) Work closely with the Treasurer and be familiar with all the books and financial operations of the church,
C) Perform all the duties of the Treasurer whenever the latter is absent or unable to serve
Section 7 Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary shall:
A) Keep full and correct account between the church and each person contributing toward the current expenses and benevolences or other finds of the church
B) Receive all contributions to the church, whether by mail or in the regular church offerings and in accordance with the directives of the Board of Stewardship, shall record them and deposit them in the proper bank accounts as promptly as possible, immediately notifying the Treasurer of the amounts and dates of such deposits
C) Periodically render statements of account to all persons who have pledged contributed financially to the support of the church, and
D) Promptly acknowledge all unfledged identified gifts to the church other than memorial gifts.
Section 8 Assistant Financial Secretary
The Assistant Financial Secretary shall: Have the same duties as the Financial Secretary, Work closely with the Financial Secretary and be familiar with all the records and procedures for the office, and Perform all the duties of the office whenever the Financial Secretary is absent or unable to serve.
Section 9 Historian
The Historian shall maintain and preserve all the records for the church, keep a diary of principal events, and be responsible for the custody of all articles of special historical interest and value.
Article 13 Permanent Committees Basic Guidelines
A) On or before June 15 of each year of the Committees shall elect a Chairperson and Secretary to serve through the following May, and shall include the name of the newly elected Chairperson and Secretary in the Annual Report of the Board.
B) On or before the October Cabinet meeting of each year, each of the Committees shall present to the Board of Trustees an itemized budget request to cover the expense of the work charged to it for the coming year for those that need a budget.
C) The Chairperson of each Committee (or an appointed representative) shall be present at every meeting of the Cabinet and be prepared to report all activities and plans of the Committee affecting the life of the Church.
D) Each Committee shall elect a Secretary to keep records of its proceedings and file a copy of the minutes of each meeting with the Moderator and another copy with the Church Secretary prior to holding the next meeting of the Board.
E) The Chairperson of each Committee shall submit an Annual Report to the Church Secretary not later than December 31 of each year, to be included in the Annual Report of the Church.
F) Chairpersons of each Committee shall provide orientation for all others at the first meeting of the new term. Newly elected members shall be invited to attend the next scheduled meeting after being elected for the purposes of orientation and elections of officers of the Committee.
G) A quorum will be considered a majority of the members of the Committee.
H) Each Committee shall meet monthly except July and August.
I) Special meetings may be called at the direction of the Chairperson.
J) At their own discretion, they may appoint sub-committees to carry out specific aspects of their work, and the chairperson of such sub-committees shall be a member of the initiating Committee.
K) Each committee shall create and maintain job descriptions, policies and procedures for the said committee. Job descriptions, policies and procedures will be brought before Cabinet for review and upon approval shall be placed on file with the church office for future reference.
L) Newly elected members shall begin their service at the end of the June Cabinet meeting.
Section 1 – The Music Committee
A) The Music Committee shall consist of six members, two to be elected each year for a term of three years, and no member shall be eligible for re-election until after the lapse of one year. The Choir Director and Organist shall serve as ex-officio members of the Music Committee
B) It shall be responsible for all the music for the church services and for special programs and occasions
C) It shall consult regularly with the Organist and Choir Director regarding all phases of church music, including the recruiting and training of all the church choirs.
D) It shall be responsible for securing substitutes whenever the Organist or Choir Director is absent or unable to serve; and it shall be responsible for locating and recommending to the Cabinet a replacement in case of the resignation of either the Organist or Choir Director.
E) It shall be responsible for determining the needs of the musical program of the Church – such as instruments, music, equipment, and robes.
F) It shall be responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, repair, and proper storage of all equipment and supplies used in the musical program.
Section 2 – Nominating Committee
A) The Nominating Committee shall consist of one member from each of the Boards of Administration and two members-at-large as appointed by the Moderator and shall serve a term of 1 year beginning in January.
B) The names of the members of the Nominating Committee shall be included in the Annual Report of the Church.
C) Duties - The Convener (designated by the Moderator) shall call the first meeting and preside until a Chairperson and Secretary are elected.
D) They shall make a careful study of the requirements of each office to be filled and make an earnest effort to select candidates who are thoroughly qualified.
E) They shall present to the Cabinet on or before the April Cabinet Meeting, a list of nominees for the various offices of the Church for the following year, as set forth in these By-Laws. The Committee shall make clear to each candidate the duties and requirements of the office he or she is being asked to fill, and shall secure his or her agreement to serve if elected.
F) The committee shall submit the list of the nominees to the Moderator for the purpose of calling a Special Church Meeting to elect the nominees. The special meeting shall be no later than the end of May.
Section 3 – Memorials Committee
A) The Memorials Committee shall consist of six members, two to be elected each year to serve terms of three years, and no member shall be eligible for re-election until after the lapse of one year.
B) All gifts shall be promptly acknowledged by a member of the committee. Acknowledgement should be made to the donor and to a member of the family of the person in whose memory the gift is made. (Appropriate cards should be ordered and used.)
C) All memorial gifts should be entered in the Memorials Book in addition to any plaques that may be attached to any memorial articles.
D) All cash contributions made in memory of a person or persons to the church may be used by the Memorials Committee for memorials of any kind, but never for defraying current operating expenses of the Church unless specified by the donor.
E) They shall be responsible for supervising the use of funds contributed to the Church for Memorials.
F) A donor or group of donors who wish to contribute a specific article as a Memorial shall first consult and secure the approval of the Memorials Committee before proceeding with the purchase and/or installation of the memorial article; and the Committee shall make sure that the article under consideration will be a suitable and appropriate addition to the present furnishings and equipment of the Church.
G) In every case the Memorials Committee shall secure the approval of the Cabinet and, if the Cabinet so directs, approval of the church members at a Church meeting.
Section 4 – Altar Committee
This sub-committee of the Deacons is filled by the nominating committee and appointed annually. They shall be responsible for seeing that flowers for the altar and special decorations around the church are provided throughout the year. This committee shall consist of not less than three or more than six members.
Section 5 – The Church Growth Committee
The Church Growth Committee shall consist of six members, two to be elected each year to serve terms of three years, and no member shall be eligible for re-election until after the lapse of one year. Their responsibilities shall be as follows:
A) To promote the church through evangelism
B) To educate the entire congregation in recruiting members.
C) To help in the assimilation of members into our congregation
D) To plan and provide special programs and activities that will help members get to know one another.
E) To provide for the orientation of inquirers into the faith and life of the church
F) To provide Super Welcomers, Greeters, Ushers and Coffee Hosts for each worship service and provide a list of those serving to the office prior to the printing of the weekly bulletin for each service.
G) To give to the Moderator a list of proposed new members to be presented to the Church at a Special Church Meeting.
Section 6 – The Ways and Means Committee
A) The Ways and Means Committee shall consist of six members, two to be elected each year for a term of three years, and no member shall be eligible for re-election until after the lapse of one year.
B) Their responsibilities shall be to plan, supervise, promote, and to coordinate special fund-raising events to supplement the income of the church.
Article 14 Church Organizations
A) All organizations that may be formed within the church for the purpose of advancing the fellowship or mission of the Church, and using the facilities of the Church, shall be considered integral parts of the Church, and their activities shall be subject to the approval of the Cabinet.
B) All organizations that operate under the auspices of the church shall operate under the same basic guidelines as other committees.
Article 15 – Church Meetings
The Annual Meeting of the church shall be held on the second Sunday of February to receive reports of all Officers, Boards, Committees and Organizations; and to transact any other business that may legally come before it. Special Meetings of the church may be called by the Cabinet, Pastor(s) or the Moderator whenever pending business may require, or upon written request signed by not less than 15 members of the Church, in which case the Moderator shall call the meeting within three weeks after receipt of the request. Notice of Meetings shall be posted in the vestibule of the church at least seven days before each meeting and announced from the pulpit at the earliest opportunity. Notice of meetings shall also be sent in the newsletter whenever possible. If the purpose of the meeting is to consider financial matters involving sums of over $2,000 or an amendment to the By-Laws, and it is not possible to include the notice in the newsletter in time to reach the members seven days before the meeting, a special mailing shall be made to all members. All notices of the meetings shall include the warrant listing the Articles to be acted upon. No other matters may be presented for action except upon presentation of the subject matter in written form to the Moderator before the meeting and approved by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. Quorum - Ten percent of the members of the church, as reported in the Annual Report of the Church, shall constitute a quorum The Budget Review Meeting – The Budget Review Meeting is to be held on the third Sunday in January, for the express purpose of approving the recommended budget, as presented by the Trustees for that year.
Article 16 - Procedures Rules of Order
“Roberts’ Rules of Order” shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure at church meetings Dates of Activities – All Church Boards, Committees, and Organizations shall first clear with the Church Secretary before setting dates for meetings, programs, or special activities, in order to avoid conflicts Fiscal Year – The fiscal year of the Church and all its Boards, Committees, and Organizations shall be the Calendar year beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of each year.
Article 17 - Property
Section 1 – Corporate Responsibility
The Church may, in its corporate name, sue or be sued, acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise; and own, hold, invest, reinvest, borrow against, mortgage or dispose of property, real or personal, for such work as the Church may undertake; and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage, care for, and transfer or convey such property for the general purposes of the Church; and 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.
Section 2 – Disposition in Case of Dissolution
In case of eventual 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, may be transferred to another religious society by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a regularly called Church meeting, but, lacking such a vote, shall be transferred to the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Article 18 – Amendments
The By-Laws may be amended at any duly called Church meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, providing a draft of the proposed amendment is included in the warrant for the meeting. Following such action the Clerk shall cause copies of the amended pages to be sent to the Moderator, the Pastor(s), the Officers, and to the Chairpersons of all Boards, Committees, and Organizations of the Church.
