BYLAWS
of
First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ,
Holden, Massachusetts
Adopted April 12, 1988
Amended January 22, 1995, Amended October 19,
2003, Amended May 20, 2007
ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this church shall be the FIRST
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
UNITED CHURCH
OF CHRIST, Holden, Massachusetts
ARTICLE
II - Purpose
A. To worship God
B. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to celebrate the
sacraments
C. To realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and
the Church Universal
D. To render loving service toward humankind
E. To strive for righteousness, justice and peace ARTICLE III - Polity
A. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical
body, although it sustains a cooperative relationship through membership in the United Church of Christ
B. The government of this church is vested in its members
who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject to the Articles of Incorporation granted it on December 24,
1888, by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
C. In matters not provided for in these bylaws, the church shall
look to the established practice of the United Church of Christ for guidance. ARTICLE IV - Faith and Covenant A.
Faith:
1. 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
2. Each member shall have the undisturbed right to follow
the Word of God according to the dictates of conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
3. One expression of this faith is the Statement of Faith
of the United Church of Christ.
B. Covenant:
1. We covenant one with another to seek and respond to
the Word and the will of God
2. We purpose to walk together in the ways of the Lord,
made known and to be made known to us
3. We hold it to be in 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.
4. As did our forebears, we depend on the Holy Spirit
to lead and empower us.
5. We pray for the coming of the kingdom of God, and we
look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.
ARTICLE V - Membership
A. Qualification - Without exception, all who are baptized and
accept the covenant of this church shall be welcomed into its membership B.
Members shall ordinarily be received during a church service:
1. On confession of faith
2. Upon confirmation
3. On presentation of satisfactory letters of transfer or certificates
of standing
4. On reaffirmation of faith
C. The responsibilities of members are:
1. To be faithful in all the spiritual duties essential to
the Christian life
2. To regularly attend the services of this church
3. To share in its organized work
4. To give systematically for its missions and home expenses
5. To request letters of transfer upon removal to other communities
or other churches
D. Rights - Active members may act and vote in all church matters E.
Termination
1. Any member desiring to transfer to another church shall
be granted a letter of transfer upon application to the church Clerk. Such a letter shall be issued directly
to another church and shall terminate membership in this church
2. Members who move from the area or who have become inactive
may be transferred to the inactive membership list by vote of the Deacons. Any person on the inactive list
may be restored to active membership by vote of the Deacons.
3. A person having been on the inactive list for two years
and having given no indication of renewed activity in response to encouragement and inquiry, may be removed from membership
by vote of the Deacons.
F. Associate membership:
1. The procedure for admission to Associate membership
in this church shall be the same as for full membership
2. The responsibilities of Associate members shall be
the same as for full members
3. Associate members may have all the privileges of full
members
4. Associate Membership is intended for persons who are
residing temporarily in this area and who wish to participate fully in the life of this church while retaining full membership
status in another church.
ARTICLE VI - Congregational Meetings
A. Worship
1. Services of worship will be held each Sunday and at
other times arranged by the Deacons
2. The hours of these services shall be scheduled by the
Deacons
3. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated
at least six times a year.
4. The sacrament of Baptism shall be administered at times
determined by the Deacons
B. Business Meetings
1. At least two meetings shall be held each year, the
date to be set by the Council; one to act on the annual budget and one in the spring to elect new officers, Council and committee
members and to act on annual reports and other business
2. Election shall be determined by plurality vote of those
members present and eligible to vote
3. A quorum shall consist of fifty members
4. The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar
year
5. For all business meetings the Clerk shall post a warrant
specifying the object of the meeting.
6. The warrant shall be posted seven days before the meeting
7. The meeting shall be announced at the regular Sunday
worship service preceding the meeting.
8. Only business pertaining to the subject matter specified
on the warrant shall be transacted
9. Special meetings shall be called by the Clerk at the
request of the Senior Pastor, a majority of the Church Council, or upon the written request of ten active members of
the church.
ARTICLE VII - Officers
A. The OFFICERS shall be:
1. The Senior Pastor, Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk,
Treasurer, Collector(s), Auditor, and Historian
2. Members of the church
3. Elected at the spring meeting [except for the Pastor(s)]
4. Elected for a two-year term, and may be reelected
5. Paid salaries only by a vote of the church
6. Eligible to serve on standing committees
7. Replaced in accordance with these bylaws B.
The SENIOR PASTOR
1. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR PASTOR shall be
to:
a. Have charge of the spiritual welfare of the congregation
b. Preach the Gospel
c. Administer the sacraments
d. Have charge of the services of public worship
e. Give general oversight to the church
f. Serve as an advisory member of all committees g.
Be a voting member of the Church Council h.
Oversee and manage the staff and general ministry of the church, including additional Pastors.
2. CALLING THE PASTOR(S)
a. A two-thirds vote of members present at a meeting called
for that purpose shall be required to call a Pastor(s) or request resignation
b. The terms of the Pastor(s) call will be set forth in
a written contract which shall be ratified by the church
c. The Pastor(s) shall serve for an indefinite term C.
The CLERK shall:
1. Keep on file a true record of all business meetings
of the church including the Church Council meetings
2. Keep a register of members, with dates of admission,
dismissal or death
3. Keep a record of Baptisms and weddings
4. Notify all officers; board and committee members; and
delegates of their appointments
5. Notify the Central Assoc. and MA Conference of the
delegates
6. Issue letters of transfer
7. Maintain an updated copy of the bylaws
8. Give legal notice of all church meetings
9. Sign for the church on all employee contracts and official
documents when necessary
D. The MODERATOR shall:
1. Preside at all business meetings of the church and
Church Council and its advisory committee
2. Perform such duties as may properly pertain to this
office
E. The VICE MODERATOR shall:
1. Perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Moderator
in the absence of the Moderator, or if the office of Moderator is vacant
2. Assist the Moderator when needed and perform such duties
as may be delegated by the Moderator
F. The TREASURER shall:
1. Be bonded
2. Have charge of the church operating funds, continuing
funds and others designated for specific purposes
3. Disburse funds under the direction of the Trustees
or by vote of the church except that area mission funds be disbursed under the direction of the Mission and Social Action
Committee with approval of the congregation
4. Disburse special funds under the direction of the committee
responsible for that fund
5. Keep separate records and accounts of funds received
for the operation of the church
6. Render monthly statements to the Trustees and Council
covering all funds handled by the Treasurer, and Collector(s)
7. Prepare the financial report for the annual report
8. Close all books at the end of the calendar year
9. Submit books and vouchers to the Auditor for certification
for the annual report
10. Be an ex-officio member of the Trustees (with vote) 11.
The Assistant Treasurer, if one is appointed, shall : a. Be bonded b. Perform the duties designated
by the Treasurer c. In the Treasurer’s absence, act as Treasurer. 12.
The Financial Secretary, if one is appointed, shall: a. Be
bonded b. Keep an accurate record of all pledges and special offerings
made to the church c. Prepare and send statements to members at designated
times throughout the year and at the end of the calendar year d. Report
to the congregation periodically to keep the membership informed of the stewardship needs of the church. G.
The COLLECTOR(S) shall:
1. Be bonded
2. Collect all monies paid to the church in free will
offerings and pledges
3. Deposit such funds in such bank as the Trustees shall
direct
4. Notify the Treasurer of such deposits
5. Report to the Treasurer all receipts for recording H.
The AUDITOR shall:
1. Make periodic audit of books of:
The Treasurer
Corner Shop
Nursery School
Youth groups
Any other groups or organizations operated by the church
2. Report such audit to the congregation annually I.
The HISTORIAN shall:
1. Keep a permanent record of pertinent information
2. Arrange for long term preservation and safekeeping
of the original and primary records of the church
3. Respond to all genealogical inquiries made to the church 4.
Present information about church history to whatever church groups may request it
ARTICLE VIII – The Staff
A. The Senior Pastor, staff, and
members of the church ultimately are
accountable to our Lord Jesus Christ who is the proclaimed living head
of this church.
1.
The congregation establishes the overall direction of the ministry of the
church through its actions at regular and special meetings, its call of
pastoral staff, and its selection of officers and committees.
2. On behalf of the congregation, the
Church Council oversees the entire
ministry
of the church, including the Senior Pastor, providing constant
input
and guidance and assuming the authority and responsibility to take
charge when deemed necessary.
3.
The Senior Pastor oversees and manages the staff, assuming
responsibility for the day-to-day coordination and running of the ministry
of the church.
4.
The Church Council is empowered to modify or overrule a decision of
the Senior Pastor or any directive or policy of the Senior Pastor which it
feels is contradictory to the will of God for the people of this church.
5. The Church Council is
also empowered to direct the Staff-Parish
Relations
Committee to intercede, if the Church Council feels there is a
conflict between Staff Members and/or the Pastor. B. The following Staff positions report to
the Senior Pastor: 1.
Additional Pastors 2.
Administrative Secretary 3.
All Music positions (Choir, Youth, Bell director(s), Organist, etc)
4. All Christian Education, Youth, and Sunday School positions. C. Other Staff
positions report as follows: 1.
Corner Shop Director – to Corner Shop Committee, Church Council, and congregation 2. Nursery School Director – to
Nursery School Committee, Church Council, and congregation 3.
Nursery School Teachers – to Nursery School Director, Nursery School Committee, Church Council, and congregation
4. Sexton – to Trustees, Church Council, and congregation
5.
Nursery Care Giver – to Christian Education Committee, Church
Council, and congregation. D. The Church Council may never
need to interact with some of these staff members, but reserves the right to do so directly should the need arise.
ARTICLE IX - The Church Council A.
The CHURCH COUNCIL shall: 1.
Carry out the general direction, control and management of the business and affairs of the church, both religious and
secular. It may delegate powers, limited only by these bylaws 2. Include an Advisory Committee
comprised of the Moderator and/or Vice-Moderator, Pastor(s), Treasurer and Clerk who shall:
a. Formulate and recommend an agenda for the regular council
meeting
b. Assist the Council in implementing its duties
c. Ordinarily meet monthly 3. Ordinarily meet
monthly. 4.
Consider a majority of voting members to be a quorum 5.
Have charge of all matters not specifically delegated to any other group or person 6. Formulate recommendations for
action by standing committees and the church membership to further the mission of the church 7. Receive reports from all standing
committees 8.
Review financial reports 9.
Consider and act upon recommendations for hiring and termination of the organist, choir director(s), custodial, clerical
staff, and part time professional staff 10. Consider and act upon recommendations of committee size
for the ensuing year and advise the nominating committee accordingly 11.
Consider and act upon nominations to fill vacancies on standing committees and officers between annual meetings. B.
The CHURCH COUNCIL shall be comprised of:
1. The church officers
2. Chairpersons of Standing Committees (or their
representatives) C. The CHURCH COUNCIL shall appoint, as required,
a pastoral search committee
comprised of no less than seven and no more than ten church members which shall attempt
to reflect the diversity of the church and shall:
1. Evaluate the needs of the church
2. Interview all qualified candidates
3. Make recommendations to the church membership
D. The CHURCH COUNCIL shall appoint and dissolve committees
other than those set forth under Article X as required
ARTICLE X - Standing Committees
A. STANDING COMMITTEES shall:
1. Be Church members, having served a full term, may not
be eligible for re-election to a full term on the same committee until the lapse of one year unless approved by Church Council.
2. Be composed whenever possible of an equal number of
men and women
3. Consist of the necessary number of members who shall:
a. Be determined by each standing committee and approved
by the Council, to carry on its work (one third being elected annually for a three-year term)
b. Serve on only one committee unless approved by the
Council
4. Meet within fifteen days following the spring meeting
of the church to:
a. Elect a chairperson
b. Elect a secretary to record minutes of each meeting,
which shall be submitted to the Church Council
c. Update and distribute a manual describing its procedures
and responsibilities to each member
5. Conduct meetings at regular intervals
6. Have a majority constitute a quorum at meetings
7. Submit proposed budget requirements, where applicable,
to the Church Council upon request
8. Monitor attendance of members at meetings and investigate
any three consecutive absences to determine if that person wishes to remain on the committee
9. Evaluate and support the professional staff accountable
to them
10. Appoint a member to serve as liaison with the Nominating Committee B.
The DEACONS shall:
1. Serve to advance and develop the spiritual life of
individuals and this faith community
2. Care for the needy, the sick, the sorrowing and the
stranger
3. Provide for and assist with the sacraments of Baptism
and the Lord’s Supper
4. See that church services are observed with regularity
and reverence
5. Enlist and supervise ushers to serve all services
6. Prepare the sanctuary for worship and arrange for flowers
for services
7. Carry on a program of evangelism in the wider community
8. Seek to maintain relationship with and encourage renewed
involvement of non-participating church members
9. Provide devotional material
10. Consult with the Clerk in an annual survey and revision of the
church membership list
11. Carry on an orientation program for all new members
12. Arrange to supply the pulpit in the absence of the Pastor(s)
13. Direct the Treasurer in the disbursement of money from the special
Deacons Fund, the Whitcomb Fund (For the Protestant sick of Holden) and the Warren Chapel Fund
14. Endeavor to raise awareness and encourage participation in regional
and national events concerned with spiritual growth
C. The TRUSTEES shall:
1. Have care and custody of the church property
2. Handle the financial affairs of the church 3.
Not buy, sell, mortgage or lease any property, real or personal, having a fair market value in excess
of $5,000 without specific authority given by vote of two thirds of the members present and eligible to vote at a biannual
or special meeting
4. Prepare an itemized budget after consultation with
standing committees. 5.
Oversee the invested funds and approve recommendations after consultation with financial advisor(s) when funds mature
or are reinvested
6. Be responsible for the selection, (with the approval
of the Council) supervision, and evaluation of the custodial staff
7. Be responsible for the selection, supervision, and
evaluation of the Treasurer and present such person to the membership for election at the spring meeting
8. Direct the Treasurer in the disposition of all church
funds not allocated for a specific purpose
9. Direct an annual review and audit of the church books
in accordance with the congregational approved budget
D. The CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Committee shall:
1. Oversee, coordinate and evaluate the Christian Education
ministry with children, youth, young adults (post high school) and adults
2. Oversee, coordinate and evaluate the confirmation program
3. Enlist the personnel required to implement the programs
of the Christian Education Committee
4. Participate in the selection and evaluation of church
school curriculum
E. The CHRISTIAN WORLD MISSION AND SOCIAL ACTION
Committee
shall:
1. Interpret and support the work of Our Christian World
Mission abroad and at home through projects, programs and financial aid
2. Discover, use and support social agencies and movements,
which meet community needs
3. Help us to bring the Gospel to bear upon our common
life, in the church, in the home, in the community, in economic life and in political relationships both domestic and international
4. Itemize intended recipients of area mission funds and
submit to the membership for approval at the budget or special meetings F.
The MUSIC Committee shall:
1. Have general supervision of the choirs and musical
program of the church
2. Be responsible for the regular maintenance of church
owned musical instruments
3. Be responsible for recommendation in the selection
of all music positions, (organist, choir director(s) etc), in consultation with the Senior Pastor
for approval of the Church Council.
4. Direct the Treasurer in the disbursement of the special
Choir Fund
G. The NOMINATING Committee shall:
1. Recruit church members for all offices (except those
provided for elsewhere in these bylaws), standing committee members, and delegates
2. Publish these nominations at least seven days before
the spring meeting
3. In the case of vacancies (except those provided for
elsewhere in these bylaws), make recommendations to the Church Council for approval H.
The MEMORIAL GIFTS Committee shall:
1. Maintain records and acknowledge receipt of all gifts
2. Evaluate and act upon specific requests for funding
3. Administer the distribution of memorial funds 4.
Consider suggestions by the family of the deceased for the use of memorial funds
I. The STEWARDSHIP Committee shall:
1. Maintain an ongoing program of stewardship education 2.
Plan and conduct the annual stewardship campaign to meet the needs of the church
J. The HOSPITALITY Committee shall:
1. Secure church greeters on Sundays and special services
2. Secure hosts for the Sunday coffee hour
3. Occasionally serve at a funeral or reception at the
request of the Pastor and/or Deacons
K. The STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS Committee shall: 1.
Support and maintain an open and healthy relationship between the pastor, staff, and members of the congregation: a.
By providing a framework in which conflict can be dealt with creatively, and communicated so all of the staff will
know how concerns or grievances can be addressed and resolved. b.
By fostering positive relationships among staff members and the congregation.
2. Prepare, review and keep current Personnel Policies
of the church that have been approved by the Church Council. 3.
Maintain files on current contracts and job descriptions that have been approved
by the Church Council.
4. Ensure the staff evaluation process
is on going.
5. Maintain current UCC information
on wages and benefits, and make
recommendations to appropriate committees for the annual budget.
6. Meet annually with each employee of the church (except
for the Corner Shop and Nursery School employees) to discuss matters of mutual concern
7. Review all employment contracts prior to execution
by the appropriate standing committee involved L.
The CORNER SHOP Committee shall:
1. Oversee the function of the Corner Shop which:
a. Provides good used clothing at affordable prices
b. Serves the church community and church universal by
the donation of money
c. Provides opportunity for Christian fellowship among
its many volunteers
2. Be responsible for the workings and financial operations
of the Corner Shop
3. Be responsible for the hiring, supervising and evaluating
of staff
4. Elect a treasurer each year who will become a member
of the committee
5. Direct the treasurer in the disposition of all funds
6. Present a monthly financial statement to the Church
Council
M. The NURSERY SCHOOL Committee shall:
1. Oversee the function of the Nursery School which:
a. Provides pre-school children with a quality learning
environment
b. Creates an atmosphere for love in God’s world
2. Be responsible for the workings and financial operations
of the Nursery School
3. Be responsible for the hiring, supervising, and evaluating
of staff
4. Appoint a treasurer each year
5. Direct the treasurer in the disposition of all funds
6. Present a monthly financial statement to the Church
Council
ARTICLE XI - Delegates
A. Shall be appointed by the Church Council for a term of one
year
B. Shall have necessary expenses paid for by the church
C. Shall represent the church at designated meetings informed
but not instructed as to their vote.
D. Shall report back to the Council and church body ARTICLE XII - Organizations
A. The Church regards as integral parts of itself all organizations
formed for the purpose of its ministrations B.
All organizations under the scope and sponsorship of the church shall be accountable to the Church Council
C. No new organizations shall be formed without the approval
of the Church Council ARTICLE XIII - Enactment
These bylaws shall become effective upon their adoption ARTICLE XIV - Rules of Order Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all business meetings of the Church and
its constituent parts except as provided in these bylaws ARTICLE XV - Amendments These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any business meeting of the church, the proposed
amendment being stated in the notice of the meeting
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