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Northwood Congregational
Church
Church
United Church of Christ
Bylaws
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I - NAME 2
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE 2
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP 2
1.
FULL MEMBERSHIP 2
2.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP 2
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 3
1.
MINISTER 3
2.
MODERATOR 3
3.
VICE MODERATOR 4
4.
CLERK 4
5.
TREASURER 4
6.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5
7.
ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5
8.
AUDITORS 6
ARTICLE V - STANDING COMMITTEES 6
1.
DIACONATE 7
2.
CHURCH COUNCIL 7
3.
PASTOR/PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE 8
4.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 9
5.
FINANCE COMMITTEE 9
6.
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 10
7.
MUSIC COMMITTEE 10
8.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE 10
9.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE 11
10.
MISSIONS COMMITTEE 11
11.
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE 11
ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS 12
ARTICLE VII - MISCELLANEOUS. 12
Northwood
Congregational Church
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Bylaws
ARTICLE I - NAMEThe name of this Church shall forever
be The Northwood Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Northwood,
N.H.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of this Church shall be to
maintain public services for the worship of God and the teaching of
the Gospel, and to promote the interest of the Kingdom of God according
to the teachings of Christ.
ARTICLE III
– MEMBERSHIP
1.
FULL MEMBERSHIP: Any person may become a full member by affirming
a belief in Christ as their Lord and Savior, whether by Christian Baptism
or by reaffirmation of faith or on receipt of a letter of transfer from
any recognized Trinitarian Christian Body. (Article V.l.G)
Members
who desire to maintain a membership in this Church are expected to contribute
to the support of this Church with monies or talents and to receive
communion at least once a year. If any person neglects to do this for
a period of one year, the Diaconate may recommend at the annual meeting
that his/her name be placed on an “inactive” list and he/she shall
no longer be eligible for privileges under “Full Membership”. (Article
V.l.I)
A. Only members are allowed to:
i. Vote at Church meetings of the congregation
ii. Hold Office (Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk
and Treasurer)
iii. Chair a Committee
B.
release or transfer from the Church shall be:
i. By death
- ii. By letter - any member desiring a letter of
(The term “member” in these bylaws,
unless otherwise stated, shall refer to a member of this Church)
2.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: Any Christian may become an associate member
at the discretion of the Pastor and Diaconate.
A. Associate members have the same privileges
as full members.
- B.
A.. The
term of office for all officers shall be defined as the period beginning
September 1 and ending August 31. Newly elected officers shall
be present for meetings from the time of election.
1.
MINISTER
A. Shall be called by a 2/3 vote of the active
members of the Church. To be accomplished by ballot and absentee ballot.
B. Shall share with the Diaconate the charge
of the spiritual welfare of the Church.
C. Shall preach the gospel.
D. Shall administer sacraments and rites.
E. Shall share with the Diaconate the charge
of public worship.
F. Shall recommend Christian Education delegates
and expenses to Christian Education meetings.
G. Shall give Pastoral guidance and oversight.
H. Shall be reasonably involved with Church activities
in cooperation with the various boards and committees.
I. Shall seek to enlist persons as followers
of Christ.
J. Shall be an ex-officio member to all Church
bodies with full voting privileges but may serve as chairman only in
the absence of the regularly appointed chairperson and their substitutes
and never as Church Moderator.
2.
MODERATOR
- A. Shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve a two-year term. Moderator and Vice-Moderator shall be elected in the same calendar year and may serve no more than two terms consecutively. The total number of terms served is indefinite.
B. Shall preside at the annual meeting and all
called meetings of the Church.
C. Shall oversee all Church committees.
D. Shall chair the Church Council.
3.
VICE MODERATOR
- A. Shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve a two-year term and may serve no more than two terms consecutively. The total number of terms served is indefinite.
the moderator.
C. Shall be a member of the Church Council.
4.
CLERK
A. Shall be elected at the annual meeting to
serve a two-year term to be elected in even-number calendar years.
- B. Shall keep a register of dates of admission of members, names,
- C. Move to section 8 Nominating in Standing
- D. Move to section 1 Diaconate in Standing
meetings of the Church.
newsletters.
[Deleted]
and copying the Sunday bulletin and
- H. Shall be a member of the Church Council and take minutes at this meeting.
TREASURER
A. Shall be elected at the annual meeting for
a two-year term to be elected in odd-number calendar years.
B. Shall pay all orders properly due within the
limitations of the funding as voted upon by the membership.
C. Shall keep a record of all transactions and
have the accounts ready for examination by the Auditors at the end of
the fiscal year.
D. Shall prepare and present financial reports
quarterly to the membership and at the annual meeting.
E. Shall work closely with the Moderator.
F. Shall be a member of the Finance Committee.
(Article V.5.A)
G. Shall be a member of the Church Council.
6.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
A. Shall be elected at the annual meeting for
a two-year term to be elected in even-number calendar years.
- B. Shall keep an accurate account of all monies received by the church, and deposit the same in the name of the church in a bank or other financial institution.
- C. When contributors use envelopes or personal checks, or in some other way identify themselves, the Financial Secretary shall distribute annual statements of accounts to each contributor.
- D. Shall work closely with the Treasurer in the handling of monies and funds.
E. May, with the Treasurer, with the consent
of the congregation, elect to deposit funds of the church in any area
bank most convenient to their workday and personal schedules.
F. Shall be a member of the finance committee.
(article V.5.A)
G. Shall keep all information regarding
individual giving confidential.
- H. Shall be a member of the Church Council.
7. ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY
- A. Position to be filled in an “as needed basis” such as when transitioning to a new Financial Secretary or due to illness of the current Financial Secretary.
8.
AUDITORS
A. Two Auditors shall be elected at the annual
meeting for a two-year term to be elected in odd-number calendar years.
B. They shall submit a written report for the
previous fiscal year to the Church Council on or before the second Sunday
of
January.
C. To the greatest extent possible, there shall
be no conflict of interest by connections with the Treasurer or Financial
Secretary.
ARTICLE V - STANDING COMMITTEES
- A. Elections shall take place at the annual meeting by ballot/absentee ballot or voice vote. Terms of multiple years shall be elected on a staggered basis.
- B. Members of committees may serve no more than two terms consecutively. The total number of terms served is indefinite. A term shall be defined as the period beginning September 1 and ending August 31. Newly elected members shall attend meetings from the time of election.
meetings to the Church Council prior to or at the Church Council meeting.
- D. Shall make an annual written report to the Church at the annual meeting. This report must be provided to the Clerk 2 weeks prior to the annual meeting.
vacancies. (Article V.2.A)
F. At least one month prior to the annual meeting
will submit written budget proposals to the Finance Committee.
G. Shall have the power to establish ad hoc committees
for a specific purpose, committee to cease to exist when purpose is
completed.
H. Shall establish a quorum for meetings as the
majority of the committee members.
I. Shall elect their own chairperson annually.
J. Whenever possible, there shall be a youth
member under the age of 21 elected to serve a one-year term to each
standing committee, which is in addition to the normal committee member
requirements.
- K. All standing committees shall send a representative to the Church Council meeting.
1.
DIACONATE
A. Shall consist of eight persons who are active
members of the Church.
B. Shall be elected for a three year term.
C. Shall work with the Pastor in overseeing the
Spiritual life of the Church as well as caring for the poor, sick, sorrowing
and indifferent, and report their findings to the Pastor and fulfill
the role of a Worship Committee by preparing the Sanctuary and church
rooms for activities, worship and special services.
D. Shall meet as necessary and provide the congregation
with a report at the annual or called meetings.
E. Shall be responsible for assisting the Pastor,
or in absence of the Pastor, in creating the Sunday and special services
of worship.
F. Shall secure Ushers for the services.
G. Shall meet with those wishing to join the
church and present them for membership.
H. Shall have charge of the examination of the
confirmation class.
I. Shall recommend at the annual meeting any
changes or revisions in membership, the result of which will be voted
on by the membership. (Article III.1.2)
J. Shall in conjunction with the Pastor/Parish
Relations Committee and within the guidelines of these by-laws, nominate
the minister with contract, subject to being called by a 2/3 membership
vote. (Article IV.1.A)
- K. Shall issue necessary letters (
2.
CHURCH COUNCIL
- A. Shall consist of the Pastor, the officers (Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary) and one person from each standing committee (selected by that committee). In addition three members (full or associate) from the congregation shall be elected for a one year term.
if necessary to communicate and coordinate their respective activities.
Within seven days of a meeting shall provide a summary in writing to
the clerk for inclusion in the Church’s Newsletter.
C. Shall be the pulpit committee, seeking a minister
and recommending the same to the Diaconate and Pastor/Parish Relations
Committee. (Article V.1.J; Article V.3.C)
D. Shall be empowered to determine and by appointment
fill all vacancies (officers, directors, standing committees and all
volunteer appointments) until the next annual meeting.
- E. Shall have the authority to make decisions relating to committee proposals.
- F. Shall have the authority to make decisions to carry out the work of the church between annual meetings.
PASTOR/PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE
A. Shall consist of three members of the church
who are elected for a three year term.
B. Shall pass individual or congregational concerns
to the pastor and shall assist the pastor in his/her concerns.
C. Shall, in conjunction with the Diaconate and
within the guidelines of these by-laws, draft the church’s contract
with the Pastor, nominate the pastor with contract, subject to being
called by a 2/3 membership vote. (Article IV.1.A, See Article V.3.E)
D. Shall be responsible for evaluating the pastor
and conferring the same with him/her at least on an annual basis.
E. Shall, in conjunction with the Finance Committee,
establish the Pastor’s annual compensation.
F. Shall confer with the pastor regarding
concerns of the congregation about his/her call to serve this church.
If it should become evident that the best interest of the charge and
pastor will be served by a change of pastor, it is this committee that
shall call a Church meeting to decide requesting the resignation or
dismissal of the pastor. The resignation/dismissal vote must be
affirmed by 2/3 membership vote of those members present, through a
ballot/absentee ballot vote.
4.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A. Shall consist of seven active members of the
Church body.
B. Shall be elected for a three year term.
C. Shall meet monthly and report at the next
called Church meeting.
D. Shall see that the Church is legally incorporated
according to the laws of the State; shall hold the property of the Church,
but having no power to buy, sell, mortgage, or transfer property, without
a specific vote of authority by the Church; and shall make an annual
report of their doings at the annual meeting of the Church.
E. Shall have, by vote and direction of the Church,
the care and custody of the Church property (except as otherwise provided),
and shall do so with the understanding of the historical nature of the
Church grounds and buildings.
F. Shall see the grounds, building(s) and equipment
are in safe and proper order.
G. Shall see that adequate fuel and janitor services
are provided and see that proper insurance coverage is held.
H. Shall determine, subject to the vote of the
Church, whether any part of the Church property may be used by outside
parties and to collect compensation. The Pastor shall have the authority
to make decisions for use of the Church for weddings, funerals, or other
religious occasions especially when time is of the essence.
I. Shall prescribe regulations for such use and
act or designate members or persons to enforce them.
- J. To ensure that the architectural, historical, and cultural features of the Northwood Congregational Church will be retained and maintained in their current or better condition, the congregation requires all work on the historic structure to be undertaken in accordance with the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standard for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, as they may be amended from time to time (36 CFR 68).
FINANCE COMMITTEE
- A. Shall consist of six members: The Treasurer (Article IV.5.F), the Financial Secretary (Article IV.6.F), and four members from the congregation who are elected for three year terms, or the Assistant Financial Secretary (Article IV.7.E), and three members who are elected for three year terms.
- B. Shall be responsible for soliciting pledges, and managing the collection and distribution of gifts,
the preparation of a recommended annual budget to be presented at the
annual meeting.
Relations Committee, establish the Pastor’s annual compensation.
6.
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
A. Shall consist of six members who will be elected
for a three year term.
B. Shall have supervision of the educational
activities of the Church.
C. Shall recommend teachers and all materials
for the Church School with the approval of the Pastor.
D. May recommend delegates and expenses to Christian
Education meetings with the approval of the Pastor. (Article IV.1.F)
E. May institute or share in leadership of educational
programs.
7.
MUSIC COMMITTEE
A. Shall consist of five members who will be
elected for a three year term. At least one Music Committee member shall
not be a choir member.
B. Shall have charge of all Church musical instruments
and materials.
C. Shall recommend an organist and Choir Director.
The Choir Director shall be an ex- officio member of the committee.
D. Shall assist the choir director as needed.
8.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
A. Shall consist of five members who will be
elected for three year terms.
B. Shall actively solicit input from the membership
and committees in identifying candidates for elected positions and shall
receive consent from prospective candidates.
C. At the annual meeting, shall present a slate
of candidates and accept other nominations from the floor, for officers
and committees (not otherwise specifically provided for in these by-laws).
- D. Shall notify all members, officers, delegates, etc., of their election or appointment. [MOVED FROM SECTION 4 CLERK]
9. BYLAWS COMMITTEE
A. Shall consist of three members who will be
elected for a three year term.
B. Shall receive written suggestions from the
membership and committees.
C. Shall present in writing to the members proposed
by-law changes prior to a hearing.
D. Shall conduct hearings on proposed by-law
changes at least five weeks prior to the annual meeting. The hearing
date shall be announced from the pulpit at least the preceding two Sundays.
E. Shall present to the membership in writing
finalized proposed changes at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting.
F. Shall present the amendments to the by-laws
at the annual meeting for membership vote. (Article VI.3)
10.
MISSIONS
- A. Shall consist of six (6) persons, two (2) of whom are elected each year for three (3) year terms.
B. Shall work with the Pastor to recommend
and coordinate activities which are grounded in Christian spirit and
are designed to reach out to the wider community.
C. Shall focus on variety of activities to appeal
to all ages and abilities of the congregation.
- D. Shall solicit and accept suggestions, advice, and aid from the congregation in carrying out activities which shall include the coordination of Mission offerings
an active agenda of mission activities.
- F. Shall report upcoming and completed activities
- Shall consist
of five member. Two members shall be elected for three years, two elected
for two years and one elected for one year. All members subsequent
will be elected for three year terms.
- Shall meet
monthly or as necessary.
- Shall develop
annual fundraising goals.
- Shall work
with the finance committee: - Determine
the amount of yearly funds to be raised; and - For any special
needs/fundraisers that may fall outside of the annual fundraising budget. - A member of
the Finance Committee will be assigned as a point of contact for the
Fundraising Committee
- Shall coordinate
the fundraising activities as outlined in the annual goals.
- Shall keep
a record of the funds raised annually.
ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS
1.
The annual meeting of the members of the Church shall be held on the
first Sunday in June, called by the Moderator and read by the Minister
from the pulpit the preceding two (2) Sundays.
2.
The Minister shall, when requested by and in conjunction with the Moderator,
call from the pulpit, special meetings: e.g. special business or committee
meetings with the subject of the meeting being stated.
3.
At the annual meeting, by-law amendments as presented in writing (Article
V.9.E) shall be voted upon. A 2/3 vote of the membership present is
necessary to pass by-law amendments. This is to be accomplished by show
of hands and absentee ballot. The vote shall be taken prior to
action on business and elections related to the coming year.
4.
In order to transact business:
A. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership
shall constitute a quorum at church meetings.
B. A majority vote by those members present is
required to pass any proposal except as noted in these by-laws (Article
IV.1.A; Article V.3.C & F)
ARTICLE VII
– MISCELLANEOUS
- Roberts Rules of Order,
Newly Revised
10th
current Edition shall be the guide
for all situations not already defined by these by-laws.
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