WEST PARISH OF BARNSTABLE
2049 Meetinghouse Way
West Barnstable, Massachusetts

By-Laws

West Parish By-Laws 1999

PREAMBLE:

Whereas West Parish of Barnstable dates from September 3, 1639, with the granting of land titles in the Town of Barnstable to the Reverend John Lothrop and his Congregation by the General Court of Plymouth Colony; and.

Whereas the corporate status of the Parish was recognized in Section 1, originally enacted in 1786, of Chapter 67 of the General Court of Massachusetts as follows: "Every religious society heretofore established or recognized under any statute shall continue as a body corporate with the powers given to such corporations by law;" and...

Whereas the corporate status of the Parish was further recognized in Section 2, originally enacted in 1834, of Chapter 67 of the General Court of Massachusetts as follows: "Religious societies incorporated or unincorporated shall continue to have and enjoy their existing rights, privileges, and immunities;"...

Now, Therefore, the following By-Laws shall formalize the traditional customs under which West Parish of Barnstable now luncheons, and shall replace all other former By-Laws of the West Parish of Barnstable and of the West Parish Congregational Church.

ARTICLE I: NAME, LOCATION, MISSION, AND POLITY

SECTION 1: NAME

This fellowship of Christians shall be called the WEST PARISH OF BARNSTABLE. It is a Congregational Church in Barnstable, and when the words "Parish, Church, or Congregation" are used in these By-Laws, they shall designate West Parish of Barnstable.

SECTION 2: LOCATION

The principle office of this Parish shall be located in the Village of West Barnstable in the Town and County of Barnstable, Massachusetts.

 

SECTION 3: MISSION STATEMENT

The avowed purpose of this Church shall be to worship God, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to celebrate the Sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this Church and the Church Universal; to render loving service toward humankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice and peace.

SECTION 4: POLITY

This Parish shall be a member of the United Church of Christ. It shall sustain this affiliation, and the government of this local Church shall be vested in its members who exercise the right of control in its affairs as affirmed and reaffirmed by acts of the Massachusetts General Court.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: REQUIREMENTS

We welcome new people, and any baptized person may unite with this Congregation by declaring assent to the following affirmation and by joining the Congregation in the following Affirmation and Covenant:

"I affirm my faith in God as my creator, in Jesus the Christ as my Lord and light, and in the Eternal Spirit as my Strength and Guide."

"We, free people of the Lord, do now in His presence most solemnly and faithfully covenant together with Him and with one another in this Church estate to walk in all His ways, made known or to be made known to us, according to our best endeavors, whatsoever the cost, the Lord assisting us.

"As a part of the Covenant we engage, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of the Church in knowledge and holiness; to promote its peace and prosperity; to sustain its worship. sacraments, discipline and responsibilities.

"We also engage to maintain personal devotion; to educate our children in the Way of the Lord; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings and exemplary in our conduct, refraining from everything which may reasonably bring reproach upon the Christian name; living in joyful gratitude to God; and, by His grace, serving Him, not mindful of ourselves.

"We further engage in this Covenant to watch over one another in Christian love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, mindful of the rules of our Savior.

"We forswear all pettiness, gossip, and slander in our dealings with one another and with all people, that this Church may be a household of peace, and that all people may know that we are the disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen."

THE PARISH:

The Parish will consist of all the members of West Parish of Barnstable at the time of the adoption of these By-Laws. The Right Hand of Fellowship shall be extended to new Members upon acceptance of the Covenant of the Parish.

SECTION 2: CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

(A) Active Members are those who are one with the Covenant, involved in church initiations, and are active stewards of the Parish. Each active Member shall have an equal voice and vote in the affairs of this Parish. Any member who, after affirming the Covenant, does not participate in the church for a period of two years shall be contacted, and if he or she does not intend to participate, that shall be accepted as a desire for termination. His or her name will be removed from membership.

(B) Absentee Members are those Christians who because of particular circumstances and with good cause maintain their membership in this local parish while not living within active participating distance of the Parish. Such a Member shall be contacted annually and asked if he or she desires to maintain such membership, and if no response is received within two months his or her name shall be removed from the membership lists. Absentee members shall have an equal voice and vote when present for meetings.

(C) Associate Members are those Trustees of the West Parish Memorial Foundation who are not members of the Parish. They are invited to attend Church meetings, and will have the privilege of voice, but not of vote.

(D)   Friends of the Parish are those who support the Parish financially or participate in its activities. Upon their request, they may be enrolled as Friends of the Parish. They are invited to attend Church meetings, and will have the privilege of voice, but not of vote. They are invited to serve on committees, but not boards. Each year, every Friend of the Parish will be asked if he or she wishes to remain on the Friends list; those who request that they be kept on the list will be retained those who do not will be removed.

ARTICLE III: MINISTRY

The ministry of this Christian Congregation shall be the responsibility of all the members, individually and collectively, as each and all seek to be an embodiment of the love of God within the world.

ARTICLE IV: CALENDAR

ARTICLE V: STRUCTURE

SECTION 1: CHURCH COUNCIL

The fiscal year of the Parish shall be from July 1 to June 30.

The Congregation shall be the governing body of the Parish and its life.

The Church Council shall have the power to act in the place of the Congregation when action is required which ought not to be delayed until a regular or special meeting of the Congregation. Any action taken by the Council shall be subject to ratification at the next meeting of the Congregation. It shall coordinate the work of the entire congregation including all boards, committees, and auxiliary organizations. It may suggest and/or approve policies and procedures initiated by each Board. When the Council deems it necessary, it may initiate policies to be carried out under the terms of these By-Laws. All policies and procedures adopted by the Council shall be stated in written form and be made available to the membership at all times.

(A) Membership: The membership of the Church Council shall include and be limited to the Chairpersons of the current Boards (6), the Treasurer (I), the Financial Secretary (1), the Clerk (I), the Pastor/Teacher (1), a representative of auxiliary organizations (2 presently, the Women's Guild and the Men's Association), a Trustee of the West Parish Memorial Foundation who is a member of West Parish of Barnstable (1), a Chairperson to be elected at large from the Congregation (I), and the Stewardship Chairperson( 1). Members of the Church Council hold membership based on their positions within the organizational life of the Parish.

(B) Organization: Each year, at its first meeting, the Church Council shall elect, from its membership, an individual to serve as Vice Chairperson. It shall organize the membership of the active committees under its responsibility. The Clerk of the Church shall serve as the recording secretary of the Council.

SECTION 2: ADMINISTRATION

There shall be six Boards: Board of Deacons; Board of Outreach; Board of Christian Education; Board of Finance; Board of Material Resources; and Board of the Family School of West Parish of Barnstable.

Each Board shall elect its chairperson, vice chairperson, a secretary, and a representative for the Nominating committee at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of the Parish. The Boards will provide continuity of administration, suggest policy, formulate agenda for their areas of concern and evaluate their committees to determine their effectiveness. Each Board shall be responsible for keeping minutes of each meeting, which shall be open to the congregation. Each Board shall develop written guidelines for its work

Each Board is to consist of not less than nine members. Not less than three members shall be elected each year to each Board for three-year terms. Vacancies that occur in unexpired terms may be filled by appointments of the Nominating Committee with the approval of the Church Council, and subject to vote by the congregation at its next meeting. Upon serving a full three-year term, a member shall be ineligible for reelection to the same Board for at least one year. The Family School Board will include no more than fifty percent (50%) of its membership with family members enrolled in the West Parish Family School

Each Board shall report monthly to the Church Council and to the Congregation at each of its regular meetings on the status of the activities for which it is responsible. It shall recommend to the Church Council and to the Congregation changes in policy and/or changes, additions or deletions of specific programs that it feels are in the best interests of the Parish.

Each Board shall determine the personnel and financial needs of the programs for which it is responsible. Each Board shall report to and work with the bodies and officers of the Parish responsible for stewardship, budget preparation and management, and personnel administration. Each Board shall maintain current job descriptions of all staff under its responsibility and submit them to the Personnel Committee.

Each Board in carrying out its responsibilities may establish ad hoc committees of members or friends of the Parish to address specific tasks within its area of responsibility.

Each board shall be responsible to work in close cooperation with the Professional staff to carry out the functions of that Board.

SECTION 3: BOARDS

(A) Board of Deacons The Board of Deacons in cooperation with the Pastor Teacher(s) shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the worshipping life of the Congregation and the pastoral care of the membership. Such responsibilities shall include supervision of worship, provision for ushers and greeters, preparations for the celebration of the Sacraments of Communion and Baptism, and planning for seasonal observances of the Church Year. It shall work with the Pastor Teacher to establish policies governing baptism, weddings, funeral and memorial services, as well as policies governing the burial ground and its use. It shall implement programs to meet the pastoral needs of the Congregation including a program of visitation and shall be open to the direction of the Pastor Teacher in ministering to special and emergency needs.

It shall be responsible, in cooperation with the Clerk, for the membership lists of the Congregation and shall determine the manner in which new members are received into the life of the Congregation.

It shall review the membership rolls of the Congregation at least every second year and contact those members who have not been active to determine their interest and support of the congregation. Those persons whom it is felt will not return in the near future to an active status will be removed from the lists by vote of the Deacons. It shall oversee and speak for three standing committees, namely the Music Committee, the Flower Committee, and the Pastoral Relations Committee.

It shall receive the collection for, and oversee the activity of, the Deacon's Fund. This fund, which is dispersed at the discretion of the pastor teacher, will be used to meet special and emergency needs both within and beyond the membership of the parish.

Letters of Transfer

A member who moves beyond the area served by the Parish or who desires to join another congregation within the area of the Parish will be issued a Letter of Transfer made out in the name of that congregation. The Board of Deacons shall oversee the issuing of such letters and shall direct the Clerk of the Parish to send such letters. Letters of Transfer will be valid only for the period of time specified by the Board of Deacons.

The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for recommending dismissal of members. In such cases, action leading toward dismissal may be initiated by the Board of Deacons, by petition of the Pastor Teacher, by petition supported by a vote of the Church Council, or by petition of at least twenty-five active members of the Congregation. Upon receipt of such a petition the Board of Deacons shall diligently investigate the charges and shall afford the affected member(s) the opportunity to speak on his or her own behalf before the Board and to put forth witnesses and evidence in their defense. If after conducting the investigation the Board feels that there may be just cause for dismissal, it shall recommend that action to the Congregation. Upon receipt of a duly approved recommendation for dismissal the congregation shall allow the affected member(s) to appear before it, should they so desire to be heard. After hearing the recommendation of the Board of Deacons and the case for the affected member(s) the congregation shall or shall not effect dismissal from member-ship by a 2/3-majority vote. If dismissal is voted, the affected person(s) shall be notified of the action in writing within five days by the Chairperson of the Board of Deacons. The notification shall clearly state the reason for dismissal.

(B) Board of Outreach It shall oversee the total mission enterprise of the Congregation beyond the limits of the Parish itself:

including World Ministries; Homeland Ministries; Local Ministries; Campus Ministries; Social Action Ministries; and all other ministries where the Congregation wishes to be present in the larger community. The Board shall inform and educate the Parish membership to the end that all are motivated to become involved in ways that encourage growth in the expression of Christian Love.

(C) Board of Christian Education It shall provide for the educational growth of the Congregation in the Christian Faith which shall include Church School for children and youth; youth fellowships; camping opportunities; church libraries; adult education and fellowship. It shall provide confirmation education in cooperation with the Board of Deacons and the Pastor Teacher.

(D) Board of Finance It shall be responsible for the development and recommendation of all financial policy of West Parish. It shall have the responsibility of overseeing the expenditure of all parish funds. It shall appoint an Endowment Committee. It shall provide for an annual review audit. It shall work with all Boards as it prepares a budget for presentation to the Council and the Congregation for approval. It shall maintain a policy for memorials and special gifts.

(E) Board of Material Resources It shall be responsible for the administration and management of all church facilities and properties.

(F) Board of the West Parish of Barnstable Family School It shall be responsible for the overall supervision and oversight of the West Parish Family School including the establishment of policy, the hiring of teachers, the setting of the yearly calendar, the formulation of a proposed annual budget, and special events related to the ongoing life of the school.

When a vacancy in the directorship of the school occurs, said position will be filled according to the procedure outlined in Article VII, Section 3, B. of the By-Laws of West Parish of Barnstable. Both the Pastor/Teacher and the Director of the Family School shall serve as advisors to the Board in an Ex-officio, nonvoting capacity.

 

ARTICLE VI: ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1: OFFICERS

(A) Chairperson of the Church Council: The Chairperson shall be the lay leader and executive officer of the Parish. He or she shall preside at all meetings of the Council and shall develop, with the Pastor/Teacher, an agenda for these meetings. She or he shall sign all legal documents except in cases where the Congregation authorizes the execution thereof in some other manner. He or she shall be elected each year, and not serve more than three consecutive years in this position.

(B) Vice Chairperson of the Church Council: In the absence of the Chairperson the Vice Chairperson shall serve in his or her stead. The Vice-Chairperson will be selected each year from the Church Council membership, excluding sitting officers of the congregation.

(C) Moderator: The Moderator shall preside at the meetings of the Congregation. He or she shall be elected each year and may not serve in this office for more than three consecutive years. During the term as Moderator, she or he shall not serve on the Council nor on any of the Boards. In the event he or she cannot preside at a parish meeting, the Chairperson of the Church Council shall convene the meeting and make provisions for an Acting Moderator.

(D) Clerk: The Clerk shall act as secretary to the Church Council and the Congregation. He or she shall keep complete records of transactions of the Congregation, keep membership rolls, and issue the Letters of Transfer of membership. She or he shall be elected each year and shall not be elected to any other office while serving as Clerk.

(E) Historian: The Church Historian shall preserve and promote the history of West Parish of Barnstable by the gathering, maintaining, and safekeeping of all historical records, artifacts, and information. He or she shall be elected each year. She or he shall work closely with the Clerk in performing these duties.

(F) Stewardship Chairperson: Together with the Stewardship Committee, he or she shall plan and oversee fund raising activities in support of the annual budget, and coordinate all special fundraising activities. He or she shall be elected each year, shall not serve more than three consecutive years, and shall not be elected to any other office while serving as Stewardship Chairperson.

(0) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be the financial officer of the Parish. She or he shall be a member of the Board of Finance and the Endowment Committee. He or she shall be responsible for the care and custody of the Church's funds, securities and financial papers, and shall see that funds are dispersed on behalf of the Parish under the direction of the Board of Finance. She or he shall keep, or cause to be kept accurate books of accounts, and shall present financial statements to the Parish annually, to the meetings of the Board of Finance and the Church Council. She or he shall be elected each year, shall not serve more than five consecutive years, and shall not be elected to any other office during his or her term.

(H) Assistant Treasurer: The Assistant Treasurer shall act for the Treasurer in the latter's absence and shall be vested with the powers needed to do so. He or she shall be elected each year, shall not serve more than five consecutive years, and shall not be elected to any other office during his or her term of office.

SECTION 2: TREASURER RELATED FUNCTIONS

(A) Financial Secretary: The Financial Secretary shall keep a record of pledges and oversee all other giving to West Parish of Barnstable. He or she shall furnish the Church Council and the Board of Finance with summarized information on this giving as requested. He or she shall be elected each year. She or he shall not be elected to any other office during his or her term.

(B) Assistant Financial Secretary: Each year, four persons will be elected to the office of Assistant Financial Secretary. Two of these elected persons will serve as a team for a specified time and will be responsible for offerings received at worship services and special offerings. During that time, one of the teams will count all loose offerings and turn over the envelopes, with amount of donation noted thereon, to the Financial Secretary. They will also deposit all moneys promptly to the credit of West Parish of Barnstable and furnish the Treasurer with a record of such deposits.

(C) Auditor(s): The Auditor(s) shall review the financial records and verify the financial condition of the Parish in a report to the Board of Finance, and the Annual Meeting of the Parish. He, she, or they shall be appointed or hired each year and need not be a member of the Parish.

(D) Bonding: The Council Chairperson, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and any other person authorized to sign checks or handle money shall be bonded.

SECTION 3: GENERAL

(A) Signatory Powers: Except in cases where the Congregation authorizes the execution thereof in some other manner, all legal documents shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Church Council.

(B) Vacancies: Nominees to fill vacancies in any of the offices or boards, which occur during a term of office, will be presented to the Church Council by the Nominating Committee. The Church Council will vote on the recommendation until confirmation by the next Congregational meeting.

(C) Definition of Restricted Fund and Fund Accounting: Funds will be considered restricted to a particular use or purpose if the persons(s) (title holder) designates the use or purpose of the funds before the funds are donated and approved and accepted by The Church Council. Funds will be restricted if those funds are designated restricted by a majority vote of the Council. The Church Council designates funds from the general fund that should be restricted.

The Church Treasurer does not have the authority to add to restricted funds other than for the above stated reasons or to remove funds from restricted fund accounts without the majority vote of The Church Council.

SECTION 4: STANDING COMMITTEES

(A) Nominating Committee: This committee shall be appointed annually by the Church Council. it shall consist of a representative from each Board and two members appointed from the Congregation. It shall elect its own Chairperson and Secretary. It shall report to the Church Council and present its nominees to Boards, Committees, Officers, and Delegates at the Annual Meeting of the Parish. The Pastor/Teacher shall serve as advisor.

(B) Personnel Committee: This committee shall be appointed annually by the Church Council. It shall consist of the Chairperson of the Church Council and three members appointed from the congregation. Its members need not be Council or Board members. It shall elect its own Chairperson and Secretary. Members may serve no more than three consecutive years. It shall suggest personnel policy to be acted upon by the Church Council and oversee those policies as established. In formulating and overseeing personnel policy, it will draw upon the knowledge and advice of the church officers and board members. It shall maintain a record of current job descriptions. It shall establish a policy of annual review for all employees. Each board with staff will be responsible for a performance evaluation to be submitted to the Personnel Committee. It will be at the point of review that contracts between the Parish and its employees will be negotiated for the coming year.

(C) Pastoral Relations Committee: This committee shall be appointed annually, jointly by the Pastor/Teacher and the Church Council. It shall consist of five (5) members. Its members need not be Council or Board members. It shall elect its own Chairperson and Secretary. Members may serve no more than three consecutive years. It shall maintain direct lines of communication between all parts of the Congregation and the Pastor/Teacher to the end that both the Pastor/Teacher and the Congregation will be fully aware of situations within the Congregation which might adversely affect the effectiveness of the Pastor/Teacher in fulfilling his or her responsibilities. The Committee shall report to and work closely with the Board of Deacons. When and if the Pastoral Relations Committee feels that action on the part of the Congregation or the Church is seen to be advisable it shall make its recommendation through the Board of Deacons.

(D) Stewardship Committee: This committee shall be comprised of a Chairperson elected by the Congregation and shall be appointed jointly by the Stewardship Chairperson and the Church Council. It shall consist of at least three members. It shall elect its own Secretary. Members may serve no more than three consecutive years. It shall plan and oversee fund raising activities of the Parish in support of the annual budget, and coordinate all special fundraising activities. It shall create and maintain a roster of volunteer skills and interests that may be called upon to serve the needs of the parish.

(E) Endowment Committee: This committee shall be appointed annually by the Board of Finance. It shall consist of five members, one of whom shall be the Treasurer of the Congregation. The other members need not be members of the Board of Finance. Members may serve no more than three consecutive years. This committee shall elect its own Chairperson and Secretary. The Endowment Committee shall be responsible for the proper and prudent care of the permanent endowment funds of the Parish. Subject to approval by the Board of Finance, it shall administer church investment policy, enter into such contracts with trust companies, trustee firms, and investment counsel as may seem desirable for the management and custody of such funds. It shall have full power to make and effect investment decisions in accordance with the investment policy of the church. It shall meet not less than semi-annually. It shall present semi-annual reports and reports on request to the Board of Finance and a report to the Annual Meeting of the Parish.

(F) By-Laws Committee: This committee shall consist of six members appointed by the Church Council as needed. It shall elect its own Chairperson and Secretary. It shall review the By-Laws as needed following Article IX or every three to five years.

ARTICLE VII: PROFESSIONAL STAFF

SECTION 1: CALL

The Congregation shall call, to specific tasks, such professional staff, as it deems necessary to help in the proper fulfillment of its ministry. Professional staff members shall include, but not be limited to, the Pastor/Teacher(s), Music Director, Organist, Office Administrator, Church School Coordinator, Youth Activities Director, and the Director of the Family School. Not included are clerical or custodial staff The professional staff of the Family School, other than the director, shall be employed under separate policies establish by the Board of the West Parish of Barnstable Family School with the approval of the Personnel Committee of the Parish.

 

SECTION 2: PROFESSIONAL STAFF

(A) Pastor/Teacher: The Pastor/Teacher (Minister) shall work with the Church Council and Deacons for the spiritual nurture of the Congregation; shall have general responsibility for the total pastoral and teaching ministry of the Parish. shall have responsibility for administration of all personnel employed by the Congregation; shall initiate program and policy through the Boards and the Church Council and shall be a nonvoting member of all Boards, all Committees, and all parts of the parish organization. As specified under ARTICLE V, SECTION I, he or she shall be a voting member of the Church Council.

(B) Staff Members: Additional staff shall be called to definite and specific tasks and may be given descriptive titles, which particularly define their purpose within the Congregation. They shall have responsibility for initiating programs and policy through specified Boards and may be invited to attend meetings of relevant parts of the Parish organization.

(C) Personnel Reviews: An annual review of the performance and job descriptions of each employee of the congregation will be conducted by the board or committee responsible for the supervision of the employee. The supervising board or committee will be responsible for the review process, but may include other affected parts of the congregation and staff in their process.

SECTION 3: COMMITTEES OF CALL

(A) Pastor/Teacher Search Committee: The Church Council shall propose church members for a Pastor/Teacher Search Committee and present such proposals at a Parish meeting. The Congregation shall then elect a Pastor/Teacher Search Committee. The Pastor Teacher Search Committee shall present to the Congregation the name of the candidate it recommends to fill the vacancy. A three-quarter-majority vote by a properly constituted quorum of the Congregation validates a call.

(B) Staff Member Search Committee: When the Congregation seeks a Staff Member, the Pastor/Teacher and the Church Council will propose church members for a Staff Member Search Committee. The Church Council will then present such proposals at a Parish meeting, and the Congregation shall then elect a Staff Member Search Committee. The Pastor Teacher shall be a member of this committee. The Staff Member Search Committee shall present to the Congregation the name of the candidate it recommends to fill the position. A vote by a properly constituted quorum of the Congregation validates a call.

SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF

(A) The Pastor/Teacher must hold membership in this local Congregation and must hold his ministerial standing in the Barnstable Association of the United Church of Christ.

(B) Staff Members may be members of this local Congregation but need not necessarily hold ministerial standing in the Barnstable Association of the United Church of Christ.

SECTION 5: TERM OF OFFICE

All staff shall be employed for an indefinite period. In order to terminate this relationship, reasonable notice, as determined by Personnel Committee policies of employment, shall be given by either party. Termination shall be brought to the Congregation by the Church Council for a vote.

 

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS

SECTION 1: MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

(A) The Church Council shall meet not less than once a month, and a quorum shall be eight members.

(B) The Boards shall meet not less than once a month, and a quorum shall be a majority of the membership.

(C) The Congregation shall meet not less than three times a year and the Church Council shall call such regular meetings, one of which shall be the Annual Meeting. Such special meetings, as may be required, may be called by the Church Council. the Pastor/Teacher, or through a petition signed by not less than 25 (twenty-five) members of the Parish, this figure to be verified by the Parish Clerk, and such petition presented to the Church Council. All calls to meetings must state the place, day and hour, quorum number, and the purpose for which the meeting is called. All calls must be given at least fourteen days prior to the meeting by posting in the Meetinghouse, announcement in public worship and by mail.

(D) The Annual Meeting shall be held in June to receive reports from the Church Council, Boards, Committees. the Pastor/Teacher, Clerk, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and all program areas within the Parish; to receive the next year's proposed budget; to receive the report of the Nominating Committee and elect officers, board members, and delegations; and to transact general business.

(E) In October the Fall Congregational Meeting will be held to review the progress of boards and committees and to transact general business.

(F) In January a Mid Year Meeting will be held to review the work of boards and committees and to transact general business. This meeting will seek to set goals for the congregation to be implemented through the budget and election processes focused on the June Annual Meeting.

(G) At any meeting of the Congregation 15% (fifteen-percent) of the Active members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Clerk shall state the number of members constituting a quorum in the call to the meeting.

(H) If, during a period of one calendar year, (ARTICLE IV) a member of the Church Council or a Board misses 4 (four) regularly scheduled and announced monthly meetings without prior notice to the Chairman, it shall be considered a resignation from the Board on which that person served.

(I) When not otherwise required by law or these by-laws, Church meetings shall be conducted under Robert's Rules of Order as they may be revised from time to time.

(J) All meetings shall be open to the Congregation, except when in executive session.

 

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS TO THESE BY-LAWS

Amendments to these By-Laws may be acted upon at any duly called Congregational Meeting providing a quorum is present. Such amendments must be mailed to all active members of the Congregation no less than two weeks prior to the stated meeting. A majority vote will carry. Amendments may be offered for consideration by the Council, any Board or Committee or any 25 (twenty-five) active members of the Congregation. The By-Laws Committee will review any proposed changes and report at the congregational meeting, prior to a vote.

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