THE CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS OF THE
CHEWELAH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
As reviewed, edited and approved by the membership
(January 23, 2005)
Mission Statement
“As children of God, united in our belief in Christ, we are called to love one another as God loves us: helping each other to live as givers, to be as doers, to pray as believers, and always to serve.”CHEWELAH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
As reviewed, edited and approved by the membership
(January 23, 2005)
Mission Statement
ARTICLE I Name and Location
The name of this church shall be United Church of Christ (Congregational-Methodist). The location is the corner of Park and Webster, Chewelah, Washington.
ARTICLE II Purpose
The 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 all mankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.
ARTICLE III Policy
The government of this church is vested in its members, who exercise the right to control in all of its affairs, subject in legal matters to the Articles of Incorporation granted by the Secretary of the State of Washington.
This church accepts the obligation of mutual cooperation involved in the free fellowship of the United Church of Christ and pledges itself to share their common aims and work.
ARTICLE IV Faith and Covenant
FAITH: This church acknowledges as its Head, Jesus Christ the Son of God and Savior of all people. It acknowledges as people in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scripture and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the World.
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 of Holy Communion.
In the spirit of non-creedal Christianity, this church holds it to be the responsibility of the individual member to interpret the basic Christian beliefs and teachings according to the light that God has given that person.
In this spirit we offer the following, not as a creed, but as a statement that is acceptable to most members of the United Church of Christ; here follows the Statement of Faith accepted in Oberlin, Ohio, July 5-9, 1959, as adapted by Robert V. Moss (inclusive language).
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus
our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the world into being, creates humankind in the divine
image, and sets before us the way 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 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.
COVENANT: We covenant one with another to seek for and to respond to the Word and Will of God. We propose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, and to support the church with gifts of time, talents, and treasure. We hold it to be the mission of the church to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world, while worshipping God, and striving for truth, justice and peace. As did our ancestors, we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting.
ARTICLE V Membership
Membership in this Church shall be open to any person without regard to race or color, who has been baptized, has been confirmed, has made a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, or (a) on presentation of satisfactory letters of transfer from other churches or (b) by reaffirmation of faith on approval of the Diaconate and/or Pastor. Members shall pledge themselves to attend regularly the worship of the church and the celebration of the Lord's Supper; to contribute to its support and benevolence; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.
Any member may, on request, be granted a letter of transfer. If wishing to join a body not in fellowship with this church s/he may be released.
If a member requests in writing to be released from membership obligations, the church shall patiently endeavor to secure continuance in its fellowship; but failing in such efforts, the church may grant the request and terminate membership. Such a request shall be approved by the Pastor and the Council, and the Clerk shall issue the appropriate letter of release.
A member whose address has long been unknown or who, for a period of two years, in spite of spiritual care, has not attended the church's worship or contributed to its support, may by recommendation of the Diaconate and approval of the Council, be removed from the membership roll and placed on an inactive list. If after the expiration of a year the relationship remains unchanged, the name may be dropped from the inactive roll by further approval of the Council.
ARTICLE VI Governing Body
The governing body of this church shall be the voting membership (herein referred to as “the Church”) assembled in a lawfully called meeting. The vote of a majority of voting members present at the meeting shall be the action of the church except in those cases where specific provisions to the contrary are made in this constitution.
A quorum shall consist of ten (10) percent of the voting members, but never less than twenty (20) voting members.
ARTILE VII The Council
The Council shall be the executive body of this Church. It shall be composed of the following who shall be members of this Church, with exceptions as noted: (approved at the 2005 Annual Meeting)
1. Pastor(s), (ex-officio, non-voting)
2. Moderator
3. Assistant Moderator
4. Treasurer
5. Financial Secretary
6. Clerk (ex-officio)
7. Chairperson or representative of the Diaconate
8. Chairperson or representative of the Trustees
9. Chairperson or representative of the Christian Education
10. Chairperson or representative of Mission & Stewardship
11. Chairperson or representative of the House Committee
12. Chairperson or representative of the Personnel Committee
13. Three (3) at-large representatives, one of whom may be a non-member of this Church.
Seven of the voting Council members shall represent a quorum and a simple majority of those present shall prevail. Each member of the Council, or in his/her absence his /her delegated alternate, shall have one vote only, irrespective of offices, committees or organizations he/she may represent. The Council meetings are open to all.
The moderator shall serve as chairperson of the Council. The Assistant Moderator shall serve in the absence of the Moderator. The Moderator, the Treasurer, and the Clerk shall be the officers of the Church corporation. These three officers together with the Pastor and the Chairperson of the Diaconate shall constitute the Board of Directors of the church as a corporation in the State of Washington.
The Council may, at its discretion, recommend to the Church that a standing committee or board be formed. The number and manner of selection of the members of such committee or board, its duties, responsibilities, and functions shall be included in the recommendation. Following a favorable vote by the Church, the chairperson of such standing committee or board, so formed, shall become a member of the council and description of its membership and duties shall become a part of Article IX of this Constitution.
The Council may, at its discretion, appoint a temporary committee for a stated purpose, to assist the Council in the discharge of its obligations. The tenure of all appointed committees, except the Pastoral Committee, shall terminate on the day prior to each annual meeting, such committee must be re-appointed at the first Council meeting following such annual meeting if they are to continue to function.
Members-at-large are representatives of the congregation on the Council, elected by a majority vote cast at the annual church meeting. They should be persons as can assume leadership in the various boards and committees of the Council. Their term of office shall be three years. In order to provide continuity, their tenure shall be such that one-third of these offices must be vacant each year.
A term of office shall be one year except when otherwise specified. Any appointed person is eligible for election to a full term.
Vacancies of all offices of the Church may be appointed by the Council for the unexpired terms or filled at the next regular election.
The Council shall be the policy-making body of the Church. Its decisions shall supersede those of any other committee or board. It shall provide for the auditing of all financial affairs, always subject to the regulations prescribed by the law of the State. It shall make provision for the determinations and raising of the current expense budget as well as for Our Christian World Mission and other benevolences. It shall keep a complete and accurate record of its proceedings, be the custodian of all Church records, and report to the Church at its regular and special meetings. All acts and deliberations of the Council are subject to the will of, and revision by the Church.
The Council shall normally meet at least once every month for the transaction of such business as may properly come before it. Special meetings are subject to the Chairperson's call.
ARTICLE VIII Officers
The Pastor. The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period by 80 percent vote of the Church. In order to terminate this relationship, two (2) months notice shall be given by either party, unless a shorter period is agreed upon by mutual consent. The procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and By Laws of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Pastor shall be in charge of the spiritual welfare of the Church with the assistance of the Diaconate. The Pastor shall seek to enlist people as followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, have under care all services of public worship, and administer the activities of the Church in cooperation with the various boards and committees. The pastor shall be ex-officio member of all boards and committees.
The Moderator. The Moderator shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for two (2) year term as lay leader of the Church. After serving three (3) full terms s/he shall be one (1) year ineligible for reelection as Moderator. Duties shall include: presiding at Council and all business sessions of the congregation. The Moderator shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees.
Assistant Moderator. The Assistant Moderator shall preside at meetings in the absence of the Moderator and perform any duties designated by the Moderator. S/he shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a two (2) year term as lay leader of the Church. After serving three (3) full terms s/he shall be for one (1) year ineligible for reelection as Assistant Moderator.
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a one (1) year term subject to reelection. S/he shall receive from the Financial Secretary receipts of all money deposited in the Church bank account. Under direction of the Trustees, s/he shall have custody of all papers relating to the property of the Church. The Treasurer shall pay the bills of the Church on order from the Council or their properly appointed agent. S/he shall keep accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and give such bonds as the Trustees prescribe. The Treasurer may, with the approval of the Council, contract with some trust company, national bank, the State Conference of Corporation for the General Synod, to invest endowments, legacies, trust funds, and securities and pay the regular income from the same to the treasury in regular installments. The Treasurer shall remit benevolence moneys in accordance with the standing orders from the Church.
The books of the Treasurer shall be audited as of the last day of the Church fiscal year, each year.
Financial Secretary. A financial Secretary shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a One (1) year term subject to reelection. S/he shall receive all payments on current expense and benevolence subscriptions; take charge of all offerings and special collections; keep an accurate account with each subscriber; pay all moneys received to the proper church bank account taking receipts for same; and furnish subscribers with statements of their accounts upon request.
The Clerk. The Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a one (1) year term subject to reelection. S/he shall keep a faithful record of the proceedings of the Church and of the Council, of which s/he shall be a member ex-officio and its secretary. S/he shall keep a register with address of the members of the Church, with dates and modes of their reception and removal; also a record of baptisms and marriages. S/he shall issue letters of transfer, notifying the churches to which they are addressed; preserve on file all communications and written official reports; notify all persons elected to offices and committees; conduct all correspondence so far as prescribed by law or as usually pertain to the office of a clerk or secretary of an assembly.
Director of Music. The Director of Music shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one (1) year term subject to reelection. S/he shall be responsible for the Church music program with the guidance of the pastor. This includes the appointment of the choir directors, selection of organists and purchase of supplies needed in the music department.
Historian. The Historian shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a one (1) year term subject to reelection. S/he shall keep a journal of all occurrences of interest to the Church and obtain and preserve all past records available.
ARTICLE IX Boards and Committees
DIACONATE:
Deacons and Deaconesses shall be members of the Church. They shall assist and support the Pastor in the spiritual affairs of the Church. They shall prepare the elements for the Lord's Supper and, when invited by the Pastor, shall aid in their distribution. They shall have jurisdiction in matters of discipline of members of the Church and the Pastor. Diaconate members shall take heed of the high calling of their office, guarding faithfully all the spiritual interests of the Church, maintain in order the House of God, visiting the sick, and ministering to the edification and comfort of all.
The Diaconate shall be responsible for accepting and expending of memorial gifts. The Diaconate shall make an annual survey of the Church roll and at the Annual Meeting submit recommendations to the Church regarding necessary revisions. They shall provide for the supply of the pulpit in case of a vacancy and in the absence of the pastor.
The Diaconate shall name its own chairperson.
The Diaconate shall consist of six members. They shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of three (3) years and their tenure shall be such that approximately one-third of such office shall become vacant annually. Members whose terms expire shall not be eligible fore reelection to this board until the Annual Meeting which follows such expiration by approximately one year.
TRUSTEES:
The Trustees shall be members of the Church. They shall have the care and custody of the property of the Church whether real or personal, under direction of the Council.
The Board of Trustees shall consist of six (6) members, one-third of whom shall be elected at each annual church meeting. After serving one (1) full term of three (3) years, a Trustee shall be ineligible for one year for reelection to this Board.
The Board of Trustees shall elect its own officers and committees and determine its own mode of procedure. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members.
The Board shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer property without specific authority of the Church.
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (as proposed at for approval at Semi-Annual Meeting 7/19/92):
The Board of Christian Education (CE) shall determine educational objectives for the Church and engage in study, long-range planning, and evaluation of goals and activities.
Specific responsibilities of the Board shall include:
a. Appointment of all teachers and provide for their training.
b. Selecting and obtaining curriculum material for the church school and other educational programs of the church.
c. Support and encouragement of the church camping program.
d. Appointment of youth group advisors and support and encouragement of the youth ministry.
e. Educational planning for adults, confirmation, and new church members.
f. Coordination with Board of Mission and Stewardship with regard to stewardship and mission educational activities.
The Board of Christian Education shall consist of six (6) members, one-third of whom shall be elected annually. One youth representative shall also be on the Board, having a term of one (1) year. After serving one (1) full term of three (3) years, a CE Board member shall be ineligible for reelection to this board for at least one (1) year. The Board shall elect a chairperson who shall be responsible for arranging and presiding at meetings, and a secretary who shall be responsible for recording the objectives, decision, and activities of the Board.
The Pastor(s) shall serve as ex-officio member(s).
HOUSE COMMITTEE:
The House Committee shall define and enforce all regulations regarding the use of Church facilities. Rules and regulations shall be approved by the Council and posted in the Fellowship Hall.
The House Committee shall consist of three (3) members elected at the Annual Meeting. It shall elect its own chairperson who shall call meetings of the group for action as necessary. The term of office of the elected members shall be three (3) years, one-third of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting.
Members whose terms expire shall not be eligible for reelection to this Board until the Annual Meeting which follows such expiration by approximately one (1) year.
MISSION & STEWARDSHIP (as proposed for approval at Annual Meeting 1/93):
The Board of Mission and Stewardship shall provide leadership concerning the generous and responsible use of God's gifts in the mission and outreach of the congregation.
Specific responsibilities of the Board shall include:
a. Educating members and friends of the church about the importance of good stewardship as a faithful way of life.
b. Participating in the development of the yearly budget for the congregation.
c. Conducting the annual Stewardship (pledge) Drive.
d. Recommending and setting goals for basic support of Our Church's Wider Mission, special appeals and promoting participation.
e. Choosing local, national, and international mission projects, and assisting church members in supporting those projects.
The Board of Mission and Stewardship shall consist of six (6) members, one-third of whom shall be elected annually. After serving one (1) full term of three (3) years, a Board member shall be ineligible for reelection to this Board for at least one (1) year. The Board shall elect a chair who shall be responsible for arranging and presiding at meetings, and a secretary who shall be responsible for recording the objectives, decisions, and activities of the Board.
The Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member of this Board, and the Treasurer and Financial Secretary shall make themselves available for consultation with the Board as needed.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (as approved at the 2005 Annual Meeting)
The Personnel Committee is charged with
a. Developing, reviewing and recommending for approval by the Council policies dealing with church employment practices, including making recommendations regarding staffing patterns and position descriptions;
b. Assisting the Council by making recommendations in employee compensation;
c. Planning and conducting the annual evaluation process of the pastor(s) and other church employees and reporting to the Moderator,
d. Assisting in grievance cases, hearing and responding as appropriate to concerns about employees, work places, personnel issues, etc. and
e. While the committee does not replace a Pastoral Search Committee, the Committee may assist the Council and the pastor in filling staff positions.
Any dealings this Committee has are to be held in confidence with the parties concerned. If the Committee is unable to arrive at a workable solution to any dispute, the Committee may bring it before the Council.
The Personnel Committee shall consist of three (3) members, one of whom shall be elected annually. After serving 2 full terms (6 years), a Personnel Committee member shall be ineligible for reelection to this committee for at least one (1) year. The Committee shall elect a chair who shall be responsible for arranging and presiding at meetings, as well as providing for representation at the Council meeting.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
The Nominating Committee shall consist of five (5) members whose duties are to secure nominations for the following offices: Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Clerk, Deacons, Deaconesses, Trustees, Historian, Music Director, Standing Committees, Members-at-Large of the Council, House Committee, and Mission & Stewardship Committee.
Other nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of the nominee. All who are elected shall be publicly installed in their respective offices.
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE:
It shall be the responsibility of the Pastoral Committee, appointed by the Council, to seek a candidate for a vacancy in the office of Pastor. Its duties terminate when the Pastor has accepted the call and has been accepted by the members of the Church. The procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and By Laws of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ.
As soon as a pastoral vacancy occurs, it shall be reported to the United Church of Christ Conference Executive.
The Pastoral Committee may request the Conference Executive to secure relevant information about any minister whom it wishes to consider for the vacancy.
The Pastoral Committee shall prepare a dossier of the requirements of the Church for a Pastor and describing what the Church can offer in support of the Pastor.
PASTORAL/MEMBERSHIP LIAISON COMMITTEE:
The Church shall provide a “Liaison Committee” for the purpose of confidential communications between the congregation and the minister.
It shall be the duty of the liaison Committee to act as mediator on any disagreement, which may arise between the minister and a member or members of the United Church of Christ of Chewelah, brought before it.
Any church member or members with a complaint of the conduct or lack of fulfillment of duties on the part of the minister may bring these matters to this committee for consideration. The minister may disapprove of the conduct of a member and ask the committee to help in finding a solution.
The complainant shall notify the moderator, who with the approval of the Council, shall appoint three (3) church members to serve on this committee. The Committee after hearing the complaint shall approach the accused and hear each side of the story. Then the Committee shall set up a meeting between the parties involved and try to reconcile their problem.
Any dealings this Committee has are to be held in confidence with the parties concerned. If the Committee is unable to arrive at a workable solution to any dispute, the Committee may bring it before the Council or governing body for further consultation, with the parties involved not being mentioned unless all parties concerned agree.
Term of appointment shall terminate upon proper settlement of the disagreement.
ARTICLE X Annual Delegates to the Conference
The Church's quota of delegates shall be elected by the Church Council to represent the Church at the Conference and the Area organization meetings of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE XI Auxiliary Organizations
All organizations connected with the Church and using its equipment are regarded as integral parts of the Church and under its general jurisdiction.
ARTICLE XII Property
The Church may in its corporate name sue or be sued; acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise; and own, hold, invest, reinvest or dispose of property both real and personal, for such work as the Church may undertake, and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage, care for and transfer rent, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber, sell, assign, transfer and convey such property for the general purpose of the Church. 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.
Upon the dissolution of the Church organization, its assets and all property and interests of which it shall then be in possession including any devise, bequests, gift or grant contained in any will or other instrument, in trust or otherwise made before or after such dissolution, shall be transferred to the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ.
[This is not required by the General Synod, and we want to make it plain that the United Church of Christ stands firmly on Article 21 of its constitution but under the Internal Revenue Service regulations, if there is not a specific disavowal that the assets on dissolution will be distributed to the membership, the Church will not qualify as an exempt organization. See Internal Revenue Code Sec. 501 C (3) and the regulations thereunder.]
ARTICLE XIII Meetings
The Annual Meeting of the Church shall be held in the month of January, on a date specified by the Council at its November meeting. Such date is to be published in the Church bulletin and/or announced from the pulpit at least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting. At this meeting, the Council, the officers of the Church, the Pastor, and all Church organizations shall submit their annual report in writing. New officers shall be elected at this meeting.
A semi-annual meeting of the Church shall be held in the late summer, the date of which shall be announced by the Moderator, at which meeting reports of the important activities of the Church shall be presented by the various officers, boards, and departments.
Special meetings of the Church may be called by:
a. The Council
b. The Moderator
c. Special meetings of the Church may be called by a petition to the council signed by not less than ten (10) percent, but never fewer than twenty (20) members. The Council shall call such meetings within three weeks from the receipt of the petitions.
All members of the Church shall be duly notified by mail by the Church Clerk prior to all special called meetings.
ARTICLE XIV Rules of Order
Robert's Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by this constitution. Ex officio members of all boards and committees shall have the right of voice and vote.
ARTICLE XV Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution and By Laws may be made at any duly called meeting of the Church by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the voting members present, public announcement of the text of the proposed amendment(s) having been made in writing and mailed to each member two weeks prior to the meeting.
