BY-LAWS OF WEYBRIDGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
April 2019
Article I PREAMBLE
The by-laws, consistent with the constitution of the Weybridge Congregational Church, further define and regulate the Church and its free and voluntary relationships with the Addison Association, the Vermont Conference, and the General Synod of the United Church of Christ and other organizations.
Article II THE OFFICERS
A. Pastor
The Pastor is charged to lead and guide the congregation, with the assistance of the Board of Deacons, in all matters relating to its spiritual welfare and growth, and shall enter into the life of the wider community as a Christian witness. Particulars of the Pastor’s duties, responsibilities, and compensation shall be spelled out in the Letter of Call.
The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all Church boards and committees.
A recognition or installation service for a new Pastor shall be held in accordance with the guidelines established by the Addison Association in consultation with the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ.
The Pastoral relationship may be agreeably dissolved on two months’ notice by either:
(a) the Pastor’s accepted resignation
(b) mutual agreement.
In the event of conflict or dissatisfaction on the part of either the Pastor or the Church:
(a) termination of the terms of call may be considered only after consultation with an executive staff member of the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ
(b) termination of the terms of call may occur on two months’ notice by either:
(1) the Pastor’s resignation
(2) a two-thirds majority vote of those members present at a duly called special meeting of the Church.
B. Moderator (Corporate President)
The Moderator shall be a lay leader of the congregation, elected because of a commitment to the Christian faith, wisdom, leadership, and a sense of justice.
The Moderator shall be elected from the active membership of the Church at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and may not be reelected for a successive term.
The Moderator shall be the executive (President) of the corporation.
The Moderator shall moderate the meetings of the Church.
The Moderator shall be empowered to create Ad Hoc committees as deemed necessary. Such committee members shall be approved by the Church membership
The Moderator shall receive all resignations of any officers and committee members.
C. Vice-Moderator (Corporate Vice President)
The Vice-Moderator shall be a lay leader elected for leadership and faith qualities.
The Vice-Moderator shall be elected from the active membership of the Church at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and may not be reelected for a successive term, and will normally succeed to the office of Moderator.
The Vice-Moderator is elected to assist the Moderator in facilitating and coordinating the life and mission of the Church. The Vice-Moderator shall succeed to the office of Moderator if the Moderator is unable to complete a term.
The Vice-Moderator may serve in place of the Moderator, upon request of the Moderator, at any Church function requiring the Moderator’s action.
D. Clerk (Corporate Secretary)
The Clerk shall be elected from the active Church membership at the annual meeting for a term of one year with no restriction on succession. The Clerk is charged to keep records of the proceedings of the Church; a register of the members with dates and methods of admission and removal; a record of baptisms, weddings, and funerals; shall issue letters of transfer of membership upon request; and issue any other official Church correspondence as needed.
The Clerk shall ensure that the Annual Meeting and any special meetings are warned two weeks prior to the meeting.
E. Treasurer (Corporate Treasurer)
The Treasurer shall be elected from the active Church membership at the annual meeting for a term of one year with no restrictions on succession.
The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Stewardship Committee.
The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of the financial and investment affairs of the Church.
The Treasurer shall pay Church bills as authorized by the annual budget and in consultation with the Stewardship Committee.
The Treasurer shall invest endowment, legacies, trust funds, and securities with the approval of the Stewardship Committee
The Treasurer shall present a financial statement at the Annual Meeting and at the quarterly meetings, and give such bond as prescribed by the Stewardship Committee
The Treasurer is authorized to exceed budget amounts as necessity demands, if approval is voted by a majority of the Stewardship Committee.
The Treasurer shall work together with the Assistant Treasurer to ensure that all duties of both positions are performed with optimum efficiency.
F. Assistant Treasurer
The Assistant Treasurer shall be elected from the active Church membership at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year with no restrictions on succession.
The Assistant Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Stewardship Committee.
The Assistant Treasurer shall receive, record accurately, and deposit in a timely fashion all monies received by the Church, maintaining strict confidentiality concerning individual giving to the Church.
The Assistant Treasurer shall send a written acknowledgement to contributors for tax purposes by January 30 of each year.
The Assistant Treasurer shall work with the Treasurer to ensure that all duties of both positions are performed with optimum efficiency.
In the event the Treasurer should become incapacitated or otherwise unable to perform his/her duties, the Assistant Treasurer shall assume the duties of the Treasurer until a new Treasurer is appointed.
G. Auditor
The Auditor shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year with no restrictions on succession.
The Auditor is charged to review the accounts of the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and to submit a report to the Annual Meeting.
A professional review of all Church accounts will be conducted by an outside third party auditor at least every five years if authorized by the Stewardship Committee or a vote of the full membership.
Article III BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A. The Board of Deacons
Responsible to the congregation, the Board of Deacons shall be elected from the active membership of the Church. In cooperation with the Pastor, they shall oversee the spiritual interests of the Church with order and harmony, always mindful of the high calling of the office.
The Board of Deacon’s membership should consist of 6 members and be, whenever possible, equally divided between men and women. Two members shall be elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years and may be reelected for a successive term.
A Deacon who has served many years may be elected Deacon Emeritus/Emerita.
The Board of Deacons shall:
1) organize by selecting its own chair or co-chairs and such other officers and subcommittees as it may desire
2) assist in the preparation and administration of the sacraments, i.e. the Lord’s Supper and baptism
3) assist with all worship services and oversee any changes in scheduling of worship services (such as time, location, etc.)
4) assist in caring for and visiting parishioners
5) oversee the instruction for confirmation
6) oversee the growth and membership of the Church
7) receive applications for admission to Church membership by letter of transfer or reaffirmation of faith, and may, with the Pastor, examine all applicants for membership on confession of faith and recommend applicants to be received by the Church.
8) make an annual survey of the Church roll with the clerk and Treasurer, and at the Annual Meeting submit recommendations to the Church regarding necessary revisions
9) provide for the supply of the pulpit in case of absence or vacancy of the Pastor
10) rule, in conjunction with the Pastor, on all requests for the use of the sanctuary
11) periodically review the work of the Pastor and the life of the entire Church for evaluation and appropriate revisions
B. The Stewardship Committee
It shall be the responsibility of this committee to seek ways to strengthen the life and vitality of the congregation through the use of time and/or talents, the growth of faith and spiritual awareness, financial commitment, and growth of membership.
The Committee shall consist of six (6) persons, two members shall be elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years and may be reelected for a successive term. At least two thirds of the members shall be from the active membership of the Church. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be ex-officio members of the committee.
The Committee shall elect its own chair or co-chairs who must be members of the Church
The duties of the Committee shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- create opportunities for participation, support, and stewardship development and growth
- have custody of the Church property, its maintenance and repair, and custodial services. With the exception of the Sanctuary, shall in conjunction with the Pastor, receive all requests for the use of Church property and determine the appropriateness of the request.
- develop, maintain, and coordinate long range planning for the Church and review financial matters of the Church with the congregation at scheduled church meetings.
- have general supervision of the soliciting of funds
- prepare, after consultation with appropriate officers and committees as to need, an annual budget to the Church for approval at the Annual Meeting
- have charge of the disbursement of funds
- approve investment of endowments, legacies, trust funds, securities, and the permanent fund of the Church, according to the direction of the Church
- maintain the required physical facilities in a proper functional condition, safeguarding all such properties and overseeing their use, except that the use of the sanctuary shall be governed by the Deacons
The Committee shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer real property without specific authority by vote of the Church.
C. Christian Education Committee
The Christian Education Committee shall have responsibility for Christian education programs for all ages, including teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Scripture, and securing leadership and selecting curriculum.
The Committee shall consist of six (6) persons, two members shall be elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years and may be reelected for a successive term.
The Committee shall elect its own chair or co-chairs.
The Committee shall prepare annual budget requests and give direction to the Treasurer in disbursing approved funds budgeted or specifically set aside for Christian education.
The Committee shall be activated and then populated by the Nominating Committee when the need for the Committee is determined at the discretion of the Pastor and the Deacons
D. Mission Committee
The Mission Committee shall keep before the Church its outreach into the greater Church and social structures of the local, national and world communities, alerting it to needs wherever the committee and the congregation are led to awareness by the Holy Spirit.
The Committee shall consist of at least six (6) persons, two members shall be elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years and may be reelected for a successive term.
The Committee shall elect its own chair or co-chairs.
The Committee is responsible for allocating designated missions funds and shall present to the Church its plan for these funds.
E. Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members from the active membership of the Church; one shall be elected at the Annual Meeting each year to serve a three-year term and may be reelected for a successive term.
The Committee shall:
1) prepare a slate of nominations for all offices and committee members that expire at the Annual Meeting
2) prepare a slate of delegates for associated organizations
3) nominate persons to fill vacancies due to death, resignation, or other reasons.
F. Pastor-Church Relations Committee
The Pastor-Church Relations Committee seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the mission of the Church by sustaining an open and healthy relationship between the Pastor and the members of the Church. It serves in two primary ways as an advisory group to the Pastor and as a support for the Pastor’s leadership. As an advisory group, the committee shares ideas, dreams, hopes, expectations, and concerns of the congregation with the Pastor. As support for the Pastor, the committee interprets roles, functions, and needs of the Pastor to the congregation.
Constructive and caring communication in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust is essential to the work of the Committee. This Committee is the Church’s fundamental support group for the Pastor. It builds the framework in which conflict can be dealt with creatively. Its goals are the professional growth and well-being of the Pastor and the promotion of mutual ministry between the Pastor and the congregation.
The committee shall consist of three persons from the active membership of the Church, nominated by the nominating committee in consultation with the Deacons and the Pastor. One elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a three year term. In the case of a newly called Pastor, at least one member should be from the search committee.
The Committee shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the Church. From time to time, members of the Committee may wish to meet in closed session, but normally meetings will involve all members of the Committee and the Pastor.
G. Pastoral Search Committee
When the office of the Pastor becomes vacant, a Pastoral Search Committee shall be elected from among the active membership. The committee shall recommend the terms of the call for a possible candidate for the office of Pastor, to be voted upon at a meeting of the Church.
The Pastoral Search Committee shall recommend a candidate for the office of Pastor to the congregation. If a candidate receives a two-thirds vote of those members present at a meeting called for the purpose of selecting a Pastor, such a candidate shall receive a call to become Pastor.
H. Music Committee
The Music Committee, in cooperation with the Pastor, shall have general oversight of the music for worship and children’s music, as well as responsibility for securing an organist or pianist.
The Committee shall consist of three members, one elected each year at the Annual Meeting to serve for a three-year term and may be elected to serve successive terms. Also serving as a voting member shall be the organist/pianist and choir directors.
I. Flower Committee
The Flower Committee shall consist of three members, one elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be elected to serve successive terms.
The committee shall:
1) have general supervision of flowers for worship
2) plan special holiday decorations
3) be aware of the sick and shut-ins, remembering them with flowers
J. Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees may be created as specified under the duties of the Moderator.
Article IV AFFILIATED GROUPS
Affiliated groups, such as the Green Team, are recognized as extensions of our Church family.
Article V AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended as provided in the Constitution.
Weybridge Congregational Church 