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First Congregational United Church of Christ - Grand Junction, CO
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I Names
The name of this church shall be The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Incorporated May 24, 1976, located in Grand Junction, Colorado.
ARTICLE II Purpose and Covenant
It is the purpose of this church to be a community of Christian love, freely committed to the search for God’s truth as expressed in Christ’s ministry through Christian Fellowship, Union in prayer, praise and worship, Reaching out in caring service and mission; in all Enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
This church freely accords to each member unrestricted liberty of conscience. In this spirit:
WE, the members of this congregation, covenant with God and with each other to walk together, trusting in God’s way as we know it and as it shall be made known to us.
WE strive to grow in our understanding of God and of Christ, our Lord.
WE pledge our time, our talent, and our treasure to strengthen the Christian witness of this Church, serving each other and the wider community in Christ’s name.
WE will nurture and care for those in need, opening our hearts to each other and to all who unite with us on this, our Holy Way.
ARTICLE III Policy
This church shall be a part of the United Church of Christ and sustain that relationship to the United Church of Christ as described in those portions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ adopted July 4, 1961. It shall be a part of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ and of the Western Association of that Conference. It shall fulfill the responsibilities of those relationships.
The government of this church is vested in its active members who constitute the Congregation and exercise right of control in all its affairs. It is subject to the laws of the State of Colorado and of the United States of America. The Congregation may delegate certain authority and responsibility to the Church Council and to various ministry teams and committees. Authority which cannot be delegated by the Congregation includes the calling of the professional staff, decisions regarding the making of contracts with the professional staff, and decisions regarding all matters pertaining to the purchase, sale, transfer, or encumbrance of the real property of the church.
In case of dissolution of this church, or in the event that it no longer operates as a part of the United Church of Christ, all assets shall revert to the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE IV Membership
Section 1: ACTIVE MEMBERS: Membership in this church shall be open to any person who has been baptized, confirmed, or who has made public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Members are expected to be loyal to the work and worship of this church, giving regularly to its support and its benevolences, and sharing as much as possible in its organized activities, seeking diligently the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.
Section 2: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: In exceptional circumstances, individuals who hold membership in other Christian churches may, upon application to and recommendation by the Senior Minister, become Associate Members of this church. They shall be considered as Active Members with the same privileges and responsibilities.
Section 3: INACTIVE MEMBERS: The Clerk shall review annually a list of those members who, for a period of one (1) year have not attended the church’s worship and who have not contributed to its support. After consideration of circumstances, and in consultation with the Senior Minister, the Clerk may recommend to Council the transfer of these members from the active to the inactive membership. After two (2) years of no activity, these persons can be removed from the church rolls.
Any person on the inactive list may be reinstated as an active member upon recommendation of the Clerk and approval of the Church Council.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
BYLAWS
INTRODUCTION
These bylaws outline the basic organizational structure of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (FCCUCC) in Grand Junction, Colorado. The primary areas of responsibility for the Church Council and the Ministry Teams are given below and amendments are subject to the will of the Congregation. Details of procedure are presented in the Policies and Procedures Manual where changes can be made by action of the Church Council, always providing that such changes do not conflict with either the Constitution or these Bylaws.
ARTICLE I Officers
Section 1: The officers of this church shall be a Moderator, an Assistant Moderator, a Treasurer, and a Clerk.
Section 2: Duties of Officers
A. The Moderator shall preside at all meetings of the Congregation and of the Church Council. The Moderator shall serve as the lay leader of the Church, working with the Minister(s) to insure the smooth operation and progress of the church. The Moderator shall be an ex officio member of all Ministry Teams and special committees.
B. The Assistant Moderator shall preside in the absence of the Moderator and shall be an ex officio member of all Ministry Teams and special committees. The Assistant Moderator may be delegated to perform specified functions as defined by the Moderator and approved by the Church Council.
C. The Treasurer shall, ex officio, be a member of the Finance & Property Ministry Team, and shall serve under the direction of the Council. The Treasurer shall perform such duties relative to the income, disbursement and investment of funds as shall be prescribed by the Council. The Treasurer shall be prepared to present a current financial statement to all regular meetings of the Church Council.
D. The Clerk shall keep an accurate record of all business meetings of the Congregation and of the Church Council which shall include an accurate roll of the church members, including additions and changes of status of members, baptisms, marriages, deaths and funerals, as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
ARTICLE II Professional Staff
Section 1: There shall be adequate professional staff to meet the needs of the Congregation. “Professional Staff” shall be defined as Ordained Clergy and licensed or commissioned Ministers who are employed at least half-time by the church.
Section 2: The Senior Minister: Under the supervision of the Church Council, it shall be the duty of the Senior Minister to:
A. Spread the Word of God among the members and in the community generally, care for and conduct services of public worship, perform the normal pastoral services for members, including but not limited to weddings, funerals, baptisms, and visitations;
B. Act as the chief administrative officer of the church, responsible for the performance of or delegation of supervisory responsibilities of all staff members, professional and non-professional. This shall include the responsibility to recommend to the Church Council the dismissal of any staff member except the ordained clergy;
C. Act as a non-voting member of the Church Council and an ex officio member of all Ministry Teams and committees;
D. Perform other specific duties as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Section 3: Other Professional Staff: The duties of other professional staff shall be such as are set forth in their respective job descriptions and agreed upon at the time of their call, as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Section 4: Resignation of the Professional Staff:
A. Members of the professional staff shall give a minimum of sixty (60) days notice of resignation. This requirement may be waived by action of the Church Council.
B. The resignation shall be unconditional in form and shall be delivered to the Moderator who shall immediately notify the Church Council. The Council may call a special meeting of the Congregation to inform the members.
Section 5: Dismissal of the Professional Staff
A. If, after consultation with the Staff-Congregational Relations Committee, any group of at least 25% of the active members desire the resignation or dismissal of a member of the professional staff, they shall submit to the Church Council a written, signed statement of their reasons. It shall be the duty of the Council to investigate and evaluate the charges and take appropriate action as seems best to the Council.
B. If, by a majority vote of the members present and voting, the Church Council recommends dismissal, the Moderator shall call a special meeting of the Congregation, at which time the recommendation of the Council shall be presented to the members.
C. Upon a majority vote of those active members present and voting in favor of termination, the staff member’s term shall expire immediately. Sixty (60) days base salary plus payment for unused vacation time in the current year shall be granted as termination pay. No other compensation shall be granted.
Section 6: Vacancy
A. In the event of a vacancy on the professional staff, a Search Committee shall be appointed by the Church Council whose duty it shall be to nominate a qualified replacement.
B. The Search Committee shall be under the supervision of the Church Council and shall bring its selection to the Council for action. The Council shall take the matter to the Congregation for action.
ARTICLE III Meetings
Section 1: Congregational Meetings
A. Annual Meeting: The program year shall begin with the Annual Meeting in May and end with the succeeding May Annual Meeting. The Congregation shall hold its annual meeting in May of each year to elect officers, lay delegates, and members of the Ministry Teams. At that time, the members shall receive written annual reports from the church officers, Ministry Teams and the professional staff. The congregation shall review and evaluate the work of the previous year, and conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
B. Budget Meeting: The fiscal year shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st of that year. Members of the Church Council and the Senior Minister shall hold meetings in the fall to set financial and program goals for the Congregation for the ensuing year; a congregational meeting shall be called in January of each year to adopt a budget and consider other such business as may properly come before the meeting.
C. Special Congregational Meetings: Special meetings of the Congregation shall be called by the Church Council as may be needed, or upon the request to the Moderator by twenty (20) active members of the church.
Section 2: Church Council and Ministry Teams
A. The Church Council shall meet at least ten (10) times annually.
B. Special meetings of the Church Council shall be held at the request of the Senior Minister, the Moderator, or upon the request of any three (3) members of the Council.
C All regular meetings of the Church Council and the Ministry Teams are open to all active members of the Congregation, and members are encouraged to attend and voice their concerns. A member of the Professional Staff shall be included in meetings of the Council and the Ministry Teams.
D. Ministry Teams shall meet as frequently as needed. This shall be at a minimum bi-monthly.
Section 3: Notice of Meetings: Notice of the time and purpose of all meetings of the Congregation shall be printed in the Tower Chimes or sent by mail to all active members at least one (1) week in advance. It shall also be announced from the pulpit the Sunday prior to the meeting. Regular meetings of the Church Council and the Ministry Teams shall be announced in the Tower Chimes and in the Sunday Bulletin.
Section.4: Quorums and Voting:
A. Congregational Meetings:
1. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the active members of the church, as declared by the Clerk, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Congregational meeting. 2. A majority affirmative vote of the active members present and voting shall suffice for ordinary business. For extraordinary business there shall be a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the active members present and voting for any action to be taken. Extraordinary business includes responsibilities such as the calling of professional staff, amending the Constitution and Bylaws and all matters pertaining to the purchase, sale, transfer or encumbrance of real property of the church (Art. III of the Constitution). 3. Only active members eighteen (18) years of age or older shall vote on questions of legal status, financial obligations and the disposal or acquisition of real property.
B. Church Council Meetings:
1. One-half of the designated Church Council members, rounded up to the next full number, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Church Council Meeting. 2. A majority affirmative vote of the members present and voting shall suffice for ordinary business, as defined above.
C. Ministry Team Meetings:
1. One-half of the elected Ministry Team members, rounded up to the next full number, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Ministry Team Meeting. A minimum of two people are required for a quorum. 2. A majority affirmative vote of the members present and voting shall suffice for ordinary business, as defined above.
ARTICLE IV Church Council
Section 1: The delegated authority of the membership between congregational meetings shall rest with the Church Council whose duty it shall be to:
A. Provide leadership for the setting and implementing of the goals and policies of the church;
B. Supervise and evaluate the work of the professional staff;
C. Supervise and coordinate the work of all Ministry Teams, committees and organizations of the church in keeping with the stated purpose of the church; and
D. Appoint members of Ministry Teams when vacancies occur.
Section 2: The membership of the Church Council shall consist of:
A. The elected officers of the church, namely the Moderator, the Assistant Moderator, the Treasurer and the Church Clerk; the immediate Past Moderator; the leader of each Ministry Team or a designated representative, and at least one (1) Lay Delegate; and
B. The professiona1 staff of the church, who shall have voice but no vote.
Section 3: Operation of the Church Council
A. The leaders of the Ministry Teams shall provide communication between the Church Council and their respective Teams.
B. The Council shall appoint a Staff – Congregational Relations Committee, led by the Past Moderator. The responsibilities of this Committee are outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
C. The Council shall appoint a Nominating Committee, whose responsibilities are outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
D. The Council shall appoint a Stewardship Committee, led by the Assistant Moderator, in conjunction with the Minister(s). The responsibilities of this Committee are outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
E. The Council shall recommend a proposed annual budget to the congregation.
F. The Council shall appoint other such special committees as may be needed to accomplish its work. These committees shall be responsible directly to the Church Council.
ARTICLE V The Ministry Teams
Section 1: Subject to the will of the Congregation and its authority delegated to the Church Council, responsibility for the regular life and work of the Church shall be divided among the Ministry Teams as described in Section 3 of this Article.
Section 2: The leader of each Ministry Team, who shall be elected by each Ministry Team at their first meeting following the May Annual Meeting, shall be responsible for the organization of each respective Ministry Team, and assembling committees or groups as may be necessary to carry out its work.
Section 3: Responsibilities of the Ministry Teams:
A. The Worship and Celebration Ministry Team, in conjunction with the Minister(s), shall be concerned with all matters related to worship of the church. This includes, but is not limited to, worship volunteers (e.g. ushers, greeters, liturgists), music, arts/dance, sanctuary decorations/paraments, seasonal worship, and new worship experiences.
B. The Congregational Life Ministry Team shall be concerned with all matters related to the life of the Congregation. This includes, but is not limited to, education and promotion of spiritual growth for all ages, fellowship, and various forms of congregational care.
C. The Serving our Community Ministry Team shall be concerned with all matters related to missions and outreach of the church. This includes, but is not limited to, local and global missions, justice issues, outreach to our community, and marketing.
D. The Finance & Property Ministry Team shall be responsible for all matters related to the finances and property of the church. This includes, but is not limited to, financial policies and procedures; oversight of endowments, memorials and special funds; periodic audits; preparation of an annual budget for Council review; and maintenance of the building and grounds, including landscaping, building use, and management of rentals.
E. Procedures for Ministry Teams are outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Section 4: Composition of the Ministry Teams
A. The Ministry Teams shall have minimum of three members each. The Finance & Property Ministry Team shall have a minimum of three members, in addition to the Treasurer, who serves ex officio on this Team.
B. To be elected to a Ministry Team, a person must be an active member of the church as defined in the Constitution.
ARTICLE VI Delegates
Section 1: Members
A. The Congregation shall elect lay delegates to the Western Association and the Rocky Mountain Conference of the UCC, subject to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Western Association and Rocky Mountain Conference.
B. One lay delegate shall serve on the Council.
C. To be elected as a lay delegate, a person must be an active member of the church as defined in this Constitution.
Section 2: Duties
A. The responsibilities of lay delegates shall be: 1. To represent FCCUCC at the Annual Meeting of the Western Association, and the Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ; 2. To report to the Congregation of FCCUCC significant news and events in the Association and Conference, particularly as learned at the Annual Meetings; and 3. To serve on special assignments which are requested by the Council.
B. Expenses of lay delegates for the purpose of attending meetings of the Western Association and of the Rocky Mountain Conference shall be reimbursed by FCCUCC, within the parameters specified in the FCCUCC Travel Reimbursement Policies.
ARTICLE VII Elections, Terms, Vacancies
Section 1: Election: At the Annual Meeting in May of each year, the active members of the church shall elect the Officers of the Church, Lay Delegates, and members of the Ministry Teams.
Section 2: Terms:
A. All officers of the Church shall serve for one (1) year, and they may be re-elected to office provided that none shall serve in the same office for more than five (5) consecutive years.
B. Lay delegates shall serve for a term of two years with no more than two consecutive terms.
C. Members of the Ministry Teams shall serve a term of two (2) years with approximately one-half of the members retiring each year. Members may serve only two (2) consecutive terms, unless an exception is approved by the Church Council. Retiring Ministry Team members may be elected to another Ministry Team.
The exception shall be for newly-created Ministry Teams, which will stagger terms.
D. All Officers, Council members, Ministry Team and committee members shall hold office until their successors are elected or appointed.
E. No person shall serve in more than one elected position at the same time, unless an exception is approved by the Church Council.
F. Six (6) months or more in office shall be considered as one year.
G. At its Annual Meeting in May, the membership shall be asked to confirm in office those appointed by the Church Council to complete unexpired terms.
ARTICLE VIII Amendments
Proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws shall first be submitted in writing to the Church Council. The Council shall consider such amendments no later than two Council meetings following the date of submission, and shall respond to the submitter no later than one month following the Council meeting in which the item was considered.
If by a majority vote for the members present and voting, the Church Council deems the proposal to be consistent with the mission and goals of First Congregational Church, written notice of the proposed amendment shall be published in the Tower Chimes or sent by mail to all active members, along with the recommendation of the Church Council and the proposed time and place of the congregational meeting, at least one full week prior to the meeting, and shall be announced from the pulpit the Sunday preceding the meeting. A favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the active members present and voting at the congregational meeting shall be required to amend the Constitution and Bylaws.
ARTICLE IX Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of this Church.
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