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CHURCH BYLAWS
 Bylaws Index

Article I. Name
Article II. Object
Article III. Polity
Article IV. Doctrine
Article V. Membership
Article VI. Services and Meetings
Article VII. Officers
Article VIII. Church Council
Article IX. Boards
Article X. Committees
Article XI. Auxiliary Organizations
Article XII. Amendments

BYLAWS
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WINTER PARK
REVISED 1958,1962, 1975, 1977, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998

ARTICLE I. Name 

The name of this church shall be The First Congregational Church of Winter Park (United Church of Christ), Inc.

ARTICLE II. Object

The object of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and in making divine will dominant in the lives of persons, individually and collectively, especially as that will is exemplified in the life, teachings, death and living presence of Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE III. Polity

This Church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head and finds in the Holy Scriptures, interpreted by the Divine Spirit through faith, and conscience, its guidance in matters of faith and discipline.

The government of this Church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of ultimate control in all its affairs, subject in legal matters to its Charter and Bylaws.

While this Church is amenable to no ecclesiastical judicatory, still it accepts the obligations of mutual consent and cooperation implicit in the free fellowship of the United Church of Christ (U.C.C.) and other churches and denominations with which we are affiliated.

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ARTICLE IV. Doctrine 

This Church recognizes the Bible as the basis of faith and practice, and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship. Each member shall have the undisturbed right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The following statement of faith, therefore, is not a test but an expression of the spirit in which the Church interprets the Word of God.

Faith. We believe in God the creator, infinite in wisdom, goodness and love; and in Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Lord and Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived and died and rose again and lives evermore; and in the Holy Spirit, who takes of the things of Christ and reveals them to us, renewing, comforting, and inspiring the souls of all people. Furthermore, we also embrace the U.C.C. Statement of Faith.

Covenant. We are united in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all, exalting the worship of the one true God and laboring for the purpose of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of human kinship. Depending on our forebears, upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us to all truth, we work and pray for the transformation of the world in the realm of God; and we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting.

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ARTICLE V. Membership

Section 1. Classes of Membership. There shall be two (2) types of membership, Members and Associate Members.

Section 2. Requirements of Membership. The requirements for membership shall be satisfactory evidence of Christian character and assent to the Covenant of this Church.

Section 3. Admission to Membership.

(a) Young persons having completed a course on Church Membership as prescribed by the Board of Christian Education of this Church and then approved by the Minister and the Board of Membership may be received into the fellowship by a Service of Confirmation.

(b) Adults desiring to become members of this Church upon confession of faith or reaffirmation of their faith shall be examined by the Minister and the Board of Membership. Upon approval by them, they shall be received into fellowship upon public confession of their faith and assent to the Covenant of this Church.

(c) Persons bringing letters from other churches may enter into the fellowship by publicly assenting to the Covenant of this Church, after approval by the Board of Membership and the Minister.

(d) A person may become an associate member of this Church by presenting to the Board of Membership and the Minister satisfactory evidence of membership in good standing in another Christian Church and by publicly assenting to the Covenant.

Section 4. Termination of Membership.

(a) A letter of Transfer to another church shall be given to any member in good standing who requests it. The Minister and the Clerk, consulting when necessary with the Board of Membership, shall issue such letters.

(b) Members whose addresses are unknown, or who for a period of one year, in spite of repeated personal approaches, have not communicated with the Church or contributed to its support, shall, by vote of the Board of membership be transferred to an inactive list. From the date of such transfer such persons shall cease to be reported on the active membership roll. If, after an expiration of one year, their addresses are still unknown, or they are unwilling to renew their active connection with the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, Florida, their names may be dropped from the roll by further vote of the Board of Membership. The Board of Membership shall update the membership list at least annually.

(c) If, because of change of faith or for other reasons, a member requests release from his/her Covenant obligations, his/her Church membership may be terminated by the Minister and Clerk.

Section 5. Reinstatement of Membership. Reinstatement of former members may be made by joint action of the Minister and the Board of Membership.

Section 6. Duties of Members. The Church members are expected to be faithful in duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly the services of the Church; to give all possible encouragement and support to its Ministers; to give systematically for its support and its benevolences; to share in the organized work; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of the Church and the winning of others to Christ.

Section 7. Rights of Members.  Church members shall have the right to vote at all Church meetings, except as provided in ARTICLE 8 of the Charter, which states that Associate members shall not be entitled to vote. They shall he eligible to all Church offices subject to any other requirements as outlined elsewhere in these Bylaws.

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ARTICLE VI. Services and Meetings

Section 1. Worship.

(a) Regular Services of Worship shall be held at given hours on Sunday, as determined by the Diaconate.

(b) The sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated at such times as the Minister and the Diaconate may determine.

(c) The baptism of adults and children shall be administered at such times as the Minister, or in his/her absence, the Diaconate, may appoint.

(d) Other services for worship, inspiration, prayer and study may be arranged for by the Diaconate.

Section 2. Church School.

Under the leadership of the Minister or Director of Christian Education, and under the supervision and direction of the Board of Christian Education, the Church shall conduct a Church School and such other educational activities as the Congregation may approve. As a part of Christian training, the Church School shall be afforded the opportunity to contribute to the regular expense and benevolent budgets of the Church.

It shall be the purpose of the Church School to lead its members into an increasing experience of the fellowship with God, to develop character which shall be genuinely and consistently Christian in all human relationships, and to develop in them interest in the Church and an increasing desire and ability to participate in its life and work.

Section 3. Business Meetings.

(a) Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Church shall be held during the month of January each year to hear the reports of the Officers, the Boards, the Committees, and the Church Organizations for the past calendar year; to elect Officers, Boards, and Committees; to adopt a budget; and to transact such other business as may come before the meeting. Expenditures for the month of January prior to the Annual Meeting shall conform to the expenditures authorized in the budget for the prior year, and then adjusted in accordance with the budget approved at the Annual Meeting. Notice of the meeting shall be read from the pulpit at the Sunday morning worship service(s) two weeks prior to the meeting. Written notice shall be mailed to the Church members at least two weeks prior to the meeting in the absence of a call from the pulpit.
 
(b) Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be called by the Clerk upon request of the Minister, the Diaconate, the Board of Trustees or the Church Council, or upon request of five (5) per cent of the active membership of the Church. Such calls shall state the subjects to be considered, and only such matters may be officially acted upon. Notice of the meeting shall be read from the pulpit at the Sunday morning worship service(s) at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.

A Special Meeting called pursuant to ARTICLE 15 of the Charter, for the purpose of amending the Charter, shall be called by written request of ten (10) adult members, notice of said meeting having been given at least two (2) weeks previously to the time set for the meeting, and having been read publicly at least twice; provided, a written statement of the proposed amendment be read publicly on the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting at which it is to be considered. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present and eligible to vote is required for passage of amendment. 
            
(c) Rules and Regulations.

(1) Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at Church meetings shall consist of at least fifty (50) active Church members, except when any of the following is to be considered:
     1. Purchase or sale of real property;
     2. Calling or dismissal of Senior Minister;
     3. Change in Charter or Bylaws; and
     4. Affiliation or union with any other church or denomination.
At Church meetings involving any of the above-enumerated exceptions, a quorum must consist of not less than ten (10) per cent of the active members of the Church with the number of members actually present to be certified by the Clerk of the Church.
(2) Voting. Voting shall be registered by a show of hands unless a written ballot shall be requested by one-third (I/3) of the members present and voting. Except as provided in these Bylaws, a majority vote of those present shall be decisive.
(3) Official Year. The Official Year of the Church shall be the calendar year. All Officers, Boards, and Committees shall assume their duties on January 1 of each year and continue in office until their successors are elected and have taken office.
(4) Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year shall be from January I through December 31.
(5) Church School Year. The Church School Year shall be from June 1 through May 31.
(6) Reports. All Officers, Boards, Committees, and Organizations shall report at the Annual Meeting and at such other times as may be requested by the Council.
(7) Rules. The rules contained in the most current edition of "Robert's Rules of Order" shall govern the Corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Charter and Bylaws of this Corporation.

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ARTICLE VII. Officers

Except as provided in Section l (d) of this ARTICLE all Officers nominated to be elected by the Congregation shall be active members of this Church, with the possible exceptions of the Minister or Director of Christian Education, the Minister or Director of Music, and the Auditor.

Section 1. Senior Minister.

(a) Appointment and Release. Upon recommendation by the Ministerial Search Committee and approval of terms of employment by the Board of Trustees, the Senior Minister shall be called by the Congregation at a special meeting convened for that purpose, a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present and voting being requisite. His/her term of office shall run for an indefinite period, subject to ninety (90) days notice of termination by either party, except that, in case of loss of ministerial standing by Senior Minister, termination shall become effective immediately. Termination by the Congregation shall be effected by a majority vote of members present and voting at a special meeting called for that purpose.
(b) Installation. As soon as practicable after a newly elected Senior Minister has begun his/her ministry in this Church a service of installation or recognition shall be held, as prescribed by the Church Council.
(c) Temporary or Interim Appointments. Temporary or interim appointments without expectation of permanency may be made by the Council without vote of the Congregation upon recommendation by the Diaconate subject to the terms of appointment by the Board of Trustees. But no temporary or interim appointment shall be made permanent except by vote of the Congregation.
(d) Duties. The Senior Minister shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the Church with the assistance of the Diaconate. He/she shall seek to enlist persons as followers of Christ, preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, observe the provisions concerning Church membership as stated in ARTICLE V, Section 3,4, and 5 of these Bylaws, have under his/her care all services of public worship, and administer the activities of the Church in cooperation with the various Boards and Committees. The Senior Minister shall be ex officio a member of all Boards and Committees except the Ministerial Search Committee and, at the first opportunity, shall become a member of the Church and of the Association of which this Church is a member.

Section 2. Associate or Assistant Minister.

(a) Appointment and Release. The Congregation may at its discretion, call an Associate or Assistant Minister. The procedure for calling and releasing shall be identical with that prescribed in ARTICLE VII, Section 1, for call and release of Minister except that the Ministerial Search Committee may delegate the search for candidates to the Minister, if it so desires.
(b) Introduction and Recognition. As soon as practicable after assuming the office he/she shall be introduced to the Congregation at a regular Sunday service devoted, at least in part, to this purpose, at which his/her role in the life and work of the Church shall be explained, and he/she shall have opportunity to speak to the Congregation.
(c) Temporary or Interim Appointments. Temporary or Interim appointments without expectation of permanency may be made by the Council without vote of the Congregation upon recommendation by the Diaconate subject to the approval of the terms of appointment by the Board of Trustees. But no temporary or interim appointment shall be permanent except by vote of the Congregation.
(d) Duties. The duties of the Associate or Assistant Minister shall be determined by agreement with the Minister, subject to conference with the Diaconate, upon the initiative of either party or of the Diaconate. The Associate or Assistant Minister shall be an ex officio member of the Church Council.

Section 3. Minister or Director of Christian Education.

(a) Appointment and Release. The Minister or Director of Christian Education, who may be Associate or Assistant Minister, shall be called and released by the procedure prescribed in ARTICLE VII, Section 2, for call and release of the Associate or Assistant Minister, except that the nomination of a candidate for this office shall be approved by the Board of Christian Education before presentation to the Congregation for election.
(b) Introduction and Recognition. As soon as practicable after assuming the office he/she shall be introduced to the Congregation at a regular Sunday service devoted, at least in part, to this purpose, at which his/her role in the life and work of the Church shall be explained, and he/she shall have opportunity to speak to the Congregation.  His/her introduction to the Church School shall be arranged and effected by the Board of Christian Education at as early a date as convenient.
(c) Temporary or Interim Appointments. Temporary or Interim appointments without expectation of permanency may be made by the Council without vote of the Congregation upon nomination by the Board of Christian Education, subject to the approval of the terms of appointment by the Board of Trustees. But no temporary or interim appointment shall be permanent except by vote of the Congregation.
(d) Duties. With the guidance of the Minister and the Board of Christian Education, the Minister or Director of Christian Education shall lead in the planning of a definite educational program consistent with the accepted policies of the Church. Together with the Board of Christian Education he/she shall be responsible for and direct the entire educational program, assisting all Christian Educational personnel. He/she shall call especially on Church families where there are children and young people so that he/she may plan with a thorough knowledge of the needs of the membership. He/she shall be ex officio a member of the Board of Christian Education and the Church Council.

           Section 4. Minister or Director of Music.

The Minister or Director of Music shall be appointed by the Council upon nomination by the Music Committee, subject to approval of the financial terms of employment by the Board of Trustees.

The Minister or Director of Music shall have supervision of the Choirs and other musical organizations of the Church, and, in cooperation with the Senior Minister, Diaconate, and the Music Committee, shall have responsibility for all music needs and programs of the Church. He/she, in conjunction with the Music Committee, shall endeavor to establish music programs that contribute to the outreach efforts of the Church. He/she shall be responsible for the inventory, care, maintenance and use of all musical instruments, robes and hymnals and the musical library belonging to the Church. He/she, with the Music Committee, shall be responsible for the acquisition of all equipment and material related to the music programs of the Church. The purchase of same will be approved by the Music Committee and conform to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees
.
The Minister or Director of Music shall recommend to the Music Committee the employment of such talent as he/she may deem necessary. He/she shall also recommend the salaries of such talent to the Music Committee, subject to the approval of the terms by the Board of Trustees. He/she shall, with the Music Committee, prepare the annual music budget and insure that expenditures conform to the music budget approved by the Congregation. He/she shall be ex officio a member of the Music Committee, the Diaconate, the Church Council, and the Board of Christian Education.

Music is an integral part of the worship experience, therefore the Minister or Director of Music and the Music Committee will coordinate and work closely with the Diaconate and the Senior Minister concerning the placement and type(s) of music to be presented as a part of the worship experience of the Church.

Section 5. Clerk. 

The Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year. He/she shall keep the minutes of all business transacted at Annual and Special Congregational meetings. He/she shall serve as Secretary to the Church Council and in advance of each of its meetings shall, after consultation with the Minister and the Moderator, make available to its members the agenda to be considered at such meeting. He/she shall keep a register of church membership and of baptisms, and shall submit an annual report. Upon request of the Board of Membership or the Minister he/she shall issue Letters of Transfer or Termination of Membership in this Church as provided in ARTICLE V, Section 4(a) and 4(c) of these Bylaws.

Section 6. Treasurer/Tellers.

(a) Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year upon nomination by the Nominating Committee, but the nomination of a candidate for this office shall be approved by the Board of Trustees before presentation to the Congregation for election.

His/her duties, under supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees, shall include the receipt, deposit, and disbursement of the monies of the Church under such regulations as the Trustees may determine, together with the keeping of such accounts, records, and documents as the Trustees may require.

He/she shall make an annual report to the Trustees and to the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and such other reports as the Trustees may require.
His/her accounts shall be audited at the close of each calendar year, or as directed by the Trustees. He/she shall be bonded at the expense of the Church in such amount as the Trustees may determine.

Upon incapacity or resignation of the Treasurer, an interim appointment shall be made by the Council upon recommendation by the Trustees.

If it should become apparent to the Board of Trustees that the duties of the Treasurer have not been effectively performed by him/her, they may, by a two-thirds vote of those present at a Board meeting duly called, recommend the matter to the Council for termination of his/her tenure and nominate a successor to be elected by the Council for the remainder of his/her term.

(b) Tellers. Seven (7) Tellers, one of whom shall act for the Church School, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a period of one year, or until their successors are elected.  They shall assist the Treasurer in receiving collections at regular and special church services, and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Trustees may require from time to time. They shall give such bond as the Board of Trustees may require, the expense of which shall be borne by the Church.

Section 7. Auditor.

An Auditor and/or Auditors shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for one year and shall audit the accounts or each organization or the Church, with the exception or the Deacon's Fund and, upon request or the Trustees, those of the Treasurer also, and report thereon as required by the Church or the Trustees.

Section 8. Moderator

A Moderator shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for one year, or until his/her successor is elected. He/she shall preside over all business meetings of the Congregation and the Church Council. An Assistant Moderator shall also be elected and shall serve in the event that the Moderator is not able to preside at a meeting. The Assistant Moderator shall sit on the Church Council. In the absence of the Moderator, or Assistant Moderator, the meeting shall elect a Moderator pro tern.

Section 9. Historian.

A Historian shall be appointed for an indefinite period by the Church Council, upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee. He/she shall maintain in the tiles of the Church office a record of all occurrences affecting or of interest to it, as well as of all events of general interest affecting the Officers and Boards of the Church, and of distinctions of religious or public significance to the members of the Church. He/she shall make a report at the Annual Meeting.
Upon the appointment of a Committee on Historical Records, he/she shall serve as its chairperson.

Section 10. Other Officers.

As needs shall dictate, other Officers may be elected by the Congregation upon nomination by the Nominating Committee except as provided by these Bylaws or amendments thereto.

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ARTICLE VIII. Church Council

The Church Council shall consist of the following active members of the Church: (a) Minister; (b) Associate or Assistant Minister; (c) Minister or Director of Christian Education; (d) Moderator; (e) Assistant Moderator; (1) Clerk; (g) Treasurer; (h) Minister or Director of Music; (i) Chairperson and two (2) members appointed by him/her for one (1) year of each of the following Boards: Board of Trustees, Board of Christian Education (one of whose representatives shall be the Church School Superintendent), Board of Christian Outreach, Board of Membership; a) Chairperson and four (4) members of the Diaconate; (k) a representative of the following committees: Music, Staff Relations and Stewardship; Coordinator of the Women's Fellowship; the President or the Youth Fellowship and the Men's Fellowship, and a representative of any other group or club established by the Church.
            
The function or the Church Council shall be to coordinate all the activities or the Church. Each officer, and the head or each Board or other organization represented on the Council, shall report at the Council meetings the principal plans and programs of his/her office, Board or Committee and shall report back to his/her own Board or Committee concerning the other Church activities, as reported at the Council Meeting. The Council shall advise the Ministers on the General policy or the Church, and shall aid them in developing a comprehensive religious program. The Council shall submit to the Annual Meeting of the Congregation a comprehensive program involving the chief objectives of the Church for the coming year.
            
The Council shall hold regular meetings at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the Moderator or the Minister. Ten (10) members shall constitute a quorum.
            
Interim vacancies on Boards and Committees may be filled by appointment of the Council on recommendation or the Boards and Committees concerned.

As occasion demands the Church Council shall appoint delegates and alternates who are active members of this Church to represent the Church officially at area, state and national meetings.
            
The Church Clerk shall prepare and make available to the members of the Council, prior to each meeting, agenda to be considered at such meeting.

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ARTICLE IX. Boards

Section 1. Diaconate.

The Diaconate shall consist of nine (9) Deacons and nine (9) Deaconesses elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years, so rotating in election that the terms of three (3) Deacons and three (3) Deaconesses shall expire each year. After serving one full term, a member of the Diaconate shall be for one year ineligible for re-election. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members. Except as otherwise stated herein, the Diaconate shall choose its own officers and committees and determine its own modes of operations.

The Diaconate shall serve as a ministers' cabinet, acting in an advisory capacity and assisting the ministers in the administration and maintenance of the spiritual life of the Church.

            The Diaconate shall:

(a) Advise with the minister(s) on the arrangement, order and general content of the public services of worship, assist in the preparation and administration of the sacraments, and provide for supply of the pulpit in the absence of the minister(s).
(b) Act in behalf of the Church in aiding and comforting the poor, the sick, the sorrowing, and all others in the Congregation who need spiritual as well as material assistance; and, confidentially, with the minister, administer the Deacons' Fund received at the Communion Service for relief and charitable work within the parish.
(c) Be responsible for any other duties which fall within the customary scope of the Deacons' and Deaconesses' duties and which are not expressly imposed upon any other board or committee, including administration of the following Sub-Committees:

1) Flower Sub-Committee. The Flower Sub-Committee shall consist of active members of this Church and shall be appointed by the Diaconate for a term of one (1) or more years. Members names shall be reported to Congregation at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.

It shall be the duty of this Sub-Committee to see that there are flowers on the Communion Table for each Sunday Worship service. Unless otherwise designated these flowers shall be distributed, after the services, to the sick and shut-in members of the Congregation, or otherwise used at the discretion of the Sub-Committee.

The Flower Sub-Committee shall be responsible for the decoration of the Church on such special occasions as Christmas, Easter and Palm Sunday.

2) Sub-Committee for Ushers. The Sub-Committee for Ushers shall consist of active members of this Church and shall be appointed by the Diaconate for a term of one (1) or more years. Members names shall be reported to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting.

The Sub-Committee shall provide, from the Congregation, sufficient ushers for all regular and special worship services, and shall perform such other duties as shall, from time to time be assigned by the Diaconate. The Sub- Committee shall submit a written report of its activities to the Diaconate for inclusion in their report to the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.

The Diaconate shall meet monthly at such time and place as may be fixed by the Board. Special meetings may be called at any time upon reasonable notice of the time and place by the Chairperson or the Minister. The Diaconate shall report to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting.

Section 2. Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the business affairs and business policies of the Church and for its finances. The Board shall consist of twelve (12) active members of the Church, 21 years of age or over, elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years, so rotated in election that the terms of four (4) of its members shall expire each year. After serving one full term a Trustee shall be one year ineligible for re-election.

The Board shall choose its own Officers and Committees and determine its own mode of operation. It shall meet regularly once each month at a time previously determined and may hold special meetings when desirable upon call by the Chairperson, or, in case of absence or disability of the Chairperson, by four of its members, all members being notified in advance. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members.

The Board shall prepare an annual church Budget for presentation to the Congregation. Upon acceptance of the Budget by the Congregation, the Board shall administer the funds with each Board and Committee being responsible for the expenditure of funds within the budget approved for their Board or Committee. The Boards and Committees shall show fiscal responsibility and shall administer funds from their budget under the guidelines set forth by the Board of Trustees.

The Board shall receive, hold and administer all property and monies of the Church, with the exception of the Diaconate Fund and the funds of organizations described in ARTICLES X and XI, but shall not purchase, sell, transfer, or mortgage real estate without authorization by vote of the Congregation at a special meeting called for that purpose.

All contracts or agreements with any person or persons involving the expenditure of monies for services, materials or otherwise, except as provided in above paragraph, must be approved by the Board of Trustees before becoming operative and binding upon the Church. This is a statement of policy applying to all departments, boards, and committees.

All important papers pertaining to the business or finances of the Church shall be kept in a safety deposit box in a bank vault, rented in the name of the Church. An adequate record of all papers so deposited, together with pertinent data concerning them, shall be maintained in the church office by the Treasurer.

The Board shall annually appoint four persons, any two of whom, acting jointly, shall be authorized to open this safe deposit box, and shall so notify the bank.

The Board of Trustees shall select an investment agent with whom they will execute a Trust Agreement. It shall deposit under such agreement all funds, special gifts, contributions, legacies, etc. accepted by the Board of Trustees belonging to or coming into possession of the Church, the use of which is restricted by the donor or donors to the income therefrom.

The Board of Trustees shall select an investment agent with whom they will execute a Custodian Agreement. It shall deposit under such an agreement all special gifts, contributions, legacies, etc. accepted by the Board of Trustees belonging to or coming into possession of the Church which the Board of Trustees determine to be Capital Funds as distinct from current expense funds. Withdrawal from the Custodian Fund shall be made only when accompanied by a certified copy of a resolution approving the same, passed by the Board of Trustees.

The investment agent or agents selected for the two above funds shall act on behalf of the Church.

All trust agreements shall require the Trustee to make accounting to the Board of the status of the trust in such detail as may be required quarterly or at other agreed periods.
Nothing in the foregoing shall be so interpreted as to preclude the authority of the Board to negotiate agreements consonant with the mission and purposes of the Church for gifts on such terms as may satisfy a donor or donors who for any reason do not want their gifts treated in any of the ways set forth above.

The Board shall present each year to the Nominating Committee the name of the person to be proposed at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for election to the position of Auditor, and the nominee of that Committee for the position of Treasurer shall be approved by this Board before his/her name is presented to the Annual Meeting for election.

Board of Trustees shall make an annual review and/or survey of all insurance carried by the Church to assure adequate coverage.

Section 3. Board of Christian Education.

The Board of Christian Education shall consist of fifteen (15) active members of the Church elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years so rotating in election that the terms of five (5) shall expire each year, together with the Minister or Director of Christian Education, the Minister or Director of Music, the Coordinator of Children's Ministries, Director of the Weekday School, and the Scout Institutional Representative, as ex officio members. After serving one full term a member of the Board of Christian education shall be for one year ineligible for re-election.

The Board shall choose its own officers and committees and determine its own modes of procedure, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws or amendments thereto. It shall meet at least once each month and a quorum at any meeting shall consist of a majority of the members.

In cooperation with the Minister or Director of Christian Education the Board shall have supervision, direction and control of the Church School and all other educational activities of the Church approved by the Congregation, including the Week-Day Kindergarten, the Vacation Church School, the Youth Fellowships and other adult classes, and shall cooperate with other Boards and organizations of the Church in all matters in which a common interest may appear.

The Board shall prepare annually a recommended Christian Education budget to the Board of Trustees and present annually to the Nominating Committee the names of persons to be nominated as Superintendent of the Church School and the Scout Institutional Representative.

When the position of Minister or Director of Christian Education is vacant the Board shall approve the nomination of a candidate for this position before his/her name is presented to the Congregation for election, as provided in ARTICLE VII, Section 3, of these Bylaws.

Section 4. Board of Christian Outreach.

The Board of Christian Outreach shall consist of eighteen (18) members of the Church elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years, so rotated in election that the terms of six (6) of its members shall expire each year.
The Board shall elect its own officers at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. It shall meet at least four (4) times a year. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by any other three (3) members of the Board, provided that all members be notified. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members.

It shall be the duty of this Board to assist the Minister in providing the members of the Congregation with information concerning the national and international missions of the Church and to bring the motives and insight of Christian faith to bear upon the critical social, economic and political problems of our time; and it shall seek to relate the Church to the organized agencies of the community and the parish, having concern for civic reform, the interest of public education, and other aspects of social welfare. It shall arrange programs that will encourage increased support of benevolent causes and in any other way promote the true mission of the Church. It shall be also the duty of this Board to prepare annually and to present to the Board of Trustees a recommended benevolent budget and to direct the distribution of such funds.

Section 5. Board of Membership.

The Board of Membership shall consist of eighteen (18) active members of this Church elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years, so rotated in election that the terms of six (6) of its members shall expire each year. The Board shall choose its own officers.

The Board of Membership shall be responsible for the general supervision of matters relating to Church membership, in cooperation with the ministerial staff and the other Boards and groups within the Church. The Board shall enlist the talents and endeavors of all Church members and groups for the purpose of:

 

(a) developing ways and means for the general attraction, cultivation, hospitality, orientation, and assimilation of new members.

(b) orienting new members in a clearly defined program pertaining to the obligations and expectations of membership, and in integrating these new members into the life of the Church.

(c) conserving the membership through maintenance, inspiration and activation of the potential of all members.

 

(d) revising annually the membership rolls and the membership records, authorizing the Clerk to issue letters of transfer for members leaving the parish, and recommending to the Church the dismissal of members or transfer of members to an inactive list.

 Section 6. Weekday Preschool Board

 It shall be the duty of the Board to assist the Director in providing oversight and direction to the operations, personnel decisions, policies, and programs of the Weekday Preschool. There shall be a Finance Committee of the Board consisting of at least four (4) members. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to prepare annually a budget to be ratified by the Weekday Preschool Board and subsequently recommended to the Board of Trustees for approval.   The budget of the Weekday Preschool shall be included in the Annual Report and presented to the Congregation for final approval at the Annual Meeting. The annual budget shall be based on the fiscal year of the Weekday Preschool (August – July). 

The Board shall oversee, with the Director, all personnel changes. In the event that the Director position becomes vacant, the Weekday Preschool Board shall serve as the search committee. The Director position shall be hired in consultation with the Staff Relations Committee and the Board of Trustees.

Section 7. Meeting Attendance.

Because of the great responsibility entrusted to members of Church Boards, it is necessary for all such members to attend scheduled meetings. Members of Boards who absent themselves from three (3) consecutive scheduled meetings and are not excused from attendance by the Board on which they serve, shall be deemed to have submitted their resignation as a member of that Board. The Secretary of each Board will report at the third such meeting the name of any such person, whereupon the Board shall make every effort to contact the absent member and then either excuse one or more absences or report a vacancy to the Church Council, with its recommendation for an appointment to fill the vacancy.

 

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The Weekday Preschool Board shall consist of twelve (12) members – nine (9) active members of the church and three (3) Weekday Preschool parent members – elected at the Annual Meeting of the congregation for a term of three (3) years so rotated in election that the terms of four (4) of its members shall expire each year. The Board shall elect its own officers at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of the congregation. Officers shall include Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be members of the church. It shall meet at least four (4) times per year. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by any other three (3) members of the Board in consultation with the Director, provided that all members are notified. A quorum shall consist of the majority of the members. 

ARTICLE X. Committees

Section I. Music Committee.

The Music Committee shall consist of nine (9) active members of this Church and shall be elected for a term of three (3) years at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. Terms shall be so rotated in election that the terms of three (3) of its members shall expire each year. The Committee shall choose its own officers.

The Music Committee shall be responsible for providing the general leadership for the music programs of the Church in close cooperation with the Minister or Director of Music who will be responsible for the daily operation and direction of the choirs and other Church music organizations. The Music Committee will work with the Senior Minister, other ministerial and Church staff members, the Diaconate and other Boards and groups within the Church relating to Church-wide and outreach music programs.

It shall be the responsibility of this Committee to oversee, along with the Minister or Director of Music, the preparation of the annual music budget; the supervision of the expenditure of the funds provided in support of the music program; the support of musical programs; the maintaining and inventorying of musical instruments, equipment, choir robes and the music library; the selection and acquisition of musical instruments and other music needs as they arise.

In cooperation with the Minister or Director of Music, the Music Committee shall provide responsible leadership in instrumental and vocal music to assist the Church in its public worship. It shall be responsible for the care, maintenance and use of the organ, subject to the approval by the Board of Trustees of all contracts or agreements affecting its care, maintenance or use.

The Music Committee, based on recommendations from the Minister or Director of Music, shall employ such assistants, soloists and others as deemed necessary, and will establish salaries for same, subject to approval of the terms by the Board of Trustees
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The Music Committee shall provide music leadership to enrich the public worship and insure that the music programs provide outreach benefits for the growth of our Church. The Music Committee, along with the Minister or Director of Music, shall participate in the selection of any Church-wide music acquisition such as hymnals, instruments and equipment.

Music is an integral part of the worship experience, therefore the Minister or Director of Music and the Music Committee will coordinate and work closely with the Diaconate and the Senior Minister concerning the placement and type(s) of music to be presented as a part of the worship experience of the Church.

Section 2. Stewardship Committee.

The Stewardship Committee shall consist of 12 members who shall be elected for a term of one year at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. They will include the Treasurer of each of the church Boards, two (2) members of the Board of Trustees and five (5) members appointed at large by the Moderator. At large members shall be chosen based on special Stewardship they possess, as outlined by Board of Trustees. The Senior Minister and the Church Treasurer shall be ex officio members. The Committee shall set its own meeting schedule and choose its own officers. The Chair of the Committee shall attend meetings of the Church Council and report of the workings of the Committee. The Committee will also prepare a written summary of its work for the Annual Report.

The Stewardship Committee will report to the Church Council and work closely with the Board of Trustees. The Committee is charged with the responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating all aspects of Christian Stewardship, including annual or periodic campaign to meet the budgeted and long range financial needs and obligations of the Church.

The Committee shall design program(s) to explain biblical and traditional Christian Stewardship; act as a clearing body to coordinate all fund-raising activities of the Church; and working in cooperation with the Treasurer and the Board of Trustees shall monitor continuing financial Deeds as compared with levels of giving, and, when necessary, design programs to meet projected deficits.

Section 3. Staff Relations Committee.

The Staff Relations Committee shall consist of six (6) active members of the Church elected at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years so rotating in election that the terms of two (2) shall expire each year. Each member of the Committee must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and have served one (1) full term on a Board or major Committee of the Church. They should have educational background, professional training or practical experience in personnel or human relations. In addition the Moderator, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the Senior Minister shall serve as ex-officio members.

The mission of the Staff Relations Committee is to encourage effective leadership between staff and the congregation, provide support and encouragement to individual staff members as appropriate and provide a framework so that any conflict might be addressed promptly and handled creatively in order to avoid potential polarization.

The Committee shall be the principal organization concerned with the selection and on going appraisal of staff except as otherwise outlined in the bylaws.

The Committee shall choose its own officers and determine its own method of operation conforming to the Mission, Purpose, Duties and Functions of this Church.

The Committee shall make an annual review of all position or job descriptions, in coordination with appropriate staff member, pertinent Board or Committee and the Board of Trustees. Each minister and staff member will have at least one (1) evaluation each year.

The Committee shall serve as a liaison between the minister(s), staff and the Congregation; provide opportunity for minister(s)/staff to share concerns, hopes, ambitions and frustrations; and shall hear any grievances or problems relating to minister(s)/staff, whether from other minister(s)/staff or from members of the Congregation.

The Committee will make reports to the Church Council and keep appropriate parties, Boards and Committees informed as to their findings and shall submit a written summary of its work for the Annual Report.

            Section 4. Nominating Committee.

In addition to the above committees elected by the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, a Nominating Committee shall be appointed during the month of April by the Church Council to serve for one (I) year.

This Committee shall consist of active members of this Church as follows;

(a) Each of the five (5) Boards shall nominate one of its retiring members.
(b) Each of the following organizations shall nominate one of its members: Women's Fellowship, Music Committee and Staff Relations Committee.
(c) Three members-at-large also shall be appointed by the Church Council.

The Committee shall choose its own chairperson. It shall nominate one or more persons for each office to be filled at the Annual Meeting by vote of the Congregation. The Committee shall follow any special requirements of membership as outlined in these Bylaws when placing a name in nomination for a position. It shall give due consideration to nominations proposed by the various Boards as provide by the Bylaws.

Section 5. Ministerial Search Committee.

In the event of a vacancy in the position of Minister, Associate or Assistant Minister, or Minister or Director of Christian Education, a Ministerial Search Committee shall be created to search for and investigate candidates and make recommendations to the Congregation, subject to the conditions specified in ARTICLE VII, Sections 2 and 3 of the Bylaws. Except as provided in the two paragraphs next following, the Committee shall be composed of the Chairperson or one of the Co-Chairpersons of each of the following Boards and organizations ex officio: Diaconate, Trustees, Christian Education, Christian Outreach, Membership, Women's Fellowship, Stewardship Committee, Staff Relations Committee, Music Committee, together with three (3) active members-at-large to be elected by the Church Council. Upon its formation the Committee shall be convened as early as practical at the call of the Church Clerk, and shall thereupon elect one of its members Chairperson. Meetings thereafter shall be held at the call of the Chairperson, or as the Committee may designate.

In the event that any ex officio members is unable to serve, the Board or organization concerned shall choose one of its members to replace him/her.

If, during the vacancy upon which the Committee is still at work, the term of service or title of office of any of the ex officio members shall expire in the Board or organization he/she represents, he/she shall nevertheless remain on this Committee in lieu of replacement until the vacancy has been filled.

Upon the completion of its function as described above, the Committee shall be disbanded unless another vacancy has arisen or is in immediate prospect.

Section 6. Other Committees.

Other Committees shall be elected by the Congregation, or, in case of emergency, or for temporary service, by the Church Council as needed.

Section 7. Meeting: Attendance.

Because of the great responsibility entrusted to members of Church Committees, it is necessary for all such members to attend scheduled meetings. Members of Committees who absent themselves from three (3) consecutive scheduled meetings and are not excused from attendance by the Committee on which they serve, shall be deemed to have submitted their resignation as a member of that Committee. The Secretary of each Committee will report at the third such meeting the name of any such person, whereupon the Committee shall either excuse one or more absences or report a vacancy to the Church Council, with its recommendation for an appointment to fill the vacancy.

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ARTICLE XI. Auxiliary Organizations

Members of the Church may form auxiliary organizations in the name of the Church for the performance of activities related to the work of the Church, but only after application to and approval by the Church Council, which shall have general supervision over organizations of this type. Such organizations may choose their own officers and administer their finances, subject to audit by the auditor annually, or as directed by the Council. Auxiliary organizations include:

Women's Fellowship.

The Women's Fellowship shall be an organization within the Church that offers all women members of the Church an opportunity, through service, to contribute, according to their talents, to the extension of Christian Fellowship and to the Mission Program of the Church. Through prayer, through giving, through supplication of their abilities it shall be the privilege of individual members and associated Circles to carry forward the various activities of the Church, serving the cause of Christ in the community and throughout the world. Officers and committee chairpersons shall be elected each year in May at the Annual Meeting of the Women's Fellowship.

Men's Fellowship.

The Men's Fellowship shall meet and formulate their exact function and activities within the church.

ARTICLE XII. Amendments

Section 1. Charter.

The Charter of this Church may be amended (subject to the approval of such amendment by the Secretary of State of the State of Florida) by resolution at any Annual or Special Meeting of the Congregation provided that announcement of such proposed amendment be made at the morning worship services on the two (2) Sundays immediately preceding the meeting.

Section 2. Bylaws.

These Bylaws may be amended at any Annual Meeting of the Congregation or at a Special Meeting specifically called for that purpose, in accordance with ARTICLE VI, Section 3(c) of these Bylaws. All proposed changes to the Bylaws must be mailed to the Congregation at least 20 days prior to an Annual or Special Meeting called to change the Bylaws.

Section 3. Required Vote.

Amendments shall be effected only by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting.

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