Article 1     Name
Article 2     Purpose
Article 3     Polity
Article 4     Covenant
Article 5     Faith
Article 6     Membership
Article 7     Government
Article 8     Dissolution
Article 9     Amendments
Article 10   Rules of Order

Article 1   Worship
Article 2    Pastor
Article 3    Church Year and Congregational Meetings
Article 4    Church Officers
Article 5    Other Staff
Article 6    Official Delegates
Article 7     Rules Governing Boards and Committees
Article 8     Church Council
Article 9     Board of Trustees
Article 10   Board of Deacons
Article 11   Standing Committees
Article 12   Ad-Hoc Committees and Other Positions and 
                 Appointments
Article 13   Church Fellowships
Article 14   Amendments to the Bylaws
 

The name of this Church shall be The First Congregational Church and Society, United Church of Christ, in Rindge, New Hampshire.

The purpose of this Church shall be to worship God, to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments, to teach God’s word to one another, to develop and nurture Christian discipleship, to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this Church and among the whole Church of Jesus Christ, to render loving service toward all people, and to strive for justice, righteousness, and peace.

This Church shall be a member of the United Church of Christ and shall sustain that relationship in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.

The autonomy of this Church is inherent and modifiable only by its own action. No action of any Association, Conference, or General Synod within the United Church of Christ shall in any way, now or at any future time, abridge or impair the autonomy of this Church in the management of its own affairs.

The government of this Church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject to the applicable Federal and New Hampshire State laws.

We covenant with Christ and with one another to seek and respond to the word and will of God, and do bind ourselves together, in the presence of God, to walk together in his ways, made known and to be made known to us.

Within the United Church of Christ, the various expressions of the church [Churches, associations, conferences, and General Synod] relate to each other in a covenantal manner. Each has responsibilities and rights in relation to the others, to the end that the whole Church will seek God’s will and be faithful to God’s mission. As members of the Body of Christ, each expression of the church is called to honor and respect the work and ministry of each other part.

This Church acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share this confession. It looks to the word of God in scripture, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God.

We affirm the freedom and responsibility of each individual and the right of personal judgment in matters of faith, and subscribe to the following statement as a testimony to by not a test of our faith:

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:

God calls the worlds into being, creates women and men in the divine image and sets before each one the ways of life and death.

He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

He judges individuals and nations by his righteous will 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 world to himself.

God bestows upon us his 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 his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

God promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power by unto God. Amen.

The Church welcomes into membership any baptized believer who accepts its covenant. After being instructed about the history, polity, and membership expectations of the Church, members may join by affirmation of baptism, public confession of faith, or transfer from another Church. They shall become members upon reception at a public covenantal service of the Church. Each member shall have one vote on matters acted upon at congregational meetings.

Members are expected to strive to follow the principles set forth in the covenant and to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life, including regularly attending worship services, providing financial support to the Church and its benevolences, and sharing in the life and work of the Church.

Current members of other Churches who wish to retain their original membership while entering into a covenantal relationship with this Church as described above, may request to become associate members, and will enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of active members.

Any Church member, with the exception of associate members, upon his/her written request and by vote of the Board of Deacons, may be granted a letter of transfer to another Church. Any Church member, upon his/her written request, may have his/her name place on the inactive membership list or removed from the membership rolls. All membership requests will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Deacons and the Pastor, and the Clerk shall issue the appropriate letter of release or transfer.

A member who has not attended worship services or provided financial support for a period of two years may, upon the recommendation of the Board of Deacons, be placed on the inactive member list. If, after one additional year, the relationship remains the same and no special circumstances exist, the individual may be removed from the membership rolls at the recommendation of the Board of Deacons. The Board of Deacons, along with the Pastor, is responsible for providing spiritual care throughout this process and confirming that the individual does not wish to continue a covenantal relationship with this Church.

Inactive members shall not vote at Church meetings or hold office or position on a committee or board. Inactive members may be placed on the active member list upon their request or the request of the Board of Deacons and with the approval of Church Council at a regularly scheduled Council meeting.

If any member persistently breaches the covenantal relationship with the Church, the Board of Deacons, after due notice has been given, a hearing before the Council has been offered, and after faithful efforts have been made to reestablish the covenantal relationship, may censure the member or terminate his/her membership.

The governing body of the Church shall be the membership assembled in a congregational meeting, where a majority of members present at the meeting shall express the will of the Church, provided a quorum of members is present. A quorum of members shall consist of 25% of current active members.

All congregational meetings shall be called with the production of a warrant article which has been duly approved by the Church Council, posted in a prominent place in the Church, and read for three consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting, during the regular Sunday morning worship service.

The Church Council shall be the primary executive body of this Church. It shall maintain the general oversight of all the activities of the Church, plan prayerfully for the Church’s

future, provide a forum of communication among the various committees, boards, and officers, and resolve differences among them. While Church Council is the executive body, the following matters must come before the entire congregation at a duly called congregational meeting: calling or terminating the covenant with a Pastor; the borrowing of money or capital improvements in excess of 10% of the yearly Church operating budget; any commitment to acquire lease, or dispose of real property; any extra budgetary program or project, excluding repair or replacement, using over $10,000 of endowed funds or investment income. If significant questions arise as to the necessity of a congregational meeting, Church Council shall err toward calling the meeting.

Church Council shall consist of the Church officers, a representative from each of the permanent boards and committees, and the Pastor. Each member of Church Council will have voice and vote in all matters concerning the Council. The Pastor shall be a non-voting member of Council. All Council meetings shall be open to all members, unless otherwise noted in the Bylaws of the First Congregational Church and Society, UCC, in Rindge, [Bylaws], appended to this Constitution.

There shall be four regular officers of the Church: Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer. [These officers shall be the legal representatives of the Church, where such representation is required.] Church officers are authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the Church, and only upon specific direction from Church Council. Officers may be authorized to sign documents at the direction of the congregation in matters that require a congregational vote.

Permanent boards and committees, created to manage and conduct the work of the Church, shall be described in the Bylaws.

All officers, board members, and committee chairs shall be member of the Church. Non-members who are active participants in the life of the Church may serve as committee members. In selecting persons to serve in the offices, boards, and committees, diverse representation reflecting the total membership shall be sought.

All officers, board and committee members shall be elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting. They shall be elected to a term not to exceed three years. No person shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms, or a total of six years, in any elected office, board, or committee, and must refrain from serving in that office, board, or committee for at least one year.

All meetings of the congregation, the Church Council, and the various boards and committees shall include prayer and shall stress thoughtful deliberation of Church policy, planning and business. All governing activities of these Church bodies shall be conducted to further the Church’s stated purpose and shall strive to keep all participants mindful of the purpose, faith, polity, and covenant affirmed in this Constitution.

Should this Church dissolve, its assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 5019 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

This Constitution may be amended at any duly called congregational meeting by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present, provided the requirements for a meeting as stated in Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 2, have been met.

Any member may submit to the Clerk a proposed change to this Constitution in writing. The Clerk shall publish the text of the proposed change at least two weeks prior to the next duly called congregational meeting.

The Church Council shall appoint a temporary committee to review this Constitution and Bylaws at least every five years.

The Bylaws may be provisionally amended at any duly called Church Council meeting by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present, provided that Council members receive the proposed amendment in writing at least one month prior to the Council meeting, and that the Council has two meetings at which to discuss the proposed change. All amendments to the Bylaws shall receive final approval at a duly call congregational meeting as described in this Article, paragraphs 1 and 2.

Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the Constitution or Bylaws.

1. Worship shall be held each Sunday at 10 AM and at any other time designated by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.

2. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated regularly. Unless otherwise designated by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons, Communion will be celebrated monthly on the first Sunday of the month.

3. Baptism shall be administered during worship to any unbaptized person preparing to join the Church as a member, to any person who desires baptism and professes faith in Jesus Christ, and to infants. Prior to the baptism, the Pastor will meet with the individual or parents of the infants to discuss the meaning and process of the baptismal ritual. Other baptisms shall be performed at the discretion of the Pastor.

4. In the case of inclement weather: Sunday morning worship will not be cancelled due to inclement weather, unless extreme circumstances prevent the opening of the Church or the conduct of worship. However, no person, regardless of the responsibilities for a particular Sunday, should feel obligated to travel if they feel unsafe in doing so.

5. The form and substance of worship shall be the prerogative of the Pastor or her/his designee, in cooperation with the Board of Deacons and the Organist/Choir Director.

1. The Pastor shall have charge of the spiritual life and welfare of the Church and responsibility for the conduct of public worship services. The Pastor shall seek to enlist people as followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, oversee the Christian education of the congregation, and provide pastoral care and visitation to members and friends of the Church. The Pastor shall be a non-voting member of all boards and committees.

2. The Pastor shall be called or dismissed at a congregational meeting called for that purpose, in accordance with procedures described in Article 7 of the Constitution, by a 2/3 affirmative vote of active members, with voting to be done by secret ballot. The Committee shall present the prospective candidate, selected by the Pastoral Search Committee, for consideration at that meeting. In order to terminate this relationship, either party shall give three months notice in writing. Neither the current nor the interim Pastor shall be directly involved in the work and actions of the Search Committee, although both may serve as a resource to the Committee.

3. The Pastor shall become a member of the Church and shall have standing in the Cheshire Association of the New Hampshire Conference, UCC. The Clerk shall send notification of any changes in pastoral leadership tp the Clerk of the New Hampshire Conference, UCC and to the Committee on Ministry of the Cheshire Association.

4. The Pastor shall attend all Church Council meetings, and shall prepare a report of his/her activities over the previous month, bring to the Church news and issues relating to the wider Church, participate in discussion and planning, and provide spiritual direction.

5. The Pastor shall participate with the Pastoral Relations Committee in an annual performance evaluation.

6. The Pastor shall perform weddings and funerals at his/her discretion and in cooperation with the Board of Deacons. The Pastor shall assume responsibility for completing and filing the associated marriage licenses with the appropriate local authorities.

1. The church shall meet at least twice a year. The Annual Congregational Meeting shall be held on the first Sunday in March and shall be held to: a] approve the budget recommended by Church Council, b] vote on the candidates for officers, board and committee members, and c] attend to any other business that properly comes before the Church. Announcement and conduct of the Annual Congregational Meeting shall follow the process described in Article 7 of the Constitution. At another time, set in agreement between the Pastor and Church Council, the Church shall meet for a planning / spirituality retreat to focus on the development of goals and vision for the future, and the development of spirituality and fellowship among members. Church Council and the Pastor shall determine the format and agenda of this meeting.

2. The fiscal year of the Church shall be the calendar year.

3. The term of all elected officers and board and committee members shall begin and end with the Annual Congregational Meeting.

4. Special congregational meetings may be called as described in Article 7 of the Constitution. The Clerk shall schedule the special meeting no later than six weeks from the date of request.

There shall be four regular Officers of the Church: the Moderator, the Vice Moderator, the Clerk, and the Treasurer. Each officer shall be elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting, shall serve until a successor is elected and duly qualified, and shall submit a written report covering the activities of the Church for the past year to the Church Secretary one month prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting. Officers may resign voluntarily by tendering their resignation in writing to the Church Council. If any officer is found to be inadequate or untrustworthy, the officer may be removed by a 2/3 majority vote of the Church Council, and the office declared vacant. Church Council may then direct the Nominating Committee to select a candidate to fill the vacancy and complete the term of office. The candidate shall be elected at a Congregational Meeting called specifically for that purpose.

1. Moderator

2. Vice-Moderator

3. Clerk

4. Treasurer

5. Assistant Treasurer

1. Collector

a.  Shall collect and count [with one other non-related Church member] and deposit all monies received on behalf of the Church during worship services, special collections, social functions, and by mail or other carrier.
b.  Shall record the collection and designate, in cooperation with the Treasurer, a category into which it should be placed, reporting the information to the Treasurer weekly. Monthly, shall balance all accounts with the Treasurer.
c.  Shall maintain sole knowledge and maintain confidentiality of members’ pledge amounts, and shall record individual pledge and special offering contributions. The collector shall issue quarterly reports to all persons making a pledge, and by January 31, shall issue a year-end report to each contributor for tax purposes.
d.  May designate other individuals within the Church to collect monies in their absence, with the approval of the Board of Trustees. Monies not collected by the Collector or Assistant Collector shall be placed in a secure location until recorded and deposited by Collector.
e.  Shall serve on the Stewardship Committee.

2. Assistant Collector

a. Shall assist the Collector in all assigned duties.
b. May designate other individuals within the Church to collect monies in their absence, with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

3. Auditor

a. Shall be an active member, if possible, of this Church.
b. Shall be elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting upon recommendation of Church Council.
c. Shall perform fiscal year end audits of each account, fund, and endowment of the Church.
d. Shall submit a detailed audit report in writing for the Annual Report, and shall present any findings and recommendations at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
e. Church Council may, in cooperation with the Board of Trustees, hire an outside Auditor in addition to the person named as Auditor.

4. Secretary

a. Shall be responsible for the production of all worship bulletins.
b. Shall be responsible for the production and distribution of a monthly newsletter and maintenance of its mailing list.
c. Shall be responsible for the production and distribution of an Annual Report to all member families.
d. Shall receive primary direction and supervision from the Pastor.
e. Shall set reasonable deadlines for submission of items to be included in the bulletin, newsletter, and Annual Report, in cooperation with the Pastor.
f. Shall attend all Church Council meetings, whenever possible.
g. Shall be hired or terminated by the Pastor. The Pastor shall determine salary and benefits in cooperation with the Board of Trustees and shall inititiate and conduct performance reviews after 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year of service, with yearly performance reviews to follow.

5. Organist/Choir Director

a. Shall select all music and direct the musical program for worship in cooperation with the Pastor and the Music Committee.
b. Shall play the organ, piano, or other musical instrument for worship services as directed by the Pastor and the Music Committee.
c. Shall direct all adult and youth choirs as directed by the Pastor and the Music Committee.
d. Shall actively recruit new choir members.
e. Shall attend all Music Committee meetings, whenever possible.
f. Shall be hired or terminated by the Music Committee. The Music Committee shall determine salary and benefits in coordination with the Board of Trustees and shall initiate and conduct performance reviews after 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year of service, with yearly performance reviews to follow.

6. Sexton

a. Shall be responsible for the regular, interior custodial maintenance of all areas of the Meeting House controlled by the Church.
b. Shall purchase cleaning supplies as needed upon approval of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
c. Shall clean all areas designated by the Building and Grounds Committee on a weekly basis.
d. Shall clean after all weddings performed in the sanctuary.
e. Shall be hired or terminated by the Building and Grounds Committee. The Building and Grounds Committee shall determine salary and benefits in coordination with the Board of Trustees, and shall initiate and conduct performance reviews after 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year of service, with yearly performance reviews to follow.

1. The Church shall elect, at each Annual Congregational Meeting, four Delegates for a term of three years. One Delegate shall be under the age of 25 and shall serve as a Youth Delegate. These Delegates shall be active members of the Church and shall serve to represent the Church at meetings of the Cheshire Association and the New Hampshire Conference, UCC.
2. In addition to the above meetings, the Delegates shall represent the Church at other gatherings of the Association and Conference deemed appropriate by the Pastor, Church Council, or the Board of Deacons.
3. The Delegates shall report monthly to the Church Council on the results of all meetings and gatherings attended.

1. All boards and committees shall schedule regular meetings, either monthly or at some interval that supports and facilitates their work. Meetings shall be called by the Chair of the board or committee, who shall give at least one week’s notice, and shall insure publication in the Church newsletter, worship bulletin, and Church web site, where applicable. The Chair shall provide a written agenda for each meeting.
2. All meetings of Church bodies shall begin and end with prayer, and shall focus on the development and upbuilding of the Church.
3. A quorum for any board or committee shall be at least one-half of its total membership. A quorum must be present for any body to conduct official business. All decisions shall be made by majority affirmative vote or by consensus.
4. All boards and committees shall hold their first meeting during March following the election at the Annual congregational Meeting. The previous Chair of each body shall chair the meeting, and a new Chair, recording Secretary [with the exception of the Pastoral Relations Committee] and Church Council representative shall be elected. During this meeting, incoming members shall receive information on the background, scope, and nature of the work done by the board or committee.
5. The recording Secretary shall keep accurate and detailed minutes of the deliberations and actions of each body, and shall send a written copy to the Pastor, Moderator, Clerk, and members of the body within one week of the meeting.
6. Council representatives shall present the work of the body [ not covered in any written minutes] to the Council, and shall report the actions of Council during their body’s next meeting.
7. Boards and committees, which administer their own budgets, shall prepare a detailed budget for the upcoming year. Budgets shall contain categories or specific spending items with projected spending for each item or category. They shall submit this proposed budget for deliberation to the Finance Committee prior to the Board of Trustee’s November meeting.
8. Boards and committees are authorized to spend their budgeted funds, approved at the Annual Congregational Meeting, without any further approvals. These bodies are also authorized to move and spend budgeted money between categories, as long as they do not exceed their total budget. The Finance Committee, who will provide guidance as necessary, shall review all budgetary spending. Any requests for spending not covered in the budget of a board or committee shall be presented to Church Council for approval. Church Council may then direct the Board of Trustees to fund the request.
9. Any elected member of a committee may resign for any reason. The Church Council, with direction from the Nominating Committee, shall be responsible for filling any vacancy among elected positions. Should any member of a body fail to attend at least 50% of that body’s meetings during any six-month period, the body may deem that person to have resigned, and the vacancy shall be reported to the Church Council at its next meeting. Members of each body should provide encouragement and support to absentee members prior to declaring any position vacant.
10. At least one month prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting, the Chair of each board, committee, and Church organization shall submit to the Clerk an annual written report summarizing the activities of their group for the past year.

1. The Church Council shall be the overall policy and planning body of the Church. It shall have complete power to supervise and coordinate the plans and activities of the boards and committees of the Church in order to implement the purpose of the Church as stated in the Constitution. The Council shall plan prayerfully for the future of the Church, shall arbitrate any inter-organizational differences, and shall propose any Church-wide policy or procedural changes for consideration at all congregational meetings.
2. Shall be composed of the Moderator, who shall act as Chair, the Vice Moderator, the Clerk, who shall act as recording Secretary, the Treasurer, the Collector, the Pastor, a representative from the Board of Deacons and each standing committee, and one of the Church’s delegates. A representative from each ad hoc committee and Church fellowship shall attend and report at Council meetings and have voice without vote in all matters coming before the Council.
3. Shall be responsible for the oversight of all Church employees. Council shall consider the recommendations of each employee’s direct supervisor, and shall arbitrate any salary or performance issues between employees, supervisors, and the Finance Committee.
4. No person shall represent more than one group on the Church Council or have more than one vote. Members of Council, excluding the Pastor, shall appoint alternatives to represent them in the event they are not able to attend any meeting.
5. The Moderator shall collect written committee reports and shall have copies and a meeting agenda prepared for each representative prior to each Council meeting.
6. Council shall meet at least monthly, unless a majority consensus exists to cancel a meeting.
7. Only Church officers are authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the Church, and only upon specific direction from Church Council. Officers may be authorized to sign documents at the direction of the congregation in matters that require a congregational vote.
8. Council may create ad hoc committees or staff positions as deemed appropriate, but the creation of permanent officers, staff positions, or standing committees shall require congregational approval.

Purpose: The Board of Trustees operates under the direction of the Church Council, and shall have custodial responsibility for all real Church property, investments and endowments, and the routine financial affairs of the Church. The Board shall raise funds to meet the financial needs of the Church and to support its mission. The Board shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without the approval of Church Council or the congregation, as appropriate.

Structure: The Board shall be composed of standing committees, each with specific areas of responsibility as follows:

Finance Committee: Shall be responsible for budget oversight, preparation of a proposed Church budget, management of the investments and endowments of the Church, and establishment of financial and investment policy.

Buildings and Grounds Committee: Shall be responsible for repair, maintenance, and improvement of all Church property and contents, as well as preparation and administration of a maintenance, repair, and capital improvement budget.

Stewardship Committee: Shall be responsible for the development and promotion of stewardship among members of the Church, organization and conduct of Capital Campaigns and yearly every-member canvassing, and the education of members and provision of resources concerning investment and estate planning.

Members: The Board shall consist of twelve members, five of which shall serve on the Finance Committee, three of which shall serve on Buildings and Grounds, and four of which shall serve on the Stewardship Committee. The Collector shall occupy one of the four positions on the Stewardship Committee. Each committee shall elect a Chair, representative to Council, and recording Secretary. The Chair of the Finance Committee shall serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, and shall serve or designate another Board member to serve as a Trustee of the Ward Fund. Board members, including the Ward Trust representative, can serve no more than two consecutive terms, or total of six years, on the Board, regardless of the committee to which they are elected.

Meetings: The Board shall meet monthly, or more frequently as needed. Members of the Board shall meet both in their respective committees and together as a whole to discuss items of mutual concern. This may happen either consecutively on one day, or during different days, depending on the needs and wishes of the Board members.

Responsibilities:

A. The Finance Committee:

1. Shall prepare a proposed detailed annual budget, using input from the Boards, Committees, Officers, Pastor, and Church organizations, and submit it for approval to the Board of Trustees and to the Council prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting.
2. Where possible, shall meet with each body submitting a proposed budget, and prayerfully consider each budget request.
3. Shall prepare the budget for Council approval prior to the December Council meeting. The Committee shall make the approved budget available to the congregation at least one week prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting.
4. Shall provide for the raising of funds for the support of the operating budget and all facilities, including the Meeting House as stipulated by the Church/Town agreement of September 17, 1965.
5. Shall authorize and direct the Treasurer as to the payment of monies under its control.
6. Shall manage all endowments and investments held in trust for the Church and shall have the authority to engage investment council.
7. Shall abide by the Investment Policy appended to these bylaws.
8. Shall hold in trust any property as required by the laws of the Federal government and the State of New Hampshire.
9. Shall provide a full and accurate report of all Church finances, including endowment and investment and investment funds, and the Ward Trust.
10. Shall submit an Annual Report to the Board of Trustees prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting.

B. The Building and Grounds Committee:

1. Shall assure the proper maintenance and upkeep of all physical property of the Church.
2. Shall regularly inspect all Church property and report findings and recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
3. Shall submit a proposed budget for the maintenance, repair, and improvement of all Church property, and shall have the power to administer said budget.
4. Shall designate a Supervisor for all capital improvement and building projects.
5. Shall develop and implement a repair and maintenance schedule for all Church property.
6. Shall submit an Annual Report of its actions and finding to the Board of Trustees for the Annual Congregational Meeting.
7. Shall supervise the work of the Sexton.
8. Shall maintain files of contracts, vendors, service manuals, warranties, inspection results, and other pertinent maintenance records.
9. Shall supervise the work of the kitchen-cleaning individual.

C. The Stewardship Committee:

1. Shall plan and conduct yearly every-member canvassing in support of the Church’s annual budget.
2. Shall plan and direct Capital Campaigns at the direction of the Board of Trustees or Church Council.
3. Shall submit a proposed operating budget and shall manage said budget.
4. Shall investigate options for investment and estate planning, shall communicate finding to members, and shall serve as a resource to members seeking to provide assistance to the Church or establish endowments for use by the church.
5. Shall maintain the following information on each endowment and investment fund: Source, history, purpose, usage restrictions, and current balance.
6. Shall include the above information as well as the results of its other activities in an Annual Report to the Board of Trustees for the Annual Congregational Meeting.
7. Shall maintain strict confidentiality guidelines concerning personal giving.

Purpose: The Board of Deacons operates under the direction of the Church Council and participates in, coordinates, and nurtures the life and ministry of the Church body. In general, these duties are carried out by assisting the Pastor in the following areas: providing a fitting environment for worship, promoting the spiritual life of the Church, care and visitation of those in need, and the care of all Church members.

Membership: The Board of Deacons shall consist of at least nine and as many as twelve members are required by the needs of the congregation. Each member shall be elected to a term of up to three years.

Duties: The Board of Deacons:

1. Shall prepare for and assist the pastor in the administration of Communion.
2. Shall assist the Pastor as needed for worship services.
3. Shall assist the Pastor in the care and visitation of the sick and homebound, and shall send cards and flowers as needed.
4. Shall coordinate and train Ushers and Greeters for worship services and shall recruit lay participation in worship, in conjunction with the Pastor.
5. Shall arrange for pulpit supply in the absence of the Pastor or during pastoral vacancies or interim periods.’
6. Shall arrange for the presence of flowers during Sunday worship services and shall arrange for the distribution of flowers following the services.
7. Shall coordinate the Coffee Fellowship following Sunday morning worship.
8. Shall be responsible for the maintenance and use of sanctuary sound system, taping system, and hearing devices.
9. Shall conduct an annual review and update of the membership list of the Church and make changes in keeping with Article 6 of the Constitution.
10. Shall appoint a Chair, Secretary, and representative to Church Council, each to serve for one year.
11. Shall meet monthly, unless a majority of Board members consents to the elimination or postponement of a meeting.
12. Shall follow and periodically review the policies and procedures amended to the bylaws.
13. Shall prepare an annual budget and submit it to the Board of Trustees for review.
14. Shall prepare a report for the Annual Meeting.

All standing committees shall:

• Meet monthly or at some frequency agreed upon by a majority of members and sufficient to adequately conduct the business of the committee.
• Elect each year a Chair, recording Secretary, and Council representative.
• Submit the minutes of all meetings to its members, the Clerk, Council Chair, and Pastor within one week of each meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting will be reviewed and approved at each meeting.
• Prepare an annual budget for review by the Trustees. The Chair of each Committee is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Committee’s budget.
• Prepare a written report for the Annual Congregational Meeting.
• Begin and end each meeting with prayer, and prayerfully conduct its business based on a written agenda which will be supplied to each member prior to the meeting.

1. Christian Education
   

   Purpose: As Christians, we believe that the story of God’s mighty acts throughout time, revealed through Scripture and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are the food of our faith. The Christian Education Committee seeks to provide adults and children with programs and resources to enable them to experience a personal and meaningful relationship with God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.

   Membership: The Committee shall consist of 7 members, each elected for a term of up to three years. One member will be designated by the Committee as the Church School Leader, who may serve a maximum of three consecutive one-year terms before stepping aside for at least one year.

   Duties: Responding to ever-changing Church needs, the Committee shall:

   1. Recruit and train Church School Teachers and Nursery attendants.
   2. Assist the Pastor with the conduct of Confirmation and Communion classes.
   3. Coordinate all other educational activities.
   4. Support and finance Adult Education programs.
   5. Establish and maintain a Church Library.
   6. Oversee, support, and serve as a resource for Youth Groups.
   7. Continually seek new ways to nourish the congregation’s need for Christian Education.

   Church School Chairman
   With input from the Pastor and Committee Members, the Church School Leader will oversee the Church School program including:

   1. Selection of instructional materials.
   2. Preparation of annual Church School calendar.
   3. Planning special services, events, and programs.
   4. Coordination of permanent and substitute teacher assignments.
   5. Sharing in the general responsibilities of Committee activities.

2. Membership and Evangelism
   

   Purpose: The purpose of this committee is to encourage growth in Christ for all people, inside and outside of this Church fellowship. This committee seeks to encourage participation in Church life by reaching out into the community, to welcome and identify those new to our fellowship, and to encourage and nurture their development as Christ’s disciples and members of this Church.

   Membership: The committee will consist of at least five members.

• Develop and conduct evangelism activities in the community.
• Recruit new members and conduct new member training and informational sessions.
• Plan and conduct fellowship activities within the Church.
• Maintain the membership database and provide updates to the Pastor, Board of Deacons, Membership Committee, Stewardship Committee and Secretary, as needed.
• Periodically conduct programs that recognize members’ anniversaries.

3. Missions Ministries Team
   

   Purpose: To promote, support, encourage and raise awareness for the cause of Christian Missions to church, community, nation, and world for the Glory of God.

   Membership: The Team will consist of al least 5 members, each elected for a term of up to three years.

   Duties: The Missions Ministry Team shall:

• Develop the mission budget of the Church and allocate funds, including Our Church’s Wider Mission and Conference Fellowship Dues.
• Plan, promote and publicize service events and opportunities.
• Investigate and promote opportunities for global mission.
• Identify needs and skills among the congregation and the community.
• Interact ecumenically with other local Churches and organizations.

4. Music
   

   Purpose: The Committee shall supervise the music ministry of the Church.

   Membership: The Committee shall consist of three members, one elected each year for a term of up to three years.

   Duties: The Music Committee shall:

5. Pastoral Relations
   

   Purpose: The Committee acts as liaison between Pastor and Church members and aids the Church and Pastor in the evaluation of the mutual ministry.

   Members: The Committee shall consist of five members; one or more elected each year for a term of up to three years. Members of boards and other standing committees shall also be eligible for membership on this committee.

   Special Considerations: Due to the potentially sensitive nature of the information discussed at meetings, the recording secretary will take minutes of each meeting but will not share copies of those minutes with anyone outside the committee. Reports to Church Council, the newsletter, or the Annual Report will not contain specifics, but rather the nature of the discussions held. The minutes of all meetings and all evaluation forms will be kept by the recording Secretary and will remain confidential,

   Duties; The Committee shall:

• Listen to, discuss with the Pastor, and respond to any issues or concern brought by individual Church members.
• Design and facilitate a yearly evaluation of the Pastor’s ministry.
• Facilitate evaluation of the Church’s ministry by the Pastor.
• Present the summary of findings to the Church Council.
• Prepare a written report of the summary findings for the newsletter and the Annual Report.

Church Council may initiate Ad Hoc Committees as it deems appropriate. Committees will be formed based on a majority vote of approval by the Council. The Ad Hoc Committee shall follow the guidelines established in this document for the conduct of standing committees. Once formed, Ad Hoc Committees will report to Church Council on a monthly basis, and the Council Representative will have voice without vote at Council meetings.

1. Nominating Committee
   

   Purpose: The nominating Committee shall prepare and present at the Annual Meeting a slate of candidates for elective offices and committees as provided for in this document.

   Membership: The Committee shall consist of three members, one elected each year for a term of up to three years.

   Duties: Although elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting, the Committee shall meet on an ad hoc basis. The Committee shall meet at least two months in advance of the Annual Congregational Meeting to prepare a slate of candidates for the Annual Meeting. In addition, the Committee shall meet as needed to fill any position that may become vacant during the year. In addition to a written report, the Committee will present the candidates for election and enter the names for nomination at the annual Congregational Meeting. 

2. Pastoral Search Committee
   

   Purpose: The Pastoral Search Committee shall recommend to the congregation candidates for employment as a new Pastor.

   Membership: The Committee shall consist of one member of the Board of Trustees, one member from the Board of Deacons, one member from the Christian Education Committee and four members at large.

   Duties: The Committee shall:

• Notify the New Hampshire Conference, UCC, of its formation and work with the Conference in the search and call process.
• Prepare a Church profile and submit it to the Conference for inclusion in the search and call literature at the Conference and the National levels of the Church.
• Study candidate profiles and interview potential candidates.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in the search process.
• Upon selection of a candidate, present that candidate to the Congregation for approval.

3. Historian
   

   The Historian and Assistant Historian shall collect, accept, preserve, and protect all Church records, photographs, books, articles, and any items pertaining to the Church that they deem historically significant for preservation. The Historian and assistant Historian shall be elected for a term of three years.

4. Public Relations
   

   One or more members of the Church shall be appointed for the purpose of public relations by the Church Council for a term mutually agreeable by the members and the Council.

   This person or these persons will notify the community of Rindge and surrounding communities of the activities of the Church, including, but not limited to: special services, concerts, dinners, fairs, and other activities of potential interest. These events shall be publicized by flyers, signs, news and feature articles, and submissions to local newsletters and publications as appropriate.

Fellowships may be formed within the Church for the furtherance, development, and promotion of social and Christian life. All fellowships must first receive approval from Church Council to operate as a formal or informal affiliate of the Church. Fellowships desiring approval shall present a statement of purpose and/or mission compatible with the stated purpose of the Church. Currently recognized fellowships include the Ladies Vestry Association/Evening Circle and the Men’s Club.

Fellowships receiving Council approval shall thereafter maintain their own records and financial support, develop their own operating procedures, and operate independently from, and in a covenantal manner with the Church body. Each fellowship will report regularly to Church Council and will prepare a written report for the Annual Congregational Meeting.