CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS
OF THE
NEW IPSWICH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF
NEW IPSWICH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I NAME .. .. .1
ARTICLE II STATEMENT OF FAITH . ... ..1
.
ARTICLE III PURPOSE .. ..2
ARTICLE IV CHURCH GOVERNMENT .. ..2
ARTICLE V MEMBERS ..3
Article V 1. a., iii amended at Annual Meeting 1-25-09
ARTICLE VI MEETINGS .. ...5
Article VI 2.a., amended at Annual Meeting 1-24-2010
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS .. 6
ARTICLE VIII MINISTRY TEAMS AND COMMITTEES .. 9
ARTICLE IX RESOLUTION OF CONCERNS... ..14
ARTICLE X FISCAL YEAR... . .14
ARTICLE XI RULES OF ORDER.. ... 14
ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS ..15
CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS
OF THE
NEW IPSWICH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
(Conservative Congregational Christian Church)
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this Church is the New Ipswich Congregational Church (Church).
ARTICLE II
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The following affirmation of faith, adopted by the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, is a testimony of things believed among us:
We believe in the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God written. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his miracles, in his vicarious and atoning death through his shed blood, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return in power and glory. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling power and fullness, the Christian is enabled to live a godly life in the present fallen world. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
The purpose of New Ipswich Congregational Church is
to HONOR the name of the Lord our God;
to WORSHIP God in spirit and in truth;
to REACH our community and the world with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ;
to BUILD each other up in our faith; and
to SERVE each other, our community and the world as ministers of Christ.
ARTICLE IV
CHURCH GOVERNMENT
1. POLITY- Under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, the government of this Church is vested in the body of the members and their appointed representatives who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body but recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual council and cooperation with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
2. This Church is subject to the Articles of Incorporation granted by the state of New Hampshire on October 30, 1934. It is a qualified non-profit Church under the provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Code.
3. If this Church should conclude its ministry and be dissolved, none of its assets remaining after meeting all responsibilities and payment of all just obligations shall inure to the benefit of any individual member of the Church, its officers or other private individuals. Such assets, if any, shall in the event of dissolution be assigned by action of its members, at a properly called meeting, to such other organizations which are in harmony with the objectives of this Church, and which are exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP
1. QUALIFICATIONS AND PRIVILEGES
a. All persons who,
i. upon profession of faith (Article II) and baptism (if not previously baptized);
ii. assent to the purpose and covenant of this Church;
iii upon completion of a membership class*; and
iv. are recommended by the Senior Minister and a member of the diaconate (letters of transfer from another church having been considered),
will be formally received or enrolled as members of this Church at a regularly scheduled religious service. Members who have reached 18 years of age may act on all Church affairs and vote at meetings of the Church.
b. All members are expected to be faithful in spiritual duties essential to Christian life; to be loyal to the Church, supporting it by prayers, their gifts and services; and to attend worship as faithfully as possible. All members are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics for Churches of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
c. The Diaconate will promptly notify the Clerk of all membership changes.
2. TERMINATION
a. Upon request, a letter of dismissal or certificate of transfer shall be given by the Church Clerk to a member.
*amended at Annual Meeting on January 25, 2009
b. Any member who has not actively participated in the life of this Church by sharing in worship, work and support of this Church for a period of one (1) year may be removed from active membership and placed on the inactive membership list. Special effort will be made by the Diaconate Ministry Team to help these members reenergize their faith walk and once again become active members of the Church. Any member who after two (2) years is still not participating in the worship, work and support of the Church may be removed completely from the membership list. The Diaconate Ministry Team may place members who have not been able to fulfill their Church obligations because of illness, infirmity, attending college, or military service in an in absentia category and will not be placed on the inactive list unless said member requests it. Letters of inquiry will be sent from the diaconate at each change in membership status. The Diaconate Ministry Team will undertake a complete review of the membership list a minimum of once a year.
c. Upon request (written request preferred) the Diaconate Ministry Team may transfer a member from inactive to active status.
d. Church Discipline. Corrective discipline becomes necessary when heretical doctrine or disorderly or scandalous conduct appears in the Church. Every act of Christian discipline shall be performed in the spirit of love and to the end that the member in question may be restored to fellowship. The Minister and the Diaconate Ministry Team shall attempt to restore the member through admonishment and counseling. Should a member become an offense to the Church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by breach of his covenant vows, the Diaconate Ministry Team may, after consultation with the Minister, terminate his membership, but only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring the member to repentance and amendment. The Diaconate Ministry Team may convene the hearing if requested by the member in question or upon agreement among the Diaconate Ministry Team. The Church does not recognize the right of appeal to persons or organizations outside the Church.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
1. FOR WORSHIP
a. Public services of worship shall be held regularly each Sunday except when otherwise determined by The Diaconate Ministry Team after consultation with the Senior Minister. The Diaconate Ministry Team may schedule additional worship services.
b. The sacrament of the Lords Supper shall be included in the worship service at least one Sunday each month, as determined by the Diaconate Ministry Team.
2. FOR BUSINESS
a. Annual Meeting- The annual meeting of the Church shall be held on the *fourth Sunday of January to hear the reports of officers, ministry teams, and committees; to appoint officers and ministry team and committee members; to approve a budget; and to transact any other business which may properly be brought before it. An alternate date in January may be *chosen by the trustees in conjunction with the church secretary, with a two week posted notice and an announcement during worship to the membership..
b. Special Meetings- The Senior Minister or the Executive Ministry Team may call special meetings for business. The Clerk shall call a special meeting for business upon written request of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active members. A notice of a special business meeting will be mailed to active members of the Church at least one week before the date of the meeting. Business conducted at a special meeting will be limited to the topic for which the meeting was called.
*Amended at January 24, 2010 Annual Meeting
c. Quorum- Twenty-five percent (25%) of active members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business brought before the Church.
d. Absentee/Proxy Ballots- Absentee ballots or proxy ballots will not be utilized to conduct Church business.
ARTICLE VII
OFFICERS
1. SENIOR MINISTER- A Senior Minister shall be called for an indefinite period of time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a duly held meeting of the Church. The Minister may be installed when the Minister and the Executive Ministry Team shall so agree. The pastoral relationship may be dissolved on sixty (60) days notice by simple majority vote of the Church, or on sixty (60) days notice given to the Church by the Minister.
The Minister shall be in charge of the spiritual welfare of the Church. All services of public worship and all gathered meetings held in the Church will be under the Ministers care and supervision. The Minister will coordinate with and be advised by the Diaconate Ministry Team in matters concerning worship services and other appropriate activities of the Church. The Minister shall preach on the Lords Day, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, and perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office in accordance with the Ministers covenant with the Church. The Minister will recognize and abide by the Conservative Congregational Christian Conferences Code of Ethics for Ministers. The Minister shall be an ex-officio member of all ministry teams and committees with voting privileges.
2. ASSOCIATE MINISTER - An Associate Minister may be recommended by the Minister and the Diaconate Ministry Team and called by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Church. The duties and responsibilities shall be in accordance with the covenant established with the Church. The Associate Minister will recognize and abide by the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference Code of Ethics for Ministers.
The Associate Minister reports to the Senior Minister. The Associate Ministers relationship with the Church may be terminated by the Senior Minister and the Diaconate Ministry Team giving a sixty (60) days notice or by the Associate Minister giving at least a thirty (30) days notice to the Senior Minister.
3. MODERATOR - A Moderator shall be appointed at the annual meeting of the Church; the term of office will be for three years. The Moderator shall be a member and chairman of the Executive Ministry Team. The Moderator will, in coordination with the Executive Ministry Team at the September meeting, establish a Nominating Committee to fill upcoming vacancies for appointment at the annual meeting. The Moderator will also notify the Nominating Committee of any vacancies which arise during the year which need to be filled prior to the next annual meeting. The Moderator will appoint, in coordination with the Executive Ministry Team, a minister search committee should a vacancy occur.
4. VICE MODERATOR - A Vice Moderator will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of three (3) years and, in the absence of the Moderator, shall have all the rights and duties of the Moderator.
5. CLERK - A Clerk shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of three (3) years and shall keep a faithful permanent record of the proceedings of the Church and of the Executive Ministry Team. The Clerk shall issue letters of transfer; preserve on file all official documents and reports; notify all persons appointed to office, to ministry teams, to committees, and to membership in the Church; maintain an accurate roster of Church members; and give notice of all meetings when such notice is necessary. The Clerk, in conjunction with the Church secretary, will review the by-laws within thirty (30) days after changes have been approved by a meeting of the Church to ensure that the changes have been made. A hard copy and computer file of the by-laws will be established and maintained in the Church office.
6. TREASURER - The Treasurer shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of three (3) years. The Treasurer shall be custodian of all funds of the Church. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the proper recording of all monies due the Church, and shall make payments from Church accounts upon authorization of the Trustees Ministry Team. The Treasurer shall keep separate accounting of funds received for different purposes. The Treasurer shall make a full report at the annual meeting, and the Auditor shall certify his accounts. The Treasurer may be bonded in such amount as shall be determined by the membership. He shall be a member of the Executive Ministry Team. He shall give to the Trustees Ministry Team a monthly report on the state of the Churchs finances. The Treasurer shall not simultaneously serve as a Trustee.
7. ASSISTANT TREASURER - An Assistant Treasurer shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of three (3) years. He shall assist the Treasurer as needed and be prepared to take over the duties of the Treasurer in the event of illness or absence of the Treasurer. He shall be responsible for the proper recording of all pledges, and will provide timely receipts of donations, maintaining all such information concerning the identity of the donor confidential. In the absence of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive Ministry Team. The Assistant Treasurer cannot simultaneously serve as a Trustee.
8. AUDITOR - The Auditor will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of three (3) years. He shall audit the accounts of the treasurer each year. He will report the results of the audit at the annual meeting. He will not be involved in the disbursement of Church funds. The Auditor cannot simultaneously serve as a Trustee.
9. CANVASS CHAIRPERSON - The Canvass Chairperson shall be appointed annually in September by the Executive Ministry Team. It shall be the responsibility of the Canvass Chairperson to assist the Trustee Ministry Team in making plans and conducting an annual stewardship canvass during the month of November. Specific plans for the canvass are subject to approval by the Trustee Ministry Team.
- HISTORIAN - The Historian(s) shall gather, catalogue and preserve such facts and documents as may be of interest or value to posterity. The historian shall be appointed by the Executive Ministry Team at such time and for such term as it deems appropriate.
- STAGGERED TERMS OF OFFICERS Upon the adoption of these bylaws, the first term for Moderator and Assistant Treasurer shall be for three (3) years; the first term for Clerk and Auditor shall be for two (2) years; and the first term for Treasurer and Vice Moderator shall be for one (1) year. Thereafter each term shall be three (3) years.
ARTICLE VIII
MINISTRY TEAMS AND COMMITTEES
All ministry teams and committees will elect their own chairpersons, meet on a regular basis, provide an annual budget as needed by the Trustees Ministry Team, provide for a recording secretary and provide the Church office with the minutes of each meeting. No chairperson shall serve more than two (2) consecutive one (1) year terms.
Only members of the Church shall be eligible to serve as an Officer or on any Ministry Team or Committee of the Church. Any member of the Church, by accepting appointment to a Ministry Team or Committee of the Church, agrees to faithfully attend meetings of and perform such duties and responsibilities as are required by such Ministry Team or Committee.
1. DIACONATE MINISTRY TEAM - The Diaconate Ministry Team shall consist of eight (8) members of the Church, each appointed to serve a term so designated that three (3) members shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for three (3) years except that on each third year only two (2) members will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years. The size of the team may be increased as required so that each members care group will stay between five (5) and eight (8) families. If additional team members are required between annual meetings, the Moderator will call the Nominating Committee to seek the necessary additional Deacons. Deacons shall meet the biblical qualifications of elders and bishops.
The Diaconate Ministry Team shall, in concert with the Minister, be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Church. It shall be the duty of the Diaconate Ministry Team to coordinate with the Minister in ministering to the spiritual interests of the Church and in the preparation for regular services and special events. The Diaconate Ministry Team shall be responsible for the time and character of the service. It will have general oversight of the Missions and Benevolence, Fellowship, Music, Christian Education, Youth, Altar Guild and Nursery Ministry Teams. The Diaconate Ministry Team will monitor relationships between the Minister and the Church members. It shall prepare the elements and assist in the administration of the sacrament of the Lords Supper, and also be responsible for the maintenance and appearance of the communion table.
The Diaconate Ministry Team is responsible for making an annual survey in November of the Church membership roll and make the revisions necessary, providing any changes to the Church Clerk. It is responsible for providing for the supply of the pulpit in the case of a vacancy or in the absence of the Minister. It is responsible for keeping a record of attendance at all services. It is responsible for the usage of the guest book.
2. TRUSTEE MINISTRY TEAM - The Trustees Ministry Team shall consist of five (5) members of the Church, each appointed to serve for a term so designated that two (2) members shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years, except that on each third year only one (1) will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of three (3) years. After serving two full terms, a trustee shall be ineligible for re-election for one (1) year. Ex-officio members are not eligible to be either the chair or secretary. The Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Auditor shall not serve as members of the Trustee Ministry Team.
The Trustee Ministry Team shall have general charge of all funds, receipts and expenditures of the Church, subject to the conditions imposed by the donors, the Executive Ministry Team or the membership of the Church. It shall have the care and custody of all Church property but shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer property without specific authority by vote of the Church membership. It will have general oversight of the Childrens Fair Ministry Team. It shall, with the Treasurer, prepare a proposed budget to be presented to the Church members at least one (1) week prior to the annual meeting. It shall be responsible for the employment of Church employees other than the Minister and Associate Minister.
3. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM - The Christian Education Ministry Team shall consist of five (5) members of the Church, each appointed to serve a term so designated that two (2) members shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for three (3) years except that on each third year only one (1) member will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years. The team shall be responsible for the direction and supervision of the educational programs of the Church. It shall study and decide on the curriculum of the Church Sunday School. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be an ex-officio member of the team.
4. YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM - The Youth Ministry Team shall consist of five (5) members of the Church, each appointed to serve a term so designated that two (2) members shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for three (3) years except that on each third year only one (1) member will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years. The team shall be responsible for the direction and supervision of the youth activities of the Church.
5. BENEVOLENCE AND MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM - The Benevolence and Missions Ministry Team shall consist of five (5) members of the Church, each appointed to serve a term so designated that two (2) members shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for three (3) years except that on each third year only one (1) member will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years.
The Benevolence and Missions Ministry Team may recommend benevolence projects and missionary projects to the Executive Ministry Team for adoption. It shall promote missionary education in the Church and recommend to the Church methods of raising funds or providing material aid for special benevolence projects.
6. MUSIC MINISTRY TEAM - The Music Ministry Team shall consist of three (3) members of the Church, each appointed to serve for a term so designated that one (1) member shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years. The Music Ministry Team shall be responsible for the Church music, the organization and general supervision of all choirs, securing of an organist, choir director, praise band, or other personnel, and music supplies.
7. NURSERY MINISTRY TEAM - The Nursery Ministry Team shall consist of three (3) members of the Church, each appointed to serve for a term so designated that one (1) member shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years. The team shall be responsible for the nursery facilities of the Church, including personnel, acting in accordance with existing Church policies as developed by the Executive Ministry Team. It shall provide an adequate, safe and wholesome environment for parents to leave their children during worship and other Church functions as determined necessary by the Church.
8. CHILDRENS FAIR MINISTRY TEAM - The chairperson for the Childrens Fair Ministry Team will be appointed at the annual meeting to serve a term of one (1) year. Said chairperson will appoint no fewer than ten (10) members of the Church to serve on the Team; one member will be appointed as its treasurer. The Team will hold meetings as are necessary for the purpose of planning, implementing and finalizing plans for the Fair to be held on the 3rd Saturday in August or an alternate date as necessary.
As soon as a financial report is received relative to the net proceeds of the Fair, but not later than 1 October, the Chairperson will call a meeting of the team for the purpose of submitting to the Trustee Ministry Team, for their approval, a report of the disposition of the proceeds for the Church budget and various service and benevolence projects and to transact any other business that may by brought before the meeting.
6. ALTAR GUILD MINISTRY TEAM -The Alter Guild Ministry Team shall consist of two (2) members of the Church, each appointed to serve for a term so designated that one (1) member shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve for a term of two (2) years. They will serve as co-chairs to assign and oversee the volunteers necessary to carry out the duties of the team. The Alter Guild Ministry Team is responsible for maintaining the appearance of the Church altar. This shall include keeping the altar candles filled with oil and cleaning the brass.
7. FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY TEAM The Fellowship Ministry team shall consist of two (2) members of the Church, each appointed to serve for a term so designated that one (1) member shall be appointed at the annual meeting to serve for a term of two (2) years. They shall serve as co-chairpersons. It shall be the responsibility of the Team to organize all Church suppers, including any before or after dinner activities. The Fellowship Ministry Team will also be available to assist any Church member who wishes to organize new Church fellowship events.
8. NOMINATING COMMITTEE A Nominating Committee of five (5) Church members shall be appointed annually in September by the Executive Ministry Team. It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to present nominations for all officers, boards, ministry teams and committees at the Annual Meeting of the Church and throughout the year as necessary. The Nominating Committee shall be responsive to the recommendations of the various ministry teams, committees and the membership at large.
9. EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM An Executive Ministry Team shall consist of the Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, and chairpersons of the Diaconate, Trustees and all regular Ministry Teams and Committees. It will be the function of the Executive Ministry Team to render opinions, recommendations, or decisions involving the routine business of the Church at the request of a Ministry Team or Committee. It is responsible for facilitating communications among the various Ministry Teams and Committees. It shall cause these by laws to be reviewed at least once every five (5) years.
Scheduled meetings will be held each year in May, September and December at the call of the Moderator. Special meetings may be called by the Moderator.
The Executive Ministry Team will appoint a Nominating Committee at its fall meeting. It will be the duty of the Executive Ministry Team to approve appointees to fill vacancies of unexpired terms as may be recommended by the Nominating Committee. The Executive Ministry team shall appoint a minister search committee when needed.
ARTICLE IX
RESOLUTION OF CONCERNS
It is the principle of the Church that each standing Ministry Team or Committee is encouraged to handle and resolve any concerns specific to that Ministry Teams mission. If at any time this cannot be accomplished, then any team or committee may request the Executive Ministry Team to render an opinion, a recommendation, or a decision. If the Executive Ministry Team is unable to resolve any concern brought before it, it may at its discretion, present the concern at a duly called meeting of the Church.
ARTICLE X
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Church shall begin January 1 and end December 31.
ARTICLE XI
RULES OF ORDER
Roberts Rules of Order shall be accepted as authority in parliamentary procedures at all business meetings of the Church. With respect to the various Church ministry teams and committees, a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum and action may be taken by a vote of the majority of those present.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present at an annual meeting or other legally called business meeting of the Church, provided that the notice of the meeting clearly states the nature and purpose of the proposed amendment or amendments.