By-Laws

By-Laws of Weybridge Congregational Church

April 2019

Article I — Preamble

The by-laws, consistent with the constitution of the Weybridge Congregational Church, further define and regulate the Church and its free and voluntary relationships with the Addison Association, the Vermont Conference, and the General Synod of the United Church of Christ and other organizations.

Article II — The Officers

A. Pastor

The Pastor is charged to lead and guide the congregation, with the assistance of the Board of Deacons, in all matters relating to its spiritual welfare and growth, and shall enter into the life of the wider community as a Christian witness. Particulars of the Pastor's duties, responsibilities, and compensation shall be spelled out in the Letter of Call.

The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all Church boards and committees.

The Pastoral relationship may be agreeably dissolved on two months' notice by either (a) the Pastor's accepted resignation or (b) mutual agreement. Termination may occur on two months' notice by either the Pastor's resignation or a two-thirds majority vote of those members present at a duly called special meeting of the Church.

B. Moderator (Corporate President)

The Moderator shall be a lay leader of the congregation, elected because of a commitment to the Christian faith, wisdom, leadership, and a sense of justice. The Moderator shall be elected from the active membership of the Church at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and may not be reelected for a successive term. The Moderator shall moderate the meetings of the Church and is empowered to create Ad Hoc committees as deemed necessary.

C. Vice-Moderator (Corporate Vice President)

The Vice-Moderator shall be elected from the active membership of the Church at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and may not be reelected for a successive term, and will normally succeed to the office of Moderator. The Vice-Moderator may serve in place of the Moderator, upon request of the Moderator, at any Church function requiring the Moderator's action.

D. Clerk (Corporate Secretary)

The Clerk shall be elected from the active Church membership at the annual meeting for a term of one year with no restriction on succession. The Clerk is charged to keep records of the proceedings of the Church; a register of the members with dates and methods of admission and removal; a record of baptisms, weddings, and funerals; shall issue letters of transfer of membership upon request; and issue any other official Church correspondence as needed. The Clerk shall ensure that the Annual Meeting and any special meetings are warned two weeks prior to the meeting.

E. Treasurer (Corporate Treasurer)

The Treasurer shall be elected from the active Church membership at the annual meeting for a term of one year with no restrictions on succession. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of the financial and investment affairs of the Church, pay Church bills as authorized by the annual budget, invest endowment and trust funds with the approval of the Stewardship Committee, and present a financial statement at the Annual Meeting and at quarterly meetings.

F. Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer shall be elected from the active Church membership at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year with no restrictions on succession. The Assistant Treasurer shall receive, record accurately, and deposit in a timely fashion all monies received by the Church, maintaining strict confidentiality concerning individual giving. The Assistant Treasurer shall send a written acknowledgement to contributors for tax purposes by January 30 of each year.

G. Auditor

The Auditor shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year with no restrictions on succession. The Auditor is charged to review the accounts of the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and to submit a report to the Annual Meeting. A professional review of all Church accounts will be conducted by an outside third party auditor at least every five years if authorized by the Stewardship Committee or a vote of the full membership.

Article III — Boards and Committees

A. The Board of Deacons

Responsible to the congregation, the Board of Deacons shall be elected from the active membership of the Church. In cooperation with the Pastor, they shall oversee the spiritual interests of the Church with order and harmony. The Board should consist of 6 members, whenever possible equally divided between men and women. Two members shall be elected each year at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years.

The Board of Deacons shall: organize by selecting its own chair; assist in the preparation and administration of the sacraments; assist with all worship services; assist in caring for and visiting parishioners; oversee the instruction for confirmation; oversee the growth and membership of the Church; receive applications for membership; make an annual survey of the Church roll; provide for the supply of the pulpit in case of absence or vacancy of the Pastor; and periodically review the work of the Pastor and the life of the entire Church.

B. The Stewardship Committee

It shall be the responsibility of this committee to seek ways to strengthen the life and vitality of the congregation through the use of time and/or talents, the growth of faith and spiritual awareness, financial commitment, and growth of membership. The Committee shall consist of six persons, two elected each year for a term of three years. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be ex-officio members.

The duties of the Committee shall include: creating opportunities for stewardship development; having custody of Church property and its maintenance; developing long range planning; supervising the soliciting of funds; preparing the annual budget; having charge of the disbursement of funds; and approving investment of endowments and trust funds.

The Committee shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer real property without specific authority by vote of the Church.

C. Christian Education Committee

The Christian Education Committee shall have responsibility for Christian education programs for all ages, including teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Scripture, and securing leadership and selecting curriculum. The Committee shall consist of six persons, two elected each year for a term of three years. The Committee shall be activated and populated by the Nominating Committee when the need is determined at the discretion of the Pastor and the Deacons.

D. Mission Committee

The Mission Committee shall keep before the Church its outreach into the greater Church and social structures of the local, national and world communities. The Committee shall consist of at least six persons, two elected each year for a term of three years. The Committee is responsible for allocating designated missions funds and shall present to the Church its plan for these funds.

E. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members from the active membership of the Church, one elected at the Annual Meeting each year to serve a three-year term. The Committee shall prepare a slate of nominations for all offices and committee members that expire at the Annual Meeting, prepare a slate of delegates for associated organizations, and nominate persons to fill vacancies.

F. Pastor-Church Relations Committee

The Pastor-Church Relations Committee seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the mission of the Church by sustaining an open and healthy relationship between the Pastor and the members of the Church. It serves as an advisory group to the Pastor and as a support for the Pastor's leadership. The committee shall consist of three persons from the active membership, one elected each year for a three-year term. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the Church.

G. Pastoral Search Committee

When the office of the Pastor becomes vacant, a Pastoral Search Committee shall be elected from among the active membership. The committee shall recommend a candidate for the office of Pastor to the congregation. If a candidate receives a two-thirds vote of those members present at a meeting called for the purpose of selecting a Pastor, such a candidate shall receive a call to become Pastor.

H. Music Committee

The Music Committee, in cooperation with the Pastor, shall have general oversight of the music for worship and children's music, as well as responsibility for securing an organist or pianist. The Committee shall consist of three members, one elected each year for a three-year term. Also serving as voting members shall be the organist/pianist and choir directors.

I. Flower Committee

The Flower Committee shall consist of three members, one elected at the Annual Meeting for one year. The committee shall have general supervision of flowers for worship, plan special holiday decorations, and be aware of the sick and shut-ins, remembering them with flowers.

J. Ad Hoc Committees

Ad Hoc Committees may be created as specified under the duties of the Moderator.

Article IV — Affiliated Groups

Affiliated groups, such as the Green Team, are recognized as extensions of our Church family.

Article V — Amendments

These by-laws may be amended as provided in the Constitution.