BYLAWS. The Congregational Church of Amherst, New Hampshire, United Church of Christ (UCC) As amended by a Congregational Meeting (May 2018)

Transcription

1 BYLAWS The Congregational Church of Amherst, New Hampshire, United Church of Christ (UCC) As amended by a Congregational Meeting (May 2018) ARTICLE I Name The name of this church shall be The Congregational Church of Amherst, New Hampshire, United Church of Christ (UCC), Incorporated, herein referred to as The Church. ARTICLE II Faith, Polity, and Fellowship Section 1. Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ Believing in the freedom and responsibility of the individual and the right of private judgment, and seeking no personal test, we join the fellowship of the United Church of Christ in a general declaration of faith: We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit. Father of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify: You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death. You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. You judge people and nations by your righteous will, declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself. You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races. You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory. You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen. Section 2. Polity The government of The Church is vested solely in its members and associate members, but while holding to the autonomy of the local church and its independence of all ecclesiastical control, we cherish the fellowship of the churches which seek to promote the Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ worldwide, and associate ourselves in membership with the United Church of Christ. Section 3. Fellowship We agree to maintain the institutions of the gospel, to submit ourselves to the orderly administration of the affairs of The Church, and to walk together in Christian love. BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 1

2 ARTICLE III Membership Section 1. Qualifications Membership shall be open to: (A) those who at the time of the adoption of these Bylaws are in good standing as members or associate members of The Church, (B) any person who has been baptized and confirmed or made a statement of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, (C) those presenting letters of dismissal and recommendation from other Christian churches, after recommendation of the Pastor(s), and/or the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry, and (D) those joining by reaffirmation of faith. Associate Membership is open to anyone requesting associate membership, or those duly recommended by the Pastor(s) with concurrence of the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry. Associate members will not be included in the roster of active members reported annually. They may become members upon recommendation by the Pastor(s) with concurrence of the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry. Section 2. Duties All members and associate members of The Church are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life, to attend the services of The Church as regularly as possible, to contribute to the support of The Church, and to share its organized work. Section 3. Termination of Membership (A) Letters of dismissal and recommendation to other Christian churches will be granted at their request to members of good standing. (B) Members who desire to retain their membership in The Church will be expected to communicate with The Church at least once a year and to make an annual contribution. Any member failing to do this for a period of two years will, by action of the Pastor and Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry, have his or her name removed to a special list of inactive members and not included on the list of active members. Notification will be by publication in the Annual Report. (C) Any inactive member may be restored to membership by action of the Pastor and Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry. Section 4. Rights of Members All active members and associate members of The Church in good standing shall have equal voting rights. Section 1. The Pastor(s) ARTICLE IV Church Leadership The Pastor(s) must be chosen by at least a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the voting congregation when a vacancy occurs, shall hold office without limitation of time, and shall be installed by The Hillsborough Association when The Church and Pastor so desire. It shall be the duty of the Pastor(s) to preach the Word, to care for the stated services of public worship, to administer the sacraments, and to promote the spiritual and economic welfare of The Church and those whom it serves. BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 2

3 The Senior Pastor shall serve as the executive officer of The Church. Among the executive s duties is the supervision of the staff. The Church at its discretion may call Associate or Assistant Pastor(s). The duties of the Associate or Assistant will be the same as those listed for the Senior Pastor, with such duties to be delegated by the Senior Pastor. The Pastor(s) shall make a report of the year s work at the Annual Meeting of The Church. The pastoral relationship may be dissolved either by The Church or the Pastor(s) by written notice of such intention given three months in advance. The Church may at any time, by a simple majority vote at a meeting where this purpose is stated in the call, request a Pastor s resignation in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Call between the Pastor and The Church. Section 2. The Moderator The Moderator shall be elected to a two-year term, renewable once. The Moderator is the lay leader of The Church, and shall preside at the Annual Meeting, Council meetings, and any other special called meetings of The Church [see Article IV, Sec. 10]. In the absence of the Moderator, the presiding officer will be the Assistant Moderator. In the absence of both the Moderator and Assistant Moderator, the presiding officer will be chosen by the assembled group of participants [see Article VII, Sec. 2 and 4]. Whenever there is a vacancy in a settled pastoral position in The Church, the Moderator shall appoint a Pastoral Search Team, with Council and congregational approval. With the advice and consent of Council, the Moderator may appoint Ad Hoc Teams [see Article V, Section A2] not specifically provided for in these Bylaws. Section 3. The Assistant Moderator The Assistant Moderator shall be elected to a two-year term, renewable once. The Assistant Moderator shall attend Council meetings and assist the Moderator in carrying out his/her functions [see Article IV, Sec. 11]. The Assistant Moderator shall fill in for the Moderator in his/her absence and shall perform such other functions as may from time to time be assigned by the Moderator or Council. The Assistant Moderator shall customarily be nominated for the office of Moderator by recommendation of the Nominating Team [see Article V. Sec. 2 (C)] upon completion of the term of the Moderator or when there is a midterm vacancy in the Moderator position. Section 4. The Clerk The Clerk shall be elected to a two-year term, renewable once. The duties of the Clerk shall be: (A) to keep a faithful record of the proceedings of Council and Vision Team [see Article IV, Sec. 10 and 11]; (B) in conjunction with the Church Administrator, to keep a register of the members and associate members of The Church with the date of their admission and/or removal; record baptisms, marriages, and deaths; and make a full report to The Church at the annual meeting; (C) to notify all persons elected to office, to Teams, and as delegates; (D) to give legal notice of meetings when such notice is required; (E) to be responsible for The Church s Archive and Record Retention Policy, which shall be available in the Church office; and (F) to perform other such duties as may be deemed appropriate. BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 3

4 Section 5. The Treasurer The Treasurer shall be elected to a two-year term, renewable once. The Treasurer or the Treasurer s designated representative shall receive and disburse, under the direction of Council [see Article IV, Sec. 10], all monies contributed for the support of The Church and its benevolences. The Treasurer shall keep complete records of all receipts and expenditures and shall make a full report at the Annual Meeting of The Church of accounts properly audited, and at such other times as the Resource Ministry Coordinator or the Council may request. Section 6. The Assistant Treasurer An Assistant Treasurer shall be elected to a two-year term, renewable once. The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in carrying out his/her functions. In the absence of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer shall assume all the responsibilities delegated to the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall customarily be nominated for the office of Treasurer by recommendation of the Nominating Team [see Article V, Sec. 2 (C)] upon completion of the term of the Treasurer or when there is a midterm vacancy in the Treasurer position. Section 7. The Historian The Historian shall be elected annually, and shall: (A) prepare and maintain a written record of the historical events in the life of The Church in chronological order for the Annual Report, (B) preserve documents and artifacts of potential historical interest, and (C) educate the membership about The Church s history. Section 8. Officers The Officers are the legal representatives of The Church and consist of the Senior Pastor, the Moderator, the Treasurer, and the Resource Ministry Coordinator. All officers, except the Senior Pastor, who are up for election must be members or associate members of The Church and shall be elected by majority vote at the Annual Meeting. No person may hold more than one of these offices concurrently. Officers may serve as Delegates [see Article V, Sec. 2 (F)]. Section 9. Ministries and Ministry Coordinators There shall be four Ministries of The Church, each led by a Ministry Coordinator. The coordinators shall be selected by consensus of the Pastor(s) and Council, and shall be approved by The Church at the Annual Meeting or a special called meeting, and serve a term of three years, renewable once. For the sake of continuity, the terms of Ministry Coordinators shall be staggered. The Ministries of The Church are as follows: (A) The Resource Ministry is responsible for the stewardship of God s gifts to The Church: its personnel, finances, budget, the accounting for accumulated distributions of funds, and its building and grounds. This ministry ensures all gifts are used to best serve The Church s mission. (B) The Christian Formation Ministry envisions and implements educational programs for all members and friends of The Church, regardless of age; fosters their faith formation and growth; helps identify their spiritual gifts; and stimulates insight as to how BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 4

5 these gifts may be used to the glory of God. (C) The Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry actively works to make The Church a place of spiritual sustenance and growth for all on their faith journey. It is responsible for worship, creating opportunities for fellowship, care of the congregation, and welcoming others. (D) The Outreach and Communications Ministry witnesses to the Spirit of Jesus Christ by reaching out to the wider community. It assists The Church in proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed. Special opportunities for Service (SoS): Each Ministry and associated Team(s) shall continuously develop and publish Special opportunities for Service delegated short-duration tasks important to our congregation. SoS Coordinator(s) may be appointed by the Ministry Coordinators. Each Ministry Coordinator shall prepare a report to be included in the Annual Report of The Church reflecting the past year s events. Section 10. Council Between Annual Meetings of The Church, Council shall serve as the main decision-making body of The Church, in conjunction with the Vision Team [see Article IV, Sec. 11]. Council guides The Church toward meeting common goals to the glory of God, and ensuring a balanced and responsive approach to comprehensive ministry. Council meetings shall be called by the Moderator, typically 11 times a year. Nonvoting membership includes the Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Youth Advocate, Historian, and Clerk. Voting membership includes the Treasurer and the four Ministry Coordinators. Ministry Coordinators and Council shall collaborate on all planned budget expenditures, both initially during the annual budgeting process and throughout the year. In service to agreed-to objectives, Council visualizes the entire task of The Church, advises Pastor(s) on the general direction of The Church s activities, and cooperates with the Pastor(s) in the formulation of a well-rounded program. Council is encouraged to delegate to Ministries to the maximum degree possible, subject to the guidelines stated herein [see Article VI, Sec. 2 (C)]. Council shall have the authority to appoint Ad Hoc Teams [see Article V, Sec. 1 (B)], fill any vacancy occurring in any office or Team until the next Annual Meeting, and assist the Moderator in the selection of a Pastoral Search Team. Council shall have responsibility for The Church s Safe Places Policy, a copy of which shall be kept in the Church office. Any voting Council member may serve as the conduit for a concern or complaint as long as they are not a party to, or of, the complaint. Council has the authority to resolve questions of responsibility and policy not otherwise covered or defined in these Bylaws. Recognizing these Bylaws as a living document, Council shall review the Bylaws every two years and make recommendations. Section 11. Vision Team The Vision Team shall discern God s vision and set The Church s course for the intermediate and long term, generally looking out one to three years for specific objectives, but also keeping a seven-year (or longer) view to BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 5

6 account for longer-term demographic, economic, and spiritual cycles. The Vision Team shall elect its Chair, who shall call meetings, at least quarterly. Voting members include the Senior Pastor, the Treasurer, and three At Large members who serve three-year staggered terms. The Assistant Moderator and Clerk are members of the team. The Vision Team shall collaborate with Council and the Ministries to produce and maintain a Mission Statement, Statement of Purpose, and top-level objectives. These shall be published concurrently with the formal announcement of the Annual Meeting and put to a vote for approval at that meeting. The Vision Team shall report on the year s activities in The Church s Annual Report. Section 1. Teams ARTICLE V Teams (A) There are two types of teams: 1) Standing Teams that are required for the individual Ministry to accomplish the continual tasks assigned to them in the Bylaws. 2) Ad Hoc Teams that are assigned short-term objectives to complete a specific task. Appointments to Ad Hoc Teams are, by definition, limited in duration, typically no longer than one year. (B) Ministry Coordinators may create as many Teams within their Ministry as are needed to complete the work of the Ministry. (C) Following the Annual Meeting, the Ministry Coordinators shall deploy the recruited teams and shall be the supervisory authority for the work being done within their Ministries. (D) Team Chairs: Unless a Team Chair is appointed by the Ministry Coordinator, each Team shall elect its own Team Chair annually. Section 2. Standing Teams (A) The Diaconate The Diaconate reports to the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry. The Diaconate is a team of 12 members, four to be elected to staggered terms of three years, renewable once. They shall assist in the preparation and administration of the sacraments and shall aid generally in the spiritual care of The Church in cooperation with the Pastor(s). They shall approve and recommend candidates for membership. They shall be responsible for the care of the worship materials including the communion set. The Diaconate shall provide a substitute worship leader in the absence of the Pastor(s). (B) Pastoral Relations Team The Pastoral Relations Team (PRT) reports to the Resource Ministry. The PRT consists of three members jointly determined by the Diaconate and the Resource Ministry Coordinator, one appointed each year. It also includes an at-large member to be appointed annually by each settled Pastor. This Team, with the Pastor(s) BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 6

7 present, shall meet at least six times per year at the call of the Pastor(s), the Chair of the PRT, or the Chair of the Diaconate. The PRT shall act as liaison between the Pastor(s) and the congregation; provide for support and advocacy of the Pastor(s); conduct a yearly review of the pastoral function; make a recommendation for pastoral compensation. The PRT Chair shall be determined by PRT members. (C) Nominating Team The Nominating Team shall report to the Resource Ministry, and shall be composed of three at-large members selected by the Ministry Coordinators. As Ministry Coordinators assess the prior year and reflect on the year ahead, they shall convey to the Nominating Team their anticipated slate of teams and team sizes for the year to come. The Nominating Team then recruits for those positions, ensuring balance across the Ministries. The result is then presented, discussed, and voted on at the Annual Meeting. (D) Trustees of Facilities The Trustees of Facilities shall report to the Resource Ministry, and shall consist of nine members, three to be elected annually to serve three-year terms. They shall be responsible for the management and maintenance of the property of The Church, and in that capacity will initiate or renew rental, utility, and/or maintenance contracts. In addition to developing and overseeing the facility portion of The Church Annual Budget, they are responsible for the use and distribution of the Preservation Fund [see Article VI, Sec. 3], subject to Resource Ministry concurrence and Council approval. They shall serve as the primary interface for the use of the facility by non-church organizations. They shall have no power to buy, sell, long-term lease, or transfer any real property without a specific vote of The Church at a duly called meeting. (E) Woman s Association The Woman s Association (WA) is a service, fellowship, and fundraising organization within The Church that benefits both The Church and the community. The WA is a self-contained group with its own bylaws, officers, bank account, mission, and membership qualification criteria. The Woman s Association shall be represented in the Council meetings by the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry. The WA shall document its activities for the year in The Church s Annual Report. (F) Delegates There shall be a slate of delegates elected annually to represent The Church at meetings of the New Hampshire Conference, UCC, and the Hillsborough Association, UCC. Delegate selection shall comply with the current guidelines of each of these organizations. BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 7

8 (G) Trustees of Invested Funds and Memorial Gifts (TIF) The Trustees of Invested Funds and Memorial Gifts (TIF) shall report to the Resource Ministry, and shall consist of three members, one to be elected annually, to serve three-year terms. TIF has charge and custody of all legacies and gifts that may be bequeathed to The Church with power to invest and reinvest the same, and to collect all profits or income thereon, and is required to discharge these responsibilities prudently as specified by the New Hampshire Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA). 1) Gift Policy TIF shall maintain and publish a separate Gift Policy, which shall provide clear guidance on the types of gifts and bequests The Church can receive. The Gift Policy shall be available in the Church office. 2) Permanent or Designated Gifts Only a donor can specify the timeframe of their gift or a specific intent for its use. a) If a donor wishes his or her gift to have any directed attribute, (such as to be used toward Christian Formation, to be used in perpetuity, or specifies proceeds, or interest only ) The Church shall steward such gifts in accordance with such wishes and New Hampshire s UPMIFA law. b) Undesignated gifts shall become a part of the Amherst UCC Endowment Fund for investment purposes. 3) Investment and Distribution Policy The TIF shall maintain and publish a separate Investment and Distribution Policy, which shall provide clear guidance on how investments are to be managed and distributed by TIF. The Investment and Distribution Policy shall be available in the Church office. 4) Actively Solicit Gifts to Endowment Funds TIF shall actively publish to The Church the various means by which individuals may contribute to the growth and maintenance of The Church s Endowment Fund(s). 5) Reporting, Bonding, and Auditing a) At least quarterly, TIF shall report to the Resource Ministry the status of all invested funds. This status shall also be reported in each issue of The Church s Balance Sheet and Annual Report. b) TIF shall be bonded as the Resource Ministry may determine. c) A party independent to TIF shall audit invested accounts annually, the results of which shall be published in the Annual Report. BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 8

9 ARTICLE VI Fiscal Year, Financial Oversight, and Designated Funds Section 1. Fiscal Year The fiscal year and elective terms of The Church shall run from June 1 to May 31. Section 2. Financial Oversight (A) Any expenditure from any fund must be requested of the Treasurer using the designated forms for this purpose. (B) If the request is specifically authorized at the Annual Meeting or falls within the Council-delegated authority [see paragraph (C) below], then the Team Chair s and Ministry Coordinator s signatures are sufficient. Otherwise, Council approval is also required. (C) For non-budgeted items not previously approved at a Congregational meeting, Council retains approval authority for any disbursement of funds greater than $1,500. Expenditure requests subject to Council approval shall be acted upon in a timely manner, but no later than the next meeting of Council after the request is submitted. (D) All Preservation and Mission funds may remain under the investment control of TIF until receipt of Treasurer-approved requests for disbursement. Unexpended fund balances shall accumulate until used. Section 3. Preservation Fund (A) The Preservation Fund shall serve as a contingency fund for major or unanticipated repairs and replacement necessary for the long-term maintenance and preservation of church buildings and facilities. (B) It is expected that the Resource Ministry, through the Annual Budget, will fund normal repairs and maintenance. (C) In addition to any designated contributions to this fund, the Preservation Fund also receives an annual contribution from the Endowment as specified in the Investment and Distribution Policy. (D) Distribution of this fund shall be under the control of the Resource Ministry in coordination with Council. (E) Disbursements require Council approval. Section 4. Mission Fund (A) The Mission Fund is to be used to support the mission of The Church locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide, in special need situations. (B) In addition to any designated contributions to this fund, the Mission Fund also receives an annual contribution from the Endowment as specified in the Investment and Distribution Policy. (C) Distributions of this fund shall be under the control of the Outreach and Communications Ministry in collaboration with Council. Any member may make recommendations on use of these funds to the Outreach and Communications Ministry. (D) Disbursements require Council approval. (E) This fund is not intended to replace that portion of the Annual Budget of the Outreach and Communications Ministry. Section 5. Program-Related Cash Accounts (A) Program-Related Cash Accounts are designated funds held by the Treasurer under the purview of the respective Ministry Coordinator. These accounts are not mandated by these Bylaws, and BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 9

10 may be modified to meet the evolving needs of The Church. (B) The purpose of these funds is to enable the charitable purposes of The Church and its Ministries and not primarily for investment. (C) Funding of these accounts can be by various means such as donations, special offerings, or fundraising activities. (D) A list of Program-Related Accounts shall be maintained in a separate document, under the purview of the Council and accountable to the Treasurer. ARTICLE VII Meetings Section 1. Regular Meetings for Worship Public services of worship shall be held on each Lord s Day, and on such other occasions as The Church or Council shall arrange. The Lord s Supper shall be administered at such regular dates as the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry may determine. At any of the regular meetings for worship, The Church may, without special notice, act upon the report of the Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry for the reception of new members and associate members, but not upon other business if objection is raised. Section 2. Special Meetings Special meetings for business shall be called by the Clerk upon written notice of any five active and/or associate members of The Church, specifying the purpose. Special meetings shall be called by the Clerk by posting a notice on the principle entrances of The Church at least seven days before the meeting and by reading such notice in the worship service on the Sunday immediately preceding the proposed date of the meeting and by any other means. No special meeting shall be held on the same day on which the notice is first given. In case there is no public service of worship, adequate notice for these special meetings shall be posted on the principle entrances to The Church at least seven days before the date of the meeting and by any other practical means. Section 3. Preliminary Budget Meeting A Preliminary Budget Meeting for the upcoming Church year shall be held in February each year. The purpose of this meeting is to review and discuss a preliminary budget prepared by the Resource Ministry. Section 4. Annual Meeting and Annual Meeting Follow-up (A) The Annual Meeting of The Church shall be held no later than mid-may of each year, at which time reports from all Officers, Ministry Coordinators, and Team Chairs (if applicable), shall be made, the slate of Team members presented and voted upon, officers elected, the budget adopted, and such other business transacted as may be specified in the call or introduced from the floor as authorized by the Bylaws. The Annual Meeting shall be called by the Clerk by posting a notice on the principle entrances of The Church at least seven days before the meeting, by reading such notice in the worship service on the Sunday immediately preceding the proposed date of the meeting, and by any other means. (B) Annual Meeting Follow-up: Following the Annual Meeting, each Ministry Coordinator and Vision Team member shall meet with the Pastor(s) to review BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 10

11 their internal annual reports, assess progress against objectives, log lessons learned, and develop refinements to the internal organization to focus their activities and encapsulate decisionmaking for the year ahead. Section 5. Meeting Protocol for Teams, Ministries, Council, and Vision (A) Unless in executive session to discuss personnel issues, all meetings shall be open to all members of The Church. (B) Summary Minutes, along with any presentation material, shall be made available within 20 days of each meeting. (C) Quorum: At the Annual Meeting and at all special meetings for business, 50 active and/or associate members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. ARTICLE VIII Dissolution If for any reason The Church shall become so depleted in membership that it does not function as an active church in the maintenance of its services of worship and general activities for a period of five (5) years, the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ shall succeed to all rights and titles of The Church and its property and funds. In such case, the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ shall have the right to dispose of its real estate and to preserve the proceeds thereof together with the endowments of The Church as The Congregational Church of Amherst Fund, and administer the same as nearly as possible according to the intent of the donors for the up-building of the Kingdom of God in New Hampshire. ARTICLE IX Amendments These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of a quorum of members and/or associate members present and voting at any Annual Meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call. No change shall be made in Article II Faith, Polity, and Fellowship, except at the Annual Meeting. Any proposed change in Article II shall be laid before The Church in writing at a business meeting not less than one month before the time of the proposed action, and inserted in the call for the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. ARTICLE X Parliamentary Authority Robert s Rules of Order (Revised) shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered in these Bylaws. BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 11

12 Index Ad hoc Teams, 6 Amendments, 11 Annual Meeting, 10 Assistant Moderator, 3 Assistant Treasurer, 4 Mission Fund, 9 Moderator, 3 Nominating Team, 7 Budget Meeting, 10 Christian Formation Ministry, 4 Church Leadership, 2 Clerk, 3 Council, 5 Delegates, 7 Diaconate, 6 Dissolution, 11 Faith, Polity and Fellowship, 1 Fellowship, 1 Financial Oversight, 9 Fiscal Year, 9 Functional Teams, 6 Gift Policy, 8 Officers, 4 Outreach and Communications Ministry, 5 Parliamentary Authority, 11 Pastor(s), 2 Pastoral Relations, 6 Permanent or Designated Gifts, 8 Polity, 1 Preservation Fund, 9 Program-Related Cash Accounts, 9 Resource Ministry, 4 Soliciting Gifts to Endowment Funds, 8 Special Meetings, 10 Special Opportunities for Service (SoS), 5 Standing Teams, 6 Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ, 1 Historian, 4 Investment and Distribution Policy, 8 Meetings, 10 Membership, 2 Membership Duties, 2 Membership Qualifications, 2 Membership Rights, 2 Membership Termination, 2 Ministries and Ministry Coordinators, 4 Ministry wrap-up meeting, 10 Minutes, 11 Team Chairs, 6 Teams, 6 TIF, 8 Treasurer, 4 Trustees, 7 Trustees of Invested Funds and Memorial Gifts, 8 Vision, 5 Woman's Association, 7 Worship, 10 Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry, 5 BYLAWS, Congregational Church of Amherst, NH (UCC) 28 April 2018 Page 12