BOLTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS

Transcription

1 BOLTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS Revised and Approved Unanimously At a Congregational Meeting on March 24, 2013 Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 1 of 16

2 Table of Contents ARTICLE I NAME...3 ARTICLE II PURPOSE...3 ARTICLE III BELIEFS...3 ARTICLE IV POLITY (GOVERNMENT)...4 ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP...4 Section 1 - Preparation...4 Section 2 - Qualifications...4 Section 3 - Reception...5 Section 4 - Obligations...5 Section 5 - Termination of Membership...6 Section 6 - Inactivity...6 ARTICLE VI OFFICERS...6 Section 1 - Officers...6 Section 2 - The Pastor...7 Section 3 - Moderator & Vice Moderator...8 Section 4 - Clerk...8 Section 5 - Treasurer...8 Section 6 - Financial Secretaries...9 Section 7 - Appointed Officers...9 ARTICLE VII CHURCH COUNCIL...9 ARTICLE VIII BOARDS & COMMITTEES...10 Section 1 - Board Guidelines...10 Section 2 - The Board of Deacons...11 Section 3 - The Board of Stewardship...11 Section 4 - The Board of Christian Education...12 Section 5 - The Board of Missions...12 Section 6 - The Board of Pastoral Relations...12 Section 7 - Members-at-large/Nominating Committee...12 Section 8 - Pastoral Search Committee...13 ARTICLE IX PROPERTY...13 Section 1 - Authority...13 Section 2 - Dissolution...14 ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS...14 ARTICLE XI RULES OF ORDER...14 ARTICLE XII MEETINGS AND VOTING...14 Section 1 - Annual Meeting...14 Section 2 - Special Meetings...14 Section 3 - Other Meetings...15 Section 4 - Quorum...15 Section 5 - Voting...15 ARTICLE XIII COMMISSIONED MINISTERS...15 ARTICLE XIV OTHER APPOINTEES...15 Section 1 - Delegates...15 Section 2 - Auditor...16 Section 3 - Historian...16 ARTICLE XV AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS...16 ARTICLE XVI CHURCH YEAR...16 Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 2 of 16

3 ARTICLE I NAME The name of this Church shall be Bolton Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ. It is incorporated under the laws of the State of Connecticut and is located in the Town of Bolton, County of Tolland. ARTICLE II PURPOSE The purpose of this Church shall be the public worship of God, the administration of the sacraments, the teachings of Christian beliefs, the cultivation of Christian character, the promotion of Christian fellowship and unity, the rendering of loving service toward all creation and the striving for righteousness, justice and peace as revealed and taught by our Savior Jesus Christ. ARTICLE III BELIEFS This Church regards the Bible as the primary written source of guidance in matters of faith and practice, and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship. Each member shall have the freedom to follow the Word of God in accordance with his or her own conscience. We take as our expression of Faith, the statement approved by the Executive Council of the United Church of Christ, October 31, "STATEMENT OF FAITH" We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God 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. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 3 of 16

4 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. ARTICLE IV POLITY (GOVERNMENT) The government of this Church is vested in its members who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject in legal matters to the provisions of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut. This Church s polity shall be in accord with the congregational order of the United Church of Christ which allows each Church the liberty to determine its faith, worship, and discipline independently of any other Church or body of churches. However, this Church accepts the duty of cooperation with other churches to be equally important as the maintenance of its liberty and independence. This Church recognizes and affirms its covenant with the Tolland Association of the United Church of Christ, the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ and the United Church of Christ of the United States. ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP Section 1 - Preparation Membership in this Church is a vital mutual relationship. It should therefore be the responsibility of the Pastor and Deacons to properly instruct those seeking membership so that they fully understand and willingly accept the privileges and obligations inherent in this relationship as set forth in this Constitution and Bylaws. Section 2 - Qualifications Any person confessing Jesus Christ as Savior, and accepting the Bible as the guide of faith and conduct, who is willing to join in fellowship with the other members of the Church in the work of God, upon Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 4 of 16

5 recommendations of the Board of Deacons, and an affirmative vote of the Church may become a member in one of the following ways: A. By Confirmation Following attendance of confirmation classes, young persons may be accepted into Church membership through the rite of Confirmation. B. By Confession of Faith Such persons who have not previously been members of another church may be accepted into membership by Confession of Faith. C. By Letter of Transfer Persons may be received by letter of transfer from any Christian church of which they are members. D. By Reaffirmation of Faith Persons may be received upon reaffirmation of Christian faith and personal statements that they have been members of a Christian church from which a letter of transfer is not available. E. By Affiliation Such persons may become an affiliated member (with voting privileges except in matters of policy) upon personal statements that they are members of a Christian church outside of Bolton and vicinity, and that they wish to make Bolton Congregational Church their church home while residing in this area, without disturbing membership in their home church. Section 3 - Reception Persons recommended by the Board of Deacons, having been approved by vote at a meeting or service of the Church, shall be received at a Communion service. Any person who is unable to attend the reception services in public may, upon approval by the Church, be received in private by Deacons acting on behalf of the Church. Section 4 - Obligations Members are expected to be faithful in all the spiritual duties essential to the Christian life, including but not limited to the following: to attend worship; to volunteer time and talent for the services of the Church; to contribute regularly for its financial support and its missions. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 5 of 16

6 Section 5 - Termination of Membership A. By Death B. By Transfer Any member of this Church who desires to unite with another church may be granted a letter of recommendation or transfer to that church upon receipt of a request by the member or the other church, and upon recommendation by the Board of Deacons. C. By notification of membership with another church Section 6 - Inactivity The status of any member who has become inactive in attendance or support of the Church shall be periodically reviewed by the Board of Deacons and the Pastor. ARTICLE VI OFFICERS Section 1 - Officers A. The officers of this Church shall be the Pastor, the Moderator and Vice Moderator, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Financial Secretaries (minimum two), and such other officers as may be elected to carry on the work of the Church. All officers must be members of the Church. B. Other than the Pastor, all officers shall hold office for one (1) year and thereafter until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his or her death, or until he or she shall resign or shall be removed in a manner hereinafter provided. There shall be no limit as to the number of terms each officer shall serve. C. Other than the Pastor, each officer shall be elected by the Members at the annual meeting of the Congregation. D. Such other officers and assistant officers as may be deemed necessary may be elected by the members at the annual or special meeting of the congregation, or shall be appointed by the majority vote of the Church Council. E. Other than the Pastor, any officer or agent may be removed with cause by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Church Council at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present, whenever in the judgment of the Council the best interests of the Church would be served. F. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, shall be appointed by the Church Council for the unexpired portion of the term. G. All officers are responsible and accountable to the Church Council. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 6 of 16

7 Section 2 - The Pastor A. The Pastor of this Church shall be an ordained minister in accordance with the standards for clergy as established by the Tolland Association of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. B. The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period by a two-thirds vote of members of the Church present and voting at a duly called meeting, providing a quorum is present. C. In the call, the terms of the relationship shall be stated, including the agreement of the Church to provide the standard benefits package recommended for clergy in the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Pastor, the Church, the Association and the Conference Minister shall each receive a copy of the call. D. When a Pastor accepts a call to this Church, the Church and he/she shall join in requesting the Association to arrange for a Service of Installation. A report of this service shall be sent to the Conference of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ and to the Secretary of the United Church of Christ. E. In order to terminate the pastoral relationship, three months notice shall be given by either party. Any deviation from this procedure will be acceptable if agreed upon by both the Church Council and the Pastor. The procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the United Church of Christ. F. In the unfortunate event that conflict arises between the Pastor and the Church either party may present its grievance to the Board of Pastoral Relations for consideration. If the Board of Pastoral Relations cannot remedy the grievance, after consultation with both parties, it shall present the grievance to the Board of Deacons and then to the Church Council. If the Church Council cannot remedy the grievance after consultation with both parties, it may then call a special meeting of the Church for the purpose of healing the pastoral relationship. This procedure shall include consultation with the Conference Minister's office and/or the Committee on Ministry of the Tolland Association. In the event this procedure fails, a meeting will be duly called to determine if dismissal is desired. Two-thirds of the Church members present and voting, providing a quorum is present, is necessary to recommend dismissal of the Pastor. However, if neither the Board of Deacons nor Church Council favor dismissal, another special meeting shall be called for vote by the Church at large. At this meeting, two-thirds of the Church members present and voting, providing a quorum is present, will dismiss the Pastor. G. As a vacancy occurs, the Church Council shall notify the Connecticut Conference Office to seek support and advice about current customary procedures regarding a pastoral vacancy. A Pastoral Search Committee shall be called and instructed by the Church Council as to the general and special qualifications needed to fill this office. The Search Committee shall report back to the Church Council with a recommendation. H. Following the procedures outlined above, the Church may choose additional pastors to assist in carrying out its mission. I. The Pastor shall have a central place of leadership in the affairs of the Church. The Pastor shall seek to enlist individuals as followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 7 of 16

8 Provide spiritual support to those in need, have under his or her care all services of public worship, and administer the activities of the Church in co-operation with the various boards and committees. The Pastor shall be directly responsible to, and a voting member of, the Church Council. The Pastor shall serve on all other boards and committees, ex-officio. The Pastor shall make a report of the year's work and shall be a delegate to the Association and Conference meetings. Section 3 - Moderator & Vice Moderator The Moderator shall be the chief administrative officer of the Church. The duties of the Moderator shall include convening and chairing Council meetings, presiding at the meetings of the congregation, supervising and coordinating the work of the Church in cooperation with the Pastor, Church staff and other officers as well as the Boards and Committees of the Church. The Moderator shall be the principal signatory on legal instruments of the Church. In the absence of the Clerk, the Moderator shall issue the call for meetings of the Church. The Moderator shall be diligent to see that all requirements of the Articles of Incorporation, these bylaws, job descriptions and other official instructions of the Church are followed. The Moderator shall report violations not otherwise corrected to Church Council and the appropriate officer for action. In the absence of the Moderator, the Vice Moderator shall handle the duties of the Moderator. If both are absent, the Clerk or a member of the Council may call the meeting to order and preside at the election of a Moderator Pro Tem for the meeting. Section 4 - Clerk The Clerk shall be responsible for keeping records of all congregational meetings, minutes of the meetings of the Church Council, record all policies adopted by the Church Council in a manner readily available to all members, and shall report on these events once each year. The Clerk shall issue the Call to congregational meetings, and perform other duties required by the Church Council. The Clerk will work cooperatively with the Church Office to keep a roll of the Church members, record all admissions, dismissals, baptisms, deaths, marriages, issue letters of transfer, and notify persons elected to office. The Clerk shall keep a record of Church business and be responsible for all Church correspondence as may be directed or requested by the Church Council. In the event of incapacity or absence of the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk shall perform the duties of the Clerk. Section 5 - Treasurer A. The Treasurer shall operate under the supervision of the Church Council. The Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer are responsible for the recording and disbursement of all Church funds. They shall keep accurate records of all operating, endowment, special funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the Church, acting as an agent of the Stewardship Board and Council as they shall direct, and shall be the chief signatory on all Church accounts. The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be credited to the Church, all investment income and any other income in such manner as the Stewardship Board and Council shall direct. The Treasurer shall promptly pay all bills and salaries as directed by the Board of Stewardship and Council, and disburse the monies received from special funds and outreach funds in accordance with the orders of the board or committee which is charged with the collection and disbursement of such funds. The Treasurer shall keep separate and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements for each fund Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 8 of 16

9 handled, and render an accounting of the financial condition of the Church at the Annual Meeting and at other times upon request. Whenever called upon by the Church or the Church Council, they shall furnish information regarding the status of all funds in their custody or control. In the event of incapacity or absence of either the Treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer, one may perform the other's duties. B. At the expiration of either term of office, one shall deliver to his or her successor, all records, and the monies of the Church in his or her possession and be prepared to make a full audited financial statement of all accounts and records under his or her supervision. Section 6 - Financial Secretaries They shall act as collectors, receiving monies from Church pledges and offerings and special gifts, shall deposit the monies into the proper accounts, shall keep correct records of pledged accounts and receipts and shall make a full accounting weekly to the Treasurer of all records under their supervision. At the expiration of their term of office, they shall deliver to their successors all records in their possession and an audit of such records. Section 7 - Appointed Officers Church Council may appoint such other officers as it deems necessary. ARTICLE VII CHURCH COUNCIL A. The Church Council shall be comprised of the Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, and a Financial Secretary, a member of each board, two members from the Church at large and the Pastor exofficio. It is incumbent upon all the above mentioned parties to be represented at all Council meetings to ensure proper communication and coordination of all aspects of the Church's life and ministry. B. The Council shall supervise the overall work of the Church on behalf of the members of the Church. It shall act for the Church in routine business matters between meetings of the Congregation and report its actions to the Church at the Annual Meeting. The Council shall refer all important matters and significant capital expenditures to the Congregation for decision as determined by the Council. The Council shall oversee the activities, operation, and actions of all Boards and committees, and affirm the decisions of each such board at the regular monthly meeting of the Church Council. It shall be the function of the Church Council to carry out the will of the Church as expressed at the Annual Meeting or other Church Meetings, to be continually aware of the overall life of the Church and, when necessary, to determine and implement ways of nurturing the current and future health and well-being of the Church. The Church Council shall have the final vote on the proposed annual budget, as recommended by the Board of Stewardship, to be submitted to the congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting. The Church Council shall oversee the budget of the Church throughout the year. The Church Council may amend the budget adopted by the Congregation as it deems necessary or expedient. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 9 of 16

10 C. The Church Council shall have the power to create and appoint such committees, positions and representatives as may be appropriate to the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the Council, and also define their duties, authority and length of service. D. The Church Council shall meet monthly. Special Church Council meetings may be called by the Moderator or the Pastor. E. Under the direction of the Congregation, the Council shall hold in trust all property, both real and personal, under the maintenance, management and supervision of the Board of Stewardship. The Church Council shall not have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer real property without the affirmative vote of the Congregation. F. Any other Church group, organization or individual can attend any Council meeting to present its concerns, but is encouraged to initiate its concern with a Member-at-large to ensure the proper communication channel. G. The Church Council will annually appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of a representative from each board and the two Members-at-large, who will chair the committee. The council may also appoint other committees as may be necessary to carry out the mission and work of the Church. H. Two thirds of the membership of the Church Council constitutes a quorum. The Church Council may act by a majority affirmative vote of the Council members present at regularly scheduled or properly noticed meeting of the Council. ARTICLE VIII BOARDS & COMMITTEES Section 1 - Board Guidelines The following applies to all boards: A. All Boards shall be comprised of nine members of the congregation (with the exception of the Deacons which will have twelve members), with careful consideration given to fair representation of age, gender and length of Church affiliation. While members are permitted to serve successive terms on all boards (i.e. six years), care shall also be given to including new members during the annual nomination process. B. All Boards shall have a chairperson, vice-chairperson, nominating committee representative, Church council representative and secretary. C. The term of office shall be three years and shall be so rotated that a least one-third of the board members are elected at the Annual Meeting, a full term being three years. D. All Boards and Committees shall be accountable to the Church Council, and shall seek the approval of the Church Council for all significant decisions of such Board or Committee. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 10 of 16

11 E. Any officer, board or committee member, or any volunteer in a service role to the Church may be removed by the Church Council with or without cause. F. Each board shall meet with sufficient regularity to adequately perform its duties. G. Two thirds of the membership of the each board constitutes a majority. Boards and Committees may act by a majority affirmative vote of its members present at regularly scheduled or properly noticed meetings. H. The board must have a majority of its members present for business to be conducted. However, informal discussions may occur without a quorum. I. It shall be the responsibility of each board to identify nominees to fill vacancies on its board. J. Any member of the congregation may attend any board, council or committee meeting. Section 2 - The Board of Deacons The Board of Deacons will cooperate with the Pastor(s) in the care of the spiritual interest of the Church and assist in the administration of the sacraments, in caring for the poor, the sick, the sorrowing, and the stranger. The Board of Deacons, cooperating with the Pastor(s) and the Church Council, is responsible for directing and participating in the following areas of ministry: o Pastoral Care - visitation, funerals, weddings o Membership - evangelism, new members, fellowship, inactive members o Worship - greeters, lay readers, baptisms, communion, children's messages, music, chancel, flowers Any person having served twelve or more complete years on the Board of Deacons will become a "Life Member" of the board and therefore may participate in its active work. A Life Deacon is afforded all the rights and privileges of an elected deacon, but not counted for the purposes of determining a quorum. Section 3 - The Board of Stewardship The Board of Stewardship will administer the physical and financial assets of the Church and attend to personnel matters for the Church. The Board of Stewardship is responsible for directing and participating in the following areas of ministry: o Finance annual giving, budget preparation, investments, memorial gifts, bequests, legacy/endowments o Personnel administrative, maintenance and professional o Property - Meeting House, historical artifacts, education building, kitchen Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 11 of 16

12 Section 4 - The Board of Christian Education The Board of Christian Education will work in cooperation with the Pastor(s) and/or the Director of Christian Education in the selection of curriculum, obtaining and training teachers and other lay leaders, and all other phases of the educational ministry of our Church, consistent with our purpose (Article 2) and belief (Article 3). The Board of Christian Education, cooperating with the Church Council, is responsible for directing and participating in the following areas of ministry, including but not limited to: o Church School - curriculum, nursery, vacation church school, media o Youth - fellowship groups, confirmation, youth conferences o Adult Education - bible study, conference workshops, retreats The Director of Christian Education shall be appointed by the Board of Christian Education, approved by the Church Council, and serve as an ex officio member of the Board. Section 5 - The Board of Missions The Board of Missions will be responsible for local, area, and wider missions as well as pursuing the interests of social justice, and education of Church members as to the purpose and scopes of various missions. Section 6 - The Board of Pastoral Relations The Board of Pastoral Relations shall be responsible for the following functions: o Conduct an evaluation of the pastor(s) each year based upon input from the congregation using the call as a guide for evaluation. The board shall have the disgression to use such evaluation tools and methods of obtaining input from church members as it deems appropriate. o Communicate results of the annual evaluation of the pastor to the Board of Stewardship and then present it to the Church Council. o Assessment of needs and setting mutual goals as an outgrowth of discussion with the Pastor(s) and church members. o Provide a forum where the pastor and the congregation can express their concerns, thoughts and ideas in a free and open manner. o Encourage free and open communication as to ideas and concerns within the congregation. Section 7 - Members-at-large/Nominating Committee There shall be two Members-at-large who shall be members of the Church Council. One shall be elected at each Annual Meeting, a full term being two years. No Member-at-large may become a member of any other board. Members-at-large shall not be eligible for reelection as Members-at-large until one year has elapsed since the termination of his or her previous full term of office. Members-at-large, under the direction of the Church Council, will serve as chairperson and vice chairperson (senior and junior member respectively) of the Nominating Committee, and Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 12 of 16

13 as such, oversee the nomination of candidates to fill vacancies (both expired and unexpired terms) of the Church officers and members of the Church boards. The Nominating committee shall consist of the nominating committee representative from each board along with the chairperson and vice-chairperson (i.e. the 2 members-at-large). The Members-at-large shall have the responsibility to represent the interest of any and all members of the Church and shall be sensitive to the opinions of all. They will strive to encourage open communication among the congregation and within each board, and when any issues or problems arise, the Members-at-large shall work with the appropriate board to seek resolution, prior to going to the Church Council. In the event of any vacancy in any board or office, other than through the regular expiration of a member's term the Board involved, in consultation with the Nominating Committee, shall recommend candidates to the Church Council to fill the vacancy by appointment until the next Annual Meeting of the Church when the Church shall elect someone to fill the unexpired term. Section 8 - Pastoral Search Committee The role of the Pastoral Search Committee shall be to identify a senior or associate pastor, the requirements of which are determined by Church Council. When a vacancy occurs, the CT UCC should be notified to request their guidance on the process of conducting a pastoral search. Notwithstanding the general guidelines of Article VIII, Church Council shall have the disgression to determine the number of representatives on the Pastoral Search Committee. After selecting a candidate, they shall present the name and qualifications to the Church Council for review. With the concurrence of the Church Council, the Committee shall present the candidate to the Church, so that the Church members may have the opportunity to meet, hear and talk with the candidate before voting. As set forth in Article I, section 2 of the By-Laws, a special congregational meeting for calling the Pastor shall be convened by the Church Council. ARTICLE IX PROPERTY Section 1 - Authority The Church may in its corporate name, sue or be sued, acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise, and own, hold, invest, reinvest or dispose of property both real and personal, for such work as the Church may undertake and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage, care for and transfer, rent, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber, sell, assign, transfer and convey such property for the general purposes of the Church. In addition, the Church may receive and hold in trust both real and personal Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 13 of 16

14 property and invest and reinvest the same and make any contracts for promoting its objects and purposes. Section 2 - Dissolution Upon dissolution of the Church, its assets and all property and interests of which it shall then be possessed, including any devise, bequest, gift or grant contained in any will or other instrument, in trust or otherwise, made before or after such dissolution, shall be transferred to the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ or its successor. ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS This constitution and by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members in attendance at any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting called for that purpose. ARTICLE XI RULES OF ORDER In questions of constitutional dispute, Robert's Rules of Order will be considered the guide. The rules contained therein shall govern the business proceedings of this Church in all cases where they are not inconsistent or in conflict with this constitution. ARTICLE XII MEETINGS AND VOTING Section 1 - Annual Meeting A. Every effort shall be made to hold the Annual Meeting of the Church on or before the last day in January of each year for the purpose of hearing and acting upon reports and the proposed budget, electing officers and board members, and transacting any other business which may properly come before the Church and for which proper forewarning has been given to Church members. The date of the Annual Meeting shall be determined by the Church Council. B. Written notice of the Annual Meeting shall be transmitted at least ten days in advance of the date of the meeting to each member of the Church and shall be announced from the pulpit on the Sunday preceding the meeting date. C. All Church officers, chairpersons of all boards, committees and auxiliary organizations shall make an annual report in writing to be submitted to the Church for publication at a date to be determined by the Church Office. Section 2 - Special Meetings A. Special meetings for call of a pastor, consideration of matters relating to a change in Church policy, amending the Constitution, the election of officers, the incurring of indebtedness beyond that authorized by the Church at the Annual Meeting, the purchase, sale, lease or mortgaging of real estate, may be held upon the call of the Pastor, the Church Council or the written request of ten percent of members of the Church. No other business shall be transacted at such a meeting. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 14 of 16

15 B. Written notice of Special Meetings shall be transmitted at least ten days in advance of the date of the meeting to each member of the Church and shall be announced from the pulpit on the Sunday preceding the meeting date. Section 3 - Other Meetings Other meetings, limited to the vote on changes in membership status, may be held upon the call of the Pastor, Deacons, or the Church Council at any regular Church meeting or service at which a quorum is present. No prior notice of such meetings need be given. Section 4 - Quorum There shall be two types: 1. Annual Meetings and routine matters. Ten percent of membership shall constitute a quorum for such routine matters. 2. Calling or dismissing a pastor and constitutional amendments or other properly called matters. Twenty percent of membership shall constitute a quorum for calling or dismissing a pastor, voting on denominational relationships, major non-recurring financial considerations, and amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws. Section 5 - Voting Every member of the Church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to a vote, excepting business matters of the Church Corporate where a legal age is required. ARTICLE XIII COMMISSIONED MINISTERS A Commissioned Minister in the United Church of Christ is one of its lay members who has been called by God and commissioned for a specific Church-related ministry. The Church in cooperation with the Pastor may enter into a covenantal relationship with a Commissioned Minister, following approval of the credentials and educational requirements of the candidate by the Committee for Church and Ministry of the Tolland Association of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. The specific ministry in which the candidate is to be engaged shall be identified through dialogue among the Church Council members, the Pastor and the prospective candidate. ARTICLE XIV OTHER APPOINTEES Section 1 - Delegates Delegates to the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Tolland Association of UCC, and any other local or state religious Council shall be appointed annually by the Church Council at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the constitution of Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 15 of 16

16 the groups to which they are sent. Section 2 - Auditor The Church Council shall select a qualified person to periodically review all financial records of the Church. The auditor shall make a written report which shall be presented to the Church. Section 3 - Historian For such period that the Church Council deems appropriate, the Historian shall be the custodian of the historical records of the Church, shall secure and provide for the safekeeping of old documents, records, and pictures of historical interest and value to the Church. At the expiration of the term of office, the Historian shall deliver to his or her successor all records in his or her possession. ARTICLE XV AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS A. The leaders of all adult auxiliary organizations shall be members of this Church elected by their respective organizations. All youth auxiliary organizations (where the general ages of the members are under 18\ years) shall be sponsored by one or more adults who are members of the Church. B. The Constitution and By-Laws of auxiliary organizations shall be drawn so as not to conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of this Church. A copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of all such organizations shall be submitted to the Church Council, and if approved by them, shall be filed with the Clerk. C. Meetings of auxiliary organizations may be held at such times as will not conflict with the regular meetings of the Church. ARTICLE XVI CHURCH YEAR The official Church year shall begin January 1 and close December 31 of each year. Bolton Congregational Church Constitution and Bylaws Page 16 of 16