Palmyra Church of the Brethren CONGREGATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND POLITY November 12, 2017 OUR MISSION AND VISION

Palmyra Church of the Brethren CONGREGATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND POLITY November 12, 2017 OUR MISSION AND VISION The mission of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren is to invite, welcome, nurture, disciple, equip, empower and inspire all persons to live and serve in the way of Jesus. The vision of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren: we are called to share the good news of God s love and grace through worship, study, fellowship, service, and healing ministries. OUR FAITH AND PRACTICE Is founded on the belief of one God who seeks a personal relationship with everyone. Confesses Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Savior of the world, by whose sacrificial death and resurrection we have the promise of eternal life. Believes that the Holy Spirit is at work within the believer, giving guidance, comfort, instruction, and uniting believers with the Lord and one another. Accepts the Bible as the inspired Word of God and maintains the New Testament as the standard of faith and practice through which God speaks and continues to accomplish God s redemptive purpose. Follows the example of the New Testament in administering immersion baptism for believers; observing the love feast and communion; and anointing persons who are sick or have special needs. Strives in all avenues of daily living to follow the teachings of Christ in such areas as sanctity of human life, forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18), non-resistance, and sacredness of marriage. THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH To invite and welcome persons to Christ. To teach and preach Christian truth as revealed in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit. To provide enriching experiences through various forms of worship. To challenge persons to follow the teachings and lifestyle of Christ. To nurture persons in the Christian faith and lifestyle. To teach the history, ideals, and sacraments of the church. To promote Christian fellowship within the local church, in the community, and around the world. To provide effective pastoral care and counseling. To enlist persons in Christian service within and/or beyond the congregation. To perform ministries of witness, compassion, reconciliation, and fellowship. To bring the principles of Christ to bear in all human and social relationships. 1

RELATIONSHIP TO THE WHOLE CHURCH The Church Universal This congregation is part of the larger church which comprises the whole body of Christ. It, therefore, shall recognize other Christian bodies and denominations and shall seek to support and to share in the united efforts of the whole church. Relationship to the Church of the Brethren This congregation covenants to support faithfully the program of the Church of the Brethren, recognizing Annual Conference enactments as having directive influence in its life. This congregation covenants to send delegates to those official conferences of the Church of the Brethren in which it is entitled to have representation. In case of strife or division, if any part of the congregation refuses to abide by its obligations as a member of the Church of the Brethren, that part of the congregation, whether a majority or minority of its membership, which continues in unity with the Church of the Brethren, shall be recognized as the lawful congregation and shall continue in possession of all the property of the congregation. If the congregation (a) disbands, (b) departs from membership in the Church of the Brethren, or (c) so decreases in numbers and financial strength as to render the congregation insolvent or unable to fulfill its purpose, the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren or its successor shall have the right to take charge and control of all property, and thereafter to hold, manage, and convey the same at the discretion of the District. The Meaning of Membership CHURCH MEMBERSHIP According to the New Testament, life in Christ means life in the BODY of Christ. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body" (I Cor. 12:13), so that we, "though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another" (Rom. 12:5). Membership in a local fellowship of believers, the congregation, is the way in which we affirm and live out our membership in Christ's larger body, the church universal. In our inter-relatedness with other Christians in the local church, we experience the fullness of the gifts of the Spirit, we discover ways to be faithful to our covenant with God and each other, and we are able to support one another in carrying out our common calling as the people of God. From the time of its beginning, the Church of the Brethren has affirmed the importance of church membership and sought ways to make membership more meaningful. It is appropriate, therefore, for the congregation and its members to reflect on their mutual accountability to one another. The congregation has a responsibility to provide opportunities for members to grow in Christ and to serve. 2

The Responsibilities of Members 1. To be faithful in attendance at corporate worship experiences, Love Feast and Communion, and other congregational meetings. 2. To accept and communicate the Gospel by word and deed. 3. To be faithful in Christian stewardship of time, talent and resources. 4. To strive toward a lifestyle of personal devotion and discipline. 5. To be responsible for the total ministry of the church as the Lord leads each person to commit his/her gifts in sharing and serving. Entering Into Membership Membership in this congregation is open to all persons who, by their own act of faith, say yes to God's offer of new life in Christ and who accept the faith and practice as taught by the Church of the Brethren. Entering into membership is an important decision which should not be taken lightly. When persons respond to the invitation to accept Christ, the congregation shall prepare them for membership through classes or individual counsel. When persons seeking membership have completed their period of preparation and are affirmed for membership, they may be received into the congregation in one of three ways: 1. Confession of faith and baptism by trine immersion as practiced by the Church of the Brethren. 2. A letter transferring membership from another congregation of the Church of the Brethren or from another Christian faith. 3. Reaffirmation of faith and renewal of the commitment to membership made at an earlier time in another Christian congregation. Membership Classifications Members shall be classified in one of four ways: 1. ACTIVE MEMBERS are those persons who have been received by baptism, letter, or reaffirmation of faith and who fulfill the responsibilities of membership (Attend, Commune, or Contribute annually). 2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are in two categories: a. Persons who participate in the life of the congregation and who continue to hold membership in another congregation and community. b. Former residents who have moved to a new location in which there is no Church of the Brethren, and who wish to continue a relationship with the Brethren at the same time that they become members of another Christian congregation. 3. Associate members have the right to vote and hold office, and have a responsibility to contribute resources to support the ministries of the congregation. They shall not be eligible to serve on the Church Board or to represent the congregation as delegates to District or Annual Conference. 3

4. INACTIVE MEMBERS are those persons who were received into the congregation as members, but who no longer participate in the congregation s life or carry out the commitments expected of members, and who for one through three consecutive years fail to respond to invitations to reaffirm or renew their relationship with the congregation. Inactive Members will be included in the Denominational count. 5. SEPARATED MEMBERS are those persons who have been inactive for more than three consecutive years. These persons will not be listed in the Church Directory, receive church mailings or be included in the Denominational count. Membership Termination Membership may be terminated in one of the following ways: 1. Death. 2. Transfer of membership by letter. A letter of transfer is the property of the congregation and shall go from the granting to the receiving congregation. Either the letter or accompanying note shall indicate whether the member for whom the letter is being sent is a member, inactive member, or separated member. 3. Withdrawal. This action shall be taken by the congregation at the written request of the individual. [For more information and recommendations on specific issues related to membership, refer to Annual Conference Minutes, 1985, Pages 124-136.] Pastoral Staff EMPLOYED STAFF Calling Ministerial Leadership: 1. Pastoral Staff: The Congregation shall employ one or more ordained pastors whose faith, educational qualifications, aptness to teach, preach, counsel, and administer have been examined in consultation with the appropriate authorities in the Church of the Brethren. (In special situations, a licentiate or a minister from another denomination may serve upon approval of the Atlantic Northeast District.) Pastors shall accept and adhere to the faith and the practices of the Church of the Brethren and the Congregation and shall, in life and conduct, witness to the Christian faith. 2. Lead Pastor s Role: The Lead Pastor shall be the primary spiritual shepherd of the Congregation and shall give direction to the church program, assisted by other pastoral staff as assigned. The Lead Pastor, functioning as team leader for the ministry staff and administrative/ secretarial staff, shall plan and lead staff meetings on a regular schedule. The staff shall report on their work as directed by the Lead Pastor. 3. Additional Professional Staff: The Congregation shall employ additional professional staff whenever necessary to provide adequate leadership to assure continual growth of the Congregation. 4. The selection and call of Pastor(s) and other professional staff persons, as well as the termination of their services, shall be done in keeping with approved Church of the Brethren procedures and in consultation with authorized officials of the Church of the Brethren. 4

5. Final approval of the call of pastors shall require the minimum of a two-thirds majority vote of those active members and associate members present in a duly called Congregational Council. Likewise, when circumstances warrant voting to continue the leadership of a pastor, the minimum of a twothirds vote shall be required. 6. The pastor(s) shall be ex officio member(s) of the Church Board, Ministry Teams and committees with voice but without vote. Each pastor shall serve as liaison to one or more of the ministry teams and their various task teams as assigned. Pastors who are members of the congregation may vote at the Congregational Council as would any other member. 7. Specific responsibilities and goals shall be determined and assigned in consultation with the Pastoral Relations Team, with consideration given to the gifts, interests, and experience of the individual pastors. All leaves (Vacation, Continuing Education, Sabbatical, Medical/Personal, and Released-Time Service) shall be negotiated with the Pastoral Relations Team at the beginning of each calendar year, subject to review/alteration throughout the year as circumstances deem necessary. Other Staff The congregation, through various Teams, may employ additional appropriately trained staff members as needed for specific ministries. Such persons may include: 1. Office Staff: contracted by the Pastoral Relations Team, the following may be engaged: 2. An Administrative Assistant; whose responsibilities shall be detailed in a position description negotiated with the Pastoral Relations Team. 3. A Church Secretary; whose responsibilities shall be detailed in a position negotiated with the Pastoral Relations Team. 4. Music Staff: contracted by the Worship Team, musicians shall be employed to direct vocal and hand bell choirs, the praise team, and to provide instrumental accompaniment for worship services. Substitute/relief staff are to be approved by the Music Director. 5. Custodial Staff: may consist of one or more individuals, or a janitorial firm. Contracted by the Properties Team, custodians will clean and maintain the appearance of the facility, order janitorial supplies and report needed repairs to the Properties Team. 6. Wedding Director: contracted by the Worship Team, the Wedding Director shall meet with couples who are planning a wedding on church premises, coordinate the rehearsal, and supervise physical preparations on the day of the wedding. This position shall be compensated by a fee charged to the couple. That fee is regulated by the Worship Team. 7. Upon approval of the Board, and in cooperation with the Stewardship Team and the Treasurer, additional staff may be employed as the congregation deems necessary or prudent. This may include full-time or part-time employees or outside firms for long- or short-term commitments. 5

THE CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL The Congregational Council is the membership of the congregation meeting in business session. It is the governing body and the final authority of the congregation. The Council shall meet in regular session annually on a Sunday scheduled by the Board. Special meetings shall be called by the Moderator at the request of the Chairperson of the Board or the Executive Team. Notification shall be given at least one week in advance of the call of such a meeting. The Congregational Council shall hear reports, evaluate accomplishments, rule on major policies and procedures, adopt the annual budget, affirm officers, call pastoral staff, confirm appointments, and be sensitive to and discuss present needs and plans for the work of the congregation. Those members in attendance during any Congregational Council shall constitute a quorum and be authorized to conduct the business of the congregation. Decisions shall be considered binding if approved by a majority of those members present and voting, unless otherwise directed by this document or by the business meeting in session. Therefore, absentee ballots will not be accepted. The channel through which business will be brought before the business meeting will be by recommendation from ministry teams or committees through the Board or Executive Team. The Board shall have the privilege of discussing the item(s) and make recommendations concerning them but shall not have the authority to prevent them from being presented to the Congregational Council. Personnel Selection and Tenure 1. The Leadership Calling Team shall extend a call to qualified individuals for service as Board Members, Team Members, delegates to District and Annual Conference and other officers as required, presenting their names to the Congregational Council for approval. 2. The term of office for all officers of the Congregational Council shall be three (3) years. 3. The term of office for called members of the Board and continuing Ministry Teams shall be three years. 4. The terms of Ministry Team members shall be staggered so that no more than two members are called in any one year. BO A R D Membership: There shall be a Board, the voting membership of which shall be composed of representatives of the congregation as indicated: 1. Board chair Selected for a three-year term 2. Chair of each ministry team (Vice-chair shall be alternate) 3. Deacon Chair 4. One Senior High Youth - Selected annually by the congregation 5. Two members-at-large. Each member shall be selected for a three-year term. 6. Leadership Calling Team Chair 6

The following shall serve as ex-officio members without vote: Moderator, Music Director, Clerk, Treasurer, Pastor(s) Basic Function: Plan, supervise and coordinate the work of the congregation. Organization and Operation: 1. A simple majority of the Board s membership shall constitute a quorum. Quorum constitutes more than half the number of voting members of the Board. 2. In the event the Board Chair is not available, the Moderator shall serve. 3. The Clerk shall serve as secretary of the Board. 4. The Board shall meet quarterly, or as deemed necessary by the Chair or the Moderator 5. The Board agenda shall be prepared by the Executive Team. 6. All meetings of the Board are open to any interested persons except when Executive sessions are called. Executive session is defined as the voting membership and ex-officio members of the Board. 7. All items of business to come before the Board shall be submitted to the Board Chair no later than the Sunday prior to the Board meeting. 8. Non-budgeted fiscal expenditures not exceeding $25,000 may be appropriated at any time by the Board. Appropriations above $25,000 would require congregational approval. 1. Review and approve the agenda for all Congregational Councils. 2. Administer the church program in accordance with directives of the Congregational Councils. 3. Supervise and coordinate the work of the congregation. 4. Call qualified members to fill terms expiring on the Leadership Calling Team, subject to approval by the Congregational Council. 5. Publish the recommendations of the Leadership Calling Team for positions to be affirmed by the Congregational Council at least one week prior to its meeting. 6. Make appointments for which the Board is responsible. 7. Approve support personnel positions. 8. When pastoral personnel are to be called, working within denominational guidelines for pastoral placement, initiate and coordinate the efforts in the search process to select a candidate, and develop Terms of Employment for recommendation to the Congregational Council. CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS The officers of the congregation shall be the Moderator, Board Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer. All officers, with the exception of the Treasurer, shall be members of the Church of the Brethren. The Moderator, Board Chair and the Clerk shall be called by the membership at a Congregational Council Meeting. On legal documents where signatures of President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer are required, the Moderator, Board Chair, Clerk, or Treasurer, respectively, shall suffice. 7

Moderator Eligibility and Qualifications: 1. The person may be a minister or a well-qualified lay leader of the Church of the Brethren. 2. The person shall have skill in presiding over a deliberative assembly in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. Tenure: The Moderator shall be called for a three-year term and shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms. 1. Work cooperatively and communicate effectively with the Pastors and Board in administering the programs of the congregation. 2. Preside over all Congregational Council meetings. 3. Represent the congregation at District meetings for Moderators and Board Chair. 4. Serve as Vice-chairperson of the Board. 5. Assist ministry teams of the congregation as the need arises. 6. Be familiar with the Plan of Organization and amendments. 7. Serve on: Executive Team; Pastoral Search Committee. Board Chair Tenure: The Board Chair shall be called for a three-year-term and shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms. 1. Serve as Board Chair with voting power for the deciding vote in the event of a tie during the Board s business meeting. 2. Fulfill the responsibilities of the Moderator when he/she is unable to perform responsibilities, or upon request of the Moderator. 3. Receive items of business to come before the Board and assist the Executive Team in preparation of the Board agenda. 4. Represent the congregation at District meetings for Moderators and/or Board Chair. 5. Serve on the following: Executive Team; Pastoral Search Committee. Clerk Tenure: The Clerk shall be selected for a three-year-term and shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms. 1. Serve as secretary of the Congregational Council and the Board. 2. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board, without vote. 3. Serve as clerk of the congregation, signing all official documents such as: letters of transfer; delegate authorization cards; legal documents. 8

Treasurer 1. Contracted by the Stewardship Team, the Treasurer shall: 2. Serve as custodian of all congregational funds, unless otherwise designated. 3. Receive records of all bank account deposits. 4. Make disbursements upon presentation of voucher with invoice or bill at the direction of authorized personnel. 5. Work with contracted services (such as bookkeeper, payroll, etc.) in setting up accounts and schedules. 6. Ensure that records of all receipts and expenditures are kept. 7. Prepare monthly reports to the Board as well as year-end reports to the Congregational Council. 8. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Stewardship Team and the Board. 9. The Treasurer shall be provided with corporate surety, in the amount determined by the Board as deemed necessary, the premiums for which shall be paid by the congregation. 10. The Treasurer shall be appointed or contracted annually, without restriction on the length of service, by the Stewardship Team subject to the approval of the Congregational Council. Executive Team ADMINISTRATIVE TE A M S There shall be an Executive Team composed of the Moderator, Lead Pastor, and Board chairperson. Convened by the Moderator, the team s responsibilities include: 1. Prepare a written agenda for the Board and Congregational Council meetings. 2. Review items of business and bring recommendations to the Board. 3. Give guidance to the Board regarding goals and plans for the year, including the annual Board retreat. 4. Annually calculate the Board s own financial needs for budgetary consideration. Leadership Calling Team Membership: The Leadership Calling Team shall consist of five members, called by the Board subject to approval by the Congregational Council. Each member shall be selected for a three year term and may serve two consecutive terms. Both members and non-members shall be eligible to serve on teams. The Pastors and Moderator shall serve as ex-officio members of the committee. Persons serving on this committee shall be familiar with the interests and gifts of the members of the church. Basic Function: The committee shall be responsible for Gift Assessment and Discernment, and for the calling of the congregation's personnel resources to carry out the various ministries of the congregation. 1. Extend a call to qualified individuals to have his/her name submitted to the Board for review, publication, and presentation to the Congregational Council for affirmation. 2. Invite written suggestions from the church membership for names of persons to be considered for all positions to be filled. 9

3. Secure one person for each vacancy: ministry team, District and Annual conference delegate and alternates, or for such other positions as may be asked of them by the Board. 4. The offices of Moderator and Congregational Support Team are subject to call as specified under their headings. 5. Recommend appointments to fill unexpired terms when vacancies are created, except for the Leadership Calling Team, subject to approval of the Board. 6. Be available for consultation for appointments to sub-committees or special task assignments. 7. Serve as tellers for written ballot votes or for affirmation processes for called leaders. 8. Maintain a personnel file of members indicating areas of interest or service. 9. The affirmation or call processes shall take place at the annual Congregational Council. Deacons Basic Function: The central interest of this ministry team is the spiritual and physical well-being of the church family. The Deacons are concerned with the personal needs of the congregational members. Team members are called to be caregivers, utilizing their spiritual gifts in a shared ministry that provides for the total well-being of the congregation. Selection and Tenure: 1. Deacons shall be selected by a call from the congregation for a three-year term and shall be eligible to serve unlimited terms. 2. Each Deacon shall be chosen on his or her own individual merits from among men, women, single or married persons. 3. The office of Deacon is a local congregational office; therefore, the call to participate in the office comes as a decision of this congregation through the established call process. Organization: 1. Five Deacons shall serve as the Administrative Deacon Team, organized with a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary 2. Deacons not serving as Administrative Deacons shall assist in carrying out their responsibilities as the need for them arises and when called upon for assistance. 3. Attendance at meetings by non-administrative Deacons shall not be expected, but shall be optional. 1. Plan and direct a care-giving ministry. 2. Be alert to brokenness among members and work toward reconciliation. 3. Develop and coordinate a plan to provide visitation to members. 4. Assist the pastors in ministry-to the bereaved. 5. Prepare for and assist in special services and church ordinances such as Love Feast and Communion, Baptism and Anointing. 6. Be alert to the physical needs of individual members and assist in the alleviation of those needs through the administration of local benevolences. 7. Periodically review the congregation's membership rolls. 10

8. Be sensitive to the spiritual vitality of the congregation and make recommendations and/or develop measures for improvement. 9. Coordinate a ministry of hospitality. OFFICE OF THE DEACON, 1983 Annual Conference Minutes, p.551-563 (responsibilities 1 through 8). MINISTRY TEAMS The work of the church shall be developed through the following Ministry Teams having responsibility to plan and carry out specific programs and ministries. Education Team Fellowship Team Outreach Team Pastoral Relations Team Properties Team Stewardship Team Worship Team Guidelines for All Ministry Teams Organization of Teams: 1. Members of all teams shall serve for a three-year term, beginning service immediately upon approval by Congregational Council, and shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms. 2. Each team shall consist of five members and annually select a chair, vice chair, recording secretary and publicity secretary from among its membership. 3. Ex-officio members of teams serve by virtue of position or office and have the same privileges as selected members, except without vote. 4. The Pastors and the Moderator, as ex-officio members, serve in an advisory capacity to all teams. 5. A member may not serve on a team that employs said member. Operation of Teams: 1. Each team shall meet regularly (normally monthly) to carry out its responsibilities. 2. Team meetings are open to any interested persons except when executive session is called. 3. Agenda for meetings shall be prepared prior to the meeting in consultation with the pastoral liaison to that team. 4. A majority of the voting members of a team shall constitute a quorum for doing business. 5. Copies of minutes of meetings shall be given to the team members, church secretary, administrative assistant, pastors, moderator, and Board Chair within ten days of any meeting. Responsibilities of All Teams: 1. Teams are encouraged to organize Task Force Committees or appoint individuals to carry out specific assignments or tasks. 2. Each team shall formulate its financial needs for the year in accordance with instructions from the Stewardship Team. 3. Each chairperson shall, in addition to the routine work of the team, give guidance in establishing annual goals and objectives, and plan for new opportunities to carry out the functions of the team. 11

4. Each team shall prepare and annually review a job description for staff and appointees under their supervision. 5. Each team shall prepare publicity for scheduled activities. 6. Each team chairperson shall prepare a brief written annual report of the previous year for submission to the Board by January 15. 7. Any team member who deems it necessary to resign prior to completing his/her selected term should submit a letter of his/her intent to the chairperson of that team. The chairperson should notify the Board chairperson and the chairperson of the Leadership Calling Team. In the event the person resigning is the chairperson of a team, the letter should be submitted to the Chairperson of the Board and that person will notify the convener of the Leadership Calling Team. Education Team Basic Functions: This team shall provide opportunities and resources to plan and develop the nurture program of the church. 1. Plan and direct the Christian Education program of the church including church school, annual programs and other children's, youth, and young adult ministries. 2. Offer creative program ideas to meet the Christian Education needs of the congregation, particularly the needs of special interest groups. 3. Plan, evaluate, and approve curriculum and study resource materials for the church school and other educational experiences. 4. Maintain and promote the use of a library reading and reference center with books, magazines, and audio-visual and software materials. 5. Recommend or develop and promote local and district sponsored leadership training opportunities and encourage individuals to attend such activities. 6. Encourage: Individuals to attend our church colleges by working through our college representatives. These representatives should provide college literature, promote tours and open house attendance, and publicize general announcements pertaining to the college. Participation in the various programs offered by Camp Swatara. 1. Appoint and supervise the work of: Church school officers including Attendance Secretary, Department Supervisors, and Youth Coordinators. Supervise the recruitment and appointment of teachers, assistant teachers, and youth advisors. Camp Swatara Representative, Elizabethtown College Representative, Juniata College Representative, and Library Committee. 2. Review and maintain a current child protection policy. 12

Fellowship Team Basic Functions: This team shall foster a warm, caring and loving atmosphere within the church through social interaction of the church members at large and individual interest groups within the church. 1. Plan for social and fellowship activities to promote mutual caring and supportive relationships throughout the entire church family. 2. Coordinate the Sunday morning fellowship time. 3. Explore creative ways to improve and expand the ministry of fellowship including all age groups and interest groups. 4. Make provision for and promote participation in athletic and recreational activities. Outreach Team Basic Function: This team shall be responsible for extending the congregational outreach and witness to persons through evangelism, church extension, missions, social action, and ministry to the needy. 1. Encourage personal involvement in responding to disaster of any kind. 2. Be sensitive to opportunities for church extension. 3. Encourage participation in Brethren Volunteer Service. 4. Assess needs for refugee resettlement and coordinate involvement of the membership. 5. Interpret and promote programs that encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes, social justice, reconciliation, relief, and rehabilitation. 6. Appoint and supervise the work of liaisons to denominational and ecumenical agencies, institutions and ministries. 7. Evaluate and suggest budget recommendations for all outreach ministries. 8. Evaluate and recommend to the Stewardship Team all other special outreach offerings. 9. Submit to the Board for appointment a list of persons to serve as representatives to PACC Palmyra: A Caring Community. Pastoral Relations Team Basic Functions: This team shall effect an adequate ministerial program to the needs of the congregation and assist the pastors in developing and maintaining an effective ministerial program. 1. Serve in an advisory capacity to the pastors and provide opportunity for the pastors to discuss both personal and job related concerns or proposals as they minister to the needs of the congregation. 2. Arrange for pulpit supply, guest speakers, and pastoral ministry in the absence of the pastors, and arrange for appropriate hospitality when a guest is invited to perform these functions. Individuals or groups wishing to provide a worship service shall consult with this ministry team and the pastors with regard to plans and approval of guest speakers. 13

3. Interpret the pastoral program to the congregation and promote wholesome church-pastor relationships. 4. Encourage, consider, and approve professional growth and enrichment opportunities for the pastors. 5. Conduct an annual evaluation of the congregation s pastoral/support staffing needs (function and number) and report to the Board its findings. 6. Encourage capable men and women to pursue careers in the ministry or other Christian service and give guidance and support to their efforts. 7. Recommend candidates and terms of employment to the Board for employment and supervise the work of pastors and support staff. 8. Establish and implement guidelines for pastor's involvement in weddings, pre-marital counseling, and funerals. 9. Periodically review the position descriptions for the pastors and support staff, supervise their work, and evaluate performance. Establish and maintain official, permanent personnel files for each staff member, retaining pertinent employment information and submit annual salary recommendations. Properties Team Basic Function: This team shall be responsible to care for and manage the use of all church property and equipment. 1. Supervise or designate the care and maintenance of all church property and equipment. 2. Supervise the use of all church properties, establishing guidelines for use and care. 3. Provide adequate insurance coverage for all church property. 4. Consider requests and make recommendations to the Board for major non-budgeted expenditures for church properties. 5. Annually appoint Church Van Coordinators and supervise their work. 6. Be the custodian of all legal documents, charters, insurance policies relating to the acquiring, holding and conveying property as decided by the congregation. 7. Maintain a job description outlining custodial responsibilities, supervise their work, and annually evaluate performance. Maintain a permanent personnel file and make salary recommendations to the Stewardship Team. 8. Recommend candidates and terms of employment to the Board for employment of custodians. 9. The custodian(s) shall be invited to attend meetings to discuss items related to his/her responsibilities as the need arises. Stewardship Team Basic Function: This team shall be responsible to manage the financial affairs of the congregation, interpret the stewardship program, and make decisions and advise on financial matters and policies. 1. Facilitate the preparation of the annual budget through input from each ministry team and submit to the Board of Administration for review and presentation to the Congregational Council Meeting. The Stewardship Team shall annually convene a meeting of those chairs of ministry teams with employed staff for the purpose of coordinating salary and benefits. 14

2. Receive and review the financial records of the Treasurer and approve the report before presenting to the Board and the Congregational Council. 3. Approve all special offerings. 4. Consider and make recommendations to the Board for disposition of special offerings, bequests, funds not regularly designated, and requests for expenditure of funds which were not budgeted. 5. Appoint a Task Team to plan and implement stewardship education with emphasis on member responsibilities, tithing, and the use of envelopes, and to coordinate and direct an every member solicitation at least every three years. 6. Supervise the activities of the Memorial & Special Gifts Committee. 7. A Financial Secretary shall be appointed annually by the Stewardship Team, subject to approval of the Congregational Council. He/she shall: a. Keep a record of individual giving and provide receipts b. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Stewardship Team 8. Recommend for appointment, subject to the approval of the Board, an Auditing Committee composed of three members, each serving for three years on a staggered basis or engage the services of a Certified Public Accountant. The Auditing Committee shall make an annual report to the Congregational Council meeting. 9. Periodically review the job description for persons under the jurisdiction of this ministry team, supervise their work, and annually evaluate performance. 10. Appoint offering Tellers to assist in the counting of offerings. 11. The Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary shall serve as ex-officio members. Worship Team Membership: There shall be five congregationally elected team members. The Lead Pastor and Music Director shall serve as ex-officio members. Other worship and pastoral staff may be asked to attend as the need arises. Basic Functions: 1. This ministry team shall oversee and support the worship ministries of the congregation, in cooperation with pastoral, worship and office staff. 2. Engage in, and engage the congregation in, a vibrant conversation about worship. 3. Provide guidance, consultation, and support to the worship planning teams, advocating for purposeful, intergenerational and engaging worship experiences. 4. Function as the liaison between the worship planning teams and the Board of Administration and the congregation. 5. Oversee the employment of all paid worship staff, including but not limited to: determining what paid staff is needed, creating/updating position descriptions, interviewing candidates, negotiating and renewing contracts, receiving and reviewing regular staff reports and conducting annual evaluations/assessments. 6. Work with worship planning teams to create/maintain job descriptions for all needed volunteer worship positions and encourage collaborative volunteer positions whenever possible. 7. Encourage a culture of collaboration between all worship staff and worship planning teams for the purpose of strengthening the unity and vitality of the whole congregation through the sharing of resources. 15

8. Oversee and/or resource other worship experiences within the congregation and community such as: weddings and funerals, love feast and seasonal celebrations, concerts and dramas, PACC and area nursing home services, etc... OTHER ORGANIZED GROUPS AND MINISTRIES Various other special interest groups, age groups, or ministry groups may be organized upon the authorization of the Board. All organizations within the congregation shall exist to fulfill the purpose of the church and are subject to the oversight and direction of the church. COMPLIANCE WITH CIVIL LAWS The church, its members, its groups, and its employed staff are subject to and are expected to comply with civil law; such as copyright law, Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights and non-discrimination legislation, etc. FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year shall begin January 1 and end December 31. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT This Plan of Organization may be amended by motion in writing at any regular or special Congregational Council and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment shall be given thirty days prior to the member meeting at which the amendment is to be voted upon. 16