By-Laws

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=160 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="04cc8c03.jpg"> <div> <IMG SRC="06e688d0.jpg" border=0 width="104" height="141" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div>  <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The United Church of Christ in North Ham">Home</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome">Welcome</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church History">Church History</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church Council">Church Council</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Policies">Policies</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Programs">Programs</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Announcements">Announcements</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar">Calendar</A></div> <div> <A 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HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Wedding Policies">Wedding Policies</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id77.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Safer Spaces Policy">Safer Spaces Policy</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id108.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Annual Report">Annual Report</A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> North Hampton United Church of Christ</div> <div> Constitution and By-Laws</div> <bR> <div> Adopted: 1956 and as Amended: 1958, 1966, 1975, 1977,</div> <div> 1980, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2006</div> <bR> <div> I     The name of this Church shall be "The United Church of Christ in North Hampton, New Hampshire".</div> <bR> <div> II    The object of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ in a strong Christian fellowship for the purpose of worshiping God,</div> <div> providing Christian leadership in the community, and promoting worldwide Christian fellowship.</div> <bR> <div> III   We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual soul and the right of private judgment.</div> <div> We hold to the autonomy of the local Church and its independence of all ecclesiastical control.</div> <div> We cherish the fellowship of Churches, united in association, state, national, and world bodies, for counsel and cooperation in matters of common</div> <div> concern, and we gladly acknowledge our membership in the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ, the Rockingham Association of the United Church of Christ, and in the General Synod of the United Church of Christ</div> <div> We believe ourselves to be a part of the Ecumenical Church and will work with the bodies represented in the New Hampshire Council of Churches,</div> <div> The National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.</div> <div> We believe it to be our sacred trust to support the missionary work at home and abroad and to share in the relief of the world's suffering.</div> <div> 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</div> <div> together in Christian love.</div> <div> While affirming the liberty of our Church and the validity of our ministry, we hold to the unity of all Christian Churches and will unite with all its</div> <div> branches in hearty cooperation; and will earnestly seek, so far as in us lies, to fulfill the prayer of our Lord, "that they all may be one." As 'an incorporated body under the laws of the State of New Hampshire, this Church will undertake its own affairs without the intervention or the assistance of another local society.</div> <bR> <div> IV   This Church recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith and practice and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is</div> <div> the true test of fellowship. Each member shall have the undisturbed right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of his/her own conscience under the enlightenment of the membership in the great fellowship of the United Church of Christ, but an expression of the spirit in which the Church interprets the Word of God.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>Statement of Faith</I></div> <bR> <div> We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:</div> <div> He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.</div> <div> He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.</div> <div> He judges' men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.</div> <div> In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.</div> <div> He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing, the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.</div> <div> He calls us into his Church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and to resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism, and eat at his table, to join Him in his passion and victory.</div> <div> He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.</div> <div> Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him. Amen.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>Covenant</I></div> <bR> <div> By our common faith and purpose, we covenant with each other to be a church of Jesus Christ, and with God to be his children, walking in the</div> <div> paths he makes known to us.  We believe that God is our Spiritual Father: therefore, we regard all people as our spiritual family.  We believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life: therefore, we strive for the clean heart, the enlightened mind, and the unselfish purpose which is like unto His.  We believe that the Church was instituted among people by the Spirit of God to bring in the Divine Community: therefore, we dedicate and unite ourselves to aid in its great task.  We believe in the resurrection and the life eternal: therefore, we live now as by the power of an Endless Life. </div> <bR> <div> V     Church Property</div> <div> A.   Church property shall include all the lands, buildings, and Trust Funds of the Congregational Church of North Hampton, New Hampshire, and the First Christian Church of North Hampton New Hampshire, including the Congregation parsonage property as held by each of the aforementioned Churches on July 1, 1951, or acquired thereafter.</div> <div> B.   The Christian Church building, hereinafter referred to as the “Little River Chapel”, may be used for services any time deemed advisable by the Council and Pastor, but at least six regular Sunday service will be held at the Little River Chapel, each calendar year.  While it is the intent of this article that a majority of the regular Sunday services will be held in the Congregational Church building, hereinafter referred to as the “Church”, the Council may use its discretion in this matter, provided, likewise, no less than six regular Sunday morning worship services shall be held in the Church each calendar year.</div> <div> C.    If the Church should dissolve, all Church property shall become the property of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ.</div> <div> VI    Church Members</div> <div> A.   Charter Members - New members of this Church shall be persons who have accepted the covenant, and received the Sacrament of Baptism, and have united in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as follows:</div> <div> 1.     Persons bringing letters from other Christian churches recommending them to the fellowship of the Church shall present the letters to the Pastor and Council for recommendation.</div> <div> 2.    Persons wishing to join this Church who have been members of another Christian church, but for whom letters of transfer are not available, may be received by reaffirmation of faith upon recommendation of Pastor and Council.</div> <div> 3.    Persons wishing to join this church by confession of faith shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Pastor and Council as to their sincerity and Christian experience.</div> <div> B.    Associate Members</div> <div> 1.    Any adult who is a member in good standing of another Christian church, but does not desire to obtain a letter of dismissal from that church, may, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Council, be accepted as an Associate Member of this church at any regular worship service.</div> <div> 2.    Associate Members shall be entitled to all privileges of regular membership.  Letters of dismissal may not be granted to Associate Members, but letters recommending them to a similar type of membership in another church may be granted.</div> <div> C.   Friends of the Church</div> <div> 1.    Friends of the church shall be defined as those who are neither Member nor Associate Member but are either closely related to a Member or Associate Member; those who participate in the life and worship of the Church or who contribute financially or otherwise on an ongoing basis to the Church.</div> <div> 2.    Friends will not have voting rights or hold any office of the Church.</div> <div> D.   Dismissal of Members</div> <div> 1.    Members in regular standing may be dismissed to the fellowship of any church by which letter from this Church will be accepted.</div> <div> 2.    If a member desires to join a religious body with which this Church is not in fellowship, or which would not receive its letter, the Council may at the member's request, give the member a certificate of good standing and terminate the membership.</div> <div> 3.    No letter of dismissal shall be granted to any member without specifying the church for which it is designated, and all letters shall be valid for only one year after date.     </div> <div> 4.    If a member were to become an offense to the Church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct or by persistent breach of the member's covenant vows, the Council shall consider the case, and after due notice to such member, opportunity for a hearing and faithful efforts to bring such member to repentance, may recommend to the Church membership that the offending member's membership be terminated and the Church membership shall take appropriate action.</div> <div> Members who move out of the community shall be encouraged to become members of a church in the community in which they live.</div> <div> E.    Membership Lists</div> <div> 1.    In advance of the annual meeting each year, the Clerk, the Pastor, and the Financial Secretary shall review the Active Membership List to recommend which members, if any shall be placed upon the Inactive List.</div> <div> a.    The recommendations of the reviewers shall be presented to the Council for approval.</div> <div> b.    The Clerk shall transfer any names so approved by the Council to the Inactive List.</div> <div> c.    Entry on the Inactive List shall not deprive the Members listed there of participation in fellowship or any rights of membership but is for administration purposes only.</div> <div> d.    A member's name may be returned to the Active Members List at the member's request or at the discretion and direction of the Council.</div> <div> 2.    The Clerk shall prepare a two-part list showing Active Members and Members Who Are Inactive and shall post such list each year at the time of the Annual Meeting.  Associate Members shall be listed separately under the title “Associate Members” according to their active or inactive status.</div> <div> VII    Church Worship and Sacraments</div> <div> A.    Worship </div> <div> 1.    Services of worship shall be held at such times as determined by the Council.</div> <div> 2.    Services of worship may be suspended by a vote of the Church Members.</div> <div> B.    Sacraments</div> <div> 1.   The Sacrament of the Lord's supper shall be celebrated at such times as the Council may determine, but not fewer than six (6) times each year.</div> <div> 2.    The Sacrament of Baptism shall be administered at such times as the Pastor may determine; in the Pastor's absence, the Council shall so determine.</div> <div> 3.    The Order for Marriage shall be conducted in such manner and for such persons as the Pastor shall determine; in the Pastor's absence, the Council shall so determine.</div> <div> 4.    Other services of worship, inspiration, prayer, and study may be held as determined by the Council.</div> <div> VIII   Church Meetings</div> <div> A.    Annual Meeting of Church Members</div> <div> 1.    The Church shall hold an Annual Meeting each year in January, no earlier than January 17 and no later than January 31.</div> <div> 2.    The Council shall set the date and time of the Annual Meeting.</div> <div> 3.    The business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting shall include:</div> <div> a.    Presentation of the annual reports of the officers and organizations of the Church:</div> <div> b.    Adoption of the Church annual budget;</div> <div> c.    Adoption of plans for the coming year; and</div> <div> d.    To transact such other business as may be presented at the Meeting.</div> <div> B.    Special Meetings</div> <div> 1.    Special Meetings for business may be held:</div> <div> a.    As requested by the Pastor;</div> <div> b.    As determined by the Council; or</div> <div> c.    At the written request of five adult Members.</div> <div> C.    Notice of Annual and Special Meetings</div> <div> 1.    Notices for Annual and Special Meetings shall be in accordance with State Law.</div> <div> a.    Notices shall be posted at both the Church and Little River Chapel at least two weeks in advance of the date set for the Meeting.</div> <div> b.    Notices shall contain the nature of the business to be conducted at the Annual or Special Meeting. </div> <div> 2.    Members may discuss but not take action on Church business without following the above procedures for notice.</div> <div> D.    Procedure at Meetings</div> <div> 1.    The Moderator or designee of the Moderator (another member of the Council) shall preside at Annual and Special Meetings.</div> <div> 2.    Minutes of each meeting, including agenda, motions, discussion, and votes taken shall be recorded and posted after the meeting.</div> <div> 3.    The Moderator shall have no vote except in the case of a tie, but may speak on any subject or to any motion before the Church and motions shall pass by majority vote except the call of the Pastor (see Officers - Pastor.)</div> <div> E.    Reports of Officers and Organizations</div> <div> 1.    Officers, task groups, committees, and other organizations shall file written reports for the Annual Meeting and at such other times as the Council shall direct.</div> <div> 2.    All such reports shall be made part of the Church records.</div> <div> IX    Church Fiscal Year </div> <div> The Church Fiscal Year shall be the Calendar Year.</div> <div> X     Church Officers </div> <div> A.    The Pastor</div> <div> 1.    Call of the Pastor</div> <div> a.    Vacancy - When a vacancy in the pastorship occurs, or is manifest, the Council, with guidance from the Members, shall cause a Pulpit Task Group to be formed.</div> <div> b.    The Pulpit Task Group, after seeking guidance of the Divine Spirit and the Members, shall:</div> <div> i.    Consult the United Church of Christ New Hampshire Conference, and others;</div> <div> ii.   Canvass resumes of available ministers;</div> <div> iii.  Interview, visit, and do what is required to select the candidate, in their collective judgement, who should be recommended to fill</div> <div>       the vacancy; </div> <div> iv.  Introduce their selected candidate to the Members at a Special Meeting called for that purpose.</div> <div> c.    The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite term upon the vote of two thirds of the Members present at the Special Meeting called for such purpose.</div> <div> 2.    The Pastor's Installation</div> <div> After the Pastor has been elected and has accepted the call, with the Pastor's concurrence, the Council shall arrange with the</div> <div> Rockingham Association to hold a service of installation.</div> <div> 3.    The Pastor's Tenure</div> <div> The term of the Pastor shall be indefinite, subject to the provisions that follow:</div> <div>  a.   The Members present at a Special Meeting called for such purpose may, by majority vote, request the Pastor's resignation, with the   expectation that the resignation will be presented within sixty days of the vote.</div> <div>  b.    If, for any reason the Pastor decides to resign, upon the Pastor's own volition, the Pastor shall give at least sixty days written notice to the Council.</div> <div> c.    The Pastor and the Church may agree upon a resignation notice period of less than sixty days.</div> <div> d.    If the Pastor were to lose ministerial standing, the Pastor's term would end effective with the date of lost standing.</div> <div> 4.    Duties</div> <div> a.    The Pastor and the Council, together, shall:</div> <div>        i.    Assume responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the Church Members; </div> <div> ii.   Plan and conduct worship services with the advice of the Council and in mutual love and openness with the Council develop</div> <div>       orders of worship that most appropriately fit the lives of the Church membership, with the goal of giving glory to God and seeking</div> <div>       to do God's will, together;</div> <div> iii.  Assume responsibility for confirmation of young people indicating a desire to become members of the Church; </div> <div> iv.  Oversee, along with the Council activities of all auxiliary organizations formed under the auspices of the Church; and</div> <div> v.   Oversee the proper administration of the activities of the Church, through selection of and cooperation with task groups,</div> <div>       committees and other organizations of the Church.</div> <div> b.    The Pastor shall:</div> <div> i.    Preach the Gospel;</div> <div> ii.   Administer the Sacraments;</div> <div> iii.  Assume responsibility for all services of public worship; </div> <div> iv.  Serve as a permanent member of the Council and an advisory member of task groups and committees; and</div> <div> v.   With the Council and Church Members seek followers of Christ.</div> <div> 5.    Housing</div> <div> a.    The Pastor shall be provided housing, for Pastor and family, in the Parsonage; and</div> <div> b.    The Pastor shall be responsible for care of the care of the Parsonage, including lawn care and snow removal, during occupancy.</div> <div> 6.    Incapacity</div> <div> a.    If the Pastor becomes seriously ill or disabled, the Church shall continue the Pastor's salary for period of at least three months during</div> <div>       the Pastor's incapacity.</div> <div> 7.    Sabbatical Leave Policy</div> <div> a.    Eligibility</div> <div> i.    The Pastor must have completed three years of continuous service, exclusive of previous sabbatical leave periods.</div> <div> ii.   The Pastor may not be granted more than one leave every three years.</div> <div> b.    Purpose</div> <div> The purpose of the Sabbatical Leave offered under this policy is to provide an opportunity for professional improvement for the Pastor.</div> <div> c.    Application and Approval</div> <div> i.    Once eligible, the Pastor may apply for and be granted a leave, not to exceed one month for each year served, up to a maximum of</div> <div>       six months.</div> <div> ii.   The Pastor shall propose the benefits expected for the Church and the Pastor in the application for leave.</div> <div> iii.  The Pastor shall submit the application for leave at least six months in advance of the proposed beginning date.</div> <div> iv.  The Pastor shall submit the application to the Council for discussion and approval.</div> <div> v.   The Council will judge the application on the proposed contribution to the Church and the perceived moral, spiritual, and physical</div> <div>       refreshment proposal will provide the Pastor.</div> <div> vi.  The Council will present the proposed leave to the Members at a Special Meeting, called for that purpose, with its</div> <div> recommendations and the leave will be approved or not by a vote at such meeting.</div> <div> d.    Salary</div> <div> Leave at full pay, with continued benefits, may be approved; in the alternative, a suitable combination of leave, accumulated leave and allocation for associated expensed equivalent to compensation for the eligible leave may be approved.</div> <div> e.    Pastor's Obligations Following the Sabbatical Leave</div> <div> i.    The Pastor shall provide both a written and oral report as to what the Pastor accomplished or how the Pastor benefited from the</div> <div> leave.</div> <div> ii.    The Pastor is expected to return to service at the Church for a reasonable period at the conclusion of the Sabbatical Leave.</div> <bR> <div> XI    Church Council (“Council”)</div> <div> 1.    Election and Term</div> <div> a.    Council members shall be elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting;</div> <div> b.    The term shall be three years and members are not eligible to serve consecutive terms, unless appointed to fill a vacancy;</div> <div> c.    Terms of the members shall be staggered and four members shall be elected each year;</div> <div> d.    There shall always be six men and six women on the Council; and</div> <div> e.    Vacancies on the Council shall be filled by vote of the Council to fill the balance of the Calendar Year in which the vacancy occurred and a replacement shall be voted at the next Annual Meeting to fill any un-expired term remaining.</div> <div> 2.    Duties</div> <div> a.    The Council shall:</div> <div> 1.    Serve as the governing body of the Church on behalf of the Members;</div> <bR> <div> 2.    With the Pastor visualize the entire task of the Church;</div> <bR> <div> 3.    With the Pastor work to formulate a well-rounded program of church activities and oversee the activities of any auxiliary organizations formed under the auspices of the Church; </div> <bR> <div> 4.    Take specific responsibility for supplying the pulpit;</div> <bR> <div> 5.    Create task groups to carry out delegated responsibilities, provide budgets and monitor expenditures of the task groups;</div> <bR> <div> 6.    Delegate tasks and responsibilities so that all Members will have an opportunity to serve, selecting from volunteers or by other means determined by the Council;</div> <bR> <div> 7.    Dissolve task groups by a two-thirds vote of the Council when the assigned task is complete or for other reasons as determined by the Council;</div> <bR> <div> 8.    Hold at least ten (10) meetings each year; </div> <bR> <div> 9.    Appoint a Planning Task Group and carefully review and consider its annual report;</div> <bR> <div> 10.   Promote an active program of Christian Stewardship of time, talent, and treasure, with a goal of strengthening the will of all Members to give as much of what they have to offer as they are able;</div> <bR> <div> 11.   Formulate a program of missionary education and foster support of Our Christian World Mission (OCWM) of the United Church of Christ and consider requests from other organizations for support of domestic and world missions and other benevolent causes;</div> <bR> <div> 12.   Solicit annual pledges by Faith Promise;</div> <bR> <div> 13.   Prepare an annual budget for presentation to the Annual Meeting, proposed expenditures not to exceed Promises, other estimated revenue, and interest from Trust funds;</div> <bR> <div> 14.   Review salaries, wages, or other compensations arrangements, including contracts, for the Pastor, any compensated Officers, employees, or others providing services to the Church, budget for continued services, and make recommendations to the Annual Meeting;</div> <bR> <div> 15.   Insure that expenditures do not exceed ten percent of the annual budget approved by the Members and the Annual Meeting, without first obtaining approval to exceed the budget by more than ten percent at a Special Meeting;</div> <bR> <div> 16.   Arrange to borrow money, prudently, when so empowered by the Members at any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting;</div> <bR> <div> 17.   Fill vacancies in any office, except that of Pastor, by interim appointment, giving attention to volunteers who come forward to fill interim positions, until the next Annual Meeting;</div> <bR> <div> 18.   Advise the Planning Committee of the need to include vacancies in the slate of nominees to be presented at the Annual Meeting;</div> <bR> <div> 19.   Attend to and make necessary policies for the maintenance and use of the buildings and grounds and other church property;</div> <bR> <div> 20.   Insure that annual inspections of Church property are made and that a maintenance, repair, and capital improvement plan is developed and implemented by recruiting volunteers, hiring employees, or engaging independent contractors as the Council deems appropriate;</div> <bR> <div> 21.   Organize and manage Christian Education, including, but not limited to Church School, young adult, and adult study programs; </div> <bR> <div> 22.   Appoint a Church School Superintendent (or Superintendents) to administer the Church School and, with the Youth Learning Task Group, recruit teachers and aides, and procure necessary supplies for both the Church School and Nursery;</div> <bR> <div> 23.   Work with the Pastor in the confirmation process for young people who have indicated a desire to become members of the Church;</div> <bR> <div> 24.   Assist the Pastor with Communion services, to be held at least six times each calendar year;</div> <bR> <div> 25.   Oversee the music program of the Church including, but not limited to, hiring a Music Director, establishing a compensation plan and performance review for the Music Director, and establish a task group, from time to time, to evaluate the music program and report to the Council, with recommendations;</div> <div> A.    Moderator</div> <div> 1.    Moderator's Election and Term</div> <div> a.    The Council shall elect the Moderator or Co-Moderators (throughout referred to as “Moderator”) from its membership at the first Council meeting following the Annual Meeting.</div> <div> b.    The Moderator shall serve for one year unless sooner removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the Council.</div> <div> In the event of a vacancy, the Council shall elect a replacement to serve the balance of the term vacated.</div> <div> 2.    Duties</div> <div> The Moderator shall preside at Council meetings, Annual Meetings and Special Meetings.</div> <div> B.    Clerk</div> <div> 1.    Clerk's Election and Term</div> <div> The Council shall elect the Clerk from the Council membership at the first Council meeting following the Annual Meeting, to serve one year.</div> <div> 2. Clerk's Duties</div> <div> The Clerk shall:</div> <div> a.    Keep a faithful record of the proceedings of Annual, Special, and Council meetings;</div> <div> b.    Preside at Council meetings in the absence of the Moderator, unless the Moderator otherwise delegates.</div> <div> c.    Oversee, along with the Council, a register of the members of the Church, with dates and modes of their reception and removal;</div> <div> d.    Post the Membership List for the Annual Meeting; and give notice as required;</div> <div> e.    Supervise the maintenance of a list of baptisms and marriages;</div> <div> f.    Supervise the issuance of letters of transfer, voted by the Church, notifying the churches to which such letters are addressed;</div> <div> g.   Supervise the maintenance of files for all communications and reports;</div> <div> h.   Notify all persons elected to office, and those assigned to task groups and committees;</div> <div> i.    Supervise correspondence issued from the Church;</div> <div> j.    Perform all other duties normally performed by the office of clerk of assembly.</div> <div> C.    Treasurers     </div> <div> 1.    Election and Term</div> <div> a.    The Members shall elect a treasurer and an assistant treasurer, for one-year terms, without limit as to consecutive terms, at the Annual</div> <div> Meeting.</div> <div> b.    The treasurers may be, but need not be, members of the Council.</div> <div> 2.    Duties</div> <div> The Treasurer shall:</div> <div> a.    Have charge of all money, except the Trust Funds;</div> <div> b.    Keep a separate account of all Directed Giving moneys;</div> <div> c.    Review all bills submitted and refer to the Council for discussion and decision any bill questioned by the Treasurer or to which issue is</div> <div> taken by a Council member;</div> <div> d.    Process, without specific order, all bills included in the annual budget and all salaries as prescribed by the Council;</div> <div> e.    Pay the annual dues or taxes to the Treasurer of the Rockingham Association of the United Church of Christ and to the Treasurer of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ; </div> <div> f.    Give checks to Assistant Treasurer to sign and send; sign and send checks as needed;</div> <div> g.   Serve as Assistant Treasurer or Financial Secretary should either be absent;</div> <div> h.   Process and send year-end 1099s and W2s; process and send quarterly reports (941s) to the Internal Revenue Service regarding employees;</div> <div> i.    Prepare and send any year-end checks that need to be sent to the Trust Funds;</div> <div> j.    Prepare subscribers' annual statements of their accounts; prepare new Faith Promise envelope boxes;</div> <div> k.   Do end of year procedures;</div> <div> l.    Present a written monthly financial statement to the Council and a comprehensive report to the Annual meeting;</div> <div> m.  Attend meetings of the Council when requested to do so;</div> <div> n.   Be bonded or otherwise covered for indemnity to the Church at a sum fixed by the Council.</div> <div> The Assistant Treasurer shall:</div> <div> a.    Receive all moneys from the Financial Secretary;</div> <div> b.    Deposit all funds in such depository as the Council shall provide;</div> <div> c.    Receive all checks from the Treasurer to sign and send out;</div> <div> d.    Be bonded or otherwise covered for indemnity to the Church at a sum fixed by the Council.</div> <div> D.    Financial Secretary</div> <div> 1.    Election and Term</div> <div> a.    The Members shall elect a Financial Secretary, for a one-year term, without limit as to consecutive terms, at the Annual Meeting.</div> <div> b.    The Financial Secretary may be, but need not be, a member of the Council.</div> <div> 2.    Duties</div> <div> The Financial Secretary shall:</div> <div> a.    Take charge of all offerings and special collections;</div> <div> b.    Record moneys received under the appropriate accounts in the program set up in Church office computer;</div> <div> c.    Leave all moneys received for the Assistant Treasurer to deposit;</div> <div> d.    Print and leave financial log sheets for the Treasurer;</div> <div> e.    Notify the Clerk of the Council of memorial and other special gifts;</div> <div> f.    Assist the Treasurer with year-end tasks such as preparing annual statements and Faith Promise boxes;</div> <div> g.    Be bonded or otherwise covered for indemnity to the church at a sum fixed by the Council.</div> <div> E.    Trustees of the Trust Funds</div> <div> 1.    Election and Term</div> <div> a.    There shall be three Trustees, elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting;</div> <div> b.    Each Trustee shall be elected for a three-year term, with no limit on consecutive terms served; and</div> <div> c.    Terms of the Trustees shall be staggered so that only one Trustee is elected each year.</div> <div> 2.    Trust Funds </div> <div> Trust Funds shall consist of memorial or other gifts to the Church, by or in behalf of individuals, to be maintained or used for specific purposes.</div> <div> 3.    Duties</div> <div> The Trustees shall:</div> <div> a.    Maintain accounts for, manage, and invest and reinvest the Trust Funds;</div> <div> b.    Adhere to the Prudent Investor Rule or similar rule, from time to time adopted by the New Hampshire Legislature, to guide investments of Trustees and other fiduciaries;</div> <div> c.    Insure, in consultation with the Council, that use of any fund is consistent with the limitations established upon creation of that fund;</div> <div> d.    Seek recommendations from the Council as to the proper expenditure of unspecified funds; and</div> <div> e.    Transfer to the Treasurer moneys from the Trust Funds upon vote of the Council that such transfer be made, consistent with the foregoing.</div> <div> F.     Auditors</div> <div> 1.    Election and Term</div> <div> a.    There shall be three Auditors, elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting;</div> <div> b.    Each Auditor shall be elected for a three-year term, with no limit on consecutive terms; and</div> <div> c.    Terms of the Auditors shall be staggered, so that only one Auditor is elected each year.</div> <div> 2.    Duties</div> <div> The Auditors shall:</div> <div> a.    Audit the books and records of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer, at least once each year; and</div> <div> b.    Report the findings of their audit to the Annual Meeting.</div> <div> G.     Annual Delegates</div> <div> 1.    Election and Term</div> <div> a.    Delegates and Alternates to attend the annual meetings of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Rockingham Association of the United Church of Christ shall be elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting; and</div> <div> b.    Each Delegate and Alternate shall server for one year, with no limit on consecutive terms.</div> <div> 2.    Duties</div> <div> The Delegates shall:</div> <div> a.    Attend the meetings of the two aforementioned organizations as representatives of the Church; and</div> <div> b.    Report to the Church and Council, in summary form, the business transacted at the meetings attended.</div> <div> H.    Planning Task Group</div> <div> The Planning Task Group shall:</div> <div> 1.    Be composed of ten members, including the Pastor, the immediate past Moderator, the Moderator, a past Moderator, who will act as its Chair, scheduling and conducting the meetings;</div> <div> a.    Task group members will serve two years</div> <div> b.    The Moderator will fill vacancies by appointment</div> <div> 2.    Meet at least two times during the calendar year;</div> <div> 3.    Elect a Secretary, who will keep a record of the meetings and prepare a report, and submit the minutes and report to the Clerk for presentation to the Council;</div> <div> 4.    Conduct an annual review of the work of both the Pastor and the Members to see if performance has matched goals;</div> <div> 5.    Bear in mind that its purpose is to provide an honest assessment of the successes and failures, and strengths and weaknesses, which will serve to strengthen the ministry of both the Pastor and the Members;</div> <div> 6.    Make recommendations for salaries or other compensation for the coming year, for all officers, employees, and others providing services to the Church;</div> <div> 7.    Make recommendations for allocation of income to local and other benevolence needs of the Church;</div> <div> 8.    Recommend a slate of nominees to the Council, in advance of the Council's December meeting, for all offices and other positions to be voted at the Annual Meeting; and</div> <div> 9.    Serve in an advisory capacity on topics assigned by the Council.</div> <div> I.      Pastors Parish Relations Committee</div> <div> 1.    Appointment and Term</div> <div> a.    The Pastors Parish Relations Committee (throughout referred to as “PPRC”) shall consist of four members of the congregation, as well as the Moderator(s) (or Council member appointed) who shall serve as an <I>ex officio</I> member(s).</div> <div> b.    The Planning Committee shall appoint the PPRC members after consultation with the Pastor(s) regarding prospective appointees.</div> <div> Appointees will be members of the Church.</div> <div> c.    Members of the PPRC shall serve two-year terms, and members are not eligible to serve consecutive terms.  (Exception shall be that in a</div> <div> pastor(s)' first two years, an additional two Search Committee members - one man and one woman - shall be appointed for a two-year term.)</div> <div> d.    Terms of members shall be staggered, and two members shall be appointed each year.</div> <div> e.    There should always be two men and two women serving, with adequate age representation taken into consideration.</div> <div> f.    The Church Council shall fill vacancies as soon as possible for the balance of the vacated terms.  A vacancy may be created by resignation, missing three (3) consecutive meetings, or by recommendation of PPRC for replacement.</div> <div> 2.    PPRC shall seek to enhance the relationship between the pastor(s) and the congregation through regular meetings, to be held at least five (5) times a year.  Further meetings shall be held at the discretion of the PPRC and pastor(s) as needed.</div> <div> 3.    A report shall be made by PPRC at the Annual Meeting, as well as when needed by the Council and/or the congregation.</div> <bR> <div> XII    Auxiliary Organizations</div> <div> The Church will consider all organizations formed to minister to the Members and our community and which meet at or otherwise use Church property to be an integral part of the Church.  Each such organization shall report to the Members at the Annual Meeting.  Upon dissolution of any organization formed under the auspices of the Church, all property and funds of such dissolved organization shall become property of the Church.</div> <div> XIII   Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws</div> <div> Two thirds of the Members present at any Annual or Special Meeting may vote to amend, alter or revoke any provision of the Constitution and Bylaws, provided, that a written statement of the proposed amendment, alteration, or revocation be presented to the Church Council at least two months in advance of the Annual or Special Meeting at which the vote is taken, and provided further, that the Council shall report to the Members, by written statement, the said proposed amendment, alteration, or revocation, at least one month in advance of such meeting.</div> <div> XIV    Review of the Constitution and Bylaws</div> <div> The Council shall review the Constitution and Bylaws periodically, not less frequently than once each five years.  The task group formed to conduct the review shall make recommendations to the Council and the Council shall publish any revisions proposed to the Congregation.  Reviews have been conducted in 1982, 1987, 1992, 1995, 2000, and 2005.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#by_laws" TITLE="ByLaws"><B>(Back to Top)</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>back to:</B></FONT> <A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Policies">Policies</A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>By-Laws</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id82.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church Use Policies">Church Use Policies</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id86.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sacrament of Holy Baptism">Sacrament of Holy Baptism</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Wedding Policies">Wedding Policies</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id77.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Safer Spaces Policy">Safer Spaces Policy</A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id108.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Annual Report">Annual Report</A></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="071d84f0.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="79" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> If there are any problems with the Web Site or Comments about the Site please e-mail: <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="mailto: webmaster@UCCNorthHampton.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: webmaster@UCCNorthHampton.org">webmaster@UCCNorthHampton.org</A></FONT></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>