HIGH HOPES… A Note from the Reverend Dr. Hope Johnson, Minister

Dear UUCCN:

It is a safe space in which we can consider our relationship to Life. To God. To Community. To Love. Worship is thematic in its approach. Preaching, Teaching, Music… Everything flows together… And there is such a wide variety of services that I always tell our guests to visit us at least three times to get a real sense of UUCCN. Here we have the opportunity to practice being our “very best selves” if we really want to do the work within, and without. If we can’t raise the bar here, where can we raise it? We are invited to admit our fears, and concerns about ourselves, our health, our families, and loved ones. This is a place where we bring our troubled hearts. In doing so, we’ll come to find that we are not alone. We are never alone. As Minister I am responsive to our pastoral needs “24/7.” Who knows or needs to know what pastoral care is until you need it? You get that dreaded diagnosis. You have a life change. You want to talk to someone in confidence? Just call. We are encouraged and invited to share those joyful exciting events, and sometimes the simple moments in our lives when we can truly savor life and all that it has given us. Friendships often spring from conversations after services, at Sweet Tooth or while we work the Patch together. Again, we are not alone.

UUCCN offers an ongoing learning experience where all of our minds can be broadened. We bring our gifts, talents, and interests here so that we can share the “learnings.” Our children and youth receive support in understanding which direction the moral compass is pointing towards. We help in figuring out some of the grey areas where a simple “yes” or “no” is not enough. We support service as a way to share and to give back. A place where all can—safely—get involved with social action as we live into a more diverse world. Here we meet the “Other.” We also grapple with questions that don’t often get raised at home, school, or the workplace. We share the plate—and also ourselves—with each other. We share our hopes and dreams, our failings… It’ time to cast a new vision, to review our mission—but we can’t do it without you. And one last thing, if UUCCN is a priority, make that obvious—please. Become a member if you have not yet joined. Get involved. Make a commitment. Though we are rich in many ways, we need your financial support. We need your presence. UUCCN matters. You are invited to be a pivotal part of its success. With grateful thanks. Yours,

Hope The Reverend Dr. Hope Johnson Minister, UUCCN

Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau

Vol. 13, No. 9, MAY 2015

Advance

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Last month, Anita and I took a wonderful two-week trip through Portugal and Spain. We witnessed the remarkable history and the spirituality one receives as a visitor of the many ancient and religious sites such as the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, or the castles in Sintra, Portugal. We even saw the Holy Grail in Valencia and drank horchatas, as recommended by Elizabeth Gonzalez. As a Unitarian Universalist, I know our religious history is not as old as the Christian, Muslim, or Jewish influence that we experienced in the Iberian Peninsula, but we as UUs enjoy the right to look at other religions as kind of “outsiders.” As a youth growing up as a UU, I remember visiting other faiths through the Sophia Fahs “The Church Across the Street” curriculum, which reinforced our faith’s acceptance of other religions on our individual quests for religious answers. Most of us arrive at Unitarian Universalism from different religious backgrounds. Interfaith relationships often have been the driving force to bring people to Unitarian Universalism. I often tell visitors or newbies at UUCCN that it is important that they bring with them and incorporate their religious background that has meaning to them in their new religious search. Other religions ask that you convert and abandon your previous religious beliefs—we encourage an open and free search. We arrived in Portugal on Easter Sunday. In a country that for the most part practices Catholicism, it was interesting to see the churches in all of their glory for this important holiday. We truly got a flavor, both from a visual perspective as well as from a spiritual perspective, while visiting some of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the area. On occasion, the religious incense smoke was so strong we felt like we were in a hookah bar. Anita and I like visiting UU congregations while traveling, but this was a great experience as well. Perhaps the one element that I appreciated the most, and that I could relate to,

was the sense of community and togetherness that was present and that I always feel at UUCCN. It’s the comfort of being with “like-minded” people. When I attended General Assembly a few years ago, I remarked that the larger religious UU community experience was probably like a Muslim visiting Mecca—you have to do it at least once in your life and appreciate thousands of UUs together. We have such a rich and caring congregation right here in Garden City, and I am glad to be a part of it. Thank you for your support for the on-going pledge drive, which we will celebrate at the Fellowship Brunch on May 3. We are honored to have as our guest speaker Dr. Janice Johnson, UUA Multicultural Ministries and Leadership Development Director. Please try to attend—it will be a great celebration and a well-deserved thank-you for your support of UUCCN. Glad to be back home,

Dave Coddington UUCCN President One good deed every day

And show some kindness

PONDERINGS ON THE PATH Reflections from the RE Director

Sunday, June 7, will be Religious Education Sunday at UUCCN. During this multigenerational worship service, we will honor our Coming of Age Students and our RE Program. The curriculum theme for this year has been the Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles. The focus has been on how the principles can be applied to everyday life. We started the RE year in September with the question “How are you UU?” Children and youth were asked to share actions they took during the week and to consider which UU Principle the action followed. Classroom stories were related to the Seven Principles. The lessons helped to strengthen UU identity.

A favorite game this year has been “I Like Someone Who...” The children sit in chairs in a circle and one student stands in the middle and completes the sentence; those who agree stand and find a new seat. Whoever is the last to find a seat stands in the middle. The students were able to complete the sentence with a wide variety of examples with the UU Principles as a major focus. During RE class in the month of May, the lessons will review the Seven Principles and plan for RE Sunday. As our children and youth consider how they "walk the talk" of being a Unitarian Universalist, we can each consider: “How are you UU?”

Carolyn Freud Director of Religious Education

RE CALENDAR

May 3 Review Seven Principles

May 10 Mother's Day May 17 Plan RE Sunday May 24 Memorial Day May 31 Prep RE Sunday June 7 RE Sunday

SERVICE AUUCTION A great time was had by all who attended the annual Service Auction on April 25. Guests were treated to a delicious dinner and wonderful prizes, services, and events donated by UUCCN members. The Service Auction has raised more than $6,000 so far, and it is not too late to win a prize and support UUCCN! There are still a number of great items and events up for bidding. Find them online at uuccn.org. By bidding, you will be supporting UUCCN and enjoying a service or social occasion that provides a great opportunity to get to know a fellow UU better. Anna Lea Smith, Ways and Means Chairperson

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY Standing on the Side of Love

Social Action Film Series: This year, we have screened films relating to climate change and the environment. Our goal is to host expert speakers and create action plans to empower ourselves through knowledge, action, and maintaining a sense of hope and community. This is in response to UUCCN members who have expressed feeling overwhelmed by the sadness of the information presented. Our next film is another important issue related to environmental and human health:

>>Genetic Roulette, Friday, May 15 at 6:45 p.m. Don’t miss this terrific, eye-opening documentary about the health risks of GMO's (genetically modified organisms) and the struggle for GMO labeling.

Beyond Coal Task Force (soon to be renamed the Clean Energy for Long Island Task Force): We are developing a monthly Task Force meeting at UUCCN with the Sierra Club and MoveOn.org to work on converting New York State to renewable energy. To reach our goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050, we need to develop large-scale offshore wind-energy farms. The Task Force meetings are the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

>>Our next Task Force meeting is Tuesday, May 19, 2015, from 7 to 8 p.m. Come out and join us for snacks and solidarity.

Wind-Energy Environmental Risks: Our members want to know about the risks posed to birds posed by wind energy. Unfortunately, every source of electricity kills some number of birds. Fossil fuel plants kill 30 times as many birds as wind farms, and nuclear plants kill twice as many birds as wind farms per gigawatt hour. Over the course of a year, U.S. fossil-fuel plants kill about 24 million birds, compared with 46,000 by wind farms when factoring in the deadly impact of climate change. According to

a recent study by Environment Canada, these are the Top 9 causes of bird deaths:

1. Domestic and feral cats: 200 million

2. Power lines, collisions, and

electrocutions: 25 million

3. Collisions with houses or buildings:

25 million

4. Vehicle collisions: 14 million

5. Game bird hunting: 5 million

6. Agricultural pesticides: 2.7 million

7. Agricultural mowing: 2.2 million young

birds, equivalent to one million adult birds

8. Commercial forestry: 1.4 million nests,

equivalent to 900,000 adult birds

9. Communications towers: 220,000

Sources: “9 Leading Causes of Bird Deaths in Canada,” (http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/9-leading-causes-of-bird-deaths-in-canada-1.1873654); and “Are We Missing the Big Picture on Climate Change?” (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/magazine/are-we-missing-the-big-picture-on-climate-change.html?_r=0)

There’s a river flowing in our hearts: Let’s make the river rise; let’s make it overflow.

Peggy Lyons, Social Action Ministry Chair peggylyons1@gmail.com / 516-375-8867

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS BENEFIT ON JUNE 7

Between the continuing Ebola epidemic, the Nepal earthquake, ongoing conflicts in Syria, and resultant refugee crises, the necessary and courageous work done by Doctors Without Borders is more urgent than ever. Please come and support them. And enjoy a great show while you're at it. Already scheduled: Lois Morton, The Folk Goddesses, Tom Griffith, and Mason Sansonia. More to come! Sunday, June 7, 4 to 7 p.m., at UUCCN Followed by a gourmet dinner. For further information, please contact Michael Sansonia: MSansonia@aol.com

MEMBERSHIP

Membership Chair Fran Heiz and I have been talking about ways to approach membership and growth. The following list, written by Bill and Barbara Hamilton-Holway and Mark Harris, is one of the best pieces we have seen that not only reminds us of the importance of joining UUCCN but highlights the importance of being an active member. —Yours, HOPE

TEN GOOD REASONS FOR JOINING A UU CONGREGATION

Because here we join with open hearts and

minds to worship together, seeking what is

sacred among us.

Because here we are part of a long,

liberal tradition of reason and tolerance,

of hope and liberation.

Because here we honor our Jewish and

Christian roots, and also reach out to

know the great truths found in other

religious expressions.

Because here we acknowledge that

revelation is never sealed and empower

ourselves to search for new truths.

Because here we nurture our children's

enthusiasms and encourage their

questions.

Because here we welcome diverse people

and views.

Because here we join our strength with

others to create a more just society.

Because here we respect the whole self—

mind, body, and spirit working together.

Because here we encourage each other to

be true to ourselves.

Because here we build a supportive

community that eases our loneliness and

opens our hearts.

WRITING WORKSHOP Write Your Own Wonderful Story

On May 16, UUCCN will host a one-day writing workshop with Thomas Boyd, writer-consultant, blogger and Web contributor, and writing teacher.

This is a workshop to help you write personal narrative based on the most durable and universal theme—seeing yourself as the hero of your own story. There are episodes in every life, including yours, when you travel the road of the “hero’s journey.” Mythologist Joseph Campbell has written about it. Popular fiction has borrowed it for novels and short stories. Hollywood has built blockbusters on it. But you have lived it, and now you will write about it.

The hero’s journey describes a time in your life when something changed. You took a risk, entered an unknown world, struggled with something or someone, won a victory, claimed your prize, and were transformed by the experience: at work, in relationships, in matters of health, or family, or any big event in the style or substance of your life. In this workshop, you’ll write about one of those moments.

You’ll be doing different kinds of writing: free- writing, short exercises, first or third person, games, journalistic narrative, perhaps some poetry. You’ll be given a lot of “prompts,” suggestions and triggers to help start the flow. And at the end of the session you’ll have a draft of a story that you might want to pursue!

Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. UUCCN Mallette Room $45 for full day; bring your own lunch Registration: Contact Joanne Melosh Dezego (jsbeach@verizon.net or 516-432-3099) For details, see attached brochure.

The Advisory Committee

of the Long Island

Unitarian Universalist

Fund invites you to a

special event:

Talking About Race:

A Conversation to

Build Community

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2015

10 a.m. – 1p.m.

Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of

Central Nassau

223 Stewart Avenue

Garden City, NY 11530

Lunch will be served.

RSVP to mguyther@licf.org

Info: Mary Beth Guyther,

631-991-8800, ext. 222

The Long Island Unitarian Universalist

Fund is made possible through a

grant from the Unitarian Universalist

Veatch Program at Shelter Rock.

UPCOMING EVENTS: MAY

5/1 8:30pm Garden Stage Concert

5/3 12:15pm Fellowship Brunch (following worship service)

5/9 10am–1pm

LIUU Fund Event – Frantz Hall

5/14 6:30 pm Stone Soup & Worship

5/15 6:45pm Social Action Film

5/16 9am–5pm

Writing Workshop – Mallette Room

5/17 3pm Garden City Chamber Music Concert

5/21 1:30pm

7:30pm

BYOL with Rev. Hope

Board Meeting

DEADLINE FOR the JUNE ADVANCE is Monday, May 24 at 12:00 noon. Please submit all articles to uuccn@aol.com. Thank you.

AA Meetings Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Bobby, 516-426-8418

May Sermons May 3 All Hearts on Deck

May 10 Mother’s Day May 17 Service with a Smile May 24 In Memory May 31 Here Comes June

Advance

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau

223 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530 Tel: 516-248-8855 Fax: 516-248-8891 www.uuccn.org

Dave Coddington, President

Patsy Kaplan, Vice President

Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson, Minister

Carolyn Freud, Director of Religious Education

Krissy Roleke, Editor

Diane Turcic, Administrator, ADVANCE Production and Layout

Garden StageLive music up close and personal

Garden StageLive music up close and personal

Tickets $20 Adv/$22 Door For tickets and information contact calendar@uuccn.org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau 223 Stewart Avenue (at Nassau Boulevard), Garden City, New York 11530

½ Block North of the Nassau Boulevard Long Island Rail Road Station 516-248-8891 www.GardenStage.com

Delicious homemade refreshments are available during intermission

All Shows except Benefit Concert 8:30 with Open Mike 7:30

Jun 5 Gathering Time and Mara Levine

May 1 Martin Swinger / Matt Nakoa

MATT NAKOA With a colorful three-octave vocal range and music that weaves gracefully between classical and blues, Matt Nakoa's unique rock sound has been compared to that of Jeff Buckley and Paul McCartney. http://www.mattnakoa.com/

Matt's talents earned him a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. At Berklee, Matt thrived in many musical styles, and worked with acclaimed artists, including Grammy-winning country singer Kathy Mattea and audio engineering legends George Massenburg (Billy Joel, James Taylor) and Elliot Scheiner (Sting, Eagles, Aerosmith).

MARTIN SWINGER’S songs span Alzheimer’s, Autism, oysters, dyslexic theology and the lively adventures of Betty Boop and Buddha – lyrically and melodically illustrating the variety of human emotions in powerful story-songs. Surprising, humorous, intimate, outrageous, universal - each song sung with the skill and panache of a seasoned performer. Martin is an atypical 50-something singer/songwriter celebrated for his fluid voice and engaging personality. With many albums, local and national songwriting awards, Martin is a repeat performer at Kerrville Folk Festival and counts among his fans Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, Billy Jonas, Ezra Idlet, Vance Gilbert and John Waters.

GATHERING TIME is like a high-energy Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, with various parts of The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, the Eagles and America; a head-turning folk-rock harmony trio described as "getting a whole beehive-full of buzz" on the northeast regional folk scene.

Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong, and Gerry McKeveny are known for "harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees" and "having a ball on stage!“

Gathering Time's 2007 remake of Peter Yarrow's "Light One Candle" has been spun on stations ranging from NYC's top-rated WCBS-FM to Israel's Galilee plains; their 2008 CD "Songs of Hope and Freedom"

MARA LEVINE Called "one of the best singers of her generation" by Christine Lavin, Mara Levine creates beautiful interpretations of folk songs. Nominated by Ron Olesko in 2009 for the Suzi Wollenberg Folk DJ Showcase at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference, her debut CD, Mara's Gems, ranked #52 on the Folk DJ chart that year. Her second CD Jewels and Harmony reached #1 on the Folk chart January 2013 and finished #3 overall for 2013. Since then, Mara has had two #1 songs on the monthly chart -- her version of Bob Franke's 'Straw Against the Chill,' with Joe Jencks, and her arrangement of Paul Simon's 'Leaves That Are Green,' with Gathering Time. http://www.maralevine.com

won wide acceptance on folk stations nationwide. In 2012 the trio's second CD "Red Apples and Gold" rose to #5 on the Folk DJ charts in September and to #12 on the national Roots Music Report radio charts in October, charting at #76 in the year-end Top 100 Albums. Their third CD "When One Door Closes..." reached #3 on the Folk DJ charts in January 2014. http://www.gathering-time.com

The following changes to the UUCCN Bylaws will be voted on at our June 14th meeting.

1. All instances of the word “President” shall be changed to “President or Co-Presidents.”

2. Article V, Section 2: The principal officers, and six (6) elected Trustees shall be the voting members of the Board of Trustees. The total number of members of the Board of Trustees shall be between seven (7) and ten (10) members.

3. Article IV, Section 5a: The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for reviewing the membership list at least once each fiscal year. Any member who has not fulfilled the requirements of membership in good standing during the previous fiscal year shall within 90 days of the start of fiscal year shall

4. Article V, Section 4: The President shall preside at meetings of the Board of Trustees and at Congregational meetings and shall be the chief executive officer of the Board of Trustees. Each individual completing his/her period of service as President shall not immediately leave the Board of Trustees, but rather, shall continue as an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board for such period of time as the succeeding President is in office a period of six months to one year or as otherwise determined by the board in conjunction with the President and President Emeritus.

5. Article VII, Section 1: There shall be between three and five members of the Nominating Committee.

6. Article IX, Section 9: The [Committee] Council shall meet at least bimonthly four times a year at the call of the Vice President.

This is a full copy of the UUCCN Bylaws with the changes to be voted on included in strikethrough/underline format.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF CENTRAL NASSAU 223 Stewart Avenue (at Nassau Boulevard) Garden City, New York 11530

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I. Name and Location The name of this religious organization shall be the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau. It shall be located at such a place in Nassau County, New York, as may be determined by its members. ARTICLE II. Organization Affiliations This organization is congregational and independent. It shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and its regional organizations. This congregation shall be affiliated with the New York State Convention of Universalist Churches. ARTICLE III. Purpose Section 1. The purpose of this Congregation shall be:

• to provide a liberal religious community in which those dedicated to the principles of a free faith may come together for worship and mutual support;

• to affirm the inherent worth of every person, accept each other, and recognize the diverse

needs existing within our Congregation;

• to maintain an atmosphere that nurtures members and friends: A congregation of people who care for one another;

• to foster and promote, through lifelong religious education, every individual's search for

meaning as experienced through all facets of living;

• to actively support the denomination and celebrate our connections with the larger Unitarian Universalist world;

• to support and work toward the goal of a world community in which people care for one

another; and

• to promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations.

Section 2. This Congregation shall not only guarantee, but encourage, freedom of religious thought and expression by its ministers and members. Section 3. Systems of power, privilege and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons or groups with particular identities, ages, abilities and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be a congregation that truly welcomes all persons and commits to structuring congregational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone's participation. ARTICLE IV. Membership Section l . Any person aged sixteen (16) or older who is in sympathy with the purposes of the Congregation (as written in Article III above) may become a member of the Congregation by signing the Membership Book as described in Section 2, below. Section 2. To initiate membership, a person may apply to the Minister, the Chairperson of the Membership Committee or a member of the Board of Trustees and must sign the Membership Book maintained by the Congregation in the presence of one of these persons. The signing of the Membership Book constitutes a declaration of knowledge, understanding and sympathy with the purposes of this Congregation. Section 3. Each member shall be given a copy of the By-Laws of the Congregation. Section 4. The privileges and obligations of continued membership in good standing require the making of a $100 (or greater) monetary contribution of record for each fiscal year (or portion thereof) for which membership is in effect. Section 5.

a. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for reviewing the membership list at least once each fiscal year. Any member who has not fulfilled the requirements of membership in good standing during the previous fiscal year shall within 90 days of the start of fiscal year shall:

i. upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Minister and the Membership Committee,

ii. upon the expiration of 60 days following the mailing of a notice to the member of

the default and of the opportunity to restore good standing be removed from the membership roll.

b. A former member shall be reinstated to membership by the fulfillment of the

requirements of membership in good standing at any time. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4, in each fiscal year the Minister or the Treasurer may grant an exemption regarding the requirement of a minimum annual contribution to a member who has actively participated in the programs of the Congregation. The grant of an exemption shall be reported in confidence to the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Section 6. Any member may terminate his/her membership by sending a notice in writing to the Minister, a member of the Board of Trustees, or the Chairperson of the Membership Committee, which shall be delivered by the congregant to the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. ARTICLE V. Officers and Trustees Section 1. The principal officers of the Congregation shall be the President or co-Presidents, the Vice President, the Secretary and the Treasurer. Section 2. A member of the Board of Trustees shall be a voting member of this Congregation. The principal officers, and six (6) elected Trustees shall be the voting members of the Board of Trustees. The total number of members of the Board of Trustees shall be between seven (7) and ten (10) members. The Board of Trustees shall have the general powers and duties of the trustees of a religious corporation under the laws of the State of New York. Section 3. The principal officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Congregation for a term of two years, and shall serve until their successors are elected (and have qualified). Individuals serving in the elected offices of President or co-Presidents, Vice President and Secretary may be re-elected to consecutive additional terms in their respective offices as long as the individual's period of continuous service would not exceed six (6) years. Individuals serving as Treasurer may be re-elected without limitation on consecutive years of service. Section 4.

The President or co-Presidents shall preside at meetings of the Board of Trustees and at Congregational meetings and shall be the chief executive officer of the Board of Trustees. Each individual completing his/her period of service as President or co-President shall not immediately leave the Board of Trustees, but rather, shall continue as an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board for such period of time as the succeeding President or co-Presidents is are in office a period of six months to one year or as otherwise determined by the board in conjunction with the President or co-Presidents and President or co-Presidents Emeritus. Section 5. The Vice President shall act as the President's or co-Presidents’ deputy if the President or co-Presidents is absent or if he/she/they so directs. The Vice President shall also preside at meetings of the Committee Council and function as the Chair thereof (see Article IX, Section 9). Section 6. Each Trustee shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, and shall serve until his/her successor is elected (and has qualified). Two (2) Trustees shall be elected at each annual meeting of the Congregation. No Trustee shall serve more than six (6) consecutive years. Section 7. If any vacancy shall occur before the expiration of the term for which an officer (including President or co-President), or Trustee, or member of the Nominating Committee has been elected, such vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Trustees. Such appointment shall continue until the next annual meeting of the Congregation, at which meeting the vacancy shall be filled by an election for the unexpired term. Section 8. Absence without reasonable cause of any member ofthe Board of Trustees from three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall constitute and be considered a resignation. Section 9. The Board of Trustees shall meet at least once a month except in July and August. The presence of at least 51% of the authorized voting membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum. All members of the Board of Trustees shall be notified of a meeting thereof. Unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Trustees, all meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the latest Revised Edition of Robert's Rules of Order. Section 10. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Trustees and of Congregational meetings.

The Treasurer shall report on the financial status of the Congregation to meetings of the Board of Trustees and to the annual meeting of the Congregation. ARTICLE VI. Congregational Meetings Section 1. Approval of the annual budget of the Congregation and election of the Trustees, Principal Officers, Religious Education Committee members, and the succeeding Nominating Committee shall be decided upon at the annual meeting of the Congregation. The annual meeting of the Congregation shall be held not more than fifteen (15) days after the beginning of each new fiscal year. The Board of Trustees shall determine the date of the annual meeting of the Congregation and shall notify the members of the Congregation thereof in writing not less than ten (l0) nor more than fifty (50) days prior thereto. Section 2. Special meetings of the Congregation may be called by the President or co-Presidents or by the Board of Trustees at any time and shall be called by the President or co-Presidents on the written request of any ten (10) members of the Congregation. Written notice of such a special meeting must be given to the members of the Congregation not less than ten (l0) nor more than (50) days prior to the date thereof and such notice must specify the purpose of the meeting. Only matters specified in the notice may be acted upon at a special meeting. Section 3. The presence of one-sixth ( l/6) of the total membership of the Congregation legally qualified to vote shall constitute a quorum at a Congregational meeting. Members sixteen (16) years of age and older shall be legally qualified to vote thirty (30) days after they have signed the Membership Book. Voting at all Congregational meetings shall be in person and not by proxy nor absentee ballot. Unless otherwise authorized by majority vote, all Congregational meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the latest Revised Edition of Robert's Rules of Order. ARTICLE VII. Nominations Section 1. There shall be between three (3) and five (5) members of the Nominating Committee. They shall be elected at each annual meeting of the Congregation, and they shall serve in this capacity until the next annual meeting of the Congregation. Section 2.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating candidates for Trustees, Principal Officers, Religious Education Committee members and the succeeding Nominating Committee. In addition, each Nominating Committee shall informally designate its chairperson or another of its members to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the succeeding Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall give written notice to the members of the Congregation of the positions to be filled by election at the next annual meeting of the Congregation. Such notice shall be given no later than three (3) months before the annual meeting. Section 3. The Nominating Committee shall give written notice to the members of the Congregation of the persons nominated for the positions specified in Section 2 no later than forty-five (45) days before the annual meeting. Section 4. Additional nominations for the positions specified in Section 2 may be made by a petition signed by fifteen ( 15) members of the Congregation qualified to vote. Such petitions shall be submitted to the Nominating Committee at least twenty (20) days before the annual meeting. The Nominating Committee shall give written notice to the members of the Congregation of all nominations, whether by the Nominating Committee or by petition, no later than ten (10) days before the date of the annual meeting of the Congregation. ARTICLE VIII. The Minister Section l . The Minister shall be called and the salary established by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the members of the Congregation qualified to vote present at a Congregational meeting specially called for such purpose. The Minister shall be dismissed by a majority vote of members of the Congregation qualified to vote present at a Congregational meeting specially called for such purpose. The quorum for such meetings shall be one-third (113) of the members of the Congregation qualified to vote. Such special meeting may be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Congregation provided notice is given as required in Article VI, Section l hereof. Section 2. The Board of Trustees and the Minister, in consultation with the Congregation, shall define the principal responsibilities of a minister. The Board of Trustees and the Minister shall prepare a written list of Congregational expectations and responsibilities for the Minister. The Board of Trustees and the Minister shall review such responsibilities and the implementation thereof at regular yearly intervals, to be determined by the Board of Trustees. Section 3.

The Minister may attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees, unless otherwise requested by the President or co-Presidents. Section 4. Advance written notice of no less than ninety (90) days shall be provided by the Congregational meeting, as set for the in Article VIII, Section l hereof to the Minister or by the Minister to the Board of Trustees and the Congregation in case of dismissal or resignation. This period may be altered by mutual consent of the Congregation and the Minister at a Congregational meeting. ARTICLE IX . Committees Section l The following shall be the Standing Committees of the Congregation:

• Denominational Affairs • Finance • House and Grounds • Membership • Hospitality • Worship Arts • Religious Education • Social Responsibility • Ways and Means • Long-Range Planning

Section 2. At the commencement of each fiscal year, the President or co-Presidents shall appointment after consultation with the respective Standing Committees, one or more chairpersons for each Standing Committee with the exception of the Religious Education Committee. Section 3. At the commencement of each fiscal year or upon the appointment of a special committee, the President or co-Presidents shall appoint, after consultation with the Board of Trustees, one or more chairpersons for each special committee. Section 4. The Board of Trustees shall define the principal responsibilities of all Standing and special Committees. The Board of Trustees, in consultation with each Standing Committee chairperson, shall prepare a written list of Congregational expectations and responsibilities for each Standing Committee. The Board of Trustees and the Standing Committee chairpersons shall review such responsibilities and the implementation thereof at regular yearly intervals, to be established by the Board of Trustees.

Section 5. The Religious Education Committee shall foster, promote and maintain a School of Religious Education in keeping with the purpose of the Congregation. Section 6. The Religious Education Committee is to be made up of nine (9) members. Each year, three (3) members shall be elected by the annual meeting of the Congregation to a three (3) year term. At the commencement of each fiscal year, the Religious Education Committee shall elect its own officers, including one or more chairpersons, from the membership of the Committee. The Religious Education Committee shall submit suggestions for new members of the Committee to the Nominating Committee for consideration. The Director of Religious Education shall be ex officio a member of the Religious Education Committee. The Board of Trustees shall appoint the Director of Religious Education after consultation with the Religious Education Committee. Section 7. If any vacancy shall occur before the expiration of the term for which a member of the Religious Education Committee has been elected, such vacancy shall be filled by the Religious Education Committee. Such appointment shall continue until the next annual meeting of the Congregation, at which meeting the vacancy shall be filled by an election for the unexpired term. Section 8. The Board of Trustees shall determine the number and method of selection of members of any Search Committee for the purpose of calling a minister to this Congregation. Section 9. The Committee Council shall plan and recommend to the Board of Trustees the general program of the Congregation. It shall promote communication and coordination among committees and organizations within the Congregation. The Council shall consist of the Vice President, who shall preside, and the chairs of all Standing Committees and other committees or organizations designated by the Board of Trustees. The minister(s) shall be non-voting ex officio member(s). Each committee or group represented on the Council shall have one vote. The Council shall meet at least bimonthly four times a year at the call of the Vice President. Section 10. There shall be a Ways and Means Committee consisting of the chairpersons and immediate past chairpersons of the major fundraising activities of the Congregation. The President or co-Presidents will be a member ex officio. The Committee shall have the responsibility for overseeing the fundraising activities of the Congregation and the appointment of chairperson for the major fundraising events, excluding the Pledge Campaign.

Section 11. There shall be a Long-Range Planning Committee to consist of six (6) persons to be appointed by the President or co-Presidents in consultation with the Board of Trustees. Initially, the terms shall be staggered to provide overlap. Thus, two (2) members shall be appointed to three year terms, two (2) to two-year terms, and two (2) to one-year terms. After the first year, all succeeding appointments shall be for three (3) year terms. Reappointment may occur for a total of two (2) successive three (3) year terms. The President or co-Presidents, in consultation with the Board, shall appoint annually (1) of the six (6) members to serve as Chairperson. The Committee shall provide an annual report to the Board and to the Congregation. Section 12. There shall be a Committee on Ministry whose membership and responsibilities are determined as follows:

a. The Board of Trustees shall appoint a Committee on Ministry consisting of three (3) members from a list submitted by the Minister. One Member shall be appointed each year for a three (3) year term.

b. The Committee shall serve as a liaison between the Minister and the Congregation and

shall recommend any adjustments to the Minister's compensation to the Board of Trustees.

c. The Minister and the Board of Trustees Jointly shall define the additional responsibilities

of the Committee, which shall be reviewed on a regular basis. ARTICLE X. Finances Section l. The fiscal year shall be determined by the Congregation. Section 2. Authorization for any expenditures not provided for in the annual budget of the Congregation must be received in advance from the Board of Trustees. Authorization for any fundraising on behalf of the Congregation or by a committee thereof must be received in advance from the President or co-Presidents or the Board of Trustees. If authorized by the President or co-Presidents, such fundraising activities shall be reported to the Board of Trustees. Section 3.

Any addition to or expenditure from funds or accounts maintained by the Congregation or by a committee thereof shall be reported to the Treasurer, who shall in tum report same to the Board of Trustees. Section 4. The President or co-Presidents shall appoint an Auditing Committee whose duty it shall be to audit the Treasurer's accounts within thirty (30) days after the close of the fiscal year. The Auditing Committee shall report to the Board of Trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees. ARTICLE XI. Disposition of Property In the event of the dissolution or discontinuance of this Congregation, all property shall be transferred to the Unitarian Universalist Association, in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation of the Church. ARTICLE XII. Amendments The By-Laws may be amended or changed in the following manner:

1. An amendment may be proposed by the Board of Trustees or by written petition of any twenty-five (25) members of the Congregation qualified to vote. The petition shall be presented to the President or co-Presidents.

2. The proposed amendment must be voted on at a Congregational meeting,

provided that written notice embodying the proposed amendment shall have been given to the members of the Congregation at least ten (I 0) but not more than fifty (50) days prior to the meeting.

3. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those members of the Congregation qualified to vote

present at the Congregational meeting shall be required for the adoption of such amendment.

ARTICLE XIII. For the purposes of computing any term of office defined in these By-Laws the period of time between the date of adoption of this amendment and July l , 1997 shall be construed to mean a single "year." (Version to be included in May 2015 ADVANCE, voted on at June 2015 meeting.)