the bylaws of - sandimas.church€¦ · the bylaws of january 2018 ... article 6: church council...
TRANSCRIPT
The Bylaws of
January 2018
Bylaws Committee:
Rev. Matthew RedrichTim Young
Lisa KopankeJoel Enriquez
Table of Contents ARTICLE 1: NAME 2
ARTICLE 2: COVENANT 2
§2.1 Affiliation & Covenant 2
§2.2 Vision & Purpose 2
§2.3 Polity 3
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP 3
§3.1 Qualifications and Conditions 3
§3.2 Reception 3
§3.3 Duties 4
§3.4 Privileges 4
§3.5 Termination of Membership 4
§3.6 Restoration 4
§3.7 Associate Members 4
§3.8 Non-Discrimination 5
ARTICLE 4: MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS 6
§4.1 Worship 6
§4.2 Annual Meetings 6
§4.3 Special Congregational Meetings 6
§4.4 Notice of Annual and Special Congregational Meetings 6
§4.5 Quorum for Annual and Special Congregational Meetings 6
§4.6 Voting at Annual and Special Congregational Meetings 6
4.7 Business of the Membership 8
§4.8 Conduct of Meetings 8
ARTICLE 5: THE PASTOR 9
§5.1 Duties 9
§5.2 Pastoral Vacancy 9
§5.3 Written Agreement with Pastor 10
§5.4 Term of Office 10
§5.5 Involuntary Termination of Pastorate 10
§5.6 Standing 10
ARTICLE 6: CHURCH COUNCIL AND OFFICERS 11
§6.1 Power and Authority 11
§6.2 Number and Qualification 12
§6.3 Place of Meeting 12
§6.4 Quorum and Vote 12
§6.5 Regular Meetings 12
§6.6 Special Meetings 12
§6.7 Notice of Special Meetings 12
§6.8 Officers & Executive Committee 14
§6.9 Moderator 14
§6.10 Vice Moderator 14
§6.11 Church Clerk 14
§6.12 Treasurer 15
ARTICLE 7: MINISTRY 15
§7.1 In General 15
§7.2 Ministry Leaders 15
ARTICLE 8: ELECTIONS 20
§8.1 Nominating Committee 20
ARTICLE 9: MISCELLANEOUS 21
§9.1 Fiscal Year 21
§9.2 Meetings 21
§9.3 Amendment to Bylaws 21
§9.4 Dissolution 21
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ARTICLE 1: NAME
The name of this incorporated church is:SAN DIMAS COMMUNITY CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
ARTICLE 2: AFFILIATION & COVENANT
§2.1 Affiliation & Covenant Within the United Church of Christ, the various expressions of the church relate to each
other in a covenantal manner. Each expression of the United Church of Christ has
responsibilities and rights in relation to the others, to the end that the whole United
Church of Christ will seek God’s will and be faithful to God’s mission. Decisions are made
in consultation and collaboration among the various parts of the structure. As members of
the Body of Christ, each expression of the United Church of Christ is called to honor and
respect the work and ministry of each other part. As such, Tthis church is a member
ofspecifically in covenant with the Southern California Nevada Conference (“the
Conference”), the Eastern Association of the Southern California Nevada Conference, and
the national setting of the United Church of Christ.
§2.2 Covenant We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual, the right of private
judgment in the worship of God, and the promotion of Christian life, character, fellowship,
and service for this community and the world. The basis of fellowship in this church is the
purpose to live as a disciple of Jesus as the Christ and to share in the organization, life, and
program of the church.
§2.2 Vision & Purpose San Dimas Community Church seeks to live out its calling to create a just world where all
are included in the family of God. One of the ways week seek inclusion is by being an Open
and Affirming Congregation. We are called to bind together the family of God for sharing
in the worship of God and in making God’s will primary in the lives of all its members—
individually and collectively—especially as set forth in the life, teachings, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are also called to invite others into this Way of living, and
to share its fruits with those beyond its membership.
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§2.3 Polity This church recognizes God as the ultimate source of authority in all things. The Holy
Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, reason, and conscience guide this church in matters of faith and
discipline.
The government of the church is vested in its members who exercise the right of control in
all its affairs. The church is organized as a nonprofit religious corporation under the laws
of the State of California and in legal matters is subject to the California Corporations
Code. This church is autonomous, yet seeks mutual counsel, cooperation, and fellowship
of the United Church of Christ and other organizations that share its aims and work. This
church shall recognize the Southern California Conference of the United Church of Christ
as an instrumentality of the church's life and service, and shall utilize the staff and
facilities of the Conference to the mutual benefit of this church and the Conference. This
church shall recognize the Eastern Association of the Southern California Nevada
Conference of the United Church of Christ as the body that grants standing to clergy and
holds the denominational standing of the San Dimas Community Church within the
United Church of Christ. This church shall be in a covenantal relationship of mutual
freedom and responsibility with all the relevant instrumentalities of the United Church of
Christ.
§2.4 Purpose The purpose of this church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for sharing
in the worship of God and in making God’s will primary in the lives of all its members,
individually and collectively, especially as set forth in the life, teachings, death and
resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, and to invite others into this way of living and share its
fruits with persons beyond its membership.
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP
§3.1 Qualifications and Conditions The members of this church shall be adults and confirmed youth who have publicly
accepted covenant membership in this fellowship.
§3.2 Reception
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Candidates may be received at a regular worship service or other time in the public life of
the church. Persons unable to so participate may become members by acknowledgment of
the Church Council.
§3.3 Duties Members are expected to be faithful in all spiritual duties essential to the church life and,
insofar as possible, to attend the services of the church, to contribute to its support and
charities, and to share in its organized work.
§3.4 Privileges Every member of the church shall be entitled to vote on all matters presented to the
church in a called Congregational meeting.
§3.5 Termination of Membership Membership in the church shall be terminated as follows:
A. By departure in death, or
B. By withdrawal or transfer of membership.
(i) Any member who desires a letter of withdrawal or recommendation to transfer to
any other fellowship is entitled to receive same upon request.
(ii) Any member, who, for the period of one church year, neither attends any church
meeting, participates in any church activities, makes no financial contribution, nor
expresses to the Pastor or any member of the Church Council a desire to remain a
member, shall be presumed to have voluntarily withdrawn from membership and
the Church Clerk, after due notification, shall remove this member from the
membership list.
§3.6 Restoration Former members may be restored to full membership upon written notification to the
Church Council.
§3.7 Associate Members Any person who regularly attends the services of the church, supports the programs of the
church, and assists in the organized activities of the church, may join and be classified as
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an Associate Member, and be entitled thereby to all privileges of membership except for
serving as an officer as defined in §6.8.
§3.8 Non-Discrimination The San Dimas Community Church, United Church of Christ does not discriminate in
employment or membership based on gender identity or expression, race/ethnicity,
physical ability, sexual orientation, age, or other characteristic protected by law.
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ARTICLE 4: MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS
§4.1 Worship Services of worship shall be held each Sunday and at such times as may be designated by
the Worship Ministry Leader and Pastor.
§4.2 Sacraments This church shall observe the open sacrament of Holy Communion monthly or at such
times as may be designated by the Worship Ministry.
§4.23 Annual Meetings A general meeting of the members of the church shall be held in January of each year at
such time and place as determined by the Church Council for the purpose of the election
and installation of officers, presentation of annual reports, and the adoption of the budget;
and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the
membership.
§4.34 Special Congregational Meetings The Church Council may call Special Congregational meetings as necessary. One or more
members of the church may petition the Church Council in writing to call a Special
Congregational meeting. Such petition(s) shall clearly state the purpose and nature of the
business proposed for transaction at the meeting. Within 30 days of the receipt of such
petition(s) by Council members, the Church Council shall advise petitioner(s) in writing of
their decision whether to call the Special Congregational meeting as requested.
§4.45 Notice of Annual and Special Congregational Meetings Written notice of Annual and Special Congregational Meetings shall be sent at least ten
days before the meeting to all members of the church at their last known address shown
on the church records. Announcements of such meetings shall also be made from the
pulpit at least two Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting(s), together
with such other publicity as may be designated by the Church Council.
§4.56 Quorum for Annual and Special Congregational Meetings A quorum is required to convene an Annual or Special Congregational meeting. A quorum
shall consist of 20% of the membership.
§4.67 Voting at Annual and Special Congregational Meetings
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Actions by the congregation shall be determined by a majority vote of the members of the
church who are present at any Annual or Special Congregational Meeting.
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4.78 Business of the Membership The members shall elect the officers of the church and the membersLeaders of the
Ministries at the annual meeting; however, vacancies between annual meetings may be
filled by appointment of the Church Council. The members shall determine when any real
property is to be bought, transferred, sold, or encumbered, and shall consider all matters
presented to it by the Church Council.
§4.89 Conduct of Meetings Robert's Rules of Order (edition current to within five years) shall apply to the conduct of
all Congregational and Ministry meetings.
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ARTICLE 5: THE PASTOR
§5.1 Duties The Pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the congregation, shall preach the
Ggospel, with both freedom and responsibility for what comes from the pulpit, and shall
be responsible for the services of public worship and the spiritual oversight of the church.
The Pastor shall be a non-voting ex officio member of the Church Council and any
assembly of the Ministries of the church except where matters concerning the Pastor are
considered. The Pastor shall submit such reports as the Church Council or any Ministry
shall request. The Pastor shall supervise all non-clergy staff .
§5.2 Pastoral Vacancy A. Interim Tasks. As soon as a vacancy occurs or is planned in the position of Pastor, it
shall be reported to the Conference ExecutiveMinister. An Interim Search Committee
shall be appointed by the Church Council. This committee shall, in consultation with
the Conference ExecutiveMinister, recommend an Interim Pastor for approval and
hire by the Church Council.
B. Pastoral Search Committee. A Pastoral Search Committee, including the chairperson,
shall be appointed by the Church Council and approved by the congregation. The
Search Committee shall ask for the Conference Executive'sMinister's assistance in
seeking suitable candidates. After due consideration and approval by the Church
Council, the Pastoral Search Committee shall present to the church members the
name of a candidate whom they recommend, together with a rationale supporting the
selection, a general job description, and a recommendation of salary. They shall also
announce the date of a service of worship wherein the members may meet and hear
the candidate. This candidate shall be an ordained minister (or a candidate for
ordination pending a call) in good standing with a Conference or Association of the
United Church of Christ.
C. Pastoral Call. A special Congregational meeting shall be called for the purpose of
voting on the call, to be held immediately following the service of worship in which the
candidate shall be presented. A favorable vote of three-fourths of the church
members in attendance shall constitute a call.
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D. Installation. When a pastor accepts a call to this church, the church and the pastor
shall join in requesting the ConferenceAssociation to arrange for a service of
installation. A report of this service shall be signed by the Conference
ExecutiveAssociation Representative and copies shall be sent to the United Church of
Christ national office, the Conference office, and to the Association Church and
Ministry Committee.
§5.3 Written Agreement with Pastor
The Church through the Church Council shall enter into a written agreement with the
Pastor(s) specifying the terms of the relationship between them. This agreement shall
include the responsibilities and duties of the Pastor(s), provisions for termination, Church
participation in the pension fund and the health insurance program of the United Church
of Christ (if desired), the salary package and vacation and study-leave agreements, and
such other terms as agreed to between the candidate and the Church Council. The Pastor
and the Church shall each be given a copy of this Agreement.
§5.4 Term of Office
When a Pastor has been duly elected and has accepted the call, that person does so for an
indefinite period.
§5.5 Involuntary Termination of Pastorate
The members of the church at a special Congregational meeting called for that purpose
may, by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the church, request the Pastor's
resignation. Failure of the Pastor to present that resignation under such circumstances
will, ipso facto, cause the Pastor's employment to be thenceforth terminated.
§5.6 Standing
If a Pastor of this church should have his or her standing revoked or suspended by any
Association of the United Church of Christ, that Pastor shall immediately be relieved of all
responsibilities and suspended from duty until such time, if ever, that the Association of
the United Church of Christ restores and reinstates the Pastor’s standing.
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ARTICLE 6: CHURCH COUNCIL AND OFFICERS
§6.1 Power and Authority The Church Council (“the Council) as a Board of Trustees shall possess all of the corporate
powers of the corporation subject to the respective jurisdiction of the Ministries
hereinafter designated. Its responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the
following:
A. Serving in the capacity of a coordinator or liaison of the Ministries and determining all
disputes as to the jurisdiction of the respective Ministries.
B. Resolving all matters which may be referred to it from any of the Ministries, including
(but not limited to) authorizing or rejecting proposals for a given project or event
where expenses and/or donations for goods and/or services are reasonably estimated
to exceed $500.
C. Coordinating the church calendar.
D. Recommending the proposed budget and other matters for the consideration of the
membership.
E. Filling all vacancies of any of the officers of the corporation and Ministries.
F. Appointing a Church Historian and the members of a Nominating Committee, Bylaws
Committee, and such other committees as it deems advisable.
G. (g) Conducting the annual stewardship drive and communicating to the appropriate
committee or group the names of those members desiring to serve on the stewardship
drive. Supervising finances of the church.
H. (i) Appointing and supervising the financial secretary. It shall be the duty of the
financial secretary to keep individual records of all moneys paid to the church, to work
closely with the Treasurer, and to provide a quarterly report to the Church Council.
The financial secretary shall send statements to the membership as of the third
quarter and the end of the fiscal year and at the end of the calendar year. In
partnership with the Pastor, realizing the vision and mission of San Dimas Community
Church through the work of its Ministries.
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§6.2 Number and Qualification
The Church Council voting members shall consist of the four Officers of the church, one
Councilor andone Leader for each Ministry (see §7.2), and the Pastor (ex officio). All
Church Council positions are voluntary and non-paid. No Moderator shall serve for more
than three consecutive one-year terms.
§6.3 Place of Meeting
Meetings of the Church Council shall be held at the church or such other place as may be
designated by the Church Council.
§6.4 Quorum and Vote
A quorum shall consist of half of the Church Council members, with a minimum of one
Ministry Leader (as defined in §7.2). The action of the majority of the Church Council
present at any meeting at which there is a quorum when duly assembled is valid.
Vacancies in Church Council positions, whether an Officer or a Ministry Leader, are not
counted when determining a quorum.
Electronic voting via email or online meeting on a motion is permitted between in-person
meetings of the Church Council. An email vote on a motion is only valid if the motion is
sent to all voting members of the Council. A quorum is determined using the rules above
based on all responses received within 24 hours of the initial email of the motion. The first
affirmative response after the initial email shall be considered the second if no other
second to the motion is made. An online meeting shall follow the rules of notice for special
meetings of the Council, and follows the same rules for quorum and vote of an in-person
meeting.
§6.5 Regular Meetings
The Church Council shall meet monthly, unless otherwise designated by the Church
Council.
§6.6 Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Church Council may be called at any time by the Moderator,
Church Clerk, or any three members of the Church Council.
§6.7 Notice of Special Meetings
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Written notice of the time and place of Special meetings of the Church Council shall be
sent to all the members thereof at the last address shown upon the records of the church,
via the United States Postal Service, charges prepaid, at least 72 hours prior to the time of
the holding of such meeting.Special meetings of the Church Council shall be held upon
four days’ notice by first class mail or 48 hours’ notice delivered personally or by
electronic means, including a voice messaging system or by email transmission to all
members of the Council. Whenever all of the members are present at any Church Council
meeting, or sign in writing a waiver of such notice, or ratify in writing the acts taken by the
Church Council at such meeting, then the transactions thereof are valid, however called or
noticed.
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§6.8 Officers & Executive Committee
The oOfficers of the church shall consist of:
(a) The Moderator (President of the corporation), (b) The Vice- Moderator (Vice -President of the corporation), (c) The Church Clerk (Secretary of the corporation), and (d) The Treasurer (Treasurer of the corporation).
The Councilor (who is usually the past Moderator) is a voting member of the Church
Council, but not an officer. The Executive Committee of the Church Council shall consist
of the Officers of the church. The Executive Committee, with the addition of the Pastor,
shall serve as the Human Resources and Budget Committees. Other responsibilities may
be designated to the Executive Committee by the Council.
§6.9 Moderator
The Moderator shall preside at the Church Council and at all meetings of the membership,
serving as ex officio member of all Ministries. The Moderator shall have the right to vote
on the Church Council but not when serving ex officio on a Ministry. The Moderator is the
Executive Officer of the church.
§6.10 Vice -Moderator
The Vice -Moderator, in the absence or disability of the Moderator, shall perform the
duties and powers of the Moderator. Whenever the Moderator is absent from a meeting
of a Ministry, then the Vice -Moderator may attend as an ex officio member thereof. The
Vice -Moderator shall be the chair of the Nomination Committee.
§6.11 Church Clerk The Church Clerk shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the church membership.
The Church Clerk shall give notice of all meetings of the Church Council and of the
meetings of the members when required by the Bylaws and shall do such other acts as
usually pertain to the office of Church Clerk. The Church Clerk shall keep the membership
roster to date, including the date and mode of reception, and shall issue letters of transfer
when so directed by the Church Council. The Church Clerk is the custodian of all records
and documents of the church.
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§6.12 Treasurer The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the church and shall see thatkeep an
accurate account of all receipts and disbursements is kept. including individual records of
all moneys paid to the church. The Treasurer's books shall be open to any member of the
church at any reasonable time upon request and shall be reviewed annually. The Treasurer
shall pay only the bills, obligations, and expenses of the church from the particular funds
allotted therefore, and only if same have been designated in the budget or have been
specifically authorized to be paid by the Church Council. The Treasurer is not responsible
for approval of bills, obligations, and debts, but only the timely payment of them. The
Treasurer shall keep all vouchers and receipts of all disbursements, and shall make such
reports as the Church Council may direct. The Treasurer shall send giving statements to
the membership as of the third quarter and the end of the fiscal or calendar year at
minimum.
ARTICLE 7: MINISTRY
§7.1 In General The Ministries of the church shall be the Worship Ministry, Education Ministry, Mission
Ministry, Fellowship Ministry, Member Care Ministry, Buildings and Grounds Ministry,
Pastoral Relations Ministry, Invitation Ministry, and the Conference Liaison Ministry.
defined by the Church Council based on the current needs of the church. The Ministries
and their responsibilities shall be maintained by the Church Council in a Policy &
Procedures document.
§7.2 Ministry Leaders Each Ministry shall have one Leader who is elected by the congregation at an annual
meeting, or appointed by the Church Council acting in between meetings of the
congregation. The vision and purpose of San Dimas Community Church are lived out in
the work of the Ministries of the church. As such, each Ministry Leader is the keeper of
that vision with regard to his or her Ministry area.
§7.2 Membership
Ministry members are those church members nominated who choose to serve on that
Ministry and who are installed at the Annual meeting or, in the case of a vacancy,
appointed by the Church Council. Ministry members elect the Ministry Chair who
represents that Ministry as a member of the Church Council. A Ministry Chair may
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designate another Ministry member to represent that Ministry at Church Council
meetings with full voting privileges.
§7.3 Organization Each Ministry shall hold an organizational meeting at the regularly scheduled meeting of
the Ministry immediately following the Annual meeting. Each Ministry shall meet monthly
unless otherwise determined by such Ministry.
No person shall serve as Chair of any Ministry for more than three consecutive years. A
simple majority shall constitute a Ministry quorum and only the members of such Ministry
shall be entitled to vote on matters before it. The position on any Ministry shall be deemed
vacant upon the absence of any member thereof for three consecutive meetings without
notifying the Chair or Vice-Chair. Each Ministry shall have the power and duty to establish
policies and procedures, appoint sub-committees responsible to it, and act within the
scope of its jurisdiction. Each Ministry shall keep true and correct minutes of their
meeting, which shall be open to inspection by any member. The Chair or designated
representative of each Ministry shall report to the Church Council its activities and action
taken at their previous respective meeting. At the end of the church year, each Ministry
shall be responsible for submitting to the Church Clerk an Annual Report of its Ministry
activities during that year.
§7.4 Jurisdiction of Worship Ministry The Worship Ministry shall collaborate with the pastor in all religious functions of the
church, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Providing for substitute Pastor during a temporal absence of the Pastor, or in the event
of a change of Pastors, until a permanent successor has been appointed. (b) Coordinating the overall worship program. (c) Providing for ushers, door greeters, acolytes, and others whose duties are required in
worship services. (d) Providing for decoration of the sanctuary. (e) Providing for the music of the church, including the supplying, hiring and discharging of
the organist, music director, and soloist, and the selection and purchase of hymnals. (f) Hiring and discharging of the nursery care provider, and ensuring that adequate
nursery care is available during each worship service. (g) Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
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§7.5 Jurisdiction of Education Ministry The Education Ministry shall have charge of the educational activities of the church,
including but not limited to the following:
(a) Having charge and supervision of the Church School and adult education classes. That
supervision shall include personnel, curriculum, and facilities. (b) Promoting, encouraging, supervising or sponsoring church youth activities, and
providing both facilities and leadership for Junior and Senior High Youth Groups,
Confirmation Classes, and Church School. (c) Ensuring that all personnel working with children and youth, paid and volunteer,
comply with the Youth Protection Policy. (d) Promoting and encouraging attendance of youth and adult programs at Pilgrim Pines
Camp. (e)Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
§7.6 Jurisdiction of Mission Ministry The Mission Ministry shall have charge of the mission activities of the church, including
but not limited to the following:
(a) Making a careful study of the current world, national and local needs, promoting an
educational program throughout the entire church, and challenging the membership to
active participation in Christian Mission. (b) Coordinating, scheduling, and promoting mission giving of the church through regular
and special offerings of money and materials, and moneys dedicated to missions in the
annual budget. (c) Coordinating, scheduling, and promoting mission work of the church including
oversight of the San Dimas chapter of the Pomona Valley Hunger Project. (d) Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
§7.7 Jurisdiction of the Buildings and Grounds Ministry The Buildings and Grounds Ministry shall have charge of property administration and
upkeep of the physical plant, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Providing adequate and safe facilities. (b) Providing for maintenance and repair of all church properties and beautification of
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same, including the hiring and discharging of personnel for that purpose. (c) Establishing and enforcing a policy for borrowing of church property. (d) Maintaining adequate insurance on all church properties as well as relevant liability
policies. (e) Recommending to the Church Council the purchase, sale, leasing, or transfer of real
property. (f) Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
§7.8 Jurisdiction of the Pastoral Relations Ministry The Pastoral Relations Ministry is a Ministry that seeks to support and maintain an open
and healthy relationship between the Pastor and members of the congregation. Its goals
are the professional growth and well-being of the Pastor and the promotion of mutual
ministry between the Pastor and the congregation.
The Pastoral Relations Ministry shall not conform to the membership requirements of all
other Ministries and shall be accountable to the congregation rather than to the Church
Council. The membership shall be flexible, three to seven members, in order to establish
trust and maintain confidentiality. The Ministry should meet at least quarterly and should
make an annual report to the congregation. The Pastoral Relations Ministry shall have one
vote at Church Council, as does each other Ministry.
Both the Pastor and the congregation should have input to the selection of the Ministry.
The Pastor and Church Council shall submit names to the nominating committee. The
nominating committee then selects names from each list and recommends the slate for
election by the congregation.
The Pastoral Relations Ministry serves in two primary ways:
As an advisory group to the Pastor sharing ideas, dreams, hopes, expectations, and
concerns of the congregation with the Pastor;
As support for the Pastor's leadership by interpreting roles, functions, and needs of the
Pastor to the congregation.
Functions and responsibilities of the Pastoral Relations Ministry include, but are not
limited to the following:
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a) Understanding the pastoral and congregational roles. b) Providing a communications path between the Pastor and the church members. (c) Helping the church and the Pastor deal with conflict. This responsibility includes
seeking advice from sta of the Association, Conference, and/or mediation experts if the
level of conflict becomes high. (d) Advocating continuing education for the Pastor. (e) Advocating participation in the United Church of Christ and Ecumenical activities. (f) Reviewing the Pastor's compensation annually and advocating for fair compensation. g) Assisting in start-up with the Pastor. (h) Assisting with termination procedures. i) Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
§7.9 Jurisdiction of the Invitation Ministry The Invitation Ministry is responsible for the promotion of the church within the
community at large and for the care and follow-up of guests until such time as they
become members or associate members, or elect to continue searching for a church home
elsewhere. Its duties include but are not limited to:
(a) Providing for an evangelism program in the community to communicate the church's
identity and welcome, and inviting guests to the church fellowship.
(b) Organizing the church to effectively welcome and orient first-time guests to the
church, and following up with visits, gifts, and or cards.
(c) Organizing the church to continue welcoming and inviting newer attendees to active
participation until such time as they become active participants in church life.
(d) Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
§7.10 Jurisdiction of Fellowship Ministry The Fellowship Ministry is responsible for organizing the fellowship events of the church
not organized by another ministry or group. The purpose of fellowship is to strengthen the
bonds of relationship and support among members and friends. Responsibilities include
but are not limited to:
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(a) Coordinating setup, food, and cleanup for fellowship time after worship.
(b) Coordinating and promoting special church social events, such as picnics, and special
celebrations in the life of the church.
(c) Recommending to the Church Council all budget appropriations necessary for the
functioning of this Ministry.
§7.11 Jurisdiction of Conference Liaison Ministry The Conference Liaison Ministry is responsible for coordinating and reporting the events
of the Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ Annual
Gathering, as well as Eastern Association meetings at which San Dimas Community
Church may be represented. Delegates shall be selected by the Nominating Committee.
The Ministry shall assist the Nominating Committee in the selection of delegates as
appropriate and shall coordinate the logistics of attendance for Conference and Eastern
Association events. Liaison assures that Conference and Eastern Association event
information is reported back to the church. The Church Council approves delegates. The
number of delegates is restricted to conference guidelines based on membership size.
§7.12 Mustard Seed Endowment Fund Committee
"The Mustard Seed Endowment Fund Committee will be established to receive, invest, and distribute the endowment funds in accordance with the policies established by the Church Council. The Committee will consist of three members. The Pastor and Moderator of the Church Council shall be ex o cio members of the committee with no vote. The Committee will meet a minimum of once per year. Member terms will be 3 years.
ARTICLE 8: ELECTIONS
§8.1 Nominating Committee Each year, the Nominating Committee, as appointed by the Church Council, shall
nominate the Moderator, Vice- Moderator, Church Clerk, and Treasurer, Mustard Seed
Endowment Fund Committee member(s) and one Councilor to serve one year terms and
membersLeaders for each of the Ministries to serve one year terms. The Vice -Moderator
from one year may be nominated as the Moderator during the next year. Likewise, the
Moderator may be nominated as the Councilor.
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ARTICLE 9: MISCELLANEOUS
§9.1 Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the church shall be the period from January 1 through December 31.
§9.2 Meetings All members of the church have the right and privilege of attending any or all meetings of
the Ministries and the Church Council except for that portion of a meeting when
personnel matters are being considered.
§9.3 Amendment to Bylaws The Bylaws may be amended at the Annual meeting, or any Special Congregational
meeting called for that particular purpose, providing that a copy of the proposed
amendment be distributed at least 10 days before such election to every member eligible
to vote. A quorum is required to convene such a meeting. The Bylaws may be amended by
a majority vote of the members present.
§9.4 Dissolution Upon dissolution of the church and satisfaction of all indebtedness, its assets and all
property and interests of which it shall then be possessed, including any bequest, gift or
grant contained in any will or other instrument, in trust or otherwise, made before or after
such dissolution, shall be transferred to the Southern California Nevada Conference of
the United Church of Christ, unless otherwise prohibited by the terms of the conveyance.
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