Section 1 Name |
The name of this Church shall be The First Parish of Westwood, United Church. |
Section 1. Covenant |
The First Parish of Westwood, United Church, shall
exist under the following covenant: “In the love of truth and in the
spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and to God’s service. We are united in striving to know the will
of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in the
ways of the Lord, made know or to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church
of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all mankind, exalting the worship of the
one true God, and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of
justice, the reign of peace and the realization of human brotherhood. Depending, as did our fathers and mothers,
upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, we
work and pray for the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God;
and we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting.” |
Section 2. Denominational affiliations |
This Church shall maintain membership in the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian-Universalist Association by contributions to and participation in the activities of these associations. |
Section 3. Obligations of
Membership
|
Members are expected to be willing and faithful in the performance of the duties essential to the Christian life, to attend the services of the Church, to support the Church financially and to share in the Church’s work and its ministries. |
Section 1. Real Property |
Real property shall include all real estate (land and buildings), equipment, and other physical assets with a current value in excess of $2500. No real property in which The First Parish of Westwood, United Church has an interest shall be sold, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of unless such sale, mortgage or other disposition has been authorized by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members of the Parish present and voting at a meeting duly called for this purpose. The Treasurer of the Church shall have the authority to execute and deliver on behalf of the Church all deeds, notes, mortgages and other documents necessary for any sale, mortgage or other disposition duly voted as aforesaid. |
Section 2. Financial Property |
Financial Property shall consist of all the financial assets of the Church, including cash and financial obligations like money market funds, bond funds, mutual funds, stocks, etc. Financial property may be sold, traded or liquidated within the context of the Church’s Investment Policy as may be approved by the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations. |
Section 1. Members
|
The
Church Administrator under the direction of the Ministry of Stewardship,
Finance and Operations shall maintain the list of all persons in full and
legal membership of the First Parish of Westwood, United Church. There shall be these classes of members: a. Members –These members consider First Parish to be their Church, they participate in Church activities to the best of their abilities and health, and they share in the financial obligations of the Church. These members may live away from First Parish for much of the year. The Members living away consider First Parish to be their Church and have ties to the Church through family and friends. Youth members no longer living locally with their parents, or members who have moved away yet wish to remain affiliated with First Parish are still members. Members vote at Church meetings. b. Honorary Members – These members are recommended by the Ministry of Worship or the Church Council in recognition of outstanding service or loyalty to the Church and are approved by a vote of the Members of the Church at a Church Meeting. Those persons who no longer participate in nor actively support the Church or otherwise cease meeting the criteria for Church membership will be designated Inactive Status. Persons of Inactive Status are ineligible to vote at Church meetings. They have been communicated with and made inactive either voluntarily or as a result of action by the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations as further provided below. It is the intention that the Inactive status is temporary, pending a decision to move them to Members or make them non-members. The names of Members and dates of joining are to be recorded in the register of membership along with membership history. |
Section 2. New Members
|
Any
persons in sympathy with the principles and purposes of this Church, after a
minimum of six months involvement in the life of the Church and after
consultation with the Pastor and representatives of the Ministry of
Discipleship and Education may become a Member of this Church by agreeing to
the covenant at a regular service of worship and by signing the Parish
register. |
Section 3. Termination and
transfer of membership
|
a. The Church Administrator
shall remove names of deceased members from the membership register, with
notification to the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations. b. Any member may terminate
their membership, or change their status, by written notice to that effect
filed with the Church Administrator.
The Administrator shall notify the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and
Operations that the member’s name is being removed from the register or
reclassified. c. Any member in good and
regular standing who desires a letter of transfer and recommendation to
another church may receive it upon written application filed with the Church
Administrator. The Administrator
shall notify the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations that a
member has transferred their membership to another church. d. The Pastor and Ministry of
Stewardship, Finance and Operations shall, at least every three years, review
the list of Members and persons of Inactive Status and, after kindly efforts
to make such action unnecessary, shall terminate the membership or change the
status of persons not fulfilling the obligations of membership. |
Section 1. Officers |
The Church officers shall be a Moderator, a Clerk, and a Treasurer elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one year. There may also be elected annually an Assistant Treasurer, a Collector, and an Assistant Collector. In no event shall these officers hold the same office for more than five consecutive years. Positions may be shared between two people, i.e. co-Moderator, co-Treasurer, etc. |
Section 2. Church Council and Ministries |
a. The following Church Council and Ministries shall be duly organized: i. Church Council ii. Communication Committee iii. Ministry of Worship iv. Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations v. Ministry of Mission and Service vi. Ministry of Discipleship and Education vii. Ministry of Spiritual Life and Fellowship viii. Pastor-Parish Relations Committee ix. Nominating Committee b. Ministry and Committee Membership –All members of the Church Council shall be Members of the Church. A majority of members of the Ministries listed above shall be Members of the Church. Except where approved by the Church Council, no member of any Ministry may be elected for more than two consecutive terms, or for longer than seven consecutive years, except that members of the Church Council may serve beyond such terms by virtue of their roles on various Church Ministries and Committees c. Church Council – The Church Council shall consist of the Moderator, Clerk, the Treasurer, the Pastor, three members at large (to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of three years, such terms to be staggered) the Chairperson or a delegate from the Ministries of Worship; Stewardship, Finance and Operations; Mission and Service; Discipleship and Education; and Spiritual Life and Fellowship. The Church Council may vote to also include a delegate from the Senior High Youth Fellowship as a voting member. Any shared positions on the Church Council shall be eligible for only one vote. d. Communication
Committee – The Communication Committee shall consist of the Moderator, the
Pastor, the Church Administrator and the Chairpersons or a delegate from the
Ministries of Worship; Stewardship, Finance and Operations; Mission e. Ministries of Worship; Stewardship, Finance and Operations; Mission and Service; Discipleship and Education; and Spiritual Life and Fellowship shall consist of 6 members 2 to be elected at each Annual meeting to serve for a three-year term. f. Ad-Hoc Committees shall be formed by the Church Council or as sub-committees of any Ministry or Committee as needed to deal with specific issues of the Church, a Ministry, or a Committee. |
Section 3. Responsibilities of Ministries Committees, and Teams |
a. Each Ministry, Committee, or Team of the Church shall have a defined responsibility and shall endeavor, within the context of the Mission, Vision and Plan of First Parish, to discharge its responsibility effectively. b. Where practical, terms of membership on Ministries and Committees shall be staggered to provide continuity. c. Each Ministry, Committee, and Team should contribute positively to the Church’s Strategic and Operating Plans and develop its own yearly plans. d. Unless otherwise appointed by the Church Council or Nominating Committee, each Ministry, Committee, and Team with the exception of the Communication Committee, shall elect its own Chairperson, who shall be a Member of the Church. e. Ministries, Committees, and Teams shall discharge their duties under the authority of the Constitution and By-Laws, under the Church Council, or under the auspices of the Ministry or Committee which appointed them. Team decisions and recommendations shall be communicated to, reviewed by and ultimately approved by the Committee or Ministry that appointed them. f. The Ministries and Committees listed above shall meet when necessary, but not less than five times per year. g. A simple majority vote shall be used for deciding all matters. h. Ministries and Committees shall keep timely and accurate records and shall communicate appropriately with the Communications Committee and relevant Church staff. i. Each Ministry, Committee and Team shall submit a written annual report for review at the Annual Meeting. Team reports can be incorporated into the report of the appropriate Ministry. j. In general, committee meetings are open to observation by all Members of the Church. Voice in meetings from non-Ministry and Committee members is at the discretion of the Chair, but vote is not permitted. The Chair of a committee may declare certain meetings, or portions thereof to be closed. |
Section 1: Other Committees |
The Church Council, Ministries and Committees may establish other committees, sub-committees or teams to meet the needs of the Church. Such committees, sub-committees and teams shall meet as needed and be responsible to the Church Council or the Ministry or Committee that established it. |
Section 2. Nominating committee |
The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Pastor and 2 Church Members who shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for staggered terms of two years from the adjournment of the meeting at which they were elected. |
Section 3. Pastoral Relations Committee |
The Pastor-Parish Relations Committee shall consist of 4 to 6 Members, half of whom shall be appointed by the Pastor and half by the Church Council. The Moderator shall be an ex-officio member of this Committee. |
Section 1. Auditors |
The Church shall have two auditors who shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Church for a term of one year from the adjournment of the meeting at which they are elected. |
Section 1. Annual meeting |
The Annual Meeting of this Church shall be held during the month of January, on a date to be determined by the Church Council for the purpose of electing officers, board and committee members, approving the budget and to transact such business as may properly come before the Church Membership. Church meetings are open. Members may vote. Other persons may observe the meeting and may be permitted to speak at the discretion of the Moderator. |
Section 2. Special Meetings |
Special meetings may be called by the Clerk on authority of the Church Council or upon written request of fifteen members. |
Section 3. Meeting conduct |
Church meetings shall be conducted by the Moderator in an orderly manner which allows for equitable, efficient discussion and voting on issues. |
Section 1. Pastor |
A Pastor shall be chosen or dismissed by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of all Members present and voting at a meeting of the Church called for such purpose. |
Section 2. Associate Pastor |
An Associate Pastor may be chosen or dismissed by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of all Members present and voting at a meeting of the Church called for such purpose. |
Section 3. Vacancies |
In the event of a vacancy in the position of Pastor the Moderator with approval of the Church Council shall nominate members of a Pastoral Search Committee, which shall consist, at the discretion of the Church Council, of 5 to 8 persons. The Moderator will call a meeting of the Church to elect search committee members. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. In the event of a decision to call or replace an Associate Pastor, the same process shall be followed. |
Section 1. Fiscal Year |
The Church’s fiscal year shall run from January 1 until December 31. |
Section 1. Amendments |
The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any legal meeting of the Church, provided the nature of the change or amendment shall have been fully set forth in the Warrant of such meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Members present and voting shall be necessary for the adoption of such amendment. |
1. Moderator |
It shall be the duty of the Moderator to preside at all meetings of the Church and to serve as the Chairperson of the Church Council and of the Communications Committee. The Moderator is the Chief Executive of the Church Corporation and shall insure that the Church is operated as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws. The Moderator is the primary managerial liaison between the lay leadership of the Church and the Pastor. |
2. Treasurer |
It
shall be the duty of the Treasurer: a.
To
oversee the custody of all funds of the Church, keep accurate account of all
expenditures, to record such expenditures against the budget as adopted by
the Church, pay all bills that have been properly endorsed as prescribed by
the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operation, to render a monthly
account of all income and expenditures to the Church Council and the Ministry
of Stewardship, Finance and Operations, and to submit a complete financial
statement at the Annual Meeting. b.
After
seeking input from the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations
regarding projected sources of funds and major committees regarding Church
needs, prepare a budget for review, modification and approval by the Church
Council, and the Members of the Church. c.
The
Treasurer shall oversee the work of the Assistant Treasurer, if any. d.
The
Treasurer shall handle the accounts of all Trust Funds and shall furnish a
report of the income there from to the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and
Operations. e. The Treasurer may be bonded in such amount as the Church Council may designate. f. The Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio of the Church Council and of the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations. g. In so far as is practical the Church shall separate the recording of revenues from the disbursement of funds. |
3. Accountant |
The Church may hire an accountant who shall work under the direction of the Treasurer and who shall keep the Church’s books in an accurate state in a professional manner. The Accountant may be the Treasurer. |
4. Collector |
The
Collector may be an employee of the Church.
It shall be the duty of the Collector: a.
To
keep an accurate account of all receipts to be applied toward current
expenses and benevolences and such other receipts as directed by the
Treasurer and to report the same to the Treasurer in a monthly statement and
at such other times as may be requested. b.
The
Collector shall make an appropriate acknowledgment of all gifts received. c.
At
least 3 times per year, the Collector shall send out statements to all who
have pledged to the support of the Church showing recorded contributions to
date. d.
The
Collector may be bonded in such amount as the Church Council shall designate. e.
The
Collector shall communicate individual pledge performance to the Pastor,
Treasurer, and Chairperson of the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and
Operations. f.
In
connection with the review of membership categories, the Chairperson of the
Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations and the Moderator may also
review pledge performance. g.
The
Collector shall be responsible to the Treasurer and shall perform such other
duties as delegated by the Treasurer. h.
The
Assistant Collector may assist the Collector in all of the above duties and
may be bonded. |
5. Church Council |
It
shall be the duty of the Church Council: a. To assume general
responsibility for the administration of the affairs, concerns, and programs
of the Church, to be responsible for long range planning, evangelism and
Church growth and to formulate or approve Church policies subject to such
directions as may be given at Church meetings. b. To approve such special
committees and delegates to conferences as may be required and proposed by
the Church Council or the Moderator. c. To vote on the recommendation
of the Nominating Committee to fill vacancies occurring in any office,
Ministry, or standing committee of the Church during the year in cooperation
with such office, Ministry or standing committee, such appointments to be
effective until the next Annual Meeting. d. Work with the Pastor,
Moderator and Ministry Chairs to Develop the Strategic and Operating Plans including
the assessment and reporting of progress toward key goals. e. To oversee the work of all
officers, committees, Ministries, Teams and organizations of the Church and
be responsible for the over-all planning and evaluating of the Church
programs. f.
To
approve the tentative Church Budget, submitted by the Treasurer and approved
by the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations and subsequent thereto
to approve any revision thereof prior to its presentation to the Church for
adoption at the Annual Meeting. g. To elect an Assistant
Moderator from the members at large to serve in the absence of the Moderator
at Church Council and Church meetings. |
6. Communications Committee |
a. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for meeting immediately before the Ministries’ meetings to share the agendas for each Ministry meeting and coordinate all activities that impact more than one Ministry to insure the smooth operation of the various Ministries and of the Church in general. b. The Communications Committee shall also be responsible for documenting and publicizing the activities of the Church and its various Ministries. c. The Communications Committee shall also ensure that each Ministry is familiar with the activities planned and actions of the other Ministries. |
7. Nominating Committee |
The
Nominating Committee will meet as needed during the year to help Ministries
recruit for teams. The Nominating
Committee shall also be responsible for nominating persons to fill vacancies
in elected positions between annual meetings. Such nominations shall be acted upon by the Church Council. |
8. The Ministry of Worship |
a.
The
Ministry, in full appreciation of the historical role of Deacons in the
Church, shall have general oversight of the services of worship and be responsible
for working in concert with the Pastor(s) on all aspects of the worship life
of the Church. Proactively gathering
feedback, it shall work closely with the Pastor(s) in seeing that services
are conducted regularly and fittingly.
The Ministry shall be responsible for preparing for and participating
in the sacraments of baptism and communion, for providing ushers for regular
and special services, and for special services and celebrations conducted
when appropriate. The Ministry shall
also be responsible for the hospitality and welcome of worshipers. b.
The
Ministry shall have general oversight of the music program of the
Church. The Ministry shall be
responsible for the Choir Director and Organist and that the music program is
well directed and supported. The Ministry shall have overall responsibility
for any concerts or musical series. c.
The
Ministry shall provide for substitute ministers in the temporary absence of
the Pastor and shall select and recommend to the Church Council, a candidate
or candidates for interim supply of the pulpit in case of prolonged absence
or resignation of the Pastor or the Associate Pastor d. The Chairperson of the Ministry of Worship and the Moderator
shall be responsible for the process of Pastoral evaluation, which shall occur
at least annually with input from other Ministries and Church leaders. There
should be informal follow-up to the review as needed. e. The Ministry shall carry out as many of its responsibilities
through the creation of Teams as it sees fit. These Teams will report to the Ministry and have authority to
take action in the area designated by the Ministry, so long as the action
does not require financial funding that exceeds the money approved by the
Ministry from its budget. All event
dates are to be calendared through the Communications Committee and the
Church Office. |
9. Ministry of Stewardship Finance and Operations |
a.
The
Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations shall be the Trustees of and
have charge of the Real and Financial Property of The First Parish of
Westwood, United Church. b.
The
Ministry shall develop and, upon approval by the Church Council, implement an
Investment Policy for the Church, consistent with the Church’s mission and
the laws of the State of Massachusetts. c.
The
Ministry shall hold, manage, invest, and re-invest consistent with the
Investment Policy of the Church the trust funds of the Church with full
authority to sell and to purchase other securities at its discretion and to
cause the name of the Church to be signed by its Treasurer to any and all
instruments which may be necessary to effect or complete any purchase, sale,
transfer, mortgage discharge, or substitution of deposits or securities. d.
The
Ministry shall keep records of all business transactions and meetings and
report the condition of the real and financial property of the Church at each
Annual Meeting. e.
The
Ministry shall administer the membership records of the Church and shall be
responsible for related payments to various denominational organizations. f.
The
Ministry shall work with the Treasurer to develop a suitable budget and to
adjust such budget during the course of the year to insure the financial well
being of the Church. g.
The
Ministry shall supervise and approve all expenditures of Church funds in
conformity with the approved or modified budget, and they may formulate such
policies deemed necessary to discharge this function properly. h.
The
monthly financial report of expenditures and income shall be submitted to the
Church Council and the Church Council may vote to adjust expenditures to
insure the financial health of the Church. i.
In
case of the death, disability, or absence of the Treasurer and Assistant
Treasurer, the Chairperson of the Ministry shall be empowered to sign checks. j.
The
Ministry shall be charged with the responsibility for the care and
maintenance of all Church property and equipment. The Ministry shall be
responsible for insuring the Church properties against loss, for the personal
policies of the Church, for the recording and using of Memorials and Special
Gifts and for long range facilities planning. The Ministry is responsible for
the general oversight of the custodian(s) and office staff. |
|
9. Ministry of Stewardship Finance and Operations (continued) |
k.
The
Ministry shall be responsible, working with the Pastor, for developing and
overseeing a pledge campaign and other fund raising efforts to raise funds
for various purposes of the Church. l.
This
Ministry shall be responsible for the sale of any real property with a value
of less than $2500, or, after an appropriate vote of the Church, the sale of Real
Property with a value above $2500. The Ministry shall carry out as many of its responsibilities through the creation of Teams as it sees fit. These Teams will report to the Ministry and have authority to take action in the area designated by the Ministry, so long as the action does not require financial funding that exceeds the money approved by the Ministry from its budget. All event dates are to be calendared through the Communications Committee and the Church Office. |
10. Ministry of Mission and Service |
a.
The
Ministry shall direct the financial and human resources of the Church to
support outreach, mission and service. This includes the support of mission efforts both by
individuals and groups within the Church, the education of Church members as
to giving and service opportunities and the study and advocacy of mission and
justice issues. b.
The
Ministry shall be responsible for advocating and interpreting the worldwide
mission of the Church in all its aspects at all levels. c.
The
Ministry shall recommend, to the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and
Operations, the Church’s annual outreach budget and authorize the use of
unallocated funds. d. The Ministry shall carry out as many of its responsibilities
through the creation of Teams as it sees fit. These Teams will report to the Ministry and have authority to
take action in the area designated by the Ministry, so long the action does
not require financial funding that exceeds the money approved by the Ministry
from its budget. All event dates are calendared through the Communications
Committee and the Church Office. |
11. Ministry of Discipleship and Education |
a.
The
Ministry shall be responsible for Christian education and faith formation
programs for children, Church youth, confirmands, adults, new members and
persons with special needs. b.
The
Ministry shall work collaboratively with the Director of Christian Education
to insure effective programs. c.
The
Ministry shall be responsible for the training and support of Teams. d.
The
Ministry shall be responsible for oversight of the Director of Christian
Education. e.
The
Ministry shall be responsible for care and education of prospective and new
members and shall in concert with the Pastor recommend any new members to
Church. f.
The Ministry shall carry out as many of
its responsibilities through the creation of Teams as it sees fit. These Teams will report to the Ministry
and have authority to take action in the area designated by the Ministry, so
long as the action does not require financial funding that exceeds the money
approved by the Ministry from its budget.
All event dates are calendared through the Communications Committee
and the Church Office. |
|
12. Ministry
of Spiritual Life and Fellowship |
a. The Ministry shall be responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of the congregation through health ministries, lay visitation, and support groups. b. The Ministry shall be responsible for fellowship and community building activities among the members and adherents of the Church. c. The Ministry shall carry out as many of its responsibilities through the creation of Teams as it sees fit. These Teams will report to the Ministry and have authority to take action in the area designated by the Ministry, so long as the action does not require financial funding that exceeds the money approved by the Board from its budget. All event dates are calendared through the Communications Committee and the Church Office. |
13. Auditors |
It shall be the duty of the auditors, annually, at the close of the fiscal year, to audit the books of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Collector and the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations and to report the results thereof at the Annual Meeting. The audit shall focus on the reasonable accuracy of the Church’s income statement and balance sheet. |
14. Church Meetings |
a.
Warrant
for Meetings: The warrant for the
Annual Meeting and any Special Meeting of the Church shall be read at a
Sunday service and posted in a conspicuous location at the Meeting House and
at the Parish House at least eight days before the time of the meeting. The purpose of a Special Meeting shall be
stated in the warrant. b. Quorum: Fifty members shall constitute a quorum at all Church
Meetings. |
15. Pastor and Associate Pastor |
The
Pastor shall: a.
Have
charge of all services of worship and shall either officiate or designate
someone else to officiate at all services. b.
Be
ex-officio member of all Committees and Ministries of the Church. c.
Direct
the work of all staff including roles, responsibilities and performance d.
Work
with the Church staff, Moderator, Church Council and Ministry chairs to
develop the Long Range Plan and yearly operating plans including the main
initiatives of the Church. e.
Oversee
the work of any Associate Pastor, student assistants, and all other employed
staff of the Church. f.
Make
recommendations to the Pastoral Relations Committee (in the case of the
Associate Pastor and any student assistants) and to the Ministry of
Stewardship, Finance and Operations (in the case of all other employees)
regarding their remuneration and conditions of employment, and g.
Submit
a report of the Pastor’s work and activities to the Annual Meeting of the
Church. h.
Periodically
report to the Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Operations on the
resources and general nature of expenditures from the Pastor’s Discretionary
Fund. The
Associate Pastor, if any, shall: a. Have the duties and
responsibilities of the Pastor, when required, in the latter’s absence, and b. Assist the Pastor in the performance of the Pastor’s work and
activities under the direction of the Pastor. |
16. Amendments |
These
By-Laws may be amended at any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting called for
that purpose, by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the Members present and
voting. |
17. Transitional issues at time of adoption |
At the time that these By-laws are adopted, all elected positions in the new Church Council, Ministries and Committees will be considered to be vacant and the outgoing Nominating Committee and the Pastor will present a slate of candidates to fill these positions. |