CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

OF

PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

REDDING, CALIFORNIA

 

 

Adopted, October 12, 1997

Revised /Approved 9/24/2000

 

 

PREAMBLE

We affirm that the Church is the people of God, laity and clergy alike, both sharing a mutual responsibility for the care, health and growth of the Church. We believe that the local church is an outcrop in a particular place of the Church Universal. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our endeavors to fulfill our mutual responsibilities, and we declare that our faith rests "not...in the wisdom of man but in the power of God."

(I Corinthians 2:5)

 

 

PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

REDDING, CALIFORNIA

Table of Contents

I.

   Name ............................................................... 1
II.   Polity, Faith and Covenant.................................. 4
III.   Membership....................................................... 33
IV.   Governing Body ................................................ 44
V.   Meetings of the Congregation ............................. 62
VI.   Church Council ................................................. 90
VII.   Officers ............................................................ 137
VIII.   Ministers .......................................................... 210
IX.   Boards ............................................................. 244
X.   Finance ............................................................ 368
XI.   Endowment Fund ............................................. 376
XII.   Elections .......................................................... 389
XIII.   Dissolution ....................................................... 391
XIV . Amendments .................................................... 399
XV.   Effective Date .................................................. 401
XVI.   Implementation ................................................ 404
XVII.   Sexual Misconduct ........................................... 411
    Organization Chart ........................................... after 417

 

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this corporation is Pilgrim Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ, Redding, California, hereinafter referred to as the/this church.

ARTICLE II - POLITY, FAITH AND COVENANT

SECTION 1, POLITY

This church shall be part of the United Church of Christ and shall sustain that relationship to the United Church of Christ described in those portions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ adopted July 4, 1961, and as subsequently amended, relating to local churches.

The government of this church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject in legal matters to the Articles of Incorporation granted by the State of California.

While this church is amenable to no ecclesiastical judicatory, it accepts the obligation of mutual counsel, comity and cooperation involved in the free fellowship of the United Church of Christ.

.

SECTION 2, FAITH

The purpose of this church shall be to worship God; to preach the gospel of Jesus of Nazareth; to celebrate the sacraments; to preserve, promote and extend the heritage of the Christian church and the Church Universal; to render loving service toward mankind; and to strive actively for righteousness, justice and peace in our daily lives; and to affirm the validity of corporate worship with people of other creeds and covenants.

SECTION 3, COVENANT

We subscribe to the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ and the following covenant unites us in the fellowship of this local church:

We covenant one with another to seek and respond to the word and the will of God. We purpose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church to witness to the Gospel in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth in all the world, while worshiping God and striving for truth, justice and peace. As did our fathers and mothers, we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We pray for the kingdom of God among us, and as it is still to come, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

This church welcomes into membership all persons who have been received by affirmation of the congregation, as provided for in the Policy and Procedure Manual, and who:

  • Intentionally pursue the Christian life through the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth,
  • Participate responsibly in the life and work of this church,
  • Attend with regularity the worship services of this church,
  • Encourage others to join in the mission of the church, and
  • Contribute to its support in proportion to their ability.
    •

    Members who, for a period of two years, have neither communicated with the church nor contributed to its support may be removed from membership by majority vote of the congregation.

    .

    ARTICLE IV - GOVERNING BODY

    Section 1 The governing body of the church is its members, hereinafter called the congregation. A meeting of the congregation shall occur at least once a year (see Article V, Meetings of the Congregation). Between meetings of the congregation, authority is delegated to the Church Council in all matters except those listed in Article IV, Sections 2-A, 2-B, and 2-C.

    Section 2-A The congregation reserves the following powers:

  • 1) Election of a pastoral search committee.
  • 2) Election of church officers and board members.
  • 3) Final action on any major financial program including the adoption of an annual budget.
    •

    Section 2-B The congregation also reserves the following powers:

  • 1) Authorization to purchase, sell, convey, mortgage, encumber, lease real property and accept unusual gifts.
  • 2) Election or dismissal of a called member of the ministerial staff.
  • 3) Merger or affiliation with another church or denomination.
  • 4) Adoption and amendment of the bylaws.

    • Section 2-C Congregation reserves the power to dissolve the church in accordance Article XIII.

    ARTICLE V - MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION

    Section 1 An annual meeting of the congregation shall be held during the winter (January thru March) on a date selected by the Church Council. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to review the work of the church, approve a budget for the new year, fill all vacant elected positions, and transact such other business as may come before the congregation.

    Section 2 Other meetings of the congregation may be called by the moderator, the Church Council, any board, the Senior Minister, or by the written request of twenty members of the congregation.

    Section 3 Prior to any meeting of the congregation, the church shall send a notice to each member stating matters to be addressed at the meeting. Notices shall be sent by first-class mail, postmarked at least ten days prior to the meeting.

    Section 4 A quorum is required to conduct business. Ten percent of the membership, or 50 members, whichever is the lesser, shall constitute a quorum, except in special situations enumerated in Article IV, Section 2-B, for which twenty percent or 100 members, whichever is the lesser, shall constitute a quorum, and in Article IV, Section 2-C, for which thirty percent or 150 members, whichever is the lesser, shall constitute a quorum.

    Section 5 All propositions shall be decided and all elected positions filled by a majority vote of those present and voting, except those powers reserved to the congregation in Article IV, Sections 2-B and 2-C, which require a two-thirds vote.

    Section 6 The moderator shall preside at all meetings. In the moderator’s absence, the line of succession shall be the vice-moderator or another member of the Church Council to be selected by that board.

    Section 7 The clerk shall serve as recorder at all meetings. In the clerk’s absence a secretary pro-tem shall be appointed by the moderator.

    Section 8 The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary guide at all meetings unless otherwise specified at the beginning of the meeting.

    ARTICLE VI - CHURCH COUNCIL

    Section 1 The CHURCH COUNCIL ("Council"), with a quorum present, shall act for the church except in those matters which are reserved to meetings of the congregation as provided in Article IV, Sections 2-A, 2-B, and 2-C. A simple majority of voting Council members including the Senior Minister shall constitute a quorum. The Council shall meet monthly, and at other times as determined by the moderator or the Emergency Council.

    Section 2 The Council shall be chaired by the moderator and composed of the voting members listed below. Each voting member shall have only one vote for each position.

  • Vice-moderator
  • Clerk
  • Financial Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Board Chairpersons
  • Historian/Member(s)-at-large
  •  Senior Minister who shall exercise the vote only for the purpose of breaking ties and who shall have no vote in matters involving personnel.
  • Associate Minister(s) shall be ex-officio with voice but not vote.
    •

    Section 3 The Council’s duties shall include, but not be limited to, serving as a forum for discussion of all matters pertaining to the well-being of the congregation. The Council shall establish and maintain a Policy and Procedure Manual to supplement these Bylaws. The Council shall oversee the work of the boards. Upon recommendation of the Board of Stewards, Council shall fill vacancies as they occur at other times during the year. The Council shall appoint the Endowment Fund Managers prior to the Annual Meeting. It shall appoint delegates to represent the church in denominational and ecumenical matters. The Council may delegate to individuals and groups (Task Forces) such functions as are necessary to accomplish the church’s mission.

    Section 4 To comply with the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State of California, Section 214 thereof, and tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of America, the Council shall be the Board of Directors of Pilgrim Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ of Redding, California. Its moderator shall be president of the corporation, its vice-moderator shall be vice president of the corporation, and its clerk and treasurer, respectively, shall be secretary and treasurer of the corporation.

    Section 5 An EMERGENCY COUNCIL shall serve as a crisis response team in emergency situations. In such situations, the Emergency Council has all the authority of the Council, but shall be expected to convene the Council as soon as practicable to review its actions. The Emergency Council shall be comprised of the following:

  • Moderator (or vice-moderator),
  • Clerk (or any member of the Council as acting clerk),
  • Financial secretary (or Chairperson of the Board of Stewards),
  • Treasurer (or Chairperson of the Board of Trustees), and
  • the Senior Minister (or Associate Minister).
    •

    The Emergency Council is authorized to obtain such advice and assistance as it may require.

    ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS

    Section 1 All officers shall be members of the church. The officers of this church are:

  • Moderator,
  • Vice-moderator,
  • Clerk,
  • Financial Secretary,
  • Treasurer,
  • Historian/Member(s)-at-large,
  • Senior Minster,
  • Associate Minster(s),
    •

    and others named by action of the congregation according to the provisions of Article IV,        Section 2-A.

    The moderator, vice-moderator, clerk and historian/member(s)-at-large will serve one two-year term and may serve again after a one year absence. The financial secretary and treasurer may serve two consecutive two-year terms and may serve again after a one year absence. Additionally, all officers may serve up to one year of the uncompleted term of a predecessor. All officers may delegate to individuals and groups (Task Forces) such functions as are necessary.

    Section 2 The MODERATOR shall:

  • Be an ex-officio member of all boards. He/she shall have no vote except when serving as the seventh member of the Board of Pastoral Relations,
  • Preside at all meetings of the congregation and the Council,
  • Work closely with the ministerial staff, and
  • Represent the interests of the congregation in civic, denominational and ecumenical matters when or if the Senior Minister is unable to do so.
    •

    Section 3 The VICE-MODERATOR shall:

  • Serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, of all boards,
  • Serve as parliamentarian at Council and congregational meetings,
  • Carry out the moderator's duties in the absence of the moderator and be an understudy to the moderator, and
  • Be responsible for the maintenance of the church’s Policy and Procedure Manual and serve as chairperson of any task force working on a Constitutional Amendment or revisions to the Policy and Procedure Manual.
    •

    Section 4 The CLERK shall:

  • Keep a faithful record of the proceedings of the church,
  • Oversee and report annually on the register of members, with dates and modes of their reception and removal,
  • Maintain a record of all baptisms, marriages and deaths, and
  • Issue letters of transfer and give legal notice of all meetings when such notices are necessary.
    •

    Section 5 The FINANCIAL SECRETARY shall:

    Be a voting member of the Board of Stewards,

  • Be responsible for the count of all collections to the church and their immediate deposit in such depository as the trustees shall order,
  • Provide the Treasurer with a weekly breakdown of receipts,
  • Make a monthly report to Board of Stewards and the Council of these receipts, and
  • Keep and report accurate stewardship records as directed by the Board of Stewards.
    •

    Section 6 The TREASURER shall :

  • Be a voting member of the Board of Trustees,
  • Keep records of all Fund Accounts and balances,
  • Pay the bills of the church and remit benevolence monies according to the Annual Budget and as directed by the Board of Trustees and/or the Congregation, and
  • Make a monthly report to the Board of Trustees and the Council of all disbursements.
    •

    Section 7 The HISTORIAN/MEMBER(S)-AT-LARGE shall:

  • Be responsible for maintaining the history of the church including all existing records, data and historic documents and recording relevant events as they occur,
  • Have experience on the Council and should, upon election, become familiar with the Council minutes of preceding years,
  • Serve as a communication link directly between the congregation and the Council, and
  • Serve as parliamentarian when the vice-moderator is not available.
    •

    Section 8 SENIOR MINISTER (duties described in Article VIII).

    Section 9 ASSOCIATE MINISTER (duties described in Article VIII).

    Section 10 OTHER OFFICERS may be elected as needed. The length of term will be set at the time of the office is created.

    ARTICLE VIII - MINISTERS

    Section 1 The SENIOR MINISTER shall serve as spiritual leader and executive officer. As spiritual leader, the Senior Minister shall:

  • Be responsible for all services of worship and celebration within the church, in consultation with the Board of Worship, and
  • Serve as pastor, counselor, and teacher.
  • As executive officer, the Senior Minister shall:
  • Supervise all paid staff with authority to employ and terminate employment in accordance with policies established under Article IX, Section 1,
  • Oversee the daily operations of the church,
  • Facilitate church programs,
  • Serve as official spokesperson for the church and represent the congregation in civic, denominational and ecumenical matters except when others are so authorized, and
    •
  • Perform other duties consistent with these bylaws.
    •

    Section 2 The church may call one or more ASSOCIATE MINISTERS. Associate ministers shall work collegially with the Senior Minister, assisting the Senior Minister in the performance of that office. An Associate Minister may exercise all the functions of the Senior Minister in the Senior Minister’s absence until the Council provides otherwise.

    Section 3 When a called ministerial vacancy occurs, the congregation shall elect a Pastoral Search Committee, from nominations made by the Council, which, in cooperation with the Northern California Nevada Conference, shall search for and recommend one candidate worthy of the congregation’s consideration. A minister may be called by a two-thirds vote of members present at a duly-called meeting of the congregation. The term of the minister shall be indefinite, but the agreement with the congregation may be terminated by either party sixty days after written notice has been given in accordance with Article IV, Section 2-B.

    Section 4 The Council may suspend the authority of a minister who is unable to perform the duties of the position until action can be taken by the congregation.

    Section 5 The clergy called by this congregation may continue their professional practice in this church only as long as they maintain Ministerial Standing within the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ (NCNC-UCC).

     

    ARTICLE IX - BOARDS

    Boards shall be established by the congregation to oversee the work and mission of the church. Each board member will serve a term of two years and may be reelected to one additional term. The board member shall thereafter be ineligible for re-election to that board for one year. All board members shall be members of the church. New board members shall be elected at the Annual Meeting with their terms to begin on Installation Sunday.

    All boards shall work with the Board of Trustees to develop their proposed budget. They shall have the authority to expend the funds within their budgets except when notified by the trustees that financial constraints are necessary. When the above situation arises, the Council shall, at its next regular or special meeting, establish where cuts or delays in budget items are to be made, based upon the trustees’ recommendations. Major expenditures shall be cleared with the trustees before being undertaken.

    All Boards except the Council and the Diaconate shall consist of seven (7) members. The Council is defined in Article VI, Section 2. There shall be one deacon per 30 church members. A majority of board members shall constitute a quorum for business at all authorized meetings. Boards may delegate to individuals and groups (Task Forces) such functions as are necessary.

    SECTION 1. BOARD OF PERSONNEL AND PASTORAL RELATIONS

    Section 1-A. Board of Personnel

    The Board will consist of seven (7) members including the Senior Minister. Confidentiality shall be maintained concerning all personnel issues. The Personnel Board shall:

  • Formulate and recommend policies to the Council pertaining to all Church staff except called ministers.
  • Annually review the Senior Minister’s written evaluation of the work of all church staff members.
  • Create and maintain a written personnel policy including all matters regarding employment of church staff except called ministers.
  • Make recommendations regarding non-clergy staff salaries and benefits to Trustees in time for preparation of the Annual Budget.

    • Section 1-B , Board of Pastoral Relations

    There will be a Board of Pastoral Relations for each called minister, each Board consisting of five (5) members, including the Moderator/Vice Moderator. The four remaining members of each Board shall be nominated by a joint process of the called minister to whom the Board relates and the Nominating Committee. Confidentiality shall be maintained regarding all Pastoral Relations Board matters and meetings. Each Pastoral Relations Board, relating to one called minister, Shall:

  • Act as liaison between the called minister and the congregation.
  • Meet for support and discussion of any concerns of the called minister.
  • Review and counsel with the called minister regarding his/her time constraints and services.
  • Make an annual formal evaluation of the performance of the called minister.
  • Counsel the called minister in planning, scheduling and appropriate use of all vacations, sabbatical and study leaves, as well as other absences.
  • Inform the Board of Worship of need to fill the pulpit in the absence of a called minister.
  • Meet in confidentiality with any member of the congregation by request regarding a grievance against the called minister.
  • Advise the Church Council/Trustees, in matters of salary, benefits, etc.
  • Formulate and recommend policies to the Church Council pertaining to called ministers.
  • If an irreconcilable conflict between the called minister and the Board shall arise, or if charges of professional misconduct are brought to the Board, the chairperson shall contact Conference staff for counsel and act in accordance with the procedures in the UCC Manual on the Ministry and Conference’s Supplements and Appendices.

    •  

    SECTION 2. DIACONATE

    This board shall:

  • Be responsible for the caring and sharing functions of the church and supervise each parish, visiting individuals and families and assisting the minister in pastoral care,
  • Seek ways to encourage church growth by promoting activities to attract new members, and to enhance and enrich the lives of the church family,
  • Coordinate new membership and fellowship activities,
  • Submit a list of inactive members to the congregation at the Annual Meeting, with recommendations to revise the church membership, and
  • Act on requests by former members for reinstatement.
    •

     

    SECTION 3. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

    This board shall:

  • Be responsible for the educational mission of the church and recommend policy to the Council,
  • Develop educational programs for all ages addressing mission and stewardship themes, biblical, theological and ethical studies, and
  • Recruit and train leadership, offer a full array of educational opportunities and evaluate the effectiveness of each.
    •

    SECTION 4. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

    This board shall:

  • Manage the financial and business affairs of the church except for the Endowment Fund,
  • Be custodians of its physical properties and recommend policy to the Council regarding use,
  • Advise and consult with the Board of Stewards regarding the financial needs of the church,
  • Carry out the budget as adopted and report unusual demands on said budget to the Council,
  • Have the power to buy, accept, sell, lease, or transfer personal property as needed for the operation of the church,
  • Establish accounts with banks or savings institutions as needed,
  • Establish, review and oversee special funds as needed,
  • Act as a review board for all unusual gifts to the church, and
  • Manage Memorial Fund gifts dedicated to the personal property and/or capital improvement needs of the church.

    • SECTION 5. BOARD OF STEWARDS

    This board shall:

  • Work closely with the Board of Trustees and other boards in seeking to fulfill the mission of the church, using every available means to help the congregation become "mission-minded" and "stewardship-responsive",
  • Carry out a year-round program designed to encourage the giving of personal talent, time and tithes,
  • Be responsible for preparing a slate of nominees for officers and board members to be elected at the Annual Meeting. When vacancies occur, recommend candidates to fill these vacancies to Council,
  • Give leadership in interpreting and securing support for Our Christian World Mission, and make recommendations to the Council, and
  • Plan, coordinate and execute the annual financial support program.
    •

     

    SECTION 6. BOARD OF WORSHIP

    This board shall:

  • Provide for the congregation the opportunity to worship God together at least once a week,
  • Assist in the preparation and leadership of worship services and in the sacraments of the church,
  • Oversee the music ministry of the church,
  • Provide for ushers at the services of worship and other meetings of the church,
  • Provide for pulpit supply in the absence of the minister or in case of vacancy, and
  • Make a continual study of our forms of worship, that they may ever more adequately serve as channels for our awareness of God.
    •

     

    SECTION 7. BOARD OF SOCIAL CONCERNS

    This board shall:

  • Be responsible for translating our Christian concern for the world into forms of specific action,
  • Select areas of concern for study and action by the congregation, and serve as an action arm of the church,
  • Seek to keep the congregation informed about current social issues, and
  • Cooperate with the other churches of the community and with the Conference and national structures of the United Church of Christ in study and action on social issues, recommending policy to Council with regard to social concerns, but without committing the Congregation or its individual members to particular positions.
    •

     

    ARTICLE X - FINANCE

    SECTION 1. OFFERINGS

    The church shall seek support by contribution of individuals, annually, and at other times as proposed by the congregation. Such monies shall be used for current expenses, benevolences and specific objects as approved by the congregation.

    SECTION 2. APPORTIONMENT

    The church will apportion its unrestricted donations to support the local church, and a tithe or more to the church’s wider mission and other benevolent and worthy enterprises.

    ARTICLE XI - ENDOWMENT FUND

    The Endowment Fund:

  • Shall provide a living memorial to further the mission outreach of this church apart from the general operation of the congregation.
  • The fund managers shall consist of five members who will maintain accurate records of the fund’s principal and income.
  • All principal amounts will be retained and only the income expended.
  • No portion of the income generated by the Endowment Fund shall be used for the annual operating budget.
  • Contributions to the church for said Endowment Fund may be made in cash, securities, life insurance policies, annuities, or real property.
  • All requests for disbursements from the Endowment Fund must originate through one or more of the church boards and shall be submitted to the Council for review.
    •

     

    ARTICLE XII - ELECTIONS

    The election of officers and board members shall be held at the Annual Meeting.

     

    ARTICLE XIII - DISSOLUTION

    Upon dissolution of the church and satisfaction of all indebtedness, its assets property and interest which it shall then possess, including any device, 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 Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ, unless otherwise prohibited by the terms of the instrument of conveyance. In no event shall the assets be transferred to any entity or be used for any purpose which violates Section 501 c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     

    ARTICLE XIV-AMENDMENTS

    These bylaws may be altered or amended in accordance with Article IV, Section 2-B hereof.

     

    ARTICLE XV-EFFECTIVE DATE

    The existing bylaws of the church shall be repealed in their entirety with the adoption of these bylaws. These bylaws shall take effect upon adoption by congregation.

    ARTICLE XVI - IMPLEMENTATION

    To implement these bylaws, the Council shall appoint a Task Force(s) to:

  • develop the Policy and Procedure Manual to deal with all matters not addressed herein,
  • provide for an orderly transition of current elected positions and terms of office, and
  • attend to other transition problems as they may occur.
    •

     

    ARTICLE XVII - SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

    Section 1 Any coercive or exploitive sexual conduct by authorized ministers and/or staff with parishioners, clients, or other persons with whom they are in professional relationships is totally inappropriate.

    Section 2. Allegations of any such violation of professional ethics will be immediately addressed. The Moderator will contact the Conference to seek support and assistance in investigating and adjudicating this matter.