Bylaws- St. Paul United Church of Christ

BYLAWS
OF
ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
North College Hill
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45231-5238
Revised Bylaws Adopted: 7/8/01
Amended and adopted: 7/8/01

Section 1 - Members shall pledge themselves to attend the regular worship of the church and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper; to live the Christian life; to share in the life and work of the church; to contribute to its support and benevolence; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.

Section 2 - Any member wishing to join another church may request, and be granted a Letter of Transfer.

Section 3 - A member whose address has long been unknown or who for a period of two years, in spite of spiritual care, has not attended the church’s worship or contributed to its support, may, by recommendation of the Department of Evangelism and Membership and vote of the Council, be removed from active membership. A member who by reason of geographic move is no longer able to be active in this church and who has not yet joined another church may, by their request, or vote of Council, be placed on the inactive list.

Section 4 - All members are entitled to a full share in the company and spiritual blessings of the church, and to the services of its Minister(s), officials and other workers, as well as to the Christian sympathy and concern of its members. Active members of this Congregation in good standing are entitled to voice and vote, and are eligible to be elected to an appropriate office.

Section 5 - Associate Membership may be granted to those baptized persons who are members of other United Church of Christ Churches or any other Christian Church; who for reason of residency, maintain regular attendance, etc. with St. Paul Church. An associate member has voice, but no vote and may serve on committees and teach, but cannot be elected to serve on the Church Council.

Section 1 - The Church Council shall be composed of sixteen voting members; fourteen (14) of which are elected by the Congregation; seven (7) each year for a term of two years. (The additional members are the Treasurer and Financial Secretary which are appointed positions [Article II, Sect. 13]). The Minister(s) and any other ministerial staff shall be ex officio members with voice, but no vote. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote of the members present shall be the action of the Council.

Section 2 - The Church Council members shall be elected by a majority vote cast at a congregational meeting. They shall be elected for a two-year term. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms.

Section 3 - Church Council members must be not less than 18 years of age and have been active members for one full year preceding their election.

Section 4 - Church Council members shall be publicly installed at the electing meeting or not later than two weeks following the election.

Section 5 - Nominations for the Church Council shall be made by a six member nominating committee (Article VII Sect. 6). Public notice of the nominees shall be given from the pulpit, by bulletin, newsletter or letter at least fourteen (14) days before election. Nominations may be made from the floor at the electing meeting.

The sixteen members of Council shall meet within one (1) week after the electing meeting for the purpose of electing the Executive Committee: President, First and Second Vice Presidents, and Secretary. While the Treasurer is also a member of the Executive Committee, this office is by appointment (Article II, Section 13). The Senior Minister shall preside at this organization meeting.

Section 6 - Vacancies on Council shall be filled by the Council for the unexpired term. Recommendations may come from the Nominating Committee.

Section 7 - The Church Council shall normally meet once per month. Special meetings may be called by the President. At least twelve (12) hours notice must be given each Council Member.

Section 8 - The Church Council, acting on behalf of the Congregation between meetings, shall be the policy-making body of the church and shall transact the business of the church, making provisions for determining and raising the moneys required to carry out the ministries of the Church. The Council shall keep a complete and accurate record of its proceedings, be the custodian of all church records and report to the Congregation at its annual meetings and special meetings. All acts and provisions are subject to the will and revision of the Congregation.

Section 9 - The Church Council may authorize any unbudgeted expense, if funds are available, but if the expenditure exceeds $10,000, it must receive approval of the Congregation.

Section 10 - The Church Council shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage or transfer real property without having first secured authorization from the Congregation at a duly called meeting for the consideration of the subject. Such authorization shall require a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting.

Section 11 - The Church Council shall oversee the work of all stated Departments, Diaconate, and Committees. It may appoint whatever Committees it deems necessary and shall designate the Department, if any, within which each shall function. All Departments, Societies, Organizations, Programs and Committees are accountable to the Council.

Section 12 - The Church Council shall have an Executive Committee consisting of the President, who will act as Chair, the First Vice-President, the Second Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Senior Minister (ex officio). This Committee shall be responsible for the following:

Appointing the remaining ten (10) Council Members to the various Departments and Diaconate as Chairs and Members-at-Large.
Taking whatever actions may be deemed necessary or appropriate between meetings of the Council; reporting such actions at the next meeting of the Church Council.
Scheduling facility use and fees and wedding fees in coordination with the appropriate Department.
Developing policies for inclusion in the Operations Manual.
Serving as the Personnel Committee (Article VII, Section 5).
Making recommendations to Council pertaining to capital expenditures and improvements.

Section 13 - The Church Council shall appoint a Treasurer, a Financial Secretary, and a Historian and a Building Superintendent, each for an indefinite term subject to approval and confirmation each year by the Church Council.

Section 14 - The Church Council shall appoint a Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of candidates for the Spring Annual Meeting. This committee will have six (6) members. The committee will stand from the start of the nominating process until elected candidates are installed.

Section 15 - The Church Council shall appoint an Endowment Committee consisting of six (6) members, appointed for staggered terms of 3 years. No member shall serve more than two consecutive 3 year terms.

Section 16 - The Church Council shall appoint a Health Ministries Committee which shall have four (4) appointed members, each for an indefinite term, subject to approval and confirmation each year by the Church Council. The Health Ministries Committee will also have as ex-officio members the minister(s) and certified parish nurses.

Section 17 - The Executive Committee, after consultation with the appropriate Minister, shall submit to the Council for approval a Pastoral Relations Committee* of four (4) members; appointing two (2) each year for a staggered two (2) year term. No person may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.
*When applicable, a separate Pastoral Relations Committee will be appointed for each member of the pastoral staff.

Section 18 - The Church Council shall evaluate current programs and facilities, project long term needs and make recommendations for action.

Section 1 - President. The President of the Council, also known as the President of the Congregation, shall preside at all meetings of the Council and Congregation and, in the event of a tie in voting, shall cast the deciding vote.

Section 2 - First Vice-President. The First Vice-President shall preside at meetings where the President is absent and shall chair the Diaconate (Article V, Section 2).

Section 3 - Second Vice-President. The Second Vice-President shall preside at meetings where the President and First Vice-President are absent and shall serve as Chair of the Department of Stewardship and Finance (Article V, Section 1).

Section 4 - Secretary. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the Church Council and the Congregation and conduct appropriate correspondence of the Council and Congregation.

Section 5 - Treasurer. The Treasurer shall, through normal accounting procedures, be responsible for the accurate accounting of all internal fund allocations and shall also be responsible for disbursements under the direction of the Church Council. The Treasurer shall prepare monthly reports for the Council and the annual report for the Congregation. The Treasurer’s records shall be audited annually by a Committee appointed by the President.

It shall also be the responsibility of the Treasurer to secure at least one (1) Assistant who shall become knowledgeable of the aforementioned responsibilities. The Assistant shall act on behalf of the appointed Treasurer should the Treasurer be unable to fulfill the responsibilities. This appointment(s) shall be subject to approval and confirmation annually by the Church Council.

The Treasurer is an ex officio member of the Department of Stewardship and Finance.

Section 6 - Financial Secretary. The Financial Secretary shall supervise the handling, depositing, and accounting of all incoming funds of the church.

The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for appointing money counters, who will process, on a weekly basis, all funds received. The Financial Secretary shall also prepare monthly reports for the Council and an annual report for the Congregation. The Financial Secretary’s records shall be audited annually by a Committee appointed by the President.

The Financial Secretary is an ex officio member of the Department of Stewardship and Finance.

Section 7 - Church Historian. The Church Historian shall supervise the collection, display and safe storage of materials that will document the life and times of St. Paul Church.

Section 8 – Building Superintendent. The Building Superintendent shall work in partnership with the Department of Building and Property to oversee all matters relating to the maintenance, repair, improvement, inspection, and insurance of our facilities.

Section 1 - Senior Minister. The Senior Minister responds to a call from God and this Congregation by serving as pastor, priest, and prophet. The Senior Minister shall act as the head of the Church Staff and as an ex officio member of the Church Council, the Executive Committee and all Departments and Committees in this Church.

The Senior Minister shall have overall responsibility for the spiritual nurture of the Congregation and the administration of its organizational life.

a) Vacancy--The Church Council, with input from the Congregation, shall appoint a Search Committee who shall follow Conference and Association guidelines in selecting a candidate for the Congregation’s approval as the Senior Minister. Upon accepting a call to this Church, the Minister and the Church shall join in requesting that the Association arrange for a Service of Installation. The Association, Conference, and National office shall be notified of this action.
b) Tenure--The Senior Minister shall be elected for an indefinite period. This relationship may be terminated by either party with written notice of at least three (3) months. The procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
Record of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at a duly called Congregational Meeting shall constitute written notice of termination on behalf of the Congregation. A written, signed letter by the Senior Minister to the Church Council shall constitute written notice to the Congregation on behalf of the Senior Minister.
c) Credentials and Accountability--Credentials and accountability of the Senior Minister shall be in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ as administered by the Association.
d) Duties--Specific duties and responsibilities of the Senior Minister shall be delineated in a job description approved by the Church Council.

Section 2 - Associate/Assistant Minister. The Associate/Assistant Minister(s), responding to a call from God and this Congregation/Church Council, serves as a member of the Church Staff under the direction of the Senior Minister. Each Associate/Assistant Minister shall be an ex officio member of the Church Council and any Departments or Committees to which he/she is assigned by the Senior Minister, in consultation with the Church Council.

a) Vacancy--The Council shall appoint a Search Committee who shall follow Conference and Association guidelines in selecting a candidate for the approval of the Congregation/Church Council.
When a minister accepts a call as Associate/Assistant Minister of this Church, he/she may join in requesting that the Association arrange for a Service of Installation or Recognition. The Association, Conference, and National office shall be notified of this action.
b) Tenure--The Associate/Assistant Minister shall be elected for an indefinite period. This relationship may be terminated by either party with written notice of at least three (3) months. The procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
Record of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Congregation/Church Council shall constitute written notice of termination on behalf of the Congregation. A written, signed letter by the Associate/Assistant Minister to the Church Council shall constitute written notice to the Congregation on behalf of the Associate/Assistant Minister.
c) Credentials and Accountability--Credentials and accountability of the Associate/Assistant Minister(s) shall be in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ as administered by the Association.
d) Duties--Specific duties and responsibilities of the Associate/Assistant Minister shall be delineated in a job description approved by the Church Council.

Section 3 - Other Staff. This Church may hire such other professional/non-professional (student/lay) staff as it deems necessary. All such staff are subject to the supervision of the Senior Minister in accordance with plans approved by the Executive Committee. Specific duties and responsibilities of these positions shall be delineated in job descriptions approved by the Executive Committee.

Section 1 - The Departments shall be: Department of Building and Property; Department of Christian Education; Department of Evangelism and Membership; Department of Mission and Service; Department of Stewardship and Finance.

Each Department shall be composed of not less than five (5) nor more than seven (7) members selected by the Chair and Member-at-Large.

Section 2 - The Diaconate shall have four (4) members selected by the First Vice-President and the At-Large Council Member assigned to the Diaconate, for a total of six (6) members.

Section 3 - The Departments and Diaconate may establish such committees and other organized groups as are needed to fulfill the ministry of the Church.

Section 1 - Department of Building and Property. This Department, in partnership with the Building Superintendent, shall fulfill the following:

Coordinating the maintenance of the building and grounds.
Providing for regular inspections of all facilities and systems.
Obtaining estimates and overseeing major repairs and improvements to our facilities.
Areas of Concern: Regular maintenance and beautification of building and grounds, improvements to property and any other concerns pertaining to this Department.

Section 2 - Department of Christian Education. This Department shall fulfill the following:

Section 3 - Department of Evangelism and Membership. This Department shall fulfill the following:

a) Evangelism (Empowering the members of St. Paul United Church of Christ to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.)

Developing an over-all evangelism program.
Developing materials that tell the community about St. Paul Church.
Coordinating the publicity for all events and programs of this Church.
Monitoring the Ritual of Friendship Pads for visitors and potential new members.

Planning and carrying out new member orientation and welcome.
In partnership with the Office Staff, maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the Church’s membership rolls.
Provide support and encouragement for the establishment and programs of Church related fellowship organizations and covenant groups.
In partnership with Church related organizations, sponsoring activities and programs that will enhance the spirit of fellowship.
Providing hospitality on behalf of the Church (i.e. Coffee Hours, Church Picnic, New Membership Receptions, Monthly Suppers, etc.).
Support the work of the Church Historian.
Maintaining a Telephone Committee to contact all members when a special need arises.
Plan, promote, and carry out a program of activities that will encourage the spiritual growth of the Church and its members.

c) Any other concerns which might pertain to the evangelism program and membership of this Church.

Section 4 - Department of Mission and Service. This Department shall fulfill the following:

Section 5 - Department of Stewardship and Finance. This Department shall fulfill the following:

a) Stewardship and Income

Providing a year-round stewardship education program.
Coordinating an annual pledge/commitment drive.
Receiving and acknowledging memorial contributions.
In partnership with the Financial Secretary, monitoring all income of this Church.
Coordinating fund raising activities of the Church.

Establishing an annual operating budget for the approval of the Congregation.
In partnership with the Treasurer, monitoring expenditures and fund balances.
Review the receipt, investment, and expenditures of the Endowment Fund.
Approving expenditure of memorial funds.

c) Any other concerns pertaining to the Stewardship or Financial life of this Church.

Section 6—Diaconate. The Diaconate shall be responsible for the spiritual nurture of the Church and assist the Minister(s) in the worship life and the pastoral care of the Congregation. Coordinators shall oversee the following areas: Traditional Worship Services, Contemporary Worship Services, Pastoral Nurture and Care, and All-Church Worship and Special Projects.
a) Traditional Worship Services

Scheduling, planning and evaluating worship.
Recruiting, training, and scheduling ushers, liturgists, acolytes, communion servers, Children’s Chancel Gathering leaders, sound and light technicians, and speakers to give announcements.

Scheduling, planning and evaluating worship.
Recruiting and scheduling speakers.
Preparing and operating multi-media presentations.

Arranging for altar and seasonal flowers.
Coordinating weddings.
Coordinating funeral luncheons for bereaved families and friends.
Ministering to the grieving, hospitalized, recently discharged, chronically ill and shut-ins.
Coordinating the Tape Ministry.
Coordinating prayer requests and the Prayer Chain.
Coordinating the Confirmation Program.

Reviewing and establishing policies for our music ministry.
Preparation of sacraments.
Arranging for seasonal decorations.
Providing and caring for liturgical equipment and supplies.

e) Any other concerns which might pertain to the worship life or pastoral care of the Congregation.

Section 1 - Endowment Committee. The committee shall promote and manage the Endowment Fund of this Church and report quarterly to the Department of Stewardship and Finance and annually to the Congregation.

Section 2 - Nominating Committee. This Committee shall prepare a slate of at least seven (7) candidates for Council and a list of Delegates to the Assembly, the Association and Conference. They shall also nominate members to serve on the Nursery School Board. This slate shall be presented each year to the Spring Annual Meeting of the Congregation.

Section 3 - Pastoral Relations Committees. These committees shall serve as a liaison between the minister(s) and the church membership; maintaining open lines of communication thereby nurturing a deepening level of mutual understanding.

Section 4 - Personnel Committee. The Executive Committee, serving as the Personnel Committee, is responsible for the following:

Recruiting and hiring lay personnel subject to the approval of the Church Council.
Arranging, when appropriate, for the termination of lay personnel (and the terms thereof), subject to the approval of the Church Council.
Receiving the Senior Minister’s reviews of the performance of all other Church Staff.
Reviewing salaries annually and making appropriate recommendations to the Department of Stewardship and Finance.
Performing an evaluation of the Senior Minister annually and in partnership with the Senior Minister, performing an evaluation of any other ministerial staff.
Designing and implementing a grievance procedure for all employees.
Overseeing the development of Job Descriptions.
Any other personnel matters upon the request of the Senior Minister.

Section 5 - Health Ministries Committee. This committee will be responsible for coordinating the Parish Nurse Ministry and for carrying out programs and activities that will promote health and wholeness through the integration of body, mind, and spirit. This standing committee shall report to the Church Council.

Members of St. Paul United Church of Christ may form fellowships and organizations focused around shared interests and concerns

By vote of the Church Council, any such fellowship or organization may become officially related to this Church.

All such organizations are accountable to the Church Council through the Department of Evangelism and Membership and will report annually to the Congregation.

The President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Building Superintendent and Senior Minister are empowered to sign all contracts, loans, deeds, and any other legal documents. On instruments whereby the lifetime value of the instrument is under $1,000 only one signature is required; and $1,000 and over two signatures are required. Any instruments not properly signed in accordance with this Article shall be null and void.

Section 1 - There shall be two annual meetings; one in the fall and one in the spring.

Section 2 - The Fall Meeting shall be dedicated to a review of the financial needs of the Church and consideration of a budget for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be January 1 - December 31.

Section 3 - The Spring Meeting shall be dedicated to a review of the activities and ministry of the previous program year and election of leadership for the ensuing program year, which shall be July 1 - June 30.

Section 4 - Meeting dates shall be established by Council, but would normally be in November and May.

Section 5 - Notice of the above meetings shall be in writing not less than ten (10) days or more than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 6 - Special Congregational Meetings may be called by the Council, or by petition to the Council signed by not less than 10% of the membership of record on the date of petition. The Council shall within three (3) weeks of receiving the petition, call such a meeting; not less than fourteen (14) days notice will be given to the Congregation. Notice shall include time, place, and purpose, which shall be the only business considered at this time.

“Robert’s Rules of Order” shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered in these Bylaws.

These Bylaws may be amended at any duly called Congregational Meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting.