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ConstitutionCommunity United Church of Christ Article I – NAME The name of this organization is Community United Church of Christ (Community UCC). Community UCC is located in Boulder, Colorado, and is incorporated under the laws of the state of Colorado. Article II – PURPOSE AND COVENANT The purpose of Community UCC is to be a means through which its membership may serve one another, the community, the nation, and the world, following the example of Jesus Christ’s ministry. In pursuit of this purpose, the faith community, with its minister, will:
The covenant taken by members of Community UCC is “We, in fellowship with Community United Church of Christ, covenant with God and with one another to work and worship together in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Article III – GOVERNMENT
Section 1. Governing Body. The government of this Church is vested in its members. The governing body is the membership assembled in regular or special meeting. Section 2. Relationship to Denomination. This Church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). It is self-governing, but recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual aid and cooperation which are common among churches of the UCC denomination.
Article IV—BELIEF The members of Community UCC share a commitment to seek the will of God through the guidance of Scriptures, the example of Jesus Christ and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, but no creed is held to be binding upon individual members. Each member has the undisputed right to follow the word of God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The statement of faith adopted by the UCC is not a test but an expression of the spirit in which the denomination interprets the word of God. Article V – MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Qualifications. The Church will welcome into its membership any person who has entered into the Church’s covenant. Section. 2. Rights and Duties. (a) All members may act in the transactions of the Church. Only members may vote and be officers of the Church except by approval of the Coordinating Council. (b) Members shall pledge to attend the regular worship of the Church and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper; to endeavor to live Christian lives; 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 Church, the community and the world. Section 3. Associate Members A member in good standing of another church may become an associate member of this Church while maintaining his or her previous church membership. Associate members have all the rights and responsibilities of members of this Church. Section 4. Termination. The continuance of membership is subject to the following conditions: (a) Any member, at his or her request, may be granted a letter of transfer to any other church or religious body. (b) If a member asks in writing to be released from membership obligations, the Church, after seeking to understand the member’s reason for discontinuance, will grant the request and terminate the membership. Such a request shall be approved by the Minister and the Coordinating Council. The Scribe shall grant the appropriate letter of release. (c) The Spiritual Life and Fellowship commission shall consider the case of any member whose address has long been unknown, or who has not attended worship or contributed to the Church’s support for two years. After due consideration, the commission may recommend to the Coordinating Council that such person be removed from membership. If the relationship remains unchanged after an additional year, the member’s name will be dropped from the Church roster by vote of the Coordinating Council.
Article VI –OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES Section 1. Selection of Officers. The officers of this Church are the Moderator, the Narrator and the Scribe. An election of officers shall be held at each annual meeting of the congregation. The Moderator, Narrator and Scribe are elected for one-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Vacancies may be filled temporarily by the Coordinating Council, but such appointments are elective only until the next Annual or Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation at which time an election shall be help. Persons elected to fill mid-term vacancies shall serve for the unexpired term. Section 2. Minister. (a) Although not an officer, the Minister is the spiritual leader of the Church and shall have charge of the pulpit, preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, be responsible for religious services and assemblies, exercise care for the spiritual welfare of the Church, and seek to enlist men and women as followers of Jesus Christ. The Minister is a member of the Coordinating Council and all commissions and committees of the Church. (b) The pulpit of this Church shall be filled by a minister in good standing in the United Church of Christ or by one who has the privilege of call, or a theological seminary graduate who is preparing for ordination in the United Church of Christ. (c) When a vacancy occurs, the Coordinating Council shall nominate a Ministerial Search Committee of at least nine persons representative of a cross-section of the congregation, for election at a regular or special meeting of the congregation. The Search Committee, in cooperation with the Executive of the Rocky Mountain Conference, United Church of Christ, will seek out and conduct interviews with potential, qualified candidates; will present to the Church the name of the candidate it recommends; and will conduct an election. A two-thirds majority vote of members present at the meeting is required to extend the call. (d) In the call, the terms of the relationship shall be stated, including the agreement of the Church to participate in the Pension Fund of the United Church of Christ, the Ministers’ Health Insurance Program, or other terms agreed upon by the candidate and the committee. (e) When a minister accepts a call to this Church, it is understood that he or she will join the Church at the first opportunity. The Church and the Minister may join in requesting the Metro Denver Association of the Rocky Mountain Conference to arrange for a service of installation or recognition. When such a service is held, the church will arrange for a report to be signed by an appropriate officer of the Association, and by the Conference Executive. Copies will then be sent to the Secretary of the United Church of Christ and to the Council for Church and Ministry. (f) The ministerial relationship may be terminated by either party on two months written notice. The Minister may terminate by letter to the congregation; the Church may terminate by a two-thirds vote of members present at a congregational meeting called for this specific purpose. In the case of the loss of ministerial standing on the part of the Minister, the relationship shall cease at once. Section 3. Moderator. The Moderator is the chief executive officer of the Church corporation and the chief lay leader of the Church. He or she presides at all meetings of the congregation and the Coordinating Council, may serve as an ex-officio and non-voting member of all commissions and committees except the Nominating Committee; and co-signs, together with the chairperson of the Property Commission, all legal documents. Section 4. Narrator. The Narrator presides at meetings of the congregation and the Coordinating Council in the absence of the Moderator. He or she is responsible for informing the congregation of the activities of all commissions, committees and other groups within the Church, and for releasing information to the public through the press and other available media. Section 5. Scribe. The Scribe is responsible for keeping a record in a book or books provided for the purpose of all business meetings of the congregation and Coordinating Council, a copy of the Article of Incorporation and a copy of this Church Constitution. He or she will keep a roster of Church members which includes addresses and telephone numbers; issue letters of transfer of membership; keep a register of changes to the membership with dates and modes of change in membership noted; give legal notice of all meetings when necessary; conduct all correspondence not otherwise provided for; keep a record of baptisms, marriages, and funerals; and perform any other duties that are prescribed by law or usually pertain to the office of scribe of an assembly. Article VII – COMMISSIONS Section 1. General. The commissions are groups formed to provide leadership and initiative in the principal areas of church life. The commissions are intended to be permanent and are essential for the operation of the church. There are five commissions: the Spiritual Life and Fellowship Commission, the Outreach Commission, the Christian Education Commission, the Property Commission, and the Nominating Commission. Except as provided elsewhere, each commission consists of a maximum of 10 members, and members are elected for terms of two years. Membership terms on the various commissions shall be staggered so that only one-half of the membership of a commission will change in any particular year. Members may be appointed by the Coordinating Council midterm subject to election at the next semi-annual or annual meeting of the congregation. Immediately following the annual meeting, each commission shall elect its own chairperson and its own delegate to the Church Council. Section 2. Spiritual Life and Fellowship Commission. It is the responsibility of this commission to assist the Minister in the spiritual care of the Church. The commission shall oversee all worship services; prepare and assist in administering the sacraments; call on prospective members, inactive members, and persons with special needs; attend to the supply of the pulpt in the absence of the Minister; and perform other related duties. The commission is also responsible for planning and scheduling fellowship activities, overseeing the Women’s and Men’s Groups’ activities if those groups are active, and such other activities as approved or requested by the Coordinating Council. Section 3. Outreach Commission It is the responsibility of this commission to help the Church meet its obligations in the area of Christian social action. The commission will keep informed of relevant resources and opportunities for social service and social action; seek to increase the congregation’s awareness and support of various programs sponsored throughout the year by the United Church of Christ; cooperate with the agencies of the UCC and interfaith organizations in pursuing shared outreach goals and mobilize the congregation for appropriate action in the area of local and global need. Section 4. Christian Education Commission It is the responsibility of this commission to oversee the educational programs of the Church. The commission will recruit, place, and train teachers; work with the teachers in selecting and using curriculum for a church school; operate a church library; recommend to the Coordinating Council the person to fill the position of Christian Education Coordinator when such position exists and aid, support and represent the Coordinator at Coordinating Council meetings; and work with the Minister and other commission in developing programs of adult education. Section 5. Property Commission It is the responsibility of this commission to oversee the care of Church Buildings, grounds and other property. The commission shall identify current and potential need for maintenance, repair, or replacement; alert the Coordinating Council and the congregation to such needs; and divide responsibility among its members and throughout the congregation for the care of Church property. The Property Commission shall be responsible for recommending the person to fill the position of Custodian to the Coordinating Council when such position exists, and to aid, support and oversee the activities of the Custodian. Section 6. Nominating Commission It is the responsibility of this commission to help the congregation select officers and other leaders. Each year at the annual meeting, the commission shall recommend candidates for the positions of Moderator, Narrator, Scribe, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and members on each of the five commissions. The commission also assists the Coordinating Council in filling vacancies as they occur throughout the year. The Coordinating Council will appoint three to five individuals at its first meeting of each year to serve on the Nominating Commission. The members of the Nominating Commission shall serve one-year terms and shall be ineligible to serve again on the Commission until one year has elapsed. Article VIII – COMMITTEES The Church may elect or the Coordinating Council may appoint from time to time such standing, special or ad hoc committees as may be necessary to carry out the activities of the Church. A commission may appoint or create task forces or ad hoc committees for special purposes within its area of responsibility. Article IX – COORDINATING COUNCIL Section 1. General The Coordinating Council is the executive body of this Church. It is responsible for planning and coordinating the overall programs of the Church; for overseeing the stewardship of time, talents and treasure; for carrying out policies and instructions of the congregation; for making all employment decisions regarding employees and/or independent contractors other than the employment of the Minister; and for serving as the long-range planning committee that seeks to anticipate the needs and responsibilities of the Church. The members of the Council are designated as trustees of the Church. A trustee is one who acts for the benefit of the Church with scrupulous good faith and candor. Section 2. Members The Coordinating Council consists of the following twelve members: (a) The Moderator, Narrator and Scribe, who are officers of the Church and are elected by the congregation, (b) The Minister, who is a professional staff member, and who is called by the congregation, (c) One delegate from each of the five commissions, chosen by the members of the respective commission. These individuals may be, but need not be, the chairpersons of their commissions. (d) In addition to these nine persons, the treasurer and financial secretary of the Church serve as members of the Council. (e) One representative from the youth of the congregation who is between the ages of 14 and 19, inclusive, also shall serve on the Council. Section 3. Quorum A quorum must be present before a formal vote can be taken at any regular or special meeting of the Council. Greater than fifty percent of the members of the Council (i.e. 7) constitutes a quorum. Except where otherwise provided, a majority vote of members present and voting shall be decisive. Notice of all regular or special meeting of the Council shall be given at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Section 4. Responsibilities The Council’s responsibilities are as follows: (a) to serve as a forum for the discussion of Church problems and activities; (b) to maintain a cooperative relationship between the congregation and the Minister, including an annual review of the Minister’s salary and the covenant relationship as set forth in the call; (c) to oversee the annual stewardship drive and to encourage the giving of time, talent and treasure; (d) to oversee all fiscal matters, including the collection and disbursement of funds. Investment of church money or property shall not be made in speculative or imprudent ventures; (e) to develop and present to the congregation a yearly budget, drawing on recommendations of the commissions and other groups within the Church; (f) to provide for the periodic auditing of financial records; (g) to oversee the acceptance and care of gifts and memorials; (h) to act on special budget requests throughout the year; (i) to oversee the planning of special events, such as retreats, leadership training sessions, and fund-raising activities; (j) to call and plan the agendas for regular and special meetings of the congregation; (k) to make the following appointments: members of the Nominating Commission, delegates and alternates to meetings of the Metro Denver Association and the Rocky Mountain Conference of the UCC, delegates to such other outside organizations as the Council may choose from time to time, such delegates being responsible for periodic reports to council; (l) to nominate, when necessary, a Ministerial Search Committee, such nomination to be approved by the congregation at a meeting called for such purpose; (m) to act as the custodian of Church records, for which purpose the Church may appoint a church historian to preserve records, clippings and other historical documents pertaining to the life of the Church; (n) to oversee all church publicity. All acts and deliberation of the Council are subject to approval or revision by the congregation. Article X—CHURCH PROPERTY AND FINANCES Section 1. Treasurer and Financial Secretary. The congregation shall elect one person as Treasurer and one as Financial Secretary. The Treasurer shall co-sign all checks along with the Moderator or the chairperson of the Property Commission, or other members so designated by the Council. The Treasurer shall also prepare financial reports for the Coordinating Council meeting and summary reports for the semi-annual and annual congregational meetings. The Financial Secretary shall deposit money collected by the Church and keep accurate records of pledges and contributions. He or she will also prepare quarterly statements of giving for each pledge showing the amounts contributed for tax purposes. Section 2. Periodic Audit. Two or more persons shall be appointed by the Coordinating Council to conduct a periodic audit of the Church’s financial record. Neither may be a member of the Council. The Treasurer and Financial Secretary will maintain a series of checks and balances, appropriate to the situation and finances of the Church and approved by the Coordinating Council, which is designed to discover errors and prevent wrongdoing. Section 3. Remuneration. No part of the net earnings of the Church shall accrue to the benefit of any particular member, officer or employee of the Church. Section 4. Use of Buildings by Community Organizations. As a matter of policy, the Church encourages and welcomes the use of its building by other organizations in the community. The Property Commission shall be responsible for all decisions regarding appropriate use of Church property with input and advice from the Coordinating Council as necessary. The Property Commission is responsible for establishing written policies and procedures approved by Council regarding the use of Church buildings and property, and may delegate such responsibility to a Rental Committee if it so chooses. Section 5. Disposition of Assets. In the event this organization should be dissolved, the net assets, after just debts have been paid, shall be distributed to the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ. Article XI – MEETINGS AND SERVICES Section 1. Additional Religious Meetings In addition to regular Sunday services of worship, additional religious meetings may be called by the Minister or by the Spiritual Life and Fellowship Commission. Section 2. Regular Congregational Meetings. At least two congregational meetings of the Church shall be held regularly each year. There shall be an annual meeting in January for the consideration of reports, adoption of a budget, election of officers and the transaction of any other business. The second congregational meeting shall be held, roughly at mid-year, to review the progress of the Church program, consider budget goals, and provide a forum for congregational discussion of issues before the Church. The date of each meeting shall be set by the Coordinating Council with at least two weeks notice of the time and place of the meeting. Section 3. Special Congregational Meetings. Special meetings of the congregation may be called on seven days public notice by the Minister, the Moderator, or the Coordinating Council, or on written petition of five members of the Church to the Minister, the Moderator or the Council. The Scribe shall issue written notice of such special meeting to all members and shall state the specific purpose of the meeting. Section 4. Quorum. A quorum must be present before a formal vote can be taken at any regular or special meeting. One-third of the members of this Church constitutes a quorum. Except where otherwise provided, a majority vote of members present and voting shall be decisive. Section 5. Parliamentary Authority “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” shall be the parliamentary authority in the conduct of congregational meetings, except when other provisions have been made in this Constitution. Article XII – AMENDMENTS This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the members of the congregation, such vote to be held at any regular or special meeting of the congregation. Voting via absentee ballot or proxy is allowed.
2650 Table Mesa Drive This page last updated December 8, 2005 |