CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

The name of this church is The Shelton Congregational Church, Inc.

ARTICLE 2 - FAITH and PURPOSE

2.1 STATEMENT OF FAITH:

We commend the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ as adapted by Robert V. Moss (President of the United Church of Christ from 1969-1976):

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:

God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.

God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the Man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.

God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

God calls us into the Church to accept the cost and joy of
discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the power of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God. AMEN.

2.2 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:       (top)

The purpose of this church is to unite followers of Jesus Christ in love and fellowship for sharing in the worship of God and striving to fulfill God's will in the lives of people, individually and collectively, especially as that will is set forth in the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE 3 - GOVERNMENT and FELLOWSHIP

The government of this church is congregational. The membership exercises the right to full and final control in all its affairs. Although this church is accountable to no ecclesiastical authority, it acknowledges the obligation of mutual cooperation in the fellowship of the Fairfield East Association of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ and pledges itself to share in its common aims and work. It declares its fellowship with all churches which seek to realize the Kingdom of God.


ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP

4.1 This church will welcome into its membership any persons who confess Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior and desire to express this confession responsibly in this fellowship. There is only one category of membership, that of active member.

4.2 This may be accomplished by one of the following:

4.2.a Confession: Confirming one's own baptism or receiving adult baptism.
4.2.b Re-affirmation of the Christian faith.
4.2.c Presenting a satisfactory letter of transfer of membership.

ARTICLE 5 - MEETINGS       (top)

Meetings shall be held as provided for in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE 6 - OFFICERS

The officers of this church shall be the Minister, the Church Manager, the Assistant Church Manager, the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, and the Financial Secretary. The term of office and the number of such officers, and the function of such offices and boards shall be set forth in the Bylaws. Other officers, boards or committees may be elected or appointed as provided for in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE 7 - TERMINATION

This church and its property shall forever be devoted to religious purposes. No officer, director, member or employee thereof shall receive any pecuniary profit from the church, except reasonable compensation for services in effecting one or more of its purposes. In the event of the dissolution of the church, its property shall become vested in and its functions as trustees, if any, administered by the Missionary Society of Connecticut, or its successor, or in the event this be impossible, by such church or other organization which is organized and operated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes which the membership of the church shall designate at a meeting called before the said dissolution or, in the absence of such determination, as the Superior Court of the County of Fairfield shall determine.

ARTICLE 8 - AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any Church Meeting, the proposed amendment(s) having been laid before the officers of the church in writing not less than one month previously and presented to the congregation before such meeting as would take action.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE A - MEMBERSHIP       (top)

A.1 Reception - All persons desiring to become members in this church, after participating in the church membership preparatory sessions and approved by the Membership Committee, shall publicly assent to this church's faith and practice at a service of worship. The Membership Committee may waive the requirement for reception into membership at a worship service in cases of disability or other extenuating circumstances.

A.2 Duties - Members are expected to be faithful to the duties essential to the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of the church, to give for its support and its benevolences, to share in all of its work, and to seek the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.

A.3 Rights - Members may nominate candidates at annual elections, voice opinions and vote at all Church Meetings. Members must be present at a church meeting to vote therein. Members may serve on any of its boards and committees.

A.4 Termination - Categories of termination are defined as follows:

A.4.a Letter of Transfer - Letter issued by the Minister and/or the Diaconate as requested by the member or by another church.

A.4.b Resignation - as initiated by the member.

A.4.c Death - a membership shall be terminated upon notice of the member's death.

A.4.d Termination for Inactivity - The Membership Committee, by majority vote, may recommend, for vote by the Church Council, termination of any membership based on absence of participation (and/or unknown address) and lack of financial support for two or more consecutive years.

A.5 Membership termination and removal from the church roll shall be automatic and immediate upon either receipt of a member's resignation, request for issuance of a letter of transfer by a member or another church, or notice of the member's death. Termination for inactivity shall be done only upon recommendation of the Membership Committee and by two thirds vote of those present at a meeting of the Church Council. The Membership Committee shall issue a notification to any such candidate for termination within 30 to 60 days prior to the Church Council meeting at which the termination is to be voted. Any membership terminated by reason of transfer, resignation or inactivity may, within one year of the termination, be reinstated by majority vote of the Membership Committee without the need for the new member qualification procedures, preparatory sessions, or church service reception.

ARTICLE B - MEETINGS

B.1 Worship

Public Worship shall ordinarily be held every Sunday. Other religious meetings may be called by vote of the church, any board, committee or organization of the church, or by the Minister. The Lord's Supper shall be observed at least once every month and on Maundy Thursday.

B.2 Church Meetings

A Church Meeting is a duly called meeting for all members. Such a meeting shall be announced from the pulpit and put on the bulletin board at least two Sundays within seven weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

B.2.a The Annual Meeting shall be held during the month of January, weather permitting. The date of which shall be set by the Church Council. The purpose of this meeting shall be: to hear the reports of officers (except Assistant Church Manager and Financial Secretary), boards and committees and organizations from the preceding year; to adopt a budget; and to transact any other business which concerns the welfare of the church. The church year shall correspond with the calendar year.

B.2.b A quorum shall consist of one member for every ten members of the church. Five days prior to any meeting at which a vote will be taken, a list of members will be available for inspection in the church office.

B.2.c A majority vote of the members present and voting shall be decisive except as provided in this Constitution and Bylaws.

B.2.d Reports presented at the Annual Meeting are expected to be in writing and will become a permanent part of the church records.

B.2.e Special Church Meetings may be called by the Church Council, the Clerk, the Minister, or written request of l/20th of the membership.

ARTICLE C - OFFICERS AND OTHER POSITIONS       (top)

Minister - Church Manager - Assistant Chruch Manager - Clerk - Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer - Financial Secretary - Other Positions

C.1 THE MINISTER

The Minister shall have a central place of leadership in the affairs of the church.

The Minister shall seek to enlist individuals as followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, visit the sick, have under his or her care all services of public worship, and administer the activities of the church in co-operation with the various boards and committees.

The Minister shall be directly responsible to, and a voting member of, the Church Council. The Minister shall serve on all other boards and committees, ex-officio.

The Minister shall make a report of the year's work at the Annual Meeting and shall be a delegate to the Association and Conference meetings.

The Minister shall be called upon the recommendation of a two-thirds vote of a quorum of the members of the church at a meeting specifically called for that purpose. Upon acceptance of his or her call the Minister shall become a member of the church. The chairperson of the Membership Committee shall formally receive the Minister into membership at the earliest convenient time.

The pastoral relation may be dissolved by either the Minister, with ninety (90) days written notice, or the church, by a two-thirds vote of a quorum of the members of the church at a meeting specifically called for that purpose, with a similar ninety (90) day notice being given. In the case of the loss of ministerial standing on the part of the Minister, the pastoral relation shall cease at once.

C.2 THE CHURCH MANAGER

The Church Manager shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be re-elected. A church member must have served on the church council for at least two years in order to be eligible for the position. He or she shall perform the following duties:

C.2.a Insure that the government of the church functions within the structure and intent laid down by these bylaws.

C.2.b Be an ex-officio member of (with a tie-breaking vote) and serve as Chairperson of the Church Council.

C.2.c Be in contact with the chairs of the boards and committees in order to set an agenda for the monthly church council
meetings.

C.2.d Call meetings of any board or committee which finds itself unable to organize or function. He or she may appoint or may serve as temporary chairperson if necessary.

C.2.e The Church Manager shall preside at the Annual Meeting and all other Church Meetings.

C.3 THE ASSISTANT CHURCH MANAGER       (top)

The Assistant Church Manager shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be re-elected. The Assistant Church Manager shall be a voting member of the Church Council. He or she shall perform the following duties:

C.3.a Assist the Church Manager as requested and preside at Church Council meetings in the absence of the Church Manager.

C.3.b Chair the Budget and By-laws committees.

C.3.c In the event of the vacancy in the position of Church Manager, the Assistant Church Manager will succeed to the position for the balance of the year.

C4 THE CLERK

The Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be re-elected. The Clerk shall be required to keep an accurate record of the votes and transactions of all Church Meetings and Church Council meetings. The Clerk shall keep a register of the members of the church with addresses and dates and modes of their reception or termination, and prepare the list of members. The Clerk shall also keep a record of baptisms, marriages, and deaths. The Clerk shall be required to issue letters of transfer voted by the Membership Committee; notify the churches to which they are addressed, preserve on file all communications, documents and written official reports submitted to the church; give legal notice of all meetings where notices are required; conduct all official correspondence of the church insofar as he or she is able; keep and update the policy and procedures manual; and give a report to the church at its Annual Meeting.

C.5 THE TREASURER

The Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for two years and may be re-elected. The Treasurer shall record all monies of the church including its invested funds. The Treasurer shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall prepare and present a monthly statement at Church Council and Board of Trustees meetings, and shall present an annual, itemized report at the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall, before each council meeting, provide each officer and chairs of all boards or committees of the church, a detailed itemization of the year-to-date expenses relevant to that officer, board or committee.

C.6 THE ASSISTANT TREASURER       (top)

The Assistant Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be re-elected. The Assistant Treasurer shall collect and deposit the monies received by the church and shall prepare and present a monthly statement at Church Council meetings.

The Assistant Treasurer shall keep an accounting of the pledge records, prepare reports for the Budget and Stewardship Committees, and otherwise assist the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Stewardship Committee.

C.7 THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY

The Financial Secretary shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be re-elected. The Financial Secretary shall be a voting member of both the Board of Trustees and the Church Council. He or she shall serve as custodian of the assets of the church, and shall be responsible for the disbursement of funds as directed by the Trustees.

C.8 OTHER POSITIONS

C.8.a The Historian

An Historian shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for one year and may be re-elected. The Historian shall be an ex-officio member of, and responsible to, the Church Council to keep a complete record of any events in the life of the church which are likely to prove of historic interest and to prepare a summary for the Annual Report.

ARTICLE D - THE CHURCH COUNCIL       (top)

D.1 The Church Council shall consist of the Church Manager (ex- officio), the Assistant Church Manager, the Minister, the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the President of the Women's Fellowship, and the chairpersons of the following Boards and Committees: Christian Education, Deacons, Trustees, Fund Raising, Membership, Nominating, Christian Outreach, Pastoral Relations and Personnel, and Stewardship.

D.l. a In the event that the chairperson of a particular board, committee or organization cannot attend, he or she shall designate a member of his or her committee or organization to attend in his or her place.

D.2 It shall be the function of the Church Council to carry out the will of the church as expressed at the Annual Meeting or other Church Meetings, to be continually aware of the overall life of the church and, when necessary, to determine and implement ways of nurturing the current and future health and well-being of the church.

D.3 The Church Council shall serve as a communications network for all boards, committees and organizations in the church.

D.3.a All officers, board, committee and organization chairs shall present their plans and programs to the Church Council for its information, review and approval.

D.4 The Church Council shall have the final vote on the budgetary distributions, as recommended by the Budget Committee, to be submitted to the congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting.

D.5 The Church Council shall maintain compliance with the budget of the church. The Church Council may, from time to time, adjust the itemization of the budget adopted by the Congregation as it deems necessary or expedient.

D.6 The Church Council shall approve the permanent replacement of all employees, except the Minister, as recommended by the Pastoral Relations and Personnel Committee, and any nominees due to vacancies as recommended by the Nominating Committee.

D.7 The Church Council shall be responsible for granting the Minister educational leave, leave without pay, vacation leave and Sabbatical.

D.8 The Church Council shall have the power to create and appoint such committees, positions and representatives as may be appropriate to the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the Council, and also define their duties, authority and length of service. Such committees shall include, but not be limited to: Budget, Bylaws and Pastoral Search.

D.9 The quorum at Church Council meetings shall be six. There are to be sixteen voting members of the Church Council, not including the Church Manager who may vote only to break a tie. The voting members are to be the Assistant Church Manager, the Minister, the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the President of the Women's Fellowship, and the chairpersons, or their designated representatives, of the following boards and committees: Christian Education, Deacons, Trustees, Christian Outreach, Fund Raising, Membership, Nominating, Pastoral Relations and Personnel, and Stewardship. The Historian may attend Church Council meetings and enjoy full privileges of discussion but shall not be a voting member of the Church Council. The number and designation of voting members of the Church Council may only be altered by amendment to these Bylaws.

D.10 The Church Council shall meet on a monthly basis. Special Church Council meetings may be called by the Church Manager or the Minister.


ARTICLE E - BOARDS and COMMITTEES       (top)

E.1 Members of all standing boards and committees shall be elected at the Annual Meeting. In the event the Nominating Committee cannot fill vacancies, previous committee members may be re-elected by a majority vote of members present at the church Annual Meeting.

E.2 All standing boards and committees are responsible to the Church Council.

E.3 All boards and committees shall meet as prescribed by these Bylaws.

Meetings of all boards and committees are open to all members of this congregation unless otherwise designated by the board or committee chairperson(s) and/or a majority of such board or committee members present.

Members of this congregation may attend any board or committee meeting (unless such meeting is restricted as noted above) as silent observers, and shall not disrupt the conduct of the scheduled business of the board or committee.

Any member of this congregation may bring matters of concern before any board or committee either orally (upon prior arrangement with the chairperson), or in writing.

ARTICLE F - BOARDS       (top)

Chrisitan Education - Deacons - Trustees

F.l THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

F.l.a The Board of Christian Education shall consist of six members, elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years, plus the superintendent of the church school, ex- officio. The terms of three members will expire annually with no limit on multiple terms. Any church school teachers not elected to the board may participate as ex- officio members. They shall elect their own chairperson.

F.l.b They shall determine, plan, and execute the educational policies and priorities of the church, the Sunday School, and youth group(s).

They shall be responsible for appointing church school teachers and providing for their Christian Education (or training).

They shall oversee the distribution of Silver Lake funds.

They shall name one of their members to serve on the Budget Committee.

F.2 THE BOARD OF DEACONS

F.2.a The Board of Deacons shall consist of six members elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years. The terms of three members will expire annually with no limit on multiple terms. They shall elect their own chairperson.

F.2.b They are responsible for all matters concerning the spiritual life of the church, especially the services of worship.

They shall prepare the Lord's Supper and assist in its service. The Deacons shall provide the Lord's Supper to shut-ins during Advent and Lent.

The Board of Deacons shall have sole jurisdiction over the Deacon's Fund (monies received from the loose offering at services of worship when the Lord's Supper is celebrated). The Deacon's Fund is to be used at their discretion.

The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for arranging for ushers and greeters at all services of worship at the church.

They shall oversee and guide the musical program of the church and shall provide for temporary replacement of the Organist and/or Choir Director when necessary.

The Board of Deacons shall provide for temporary pulpit supply when necessary.

They shall name one of their members to serve on the Budget Committee.

F.2.c THE FLOWER COMMITTEE       (top)

The Flower Committee shall be a sub-committee of the Board of Deacons and consist of two church members elected annually. They will be in charge of altar flowers and sympathy respectively.

F.2.d THE MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Music Committee shall be a sub-committee of the Board of Deacons and shall consist of the Organist/Choir Director, one choir member, one member of the Board of Christian Education and one member of the Board of Deacons who shall serve as the chairperson. Each member of this sub-committee shall be appointed by its respective chairperson. The Organist and/or Choir Director shall be directly
responsible to this committee.

F.3 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

F.3.a The Board of Trustees shall consist of seven members. Four of the members shall be elected at the annual meeting for a term of two years. The terms of two members will expire annually with no limits on multiple terms. The other three members shall be the Assistant Church Manager, the Treasurer, and the Financial Secretary. They shall elect their own chairperson.

F.3.b They shall manage and maintain the properties of the church. They shall have charge of its financial and business affairs including supervision of the custodian and rental of the church facilities.

F.3.c They shall have power to adjust and settle all claims against the church; but shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any real property except by vote of the membership at a church meeting.

F.3.d They shall have control over any endowments, donations, bequests, or trust funds of the church. They may, by majority vote, invest and re-invest funds, and shall have the power to buy, subscribe to, sell, assign and transfer any securities or other investments of the church.

F.3.e They shall provide for payment of current expenses, repairs and improvements. They shall name one of their members to serve on the Budget Committee.

F.4.f They shall present a written report at the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE G - COMMITTEES       (top)

Christian Outreach - Membership - Nominating - Pastoral Relations and Personnel
Stewardship - Denominational Afairs - Events

G.l THE CHRISTIAN OUTREACH COMMITTEE

G.1.a The Christian Outreach Committee shall consist of six members elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years. The terms of three members will expire annually with no limit on multiple terms. When possible, one member shall come from Women’s Fellowship. They shall elect their own chairperson.

G.1.b The Christian Outreach Committee shall address itself to the spiritual and social issues and needs within the community, nation and the world.

G.1.c They shall determine the priorities of the Christian Outreach of the church through actions and/or expenditures of monies.

G.1.d They shall name one of their members to serve on the Budget Committee.

G.2 THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

G.2.a The Membership Committee shall consist of six members, elected at the annual meeting for a term of two years. The terms of three members will expire annually with no limit on multiple terms. They shall elect their own chairperson.

G.2.b They shall be responsible for the reception and termination of all members. A representative of the Membership Committee shall endeavor to be present at all Baptisms and Confirmations.

G.2.c They shall check the guest book and collect pew cards weekly. They shall send a letter of welcome to guests within one week of the worship service.

G.2.d They shall publicize the church and church events and shall maintain an advertisement for the church in the Yellow pages of the telephone directory.

G.2.e They shall have the responsibility of encouraging and maintaining active membership of all members and affiliates (non-members who attend church or donate periodically).

G.2.f They shall be continually aware of persons in the community and affiliates (non-members who attend church or donate periodically), without formal local church affiliation and shall encourage them to join the church.

G.3 THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE       (top)

G.3.a The Nominating Committee shall consist of four members, elected at the annual meeting for a one year term with no restrictions on multiple terms. They shall elect their own chairperson.

G.3.b They shall be responsible for selecting and presenting a slate of nominees at the Annual Meeting.

Nominees for officer vacancies (except Church Manager), or for vacancies occurring on all Boards and Committees shall be selected by the Nominating Committee and brought before the Church Council for final approval.

G.3.c Approval of Slate of Nominees
Approval of slate of nominees shall be by simple majority vote at the annual meeting.

Additional nominations shall be accepted from the floor of the annual meeting.

In the event of two or more nominees for a given position, a vote shall be taken at the Annual Meeting.

G.4 PASTORAL RELATIONS and PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

G.4.a The Pastoral Relations and Personnel Committee shall consist of four members, elected at the annual meeting for a one year term with no limit on multiple terms.

G.4.b They shall meet as necessary to act upon any matter concerning the relationship of the Minister with the congregation, or the congregation with the Minister, and the aspects of the Pastor's job description. At an appropriate meeting they shall review the current contract with the Minister and make suitable recommendations to the Budget Committee. Upon approval they shall update the contract to reflect the changes. As required, the committee will raise issues for consideration of the Church Council.

G.4.c They shall be responsible for all personnel administration and for the hiring and termination of all employees except the Minister.

G.4.d They shall hold the contracts of all employees and meet annually with all employees, other than the Minister, and shall make recommendations to the Budget Committee as to the salary and benefits considerations for the coming year.

G.4.e They shall name one of their members to serve on the Budget Committee.

G.5 THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE       (top)

G.5.a The Stewardship Committee shall consist of four members
elected at the annual meeting for a term of two years, and
the Assistant Treasurer, ex-officio. The terms of two members will expire annually with no limit on multiple terms. They shall elect their own chairperson.

They shall meet regularly to determine the degree to which pledges are being met, and shall meet personally (when feasible) with those members whose pledges are delinquent.

They shall have the responsibility of studying the relationship between the annual budgetary needs and the pledges and/or other funds available to meet those needs, devising and implementing ways of raising the budget and increasing financial giving through the annual Every Member Canvass and/or other methods necessary.

They shall report to the Church Council quarterly on receipts versus pledges.

They shall name one of their members to serve on the Budget Committee.

G.6 DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Each year, at the Annual Meeting, two persons shall be elected from the church membership who will serve as delegates to the annual meetings of the Connecticut Conference and the Fairfield East Association. The Committee shall solicit ideas and opinions from the Church Council prior to its attendance as delegates to any meeting and shall present a report to the Church Council following such attendance.

G.7 EVENTS COMMITTEE

The Events Committee shall consist of six members, elected at the annual meeting for a term of one year. The terms of the members will expire annually with no limit on multiple terms. The committee shall organize and conduct primarily non-liturgical events for the membership, such as suppers, discussion groups, and recreational activities. The committee shall endeavor, each year, to include within its mix of events, one major fund raising event, such as a tag sale, and one minor fundraiser, such as a supper with after dinner activity.

ARTICLE H - AD HOC COMMITTEES       (top)

H. 1 THE BUDGET COMMITTEE

H.1.a The Budget Committee shall consist of nine members as follows: the Assistant Church Manager (who shall serve as the chairperson), the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, and one member from each of the following boards and committees: Christian Education, Deacons, Trustees, Stewardship, Christian Outreach and Pastoral Relations and Personnel. Whenever these representatives total fewer than nine members, the Budget Committee may recruit other church members in order to fill the committee.

H.l.b They shall receive suggestions and recommendations from the Board of Deacons relative to the proposed budget for the worship program, including flowers and music; the Board of Christian Education, relative to the proposed budget for the Christian Education program; the Christian Outreach Committee, relative to the proposed budget for the Christian Outreach program; the Board of Trustees, relative to the proposed budget for the business and financial program; the Minister, relative to the proposed budget for office and pastoral supplies; and the Pastoral Relations and Personnel Committee, relative to the contracts of the staff. The Budget Committee is responsible for preparing the initial proposed annual budget which is to be accepted by the Church Council before the Every Member Canvass. The final proposed budget is to be voted on by the church-at-large at the Annual Meeting.

H.2 THE BYLAWS COMMITTEE

H.2.a The Bylaws Committee shall consist of four members, appointed by the Church Council, and the Assistant Church Manager who shall serve as the Chairperson.

H.2.b The Bylaws Committee shall be formed at least every five years to review, update and amend the Bylaws as necessary.

H.3 THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE       (top)

H.3.a The Pastoral Search Committee shall be appointed by the Church Council and shall consist of eight members and two alternates. They shall elect their own chairperson.

H.3.b They shall review credentials and interview prospective candidates in cooperation with the state Conference and/or other appropriate sources.

H.3.c. Select a candidate for recommendation to the congregation.

H.3.d Negotiate terms of employment with the prospective candidate, in conjunction with the Church Council.

H.3.e Arrange for the Candidate to conduct a service of worship in the church, and arrange for a Special Church Meeting for the purpose of acting on his or her call.

The duties of the committee shall cease upon the acceptance of a new pastor.

ARTICLE I - CHURCH WORKER WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP       (top)

The Church Worker Women's Fellowship shall be regarded as an integral part of the church and shall be responsible to their own Constitution and Bylaws. They shall be responsible for Constitution and Bylaws. They shall be responsible for such funds as are endowed to them and shall make a report of their activities at the Annual Meeting. They shall be represented by the President on the Church Council.

ARTICLE J - OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

All organizations or committees of the church not mentioned in these Bylaws or organizations that make use of our facilities are subject to the will of the church as expressed by the Church Council. All organizations or committees of the church not mentioned in these Bylaws shall make reports to the church at the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE K - AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any church meeting, the proposed amendment(s) having been laid before the church-at-large in writing not less than one month previously and presented to the congregation before such church meeting as would take action.

Shelton Congregational Church Bylaws: amended January 29, 2006       (top)