By Laws

Adopted, 15 July 1982
Dates of Revision: 28 December 1987
22 December 1991
27 December 1998
16 December 2001 [5]

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Democracy, in the church as in the surrounding culture, is a way to guide between tyranny and anarchy. The governance of God cannot be equated with it, not the discovery of God's will with any human ordering principle. Rather, God's kingdom exists within us, above us, beneath us and beyond us, "that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1Cor. 2:5)

ARTICLE I. Name

The name of this church shall be "Saint Paul's United Church of Christ" of Stoverstown, 2173 Stoverstown Road, Spring Grove, PA 17362.

ARTICLE II. Purpose

The avowed purpose of this church shall be to worship God, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the church universal; to render loving service toward mankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice and peace.

ARTICLE III. Policy

This church shall be a part of the United Church of Christ and it 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.

This church shall function as a member of the York Association of the United Church of Christ under the jurisdiction of Penn Central Conference.
The government of this church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all of its affairs, subject, however, to Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania relating to corporations not for profit (or ecclesiastical corporations).

ARTICLE IV. Faith and Covenant

Faith: This church acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. It acknowledges as sisters and brothers in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as it's own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.

One expression of this faith is:

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to His deeds we testify:

He calls the worlds into being, creates man in His own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.

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

He judges men and nations by His righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, He has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to

Himself.

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

He calls us into His Church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be His servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at His table, to join Him in his passion and victory.

He promises to all who trust Him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, His presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in His Kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto Him. Amen.

Covenant: We covenant one with another to seek and respond to the Word and will of God. We propose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known and to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world, while worshipping 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 coming of the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.

ARTICLE V. Membership

Membership in this church is first based on baptism. After baptism a member may gain full adult status in one of two ways: (1) through confirmation or (2) through public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (This may be accompanied by a letter of transfer). In accordance with the gospel convenant which binds into a unity "faithful people of all ages, tongues and races," membership is open to all without regard to race or color.

Members shall pledge themselves to attend the regular worship life 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 benevolences; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.
All members are entitled to a full share in the fellowship and the spiritual blessings of the Church, and to the services of its pastor, officials and other workers, as well as to the Christian sympathy and support of all members.
Any member may, on his own request, be granted a letter of transfer. If wishing to join a body not in fellowship with this church, he may be dismissed with a certificate of church membership.
If, because of change of faith or for other reasons not involving unchristian conduct, a member requests in writing to be released from his membership obligations, the church shall patiently endeavor to secure his continuance in its fellowship, but failing in such support, the church may grant the request and terminate his membership. Such a request shall be approved by the Senior Pastor and the Consistory and the Secretary shall issue the appropriate letter of release.
A member whose address has long been unknown or who for a period of three years, in spite of a spiritual care, has not attended the church's worship service or contributed to its support, may, by vote of the Consistory, be removed from the membership roll and placed on an inactive list. If, after the expiration of a year, the relationship remains unchanged, the name may be dropped from the inactive roll by a further vote of the Consistory.
If a member persistently breaches his covenant vows, the Elders and Deacons, after due notice has been given to him, a hearing before the Consistory has been offered him, and faithful efforts have been made to bring him to amendment in accordance with the law of Christ, may censure him, or suspend or terminate his membership.

ARTICLE VI. Governing Body

The governing body of this church shall be the confirmed membership assembled in church meeting. The vote of a majority of members present at the meeting shall be the action of the church. A quorum shall consist of 20% of the confirmed members.
The annual meeting of the congregation shall be held in the month of December each year. At this time, the floor is open for any topic. Additionally, Consistory members shall be elected and a new budget adopted.
Special meetings may be called by the Consistory. Upon written request of five percent of the communicant members in good standing, the Consistory shall issue a call for such a meeting within two weeks after the request has been received. Proper notice shall be given of the time, place and purpose of any special congregational meeting. Only such business as has been mentioned in the call may be transacted at such special meetings.
Congregational Prerogative. It is the prerogative of the congregational meeting to decide such questions as the buying and selling of property, building projects, extensive repairs of the church property, the call and rejection of a pastor, and questions of the policy of the congregation, as well as changes in the constitution. For the transaction of all other business, the administration of the Church is entrusted to the Consistory, chosen and composed as provided for in this Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII. Consistory

The Consistory shall be the executive body of this church. It shall be composed o f the Pastor or Pastors, the Elders and Deacons. One-half of its members shall constitute a quorum.
Three Elders and six Deacons shall be elected by majority vote cast at a church meeting. They shall be elected for three years. In order to provide continuity, not more than three positions should become vacant in any one year.
Consistory persons may be elected to serve two full three-year terms in succession (for a total of six years). However, after serving two elected terms, excluding appointment by the Consistory, a member must remain off the Consistory for one year.
The Consistory shall organize itself each year, electing a President, a Vice-President, and a Secretary, and shall form such boards or committees as will serve to further the purpose of the church.

Standing Committees:

A. Worship E. Prayer/Memorial Garden B. Christian Education F. Pastoral Relations

Evangelism/Church Growth and Fellowship G. Planned Giving [5]
Stewardship and Mission

The following standing appointments shall be made by Consistory
A. Three church trustees, one each year for a three-year term.B. Three cemetery board trustees, one each year for a three-year term.
In addition to the stated boards of committees, the Consistory shall appoint such other committees, as it may deem necessary.

The president of the Consistory and the pastor are ex-officio members of all committees of the congregation and the Consistory.
The following duties shall be performed by Consistory officers:

It is the duty of the president to see that all meetings of the Consistory are regularly called by the Secretary, to open and conduct such meetings, and to see to the execution of all resolutions. He shall remind the pastor to announce all regular and special meetings of the Congregation. The President shall vote in case of a tie vote by Consistory.
The Vice-President shall preside at all meetings of the Consistory when the President is not in attendance, and also when business pertaining to the President is before the meeting. He shall do all in his power to help the President and to make his administration easier.
The Secretary shall keep a record of all transactions at the meetings of the congregation and of the Consistory, issue the call to all regular and special meetings of the congregation, and attend to all correspondence.
The Treasurer(s) appointed by the Consistory shall have charge of all monies for congregational and Benevolent support. They shall render a monthly report to the Consistory and an annual report to the congregation. They shall give bond to the amount of determined by the Consistory.
The Financial Secretary(s), appointed by the Consistory, shall be responsible for the recording the contribution of members.

Nominations shall be made for the offices of Elders and Deacons by a committee appointed each year by the Consistory. Public notice of such nominations shall be given from the pulpit or by bulletin or letter at least two weeks before the election. Other nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting at which the election is held.

When elected, the Elders and Deacons, shall be publicly ordained to or installed in their respective offices.

Vacancies on the Consistory shall be filled by the Consistory for the unexpired terms. Giving preference to those who have previously served on that body.

The Consistory shall be the policy-making body and shall transact the business of the Church, make provision for the determining and raising of the current expense budget as well as for Our Christian World Mission and benevolences, and provide for the auditing of financial accounts and for the adequate support of the staff. It shall keep a complete and accurate record of its proceedings, be the custodian of all Church records, and report to the Church at its regular and special meetings. All acts and deliberations of the Consistory are subject to the will of and revision by the governing body.

The Consistory shall instruct the proper officers on all fiscal matters, including the payment of bills, with monthly review by the Consistory.

The Consistory may authorize any extraordinary expense if funds are available, but if borrowing exceeds $500.00, it must receive approval of the congregation.

The Consistory shall meet at least once every month for the transaction of such business as may properly come before it. (Meetings normally should include prayer and study and should emphasize policy deliberations.) Special meetings are subject to the President's call and as delineated in Article VI. 3.
ELDERS AND DEACONS

Elders and Deacons are members of the church elected by the congregation ordained to and installed in their office. They shall assist and support the pastor in the spiritual affairs of the Church. They shall provide the elements for the Lord's Supper and, when invited by the Pastor, shall aid in their distribution. They shall have jurisdiction in matters of discipline except in the case of the Pastor. Elders and Deacons shall take heed to the High calling of their office, guarding faithfully all the spiritual interests of the Church, maintaining order in the house of God, visiting the sick, and ministering to the edification and comfort of all.
TRUSTEES

Trustees are members of the church elected or appointed by the Consistory for their office. They shall have the care and custody of the property of the Church as a sacred trust, whether real or personal, in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution and Bylaws and under direction of the Consistory.

ARTICLE VII. PASTOR

It shall be the responsibility of the Search Committee, appointed by the Consistory to seek a candidate for a vacancy in the office of Pastor.
As soon as a pastoral vacancy occurs, it shall be reported to the Conference Executive.
In filling a vacancy or in securing supply ministers for the period of vacancy, the Search Committee may seek the counsel of the Conference Staff.
The Search Committee may request the Conference Executive to secure relevant information about any minister whom it wishes to consider for the vacancy.
Any minister may confer with the Conference Executive concerning a pastoral vacancy. At the minister's request, his name shall be submitted by the Conference Executive for consideration by the local Church committee.
The Search Committee shall present to the church the name of the candidate it recommends to fill the vacancy. A majority vote of those in attendance at a congregational meeting constitutes a call.
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 Minister's Health Insurance Program, and other terms agreed between the candidate and the Committee. The minister, the Church, the Association and the Conference Executive shall each receive a copy of the call.
When a minister accepts a call to this Church, the congregation and the Pastor-elect shall join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation or recognition.
The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite period. In order to terminate this relationship, three months' notice shall be given by either party. This procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
When either party decides to terminate the relationship, the termination shall be by action of the Church Consistory and notice of such termination shall be sent by the President of the Consistory to the Conference Executive and to the Association for appropriate action.
Brotherly or sisterly discipline of the Pastor shall be in conformity with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
The Church may at its discretion choose an Associate or Assistant Pastor(s).
It shall be the duty of the Pastor to set a good example to his congregation, and to conduct all services on Sundays, holidays, and such other days as the congregation may desire, to direct the work of Christian education, administer the Holy Sacraments, visit the sick, comfort the distressed, and to perform all such duties as belong to the Pastor's office.
The Pastor is a member of the Consistory, and all organizations within the Church.

ARTICLE IX. Property

The Church may in its corporate name sue or be sued, acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise and own, hold, invest, reinvest or dispose of property both real and personal for such work as the Church may undertake and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage, care for and transfer, rent, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber, sell, assign, transfer and convey such property for the general purposes of the Church; it may receive and hold in trust both real and personal property and invest and reinvest the same and make any contracts for promoting the objects and purposes of the Church.
Upon dissolution of the Church, its assets and all property and interest of which it shall then be possessed, including any devise, 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 Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ. (This is not required by the General Synod, and we want to make it plain that the United Church stands firmly on Article 21 of the Constitution but under the Internal Revenue Service regulations, if there is not a specific disavowal that the assets on dissolution will be distributed to the membership, the Church will not qualify as an exempt organization. See Internal Revenue Code Sec. 501(c)(3) and the regulations thereunder).

ARTICLE X. Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by this Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws may be made at any duly called Church meeting by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present, public announcement of the text of the proposed amendment(s) having been made two weeks prior to the meeting.