2005
GENERAL REVISION OF THE BYLAWS
OF THE
DELTONA UNITED
1649 PROVIDENCE BLVD.
GENERAL REVISION OF THE BYLAWS
OF THE
DELTONA UNITED
ARTICLE I ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
SECTION A. The name of the Church shall be THE DELTONA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, INCORPORATED, located in Deltona,
SECTION B. This Church shall be part of the United Church of Christ, of the Florida Conference.
SECTION C. The government of this Church shall be vested in its members assembled in called meetings subject, however, to the laws of the State of
SECTION D. The Church Council shall be the administrative instrumentality acting in behalf of and subject to the will of the Church.
ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A. Membership in this Church shall be open to any person who has been baptized, has been confirmed, or has made public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in accordance with the gospel covenant which binds into unity faithful people of all ages, tongues and races, or by letter of transfer.
SECTION B. Persons desiring to continue membership in a church to which they already belong, may become Associate Members of this Church and enjoy all the rights and privileges of regular membership.
SECTION C. Any member may be granted a letter of transfer to another church by the Clerk of the Church.
SECTION D. If a member requests in writing to be released from his/her membership obligations, such request, when received by the Pastor and the Council, shall be granted with an appropriate letter of release issued by the Clerk of the Church.
SECTION E. A member whose address is unknown; or who for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months has not attended the Church's worship or contributed to its support may, by vote of the Membership Board and knowledge to the Council, be removed from the membership roll and placed on an inactive list. If, after the expiration of another twelve (12) consecutive months the relationship remains unchanged the name shall automatically be dropped from the inactive list and membership terminated. Within the inactive period, reinstatement to active membership may be granted upon resumption of the original relationship.
SECTION F. A member may request a leave of absence in writing. Such request must specify the time for which the leave is desired and a commitment to pay the annual per capita tax as a minimum contribution to the Church. The leave will be approved by the Pastor and the Council and the member will be notified in writing by the Clerk of the Church.
SECTION G. Members shall serve (in leadership or other active involvement) on no more than two (2) boards, committees, or other major organizations as listed in these bylaws (understanding that this may not always be possible, but none the less striving to make it so).
ARTICLE III PASTOR
SECTION A. It shall be the responsibility of the Pulpit Committee, nominated by the Council and elected by the Church, to seek a candidate for a vacancy in the office of Pastor.
SECTION B. In seeking a candidate, the Pulpit Committee shall confer with the Conference and request the Conference Executive to obtain relevant information about any minister the Pulpit Committee wishes to consider.
SECTION C. The Pulpit Committee shall present to the Church the name of one candidate it recommends to fill the vacancy. A three‑fourths favorable vote of active church members present at a duly called meeting shall constitute a call. If the vote be unfavorable the Pulpit Committee shall present the name of another candidate whom it recommends at a subsequent meeting of the Church.
SECTION D. In the call, the terms of the relationship shall be stated including the agreement of the Church to participate in pension and insurance programs and of other terms agreed upon between the candidate and the Pulpit Committee. The Minister, the Church and the Florida Conference Executive shall each receive a copy of the call.
SECTION E. When a minister accepts a call to this Church, the Church and he/she shall join in requesting the Florida Conference to arrange for a service of INSTALLATION AND RECOGNITION.
SECTION F. The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite period. In order to terminate this relationship, at least three (3) months notice in writing shall be given by either party. The procedure shall be in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ and the Bylaws of this Church.
SECTION G. When either party decides to terminate the relationship, the resulting action shall process through the voting action of the church body. For the Church to terminate the relationship, a three‑fourths favorable vote of active members present at a duly called meeting shall be required.
SECTION H. When action is taken to terminate the pastoral relationship, the Clerk of the Church shall immediately report such action in writing to the Executive Officer of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ.
SECTION I. The Church may at its discretion choose an Associate Pastor or Pastors following the same guidelines as selecting a Pastor.
SECTION J. The Pastor shall be ex‑officio member of all boards, committees and organizations of this Church.
SECTION K. The coordination of the staff shall be under the direction of the Pastor.
ARTICLE IV CHURCH COUNCIL
SECTION A. 1. The Church Council shall have supervision over all Church affairs, except as set forth in ARTICLE X.
2. All acts and deliberations of the Council may be reviewed and/or revised by the Church assembled in called meetings.
SECTION B. 1. The Council shall be composed of:
a. the Pastor,
b. elected officers of the Church,
c. the chairperson of each board,
d. the elected of each Church organization.
e. the immediate Past Moderator.
2. The Moderator shall serve as Chairperson of the Council.
3. No Council member shall serve simultaneously in more than one official capacity on the Council.
SECTION C. 1. The Council shall meet no less than nine (9) times per year for the transaction of such business as may properly come before it. Special meetings are subject to the call of the Moderator, the Pastor, or the written request of five percent (5%) of the Church membership, provided such request states the place, date, time and purpose of the meeting and is submitted to the Clerk of the Church at least 48 hours previous and all of the Council members are contacted personally.
2. Regular or special meetings of the Council will be comprised of at least three‑fourths of the Council members.
3. All meetings of the Council shall be open to members of the Church who, at the discretion of the Chair, may speak to the question being discussed.
SECTION D. The Council may authorize any extraordinary expenditures if funds not otherwise budgeted are available and the Committee responsible is notified.
SECTION E. Board chairperson vacancies occurring during the current year shall be filled by the Board within its membership for the unexpired term until the next annual meeting of the Church.
SECTION F. The Council shall, on recommendation of the Pastor, elect such delegates to official Church meetings as may be required to represent this Church, except as provided in ARTICLE VIII, SECTION D.
SECTION G. All officers and board members elected annually shall be installed during a regular Church service as soon as possible after election.
SECTION H. At least thirty (30) days prior to the next annual meeting of the Church, the Council shall evaluate the Church programs and the Pastoral relationship for the current year. A report of the Council's findings shall be made at the next annual meeting by the Moderator.
SECTION I. The Council may employ and set the salaries of persons necessary to carry out the programs of the Church, provided funds are made available in current expenses of the Church budget for such salaries.
SECTION J. The Council may, with the approval of the Church, institute new boards as it deems necessary to carry out the programs of the Church.
SECTION K. The Council may follow the disagreement resolution process as adopted by Congregation at Annual Meeting
ARTICLE V OFFICERS
SECTION A. 1. The following officers shall be elected from the
membership at each annual meeting of the Church:
a. Moderator
b. Moderator-Liaison Assistant
c. Treasurer
d. Assistant Treasurer
e. Financial Secretary
f. Assistant Financial Secretary
g. Clerk of the Church
SECTION B. 1. The Moderator and Moderator-Liaison Assistant may be elected for two (2) consecutive years and then shall be ineligible for reelection to this office for one (1) year. In the absence of the Moderator, the Moderator-Liaison Assistant, the immediate Past Moderator, Chairperson of the Board of Deacons, or Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, in that order, shall fulfill the duties of this office.
2. Tenure of all Church officers except Moderator and Moderator-Liaison Assistant shall be limited to three (3) consecutive years, and then shall be ineligible for that office for a period of one (1) year.
3. In case of a vacancy in any of these offices, a successor shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Council to fill the unexpired term.
SECTION C. 1. The Moderator shall:
a. coordinate the total work of the Church in consultation with the Pastor.
b. be responsible for the agenda and preside over the meetings of the Church and the Council.
c. serve as an ex‑officio member of all boards, committees and organizations of
the Church.
SECTION D. 1. The Moderator-Liaison Assistant shall:
a. This position is a liaison post. A candidate shall be elected to work with the renting groups and members of the congregation, in that each has recourse for reporting concerns and problems.
b. This liaison person shall report to the Council monthly and report directly to the Trustees immediately when indicated.
c. The Moderator-Liaison Assistant may act as chairperson in the absence of the moderator.
SECTION E. The Treasurer shall:
a. Keep accurate and permanent records of the monies received by the Church except the Deacons' Fund, the funds of the Women's Fellowship, the funds of the Men of the Church and the funds of the Youth Fellowship.
b. disburse all funds by checks drawn on the bank designated by the Council. Expense vouchers signed by the proper officer or board chairperson on the form approved by the Council shall be transmitted to the Treasurer for payment of all bills.
c. prepare a financial statement each month showing all monies received and disbursed. This shall be presented to the Council and filed for audit.
d. prepare an annual detailed financial statement to be included in the annual report of the Church.
e. be bonded in an amount set by the Council. The premium shall be paid by the Church.
SECTION F. The Financial Secretary shall:
a. receive and have custody of all pledges and monetary contributions to the Church from whatever source except the Deacons' Fund, the funds of the Women's Fellowship, the funds of the Men of the Church and the funds of The Youth Fellowship. Pledges and contributions shall be held in strict confidence.
b. submit a report to the Treasurer of the amounts deposited in the account(s) of the Church.
c. be bonded for an amount set by the Council. The premium shall be paid by the Church.
SECTION G. The Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Financial Secretary shall:
a. work under the direction of their respective counterparts, being
apprised of all facets of the financial condition of the Church.
b. act in the absence of the Treasurer or Financial Secretary, respectively.
c. be bonded by the Church in the same manner as the Treasurer and Financial Secretary.
SECTION H. The Clerk of the Church shall:
a. keep accurate and permanent records of all Council and Church meetings and process correspondence relative to them.
b. maintain a register of all memberships showing dates and modes of reception and removal, deaths, marriages, date of births and baptisms.
c. issue letters of dismissal, transfer and leaves of absence.
d. issue legal notices of the Council and the Church as directed by the Council and/or Church.
e. be responsible for the call for the annual meeting and special meetings as stated in Article XII, Section C.
ARTICLE VI BOARDS
SECTION A: As determined by the Council, all Boards shall have as many members as is necessary to carry out their functions. Board members shall be elected at each annual meeting of the Church for a period of one (1) to three (3) years, plus one month respectively for training. Each board may determine its own internal organizations. No member shall serve more than three (3) years on such Board and shall be ineligible for that office for a period of one year.
SECTION B: The chairperson of each board automatically becomes a member of the Council where he/she provides the liaison between the activities of this board and the Council. If a chairperson is unable to attend a Council meeting he/she shall name a member of his/her board to represent him/her in its behalf with voice and vote.
SECTION C: 1. All boards must meet on a monthly basis and must keep written minutes of the proceedings of each regular and special meeting.
2. These meetings shall be open to members of the Church, who, at the discretion of the Chair, may speak to the question being discussed.
SECTION D: Member vacancies on a board for the current year shall be filled by nomination of the Nominating Committee and elected by the Council to serve until the next annual meeting of the Church.
SECTION E: All boards are responsible for submitting pertinent information to the Church Newsletter.
SECTION F: 1. The following boards shall be established to carry out the programs of the Church by performing the functions indicated:
a. Christian Education shall:
(1) be responsible for instituting and maintaining the educational work of the Church including the procurement of all materials for the proper functioning of the Church School.
(2) recruit and supervise Church School teachers.
(3) have acting chairperson to help supervise nursery attendant.
b. Outreach & Missions shall:
(1) establish communications and liaison between the Church and the local, national and world communities.
(2) lead the Church in the study and application of the Christian
principle to the social problems and community welfare.
(3) be responsible for the activity of the Church in local, national and world missions and make recommendations through the Council regarding all projects.
c. Membership shall:
(1) in cooperation with the Pastor, contact new residents to determine previous affiliation and promptly submit to the Pastor information regarding those persons who appear to be prospective members or who need pastoral care.
(2) provide guest book personnel.
(3) organize and furnish orientation seminars for prospective members.
(4) conduct an annual survey of the Church roll, as of October 1, with the assistance of the Clerk of the Church.
(5) be responsible for compiling, editing and causing the publication of the Parish Directory.
(6) keep the name tag board up to date.
(7) follow-up on absentee members.
d. Hospitality shall:
(1) be responsible for set up of carry in dinners.
(2) be responsible for scheduling of coffee hour.
(3) organize and maintain the kitchen.
(4) organize receptions and collations as requested.
e. Deacons shall:
(1) plan and implement special worship services of the Church in consultation with the Pastor.
(2) prepare the elements of Communion and assist the Pastor in serving Holy Communion; assist the Pastor in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
(3) provide for the supply of the pulpit in case of the temporary absence of the Pastor, or the termination of the pastoral relationship.
(4) provide for such services as ushers, music, flowers, and greeters. Individuals needed to implement these services may be appointed within or outside the board.
(5) coordinate the work of the organist/ choir director in cooperation with the Pastor.
(6) maintain a Deacons’ Fund to be added to by special offerings received on Communion Sundays as determined by the board.
(a) This fund shall be administered by this Board and used to aid persons in need.
(b) A specific portion of this fund shall be designated by the board as a discretionary fund for use by the Pastor.
(c) This board shall elect one (1) of its members each year as Treasurer of the Deacon's Fund. All monies received for the fund shall be deposited in a bank designated by the Council and disbursed by checks drawn on said bank by the Treasurer of the Fund.
f. Trustees shall:
(1) have care and custody of all properties
owned by the Church, whether real or personal, in accordance with provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and these bylaws.
(2) annually inspect all properties and review the adequacy of the insurance program.
(3) maintain a running inventory of all personal property and equipment owned by the Church and make an annual report thereof to the Council.
(4) supervise the work of the Custodian in cooperation with the Pastor.
g. Stewardship shall:
(1) compile and present to the Church a proposed annual budget for each ensuing year. It shall contain estimated current expenses including mortgage payments, if any. The proposed budget shall be presented to the Council each year not later than the November Council meeting for its recommendations to the Church. The board shall present the finalized proposed budget to the Church for action not later than the next regular annual meeting of the Church.
(2) be responsible for implementing the approved budget.
(3) initiate and carry out a continuing program concerning wills, bequests and endowments.
h. Music Ministry shall, primarily through the direction of the Choir
Director/Organist:
(1) be responsible for all phases of music in the worship service. This shall include the choir, organ, piano, and hymn singing.
(2) provide through the choir, music for the worship service.
(3) provide music for worship during the months of June through August in the form of solos, duets, trios, quartets and instrumental
music.
(4) Provide, upon request and when possible, musical entertainment for social functions in the church.
(5) Work with those responsible for the talent show each year.
ARTICLE VII REMOVAL
SECTION A. 1. Any elected officer, board chairperson, or board member may be removed from office for cause, in the following manner:
a. written charges for cause by any member of the Church in good standing must be submitted to the Clerk of the Church. The Clerk shall immediately transmit such charges to the Council for investigation and action.
b. if the charges are substantiated, after written notice setting forth the charges has been given the accused and a hearing before the Council offered, the Council may recommend removal from office by a three‑fourths vote of the Council at a special session called for the purpose.
c. removal from office shall be by action of the Church, on
recommendation of the Council, by a three‑fourths vote of the
members present at a duly called special Church meeting for this purpose.
2. A board member who does not fulfill his/her obligation for a period of three (3) months without the proper notification to the board Chairperson may be removed from said board upon approval of Council.
ARTICLE VIII STANDING COMMITTEES
SECTION A. 1. The standing committees contained in this article shall be nominated by the Moderator from the membership of the Church and elected by the Council each year at its February meeting except as provided in SECTION C.
2. The responsibilities of these committees shall be those outlined herein. The size of these committees shall be determined by the Council and their reports shall be made to the Council.
SECTION B. 1. Auditing Committee shall:
a. audit the books and financial records of the Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary for each current year. This audit shall be done after December 31, but before the next regular annual meeting of the Church. The findings of this committee shall be reported to the Council and published in the annual report of the Church.
b. pursuant to this section, audit the books and financial records of any boards and organizations of the Church authorized to act independently from the Church treasury.
SECTION C. 1. Finance Committee shall:
a. act in an advisory capacity to the Council and organizations of the
Church on financial matters concerning the Church.
b. be composed of the Moderator as chairperson, the Church Treasurer,
the Financial Secretary, the Assistant Treasurer and the Assistant
Financial Secretary.
SECTION D. 1. Nominating Committee shall:
a. serve for 1 (one) year.
b. compile and present to the next annual meeting of the Church a slate
of nominees for each elective office(s) of the Church.
c. at said annual meeting allow other nominations to be made from the
floor with the consent of the nominee.
d. nominate persons to fill vacancies which may occur in the Church
officers.
e. nominate delegates to the biennial meeting of the Florida Conference.
This slate of nominees shall be published in the Annual Report of
the Church.
SECTION E. 1. Memorials Committee shall be:
a. responsible for considering, accepting and placing all memorials
and material gifts to the Church from whatever source, and the
disbursing of memorial funds.
b. composed of one (1) member each from the Board of Deacons, the
Board of Stewardship, and the Board of Trustees, and at least two
(2) members from the Church at large.
c. responsible for recording in the permanent records of the committee:
(1) all contributions of any kind designated as memorials.
(2) disbursements of memorial funds which are made through the Church
Treasurer after consultation with the Council.
(3) entries in the Memorials Book of all accepted memorials.
(4) minutes of the meetings and all actions taken by this committee.
SECTION F. 1. Pastoral Relations Committee shall:
a. be a three (3) member committee.
b. act as liaison between congregation and Pastor.
c. keep all information confidential.
d. utilize the UCC manual “The Pastoral Relations Committee”.
SECTION G. 1. Publicity Committee shall:
a. seek out ways and means of publicizing the activities of the Church as often as possible.
b. be composed of as many members as are necessary to carry out their function.
c. be responsible for the publishing of the Church Newsletter.
ARTICLE IX AD HOCK COMMITTEES
With the exception of the Pulpit Committee, ad hoc committees may be appointed by the Moderator and approved by the Council as the need arises. The size of these committees shall be determined by the task to be performed. Each committee shall be charged specifically by the Council.
ARTICLE X WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP; MEN OF THE CHURCH
SECTION A. The Church shall recognize each of these organizations.
SECTION B. Except as provided otherwise in these bylaws, these organizations may organize and operate independently from all other boards and organizations of the Church. They may constitute their own bylaws, provided such bylaws do not negate or conflict with the Constitution or Bylaws of the United Church of Christ or the Bylaws of this Church. They may elect their own officers and/or executive board which shall have supervision over their affairs.
SECTION C. Each organization shall report to the Council through its elected head, who shall be seated on the Council pursuant to ARTICLE IV, SECTION B.
SECTION D. Except as provided in ARTICLE VIII, SECTION B, each organization may control its own finances independently from the Church treasury. Accurate and permanent records shall be maintained of all monies received from whatever source.
SECTION E. Written minutes shall be kept of all meetings. Such meetings shall be open to members of the Church who, at the discretion of the Chair, may speak to the question being discussed.
ARTICLE XI PROPERTY
SECTION A. The Church may:
a. 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.
b. 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 purpose of the Church.
c. receive and hold in trust both real and personal property and invest and reinvest the same and make any contracts for promoting the objectives and purposes of the Church.
SECTION B. The signatures of any two (2) elected officers of the Church shall be required on all legal documents of the Church.
SECTION C. Upon dissolution of the Church, its assets and all property and interests 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 the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE XII CHURCH MEETINGS
SECTION A. The Annual Meeting of the Church shall be held in the month of January on a date and at a time set by the Council.
SECTION B. Special Church meetings may be called by the Church Council. A Special Church Meeting shall be called by the Clerk of the Church on petition signed by not less than ten (10) percent of the Church members in good standing, specifying the time, date, place and purpose of the meeting.
SECTION C. Notices for the Annual Meeting and special meetings shall be given by the Clerk by mailing the call to all active Church members at least one (1) week prior to the