The name of this church shall be "Ridgebury Congregational Church, United Church of Christ." It shall be located in Ridgefield, Connecticut. This church is part of the United Church of Christ as described in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
This church acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred 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 affirms the responsibility of the church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God.
We covenant one with another to seek and respond to the Word and Will of God, and 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 this church that:
"Relying on the Holy Spirit to lead us and empower us,
we worship God, and witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
with loving service and commitment to justice and peace."
We pray for the coming of the kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.
The church welcomes into its membership any person who accepts its covenant and makes confession of faith, re-affirmation of faith, or provides a letter of transfer from another church. Each member shall have one vote on all matters acted upon at congregational meetings. Membership in this church shall end upon notice of acceptance into another church, or by action of the Board of Deacons as described in the Bylaws.
All members of this church are expected to strive to follow the principles set forth in the Covenant, and to seek meaningful ways to support the principles which this church upholds. They are specifically asked to share in the life and work of the church, to contribute to its support and benevolences, and to care for its spiritual welfare.
The ultimate governing body of this church shall be the membership assembled in a congregational meeting, where a majority vote of the members present at the meeting shall express the will of the church, except for issues where a two-thirds vote (2/3) is required by this Constitution or the Bylaws of the Ridgebury Congregational Church, United Church of Christ ("the Bylaws").
The Church Council shall be the primary executive body of this church. It shall maintain general oversight of all the activities of the church, plan prayerfully for the church's future, provide a forum for communication among the various committees and officers, and resolve differences of opinion among them.
Permanent boards and committees created to manage and conduct the work of the church are described in the Bylaws. Temporary committees to serve special purposes may be appointed by the Church Council or chosen at a congregational meeting.
All officers, board members, committee chairs, delegates, and presidents of church organizations shall be members of the church. In selecting members to serve on the various offices, boards and committees of the church, diverse representation reflecting the total membership shall be sought.
All meetings of the congregation, the Church Council, and the various boards and committees shall include prayer and shall stress thoughtful deliberation of church policy and appropriate study to keep the church mindful of its essential purpose, even throughout its temporal transactions. All meetings of the Church Council and the various boards and committees shall be open to all members, except as noted in the Bylaws.
Separate bylaws shall describe details of the church's operation consistent with the general provisions of this Constitution.
Should this church dissolve, its assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws may be made at any duly called congregational meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members present.
Any member may submit to the Clerk a proposed change to this Constitution and Bylaws in writing. The Clerk shall publish the text of the proposed change prior to the next duly called Congregational meeting.
It shall be the responsibility of the Church Council to appoint a temporary committee to review this Constitution and Bylaws every five (5) years.
This Constitution and Bylaws for the Ridgebury Congregational Church, U.C.C. shall take effect on the 23rd day of May, 2004. It shall supersede all previous versions.
Respectfully submitted May 23, 2004.
Amended by Congregational Vote May 23, 2004
1. Worship shall be held at designated hours each Sunday and at any other time designated by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
2. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated at any time designated by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
3. The Sacrament of Baptism shall be administered to those taken into the church as members (if they have not previously been baptized) and to children, one of whose parents stands in covenant with the church. Others may be baptized at the discretion of the Pastor.
1. The church shall meet at least twice yearly. Twenty percent (20%) of the members of the church shall constitute a quorum, except as noted in the Bylaws. Notice of meetings shall be given from the pulpit, printed in the Sunday worship bulletin, and mailed to all members no later than two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting. The call shall include a written agenda of all items to be discussed.
2. The program year of the church, and the terms of all elected officers and committee members, shall commence on June 1 and end on May 30.
3. The Annual Meeting shall be held in the month of May to receive annual reports of officers, boards and committees; to elect officers and committees; and to act upon other such business as shall properly come before the meeting.
4. The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year.
5. A Budget Meeting shall be held in the month of October. A Congregational Meeting shall be held in January to adjust the annual budget and to act upon other such business as shall properly come before the meeting.
6. Special meetings shall be called by the Clerk upon request of the Pastor, the Church Council, or a petition signed by no fewer than 20% of the members of the church, stating the purpose of the proposed meeting. The Clerk shall schedule the special meeting no sooner than two weeks and no later than six weeks from the date of the request, or the receipt of the petition. These time limits shall apply to the scheduling of all Congregational Meetings.
7. All matters before a congregational meeting shall be decided by majority vote of members present, except as noted below.
1. The Pastor shall be called or dismissed at a congregational meeting called for that purpose, by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of active members, with voting to be done by secret ballot. In order to terminate this relationship, three (3) months' notice shall be given by either party. When the relationship is terminated, notice of such termination shall be sent to the Clerk of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, and to the Committee on Ministry of the Fairfield East Association.
2. The Pastor shall have charge of the spiritual affairs and welfare of the church and responsibility for the conduct of the services of public worship. The Pastor shall seek to enlist people as followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, have care of services of worship, and oversee the Christian education of the congregation. The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees and shall have a seat and vote on the Church Council, except in personnel matters regarding the pastor.
3. The Pastor shall become a member of the church and shall have standing in the Fairfield East Association of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.
4. The Pastor shall give a monthly update of her/his activities, concerning pastoral care to the Board of Deacons.
5. The Pastor shall give a monthly update of her/his activities and meetings to Council.
6. The Pastor will maintain an active association with local clergy and keep the congregation informed of religious activities and events in the greater community.
There shall be four regular Officers of the church: the Moderator, the Vice Moderator, the Clerk, the Treasurer. Each officer of the church shall submit a written report covering the activities of the church for the past year to the Clerk one (1) month prior to the Annual Meeting.
The Moderator shall:
The Vice-Moderator shall:
The Clerk shall:
The Treasurer shall:
There shall be two (2) Assistant Treasurers. The Assistant Treasurers shall:
1. Two delegates shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one (1) year and shall be regular members of the church. These delegates shall serve to represent the church at meetings of the Fairfield East Association and the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.
2. The Board of Deacons and/or the Church Council are responsible for sending church members to any agencies, organizations or outreach programs of interest to the church and it shall be the responsibility of these members to report to the appropriate board or committee.
1. All boards and committees shall schedule regular meetings, at any interval which supports and facilitates their work. Meetings shall be called by the Chair of each body who shall give at least one (1) week's notice, and who shall provide a written agenda with the call to the meeting.
2. A quorum for any board or committee shall be at least one-half (1/2) of the body's total number of voting members. All decisions shall be by majority affirmative vote.
3. All boards and committees shall hold their first meetings during the first month after the Annual Meeting where members of the boards and committees are elected. The outgoing chair of each board and committee shall chair this first meeting to oversee the selection of the new chairperson, and offer guidance to the incoming members.
4. Boards and committees which administer their own budgets shall prepare a projected budget for the upcoming program year. They will submit this proposed budget for deliberation by the Board of Trustees no later than one (1) month prior to the Budget Meeting.
5. At their first meeting, each board and committee shall elect a presiding chairperson. With the exception of the Pastoral Relations Committee, each body will also elect a recording secretary. The recording secretary will keep accurate and detailed minutes of the deliberations and actions of each body, and send them to the Pastor, Moderator, Clerk, and all committee members within one (1) week of the meeting.
6. Any vacancy among the elected positions of the church shall be filled by a member selected by the Church Council.
7. Should a member of any body of the church fail to attend at least 60% of that body's regular meetings during any six-month period, that member shall be deemed to have resigned. The vacancy must be reported at the next meeting of the Church Council.
8. No later than one (1) month prior to the Annual Meeting, the chair of all boards, committees and auxiliary organizations of the church shall submit to the Clerk an annual written report summarizing the activities of their group for the past year.
9. Any questions which may arise with respect to the execution or interpretation of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be determined by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the Church Council.
10. All meetings of the church, boards and committees shall be conducted in compliance with parliamentary procedure as specified in Roberts' Rules of Order.
The Church Council shall be the overall policy and planning body of the church. It shall have complete power to supervise and coordinate the plans and activities of the boards, committees, and organizations of the church, and to plan prayerfully for its future. The Church Council shall:
1. Be composed of the Moderator, who shall act as chair; the Vice Moderator; the Clerk, who shall act as secretary; the Treasurer; the Pastor; the chairs of all boards and committees; and one (1) of the church's delegates to the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, when neither delegate is not already serving on the Church Council in another capacity.
2. Establish regular meeting times at its first meeting after the Annual Meeting. Notice of regular meetings shall be printed in the worship bulletin on the Sunday preceding the meeting and shall be provided to all members of the Church Council by the Clerk.
3. Shall be responsible for the hiring and oversight of all church employees. Where such employees will work with pastoral staff, the Church Council will strongly weigh the views of pastoral staff when performing this oversight function.
4. No person may represent more than one (1) group on the Church Council. Members, excluding the Pastor, shall appoint alternates to represent them on the Church Council in the event they cannot be present at any meeting
5. At least three (3) months prior to the Annual Meeting, the Church Council shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of five (5) members of the church including the Vice Moderator, who shall act as Chair of the committee. The Pastor shall be an advisor to the Nominating Committee. It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to bring to the Annual Meeting nominations for all elected positions.
6. The Pastor and the Church Council will extensively study and review the priorities of the church and the effectiveness of the mutual ministry at least every three years using the resources of the UCC Connecticut Conference and other pertinent sources and not in relation to salary review.
7. Council will entertain a recommendation for the Pastor’s Compensation Package from the Pastoral Relations Committee and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding changes to this compensation package.
8. Approve all uses of church buildings or properties for purposes not specified or covered by these Bylaws with the exception of funerals.
The Board of Deacons shall:
1. Consist of up to twelve (12) members as required by the needs of the congregation. Alternating by year, one-half (1/2) of the members shall be elected at the Annual Meeting, each to serve a term of two (2) years from their date of election.
2. Engage in the task of Christian witness and evangelism; assist the Pastor in promoting the spiritual interests of the church; visit the sick, care for the poor, the sorrowing and the stranger; and participate in the work of ministry.
3. Receive applications for church membership and verify that the requirements of membership have been met. New members shall be formally received into membership during a worship service.
4. Promote and support the educational programs for new member inquiry education and youth confirmation.
5. Conduct an annual review of the membership list of the church and present a list of members to the Clerk at a meeting of the Church Council no later than two months prior to the Annual Meeting. If a member is fully separated from the fellowship, worship, service and support of the church for a period of one year, the Board of Deacons, acting for the church, shall make kindly inquiry to discover the reason for such separation. If such a member remains inactive for an additional year, the Board of Deacons may, after proper inquiry, remove the member's name from membership.
6. Provide for the supply of the pulpit in the absence of, or upon request from, the Pastor. The Board of Deacons shall provide elements for the Sacrament of Holy Communion and aid in its celebration and distribution. Provide for and recruit lay participation in worship, such as the following: acolytes, bell ringers, greeters, ushers and Scripture readers. The Board of Deacons may distribute all flowers remaining after regular or special services, to the sick or shut in.
7. Appoint a search committee to secure the services of an Interim Minister when necessary. This committee shall contact the Regional Minister of the Western Region of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ to request an interim minister. After consultation with the Pastoral Search Committee and the Board of Trustees, a contract shall be drawn, specifying the Interim Minister's duties and hours of service required per week, and offering compensation in accordance with the then-current guidelines of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Interim Minister Search Committee will reach accord with, and select, the candidate of their choice.
8. Appoint a search committee to secure the services of a Music Director when necessary. This committee shall consist of one (1) Deacon, one (1) member of the Christian Education Committee, one (1) representative from the choir, and two (2) members-at-large. In no case shall more than two (2) members of the current choir be appointed to this search committee.
9. Shall establish a plan for providing flowers for services of worship and shall promote this plan to the church membership.
10. Shall be responsible for and may receive and disburse monies for a flower fund.
The Flower Committee shall:
1. Consist of at least three (3) persons who shall be elected to serve a term of one (1) year. They shall be responsible to the Board of Deacons.
2. Shall establish a plan for the new church program year at their first meeting after the Annual Meeting, and shall promote this plan to the church membership.
3. The Flower Committee is responsible for providing flowers for services of worship and may receive and disburse monies for a flower fund.
The Board of Trustees shall:
1. Consist of six (6) members elected at large from the congregation, and the Treasurer. Alternating by year, one-half (1/2) of the members shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve a term of two (2) years from the date of election.
2. Have oversight of all buildings, grounds, contracts, investments, insurance, and other assets, in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, for the support and maintenance of the church. To facilitate the maintenance and improvement of church property, including the buildings, grounds and furnishings, the Board of Trustees shall make regular inspections of the property; establish priorities for repairs and improvements; provide for regular service on all equipment and take prompt maintenance action in emergency situations.
3. Without the specific consent of the congregation, the board shall not expend or in any way dispose of the funds of the church, to incur debts, or to lease or transfer any real estate.
4. Conduct its relations with all tenants of the church in a fair and businesslike way, including attending to tenant maintenance issues in a prompt and thorough manner.
5. Prepare an annual operating budget for the church for presentation to, and adoption by, the congregation at the Budget Meeting. During the year, the board may temporarily authorize expenditures by the Treasurer in excess of any individual item in the budget and report the matter promptly at the next meeting of the Church Council. No expenditure in excess of the total budget may be made, however, without the prior approval of the congregation.
6. Appoint a qualified person who shall be responsible for reviewing all the accounts and financial records of the church and who shall make an annual report to the church.
The Stewardship Committee shall:
1. Consist of at least three (3) members who shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve a term of one (1) year, and who shall be regular members of the church.
2. Be responsible for encouraging the principles of Christian stewardship in the church.
3. Plan and carry out a stewardship drive and perform other duties relevant to the stewardship program of the church. Stewardship, education and enlistment shall be a continuing responsibility of the committee.
The Christian Education Committee shall:
1. Consist of at least five (5) members. Alternating by year, three (3) members, then two (2) members shall be elected at the Annual Meeting, each to serve a term of two (2) years from their date of election.
2. Supervise and direct the total Christian Education Program in the church, including Sunday School, Youth and Adult Education.
3, Recruit and train teachers for Sunday School, and advisors to assist with the Youth programs.
4. Ensure that adequate facilities and materials are available for all educational programs; and keep members of the church informed as to the educational programs and educational needs of the church.
5. Be responsible for providing infant and nursery care during worship services.
6. The Christian Education Committee shall be responsible to the Board of Deacons.
The Communications Committee shall:
1. Consist of at least three (3) persons elected to serve a term of one (1) year. The editor of the church newsletter shall be a member of this committee.
2. Be responsible for all aspects of publicizing the church and its sponsored activities to the wider community. These may include, but are not limited to, production and dissemination of press releases, all paid display advertising, brochures about the church, and the church newsletter.
3. Have oversight of the format of all printed or electronic materials prepared for publication, and shall endeavor to promote a common visually-unified format for all such publications.
4. Turn over all materials published under its oversight to the Historian.
The Ecclesiastical Fine Arts Committee shall:
1. Consist of two (2) members, one of which shall be elected at each Annual Meeting to serve a term of two years.
2. Serve in an advisory capacity, without vote, to the Church Council whenever alterations, additions, repairs or changes of decor or furnishing in the church building proper are being considered.
The Historian shall:
1. Be elected for a term of one (1) year.
2. Ensure the historical documentation of the church and do relevant research maintaining records regarding the history of the church.
3. Report to the congregation as deemed necessary.
The Mission and Social Action Committee shall:
1. Consist of at least three (3) members who shall be elected for a term of one (1) year.
2. Promote and supervise the mission of the church in the world by informing the congregation about the United Church of Christ's charitable and mission activities, plan the church's participation in these activities, and solicit the necessary support.
3. Coordinate and evaluate church activities and programs related to social issues and the church's participation in issues of justice and peace.
The Pastoral Relations Committee shall:
1. Consist of four (4) members to serve for one year, and shall include one representative of the Board of Deacons, either the Moderator or Vice Moderator, one member elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting, and one member chosen by the Pastor. During the first year of a new pastorate, the Pastor shall choose this member from among those members who served on the Pastoral Search Committee.
2. Meet at least quarterly on dates to be established by the committee and the Pastor at its first meeting.
3. Keep all matters discussed in meetings of the Pastoral Relations Committee in the strictest confidence. No minutes of these meetings will be taken. However, at the discretion of the committee, the Chair shall report significant issues to the appropriate board, committee, Council or congregation at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
4. Serve both as an advisory group which shares the ideas, hopes, and concerns of the congregation with the Pastor; and as a support group which interprets the roles, functions and needs of the Pastor to the congregation.
5. Share its insights and recommendations with the Church Council at the time of the annual review of the Pastor and other employees of the church. It shall also present a report to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
6. Make recommendation to the Church Council regarding changes to the PastorUs salary and compensation package.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Pastor, the Church Council shall appoint a Pastoral Search Committee. The Pastoral Search Committee shall:
1. Consist of at least seven (7) active members of the church, chosen to be representative of the congregation.
2. Seek a candidate for the vacancy with the cooperation of the Conference Executive and others. The Pastoral Search Committee shall introduce the candidate it recommends to the church at a congregational meeting.
3. Seek the counsel of the Area Minister of the Western Region of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ for current guidelines on both its operation and the recommended salary and benefit package. It may request profiles and other relevant information about any minister from the Area Minister or from the Conference Placement Office of the Connecticut Conference.
4. State the contractual terms of the relationship in the Call. The Pastor, the church, the Fairfield East Association, and the Clerk of the Connecticut Conference shall each receive a copy of the Call.
5. Invite the Fairfield East Association to sit as an Ecclesiastical Council for the purpose of installing a new Pastor when the Call has been accepted.
The congregation or the Pastor, with the approval of the Church Council, may appoint such committees as may be deemed necessary. Such committees should not conflict with any board or standing committee and must report to at least one board or standing committee of the church.
The congregation or the Pastor, with the approval of the Church Council, may create such church auxiliary organizations as may be helpful in the conduct of activities and functions sponsored by the church. Such organizations should not operate in conflict with any board or committee of the church and must report to the Church Council.