CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
of the
COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Manitou Springs, Colorado
A United Church of Christ

 Revised - November 17, 2002    

ARTICLE I:  NAME

The name of this church shall be “The Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs, Colorado”.

ARTICLE II:  OBJECT

The object of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God, the studying of His word and will, rendering Christian service to others, and in making God's will dominant in the lives of people, individually and collectively.

 

ARTICLE III:  FORM OF GOVERNMENT

While this Church is independent of the control of any other ecclesiastical body, in order not to become an isolated unit of the Christian Church, it recognizes the principle of Christian fellowship and the need for guidance, counsel, and aid. The Church therefore pledges itself to direct its actions and benevolences through channels of the United Church of Christ and such other fields of service as are approved by this Church.

ARTICLE IV: PRINCIPLES

This Church recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith and practice, and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship.  Individual members shall have the undisturbed right to follow the word of God according to the dictates of their own conscience under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.  This Church observes two sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, and recognizes them to be vital channels of God’s grace and love to God's people.  The following statement of faith therefore, is not a test, but an expression of the spirit in which this Church interprets the Word of God.

We believe in You, O God, Eternal Spirit,
God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God,
and to Your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being,
create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by Your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the Man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
You have come to us and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to Yourself.
You bestow upon us Your Holy spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages,
tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
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.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in Your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.
Amen.

We, the members of the Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs,
covenant together to share the continuing story of God's love,
especially in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Through our Church and individual lives,
we will use the unique gifts God has given us to worship God,
deepen our personal faith,
and be constant in our ministries to all people.

ARTICLE V:  MEMBERSHIP

The members of this Church shall be persons who have expressed a desire to unite with it and who have accepted the covenant of the Church, and after agreement with its doctrine:

1.        on presentation of letters of transfer

2.        on reaffirmation of faith

3.        on confession of faith and baptism if not previously baptized, or

4.        through the rite of confirmation in this Church.

The Church recognizes three categories of membership:

1.        Active members are members who have joined the Church as described in Section A. They attend the Church regularly, and contribute to its financial and spiritual support.  

2.        Inactive members are people who have joined the Church but who have given up regular attendance and no longer support the Church in excess of the amount of conference dues.  Members are declared inactive after meeting these conditions for a period of one year.  Inactive members are terminated after remaining inactive for one year.

3.        Affiliate members are members who have joined the Church as described in Section A.  They attend the Church regularly, and contribute to its support.  However, along with their association with this Church, they may be members of another church.  Examples of this would be people who spend the summer in this area, but the winter elsewhere; members of the military who are maintaining their membership in their home church; people with very strong ties to another church who do not wish to give up their membership there.  Affiliate members may vote in Church elections and belong to Church boards and committees.  They may not serve as officers of the Church, or chair boards or committees.

To the best of their ability, members are expected to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life, to attend the services of the Church, to give for its financial support, to share in its organized work, and to seek the spiritual and general well-being of its members, the community, and all people.

Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of transfer to another church is entitled to receive it upon request.  Members on the inactive list may, upon request be placed on the active list in order that a letter of transfer may be issued.  Only letters of transfer addressed to a specific church will be granted.  Letters of transfer become effective on the date on which the notice of acceptance is received.  The Church Secretary shall administer the transfer program.

Any person whose membership has been terminated or who has been placed on the inactive list, may be restored to regular membership upon expressing such a desire and, in cases of termination, upon re-acceptance of the church covenant and doctrine.

ARTICLE VI:  OFFICERS

There shall be a Moderator elected by the membership limited to a term of two years.  The responsibilities of the Moderator include:

1.        Leading and being responsible to the membership for the efficient and proper operation of all Church activities.

2.        Presiding and chairing all meetings of the Executive Council.

3.        Presiding and chairing all meetings of the Congregation.

4.        Other duties as appropriate and warranted by the situation.

There shall be a Vice Moderator elected by the membership limited to a term of one year.  The responsibilities of the Vice Moderator include:

1.        Taking over the duties of the Moderator when the Moderator cannot be present.
Assisting the Moderator in all ways possible.

2.        Performing duties assigned by the Moderator.

3.        Serving on the Board of Investments.

4.        Succeeding to the position of Moderator if for any reason the Moderator is unable to complete the term of office.

The Recording Secretary shall be elected by the Church limited to a term of one year.  Responsibilities of the Recording Secretary include:

1.        Keeping a faithful record of the proceedings of meetings of the congregation and meetings of the Executive Council.

2.        Performing other duties as usually pertain to the office of Recording Secretary.

3.        Provide copies of complete bylaws to all board chairpersons and moderator annually.

The Treasurer shall be elected for a term limited to three years.  The responsibilities of the Treasurer include:

1.        Receiving all moneys of the Church and giving receipts to regular contributors and others on request.

2.        Depositing all money in suitable banks or other depositories as established by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Council.

3.        Making regular monthly reports to the Trustees and the Executive Council as to the status of local operating funds and keeping an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements.

4.        Paying all bills as authorized in operating budgets.  Items not included in the operating budgets must be approved by the Trustees.  The Treasurer, or the Treasurer's designate, will prepare and sign all Church checks.

5.        Making available, upon request, to the boards and committees the status of their budgeted funds.

6.        Submitting the accounts to the Auditor elected by the members for a complete audit.

7.        The Treasurer, Bookkeeper and the Auditor are the only Church personnel who will have access to detailed confidential records regarding contributions or pledges to the Church.

The Church Auditor shall be elected for a term limited to four years.  The Church Auditor shall not be a member of the Board of Trustees, nor the Treasurer, nor the Bookkeeper.  The Church accounts will be audited by a professional auditor once every four years.  This professional audit will be in lieu of an audit by the Church Auditor.  The Church Auditor shall be responsible for:

1.        Auditing of the Church accounts.

2.        Making any recommendations for changes and improvements in bookkeeping and accounting procedures.  Recommendation for changes and improvements shall be made to the Board of Trustees.

The Historian or Archivist shall be elected for a period limited to three years.  The duties of the historian include:

1.        Maintaining an historical file of Church activities and functions, including a clipping file of items of news in which the Church is mentioned.

2.        Being in charge of existing files, books, etc. of historical significance to the Church.

3.        Being responsible for ensuring that photographs are taken of significant Church events.

ARTICLE VII:  MINISTER

1.        Election.  The minister shall be called for an unlimited term of office by a two-thirds majority of the regular and affiliate Church membership in attendance at a regular or special meeting.  When a vacancy occurs in the Ministerate, the Executive Council shall appoint a special committee of seven persons for the purpose of canvassing available ministers, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Conference Minister, the Church and Ministry Committee of the Association and others.  This committee, having settled upon the one who in their judgment should be called to the Ministerate, shall introduce the candidate to the Church and at a duly called meeting propose the candidate's election.  When a minister has been elected and has accepted the call, the minister shall become a member of the Church and the Association to which the Church belongs at the first opportunity.  The Association to which the Church belongs shall be invited to install the Minister in accordance with established procedures and traditions.

2.        Duties.  The minister shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the Church, including functioning as the Chief Administrative Leader of the Church with the assistance of its various auxiliary organizations.  All paid staff persons shall be under the minister's direction.  In cooperation and consultation with the Diaconate and Executive Council the minister shall:

a.        Seek to enlist persons as followers of Christ

b.       Preach the gospel

c.        Administer the sacraments

d.       Conduct or provide all services of public worship

e.        Seek to promote the spiritual welfare of the Church membership

f.         Represent the Church in spiritual and Church activities in the community and be encouraged to share in the work of the total fellowship of the United Church of Christ.

g.       Provide guidance to all boards and committees as an ex officio member.

3.        The minister will administer performance/salary reviews yearly to paid Church employees with input from pertinent sponsoring Boards.

4.        The minister will have the direct responsibility for hiring and discharging paid church employees, such action to be taken only after a two-thirds majority vote by the pertinent Sponsoring Board and a concurrence by the Executive Council through a two-thirds majority vote.

While the term of the minister shall be indefinite, the Church may at anytime by two-thirds vote at a special meeting called for that purpose, request the minister's resignation, with the expectation that it will be presented within sixty days.  Likewise, the minister shall give sixty days notice in case the minister wishes to leave of the minister's own volition.  By mutual consent the sixty day notice of resignation or dismissal of the minister may be reduced or extended by such time as is mutually agreeable.  In case of loss of ministerial standing by the Association or Rocky Mountain Conference on the part of the minister, relations shall cease at once.

1.        Appointment.  When a vacancy occurs in the position of elected minister, an interim shall be approved by the Executive Council after selection by an appropriate committee in accordance with conference guidelines and its sanctions.

2.        Duties and Responsibilities:  The interim minister shall endeavor to:

a.        Fulfill the duties of minister.

b.       Prepare the congregation to receive a permanent minister by nurturing an environment conducive to a smooth and orderly transition.

3.        Term of Service:  The appointment of an interim minister is for an unspecified period which will end not less than thirty days before a called minister is to assume the pulpit.

4.        Ineligibility:  The interim will not be eligible for the position of elected minister and may not submit an application for the position.

5.        Contract:  The contract to be used in employing an interim minister will be kept in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

ARTICLE VIII:  BOARDS, COMMITTEES and GROUPS

1.        A Board is a permanent working group established to oversee some continuing aspect of the functioning of the Church through policies approved by the Executive Council.  Each Board may be a Sponsoring Board, coordinating and/or establishing policies for the work of specific paid church employees.

2.        A Committee is a temporary working group established to oversee a particular temporary aspect of the functioning of the Church.

3.        A Group is a gathering of people, sanctioned by the Church through Executive Council approval, who share a common goal or interest and meet regularly for social and spiritual fellowship.

1.        All members of Boards or Committees must be members of the Church, either regular or affiliate.  Affiliate members may not chair boards or committees.

2.        After serving one term on a Board or Committee, no member will be eligible for re-election to that Board or Committee until after the lapse of one year.

3.        A member may serve on, but not chair, more than one board simultaneously.

1.        All Boards, Committees, and Groups which manage financial assets will make a report to the Church annually in time for inclusion in the annual report.

2.        All Boards, Committees, and Groups which have access to the Church's financial assets will prepare a budget proposal for submission to the Trustees in compliance with the established budgeting calendar of the Church.

3.        All financial records for all organizations within the Church will be kept in a format acceptable to both the Treasurer and the Auditor.

ARTICLE IX:  BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

1.        Each Board shall elect its own chair and other officers and determine its own methods of procedure.

2.        The Chair of the Board shall be the Board’s representative to the Executive Council when appropriate.  The Chairperson from the previous year shall meet and conduct the first meeting convened to insure a smooth transition before the next Executive Council.

3.        All Boards should meet monthly or as needed.

4.        All non-budgeted expenses shall be approved by the appropriate Board or Committee and by the Trustees.

Each Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Board of Trustees shall consist of seven members elected for three year terms, in such a manner that the terms of not more than three shall expire annually.

2.        The Board shall prepare an annual operating budget in conjunction with the departments of the Church.  The proposed budget shall be presented to the Executive Council for approval at its October meeting upon approval of the Executive Council; the proposed budget shall be mailed to the congregation prior to pledge Sunday.  The final budget will be presented to the congregation for approval at the annual meeting.

3.        The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for all the property and local operational funds of the Church, always subject to the laws of the State of Colorado , the ordinances of the City of Manitou Springs, and the Articles of Incorporation.

4.        The Board shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, or transfer real property of the Church without prior approval through vote of the Church membership.  The Board shall solicit at least two bids for any work to be done on Church property amounting to $2,500.00 or more.  Boards, Committees, and Groups may spend budgeted funds allocated to them unless directed otherwise by the Board of Trustees.  The board shall have the authority to reallocate budgeted funds.

5.        The Board shall be responsible for custodial service to the buildings and grounds.

6.        Unbudgeted expenditures in excess of $5,000 must be approved by the congregation.

7.        Cumulative unbudgeted expenditures in excess of $5,000 must be reported to the congregation within thirty days.

8.        Every four years, in coordination with the Treasurer and Minister, the Board will engage the services of a professional auditor for the church accounts and to have the professional auditor make recommendations on financial and bookkeeping practice as necessary.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Diaconate shall consist of eighteen members.  One-third of the members shall be elected at each annual meeting, to serve three years.

2.        The Diaconate shall consult as needed with the minister on ministerial duties and format and substance of Sunday worship services as well as services on special occasions.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Board of Christian Education shall consist of six elected members.  Of the elected members, one-third shall be elected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.  An additional student member may be chosen to fill a seat on the board at the beginning of each school term.

2.        The Board of Christian Education is responsible for the courses of study for all departments of the Church School .  It shall provide for the selection and training of Church School teachers and assistants.  The Board of Christian Education is responsible for the appointment of leaders, sponsors and/or advisors of organized youth groups and for the overall supervision of their programs.

3.        The Board is responsible for the initiation of programs, choosing and training of leaders and for the general supervision of the total educational program of the Church.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Board of Missions shall consist of six members one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years.

2.        The Board shall be responsible for all matters of benevolence pertaining to the mission of the Church.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Memorial Board shall consist of six members, one-half of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years.

2.        It shall be the responsibility of the Board to receive record, acknowledge and allocate funds for suitable memorials for the church in consultation with families.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Board of Music shall consist of at least four members, one-half of whom shall be elected each year for a term of two years.

2.        The Board shall be responsible for hiring temporary and special musicians as needed.

3.        The Board of Music shall work in cooperation with the Minister to supervise the music program of the church.  It shall have responsibility for the quality of the music, its acceptability to the Church, and its appropriateness to the accompanied service.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Board of Investments shall consist of seven members.  Three members shall be elected from the congregation at large, one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years.  The remaining members shall be appointed as follows:  one from the Board of Trustees, one from the Stewardship and Membership Board, one from Scholarship Board, and the Vice Moderator.

2.        The Board shall elect a chair from among the at large members.

3.         The purpose of this Board will be to oversee the investment of all Church funds made available for investment by the Executive Council.  This Board shall report to the Executive Council.  The Board shall make a financial report to the Church annually.

4.        The Board will establish goals and objectives to maximize investment return consistent with maximizing the safety of principal.

5.        In addition to the Board’s duty of reviewing the investment portfolio, the Board will conduct a review of the Frank E. and Salome B. Smith Trust on behalf of the Scholarship Board, this being done by meeting with the trust officer at least once a year.

6.        The Quarterly Report from the Smith Trust will go to the Investment Board for its review.

7.        When the money in the Smith Trust reverts to the church in 2024, there shall be a special congregational meeting called to determine the dispositions of these funds.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Board shall consist of six persons, one third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years.

2.        The Board shall be responsible for all matters relating to the financial stewardship program of the church.

3.        The Board shall help integrate new members into the larger life of the church family with counsel and input from the pastor.

This Board will operate under the General Provisions of Article IX, Section A.

1.        The Scholarship Board will consist of nine elected members.  One-third shall be elected each year at the annual church meeting to serve a three year term.

2.        The Scholarship Board will have full responsibility for awarding scholarships and grants and distribution of funds, in consultation with the Executive Council and Minister.

3.        The Scholarship Board will solicit and review applications, meet personally with all new applicants and determine scholarship awards.

4.        The Scholarship Board will select one member to serve on the Board of Investments.

ARTICLE X:  COMMITTEES

1.        The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Moderator, the Minister, and one representative from each Board represented on the Executive Council.

2.        The Nominating Committee shall nominate for presentation at the annual meeting of the Church, a candidate for each officer vacancy and for each vacancy on all boards.  It shall obtain the consent of each nominee before presenting the name to the membership.

1.        The Ministerial Search Committee shall consist of at least seven members appointed by the Executive Council.  Members shall be chosen so as to represent a cross section of the Church membership.

2.        This committee will be created when it becomes necessary for the Church to conduct a search for a new minister.  It will operate in conformance with conference guidelines covering the search process.

ARTICLE XI:  EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

1.        The Executive Council shall consist of the Minister (ex officio), Moderator, Vice Moderator, non-voting)  Recording Secretary, and Treasurer; representatives from the following Boards:  Trustees, Diaconate, Christian Education, Missions, Stewardship/Membership, Music and Memorial.  All church members are welcomed to attend on a non-voting basis.

2.        The Executive Council shall be the principal administrative body of the Church.  It shall advise the Moderator on all Church matters and shall be the policy-making body of the Church.  It shall appoint members to fill vacancies in Church offices, boards, and committees on the basis of nominations submitted by the appropriate committee or board.  Such appointments are good only until the next annual meeting.

3.        It shall be responsible for the administration and interpretation of this constitution.  On matters of interpretation, settlement will be made by a simple majority vote of the Council, with the Vice-Moderator voting only in case of a tie. A quorum shall consist of at least six  voting members.

4.        The Council may require a report on the activities of any Church Board, Committee, or Group.

5.        The Council may remove by a two-thirds majority vote at a closed meeting of the entire Executive Council, officers of the Church and members of boards and committees they find to be guilty of malfeasance or negligence in the performance of their duties,  by a two-thirds majority vote at a closed meeting of the entire Executive Council. Persons considered for removal must be notified in writing of the Council's intent to consider their removal.  They will be invited to attend this meeting

6.        Delegates to represent the Church officially at Conference meetings, associations, and meetings shall be appointed by the Executive Council.

7.        If a Sponsoring Board concludes to hire or discharge a paid church employee, said Board must submit to the Executive Council for due consideration, a proposal having been agreed to by said Board by a two-thirds majority.  Upon receipt of said proposal from a Sponsoring Board, a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Council shall be required to hire or discharge a paid church employee.  The minister will be advised of the Executive Council action so that the minister can carry out the mandate of the Board and the Executive Council.

8.        The Executive Council shall appoint a Ministerial Relations Committee to support and maintain good relationships with the pastoral staff.

9.        The Executive Council shall establish policies and procedures for absentee voting.

ARTICLE XII:  MEETINGS

Services of worship shall be held at given hours on each Sunday.  The time for service shall be determined by the Executive Council subject to approval by vote of the congregation.

The Annual Meeting shall be held in January, on a date appointed by the Executive Council, to hear the yearly reports of the officers, Boards, Committees, and Groups; to elect officers; to adopt a budget for the new year; to review plans for the new year; and to transact all other business brought before the meeting.  The time, date and place of the meeting shall be mailed to all active members at least ten days before the meeting.  The mailing shall constitute official notification with the date on the Certificate of Mailing recognized as the notification date of the meeting.

Special meetings for business may be held on call of the Moderator or Executive Council.  Notification of the time, date, place and nature of the business to be transacted shall be mailed to all active members at least ten days before the meeting.  The mailing shall constitute official notification with the date on the Certificate of Mailing recognized as the notification date of the meeting.

All Church meetings will be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order.

1.        The Church Secretary will be responsible for administering absentee voting in accordance with accepted policies and procedures established by the Executive Council.

2.        Absentee ballots will not count toward a quorum.

At all business meetings a quorum shall consist of fifteen percent of the active members of the Church.  The Church Secretary shall supply the Moderator with a list of active members at least twenty-four hours before the meeting.

 ARTICLE XIII:  ADMINISTRATION

1.        The Church may employ personnel to fill the following paid positions:  Minister, Assistant Minister(s), Church Secretary, Choir Director, Youth Director, Bookkeeper, Youth Choir Director, Handbell Choir Director, Organists, Pianists, Caretaker, Nursery Attendant(s), and Custodian(s) and Seminary Intern.  It is understood that not necessarily all these positions need to be filled at any particular time.  Other positions may be proposed as needed.

2.        All vacancies for permanent paid positions shall be approved by the Executive Council in consultation and coordination with the Minister and appropriate Boards.

It is recognized that special temporary positions (paid or unpai