THE ROAD CHURCH, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I - NAME Page 1

ARTICLE II - CHARACTER Page 2

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP Page 3

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS Page 5

ARTICLE V - ORGANIZATION Page 8

ARTICLE VI - CHURCH LEADERSHIP Page 10

ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES & GROUPS Page 18

ARTICLE VIII- FINANCIAL POLICIES Page 27

ARTICLE IX- CHURCH RELATED ORGANIZATIONS Page 28

ARTICLE X- PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY Page 29

ARTICLE XI- AMENDMENTS Page 29

APPENDIX A- COVENANT & CONFESSION OF FAITH Page 30

APPENDIX B- CHURCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Page 31

THE ROAD CHURCH, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT

BYLAWS

Preamble

We, the members of the Road Church, First Congregational, Stonington, Connecticut, hereby adopt the following bylaws for the guidance of our business and spiritual affairs.

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1 - Church Name

This church shall be known as The Road Church, First Congregational, Stonington, Connecticut.

ARTICLE II - CHARACTER

Section 1 - Government

The government of this church is vested in its members who exercise the right of full and final control of its affairs. This church shall always remain autonomous, independent and Congregational in character. The activities of this Church shall be under the care of the Pastor and all elected officers, boards, committees, and ministries of the Church which shall be coordinated by the Executive Board.

Section 2 - Fellowship

This church acknowledges and accepts the important obligations of mutual cooperation involved in the free fellowship of the Congregational Christian Churches, and pledges itself to safeguard and to share their common aims and work. It declares its fellowship with all churches which seek to promote the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Eligibility

Any person who accepts Christ as his/her Savior and shows evidence of good character may become eligible for membership in this church.

Each candidate for membership must appear in person before the Diaconate and subscribe wholeheartedly to the Church Covenant and Confession of Faith included in Appendix A.

Each candidate must be recommended by a two-thirds vote of the Diaconate to be received into membership of this church by furnishing evidence of, or by experiencing:

(a) Letter of transfer from other Churches

(b) Confession of Faith and Attestation of Baptism in the event a Letter of Transfer cannot be furnished

(d) Upon exhibiting evidence of repentance and renewal and a sincere desire for reactivation of membership

(e) Confession of Faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

The right hand of fellowship will be extended to new members by the Pastor and members of the Diaconate at a worship service following their election to membership.

Section 2 - Voting Members

Members in good standing, sixteen years of age or older, may speak and vote in the business meetings of the Church, except as set forth in Section 4 and Section 5 below.

Section 3 - Transfer or Release from Membership

A member in good standing shall on request and by vote of the Diaconate: (a) be granted a letter of transfer to another church, or (b) be released from membership.

Section 4 - Inactive Membership

Members who have not maintained contact with the church for two years may be transferred to the inactive membership roll upon the vote of the Diaconate. Inactive members shall not have a right to vote. An inactive member may request to be made an active member by application to the Diaconate.

Section 5 - Dismissal

A member who does not subscribe to the Church Covenent is subject to dismissal by two-thirds vote of the church upon presentation of evidence.

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS

Section 1 - Devotional Meetings

(a) Worship Services Worship Services shall be held each week on Sunday and at such other times as the Pastor and/or Diaconate shall decide.

(b) Communion Services A Communion Service shall be conducted on the First Sunday of every month, subject to change by the Pastor and/or Diaconate.

(c) Special Devotional Meetings Special meetings of a devotional nature and/or additional worship services may be scheduled by the Pastor and Diaconate.

Section 2 - Business Meetings

The business meetings of the church shall be called as follows:

(a) Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting shall be held each year during the month of January at a place and time determined by the Executive Board. At this meeting, annual reports shall be made by all officers, committees, ministries, boards, organizations and departments; the election of officers shall be held; and other proper business shall be transacted as announced in the meeting call. At the Annual Meeting, the annual budget for the coming year shall be presented by the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer and, on approval of the majority of the members present, shall be adopted.

(b) Semi-Annual Meeting The Semi-Annual Meeting shall be held each year during the month of June at a place and time determined by the Executive Board. At the Semi-Annual Meeting, interim reports shall be made by the officers, committees, ministries, boards and organizations, a Nominating Committee shall be elected, and other proper business shall be transacted as announced in the meeting call.

(c) Special Meeting A Special Meeting shall be called if a written request is submitted to the Moderator and signed by ten (10) active members of the church, subject to the provisions of Section 2, paragraph (d), below.

(d) Call for Meeting Regular and Special Meetings will be called by the Executive Board by having a notice read at two successive Sunday Worship Services preceding said meeting. The notice shall contain the agenda for the meeting and no other business may be transacted.

Section 3 - Quorum

(a) Church Business Meeting Fifteen (15) church members shall constitute a quorum to transact business. The first duty of the Moderator or Presiding Officer shall be to ascertain that due notice of the meeting has been given and that there is a quorum present. This shall be noted in the Clerk's minutes of the meeting.

(b) Executive Board Meeting Six (6) Executive Board members shall constitute a quorum to transact business at Executive Board meetings.

(d) Majority Requirements A simple majority vote shall be required to carry all motions unless otherwise stated.

Section 4 - Rules of Order

(a) Presiding Officer All business meetings shall be called to order by the Moderator or, in his/her absence, by the Assistant Moderator or another member of the Executive Board.

(b) Reports

(1) Semi-Annual and Annual Business Meetings

Officers, Committee and Ministry Chairpersons shall, at the discretion of the moderator, prepare reports of their activities to be presented at business meetings of the Church. These reports shall be turned over to the Clerk for filing.

(2) Special and Executive Board Meetings

Officers, Committee and Ministry Chairpersons/Coordinators, and appropriate Executive Board members who will be absent from regularly called meetings shall prepare reports of their respective activities to be presented at the business meetings by an alternate.

ARTICLE V - ORGANIZATION

Section 1 - Officers of the Church

The officers of the church shall be the following:

Pastor

Moderator

Clerk

Chair of the Diaconate

Treasurer

President of the Ecclesiastical Society (ex-officio)

Coordinator of Christian Education Ministries

All officers must be active members of the church. They shall be elected at the Annual Meeting except for the Pastor, who shall be recalled at the Annual Meeting, the Chair of the Diaconate, who shall be elected by the Diaconate, and the President of the Ecclesiastical Society, who is elected by the Society.

Section 2 – Boards, Committees and Ministries

(a) All members of boards, committees, and ministries shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting. All officers, coordinators, chairpersons, and assistant chairpersons shall serve for a two-year term. After serving for two consecutive terms (4 years), one year must elapse before being reelected.

(b) The boards, committees and ministries may create and dissolve special subcommittees for the furtherance of their respective duties at their discretion. Such subcommittees shall be dissolved upon completion of their assignment and submission of a report.

(c) Unless otherwise provided, all boards, committees, and ministries shall be convened by the first person listed in the nomination list after being elected at the Annual Meeting and a Chairperson shall be elected who shall be responsible for the activities of the committee, ministry or board.

(d) Each committee, at its discretion, may elect an assistant chairperson.

Section 3 - Vacancies

A vacancy in any office, board, committee or ministry occurring between elections may be filled by nomination and election at any properly called Business Meeting or by appointment of the Executive Board.

(a) If the term of the vacancy is less than one year, the person elected or appointed to fill that vacancy shall serve until the next Annual Business Meeting and may be reelected.

(b) If the term of the vacant office is more than one year, the person elected or appointed to fill that vacancy shall serve until the next Annual Meeting and then may be elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

(c) If the term of the vacant office is more than one year and if the person elected or appointed to fill the vacancy serves less than one-half of the term, he/she may be reelected to a full term. If the person elected or appointed to fill the vacancy serves more than one-half the term, and if these Bylaws stipulate that one year must elapse before a person can be reelected to that office, then the person filling the vacancy shall be considered to have served a full term and shall not be eligible for reelection until one year shall have elapsed.

Section 4 - Delinquent Officers

Any officer of this church who shall cease regular attendance at the church for an extended period of time without reasonable explanation, shall at the discretion of the Executive Board, forfeit his/her office which shall then be declared vacant, and shall be filled in accordance with Section 3, above.

ARTICLE VI - CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Section 1 - Executive Board

The Executive Board shall act as the administrative and coordinating body of the church.

The Executive Board shall be composed of the following: Moderator, Clerk, Pastor, Chair of the Diaconate, Coordinator of Christian Education Ministries, Treasurer, Building Committee Chair(when existent), Chair of the Outreach Ministry, President of the Ecclesiastical Society, Chair of the Missions Ministry, and Chair of the House and Grounds Committee. The Executive Board shall meet monthly at the call of the Moderator.

Notice of Executive Board Meetings shall be announced in the church bulletin and sent by mail, e-mail or telephone to each member of the Board at least three days prior to the meeting.

Section 2 - Moderator

The Moderator will act as Chair of the Executive Board. The Moderator presides over the meetings of the Executive Board and moderates the Annual, Semi-Annual and Special Meetings of the Church. The Moderator is elected at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 3 - Assistant Moderator

The Assistant Moderator will act as Moderator in the absence of the Moderator. The Assistant Moderator is elected at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 4 - Clerk

The Clerk shall be a member of the Executive Board. The Clerk shall keep a record of the minutes of all business meetings of the Church and the minutes of the Executive Board Meetings. The Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting. The Clerk shall be assisted by an Assistant Clerk, who in the absence of the Clerk shall assume all the duties and responsibilities of the Clerk.

The Clerk shall maintain written records of significant events in the life of the Church; keep a register of the members of the Church with the date of their reception and removal; record baptisms, marriages and deaths, and make a report to the Church of these matters at the Annual Business Meeting. The Clerk shall maintain a list of active friends of the Church and issue a revised list of members and friends each year following the Annual Business Meeting. The Clerk shall issue letters of transfer of Church membership; preserve on file vital communications, documents, and written official reports; give notice of all meetings when such notice is necessary; and conduct such correspondence as may be required. The Clerk shall maintain the master copy of the Bylaws, certified by the Moderator and updated to current status, which shall serve as the copy-of- record in the resolution of Bylaws issues. The clerk shall furnish a current copy of the Bylaws to those members and friends who request them.

Section 5 – Assistant Clerk

The Assistant Clerk will assist the Clerk in carrying out the Clerk’s duties. In the absence of the Clerk, he/she shall assume all the duties and responsibilities of the Clerk. The Assistant Clerk is elected at the Annual Business Meeting. The Assistant Clerk will be elected in alternate years from the Clerk.

Section 6 - Pastor

The Pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the church. The Pastor shall have responsibility for the sharing and presentation of Scriptural truths and their application to daily life at the various worship and devotional meetings of the church. Other duties which are incumbent upon this office are: the administering of the Ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper; the counseling of families in bereavement, conducting weddings and funerals; other counseling as may be needed and requested for various personal problems and relationships; the teaching of individuals and classes as part of the educational ministry of the Church School and youth programs; and the training of teachers and leaders. The Pastor shall be a person of godly character who shall personally be involved in the areas of prayer and study of the Bible and related areas of God's total revelation.

The Pastor shall be a member of the Executive Board, the Music Committee, and the Board of Christian Education Ministries, and an ex-officio member of all other church committees, ministries, boards or groups and may at his/her discretion attend such meetings. The Pastor shall consult regularly with the Diaconate regarding the ministry of the church in its outreach to help people and in interviewing candidates for membership.

(a) Calling of a Pastor

Upon presentation of a recommended candidate by the Pulpit Committee to the church, a Pastor shall be called at a duly noticed meeting, by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting.

(b) Dismissal of a Pastor

In the event that a Pastor must be dismissed by the church, such dismissal shall be voted upon by the congregation at a special meeting. Notice for the dismissal of a Pastor must be given to the congregation in writing, via first-class mail, at least four (4) weeks prior to the meeting. A two-thirds vote of those present and voting is required.

Section 7 – Diaconate

The Board of Deacons shall consist of eight (8) members. The Diaconate recommends new candidates for the Board of Deacons to the Nominating Committee. Spouses cannot serve on the Diaconate at the same time. At the Annual Business Meeting, four at a time are elected in rotation for a term of two years. Upon expiration of his or her term of office, a Deacon may be elected to an additional term. After serving for two consecutive terms (4 years), one year must elapse before being reelected.

The Diaconate shall assist the Pastor in serving the spiritual work of the Church, including the care of the poor, the sick, the sorrowing and the stranger. The Deacons shall assist the Pastor in the Communion Service and other special services of the Church.

The Diaconate shall elect their own Chair who shall preside at all meetings. The Chair shall be an Officer of the Church and member of the Executive Board.

The Diaconate shall appoint a Secretary who will keep minutes of each meeting and send appropriate correspondence on behalf of the Deacons and ensure that appropriate remembrances are extended to the members and friends of the Church at the time of sickness or bereavement.

The Diaconate shall meet on request with prospective members of the Church to establish membership eligibility in accordance with Article III Section 1, and act on requests for membership affiliation and membership transfer. The Diaconate, in concert with the Pastor, shall meet monthly or as needed to act on matters concerning the needs and spiritual welfare of the Church. The Chair of the Diaconate shall be responsible for providing a minister for the pulpit in the absence of the Pastor.

The Diaconate shall assign members to provide liaison with the Visitation Committee and Board of Christian Education Ministries.

Section 8 - Treasurer

The Treasurer, elected at the Annual Business Meeting, shall be the Financial Officer of the Church and also a member of the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall be assisted by an Assistant Treasurer who, in the absence of the Treasurer, shall assume all the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records of the Church, both current and historical, showing all receipts and expenditures. The Treasurer shall pay all routine bills, salaries, and such special bills as may be authorized by the Executive Board.

The Treasurer shall present reports of receipts and expenditures and the status of the Church's financial condition at properly called business meetings.

The Treasurer shall be a member of the Finance Committee and assist in developing the Annual Budget of the Church for submission at the Annual Business Meeting.

The Treasurer shall distribute offering envelopes to members and interested friends of the Church who request them and, upon request, shall furnish to each envelope giver a statement of the amount contributed for income tax or other purposes.

The Treasurer shall submit all financial records and supporting documents to the Auditing Committee for audit at least once each year.

Section 9 - Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer will assist the Treasurer in carrying out the Treasurer’s duties. In the absence of the Treasurer, he/she shall assume all the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer is elected at the Annual Business Meeting. The Assistant Treasurer will be elected in alternate years from the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer is also a member of the Finance Committee.

Section 10 - Board of Christian Education Ministries

(a) Coordinator of Christian Education Ministries

The Coordinator of Christian Education Ministries shall call and preside at regular meetings of the Board of Christian Education Ministries and provide a report of these meetings to the Executive Board. He/She shall attend or be represented by a delegate at every Executive Board Meeting. The Coordinator is elected for a at the Annual Business Meeting.

(b) Superintendent of the Church School

The Superintendent of the Church School is elected at the Annual Business Meeting.

The Superintendent of the Church School shall:

(a) Be a member of the Board of Christian Education Ministries.

(b) Select classroom areas, teachers and substitute teachers for the Church School classes.

(d) Direct the special activities for the Church School.

(e) Administer the Church School budget throughout the year and prepare an annual budget to be presented to the Board of Christian Education Ministries.

The Youth Programs Coordinator shall be the coordinator of affiliated youth groups of the Church under the direction and supervision of the Board of Christian Education Ministries. These groups shall normally be divided into appropriate age groups. The Youth Programs Coordinator is elected at the Annual Business Meeting.

The Youth Programs Coordinator shall:

(a) Organize and enlist the leadership for the youth meetings and activities of the Church.

(b) Coordinate the need for facilities with the Board of Christian Education Ministries.

(c) Provide a schedule of events for the Church bulletin and the newsletter in a timely manner for information to members and friends of the Church.

(d) Provide a budget for operation of the Youth Group’s functions that are planned for the coming year to the Coordinator of the Board of Christian Education Ministries before the Annual Business Meeting.

(e) He/She shall attend all Board of Christian Education Ministries meetings.

(d) Board of Christian Education Ministries

The Board of Christian Education Ministries shall be composed of the Coordinator of Christian Education Ministries, Superintendent of the Church School, the Pastor, Youth Programs Coordinator, and one member of the Diaconate assigned by the Deacons for a one-year term.

The Board of Christian Education Ministries shall:

(a) Establish the curriculum for the Church School, preschool through adult classes.

(b) Assist program directors in procurement of curriculum materials from the suppliers and provide storage for the materials prior to use.

(c) Coordinate the curriculum of the Children’s Church to make sure it is compatible with the Church School curriculum and select and educate the Children’s Church teachers.

(d) Coordinate the planning and administration of a Vacation Bible School.

(e) Assist in coordination, planning and administration of special Church School and Christian education events such as Easter, Christmas, Children’s Day activities, picnics, and similar events throughout the Church year.

(f) Coordinate the child care facilities and assist the Nursery Coordinator in determining policy and practice of child care during Church activities.

(g) Coordinate the needs of the Youth Programs.

(h) Supervise the planning and administration of Youth Programs of the Church that are not part of the Church School.

(i) Select and recommend to the Nominating Committee a person to serve as Youth Programs Coordinator.

(j) Prepare a consolidated budget request of the various groups represented on the Board for submission to the Executive Board prior to the Annual Business Meeting for the coming year.

Section 11 - Music Ministry

The Music Ministry, conducted under the stewardship of the Music Committee, is comprised of the Choir, Choir Director and the Organist. The Music Ministry provides choral music, solo performances and special worship services. The Choir Director and Organist are normally paid positions.

Section 12 - Outreach Ministry

The Outreach Ministry attempts to create new ways in which the community and church can be more actively involved with the other. The Outreach Ministry shall consist of a minimum of four persons elected at the Annual Business Meeting. The Outreach Chairperson is a voting member of the Executive Board.

Section 13 - Newsletter Editor

The Newsletter Editor, elected at the Annual Business Meeting, shall be responsible for the preparation and distribution of the Church Newsletter. The Editor shall receive news items and scheduled events from the members of the Church and shall reproduce these items in a newsletter for distribution to members and friends of the Church. The Newsletter Editor serves for one year and may be reelected.

Section 14 – Publicity Committee

The Publicity Committee, consisting of five members, shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting and shall be responsible for preparing and delivering news releases to the various news media of the community. The Chairperson shall act as the journa1ist/reporter for the Church and shall coordinate the reporting of schedules and events with the Moderator. Members of the Church shall provide schedules of upcoming events to the Publicity Chairperson for timely release of information.

Section 15 - Conference Representatives

The Conference Representatives, at their discretion, shall attend duly recognized State and National Ecclesiastical functions. They are elected at the Annual Business Meeting for one year and may be reelected.

Section 16 – Church Librarian

The Church Librarian, elected at the Annual Business Meeting, is responsible for maintaining the John Lopez Library’s collection of books and media, ordering and cataloging new materials, and overseeing the circulation of items in the collection. The Church Librarian is elected at the Annual Business Meeting for one year and may be reelected.

ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES AND GROUPS

Section 1 – Family Fellowship Ministry

The Family Fellowship Ministry is a fellowship group of the Church. The Family Fellowship Ministry elects its own officers. The monies of the Family Fellowship Ministry are maintained separate from the Church monies and are administered under the direction of the Family Fellowship Ministry. They shall have their own funds, projects and expenditures separate from those of the Church, but subject to audit by the Auditing Committee.

The Family Fellowship Ministry is open to all members and friends of the Church.

Section 2 - Auditing Committee

The Auditing Committee shall audit the books of finance of the Church as well as the Missions Ministry, Family Fellowship Ministry and the Scholarship Committee, and shall prepare a report for submission at the Annual Business Meeting.

The Auditing Committee shall consist of three persons, who are not currently serving as financial officers of the Church. They shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting to serve for one year and may be reelected. However, after serving on the Auditing Committee for four consecutive years, one full year must intervene before being elected to serve again on the Auditing Committee.

Section 3 – Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for managing and investing the funds of the Church, and for preparing an annual balanced budget for submission to the church members at the Annual Business Meeting. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and two members who do not serve on the Executive Board. These two members, elected at the Annual Business Meeting, will serve two-year terms and may be reelected for another two-year term. After serving four consecutive years, a full year must elapse before a member may be reelected.

Section 4 - Communion Committee

The Communion Committee shall be responsible for setting the Communion Table and for the provision of all Communion Table supplies. They shall maintain the Communion Table Service in ready-to-use condition. They shall prepare the Communion Table on the first Sunday of the month, for Maundy Thursday services and other special occasions as required.

The Communion Committee shall consist of four persons, elected at the Annual Business Meeting, who will serve for one year and may be reelected.

Section 5 - Floral Decoration Committee

The Floral Decoration Committee shall provide for floral decoration of the sanctuary at regularly scheduled Church services and other special occasions as required.

The Floral Decoration Committee shall consist of persons elected at the Annual Business Meeting to serve for one year and may be reelected. The Committee may elect a chairperson at their discretion.

Section 6 - Greeting Committee

The Greeting Committee shall provide greeters to meet all persons coming into the Church for services on Sunday. They shall present the Sunday Bulletin to all persons entering the Church and welcome each person with a greeting and a handshake of fellowship.

The Greeting Committee shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting for one year and may be reelected.

Section 7 - Historical Committee

The Historical Committee shall keep a record of significant Church events. A brief written report of these events shall be submitted at the Annual Business Meeting. An historical file shall be maintained and shall include documents, publications, and other material of historical interest. The Historical Committee shall act as corresponding secretary of the Church for inquiries of historical interest.

One or more persons shall be elected to serve on the Historical Committee at the Annual Business Meeting to serve for one year and may be reelected.

Section 8 - Hospitality Committee

The Hospitality Committee shall be responsible for the preparation of refreshments for the monthly Coffee Hour and other functions at which refreshments are served.

The Hospitality Committee shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting for one year and may be reelected. The Hospitality Committee shall elect its own Chair who shall coordinate the activities of the Committee.