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Constitution of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ

Index

Purpose
Faith
Members Covenant
Membership Expectations
Council of Elders
Board of Trustees
Preschool Board
Pastor's Duties

Minutes of February 26, 2006 Annual Congregational Meeting that suspended portions of the Constitution

Preamble

Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ was created by the merger of Fairlawn Community United Church of Christ and West United Church of Christ in October, 1973. Both churches had a congregational heritage in the Pilgrim tradition. The congregational concept that the members of the congregation have the final authority on all church decisions has been maintained in the merged membership.

Name: Article 1

The name of this church shall be The Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ, Incorporated.

Purpose: Article 2

The purpose of this church shall be to worship God, to preach the gospel, to celebrate the sacraments, to bind together the followers of Jesus Christ and to render loving service toward humanity.
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Faith: Article 3

The Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour. 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 claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
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Members Covenant and Expectations: Article 4

Thankful for God's abundant goodness, and for God's great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we covenant one with another to seek to know and to do God's will. We now share together in the common purpose of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around us.

In faith we proclaim that Jesus Christ is our Sovereign and Savior. As a Christian covenantal community we will use the Bible as the primary form of God's revealing truth, but also lift up the gift of the Holy Spirit and the historic tradition of the Christian Church as means of receiving God's Word. As communicated and illustrated throughout the Bible, we seek to be a community of spiritual fellowship that is shaped and led not by our own visions, but by the vision of God given to us in Jesus Christ. This vision comes to us as the “word become flesh.”

Realizing that a local church is dependent on the faithfulness of it members to serve and share together, we covenant to uphold this church in our prayers, to regularly be part of the community gathered to worship God, and share in the Lord's Supper. We commit to be a faithful steward of our time and money to enable the ministry of this church to thrive and be vital to the world around us. We will be as one body being held accountable to one another as communicated through the Holy Scriptures. We will focus our common life on the vision and mission of God as expressed through Fairlawn West United Church of Christ.
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Government:  Article 5

1. This church shall be a part of the United Church of Christ and it shall sustain the relationship to the United Church of Christ described in those portions of the constitution and by-laws of the United Church of Christ relating to local churches adopted July 4, 1961 and subsequently amended
2. The government of this church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all its affairs subject to laws of the state of Ohio relating to non-profit corporations
3. The Annual Meeting of the church shall be held on the fourth Sunday in January each year for the purpose of electing officers, board and committee members, presenting annual reports, adopt the annual budget, and consideration of such other church matters as may be properly presented. Notice of this meeting shall be published no later than the second Sunday of January. 4. It shall be the responsibility of each standing board and committee to prepare an annual report for presentation to the congregation at the Annual Meeting. Staff members may be asked to prepare such reports at the request of the Pastor.5. Special meetings of the congregation may be called by the Pastor or the Moderator. 5. In addition, any ten (10) active members may request such a meeting in writing to the Clerk. Notice of such special meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted shall be stated in the call for the meeting in the bulletin on a Sunday at least two weeks before the meeting.
6. Robert's Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters ofprocedure not specifically covered by this constitution.
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Membership Expectations:  Article 6

When you covenant with God and the other members of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ to be a member, you are taking on the shared responsibility of the mission of the body of Christ. Covenants were offered by God from the rainbow covenant after the flood to Noah; to the covenant God made with the children of Israel via Moses on Mount Sinai; and ultimately with all of us who choose to accept the calling of the new covenant given in Jesus Christ. As a member of Fairlawn West you pledge as you are able: - to be an active participant in the worship services - to be a steward with the finances, time and abilities God has given you to support and nurture others - to share with other members in the mission to the world as we discern it from God. - to join together in sharing our experience of Jesus Christ with the world around us.
You promise to God to honor this covenant. If you are unable to continue to honor it, you will let the the Pastor and the Council know that your participation in the covenant needs to be discontinued.
(1 Corinthians 12; John 17:6-12, 20-23; Ephesians 1:19-23; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 4:8-16; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 3:4-7)<top of page>

Pastor:  Article 7

1. Church-Pastor Relationship

A. When a Pastor accepts a Call to this church, the Pastor shall become a member of Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ and shall join the Moderator in requesting the Eastern Ohio Association to arrange for a service of recognition and installation.
B. The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period. In order to terminate this relationship, sixty (60) days notice shall be given by either party. C. When the congregation decides to terminate the relationship, the termination shall be by majority vote at a duly called meeting of the congregation. Notice of such termination shall be sent to the Eastern Ohio Association Minister for appropriate action.

2. Duties

A. The Pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the church with the assistance of the Diaconate. The Pastor shall: * seek to enlist men and women as followers of Christ * preach the gospel * counsel those in need * administer the sacraments * be responsible for all services of worship * administer the activities of the church in cooperation with the Moderator and all elected boards and committees * be a non-voting ex-officio member of the Cabinet and all boards and committees. * give counsel and consent in the procurement of any full or part time staff workers. * be responsible for the direction of the church staff
B. The church may at its discretion choose an Associate or Assistant Pastor(s).

3. Search Committee

A. As soon as a Pastoral vacancy occurs, it shall be reported to the Eastern Ohio Association Minister by the Moderator. B. The Search Committee shall be nominated by the Moderator and approved by the Cabinet. It shall be the responsibility of the Search Committee to seek a candidate to fill a vacancy in the office of Pastor. The chairperson of the committee shall be designated by the Moderator. C. The Search Committee shall seek the counsel and guidance of the Eastern Ohio Association Minister during the search process. D. The Search Committee, through its chairperson shall keep the Cabinet, Diaconate and Board of Trustees informed during the search process. E. When the Search Committee has selected the candidate, an invitation shall be extended to the candidate to conduct a Sunday worship service including the preaching of the sermon.

4. The Call

A. After the worship service the congregation, at a duly called meeting, shall vote on whether or not to extend a Call.
B. A 2/3 vote shall be required to extend a Call. C. In the Call the terms of the relationship shall be stated, including the agreement of the church to provide for participation in a pension fund and an insurance program if the Pastor so desires, and any other terms agreed between the candidate and the Search Committee. The Pastor, the Clerk, and the Eastern Ohio Association Minister shall each receive a copy of the Call.

5. Interim Pastor

The Moderator shall appoint a committee, approved by the Cabinet, to recommend the hiring office of Pastor. This committee should include a member of the Diaconate, Board of Christian Education and Board of Trustees.
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Staff: Article 8

Professional staff (e.g. Director of Christian Education, Director of Pre-School, Pre-School Teachers, Director of Music, Organist) and support staff (e.g. Church Secretary, Financial Secretary, Custodian(s)) may be hired by the church as is necessary. The staff shall be hired by the appropriate board or committee with the counsel and consent of the Pastor and the approval of the Cabinet. The Board of Trustees shall approve all financial matters concerning the employing of the staff.
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Officers: Article 9

The officers of the Church shall be the following: The Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Treasurer, and Clerk. The officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year and shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Moderator

The Moderator shall preside at all Cabinet and Congregational meetings of the Church. The Moderator shall with the Pastor maintain leadership to provide continuity and cooperation in all facets of church activities. The Moderator with the Clerk shall sign all contracts, loans, mortgages, deeds, and other legal instruments in the name of the Congregation. The Moderator shall be an ex-officio, non-voting, member of all boards and committees of the church except the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. The Moderator's attendance at meetings of boards and committees shall be at the discretion of the Moderator. The Moderator will nominate with the Pastor, members of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. The Moderator shall be informed of any vacancies that may occur in the elective offices of the church and request nominations from the Nominating Committee for consideration and appointment by the Cabinet.

2. Assistant Moderator

The Assistant Moderator will work with and assist the Moderator in all duties and responsibilities and will assume these duties and responsibilities when the Moderator is absent.

3. Treasurer

A. The Treasurer shall:
 * be responsible for all receipts and expenditures
 * take charge of all offerings and special collections
 * keep or supervise the keeping of accurate records of receipts and expenditures
 * keep an accurate account with all members and friends who contribute and furnish them with quarterly statements of their accounts
 * submit a written report at the Annual Meeting and report monthly to the Cabinet
 * be an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Board of Trustees, the Cabinet, and the Budget Committee
 * be placed under bond in such amount as determined by the Board of Trustees

B. A Financial Secretary may be employed by the Board of Trustees to assist in the duties of the Treasurer. Such assistance shall be at the direction of the Treasurer.

C. Assistant Treasurers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a period of one (1) year to assist the Treasurer with the receipt and accounting of offerings and special collections and such other duties as assigned by the Treasurer.

D. The fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year.

4. The Clerk

A. The Clerk shall: * keep accurate minutes of the Annual Meeting, congregational meetings, and Cabinet meetings * be responsible for the keeping of records of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and all outstanding church events of possible future interest * keep a register of all members of the church with dates and form of reception or removal * preserve on file all written communications and official reports * publish notices as required * conduct correspondence and perform other secretarial duties as required B. The church secretary shall assist the Clerk in the performance of the Clerk's duties. C. An Assistant Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a period of one (1) year. The Assistant Clerk shall assist the clerk and serve as Church Historian, keeping such permanent records of the church's activities as feasible.
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Council of Elders: Article 10

The Council is made up of 5 Elders who are elected by the congregation. The terms shall be for two years. They can be re-elected without limit of terms. Nominees for Elder must be members of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ. Any member of Fairlawn West UCC may submit a name for a nomination to the Council. The deadline for the names to be submitted shall be announced by the Council. Expectations of nominees are: -they have given evidence of spiritual leadership within the church -worship weekly with the congregation of Fairlawn West UCC -they participate regularly in a small group and/or growth/education opportunity within the church -they are committed to grow in personal and church wide stewardship of finances, time, and spiritual gifts The Council will have an individual conversation with each nominee in light of these expectations and a discussion about the role of an Elder as a leader of the church. The Council will submit the names of all who desire to be nominated for the role of Elder, after this conversation, to the congregational annual meeting for election. The Council will act as the coordinating and oversight body of the congregation and will act in the name of the congregation in between congregational meeting. They are accountable to the congregation gathered in congregational meeting. All organizations, committees and groups of Fairlawn West are accountable to the Council. The Council will serve to monitor and guide the congregation to help it fulfill its vision and mission. The President, Vice President and Secretary of the Council are elected by the Council at the first meeting after the annual congregational meeting. These officers will also fulfill the same roles for the congregation as a whole. (1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Acts 20:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-16)
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Boards and Committees: Article 11

No member shall serve simultaneously on more than one elective board or committee excluding the Nominating Committee. The Assistant Moderator, Assistant Clerk, Assistant Treasurer, and Convention Alternates are eligible to serve on Elective Boards and Committees. All Boards and Committees shall organize themselves by the selection of officers and sub-committees as deemed necessary. All boards and committees shall develop a policy/procedure manual. Any Board or Committee may appoint additional non-voting members to serve until the next annual meeting.
All boards and committees shall meet on a regular basis as determined by the board or committee. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chairman. All Boards and Committees shall keep permanent minutes of their meetings. These minutes shall be submitted to the Clerk after each meeting. A file of these minutes shall be passed on to the succeeding chairperson.

Section 1: Installation and Organization of Officers, Boards, and Committees

On the Sunday following the Annual Meeting, a service of installation shall be held for all newly elected boards and standing committees. Newly elected members of the Diaconate shall also be ordained. Immediately following this service, each group shall organize and report to the clerk the list of officers elected. The immediate past chairperson of each group shall chair the organizational meeting. If the immediate past chairperson is not available, the Moderator will appoint a temporary chairperson. It shall be the role of each board and committee to ascertain the work of the coming year and, if necessary, appoint additional church members to assist it with its duties and responsibilities.

Section 2: Terms for Boards and Committees

The term of office for all boards and committees shall be three (3) years and shall begin on the Sunday of installation, except as otherwise stated in this constitution. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the same board or committee without a year's lapse unless that person is serving an unexpired term or as stated otherwise in this constitution. In all boards and committees in which members serve three (3) year terms.
The terms shall be arranged so that one-third (1/3) of the membership shall retire or be eligible for re-election each year.

All resignations from officers, committee or board members, shall be submitted in writing to the Moderator.

Section 3: Quorums

The quorum for Cabinet, board and committee meetings is 51% of the elected members. The quorum for congregational meetings is 10% of the members.

Section 4: Pastor-Parish Relations Committee SUSPENDED

A.  Membership
This committee shall consist of six (6) members. The Pastor and Moderator shall jointly nominate two members each year to be appointed by the Cabinet.
This committee shall meet at least quarterly with the Pastor to: * review the relationship between the Pastor and the congregation. * act as a sounding board for ideas brought forth by the Pastor. * work to strengthen the relationship between the Pastor and the congregation.

Section 5: Diaconate SUSPENDED

A. Membership
There shall be twelve (12) elected members. B. Responsibilities

In cooperation with the Pastor it shall:
* assist in ministering to the spiritual welfare of the church.
* plan and facilitate the worship services.
* help in the preparation and administrations of the sacraments as scheduled by the Pastor and the Diaconate. Members of the congregation who have been previously ordained as members of the Diaconate may assist with the sacraments.
* provide assistance to bereaved families on the occasion of loss of loved ones and participate as requested during final services.
* visit sick and shut-in members and friends.

The Diaconate shall also:
* schedule ushers, liturgists, acolytes, and greeters at all services as needed.+
* visit members who for some reason have not been attending worship services or supporting church activities, to express concern and, if possible, stimulate renewed interest in the church.
* annually review the membership roll in accordance with Article VI.

Section 6: Music Committee SUSPENDED

A. There shall be three (3) elected members.
B. Responsibilities
In consultation with the Pastor and Director of Music, the committee shall be responsible for the music ministry of the church including those activities that involve children and youth.

Section 7: Board of Christian Education SUSPENDED

A. Membership
There shall be six (6) elected members.
B. Responsibilities
This board shall be responsible for the supervision and direction of the educational ministry of the church including:
* Encouraging, planning and coordinating educational opportunities for children, youth and adults.
* Appointing leadership for and coordinating a program of youth ministry.

Section 8: Preschool Board

A. Membership
There shall be three (3) elected members.
B. Responsibilities
It shall be responsible for the operation of the Preschool and the coordination of its program with the rest of the church's ministry.
C. Chairperson
The chairperson of this committee shall be a member of the church.

Section 9: Board of Missions SUSPENDED

A. Membership
This Board shall consist of three (3) elected members and the Convention Delegates as ex-officio members.
B. Responsibilities
This Board shall:
* help the members of this church to reach out in Christian ministry and mission to people in need in the world.
* interpret and promote the relationship we have as part of the United Church of Christ.
* facilitate the ecumenical relationships of this congregation.
* be responsible for helping the congregation to be informed of and to study the resolutions/pronouncements that are to be considered or have been approved by the Eastern Ohio Association, the Ohio Conference and the General Synod.
* work with the Board of Christian Education in providing programs of information and education about issues of social concern.
* help the congregation to speak to issues of social concern and social justice.
* prepare the benevolence budget in conjunction with the Budget Committee and for presentation to the Cabinet.

Section 10: Convention Delegates SUSPENDED

A. Membership
* There shall be one (1) regular and one (1) alternate delegate each to be elected to a one (1) year term. Delegates may be re-elected for up to three (3) terms.
* The Delegates shall be ex-officio voting members of the Board of Missions.
B. Responsibilities
* The Delegate or Alternate will attend all meetings of the Eastern Ohio Association, The Ohio Conference, and other meetings of the United Church of Christ and other ecumenical bodies as directed by the Cabinet.
* The Alternate shall also attend as a Delegate at such meetings when the size of the congregation allows the church to send two delegates.
* Prior to these meetings, the Delegates shall determine the position of the congregation on issues to be decided upon at the meetings.

Section 11: Fellowship Committee SUSPENDED

A. Membership There shall be three (3) elected members. B. Responsibilities This committee shall plan and coordinate social activities for the congregation including: * The annual church picnic * Recognition of staff * Recognition of Confirmands
* The Sunday fellowship hour

Section 12 - Membership Committee SUSPENDED

A. Membership
    There shall be three (3) elected members.
B. Responsibilities
    In cooperation with the Pastor the duties of the committee will include, but need not be limited to the following:
    * To provide information about the church to potential members and invite people to consider membership.
    * To contact prospective members.
    * To be responsible for the mentoring of new members during their first year as members.

Section 13: Board of Trustees

A. Membership There shall be six (6) elected members.

B. Responsibilities
1. The Board of Trustees shall have the care and custody of the property of the Church and have charge of its financial affairs, always subject to the regulations prescribed by the laws of the state. The Board shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer real estate property without specific authority by vote of the Church at a congregational meeting. It shall determine the amount of bond under which to place the Treasurer. It may employ a Financial Secretary to assist the Treasurer.
2. Sub-committees may be established to include the following functions:
* Investments
* Building Use
* Building and Grounds Maintenance
* Insurance
* Scholarships
* Memorials
The Board of Trustees shall promulgate general rules and policies for each of the sub-committees listed in (B) above.
3. At the first meeting of this board in the new fiscal year, the Trustees shall appoint two members of the congregation to examine the books of the Treasurer and report their findings no later than April 30 of the current fiscal year. In addition, every fifth year, beginning with the year of adoption of the current revision of this constitution, the services of an auditor shall be engaged to audit the books to the degree deemed advisable at the time. Such an audit may be conducted at any other time by action of the Trustees or the Cabinet.
4. The Trustees shall receive a proposed budget for the Budget Committee at the November Trustees' meeting. The final budget shall be framed by the Board of Trustees and presented for the consideration of the Cabinet. The Board of Trustees shall review the budget quarterly and present proposed modifications to the Cabinet for approval.
5. The Board of Trustees shall determine how unrestricted memorial funds shall be used. They shall also monitor the designation of unrestricted memorial funds.
6. The Treasurer shall be an ex-offico voting member of the Board of Trustees.
7. The Trustees shall be responsible for making a determination of appropriateness if there is any question about the use of the church's name.

Section 14: Stewardship Committee SUSPENDED

A. Membership This committee shall consist of three (3) elected members. B. Responsibilities The Stewardship Committee with the Pastor shall be responsible for planning a year-round program of Christian stewardship for the congregation. This shall include:

* working with the Board of Christian Education to provide educational programs about Christian stewardship.
* annually in the fall implement a stewardship campaign to solicit financial support for this church's operating and benevolence budgets. A report of the amounts pledged to the budgets shall be provided to the Budget Committee by December 1.
* in conjunction with the Memorials Committee provide a planned giving program for the congregation.

Section 15: Budget Committee SUSPENDED

A. Membership This committee shall consist of the Treasurer, Moderator, and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall be the convener of this committee.
B. Responsibilities
This committee shall convene by early September to prepare the annual church budget for consideration by the Board of Trustees at the November Trustees meeting. They are encouraged to meet with each board/committee representative, the Personnel Committee, and the appropriate staff members in preparing the budget.

Section 16: Nominating Committee SUSPENDED

A. Membership There shall be six (6) members nominated by the Cabinet for election at the Annual Meeting.
B. Responsibilities
* The Nominating Committee shall prepare nominations for all officers, boards, and standing committees to be filled at each Annual Meeting except as otherwise provided for. A list of such nominations shall be posted in the church two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting and mailed to all members. Additional nominations can be made from the floor of the Annual Meeting at the call of the Moderator.
* The Nominating Committee shall make such nominations as may be requested by the Cabinet to fill vacancies that occur during the year.
* The Nominating Committee is encouraged to present a list of nominees that reflects gender balance.
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Property: Article 12

The Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ may in its corporate name sue or be sued, acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise and own, hold, invest, reinvest or dispose of property both real and personal for such work as Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ may undertake and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage, care for and transfer, rent, lease, mortgage, or otherwise encumber, sell, assign, transfer and convey such property for the general purposes of Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ; it may receive and hold in trust both real and personal property and invest and reinvest the same and make any contracts for promoting the objects and purposes of Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ.

Upon dissolution of Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ, its assets and all property and interest of which it shall then be possessed, including any devise, bequest, gift or grant contained in any will or other instrument, in trust or otherwise, made before or after such dissolution, shall be transferred to Eastern Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ.
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Constitution Review: Article 13

After the adoption of this Constitution the Cabinet shall appoint a committee in the year 2000 to review and, if necessary, propose changes to the Constitution. This committee shall then be reactivated every year divisible by five (5) for this purpose.
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Amendments: Article 14

Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted at any duly called Congregational meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present; provided that a notice including the time of the meeting and the proposed amendment(s) shall have been sent to all members of the Congregation and printed in the bulletin on two Sundays immediately preceding said meeting. 01/2010
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