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CONSTITUTION

OF

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH INC.

Owensboro, Kentucky

PREAMBLE

We, the members of First Christian Church of Owensboro, Kentucky, a congregationally governed body, in order to promote the spirit of Christ and thus advance God’sKingdom, do hereby adopt this Constitution.

ARTICLE I

NAME AND PURPOSE

The name of this organization shall be “First Christian Church Inc.” of Owensboro, Kentucky, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada and committed to the historic principles of this body.

The purpose of this Church shall be as revealed in the New Testament, to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the Church, to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do His will, and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the Kingdom of God.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this Church shall consist of those who are now identified as members of the congregation and those who shall unite with it by baptism or by transfer of membership.  Voting privileges shall be accorded to all members.  Participating membership in First Christian Church shall continue until the member dies, transfers to another congregation, or voluntarily resigns.  After a period of five years in which a member shows no interest in the life and mission of First Christian Church that membership would become inactive.

ARTICLE III

CONGREGATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

The following representatives shall be elected from and by the members of the Church congregation at the Annual Meeting:

Elders, Deacons, and Elders Emeriti or Deacons Emeriti

The qualifications, terms, requirements, duties and authority of the congregational representatives shall be provided in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE IV

THE GENERAL BOARD

The General Board shall be the legislative and policy-making body of First Christian Church.  Members, duties, and authority of the officers, committees, and departments of the General Board shall be provided in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE V

MINISTERS

The Senior Minister shall be the spiritual leader and chief administrator of the congregation and shall perform the duties which traditionally pertain to that office and any other duties more specifically set forth in the Bylaws.  As chief administrator of the church, the Senior Minister shall be an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the General Board and all groups, committees, and departments of the General Board and the Church.  The General Board may recommend to the congregation and the congregation may direct that an associate minister(s) and/or assistant minister(s) be employed by the church.

ARTICLE VI

MEETINGS

The congregation shall meet at least once annually at a time and date to be determined by the Chair of the General Board.  Special meetings may be called and announced by the Chair, the General Board, or by written petition of the congregation as specified in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregational members present at a meeting of the Church congregation.

The General Board shall adopt Bylaws consistent with this Constitution.

This Constitution was formally adopted by the congregation of First Christian Church on

                                               

December 14, 2003

                                    _____________________________

           Date

                                                           

BYLAWS

OF

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH INC.

Owensboro, Kentucky

CONGREGATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ELDERS

Number

The body of Elders shall be not more than twenty-one (21) persons in number, one-third (1/3) of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three (3) years.  No elder may serve in succession for one (1) year from the expiration of a full term.  The body of Elders shall be known as the “Board of Elders,” and shall select a Chair.

Qualifications and Requirements

An Elder shall be a member of this Church congregation and shall have served previously as a Deacon of this Church congregation.

Duties and Authority

An Elder shall serve the Lord’s Supper; promote the growth and welfare of the Church and Church congregation; provide spiritual guidance and leadership to the congregation; give thoughtful consideration to all policies of and affecting the Church and the Church congregation; assist the minister(s) in the conduct of pastoral and priestly functions; attend all meetings of the General Board and the Board of Elders; and perform such other duties with such other authority as may be assigned and delegated by the General Board.

DEACONS

Number

Deacons shall be not more than seventy-five (75) persons in number, one-third (1/3) of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three (3) years.  Deacons may not succeed themselves for one (1) year from the expiration of a full term.  The body of Deacons shall be known as the “Diaconate” and shall select a Chair. 

Qualifications and Requirements

A Deacon shall be a member of this Church congregation for at least one (1) year prior to the election as Deacon. 

Duties and Authority

A Deacon shall serve the Lord’s Supper; cooperate with and assist the Elders; provide counsel and service to the business affairs and program activities of the Church; assist the minister(s) in the conduct of pastoral and priestly functions; attend all meetings of the General Board and the Diaconate; serve on a permanent committee; and perform such other duties with such other authority as may be assigned and delegated by the General Board.

HONORARY REPRESENTATIVES

Number

Elders and Deacons Emeriti shall be of an indefinite number.

Qualifications, Requirements, and Duties

An Honorary Representative shall be a Deacon or Elder of this congregation who because of service and consecration to this Church congregation (or another congregation) merits this honor.  The Honorary Representative may perform any of the duties of Deacons and Elders.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Procedure

During the month of January of each year, the Board of Elders shall select a nominating committee consisting of two (2) Elders, four (4) Deacons, and two (2) members of the congregation-at-large.  Notice of the selection shall be given to the congregation in the church newsletter prior to the first scheduled meeting. 

The Chair of the Board of Elders shall appoint a Nominating Committee Chair.  The Nominating Committee may act by majority vote at any of its meetings at which five (5) members are present (the quorum).

Terms of Office

A maximum of three members of the nominating committee may serve for one (1) successive year.

Duties and Timeline

The Nominating Committee shall:

·        from January 1 until February 1 of each year, receive from members of the congregation written and signed suggestions for nominees for congregational representatives.

·        determine whether all prospective nominees meet the qualifications and requirements of their respective offices.

·        between February 1 and the April meeting of the General Board, select and prepare a list of nominees for the congregational representatives to be elected, advise them of their duties, and obtain their consent.

·        at the April meeting of the General Board, submit its report of nominations for approval by the General Board.

·        continue in existence at the call of the Chair of the General Board to fill vacancies as needed.  If a vacancy occurs before January 1, the Chair of the General Board shall ask the nominating committee to select a qualified nominee to present to the General Board.

ELECTION OF CONGREGATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

The church congregation shall hold its Annual Meeting during the first week of May of each year.

The Chair of the General Board shall appoint one elder and one deacon to count the votes for congregational representatives at the Annual Meeting and report the results.  Only congregational members present at the Annual Meeting may vote. 

Any member of the congregation may nominate additional congregational representatives to be on the ballot but such nominations must be in writing and presented to the Chair of the General Board ten (10) days prior to the election and only with the approval of the person being nominated. 

Congregational representatives shall be elected by a majority of the members of the congregation present and voting at the Annual Meeting.

THE GENERAL BOARD

Members

The General Board shall consist of the duly elected Elders and Deacons (including Elders and Deacons Emeriti) and the presidents of the Christian Women’s and Men’s Fellowships of the Church, each of whom shall be entitled to one (1) vote per person.

Meetings

The regular meetings of the General Board shall be on the first Monday evening of each month at the Church at 700 J.R. Miller Boulevard, Owensboro, Kentucky, and shall be open to all members of the congregation.

Special meetings of the General Board may be called and scheduled by the Chair or upon request to the Chair of at least thirty-three percent 33% of the Board members. 

The Chair may change the date and/or place of any meeting upon reasonable notice to the members of the General Board.

Quorum

Thirty-three percent (33%) of the Board members (excluding Honorary Representatives) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any General Board meeting.  If a quorum is present, majority vote constitutes an action.

Procedure

Procedure for any meetings of the General Board, its committees, or the congregation shall be governed by the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order insofar as they do not conflict with these Bylaws.

Duties

The General Board shall consider and establish general policies of First Christian Church, transact the business of First Christian Church, direct the administration of the programs of First Christian Church, and elect or approve officers and committees of First Christian Church.

GENERAL BOARD OFFICERS

Designation

The elective officers of the Board shall be the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.  One person may not hold more than one (1) such office at any one time.  The Board may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary from time to time.

Election; Term of Office

The Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary shall be elected from the members of the Board.  The Executive Committee shall nominate a slate of officers to be elected annually at the May meeting of the Board.  In addition to the nominations made by the Executive Committee, nominations also may be accepted from the floor with the prior approval of the nominee.  If the election of officers shall not be held at the May meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as possible.  Each officer shall hold office from July 1st of each year until the earlier of June 30th of the following year or the election of a successor.

Removal

The Board may remove any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board whenever, in its judgement, the best interests of the Board would be served thereby.

Vacancies

The Board may fill a vacancy in any office for the unexpired portion of the term.

Duties; Authority

The duties and authority of the officers and agents of the Board shall include but are not limited to the following and any other duties assigned by the Board.

Chair

The Chair shall be the principal executive officer of the Board and shall generally supervise all of the business and affairs of the Board.  The Chair shall preside at all Congregational and Board meetings as well as perform all duties of the office of Chair and such other duties as assigned by these Bylaws or the Board.

Vice-Chair

In the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair.  The Vice-Chair also shall perform such other duties as assigned by these Bylaws, the Chair, or the Board.

Secretary

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Congregational and Board meetings, see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws, and be custodian of the Board records during the current term of office.  In general, the Secretary shall perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Chair or the Board.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall assist the staff Financial Secretary in receiving the monthly bank statements, reconciling disbursements, and in performing other duties.  The Treasurer shall assist and attend meetings of the Finance Committee and serve as Chair of the Investments Committee.

            Investments Committee

            The Treasurer shall recommend four (4) persons to be approved by the Finance            Committee and the General Board to serve as members of the Investments Committee, which will be a standing committee.  They are to be elected for             four years, terms to be staggered, with term of office ending for one person        only each year.  There will be no limitation of terms and members will be eligible              for re-election.

The Investments Committee shall invest all Church funds and accounts, exercising ordinary business care and prudence in accordance with Kentucky law.                  Through the Treasurer, the Investments Committee shall provide annual reports   on the invested funds to the Finance Committee or more often if requested.

In general, the Treasurer shall perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Chair or the Board.

Other Positions

From time to time the Church Board may create positions, such as Church Historian or Church Librarian; however, it is not necessary that these positions be considered Board offices.  These positions shall be filled by Church members but do not necessitate Board membership.

COMMITTEES OF THE GENERAL BOARD

There shall be permanent and Ad Hoc committees of the Board.

Membership of Permanent Committees

After the Board’s May meeting but prior to its June meeting, members of the permanent committees shall be selected as follows:

·        The Chair-elect, Vice-Chair-elect, and Secretary-elect of the General Board shall appoint a chair and vice-chair (or co-chair) of each respective committee.  Chairs of each committee shall be Board members.

·        The Chair-elect, Vice-Chair-elect, and Secretary-elect of the General Board and each respective committee chair shall then select members to such committee.

·        Each Board member shall be assigned to at least one (1) permanent committee.

·        Any congregational member may be selected to serve on a committee.

·        At the Board’s regular June meeting, the Chair shall advise the Board of the chair, vice-chair (or co-chair) and members of each committee.

·        Each Chair, vice-chair, and members of such committees shall serve until a successor shall have been appointed.

·        All permanent committees (except the Planning Committee) may have any number of members.  The Planning Committee shall have twelve (12) members one-third (1/3) of whom shall be appointed each year for a term of three (3) years.  Members of the Planning Committee may serve only two consecutive terms.

Ad Hoc Committees

The Board Chair may create Ad Hoc committees with clearly defined purposes and functions.  In such event, the Board Chair shall appoint chair (or co-chairs) and members of these committees.

·        The Board Chair shall advise the Board at its next meeting of the formation of such committees.

·        Any member of the congregation may be appointed to serve on an Ad Hoc committee as a chair or member.

·        The term of an Ad Hoc committee shall be indefinite.

Procedure of Committees

·        Regular meetings of permanent committees (except the Planning Committee) shall be held prior to regular Board meetings. 

·        Special meetings may be called by the committee’s chair. 

·        No quorum is required for any meetings of permanent or Ad Hoc committees. 

·        Majority vote of those present constitutes an action of the committee. 

·        Each committee shall assist the Finance Committee in the preparation of the annual budget of the Church affecting such committee.

PERMANENT COMMITTEES

Church Growth Committee

The Church Growth Committee shall

·        plan for and encourage a continuing growth program for the church;

·        administer special recruiting programs and projects during the year;

·        maintain and cultivate a list of prospective members;

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Education Committee

The Education Committee shall

·        plan and administer a comprehensive Christian Education program for youth and adults, including regular and special church schools, religious education classes and Sunday morning extended sessions;

·        select church education volunteers for these programs and approve curriculum materials;

·        supervise youth religious and/or recreational programs;

·        administer the church library, including the selection of a librarian;

·        supervise a childcare program during parent participation in the Church’s activities;

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall be made up of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary of the General Board, the Chair of Elders, and the Chair of the Diaconate.  The Minister(s) and the Past Chair of the General Board shall be ex-officio members.  The Chair of the Board shall serve as Chair of the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee shall

·        between the meetings of the Board, exercise all the authority of the Board, with particular reference to Board decisions and acts respecting the business and activities of the Church which cannot be practically effected by a special board meeting;

·        promptly report its actions and decisions to, and for ratification by, the Board, at the Board’s meeting next succeeding such actions and decisions;

·        supervise any Church activities and personnel not under the jurisdiction and direct supervision of any permanent or select committees, or church organizations;

·        act as a personnel committee;

·        not make any decisions or take any actions inconsistent with or contrary to the Constitution or Bylaws, or any decision or act of the Board;

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called and scheduled by any member with no minimum notice requirements.  Three (3) members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The act of the majority of the voting members present at any Executive Committee meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the Executive Committee.

Fellowship Committee

The Fellowship Committee shall

·        encourage and promote the spirit of fellowship in the church congregation;

·        plan, maintain and supervise a continuing reception and greeting program and the social and fellowship functions and activities of the church and congregation; 

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall

·        prepare the annual general and outreach budgets and review the monthly financial statements of and for the church;

·        advise and assist the Financial Secretary and Treasurer; 

·        supervise, assist with, and review the receipt, administration and disbursement of  funds of the church;

·        review annually the total insurance program of and for the church;

·        work with an Investments committee (refer to Treasurer section of bylaws);

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall

·        promote and encourage members’ and visitors’ attendance at the church’s services and activities;

·        plan, develop and maintain a visitation program for the benefit of the congregation and help restore inactive church members to full participation in the life of the church;

·        orient new church members to the church;

·        plan, maintain and supervise a program of continual contact with church congregation members who are temporarily absent from the church; 

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee shall

·        respond to the needs and concerns of the local, regional, national, and worldwide communities by planning and supervising programs and acts of charity and benevolence;

·        educate and encourage congregational members in personal and financial ways to meet human needs;

·        assist the Finance Committee in preparing and administering the annual outreach budget;

·        work with an Environmental Stewardship ad hoc committee to plan and supervise programs encouraging ways to preserve and protect our natural resources and environment;

·        in general, shall perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee, working cooperatively with other committees and organizations of the Church, shall

·        coordinate the Church’s strategic planning;

·        plan, coordinate, and recommend to the General Board specific proposals for new, improved, or future programs and activities of the Church;

·        provide continuity and stability in the growth, planning, and programs of the Church;

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

The Décor Committee shall be a permanent subcommittee of the Planning Committee.  Its membership and duties shall be determined by the Planning Committee.

Property Committee

The Property Committee shall

·        maintain and supervise all physical properties of the church not specifically assigned to other committees;

·        advise the church’s custodial staff;

·        supervise as needed the use of the church’s property;

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee shall plan, develop and promote a comprehensive program of stewardship awareness and education and direct fundraising programs for the church annually as well as at other times deemed necessary by the Board or its Chair.  In general, the committee shall perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee shall

·        along with the ministers and music staff, coordinate the Church’s worship services, including but not limited to, order of service, ushering, physical means of worship, musical programs, communion, dedication and baptism services, special services, care and preparation of communion emblems, baptistry and baptismal equipment;

·        be responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the church’s musical instruments, equipment and sound and video systems, and insuring them adequately;

·        receive assistance of a specially appointed committee including the minister, professional music staff, and other knowledgeable persons in the event of a major gift or purchase of new musical instruments;

·        promote personal devotional life within the congregation;

·        assist guest speakers and ministers for worship services and special occasions;

·        in general, perform all duties as may be assigned by the Chair or Board.

AD HOC COMMITTEES

Environmental Stewardship Committee

The Environmental Stewardship Committee shall help coordinate and lead efforts within the Church toward education and action in the area of environmental stewardship, believing that wide stewardship of the earth and its resources is a Christian responsibility and a challenge to all church members.

Ministerial Search Committee

The Ministerial Search Committee shall

·        have the responsibility of considering applicants and recommending to the Church a Senior Minister and/or Associate Minister(s);

·        be composed of not less than ten (10) or more than fifteen (15) congregational members nominated by the Chair of the General Board and elected by the Board;

·        hold its first meeting, called by the General Board Chair, not later than fourteen (14) days after its election by the Board, and select its Chair;

·        receive notices of its meetings from its Chair in accordance with Board notice requirements;

·        have a quorum for performance of its duties at committee meetings with 50% of its members present;

·        recommend a prospective minister to the General Board, after using as many sources as necessary to secure candidates for the open ministerial position and giving due consideration to the candidates.

The General Board shall consider the recommendation of the Ministerial Search Committee and upon approval shall recommend the prospective minister(s) to the congregation.  Acceptance of the Board’s recommendation and selection of the minister(s) shall be by not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the congregational members present and voting at a regular Sunday worship service of the Church.  If the General Board or Congregation does not approve the recommendation, the Ministerial Search Committee shall continue consideration of applicants until a recommendation is approved.

The Ministerial Search Committee shall

·        be involved, along with the General Board, in contract negotiations between the minister and the Church, with terms and conditions of the minister’s contract approved by the Board and included in the Board minutes;

·        terminate upon selection of the minister and finalization of the contract, unless given further duties by the Board Chair or Board.

The minister shall continue employment indefinitely unless termination by either the Church or minister is concluded.  Termination process should be stated in the minister’s contract with the Church.

MINISTERS, OTHER PERSONNEL, PASTOR’S CABINET

SENIOR MINISTER

The Senior Minister of the Church shall

·        perform the duties which traditionally pertain to that office;

·        supervise all personnel employed by the Church;

·        be an ex-officio member of the General Board and its Committees;

·        perform such duties as may be assigned by the General Board, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Elders;

·        be the spiritual leader and advisor to the congregation and all organizations within the Church.

Selection and Employment

The contract and/or terms and conditions of the Senior minister shall be included in the minutes of the General Board.  The Senior Minister’s selection and/or termination procedures are to be stated in the bylaws under the Ministerial Search Committee.

OTHER MINISTER(S) AND CHURCH PERSONNEL

Other Minister(s) and Church Personnel shall perform all duties incident to the aims and purpose of their respective employment and as may be assigned by the Senior Minister, the Executive Board, or the General Board.

Selection and Employment

            The General Board may establish specific Ministry and Church Personnel positions as needed by the Church.  Other Minister(s) of the Church will be selected and/or terminated by procedures stated in the bylaws under the Ministerial Search Committee.  The Senior Minister may suggest to the Executive Committee and/or General Board the selection and employment of other Church Personnel.

Terms and Conditions

            The contract and/or terms and conditions of the employment of other Minister(s) and Church Personnel shall be included in the minutes of the General Board.  Termination process should be stated in each minister’s contract with the Church.  Subject to individual contracts, the General Board may terminate other Church Personnel at any time.

PASTOR’S CABINET

There shall be a Pastor’s Cabinet of the Church and General Board.  The members of the Cabinet shall be

·        Minister(s) of the Church

·        Chair of the General Board

·        Chair of the Board of Elders

·        Chair of the Deacons

·        Chair (or Co-Chair) of each Permanent Committee of the Church

·        Chair of the Christian Women’s Fellowship

·        Chair of the Christian Men’s Fellowship

·        Such other members as may be appointed by the Senior Minister and/or General Board

Duties or Authority

The Pastor’s Cabinet shall

·        have no authority to act for, or on behalf of, the General Board of the Church;

·        coordinate the functions and activities of the various Committees of the General Board and organizations of the Church Congregation;

·        communicate such functions and activities to and between such Committees and organizations;

·        provide liaison and continuity between and with the Minister(s), the General Board, and the Church congregation;

·        perform all duties incident to their aims and purposes and as may be assigned to it by the Senior Minister and/or the General Board.

Meetings

The Senior Minister shall be the chair and preside at meetings of the Pastor’s Cabinet.  In the absence of the Senior Minister, the Associate Minister or Board Chair shall chair the meeting.  Meetings may be called and scheduled by the Senior Minister as needed with no minimum notice requirements.

MINISTER(S) EMERITUS/EMERITI

The General Board may select one or more Minister(s) Emeritus/Emeriti who shall be

·        a former minister of the Church or

·        a retired minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who is a member of the Church.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Congregational Meetings are to be held as specified in the Constitution. Any member of the congregation can request by petition, signed by 50 congregation members, to the General Board a special meeting of the congregation. The General Board may approve the request by 2/3 vote in a General Board meeting. The Congregational Meeting should then be held within 30 days.

AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS

The Auxiliary Organizations of the Church shall be

·        Board of Elders

·        Diaconate

·        Christian Women’s Fellowship

·        Christian Men’s Fellowship

·        Christian Youth Fellowship

·        Junior Diaconate

CHURCH FUNDS OR ACCOUNTS

The General Board shall maintain the following Funds or Accounts for the Church:

            General Fund

            Capital Fund

            Ministerial Housing Fund

            Endowment Fund

            Special Fund

Use and Purposes of Funds or Accounts

The General Fund shall finance expenditures and disbursements relating to the normal and ordinary operations and activities of the Church or those expenditures and disbursements not covered by other Funds.  This also includes any Outreach expenditures and disbursements relating to the charitable and benevolent activities of the Outreach Committee.

The Capital Fund shall be used to finance capital expenditures of the Church for new buildings and real estate, permanent improvements to church properties, and adapting church properties to new or different uses.  Incidental repairs and maintenance of Church properties are not to be considered capital expenditures.

The Ministerial Housing Fund shall be used to provide housing for the ministers of the Church.  Except when purchasing ministerial housing, only the current income generated by the Fund shall be used (except in emergencies approved by the Board).  The principal amount of the Fund shall be permanently retained and invested by the Church through the Investments Committee.

The Endowment Fund is a permanent fund for the church.  Gifts to this fund are to be held by the church permanently and earnings will be distributed according to the Church’s “Policy on Bequests and Endowment Fund.”

The Special Fund shall consist of gifts, donations, or contributions given for a particular Church purpose and shall be used to finance expenditures specifically designated and conditioned in the gift, donation, or contribution.  Memorial gifts are also held in the Special Fund as designated or undesignated.  Expenditures for the undesignated gifts shall be made in accordance with the Church’s “Policy on Memorial Gifts”.

Undesignated bequests shall be distributed in accordance with the Church’s “Policy on

Bequests and Endowment Fund”.

These Fund accounts shall be held in the Church’s checking, savings or investment accounts, but maintained separately in the computer records.  Earnings on these funds are posted as notified and are attributable to the funds from which they are derived.

Loans may be made between Funds, provided such loans are approved by the Finance Committee and/or General Board.

The Church Fiscal Year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

MISCELLANEOUS

These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new Bylaws adopted at a regular General Board meeting following a regular Board meeting in which the changes are proposed in writing and distributed to those Board members present.

These Bylaws were adopted  December 14, 2003 and are effective as of January 1, 2004.

Submitted by the Constitution and Bylaws Subcommittee of the Planning Committee

Co-chairs - Sue Lawson and Ken Willis

Members – Marbrey Hedges, Georgetta Madole, Janet Suwanski, Pam Woodward,                         Steve Divine.