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CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF INDIANAPOLIS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Adopted June 24, 2001

ARTICLE I NAME

The name of this church is THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF INDIANAPOLIS.

ARTICLE II GOVERNMENT AND FELLOWSHIP

The government of this church is vested solely in its members; it is amenable to no other ecclesiastical body. This church is in direct fellowship with the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ, with the appropriate Association of that Conference, and with the General Synod of the United Church of Christ.

ARTICLE III FAITH

We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual soul, and the right of private judgment; wherefore no test of creed or dogma shall be required as a condition of membership. We accept the Statement of Faith adopted by the General Synod of the United Church of Christ as descriptive of the matters of doctrine commonly believed among us.
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus Christ our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the Church, to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family,
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.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing and
eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God. Amen

ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. QUALIFICATIONS

This Church will welcome into its membership any person who is a disciple of Jesus Christ and accepts the duties and responsibilities of our Christian community.

Section 2. ADMISSION AND RECEPTION

Admission of new members may be by vote of the Diaconate or by nomination of the Pastor and vote of the Congregation. The rites of baptism and public confession of faith are recommended, but not required.

Section 3. DUTIES

Members are expected to be faithful to standards essential to Christian life, participate actively in the Church's ministry, worship regularly, and share with the Church their time, talent and money.

Section 4, RIGHTS

Members in good standing may act and vote in all transactions of the Church and hold office.

Section 5. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Any person who, for reasons deemed acceptable to the Pastor and the Diaconate, wishes to retain membership in another Christian church body, but wishes also to indicate more than a casual relationship with this Church, may be granted "associate membership." This allows for all responsibilities and privileges except voting and holding elected office.

Section 6. DISCONTINUING MEMBERSHIP

(a) By Transfer. A member in good standing may on request be granted a letter of transfer to any Christian church. The letter shall be addressed to a specific church. The name of the member shall be retained on the roll until notice of the reception of such transfer has been received, or until six months have elapsed.
(b) By Request. A member in good standing may, upon request, be released from membership and shall be given a statement to that effect by the Clerk.
(c) By Withdrawal. A member who, for a period of one year, has not communicated with this Church or significantly contributed to its ministry, may, by vote of the Diaconate, be transferred to the inactive list and so notified. When the whereabouts of an inactive member is unknown for a period of one year, the Diaconate may vote to remove that person from the membership list.

Section 7. RESTORATION

Any person whose membership has been discontinued may be restored to membership by a vote of the Diaconate.

ARTICLE V ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. PROFESSIONAL STAFF

(a) The Pastor, to be called by the Church whenever a vacancy occurs, shall hold office without limitation of time. It shall be the Pastor's duty to preach the Word, to care for the stated services of public worship, to administer the ordinances, and to promote the spiritual welfare of the Church and of those whom it serves.
The Pastor shall be responsible, in consultation with the appropriate Standing Boards, for the selection and supervision of the compensated staff, excluding the selection of professional staff provided for in Subsection (b), and, in consultation with the Trustees, shall be responsible for their employment and compensation. The Pastor shall be a member ex officio without vote of all Standing Boards, and shall make a report of the year's work at the Annual Meeting.
Unless otherwise agreed previously, the pastoral relation may be dissolved either by the Church or by the Pastor, by written notice of intention two months in advance.
(b) With the concurrence of the Pastor, an Associate Pastor, Youth Minister, and/or Director of Christian Education may be called by the Church and, if called, will work under the supervision of the Pastor.

Section 2. OFFICERS

The officers of the Church shall be Moderator, Vice Moderator, Church Clerk, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary.
(a) The MODERATOR shall chair the Annual Meeting, the Church Council and all business meetings of the Church. The Moderator shall be a member ex-officio, without vote, of all Standing Boards, and shall be a delegate ex-officio to the Annual Meeting of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference.
(b) VICE MODERATOR. In the Moderator's absence, the Vice Moderator shall preside, or a Chair may be chosen by the meeting. The Vice Moderator shall be a member ex-officio, without vote, of all Standing Boards.
(c) The CHURCH CLERK shall keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Church, the Board of Trustees, and the Church Council. The Clerk shall see that a permanent register of the members of the Church is kept, with the dates of their reception and removal; and of baptisms, marriages, births and deaths; shall make a full report at the Annual Meeting; shall sign letters of transfer voted by the Church, notifying the churches to which they are addressed; give legal notice of meetings when required; report to the appropriate person all communications intended for the Church and conduct its correspondence as may be necessary.
(d) The TREASURER shall be the custodian of the operating funds of the Church, and any other funds entrusted to the Treasurer; shall sign all checks disbursing these funds, but shall make payments only as authorized by the appropriate Board or Team; shall make a financial report to the Annual Meeting and shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the Office.
The Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio of the Board of Trustees.
(e) The FINANCIAL SECRETARY shall keep an account for each person making a pledge to the Church, shall have full charge of collections, shall pay the Treasurer all money received for the support of the Church and its outreach, and shall make a report to the Annual Meeting and periodically to the Trustees. An assistant to the Financial Secretary may be elected.
The Financial Secretary shall be a member ex-officio of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3. STANDING BOARDS

There shall be five Standing Boards: Trustees, Diaconate, Education and Growth, Mission and Service, and Membership and Hospitality. Each Board shall be comprised of ten elected full members of the congregation, five to be elected each year by the Church to serve for two years. Boards shall meet at least quarterly, but may decide to hold additional meetings as needed. Each Board will determine its own leadership
Each Board shall, in consultation with the Board for Membership and Hospitality, establish Teams to plan and implement specific portions of the Board's responsibility. Each Team will determine its own meeting schedule. The membership of each Team will include both Board members and others who have an interest or a sense of calling in that area. Teams may establish groups for Ministry Tasks as appropriate. Standing Boards shall monitor and supervise the work of their Teams
A Ministry Task is a specific, narrowly focused project which may be either short term or ongoing. Member(s) who volunteer or are appointed to carry out these tasks will determine the size of the group, frequency of meetings, and other considerations necessary to complete the task Teams shall monitor and supervise the performance of Ministry Tasks
All individuals and groups are in covenant with the whole congregation. Thus, while all are free to pursue their callings, issues affecting the whole church shall be considered by the appropriate Standing Board, the Church Council, or the congregation..

Section 4. CHURCH COUNCIL

The Church Council shall be composed of the following persons elected by the Annual Meeting of the Congregation: moderator; vice-moderator; treasurer; financial secretary; clerk; chairpersons or designated representatives of the Board of Trustees, Diaconate, Board for Education and Growth, Board for Mission and Service, and Board for Membership and Hospitality, and two members at large. A representative of Plymouth Union and the immediate past moderator shall be also be members of the Church Council.
The Church Council shall have general supervision and direction of the affairs of the Church in all matters not otherwise herein provided for, none of its actions to conflict with actions taken by the Church. It shall appoint special teams as necessary, and have the power to appoint Officers and Board members to fill vacancies.
The Church Council shall be an advisory board to review, counsel and coordinate the activities of the various departments and organizations of the Church to insure harmony and efficiency; and it shall advise the Church on matters of policy and administration. The Council shall meet at least quarterly, at the call of the Pastor or Moderator or any three other members of the Church Council,
Specific responsibilities of the Church Council shall include pastor-parish relations, guidance and direction of all personnel matters, and oversight of relations with other churches and organizations.

Section 5. ELECTIONS

(a) Elections shall be by majority of the members present and voting.
(b) The Officers, all of whom shall be full members of the Church, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting, at which time all other elected positions shall be filled. Officers thus elected are to serve for one year or until their successors are chosen.
(c) Members of Standing Boards, all of whom shall be full members of the church, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for terms of two years. Members of Standing Boards may serve three consecutive terms, whether or not these were preceded by a partial term of service. After three consecutive terms, they shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of one year.
(d) The right of members to make nominations from the floor shall always be recognized.

Section 6. MEETINGS

(a) The Annual Meeting shall be held on the fourth Wednesday of January to receive the yearly reports of Officers, Standing Boards and auxiliary organizations; to elect officers and all other elected positions; to transact business, and to adopt plans for the new year. Each Standing Board shall include in its annual report a list of the Teams which have been active during the year and their members and a list of persons participating in Ministry Tasks related to the Board's responsibilities.
(b) Special meetings of the Church may be called by the Moderator or Church Clerk on request of the Church Council, Pastor, or the written request of any five members. Such notice shall be mailed to the members at least one week in advance, specifying the objects of the meeting.
(c) Admission of members and minor or routine business may be transacted following any Sabbath service or scheduled mid-week meeting without previous notice. But, on the motion of any member made before adjournment, any matter brought before such meeting shall be referred to a later meeting.

ARTICLE VI PROPERTY AND BUILDING FUNDS

Authority to buy, sell, mortgage or lease the property of the Church, or to build, or to raise and manage funds for building or purchasing property rests solely with the Church; but authority for any particular action may be delegated to the Trustees or to special committees by vote of the Church at any Annual Meeting, or at a meeting called for that purpose, notice having been given in the call.

ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS

(a) This Constitution may be amended at any Annual Meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, notice of the proposed change having been given at least one week previously or at a meeting called for that purpose, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call.
(b) No change may be made in Article II except at an Annual Meeting, the proposed change having been given to the Church at a called meeting not less than one month previously, and read from the pulpit on the Sabbath immediately preceding the said Annual Meeting.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION

Section 1. STANDING BOARDS

(a) BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Trustees shall hold title to and have the custody and care of the Church property. Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution or decided by the Congregation, they shall have charge of all financial affairs; shall superintend the raising of funds; shall authorize all disbursements; in consultation with the pastor shall authorize the employment of all paid employees; shall prepare the annual budget, subject to review of the Church Council, for presentation to the Annual Meeting; shall make a report to the Annual Meeting; and shall provide for an annual review of all accounts.
They shall be responsible to maintain the First Congregational Church Foundation, an endowment fund to receive gifts and bequests for the Church.
They shall maintain full records and archives of all Church activities.
(b) DIACONATE
The Diaconate shall have responsibility with the pastor to oversee the church's worship life, including Sunday morning worship, special worship services, and the sacraments and ordinances of the Church. The Diaconate shall welcome new members into the Church and promote mutual care and support within the congregation as well as provide aid for the poor and distressed outside the congregation.
(c) BOARD FOR EDUCATION AND GROWTH
The Board for Education and Growth shall have supervision and direction of the educational work of the Church, for which it shall submit an annual budget to the Board of Trustees. It shall provide to the Church a system of religious education covering all ages and in every way seek to meet the needs of the Church for Christian education.
This Board shall be consulted in the selection and supervision of the Director of Christian Education and the Youth or Student Minister. The Director of Christian Education and the Youth or Student Minister shall be a member ex officio without vote.
(d) BOARD FOR MISSION AND SERVICE
The Board for Mission and Service shall develop, coordinate, and support the mission and service groups of the church; educate the congregation about congregational and denominational mission and service programs.
They shall assist the Trustees in the preparation of the outreach portion of the annual budget and encourage and solicit financial support apart from the church operating budget for mission and service.
They shall promote and encourage an awareness of and action on public policy issues from a Christian perspective.
(e) BOARD FOR MEMBERSHIP AND HOSPITALITY
The Board for Membership and Hospitality shall encourage and assist members of the congregation to find meaningful ways to express their callings and grow as disciples; welcome visitors to the Church; promote the Church in the community; encourage the assimilation of new members; and encourage deeper fellowship among members. This Board shall assist the other Standing Boards to recruit persons for Teams and Ministry Tasks.
The members of the Board for Membership and Hospitality shall serve as the Nominating Committee for the Church. They shall prepare a list of nominees for elected positions designated in these bylaws and shall distribute such list of nominations no later than the Sabbath Service preceding the Annual Meeting.

Section 2. AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS WITH OFFICIAL STATUS

(a) The Plymouth Union is recognized by the Church as the principal women's organization devoted to the welfare of the Church. It shall designate one of its members to serve on the Church Council.
(b) The Auxiliary Organizations recognized by the Church shall have their books and accounts reviewed each year. They may call on the Board of Trustees for such service.

ARTICLE II. SERVICES AND MEETINGS

Section 1

Services of worship shall be held each Sabbath morning.

Section 2.

The Lord's Supper shall be observed as determined by the Pastor with the approval of the Diaconate.

Section 3

Mid-week evening meetings for fellowship and prayer, and for such related purposes as may be deemed desirable, shall be held as scheduled by the Diaconate.

ARTICLE III RULES OF ORDER

The rules contained in "Robert's Rules of Order" shall govern the proceedings of this Church insofar as they are applicable and not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Church.

ARTICLE IV AMENDMENTS

The Bylaws may be amended at an Annual Meeting or at a called meeting of the Church by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, notice of proposed changes having been given at least one week previous; or at an Annual Meeting, without previous notice, by unanimous vote.

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N.B. Ex-officio members have all the privileges of membership, including the right to make motions and to vote.
These revisions were recommended to the congregation by the Restructure Task Force appointed in January, 2000 and adopted by the Congregation on June 24, 2001. The last previous version of the Constitution and Bylaws was adopted January 27, 1999.