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Hope Church Constitution

Constitution of Hope Church

ARTICLE I

Section 1: Name

The name of this church shall be Hope United Church of Christ.

Section 2: Location

The church shall be located in Fairfax County, Commonwealth of Virginia.

ARTICLE II — FAITH, COVENANT, SACRAMENTS, AND POLITY

Section 1: Faith

We gladly affirm the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ as setting forth the Faith which is held among us:

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:

  • You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.
  • You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
  • You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
  • In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
  • You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
  • You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
  • You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.

Section 2: Covenant

Hope Church embraces the cost and joy of discipleship by:

  • Caring for the spiritual and life enrichment of its members and friends;
  • Reaching out to the local community to provide spiritual growth and Christian love and action;
  • Challenging its members and friends to care for the global community and the earth itself; and
  • Helping all people grow in their faith, discover their unique spiritual gifts for ministry, and find ways to honor God with their worship and lives.

In the spirit of Christian love, we are an open and affirming congregation welcoming people of every race, ethnic heritage, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.

We covenant, in the spirit of our Brother and Savior, the Christ, to pursue the truths of the universe, all impulses toward human justice and world peace, and words and deeds that promote our growing understanding of God’s abiding love and grace.

Section 3: Core Values

Worship — Worship is central to Hope’s existence. It is where we explore and celebrate God’s mystery, learn and practice Jesus’s love, challenge our spiritual thinking, hold ourselves accountable, and open ourselves to the Spirit’s calling. It is out of worship that love and acceptance, reaching out, spiritual growth, and community grow.

Love and acceptance — We welcome, respect, and value diversity by providing a place of honest, authentic relationships where we can be real and be accepted. These two words sum up Jesus’s ministry. Jesus broadened the understanding of what the community of God’s people looked like to include all people. We come together offering an inclusive, unconditional, and loving environment where those who are hurting, frustrated, and confused can find guidance and encouragement as we travel our shared spiritual path.

Reaching out — Jesus calls us to move beyond the four walls of our community to spread his message of love and acceptance. As growing Christians, we are encouraged to put our faith into action as we accept the call to go and serve others. Each of us has been given gifts to work in the building of God’s realm. We encourage all members to discover their unique gifts so they can take the church into the wider community and world.

Community — Hope is a “rainbow” of people from all walks of life. We experience a depth and breadth of community that is rare and precious. As we celebrate our diversity together through worship, outreach, and fellowship, God blesses us with unity. Linked together, we are God’s instruments to strengthen the congregation and reach beyond the church walls.

Spiritual growth — One of the main purposes of a church is to lead people to a deeper understanding of themselves, their neighbor, and God. Here at Hope Church we take each member’s spiritual journey seriously. We invite members to bring forward their questions and explore their own spiritual depths. Opportunities for spiritual growth include: worship services, small groups, retreats, service projects, fellowship, and Bible studies.

Section 4: Sacraments

The Sacraments shall be baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

A. Baptism shall be administered at Public Worship, and in unusual circumstances at such times and places as are mutually agreed on by the Pastor and the Deacons. In such cases a Deacon shall participate whenever possible to represent the worshipping church.

B. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be administered at such times as the Deacons may appoint; it may be administered apart from Public Worship at the discretion of the Pastor and the Deacons; when feasible a Deacon shall be present.

The invitation to the Lord’s table shall include all who love the Lord Jesus Christ; participation shall be a matter of conscience.

Section 5: Polity

This church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head, and finds its guidance in matters of faith and discipline in the Holy Scriptures, interpreted by the Holy Spirit through reason, faith, and conscience.

The government of this church is vested in its members who exercise the right of control in all its affairs, subject in legal matters to Title 57 of the Virginia Code and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This church accepts the obligations of mutual counsel, comity, and cooperation involved in the fellowship of the United Church of Christ and pledges itself to share its aims and work.

Further, we testify to the unity of the Church of Jesus Christ and will join with all its branches in hearty cooperation in matters of common concern.

ARTICLE III — MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Qualifications and Definitions

All baptized persons, who affirm their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and agree to the covenant of this church, shall be eligible for membership in this church.

Section 2: Preparation for Membership

Young people who have reached a responsible age may prepare for membership by attending a Confirmation Class led by the Pastor. Adults may become members in accordance with the By-Laws. Since affirming faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a serious step in any person’s life, it is recommended that those considering membership in the church meet with the Pastor at least three times, in a class or individually to consider the meaning of church membership.

Section 3: Description of Membership

A. Active Members. Active members are those who have become members by (a) baptism and either confirmation or profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; (b) reaffirmation or reprofession of faith; or (c) letter of transfer to certification from other Christian churches. To continue in active membership a person who is able is expected to attend worship services and to contribute toward the life and work of the congregation.

B. Inactive Members. Inactive members are those who have not fulfilled their duties to attend worship, and support the church regularly, and who do not within a period of six months respond to an invitation from the Deacons to become active participants once again. At the beginning of each calendar year, those who have not shown a wish to become active members once again may be transferred to the inactive roll, and will be notified to that effect. If the Board of Deacons is unable to contact an inactive member or is unable to obtain an indication of a interest in retaining membership status, after sixty days, the Deacons may recommend removal of said inactive member from the church roll. The Deacons shall ­present a list of all such inactive members to the congregation for formal removal from the church roll. A majority vote of active members present shall be required at a congregational meeting in order to effect removal.

C. Absentee Members. Absentee members are those who have moved from the area and are unable to transfer membership because of circumstances beyond their control, or who expect to return to the area and wish to maintain membership in this church.

D. Friends of the Church. Friends of the church are those who have not been received into membership but who desire to participate in public worship, share in its organized life and work, and contribute to its support and benevolence. They shall share in privileges of membership with exception of the right to vote except as herein provided in congregational meetings, or hold elective office.

E. Associate Members. Associate members are those who assume all the rights and obligations of full membership in this congregation while at the same time maintaining their membership in another location which they regard as their “permanent” home. This category of membership is established to permit persons who transfer frequently to participate fully in the Body of Christ without discontinuing their relationship with a home church.

ARTICLE IV — THE STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH

The Congregation holds its authority on all matters relating to the church, under the Headship of Jesus Christ, and exercises its authority and responsibility through Congregational meetings as provided within this Constitution. The Congregation will decide upon the church program, all questions of policy of the Congregation, and all major matters of church life. The planning, coordination, and administration of the church program, the congregation entrusts to the Church Cabinet, the Pastor, officers, Boards and committees and the Commonwealth Trustees as provided within this Constitution, and subject to the full authority of the Congregation under the rule of God’s spirit.

Section 1: Pastor

A. The Pastor shall be selected and called in accordance with the By-Laws.

B. The Pastor shall become a member of the congregation.

C. The Pastor shall be entrusted with the welfare of the church, with assistance from the staff, officers, Boards and committee and members.

D. The Pastor’s duties and term are described in the By-Laws.

Section 2: Church Officers

The officers of the church shall be: President of the Congregation, Clerk, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary.

The officers shall be active members of the church who have attained the age of 21 years, and shall be elected by the congregation as provided for in the By-Laws.

Section 3: Congregational Meetings

The congregation shall meet together on a regular basis so that all members may have the opportunity to share continually in the setting of parish policy, and to share the responsibility of deliberating on and undertaking the tasks of a church of Christ, and of discovering every possible way of “ministering in the world as servants of Jesus Christ.”

Description of Purpose

  • To bear witness to the priesthood of all believers.
  • To bear witness to the corporate, communal nature of the church, and meet together often enough to become a true family of Christ.
  • To give the congregation the opportunity to “walk by faith”, to seek together the leading of God’s Spirit in their discussion, decision-making, and other actions.

Section 4: Church Cabinet

The Church Cabinet shall be the major executive body acting on behalf of the Church. It shall consist of the Pastor, the President, the Clerk, the Treasurer and the chairperson of each permanent board and committee of the Church.

Section 5: Boards and Committees of the Church

The Boards and permanent Committees of the Church shall be:

1. Board of Deacons
2. Buildings and Grounds Committee
3. Christian Education Committee
4. Evangelism Committee
5. Finance Committee
6. Missions Committee

And any other such boards and committees as established by the By-Laws.

Qualifications for Office:

Officers, Chairpersons of all permanent Committees and Chairperson and members of the Board of Deacons shall be active members of the Church and shall be elected by the Congregation. Remaining committee members may be members or friends of the church selected by the respective committee Chairperson and confirmed by the Cabinet.

Section 6: The Commonwealth Trustees

There shall be three Commonwealth Trustees, each selected for a term of 10 years. When a vacancy occurs, nominations shall be at the next Church meeting. In accordance with Title 57 of the Virginia Code, the names of such nominees shall be presented to the Circuit Court of Fairfax County for appointment.

In accordance with statute, the Commonwealth Trustees shall hold title to all church property, including real estate, buildings, and the contents and appurtenances thereof. They shall not have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or in any way encumber the church property, except when so authorized by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a congregational meeting.

ARTICLE V — AMENDMENT

A. Constitution: Proposed additions and alteration to this constitution shall be referred to the Church Cabinet, which shall consider the same and report to the next duly called meeting of the congregation. Such additions and alterations can be adopted only by a three-fourths majority of all active members present. Notice of the meeting to act on any amendments shall be given by public announcement at least three weeks prior to the said meetings, and a copy of the proposed amendments submitted in writing to each member.

B. By-Laws: The By-Laws may be amended in any duly called meeting of the congregation by a majority vote of the active members present and voting, provided three weeks notice of such a meeting has been given as above.

By-Laws of Hope Church

ARTICLE I — MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Rights

All members in good standing are entitled to voice, vote, and hold office unless otherwise stated in the Constitution or By-Laws.

Section 2: Duties

Active members are expected to participate regularly in public worship; to participate actively in Congregational meetings; to give generously for the support and benevolences of the Church; and to share fully in its organized life and work; and, upon moving, to become active members of a church in their new community.

Section 3: Reception and Transfer

Persons shall be received, preferably at a communion service, upon their public assent to the church covenant.

Letters of transfer to other churches shall be given by the clerk, at the request of the deacons, to all members in good standing who may desire them and such letters shall state that they are given on behalf of the church.

ARTICLE II — PASTOR

Section 1: Duties

The Pastor shall administer the activities of the church with the help and cooperation of the staff, officers, Boards, committees, and members. The Pastor shall seek to enlist followers of Christ, administer the Sacraments, and have under his/her care all public worship services. The Pastor shall be a member of the Church Cabinet, and an ex-officio members of all Boards and Committees. The Pastor shall submit an annual report of his/her ministry to the Congregation.

Section 2: Election of the Pastor

When a vacancy occurs in the pastorate, a committee consisting of 4 deacons and 4 other members of the congregation shall be elected by the congregation. The committee shall make a survey of candidates and decide upon the one who, in their judgment, would best fulfill the needs of the congregation. The pastor shall then be issued an invitation to supply the pulpit and meet the congregation on a specified Sunday. On that Sunday, at a duly called congregational meeting, the congregation shall vote for or against the election of the Pastor. The vote shall be by ballot, and upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds majority of the members present, the Pastor shall be extended a call by the President of the congregation. If the candidate recommended by the committee is not elected, the pastoral committee shall then select another candidate. Only one candidate at a time shall be considered.

Section 3: Term of Office

The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period. The Pastor’s services shall be terminated upon no less than sixty (60) days notice by either the Pastor or the congregation, unless other arrangement is mutually agreed upon.

The Pastor shall be installed as pastor, or the pastoral relationship shall be terminated, according to the customary procedure of the Conference and the Association of which this church is a part.

ARTICLE III — ELECTIONS

Section 1: Officers, Committee Chairpersons and Chairperson of the Board of Deacons

With the exception of the Pastor(s), who shall be called or recalled as specified in Article 11 of the By-Laws, Church Officers and Chairpersons of permanent committees and Chairperson of the Board of Deacons shall be elected for a term of two years by a majority vote of the Congregation Members present at the election meeting. Officers and Chairpersons of permanent committees may be reelected to the same office for a maximum of two consecutive two years terms after which an interval of one year is required before subsequent election.

Section 2: Board of Deacons

Other than the Chairperson of the Board of Deacons, the remaining members of the Board of Deacons shall be elected for terms of one, two, or three years such that the terms of one third of the members will expire each year. Deacons shall be elected by a majority vote of the Congregation members present at the election meeting. A Deacon may be reelected to serve a maximum of three consecutive years as an active member of the Board of Deacons, however, prior service as a Deacon does not limit election as Officer or Committee Chairperson or Chairperson of the Board of Deacons.

Section 3: Unexpired Term

The Church Cabinet shall appoint a person to fill any vacancy of elected position occasioned by the resignation, death or departure of a member, for approval by the Congregation at its next congregational meeting.

Section 4: Nominations

Officers, Deacons, Board/Committee Chairpersons shall be nominated by an ad hoc committee comprised of three members of the Cabinet and two members at large from the congregation. The Committee on Nominations shall present to the Congregation at the election meeting, a slate of nominations for the required positions to be filled for the coming year.

ARTICLE IV — DUTIES OF CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1: President

The President is the executive head of the CONGREGATION and the CABINET, and shall serve as ex-officio member of all boards and committees. The President is responsible for assisting the Pastor in maintaining coordination and cooperation among the various boards, committees, and organized activities of the Church. The President, in the exercise of his/her office, shall be guided by the stated purpose of the Church.

Section 2: Clerk

The Clerk shall:

  • Keep a record of proceedings, all Congregational Meetings and of the Church Cabinet,
  • Keep a register, with addresses of church members, dates and modes of reception and removal,
  • Keep a record of baptisms and marriages,
  • Issue letters of transfer upon request of the Board of Deacons,
  • Preserve on file all written communications and written official reports including copies of minutes of meetings of Committees and Boards,
  • Give notices of congregational meetings when necessary,
  • Conduct correspondence,
  • Preserve a record of the Constitution and By-Laws as adopted and amended.

Section 3: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

  • Keep a complete and accurate record, with appropriate supporting documents, of all receipts and disbursements of monies handled by the Church, except these assigned to the Financial Secretary,
  • Report financial transactions to the Finance Committee, the Cabinet, and the Congregation at their respective meetings. A written, full, annual report shall be presented and distributed to all members at the January meeting,
  • Serve as a member of the Finance Committee,
  • Establish and maintain an inventory record of all real and personal property owned by the Church,
  • Maintain all documents supporting the Church’s property and financial transactions in appropriate depositories and in such form as may be readily audited.

Section 4: Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall:

  • Receive all payments on current and benevolence subscriptions,
  • Take charge of all offerings and special collections,
  • Keep an accurate account of all pledges made,
  • Receives and acknowledges all gifts and memorials as appropriate,
  • Deliver all monies received to the Treasurer, maintaining receipts for same,
  • Furnish all subscribers with statements of their accounts,
  • Seal pledge records and place them in the central file; these records will be destroyed after six years.

ARTICLE V — CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Section 1: Regular Meetings

It is the recommendation of the By-Laws that the congregation meet at least once every two months.

Section 2: Annual Meeting

The regular meeting held in January shall be called the Annual Meeting. This meeting shall provide for, but not be limited to, receiving reports from the pastor, boards, and committees; adopting the budget; and discussing the church’s program.

Section 3: Election Meeting

The election meeting shall take place four months prior to the Annual Meeting at which time the annual election shall be held. All persons elected at this meeting shall serve in apprenticeship, participating with their incumbents without voting rights until taking office at the Annual Meeting.

Section 4: Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called when the congregation must decide quickly on important matters and cannot wait until the next scheduled congregational meeting.

Section 5: Notices of Meetings

Notice of congregational meetings shall be mailed to the members of the church at least a week prior to the meeting. For special meetings, the purpose shall be specified.

Section 6: Quorum

Thirty (30) percent of the active membership of the congregation shall constitute a quorum.

Section 7: Order and Procedures

Since the church meeting is by nature unlike any other kind of secular democratic meeting, this brief description is provided to enable members to understand its workings and ways of proceeding. This is not meant to be exhaustive, but only a suggestion.

A. The Planning and Agenda of Meetings: Generally speaking, the planning is to be done so as to provide an occasion for all members to deliberate on the many different tasks of the church.

1. The work and decisions of the Church Cabinet may often provide matters which the whole church can well consider and decide upon. The Cabinet shall be responsible for the focus of the congregational meetings.

2. The concerns of the various committees of the church may at various times be placed before the congregation, met together for discussion and/or decision. The agenda shall be worked out in any needed detail by the Pastor, the President of the congregation, and any concerned Board or Committee.

3. The Pastor or any member may wish to introduce a new plan or project for the consideration of the members met together.

4. At times the church meetings will be the place where new ideas of policy or program originate.

5. Often the church meetings will delegate work to certain committees or boards to carry through on behalf of the whole church.
The sense of these statements is meant to be understood within the phrase “The Leading of God’s Spirit.” His work cannot be planned, but the meeting can provide occasion in which God can lead and bind his people together in their common work.

B. Procedures of the Meetings

1. The meetings shall begin with a devotional period led by the pastor or a deacon.

2. The President of the Congregation shall preside over, and lead the Annual Meeting in January. The President shall preside at other meetings during the year and the pastor shall generally help with planning, leading discussions, and assisting the congregation in seeking the guidance of God’s Spirit.

3. Making decisions. Different subjects lend themselves to different approaches to decision making. Certain subjects will seem fit for a majority vote. Others will require no vote, but can best be made by consensus. “Consensus” here is general agreement that this is the church’s faithful responsibility. The congregation knows that God’s Spirit does not lead by majority vote necessarily. Strong protest by a concerned minority shall always be reverently considered before any decision is made.

4. Roberts Rules of Order except as provided herein shall be used at the Annual Meeting and in most committee meetings and Board sessions.

ARTICLE VI — CHURCH CABINET

The Cabinet will meet monthly. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, President, or upon petition by any three members of the Cabinet. Should any Board/Committee Chairperson be unable to attend a meeting, he shall delegate an alternate.

The Cabinet shall be responsible for planning and executing the program of the church and for advising the Pastor on the general direction of the church’s activities. The Cabinet shall submit to the congregation at the annual meeting, a comprehensive program for the church for the coming year. All officers, boards and committees shall present plans and programs to the Cabinet for integration into the overall church program.
The Cabinet shall appoint and supervise any “ad hoc” committees (e.g., Fellowship committee) it or the congregation deem necessary providing responsibilities assigned to the “ad hoc” committee do not conflict with responsibilities assigned to the congregation or to any Board/Committee of the church.

The Cabinet shall appoint representatives to denominational and interdenominational meetings; provided that the lay delegates to the annual Conference meeting shall include the President, the immediate past President and the Chairperson of the Evangelism Committee unless otherwise designated by the cabinet; and, provided further that the delegates to each meeting of the Potomac Association shall include these two members of the cabinet unless otherwise designated by the cabinet: first meeting of the calendar year — Chairperson of the Board of Deacons and Chairperson of the Build and Grounds Committee; second meeting — Clerk and Chairperson of the Christian Education Committee; third meeting — Chairperson of the Evangelism Conunittee and Chairperson of the Finance; fourth meeting — Chairperson of the Missions Committee and the President; fifth meeting — the same delegates as the first meeting, etc.

The Cabinet shall review the salaries and fringe benefits of all employees at least annually and incorporate its determinations in the Annual Budget presented to the Congregation for adoption at the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VII — BOARDS, DUTIES, MEETINGS

Section 1: Board of Deacons

The Board of Deacons shall consist of no less than six nor more than nine members plus a Chairperson, and shall establish its own operating procedures. It shall hold meetings as may be required.

A Deacon shall assist the Pastor in the ministry of the church, shall maintain a personal and faithful watch over the Spiritual affairs of the Congregation and community, and shall seek to edify and minister to the congregation.

The Board of Deacons is responsible for:

A. Direct assistance to the Pastor in meeting the spiritual needs of the church and community; in the preparation and administration of the Sacraments.

B. Visiting and caring for the poor, the sick, the sorrowing, the indifferent, and the stranger, and administering the Deacon’s Fund. In this connection, the Board of Deacons shall have sole jurisdiction over the Deacon’s Fund.

C. Te receiving of new members, including consideration of fitness for membership as provided within this constitution and approval of letters of transfer to members in good standing.

D. The Annual Survey of the Church Rolls, and submission of recommendations to the Cabinet regarding necessary action.

E. The conduct of worship and preaching in the event of vacancy or in the temporary absence of the pastor.

F. Providing for the services of worship, including music, ushering, and preparation.

G. The Chairperson shall act for the President in the event that that office has been vacated until such time as a new President can be elected.

H. The Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining records of meetings and transmitting them to the clerk.

Section 2: Building and Grounds Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and as many members as the Chairperson feels adequate. The Committee shall establish its own operating procedure and shall meet as required.

The Building and Grounds Committee is responsible for:

A. Care, maintenance and improvement of the church buildings and grounds,

B. Repairs and improvements to the church parsonage,

C. Maintenance of church highway signs,

D. The Chairperson shall maintain and pass on to his successor
all equipment and maintenance contracts and records,

E. The Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining records
of meetings and transmitting them to the clerk.

Section 3: Christian Education Committee

The Christian Education Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and as any members as the Chairperson feels adequate. The committee shall establish its own operating procedures and shall meet as required.

The Christian Education Committee is responsible for.

A. Selecting the curriculum in educational work of the church,

B. Recruiting and providing training for teachers and Sunday School Superintendent as required,

C. Youth ministry (not only for the youth but by the youth as well),

D. Conducting a Sunday Church School and mobilizing the persons, materials and facilities required,

E. Planning and conduct of Vacation Church School,

F. Carrying out programs to help parents provide Christian nurture for their children as part of their family life,

G. The Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining records of meetings and transmitting them to the clerk.

Section 4: Evangelism Committee

The Evangelism Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and as many members as the Chairperson feels adequate. The Committee shall establish its own operating procedures and shall meet as required.

The Evangelism Committee is responsible for:

A. Hospitality, to include Sunday Service greeters, nursery attendants and post service fellowship,

B. Advertising and publicity,

C. Formulation and execution of an ongoing program of invitation to our “parish,”

D. Incorporating evangelism into the whole life and work of the church,

E. The Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining records
of meetings and transmitting them to the clerk.

Section 5: Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for:

A. Preparation of the Annual Budget,

B. Management of church financial affairs to include audits of financial records and approval of apportionments and disbursements

C. Providing surety bond and insurance,

D. Promotion of Stewardship,

E. Recommendation of salaries to the Cabinet,

F. The Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining records
of meetings and transmitting them to the clerk.

Section 6: Missions Committee

The Missions Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and as many members as the Chairperson feels adequate. The committee shall establish its own operating procedures and shall meet as required.

The Missions Committee is responsible for:

A. Christian service within the community (e.g., Koinonia, Meals-on-Wheels, etc.),

B. Promotion of the participation and support of the congregation in our Christian World Mission of the United Church of Christ,

C. Informing the congregation on matters of Christian social concern and carrying out programs to encourage Christian citizenship,

D. Carrying out programs relating our Christian faith to our daily lives,

E. The Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining records
of meetings and transmitting them to the clerk.

ARTICLE VIII — FINANCES

Section 1: General

The church in seeking financial participation from members and friends shall adhere to the principles of Christian Stewardship. All individuals and church affiliated groups shall be invited to participate. Opportunity shall be offered to all members and friends of the church to make pledges of regular support.

The church shall operate under a unified budget that provides for estimated programmed expenditures not exceeding the total anticipated receipts available to the church. Emergency expenditures in excess of the budget shall be approved by the Cabinet with subsequent ratification by the Congregation.

Section 2: Types of Funds

A. General Funds

The current expense fund is the fund that supports the normal operations of the church. Receipts shall consist of pledge payments, offerings received at regular church and school services, special Easter and Christmas gifts, gifts not specifically designated for some other fund, and any other monies so voted by the church. Disbursements from this fund shall be for the program designated in the unified budget.

B. Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund shall be a permanent fund. Its purpose is to provide for church program needs that cannot be met from the regular sources of income. The principal shall be left intact for such emergency needs as may be noted by the church, or other purposes prescribed by the donor. The income only shall be used currently as needed.

The members and friends of the church shall be given an opportunity to increase the principal of this fund by direct contributions and legacies. The monies shall be invested by the treasurer as directed by the Finance Committee. Receipts shall include all legacies not specifically designated by the donor for some other fund, specified gifts and memorials, and any other monies voted by the church to be placed in this fund. The income from investments held by the fund shall be automatically transferred to the general fund unless otherwise specified in the unified budget. Disbursements from the principal shall be approved by a majority vote of those present and voting at a properly called meeting of the church.

C. Deacon’s Fund

The Deacon’s Fund shall be an accumulating fund for the relief of needy members of the church and other needy people. The fund shall be supported by the unified budget and may be supplemented by gifts specifically designated for the fund. Requests for money and disbursements shall be at the sole discretion of the deacons.

D. Building Fund

The building fund shall be a special fund created and maintained during the period of any construction undertaken by the church, or in contemplation of future construction, or upon completion of construction for a time period determined appropriate by the Congregation. Receipts shall consist of monies received in payment of building fund pledges, gifts to the building fund, interest from building fund investments, and any other monies noted or received for building fund purposes from other sources. Disbursements shall be for construction costs, site preparation costs, administrative and legal fees and other expenses in connection with a building program, and repayment of any debt incurred for the foregoing.

At such time as the Congregation determines a building fund is no longer required, assets and liabilities of the fund will be transferred to the general fund.

E. Gift and Memorial Fund

1. Purpose: The purpose of this fund is:

a. To provide a fund in which special gifts or memorial gifts may be deposited

b. To provide a fund which may be used for the acquisition of special furnishings, equipment, or art which are suitable as permanent memorials within Hope Church

c. To provide a fund which may be used for special projects or programs at Hope Church which are not financed within the Current Expense Budget.

2. Management

a. The Financial Secretary shall receive all donations to this fund. The Treasurer shall make disbursements as instructed by the Cabinet. The Congregation should participate in any decisions regarding the acquisition of furnishings, equipment, or art.

b. It is advisable to establish objectives for the use of these funds well in advance of the time they are received.

c. Whenever a gift of $500 or more is received, serious consideration should be given to using it for an endowment fund, the income of which could be used for special lectures or programs or for scholarships.

d. When suggestions for the use of donated funds are made by a donor, they should be seriously considered. However, the Cabinet should not compromise its responsibility for using these funds in a way which best serves the life and work of Hope Church. Memorial gifts should be reverent, tasteful, and genuinely useful in the ministry of the church.

3. Operation

a. A record shall be kept of all gifts received, listing both the donor and the person memorialized.

b. An acknowledgment and note of appreciation shall be written for
every gift received.

C. The use of a “Gift and Memorial Register” is preferred over the use
of memorial plaques and labels.

Section 3: Administration of Funds

The Finance Committee shall be responsible for administering the funds in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws and the church’s direction.

All receipts shall be deposited in the bank immediately by the Treasurer.
All disbursements shall be made by check. The check shall be signed by the Treasurer or the President and countersigned by a Cabinet member(s) who shall be designated by the Cabinet.

ARTICLE IX — FISCAL AND ADMINISTIVTIVE YEAR

The fiscal and administrative year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year. Records of the church and its organizations shall be maintained on this basis, with annual reports prepared for the twelve months ending December 31.