On May 7, 2017, The First Congregational Church of Lebanon will hold a Church Meeting to review and vote on these Bylaw changes.
To download a PDF of the the revisions, click here.
First Congregational Church of Lebanon
Proposed By-law Revisions Passed by Church Council
ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP
Existing in 2010 By-laws:
- Any member who, for a period of two years, has failed to indicate in any way his continuing interest in and support of, this Church may, by vote of the Board of Deacons, be placed on the Inactive List. Any member placed upon the Inactive List may, by vote of the Board of Deacons, be restored to active membership.
Proposed change:
- Membership will be reviewed by the Deacons annually. Any member who, for a period of two years, has failed to indicate in any way his/her continuing interest in and support of, this Church may, by vote of the Board of Deacons, may be placed on the Inactive List.
- Active Member. An Active Member is a voting member of the Church. He/she has indicated continuing interest in and support of the Church. He/she may have also indicated to be considered an Active Member by request.
- Inactive Member. An Inactive Member is a voting member of the Church. In the last two years, he/she has not indicated continuing interest in and support of the Church. An Inactive Member may be restored to Active Member by a vote of the Deacons or by renewing continuing interest in and support of the Church as noted by a Church Officer. (Article VIII – Church Officers are Pastor, Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Head Usher) The Church Officer shall inform the Board of Deacons of the change in membership status.
(Passed by Church Council 4/20/2017)
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ARTICLE VI GOVERNING BODY
Existing in 2010 By-laws:
- Roberts Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority except when in conflict with any part of these bylaws.
Proposed Change: ADD
- Roberts Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority except when in conflict with any part of these bylaws. The edition of Robert’s Rules of order shall be the “user friendly” version, “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief” 2nd edition, by Henry M. Robert III and if necessary, the full version “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly revised, 2012. Church Council, Boards and Committees shall follow procedures in Robert’s Rules of Order.
(Passed by Church Council 3/16/2017)
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ARTICLE IX OFFICERS, THEIR ELECTION & DUTIES
Existing in 2010 By-laws:
- Pastor
- Election
The Pastor shall be chosen for an indefinite term, when a vacancy occurs, by seventy-five percent (75%) of the members present and voting at a special meeting duly called for that purpose. Committee of nine (9), nominated by the Council and elected by the Church members, shall seek out and recommend suitable candidates for the pastoral office.
The Church, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at a meeting called for the purpose, or the Pastor by notice of resignation, may terminate the relationship with the understanding that such termination shall not be effective for a period of sixty (60) days, unless mutually agreed otherwise.
Proposed Additions:
- Election
The Pastor shall be chosen for an indefinite term, when a vacancy occurs, by seventy-five percent (75%) of the members present and voting at a special meeting duly called for that purpose. Voting to be by ballot. Committee of nine (9), nominated by the Council and elected by the Church members, shall seek out and recommend suitable candidates for the pastoral office.
The Church, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at a meeting called for the purpose, or the Pastor by notice of resignation, may terminate the relationship with the understanding that such termination shall not be effective for a period of sixty (60) days, unless mutually agreed otherwise. Voting to be by ballot.
(Passed by Church Council 3/16/2017)
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ARTICLE IX OFFICERS, THEIR ELECTION & DUTIES
Existing in 2010 By-laws:
- Moderator
- ADD
- Shall ensure all Boards and Committees meet regularly with agenda and minutes and follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
(Passed by Church Council 4/20/2017)
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ARTICLE X BOARDS, THEIR ELECTION & DUTIES
Currently reads in 2010 By-laws
- Board of Trustees
- Responsibilities
- Shall draft or obtain necessary contracts.
Proposed change: ADD
- Shall draft or obtain necessary contracts. The Chairman of the Trustees or a designated Trustee shall sign all contracts as directed by specific Church vote or as defined in their designated responsibilities in the By-laws.
(Passed by Church Council 4/20/2017)
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ARTICLE XIII PAID STAFF
ADD
- Website/Social Media Coordinator. The Coordinator will update and maintain the Church Website and Social Media information.
(Passed by Church Council 3/16/2017)
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