CONSTITUTION
EDINA MORNINGSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
4201 Morningside Road Edina, Minnesota 55416
PREAMBLE:
The congregation of this Church, consistent with the democratic tradition, in
the spirit of free fellowship and in the belief that the strength of the church
is in its laity, declares this document to be the instrument of governance for
all members, their elected officers and boards, authorized committees and the
employees of this organization, known as:
Edina Morningside Community Church
United Church of Christ
The congregation
acknowledges this document to be the successor to that adopted by the EDINA
UNION CHURCH upon its organization on July 8, 1902; that adopted by the
MORNINGSIDE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH upon its organization on April 10, 1911; and
that adopted by the newly merged EDINA MORNINGSIDE COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH on May 25, 1934; together with all amendments and other changes appended
to these prior documents. This document supersedes the Constitution, adopted
April 23, 1981 and was adopted by the membership of Edina Morningside Community
Church in a special meeting assembled on May 12, 1996 amended as follows:
·
January 23, 2005 section 5.1.1;
·
April 30, 2006 sections 3.1; 3.7;
4.1; 5.1.2.2; 5.3.1; 5.3.2; 6.1
The congregation further
declares that henceforth the affairs of this Church fellowship shall be governed
by this CONSTITUTION only except as it may be changed by amendment as provided
in these ARTICLES.
ARTICLE
I POLITY
This Church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head; and finds in the Holy
Scriptures, interpreted by the Divine Spirit through human conscience, faith and
reason, its guide in discipline, fellowship and outreach. This Church accepts
the 1959 United Church of Christ Statement of Faith as more fully expressing
this relationship:
STATEMENT OF FAITH
(Approved by the Second General Synod of the
United Church of Christ in 1959)
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify: He calls
the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways
of life and death. He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and
sin. He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets
and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen
Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and
reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and
renewing the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all
ages, tongues and races. He calls us into his Church to accept the cost and joy
of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, 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. He
promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage
in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and
eternal life in his kingdom which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and
power be unto him. Amen.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 2.1 The members of
this Church shall be those persons who have been received by vote of the BOARD
OF DEACONS and have publicly accepted the polity and governance of this Church;
and have (a) presented satisfactory letters of transfer from other churches; or,
(b) accepted Jesus Christ as Lord by confession or re-affirmation of faith.
Prospective members may be presented to the congregation at any regular or
special service of worship.
Section 2.2
The members of this Church are expected to carry out those activities essential
to living a Christian life; to attend regularly the services of the church; to
contribute systematically to the financial support of the total church program
including its benevolences; to share in its organized work; to seek diligently
for their own spiritual well-being and for that of this Church; and to assist in
the winning of others to Christ.
Section
2.3 A member of this Church who
experiences a change in circumstances such that his/her close fellowship with
the congregation and other members is no longer possible, and who, nevertheless,
wishes to remain in communication with this Church, in financial support of its
programs, and who wishes to continue to have access to pastoral services, may
elect, by written application and subsequent approval by the Board of Deacons,
to become an ASSOCIATE MEMBER.
Section 2.4
A member of this Church who for whatever reason cannot obligate him/herself to
the expectations of full membership, but who wishes to be in communication with
this Church and to participate in selected activities according to
circumstances, may elect, with the approval of the Minister and Chair of the
Board of Deacons, to become a FRIEND OF EDINA MORNINGSIDE CHURCH.
Section
2.5 A member of this Church in
good and regular standing who desires to transfer his/her membership to another
church shall, upon written request and with the approval of the Board of
Deacons, be entitled to receive a letter of transfer. Such a letter shall be
dated and shall be valid for a period of one (1) year, in which condition shall
be stated. Upon written request, the “letter of transfer” may be renewed for
not longer than an additional year. Membership in this Church shall terminate
(a) when this Church receives notice of the member’s acceptance into another
church; or (b) when the period of validity of the letter of transfer expires.
Section
2.6 A member of this Church who
has not been in communication with this Church and who has not contributed to
its financial support or otherwise participated in its activities may, by vote
of the Board of Deacons, be transferred to inactive status. An effort shall be
made to notify him/her of this action. Thereafter, if communication cannot be
reestablished, or if the member so instructs, the Board of Deacons, shall vote
to terminate his/her membership.
Section
2.7 The Board of Deacons may
terminate the membership of an individual whose behavior is found to be
generally dangerous, detrimental or destructive to the well-being of this
Church. However, the Board shall make a determined effort to counsel and reason
with the member concerning his/her relationship to the Church and to Jesus
Christ. Failing this, the Board shall give the member written notice of a
hearing before the Board of Deacons, at which time his/her membership status
shall be determined.
ARTICLE
III THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 3.1 Edina
Morningside Community Church shall be organized as a “not-for-profit”
corporation under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 317A. As a Minnesota corporation,
the financial affairs of this Church organization and its relations with the
City of Edina, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota shall be managed by a
Board of Trustees consisting of nine (9) members of this church elected for
terms of three (3) years each. Terms shall be staggered so that three (3)
Trustees are elected each year. The Board of Trustees shall meet monthly at the
call of the chairperson.
Section
3.2 The Board of Trustees shall
have care and custody of all of the real property belonging to this Church, and
of the buildings thereon; and shall hold title to all of the equipment therein
except that which is identified as belonging to one or another of the groups
using space in the church building. The Board of Trustees is authorized to
assign spaces in the church building to appropriate uses for carrying out
programs or for storage. The Board may change these assignments as
circumstances warrant.
Section
3.3 The Board of Trustees shall
have sole authority to negotiate agreements with community groups
that wish to make occasional or regular use of the church building facilities,
and to set rental fees for such uses.
Section
3.4 The Board of Trustees shall
cooperate with public safety officials of the City of Edina, and may direct
groups or persons using equipment or space within the church building to honor
rules and regulations promulgated in a concern for safety.
Section
3.5 The Board of Trustees shall
have no power to buy, lease, mortgage, sell or transfer the title of any real
property without specific authority conveyed by a vote of the membership of this
Church. The Board of Trustees shall annually submit an operating budget for
adoption by the membership of this Church. Thereafter, the Board of Trustees
shall make no unbudgeted expenditure that total more than five percent (5%) of
the adopted budget without further approval by the membership of this Church.
Section
3.6 The Board of Trustees shall
select from within its own membership the Chair of the Board and other officers,
and persons to chair such sub-committees as circumstances warrant. Members of
these sub-committees, other than the Chair, shall be members of this Church but
need not be Trustees.
Section
3.7 The Board of Trustees shall
select an Auditor, Financial Secretary and a Treasurer. These persons shall be
members of this Church but need not be Trustees.
Section
3.7.1 The Auditor shall annually
examine the account books of the Financial Secretary, the Treasurer and the
Nursery School Treasurer. The Auditor shall report to the Board of Trustees all
discrepancies and errors; or, finding none, he/she shall certify to the Board of
Trustees as to the condition of the account books and as to the general
financial condition of the Church.
Section
3.7.2 The Financial Secretary shall
receive an accounting from the Treasurer of the donations, pledges regular and
special collections and other monies received by the Treasurer from all sources.
He/She shall keep separate records for each member and shall furnish each member
with statements of account quarterly or as directed by the Board of Trustees.
The Financial Secretary shall pay any monies received to the
Treasurer.
Section 3.7.3
The Treasurer shall receive and be
accountable for all monies received from donations, pledges, regular and special
collections and all other authorized sources. In addition, the Treasurer shall
receive and be accountable for any monies received from the Financial Secretary,
monies such as dividends and interest, and monies received in the sale of
financial paper and real property. The Treasurer shall deposit funds received in
such accounts as the Board of Trustees shall order. He/She shall pay the bills
of the church on order of the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall keep
accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and shall report monthly to
the Board of Trustees the condition of the treasury and its relationship to the
budget. The Treasurer shall give such security bond as the Board of Trustees
shall prescribe.
ARTICLE IV
ELECTED OFFICERS
Section 4.1 GOVERNANCE
The government of this Church shall be vested in its members who shall exercise
the right of control in all its affairs. Relations with the secular governments
are delegated to the elected Trustees as detailed above in article III.
Relations with the United Church of Christ and its subdivisional entities, and
with other organizations in the worldwide church of Jesus Christ shall be
delegated to other appropriate boards, committees and persons. While this
Church is subject to no ecclesiastical authority, the membership accepts the
obligations of mutual council, comity and cooperation, and pledges to share in
common aims and work
The internal government of
this Church shall be vested in its elected officers and Boards. All elected
officers, Board and Committee members shall be current members of Edina
Morningside Community Church as defined in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this
Constitution.
Section 4.2
MODERATOR
The Moderator shall be elected annually for a term of one (1) year. The
Moderator shall be the coordinating head of this Church. The Moderator shall
work with the elected Boards and the Minister to establish and pursue policies
consistent with the provisions of this Constitution and in harmony with the
desires of the membership of this Church expressed through the channels of
communication provided.
The Moderator shall chair
the Cabinet and shall preside at the annual meeting of this Church and at all
other membership meetings convened in accordance with the provisions of this
Constitution.
The Moderator shall be,
ex-officio, a member of all boards with a voice in their deliberations but no
vote. Such ex-officio membership shall not, however, impose upon him/her the
obligation of regular attendance at all meetings of the boards. He/she shall
receive notices of all such meetings and shall receive copies of the minutes.
Section
4.3 CLERK
The Clerk of this Church shall be elected annually for a term of one year. The
Clerk shall be responsible for creating, maintaining, and preserving all church
records including but not limited to, annual reports as prepared for the annual
meeting of the congregation, correspondence relating to activities of the
congregation; membership records-baptisms, confirmations, dates of joining this
church, marriages, deaths, etc.; minutes of congregational meetings, newsletters
and weekly bulletins; and photographs of congregational activities.
In carrying out this
function, the Clerk may make agreements as to the delegation of specific duties
to other persons, e.g. (a) the church Historian for the maintenance and
preservation of an historical archive of church records; (b) the Minister and
church Secretary for the maintenance of current membership
records.
Section 4.4 OTHER
Other officers may be elected provided that the Cabinet shall first establish
the position and define the duties and
responsibilities.
ARTICLE V BOARDS
Section 5.1 ELECTED
BOARDS
Section 5.1.1 The
Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons shall consist of twelve (12) members elected for terms of
three (3) years each. The positions of four (4) members shall be filled by
election each year. The Board shall meet at the call of the Chair. It
shall be the duty of the Board of Deacons to support and cooperate with the
Minister in fulfilling the spiritual interests and needs of this congregation
and community. The Deacons shall assist in identifying and in helping those
with special needs - the lonely, the poor, the sick and the sorrowing. In
carrying out these functions, the Board of Deacons shall select a Chair and such
other officers and committees as will facilitate the effective discharge of its
duties and responsibilities. The Board of Deacons shall, annually, prepare and
submit to the Board of Trustees a budget for the work under its supervision.
Section
5.1.1.1 The Board of Deacons shall
assist the Minister in the conduct of worship services in the preparation and
administration of the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, as well as in
the special services of Confirmation, Marriage and the Reception of New Members
into this Church. The Board of Deacons shall arrange for greeters, lay readers,
and ushers; and shall arrange to supply the pulpit in the absence of the
Minister. A member of the Board of Deacons shall serve on the Music Committee.
Section
5.1.1.2 The Board of Deacons shall
have supervision over the membership procedures of this Church, as detailed more
fully in Article II (Membership).
Section 5.1.1.3
The Board of the Deacons shall supervise the benevolence program of this Church
and shall direct the distribution of benevolence funds.
Section
5.1.2 The Board of Christian Education Outreach
The Board of Christian Education Outreach shall consist of nine (9) members
elected for terms of three (3) years each. The positions of three (3) members
shall be filled by election each year. The Board shall meet at the call of the
Chair.
Section 5.1.2.1
The Board of Christian Educational Outreach
shall have direction and supervision of the educational work of this Church, and
shall provide, insofar as possible, learning experiences in the Christian life
for all age groups in this Church from toddlers to senior citizens. In carrying
out this responsibility the Board may maintain programs for Church School Sunday
classes, weekday classes, confirmation classes and single events. The Minister
shall oversee classes for confirmands. For each of these types of meetings, the
Board shall approve curriculum and the instructors.
Section
5.1.2.2 The Board of Christian
Educational Outreach shall also encourage and help to provide facilities and
leadership for such youth groups as: Boy Scouts and Cubs, Campfire Girls and
Bluebirds, Girl Scouts and Brownies, and the Junior and Senior Pilgrim
Fellowships of this Church. The Board shall designate one or more of its
members to have the responsibility of continuous communication with the
leadership of these youth groups.
Section
5.1.2.3 The Board of Christian
Educational Outreach shall select a chair and such other officers and committees
as will facilitate the effective discharge of its duties and responsibilities.
The Board of Christian Educational Outreach shall annually prepare and submit to
the Board of Trustees a budget for the work under its supervision.
Section
5.1.3 The Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship shall consist of nine (9) members elected for terms of
three (3) years each. The positions of three (3) members shall be filled by
election each year. The Board shall meet at the call of the Chair.
The Board of Stewardship
shall have general responsibility for bringing members of this Church to a
heightened sense of the total stewardship of time, talent and treasure. In
carrying out this responsibility the Board shall look for opportunities to
match people seeking to serve with tasks that need to be done. Specific duties
include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Section
5.1.3.1 Nominate one (1) or more
persons for each position to be filled by election at the annual meeting of this
Church.
Section
5.1.3.2 To those individuals who
wish to give of their time, but feel unable to serve on a Board, the Stewardship
Board shall offer the alternative to becoming part of a Volunteer Pool. Members
of this Pool can expect to be asked from time to time to organize or help with
various specific events or activities of this Church and or its Boards. Upon
entering the Volunteer Pool, a member will have the option to indicate generally
or specifically, where his/her interests lie.
Section
5.1.3.3 The Board of Stewardship
shall designate persons, with their consent, to fill vacancies occurring annual
meetings; and to fill positions created by the Cabinet in the interim between
annual meetings; or to undertake special assignments and tasks.
Section
5.1.3.4 The Board of Stewardship
shall direct the Annual Pledge Drive in an effort to meet the budget proposed by
the Trustees.
Section
5.1.3.5 The Board of Stewardship
shall select a chair and such other officers and committees as will facilitate
the discharge of its duties and responsibilities; and shall annually prepare and
submit to the Board of Trustees a budget for its work.
Section
5.1.4 The Board of Edina Morningside Nursery School
The Board of Edina Morningside Nursery School shall consist of seven (7) members
elected for terms of three (3) years each. The positions of two (2) or three
(3) members shall be filled by election each year. The Nursery School Director
and the Nursery School Treasurer shall be ex officio members of the Board with a
voice in deliberations, but no vote. Such ex officio membership shall incur the
obligation of attendance at all regular meetings of the Board.
Section 5.1.4.1
The Board of Edina Morningside Nursery School shall have supervisory
responsibility for the Edina Morningside Nursery School, an outreach program of
the Church. The Board shall:
a.
provide proper financial oversight. The Board shall show a balance
between income and expenditures
b.
annually recommend to Cabinet the contracts and compensation for the
Director and the Teachers
c.
determine the Nursery School’s mission and purpose as an outreach of the
Church. The Board shall annually approve the Nursery School program to
determine that it is consistent with its mission and purpose
d.
ensure effective organizational planning. The Board shall work jointly
with the Nursery School Director in the overall planning of goals and objectives
for the Nursery School and its programs and services and approve and monitor
their success
e.
author, maintain and ensure adherence to Nursery School guidelines that
more specifically detail working relationships, responsibilities and policies
for the Board, Staff, and committees with regard to the operation of the Nursery
School
f.
foster an integrated, positive relationship between the Church and its
Nursery School. The Board shall work to involve the Church and the congregation
in the success of the Nursery School’s outreach in the community. The Board
shall regularly inform the congregation with regard to the disposition,
activities and events of the Nursery School
g.
ensure adequate resources for the Nursery School to fulfill its mission.
The Board and the Nursery School Director shall determine resource needs and
work jointly to meet those needs in the planning and implementation of Nursery
School fundraising campaigns, open houses, special events, and scholarship
drives, etc.
h.
enhance the Nursery School’s public standing, The Board shall promote
the Nursery School’s mission, accomplishments and goals to the community.
Section 5.1.4.2
In carrying out these functions, the Board
of Edina Morningside Nursery School shall select a Chair and such other officers
and committees as will facilitate the effective discharge of its duties and
responsibilities; and the Board shall, annually, prepare and submit to the Board
of Trustees a budget for the work under its supervision. In addition, the Board
shall annually submit to the Board of Trustees, for their records, a copy of the
Nursery School budget, and an end-of-year financial report for the Nursery
School within thirty (30) days of the Nursery School’s fiscal year-end each
June.
Section 5.1.4.3 Elected
members of Boards, after serving a full term of three (3) years, shall not be
eligible for election to the same board for a period of one (1) year.
Section 5.2
NON-ELECTED BOARDS
Section 5.2.1
The Board of Women’s Fellowship
Section 5.2.1.1
The Board of the Women’s Fellowship shall
coordinate the work of the women members of this Church so as to use to the
maximum the many diverse interests and talents of women in order that God’s will
be done. The Board is encouraged to seek a commitment of time and talent from
all women who are members of this Church.
Section 5.2.1.2
The Board of the Women’s Fellowship shall
select a chair and other officers as appropriate and shall designate committees
and persons to manage the various projects which collectively carry out the
Board’s purposes.
Section
5.3 RE-ELECTION LIMITATIONS
Elected members of Boards, after serving a full term of three (3) years, shall
not be eligible for election to the same board for a period of one (1) year.
ARTICLE VI
CHURCH CABINET
Section 6.1
MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the Cabinet shall be the elected Officers - Moderator and Clerk;
the chair of each of the Boards – Christian Educational Outreach, Deacons,
Stewardship, Trustees, Edina Morningside Nursery School, and Women’s Fellowship;
the Minister; the Treasurer; chairs of each standing committee, and such other
persons as the Cabinet, itself, shall designate. The Cabinet shall meet at the
call of the Moderator.
Section 6.2 DUTIES
It shall be the responsibility of the Church Cabinet to visualize the entire
task of this Church, to advise the Minister on the general direction of
activities of this Church, and to cooperate with the Minister and with the
several boards and committees in the formulation of a well-rounded program. It
shall also be the responsibility of the Church Cabinet to discover areas of
conflict and weakness and to take steps to resolve the one and strengthen the
other.
Section 6.3 EMPLOYEE
RELATIONS
Section 6.3.1
Define Staff Positions:
The Church Cabinet shall establish the positions of paid employees of this
Church, and shall define the duties of the position and, in coordination with
the Board of Trustees, shall set the terms of employment and remuneration. The
Church Cabinet shall delegate to the appropriate Board or committee having
supervisory responsibility over the position the duty to recommend candidates
for the position. The Cabinet, after review of said recommendations, shall
select a candidate for employment. The Cabinet shall then consult with the
Board of Trustees to reaffirm availability of funds. The Cabinet shall then
extend a written offer of employment, signed by the chairs of the supervising
board and the Board of Trustees and the Moderator, to the selected candidate.
Section
6.3.2 Conduct Performance
Evaluations: The Church Cabinet
shall also review, annually, with each employee his/her year’s achievements and
future goals; and shall recommend to the Board of Trustees any proposed changes
in terms of employment or in remuneration.
(Note: following are
examples of staff positions. Not every position in these examples is a salaried
position, but in each case the duties and terms of employment need to be
defined.) Auditor, Church Custodian, Church Secretary, Church School Director,
Dir. of Nursery School, Dir. of Music, Financial Secretary, Minister,
Teacher-Nursery School, Treasurer.
Section 6.4
STANDING COMMITTEES
The Church Cabinet may establish standing committees seen to be necessary but
not provided for in this Constitution, and whose function transcends the
responsibility of any board or other standing committee of this Church. The
Cabinet shall name an acting chair person. The chair shall be a member of the
church cabinet for so long as the standing committee exists. A standing
committee shall exist until the Church Cabinet determines that such committee is
no longer required. At this time the standing committee of the church are:
Section 6.4.1
Membership Growth & Retention Committee: The Membership Growth and
Retention Committee (MUGGERS) shall encourage the enlistment of new members and
develop ways to encourage participation in our church programs by all the
membership. This committee shall consist of volunteers, including at least one
(1) representative each from the Board of Deacons and the Board of Stewardship.
The committee shall annually prepare and submit a budget for its work to the
Board of Trustees. The committee shall meet at the call of the Chair, at lease
once per quarter.
Section
6.4.2 Memorial Committee:
The Memorial Committee is responsible for acknowledgment and oversight control
of gifts (usually, but not always, money) given to the Church in memory of
friends or family. The committee shall annually prepare and submit a budget for
its work to the Board of Trustees. No member shall serve on the Memorial
Committee more than four (4) consecutive years.
The Memorial Committee’s
duties include, but are not limited to:
* Provide notes
of thanks to those who gave memorials.
*Maintain oversight control of Memorial funds by working cooperatively with the
Board of Trustees. Report to the Trustees and Treasurer which Memorials are
given as “Designated” (to be used for a specific purpose), or “Undesignated”
(may be used for a purpose which may be developed by the Board of Trustees and
the Memorial Committee, in concert with the family).
*Maintain this
Church’s Memorial book in an up-to-date condition.
*In the spirit of “Vision for the future”, develop plans for enhancing the gifts
of Memorials for both near and long term use.
Section
6.4.3 Music Committee: The
Music Committee shall support and monitor the effectiveness of the music program
at this Church. It shall consist of at least three (3) choir members or other
church musicians, plus the Minister, the Church Organist, the Choir Director,
and one (1) member of the Board of Deacons. The Music Committee shall meet at
the call of the chair at least once per quarter. The Music Committee shall
annually prepare and submit a budget for its work to the Board of Trustees.
The Music Committees
duties include, but are not limited, to:
*Provide and
evaluate a continuum of technical knowledge regarding programs, products, salary
levels and trends in the marketplace specifically pertaining to the musical
needs and activities of this Church.
*Conduct
performance reviews of the music staff, in concert with the Cabinet.
Article VII THE
MINISTER
Section
7.1 CALL TO SERVICE: The Minister
shall be called to the service of this Church according to procedures suggested
by the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Church and
Ministry Committee of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.
The Minister shall hold his/her position for an indefinite term. This Church,
through the Moderator, and the Minister shall give the other at least sixty (60)
days notice of a desire to terminate the employment contract.
Section
7.2 RESPONSIBILITIES: The Minister
shall be the spiritual leader of this Church. He/she shall have in his/her
responsibility the pulpit and its ministrations and all services of worship.
The Minister shall preach the gospel and seek to enlist men and women into the
service of our Lord Jesus Christ. He/she shall administer the sacraments of
Baptism and Holy Communion, hold special confirmation, marriage and funeral
services upon request, and hold other dedicatory services as may from time to
time be appropriate. The Minister shall make him/herself available for the
comfort and counsel of every member of this Church. All meetings and services
held within this Church edifice and all activities related to this Church,
whether educational, religious or social in character, shall be under the
Minister’s general direction and supervision. The Minister shall be an advisory
member of all boards and committees and shall receive notices of meetings,
minutes and reports from such meetings.
Section 7.3 DEVELOPMENT
OF PROGRAMS: The Minister shall
develop with the Cabinet an outline of duties, expectations and goals, and areas
of emphasis.
Article VIII
BUSINESS MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Section
8.1 ANNUAL MEETING: The
date of the Annual Meeting of this Church shall be set annually by the Cabinet
usually on the third Sunday of April. At this meeting the membership will (a)
receive reports of the past year’s activities and events; (b) elect officers and
members of the several boards; (c) set goals for the future church years and (d)
transact such other business as may come before the meeting.
Section
8.2 SEMI ANNUAL MEETING:
A semi annual meeting shall be set by the Cabinet, usually in September, to
define program goals and to review preliminary budget proposals.
Section
8.3 SPECIAL MEETINGS: Business of
this Church may be conducted at any special meeting called by the Clerk, the
Moderator or on written request of ten (10) adult members of this Church
provided notice of such meeting is given in three (3) successive Sunday morning
services or is published for three (3) successive weeks in this Church’s
newsletter mailed to every member.
Section 8.4 QUORUM:
Fifty (50) members of this Church
shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at any meeting. A simple
majority vote shall decide issues or questions. The election of members to all
positions of trust (Board of Trustees) shall be by written ballot.
Article IX
AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members
present and voting at any annual meeting or at a special meeting called for the
purpose. Provided, however; that, (a) the proposed amendment has the approval
of the Church Cabinet, and (b) the time and place of the meeting and the
proposed amendment, showing both old and new language, shall be distributed on
three (3) successive Sundays to members attending the morning service, (c) on
the fourth (4th) Sunday, an informational meeting will be held to
explain changes and solicit questions from the congregation, and (d) on the
fifth (5th) Sunday the congregation shall vote on the proposed
changes.
This concludes the Constitution
NOTES ABOUT THIS CONSTITUTION:
1. The principal purpose
in revising our Church’s Constitution is to bring the instrument of governance
into closer harmony with the body of practices that has grown up over the
years. In doing so, and in bringing consistency and logic to the Constitution,
some of the structure has been changed.
2. Founded in 1946, the
services of Edina Morningside Nursery School are offered with equanimity and
financial accessibility to the congregation and greater community in keeping
with this Church’s mission of being Christ’s servants in service to others.
Edina Morningside Nursery School is an outreach program of, owned, operated,
licensed and insured by, Edina Morningside Community Church, United Church of
Christ and as such, is served by the Church’s not-for-profit status. The
Director of the Nursery School and the School’s teachers are employees of Edina
Morningside Congregational Community Church (Article V, Section 5.86). The
Church operates its Nursery School out of the Church building. The Board of
Edina Morningside Nursery School and the Board of Trustees shall determine
annually the percent of Nursery School revenue to be transferred to the Church’s
general fund toward the cost of janitorial services, utilities, use of space or
other related expenses and a share of the cost of capital improvements to the
Church building and property. The Nursery School budget is maintained
separately from the Church budget for accounting purposes.
3. The Statement of Faith
in the New Century Hymnal has not (at this time) been approved by the General
Synod of the United Church of Christ.
4. The Church Calendar -
It is generally agreed that the financial year for the church must be the
calendar year, January - December. However, the program year for the activities
of the church is, necessarily, a seasonal, August-July year.
AUGUST A “get-ready” month,
Trustees set preliminary budget
SEPTEMBER Annual Rummage Sale, Church School and Nursery School
open, Semi annual meeting
OCTOBER Stewardship Drive
JANUARY Congregational meeting to approve final budget
APRIL Annual Meeting
MAY Boards and Standing Committees meet with both old
and new members to organize for the next year, to make plans, to elect
officers. Complete annual staff reviews
AN
OUTLINE OF THIS CONSTITUTION:
Preamble:
Names this Church and states this Constitution to be its governing document.
Article I.
Polity: states the basic doctrine of this Church and includes our
Statement of Faith.
Article II.
Membership:
sec. 2.1, 2.2 defines “member” and states duties;
sec.
2.3, 2.4 provides for “associate” member & “friend” of this church
sec. 2.5 provides for transfer of membership to another church
sec. 2.5, 2.6 provides for the termination of membership
Article III.
The Board of Trustees:
sec. 3.1-3.4 states composition of board,
its relationship to various secular governments, its authority over the
property, building(s) and equipment of the church
sec. 3.5 states restrictions on the authority of the board
sec. 3.6-3.7 states how the board shall be
organized, including the appointed Auditor, Financial Secretary and Treasurer
sec. 3.7.1-3.7.3states the duties of three (3) appointed officials
Article IV.
Elected Officers
sec. 4.1 states authority of members
& the relationship of to the United Church of Christ
sec. 4.2 states the duties of the Moderator
sec. 4.3 states the duties of the Clerk
sec. 4.4 provides for other officers if necessary.
Article V.
The Elected & Non-Elected Boards
sec. 5.1.1 The Board of Deacons
sec. 5.1.2 The Board of Christian
Educational Outreach
sec. 5.1.3 The Board of Stewardship,
sec. 5.1.4 The Board of Edina
Morningside Nursery School
sec. 5.2.1 The Board of Women’s
Fellowship
sec. 5.3 States limitations on re-election to boards
sec. 5.8-5.87 states the composition and
duties of the Church Cabinet
Article VI. Church Cabinet
sec. 6.1-6.2
Membership & Duties
sec. 6.3.1-6.3.2 Definition
and evaluation of staff positions
sec. 6.4 Standing Committees
sec. 6.4.1 Membership Growth & Retention
sec. 6.4.2 Memorial
sec. 6.4.3 Music
Article VII. The Minister
Article VIII. Business Meetings
sec. 8.1 Annual Meeting
sec. 8.2-8.3 Semi Annual & Special Meetings
sec. 8.4 Quorum
Article IX.
Amendments states how the Constitution may be amended and lists
amendments
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