last updated January 29, 2010

Governance

In our congregation, we operate by a democracy led by our Boards and Committees; its members elected during our annual meeting.  Together they serve and coordinate with our many small group ministries.  Meeting monthly (or thereabouts) our meetings involve planning, prayer, fellowship, and a general amount of fun.

One of the hallmarks of our church structure is that we're an autonomous body of believers who seek to discern the will of God in our congregation as defined by the Constitution and bylaws of the United Church of Christ.  We do not submit to the authority of a Bishop or outside governing body; we make all decisions regarding how we operate, hire, and do mission.

For a clear understanding of the specifics of our local organizational structure, we provide here our own Constitution and Bylaws of the Cresskill Congregational Church, UCC.

Greening Resolution

Approved at our annual meeting in June 2009, the congregation voted unanimously to become a "green church".  The resolution explains,


"We resolve that every Board and Committee of the Cresskill Congregational Church, UCC, make an effort to include recycling and other "green" elements into their planning of activities.  Furthermore, we recommend that all organizations, groups, or business that uses our church building for their meetings or events agree to include recycling and greening efforts into their planning and functions."

Boards and Committees

Because our church life involves many different aspects, mission, and outreach, many people are doing many different things.  To help us navigate those things, we have listed below are the Church Council officers, a list of our various Boards and Committees, as well as who serves on them.  Also, the dates reflect when their particular seats will be up for renewal.

Church Council Officers

Moderator, Henry Hecht, 2012
Treasurer, Robert Hargrove, Sr., 2012
Clerk, Judith Pimentel, 2012
Financial Secretary, Ann Buonarota, 2012
Assistant Financial Secretary, Sally Bartlett

Boards

Board of Trustees
Robert Michelson, 2012
Bonnie Slockett, 2012
Judy Russell, 2012
Sally Bartlett, 2012
Opal Horvat, 2012
Pat Fritz, 2011
Hattie Parks, 2011
Cindy Micucci, 2011
Hank Hermo, 2011
Jack Rickly, 2010
Ed Minkler, 2010
Clarence Hatten, Trustee Emeritus
Sally Solleder, Trustee Emeritus

Board of Deacons
Robert Hargrove, Jr., 2012
Robert Hargrove, Sr., 2011
Henry Hecht, 2010
Kathy Lindner, 2011
Jack Rickly, 2010
James Smith, 2010
Jane Zimmerman, 2010
Ann Buonarota, 2011
Howard Vigusen, 2010
Bea Kraker, Deacon Emeritus

Board of Christian Education
Judy Russell, 2010
Bonnie Slockett, 2010
Julie Schmidt, 2010
Joanne Moldt, 2010
Christine DePalo, 2011
Gordon Wallace, 2012
Ginny Marx, 2012

Board of Outreach
Opal Horvat, 2010
Barbara Emer, 2010
Elaine Hargrove, 2011
Darryl Hilliard, 2011
Joan Blakenhorn, 2012
Pat Hermo, 2012
Mary Mayer, 2012
Howard Vigusen, 2012

Committees

Fundraising Committee
Bonnie Slockett
Cindy Micucci
Ginny Marx
Ann Buonarota
Judith Pimentel
Howard Vigusin

Music Committee
Ginny Marx
Sally Bartlett
Ann Buonarota
Judy Russell
Julie Schmidt

Mission Committee
Ginny Marx
Karen Minkler
Dot Pontician
Julie Schmidt

Pastoral Relations Committee
Dot Pontician
Ed Minkler
Opal Horvat
Bob Hargrove, Jr.

Personnel Committee
Cindy Miccucci
Rob Michelson
Bonnie Slockett


Stewardship Committee
Robert Hargrove, Sr.
Ann Buonarota
Henry Hecht
Ginny Marx
Jack Rickly

Sunshine Committee
Margaret Brenneiser
Bonnie Slockett
Gordon Wallace
Ruth Braun
Julie Harzynski
Pat Hermo


* the Pastor and Moderator serve as ex-officio on all Boards and Committees