CONSTITUTION

Section 4. Termination
Termination of Membership shall be by a letter of transfer requested in writing by a
Member or requested with a Member's approval by the minister or other proper official of
another church, to which transfer of membership is desired.
Termination shall date from notification of acceptance of a Member by another church.
Members who wish to terminate their Membership voluntarily may do so by written
request.

ARTICLE IV
Congregational Meetings

Section 1. Definition
A Congregational Meeting shall mean a planned gathering of the Membership for the
purpose of conducting formal business of the Church. Such business may include, but is
not limited to, election of officers, adoption of the budget, call or dismissal of a pastor
(Settled or Interim), purchase or sale of property, and amending the Constitution.
Meetings do not apply to such gatherings as worship, educational activities, or social
events.

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Section 2. Scheduling and Notice
a. The Annual Meeting of the Members shall be held during the month of January-usually
the last Sunday in January. At its discretion, the Church Council may change the date of the
Annual Meeting, as necessary.
b. Special Congregational Meetings may be called by the Pastor or any of the Boards or
Committees.
c. The Moderator may issue a call for a special meeting when so petitioned by 10% of the
Members in Good Standing. Such a meeting, with the specific goal clearly stated, may not
be held earlier than two weeks after the call.
d. A Congregational Meeting shall be announced from the pulpit, and by communication
to the Members starting two weeks before the meeting, stating the agenda. Notice of the
meeting shall be inserted in the Sunday Bulletin.
Section 3. Voting and Procedures
a. Members of the church in Good Standing, as defined herein, are the only persons
entitled to vote or make motions at any Congregational Meeting.
b. Members must be present in order to vote at any Congregational Meeting.
c. Twenty per cent of the Membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at any Congregational Meeting. No formal action shall be taken unless a quorum
is present.
d. Any matter submitted to the Members for action at any Congregational Meeting shall be
approved or disapproved by a majority vote of those attending, unless otherwise provided
herein.

e. The Membership, at its discretion, may vote to have a closed Meeting where non-
members are excused.

f. Any procedural questions arising in Congregational Meetings not addressed in this
Constitution shall be resolved in accordance with the latest edition of "Robert's Rules of
Order."

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ARTICLE V
Pastors and Staff
Section 1. Pastor
a. The Pastor shall be called to the pulpit by the Congregation upon the recommendation
of the Pastoral Search Committee. The Pastor will prepare and lead Sunday worship,
including scripture study, crafting of liturgy and bulletin, sermon preparation, guiding and
sometimes finding lay liturgists (with support from Deacons), planning of music and
coordination with musical staff, volunteers, preaching, offering of prayers, and a short
children’s sermon as part of most Sunday worship services.
b. The Pastor of the Church shall be the spiritual leader of the Church and shall have
primary responsibilities for: preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments,
organizing services of public worship, promoting the spiritual welfare of the Church and
the people it serves, and performing the customary duties of pastoral ministry.
c. The Pastor will work with lay leaders to plan ministry and educational programs for
Sunday school, Bible studies, mission, activities, fellowship, events, and community
outreach projects and events. The Pastor will work in collaboration with the board of
trustees for good stewardship of all resources, financial and otherwise.
d. The Pastor shall have the responsibility for the direct supervision and development of
the Associate Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Seminary Interns, and the Office Manager. The
Pastor shall work with the Personnel Committee to conduct performance reviews,
establish policies and procedures for the hiring and performance of the staff, and shall
consult with the Boards and Committees regarding their needs from the staff. The Pastor
shall represent our church and engage outsiders at local community events when possible;
and work with the Social Media committee (part of the Board of Outreach), to create a
church presence in the community and online via social media.
e. There shall be a Pastoral Support Committee to advise and support the Pastor.
1. The Pastoral Support Committee shall consist of members who are selected by the
Pastor.
2. There shall be no limitation on continuous service of any individual on the
Committee unless otherwise determined by the Pastor.
3. The Pastoral Support Committee shall meet as it sees fit or upon specific request of
the Pastor, but in no case less than two times a year.

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f. The Pastor supervises a Discretionary Account with the help of the Chairs of the Boards
of Trustees and Deacons. Funds may be distributed for emergency use to Members of the
Congregation. The funds must be reimbursed to the Church.
g. The Pastor shall serve as a non-voting member of all Boards and Committees.
h. The Pastor shall have, or show that he/she will obtain, ministerial standing in the New
Jersey Association of the United Church of Christ.
i. The position of Pastor may be filled jointly by two or more persons who have been duly
selected and called to serve as Co-Pastors and to share the authority and responsibility of
the role of Pastor.
j. Additional responsibilities of the Pastor will include:
Work with lay leaders to develop strategic plans for new directions in ministry and
actively seek new members. Perform pastoral care duties such as reaching out to ill or
grieving members, counseling and referring when necessary. Maintain a growth mindset
and participate in professional development offered by the UCC and other local
ecumenical opportunities. Attend monthly church board meetings and/or subcommittee
meetings when possible; attend quarterly council meetings. Maintain regular office hours
and collaborate with church Office Manager to perform administerial duties. Be available
to officiate at members’ weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Section 2. Associate Pastor
a. By vote of the Congregation, the position of Associate Pastor may be established. In such
case (or if an Assistant Pastor is appointed), the Pastor, as described in Section 1 of this
Article, shall automatically be designated the Senior Pastor.
b. The Associate Pastor shall be called to the pulpit by the Congregation upon the
recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee.
c. The Associate Pastor shall share the responsibility for the work of the Church, under the
direction and advice of the Senior Pastor, and shall have such additional duties as may be
prescribed by the Personnel Committee and the Senior Pastor.
d. The Associate Pastor shall act for the Senior Pastor upon request, or without such
request in case of the disability or absence of the Senior Pastor.
e. The Associate Pastor shall have, or show that he/she will obtain, ministerial standing in
the New Jersey Association of the United Church of Christ.

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Section 3. Assistant Pastor/Pastoral Interns
a. At the discretion of the Trustees and the Pastor, a position of one or more Assistant
Pastors or Pastoral Interns may be established.
b. The Assistant Pastor or Pastoral Interns shall share the responsibility for the work of
the Church, under the direction and supervision of the Senior Pastor, and shall have such
additional duties as may be prescribed by the Personnel Committee and the Senior Pastor.
c. The Assistant Pastor or Pastoral Interns shall be hired in a staff role and shall not be
called to the pulpit by the Congregation.
d. The Assistant Pastor or Pastoral Interns shall have, or show that they will obtain,
ministerial standing in the Association of the United Church of Christ in which they are
"in care."
Section 4. Interim Pastor
a. When a pastoral vacancy exists, the Personnel Committee shall an appoint a Search
Committee to select an Interim Pastor to temporarily fill this position with the approval of
the Congregation.
b. The Interim Pastor shall, in accordance with a written employment contract, serve at
the pleasure of the Congregation and shall not be eligible to be called to the pulpit as a
permanent Pastor.
Section 5. Music Director/Choir Director
a. The Music and Choir Directors shall be recruited and evaluated by the Personnel
Committee.
b. The Music and Choir Directors shall be responsible for the Music Ministry of the
Church.
c. The Music and Choir Directors shall collaborate with the Pastor and the Music
Committee in planning the most effective and spiritually fulfilling use of music in worship
and in the life of the Church.
d. The Music Director shall also serve as the Organist.
e. The Music and Choir Directors are both ex-officio members of the Music Committee.

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ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS

Section 1. Moderator

a. The Church Moderator shall be elected annually to serve a one-year term and may be re-
elected for successive terms for up to three years. The Moderator may not be elected to a

fourth successive term without at least a one-year hiatus.
b. The Moderator shall be the lay leader of the Church Corporation and shall preside at all
Congregational Meetings of the Church and all meetings of the Church Council. The
Moderator shall be considered the chief lay officer and shall be a delegate to the Central
Atlantic Conference annual meeting, as well as to the New Jersey Association meetings, by
virtue of the office. The Moderator shall be a member ex-officio of all Boards and
committees.
c. A Co-Moderator may be elected as needed or at the request of the Moderator.

Section 2. Treasurer
a. The Treasurer shall be elected at an Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of
four years and shall be eligible for re-election.
b. The Treasurer shall account for all monies for the operation of the church, and the
support of the Church benevolences and other purposes. He/she shall disburse these
funds according to the budget or upon the direction of the Board of Trustees.
c. The responsibilities of the Treasurer shall include:
1. Maintenance of all church bank accounts and investments
2. Maintaining payroll records, paying all employees, filing all tax forms, and paying
taxes
3. The Treasurer shall attend all regular meetings of the Board of Trustees and provide
a written report to the Board of all the financial transactions for the previous period.
d. The Treasurer shall provide a summary of receipts and disbursements at the Annual
Meeting, covering the past eleven months.

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Section 3. Financial Secretary
a. The Financial Secretary shall be elected at an Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a
term of three years and shall be eligible for re-election.
b. The Financial Secretary shall receive and take charge of all offerings for current
expenses and benevolence subscriptions, deposit the receipts, and provide the Treasurer
with the summary breakdown.
c. The Financial Secretary shall keep the details of such subscriber accounts confidential.
d. The Financial Secretary shall provide category totals to the Board of Trustees for
budget, checkup and annual audit purposes, and summaries to the Stewardship
Committee annually.
e. The Financial Secretary shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.
f. At the request of the Financial Secretary, the Board of Trustees may appoint an
Assistant Financial Secretary who shall assist in the duties of the office and act as Financial
Secretary when needed

Section 4. Church Clerk
a. The Church Clerk shall be elected at an annual meeting for a term of three years and
shall be eligible for re-election.
b. The Church Clerk shall be responsible for the following:
1. Keep a record of each business meeting of the Congregation and the Church Council,
which is to be available at the next meeting. All meeting records shall be retained for
a period of five years.
2. Keep a register of each member's name, date of admission, withdrawal, or death,
and maintain the Inactive List.
3. Keep a record of all baptisms, weddings & funerals.
4. Notify all officers, staff, members of Boards and Committees and delegates of their
election or appointment by the Congregation or Church Council.

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5. As Secretary of the Corporation, be custodian of the official Church records and the
Corporate Seal.
6. Issue notice of meetings to the Congregation when required.
7. Issue letters of transfer or withdrawal at the direction of the Board of Deacons.

ARTICLE VII
Boards and Committees

Section 1. Board Election Provisions
a. All Members in Good Standing of the Congregation shall be eligible to serve on all
Boards established under this Constitution.
b. A Member may serve, at most, on two Boards at a time. Members may also serve on one
or more Committees.
c. Unless otherwise provided, members of all Boards shall be elected at an Annual Meeting
for three-year terms, with one-third elected annually. In case of vacancies, each Board may
appoint an eligible Church Member to complete the term, subject to confirmation at the
next Annual Meeting.
d. At the Annual Meeting, voting shall be done by ballot when two or more candidates are
nominated for an office.
e. Each Board shall elect its Chair annually, at its first meeting following the Annual
Meeting.
f. The Board of Deacons, The Board of Christian Ed, and the Board of Outreach shall elect
its Treasurer annually, who will keep the financial records of the Board, manage the
checking account, and report on any financial transactions at monthly meetings. They will
manage any deposits/disbursements including allotted Annual Budget amounts and
dedicated Donations to their respective Board(s).

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Section 2. Board of Trustees
a. The Board shall consist of no less than 6 members.
b. The Board shall meet at the discretion of the Chair(s). Extraordinary meetings may be
held as required for emergency matters.
c. The Chair or Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees shall also serve as the President of the
Corporation.
d. The Chair or Co-Chairs of the Board shall appoint a delegate to Central Atlantic
Conference meetings. A delegate is also appointed to New Jersey Association meetings.
e. The Trustees shall be in charge of Personnel, Finance, and maintenance of the Church
grounds and the Parsonage. The Board shall have actual oversight of all Church property,
but shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a
specific vote of the Congregation authorizing such action.
f. The Board shall authorize the Treasurer to expend budget monies under its control.
g. The Board shall arrange for the preparation of the Annual Budget and shall appoint at
least two members to a Stewardship Committee.
h. The Board shall provide for an annual audit of the Financial Secretary's records and the
Treasurer's accounts.
Committees of the Board of Trustees

1. Stewardship Committee
a) The Stewardship Committee shall consist of
seven or more members appointed from the various Boards and include
the Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Pastor.
b) The purpose of the Stewardship Committee shall be to review
requirements for the raising of Church funds and administer solicitation of
required funds.

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2. Nominating Committee
a) The Committee shall consist of the Chairs of the various Boards and the
Moderator.
b) The Committee shall meet each November to recommend candidates for
the various Boards and Officers and their names shall be presented for
election at the Annual Meeting. Additional candidates may be

nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting.

c) When necessary, the Nominating Committee may meet at other times
during the year to make recommendations for various positions.
d) The Committee may, when required, assist the Pastor in the selection of
members for the Pastoral Support Committee.

3. Property and Grounds Committee

a) The Committee shall consist of one Trustee and other volunteers and
shall have the responsibility of maintaining the Church, Parsonage, and
the grounds. Meetings are scheduled when necessary.

4. Budget Committee

a) The Committee shall consist of the President of the Board of Trustees,
four other members of the Trustees, the Treasurer, and the Pastor.
b) The Committee's responsibilities shall be to prepare a draft of the
Budget for the Board of Trustees, which in turn shall then be submitted
for approval to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting. Meetings are
scheduled when necessary.

5. Personnel Committee

a) The Committee shall consist of the Chair of the Board of Trustees, and
two other members from any Board. The responsibility of the
Committee is the recruiting of staff and evaluating the performance of
the Pastors, Music Director, Office Manager, Sexton, and Child Care
Provider. Meetings are scheduled when necessary.

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b) When required, the Personnel Committe shall nominate a Pastoral
Search Committee with broad representation from the various Boards
and the Congregation as a whole. The Pastoral Search Committee may
seek guidance from the Conference Minister.

6. Finance Committee

a) The Committee shall consist of three members of the Board of
Trustees and will be responsible for monitoring the Church
investments. Meetings are scheduled when necessary.

Section 3 -Board of Deacons
a. The Board of Deacons shall consist of at least nine and no more than twelve members. A
Chair and a Treasurer shall be elected by the Board members at the first meeting after the
Annual Meeting.
b. The Board may appoint up to two Church Members between the ages of sixteen and
twenty-one as Junior Deacons for one-year terms. The Board shall assign their
responsibilities. The purpose is to train younger members in the duties and
responsibilities exercised by the Deacons for the Church's spiritual life.
c. The Board shall plan all regular and special worship services, provide ushers, and
provide for the sacrament of Holy Communion.
d. The Board shall assist the Pastor in the oversight of the spiritual welfare of the
Congregation
e. The Music Committee
1. The Music Committee shall consist of at least three members.
2. The Music Committee coordinates the musical program in cooperation with the
Pastor, Music Director, Choir Director and the Choir.
3. The Committee interviews candidates for the Music Director and Choir Director
positions who have been previously screened by the Personnel Committee.
Recommendations are then made to the Personnel Committee.

4. The Music Director and Choir Director shall be ex-officio members of the Music
Committee.

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f. The Sunshine Committee of the Board of Deacons is responsible for communicating with
the members of the Congregation at times of family celebrations, illness, loss of a family
member, or at any other times when spiritual care and support are indicated.
g. The Board shall assist the Pastor in conducting new member classes.
h. The Chair of the Board shall select one Member of the Congregation to be a delegate to
the meeting of the Central Atlantic Conference and one Member to attend the New Jersey
Association meeting.
i. The Board shall appoint at least two of its members to the Stewardship Committee.
j. The Board shall review the Congregational Membership list at least annually,
determining any change in status between Active and Inactive membership and report
any changes to the Clerk.
k. The Board shall hold regular monthly meetings, except that meetings in July and August
may be suspended. Special meetings may be called by the Chair, the Pastor or at the
request of four members of the Board.
l. The Board shall be responsible for overseeing any cases of inappropriate behavior that
may arise in the Church community.

Section 4. Board of Christian Education

a. The Board shall consist of six or more members. A Chair and a Treasurer shall be elected
by the Board members at the first meeting after the Annual Meeting.
b. The Board shall meet once a month except meetings in July and August may be
suspended. Extraordinary meetings may be held as required for urgent matters.
c. The Board shall be responsible for:
1. Supervision of the Sunday School program for all children, youth, and adults.
2. Curriculum selection, in consultation with the Pastor.

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3. Recruitment of Sunday School staff and nursery caregiver and teacher training.
4. Assistance to the Pastor (or a Designated Youth Leader) with Youth Fellowship
activities.
5. Coordination of educational and special programs and activities.
6. Assistance and support for the Pastor, as necessary, with the Confirmation
program, the Children’s message during worship, and with small group ministries.

Section 5. Board of Outreach
a. The Board shall consist of six or more members. A Chair and a Treasurer shall be elected
by the Board members at the first meeting after the annual meeting each year.
b. The Board will promote mission-giving among congregation members, particularly with
regard to the conference level “5 For 5” giving program and will track and report on
congregational donations.
c. The Board will guide and support the Church’s mission and outreach efforts by
encouraging community involvement, promoting Christian values, and fostering
connections with the United Church of Christ, and with others on their faith journey.
d. The Board will oversee outreach efforts to attract new visitors to the congregation.
Possible new members will be referred to the Pastor.
e. The Board will maintain partnerships with Rainbow Café NNJ, Fitz by Horan, Cresskill
Cares, and CareOne.
f. The Board will provide support for the Sandwich Line by encouraging congregational
giving to and participation in that mission.
g. The Board will periodically research and implement support to those with varying
differences that may hinder participation in the worship service. Those differences
include, but are not limited to, accommodations for the hearing impaired, assistance for
the neurodivergent, and a quiet room for noise sensitive attendees. The Board will ensure
that the Chair of the Board of Deacons is kept informed, so that all Deacons know about
the accommodations that are available.

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h. The Board shall create and maintain a Social Media and Communications Committee in
coordination with the Pastor. This committee may include digital presence, social media,
website updating, email campaigns, and other modes of communications, both within the
church and to the community at large.
i. A Just Peace Committee will be maintained as part of the Outreach Board whose
objective is to explore Just Peace issues and provide information on such issues to the
congregation, including the children.

Section 6. White Elephant
1. The White Elephant thrift shop is a meaningful ministry for both our congregation
and our community, contributing financial assistance to the Church as well as
providing low-cost goods and a social space for church members and the
community at large.
2. The thrift shop will be staffed by volunteers, with a member representative to the
church council.

ARTICLE VIII
Fundraising Committee
1. The Fundraising Committee shall consist of a committee chair and other interested
members and the Pastor.
2. The Committee will meet monthly, or as needed.
3. The purpose of the Fundraising Committee is to schedule and coordinate fund
raising efforts by the committee itself and of the various Committees of the Church
by:
a. offering suggestions to various Committees that need fund raising ideas;
b. setting reachable monetary goals; and
c. tracking and displaying fund raising results

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ARTICLE IX
Church Council

The Church Council shall consist of the Pastor, Moderator, Clerk, Financial Secretary,
Treasurer, and the Board Chairs of the four Boards – the Board of Deacons, the Board of
Christian Education, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Outreach, and a representative of
the White Elephant or member representatives (if Board Chair is unable to attend).
The church council shall meet quarterly or more if needed to collaborate, share insights,
ideas, updates, and concerns in order to stay connected and informed on the workings,
events, and activities of each Board, the officers of the church, the Pastor, and all
committees.
In the event the Moderator is absent, the Church Clerk shall preside during the election of
a temporary Moderator from the Church Council members present. If a vacancy occurs
among elected officers during the current year, the church council shall appoint an interim
officer to serve until the next annual meeting.

ARTICLE X

Amending the Constitution

Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by:
a. A special committee set up for that purpose; or
b. A majority vote of the Church Council; or
c. A petition signed by at least ten Members in Good Standing.
Section 2.
The Church Clerk shall distribute the proposed amendment to all Members in Good
Standing and announce the date of the special or regular Congregational Meeting at which
the amendment shall be considered. An announcement shall also be made from the pulpit
at each Sunday service until the date of the meeting, and the notice shall also be placed in
the Sunday bulletin. The meeting shall take place two weeks after the first Sunday
announcement.

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Section 3.
A two-thirds vote of the Members present at the Congregational Meeting shall be required
to accept each amendment.

ARTICLE XI
Transition
Section 1.
This Constitution shall take effect the day following the next Annual Meeting after the
approval.
Section 2.
All actions taken under the previous Constitution up to the time of adoption of this
Constitution shall remain valid and fully in effect, unless and until rescinded or modified
through future actions by the appropriate Church organizations.

Section 3.
Officers and Board Members elected under the old Constitution shall be entitled to serve
out their full terms, regardless of any limitations imposed under Article VII, Section 1 of
this Constitution.

ARTICLE XII
Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, the procedure shall be in compliance with state and
federal laws regarding non-profit organizations. All assets shall be donated to the
New Jersey Association of the Central Atlantic Conference of the UCC. No funds shall
benefit any Member of the Cresskill Congregational Church UCC.