Constitution & Bylaws

The members of the church have developed and approved the Constitution and Bylaws. These govern the organizational life of the church.

Constitution

ARTICLE I    NAME AND LOCATION

The name of this Church is "The First Congregational United Church of Christ of La Crosse, Wisconsin." The principal office is located at 2503 Main Street in the City of La Crosse, County of La Crosse, State of Wisconsin, 54601.

ARTICLE II    PERIOD OF EXISTENCE

The period of existence shall be perpetual.

ARTICLE III    PURPOSE

The avowed purpose of this Church is to worship God, to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this Church and the Church Universal; to render loving service toward humankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.

ARTICLE IV    REGISTERED AGENT

The registered agent shall be the elected clerk.

ARTICLE V    CHURCH FOUNDATION

Section 1. Origins and Affiliations. This Church was founded on January 22, 1852, was incorporated on December 14, 1916 as a non-profit Wisconsin corporation, was established in the tradition of the Congregational churches, and maintains membership in the United Church of Christ through the Northwest Association of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ, as set forth in principle by those parts of the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC adopted on July 5, 1961, relating to local churches and as amended on June 29, 1971.

Section 2. Contributions. The Church regularly contributes toward the support of the United Church of Christ, its operation and mission, according to the rules and actions of the General Synod and the Wisconsin Conference.

ARTICLE VI    GOVERNMENT

The government of this Church is vested in its members, who exercise the right of control over all its affairs, as provided in the Bylaws; subject, however, to laws of the State of Wisconsin relating to non-profit corporations. A Council shall be established which constitutes the trustees of the Church; their number shall be fixed by the Bylaws and shall not be fewer than three (3).

ARTICLE VII    MEMBERSHIP

Any person may become a member of this Church who desires to live a Christian life, has been baptized, and has publicly acknowledged the responsibilities of Church membership as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII    FAITH AND COVENANT

We believe in Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, our teacher, example, and redeemer, the Savior of the World. We believe in the Word of God, contained in the Old and New Testaments. We claim as our own the historic faith of the Christian Church, and affirm the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make the faith its own. We recognize two Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. Each member has the right to respond to the Word of God according to the dictates of one's own conscience. The following Statement of Faith and the Covenant of Membership are not tests for membership but expressions of the spirit in which this Church interprets the Christian ideals.

Section 1. Statement of Faith. We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:

God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.

God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.

God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, 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.

God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.

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

 Section 2. Covenant of Membership. In the presence of God and these witnesses, I give myself unreservedly to Christ's service and take this to be my Church. Ever mindful of the other members, I promise to walk with them in faithfulness and Christian love. And I promise that so far as able, I will attend the services of this Church, observe its sacraments, share in its work, support its stewardship, and endeavor to make it a fruitful body of Christ.

ARTICLE IX    AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution may be made at any duly-called Church meeting by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present provided there is a quorum, which shall be ten percent (10%) of the membership present, and public announcement of the text of the proposed amendments has been published and distributed to the membership at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE X    EFFECTIVE DATE

This Constitution becomes effective immediately upon adoption by the membership and all previous Constitutions are thereafter null and void.

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Bylaws

Section 1. Application Procedure. Applications for membership are to be presented to the Senior Minister or to the Chairperson of the Board of Membership in the absence of the Senior Minister. Persons will normally be received into membership in one of the following ways: young adults who have satisfactorily completed confirmation education or adults who have completed the orientation program. The Office Manager shall record the manner in which a person is received: confirmation, affirmation of faith, reaffirmation of faith, or by transfer from other Christian churches.

Section 2. Transfer of Membership. Members at their request may be granted letters of transfer to other Christian churches. The Senior Minister is authorized to grant such transfers; they must be reported to the Office Manager for inclusion in the annual report.

Section 3. Responsibilities. All members, to the extent that they are able, are expected to:

1. attend public worship and share in the Sacraments, fellowship, and programs of the Church;
2. attend the annual meeting of the congregation;
3. participate in the affairs of the Church by contributing time and talent;
4. contribute to the financial support of the Church.

Section 4. Rights of Members. Every member of the congregation has the right to attend any meeting of the Church Council, Church Boards, and Committees, except when personnel matters are discussed, in which case that portion of the meeting may be closed to Church members and non-voting Council members by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those Council members present. Also, any Council meeting or portion thereof may be closed for other reasons upon a two-third (2/3) vote of the Council. Any decisions made in closed session must be reported in the minutes of that meeting. When members wish to address the Council, they must advise the Moderator at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. The Council may close its meetings to non-Church members at its discretion.

Section 1. Governing Body. The governing body of this Church is the membership assembled in a Church meeting. The vote of a majority of voting members present at the meeting is the action of the Church as long as a quorum is present, except for specified issues requiring more than a simple majority vote for passage.

Section 2. Membership Responsibility. It is the responsibility of the membership assembled in Church meeting to decide these issues: buying and selling of real property, borrowing or lending money, building projects, extensive repairing of Church property, major alterations to the Church structure, calling and dismissing a Senior or Associate Minister, changing the Constitution and Bylaws, approving annual budgets, and electing members to offices as called for in the Constitution and Bylaws. Authority for these listed responsibilities may not be delegated.

Section 1. Worship Meetings. Meetings for public worship are held regularly on Sunday mornings or at such times as may be designated by the Board of Service and Worship.

Section 2. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the members of this Church shall be held in the month of January or the first seven days of February on a date designated by the Council. At this meeting, the budget for the ensuing year will be submitted and approved. Other lawful business may be transacted. On the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June, the second annual congregational meeting will be held. Elections will take place, annual reports reviewed and other lawful business may be transacted.

Section 3. Special Business Meetings. Special meetings of the membership, for any purpose, unless otherwise prescribed by law or the Constitution and Bylaws of this Church, shall be called by the Moderator or Clerk, at the request of the Senior Minister, Council, or by petition of five percent (5%) of the membership.

Section 4. Notice of Business Meetings. Notice of the time and place of all business meetings of the membership shall be given either in the two (2) weekly Church publications preceding the meeting or by announcement at the two (2) preceding Sunday morning worship services or by special written notice to all members mailed at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting. Notice for special meetings must specify the purpose of the meeting.

Section 5. Quorum and Voting. A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present at a duly called meeting before it can validly proceed to transact business. At any regular or special meeting of the Church, a quorum consists of ten percent (10%) of the membership. Each member of the Church is entitled to one (1) vote, except that members not of legal age in the State of Wisconsin may not vote on these issues: buying and selling of real property, borrowing or lending of money, building projects, or extensive repairs or alterations to the physical plant of the Church. All votes must be cast in person except in the instance of a special meeting at which a specific question is posed to each member thirty (30) days prior to the meeting in writing. No changes to the published motion(s) may take place on the floor. Except as otherwise noted, a majority vote of the members voting present is decisive. Absentee votes will be included. A two-third (2/3) vote is required in calling or dismissing Senior and Associate Ministers or in amending the Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 6. Time and Place of Meeting. Unless otherwise designated by the Council, all meetings of the membership are held in the Church. The time shall also be designated by Council.

Section 7. Committees of the Membership. By definition, these Committees are those whose membership are elected by the congregation. These include the Nominating Committee, and when needed, the Pastoral Selection Committee. These Committees report directly to the congregation. Between meetings of the Church membership, the Chairperson of each Committee shall report to the Council. A majority of the voting membership of a Committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting.

1. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee consists of five (5) members; a Chairperson, who is the immediate past-Moderator; the Moderator-Elect; three (3) members nominated by the Moderator for one-year terms and approved by the Council. The Senior Minister serves as a non-voting member. The Committee has the following responsibilities:
1. To present a slate of nominees to the Church membership, at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting for election at the annual meeting. The slate shall include nominees for the office of Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Clerk and Treasurer; members needed to fill the Boards/Committees. Candidates for Board/Committee vacancies shall be nominated to serve three-year terms.
2. The Nominating Committee shall consult with respective boards/committees to solicit nominations to fill vacancies. To insure maximum participation of the church membership, suggestions from the congregation are also welcome.
3. A list of all board/committee members shall be presented in the nominating annual report, including expiration of terms.
4. In the event of mid-year vacancies, the Nominating Committee shall provide the Church Council with nominees to fill such vacancies.
5. More than one (1) member of a family may serve on the same Board/Committee at the same time but they may not alternate attendance (job share).
6. With the exception of the Clerk and the Treasurer, members may serve two (2) consecutive terms on the same Board/Committee.
2. Pastoral Selection Committee. In the event a vacancy occurs in the Office of Senior Minister or Associate Minister(s), a Pastoral Selection Committee consisting of twelve (12) voting members shall be established.
1. Committee Selection Process -

a) The Moderator shall call a special meeting of the Council for the purpose of nominating twelve (12) voting members to the Pastoral Selection Committee. Care must be taken to assure that members of this Committee be representative of the whole membership.

b) A special meeting of the Church membership shall be called by the Moderator, and a slate of twelve (12) voting members shall then be presented to the congregation. The membership of the Pastoral Selection Committee must be approved by a majority vote.

c) The Moderator and Moderator-Elect are non-voting members of the Pastoral Selection Committee.

2. Committee Reporting Process -

   a) The Pastoral Selection Committee reports its recommendations to the Church Council. At least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council members present is required to recommend a candidate to the Church membership. A special meeting of the congregation shall be called by the Moderator to consider the recommendations of the Council. At least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the assembled members of the Church present at such a congregational meeting is required to approve a candidate and extend a call.

ARTICLE IV     THE COUNCIL

Section 1. Composition. The governing and corporate authority of this Church is vested in a Council. The Council is composed as follows:

1. Voting Members: The Moderator, the Immediate Past Moderator, the Moderator-Elect, the Clerk and Treasurer, the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the Boards of Buildings and Grounds, Christian Education, Finance, Membership, Missions, Service and Worship, Stewardship, and Women's Fellowship, and Culinary Committee. The Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson may designate a member of a Board/Committee to act and/or vote on that person’s behalf at a Council meeting.
2. Non-Voting Participants: The Senior Minister and Associate Minister(s), and the Chairpersons of Standing Committees of the Church Membership and of the Council shall report to the Council. Furthermore, they shall have the privilege of attending Council meetings and of participating in all discussions.
3. Duration of Terms: No elected members are permitted to serve on the Church Council for more than two consecutive one-year terms in the same capacity except for the Treasurer and Clerk. No member shall serve more than five (5) consecutive one-year terms as Treasurer or Clerk.
4. Chairperson: The Moderator chairs the Council. In the Moderator's absence the Moderator-Elect chairs the meeting.
5. Council may add non-voting positions as they see fit on an ad hoc basis.

Section 2. General Powers. The Council acts on behalf of the membership and is the governing and corporate authority of the Church. The Council may act only when a quorum is present. The Council has powers and responsibilities including, but not limited to:

1. making policy decisions relating to all Church activities and use of the Church property based on recommendations from the appropriate Boards/Committees, and others appointed by the Council;
2. reviewing, approving or changing any decision by any Board/Committee;
3. requiring that minutes of all meetings of Boards/Committees be deposited with the Clerk;
4. acting on recommendations from all Boards/Committees and others appointed by the Council;
5. submitting to the congregation a proposed annual budget which has been suggested by the various boards/committees and compiled by the Treasurer;
6. approving the appointment of standing Committees of the Council as needed.
7. approving the appointment of ad hoc committees with appropriate authority;
8. approving the appointment of three (3) members of the Congregation for one-year terms to the Nominating Committee;
9. approving the appointment of Assistant Treasurer(s), if necessary, following consultation with the Treasurer;
10. filling vacancies in any elective position on recommendation of the Nominating Committee;
11. nominating a Pastoral Selection Committee when a vacancy occurs;
12. recommending to the membership that the Senior Minister and/or Associate Minister(s) be requested to submit resignations, or be dismissed if a resignation is not offered;
13. engaging the services of Assistant Minister(s) and/or Interim Minister as the need arises, for a specified period of time, not to exceed one (1) year and subject to renewal;
14. appointing official delegates, in addition to the Moderator-Elect, to attend Association and Conference meetings.

Section 3. Meetings. Regular meetings of the Council are held once each month unless cancelled by the Moderator. A minimum of six (6) regular meetings is required each year. Special meetings of the Council may be called by the Moderator or any three (3) voting members of the Council. Notice of all regular meetings of the Council shall be given by the Sunday prior to the meeting. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of the meeting, all meetings shall be held at the Church. Minutes of Council meetings will be made available to the membership upon request.

Section 4. Attendance. An absence is considered excused if there is advance notification. Unexcused absence of any Board member designated (or that member's representative) from three (3) regularly-scheduled meetings in any year may result in removal of that member from Council. Normal procedures are then used to fill the vacated position.

Section 5. Quorum. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting membership of the Council constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. A simple majority vote of the Council constitutes a decision, unless a greater majority is required by law or by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Church.

Section 6. Administrative positions. These positions are appointed by the Moderator, with the approval of Council. The general purpose of these administrative positions is to provide assistance in carrying out specifically described duties of the Council.

1. Historian. It is the responsibility of this person to assemble, organize, protect, and make accessible for reference, all Church materials of historical value. In addition, this person is responsible for the preservation of Church bulletins, programs, and minutes of Council and congregation meetings.
2. Human Resource Advisor. The responsibilities of this person, in regard to paid staff (which includes both ordained and lay staff) are to:

1. keep a personnel file on each person showing dates of employment, changes in salary, fringe benefits, sick time, vacation policy, and other necessary employment data;
2. write, and keep current, a job description for each staff position;
3. in conjunction with the Senior Minister, hold, at least annually, before the preliminary budget is prepared, a review meeting with each person concerning job evaluation and remuneration, a written summary of which is to be placed in the personnel file;
4. in conjunction with the Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee, recommend to Council the hiring and dismissal of all staff members except for those called by the Congregation;
5. establish, keep current and have on file, an employee handbook that includes a grievance procedure;
6. meet regularly with the Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee.

Section 1. Officers. The Officers of the Church are the Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Clerk and Treasurer.

Section 2. Terms and Limitations. The Moderator and Moderator elect are elected by the membership to serve one-year terms. The Clerk and Treasurer are elected to one-year terms with the limitation of five (5) consecutive one-year terms.

Section 3. Moderator. The Moderator is the principal officer of the Church and presides at all meetings of the membership and the Council. The Moderator is the official spokesman of the congregation on matters of Church policy and presides over the Council as specified in the Constitution and Bylaws. The major responsibilities of the Moderator include, but are not limited to:

1. implementing of policies established by Council;
2. signing all contracts on behalf of the Church on all matters which have been budgeted for or otherwise authorized by Council within established dollar limits;
3. ensuring that all Boards/Committees execute their responsibilities, primarily through monthly review of each set of minutes;
4. serving as a non-voting member of all Boards/Committees of the Church;
5. appointing, subject to approval by the Council, members of standing and special committees;
6. automatically becoming Chairperson of the Nominating Committee for one year upon completion of the term as Moderator.

Section 4. Moderator-Elect. The Moderator-Elect serves a one-year term and presides in the temporary absence of the Moderator. In the event of a permanent vacancy in the office of Moderator, the Moderator-Elect assumes the office of Moderator and the office of Moderator-Elect is filled by election at the next regular or special meeting of the membership.

The Moderator-Elect is a voting member of the Council, and the Nominating Committee, a member of the Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee; a non-voting member of any other Board or Committee designated by the Moderator.

Section 5. Immediate Past Moderator. The immediate Past Moderator serves a one year term and presides in the temporary absence of the Moderator and Moderator-Elect. The immediate Past Moderator is a voting member of Council, chairs the Nominating Committee, and is a member of the Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee.

Section 6. Clerk. The duties of the Clerk include the following. The Office Manager shall assist the Clerk in these duties, especially regarding membership information.

1. keeping a faithful record of the proceedings of the Church, and of the Church Council of which the Clerk is a member and its secretary;
2. keeping a register with names and addresses of the members of the Church, with dates and modes of their reception and termination of the membership, and a record of baptisms, marriages, and deaths;
3. being in charge of all official files, reports, and documents pertaining to the Church;
4. notifying all persons elected to offices, boards, committees, and appointed as delegates;
5. giving notice of all meetings of the membership and Council;
6. conducting all correspondences so far as this is not otherwise provided for, and performing such other duties as are prescribed by law or as usually pertain to the office of Clerk or Secretary of an assembly;

Section 7. Treasurer. The Treasurer is a voting member of the Council, and the Special Gifts Committee, and the Board of Finance.

It is the responsibility of the Treasurer to have current and complete records regarding the financial condition of the Church, a principal vehicle being the monthly financial statement, and to recommend to the Board of Finance actions required to maintain a sound financial condition. Other duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. having the authority to sign all contracts on behalf of the Church on all matters which have been budgeted or otherwise authorized by Council within established dollar limits;
2. signing bank documents as a representative of the Board of Finance;
3. issuing the annual financial statement to the membership;
4. overseeing the payment of bills;
5. signing all checks or assuring the designation of an authorized representative to do so;
6. preparing and presenting to Council an annual budget in conjunction with the Boards and Committees.

Section 8. Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee. The Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee consists of the Moderator, the Immediate Past Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Senior Minister, and the Human Resource Advisor. Meetings shall be held monthly. The purpose of this committee shall be to facilitate communications between the professional ministerial staff and the membership, and to function as a personnel committee. No minutes will be recorded of these meetings. Other ministerial staff or Church members may be requested to attend meetings of this committee as the need arises.

The professional staff of this church consists of one or more ordained ministers, duly called by the membership, and other paid employees of the Church. All staff personnel are responsible to the Senior Minister in the execution of their duties. Staff personnel may not hold voting positions on the Church Council or on any Board or Committee which have responsibilities directly related to their area of employment. Staff personnel may hold non-voting positions.

1. The Senior Minister is the principal administrator of the Church and is one who is in full standing in the United Church of Christ and serves with professional freedom as a spiritual leader of the congregation in pastoral, priestly, and prophetic roles.
2. The Senior Minister is called by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership, to hold office without limitation of time, performing all duties belonging to the office of ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Employment relations with the Senior Minister may be dissolved either by a two-third (2/3) vote of the membership present, at a special meeting called for that purpose, or by the Senior Minister by written notice to the Church through the Council of such intention sixty (60) days in advance. If the resignation is called for by the membership, it can take effect at any time at the discretion of the Council, provided a sixty (60) day contractual financial commitment of the Church to the Senior Minister is honored.
3. The Senior Minister has the authority to sign all contracts in behalf of the Church on all matters which have been budgeted or otherwise authorized by Council within the dollar limit so authorized.

1. The Associate Minister is one who is in full standing in the United Church of Christ and serves with professional freedom to supplement and complement the spiritual leadership of the congregation in pastoral, priestly, and prophetic role.
2. The Associate Minister is called by a two-third (2/3) vote of the membership, and performs all duties belonging to the office of ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. The Associate Minister shall carry out duties assigned by the Church Council under the supervision of the Senior Minister and carries out the duties of the Senior Minister in his or her absence. Employment relations with the Associate Minister may be dissolved either by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present at a special meeting called for that purpose or by written notice to the Church through the Council of such intention sixty (60) days in advance. If the resignation is called for by the membership, it can take effect at any time at the discretion of the Council, provided a sixty (60) day contractual financial commitment of the Church to the Associate Minister is honored.

Section 3. Other Staff. Other staff members such as Assistant, Interim, and Intern Ministers, Directors of Religious Education and Music, clerical and custodial personnel, shall be employed as needed to carry out the activities of the Church in the manner provided by this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 1. Composition and Leadership. There are eight (8) official boards of the Church including: Board of Buildings and Grounds, Board of Christian Education; Board of Finance; Board of Membership; Board of Missions; Board of Service and Worship, Board of Stewardship; and Board of Women's Fellowship. In addition there are four (4) committees, including: Special Gifts Committee, Library Committee, Music Committee and Culinary Committee. Organizational guidelines and Board and Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to, considerations designated as follows:

1. Board and Committee members are elected by the membership at the annual meeting and shall serve staggered terms of three (3) years each. A member may serve two (2) consecutive terms on the same board/committee.
2. Vacancies which occur on any Board/Committee shall be filled by the Church Council, in consultation with the Senior Minister and the Chairperson of the Board/Committee involved with nominees recommended by the Nominating Committee. All such appointments shall be for the remainder of the term of the vacancy. Board/Committee members filling such vacancies are eligible for election to a full term on the Board/Committee as if they had not filled the temporary vacancy.
3. All Boards/Committees shall hold an organizational meeting within ten (10) days of the annual meeting. The purpose of these meetings shall be to elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary and to establish a time for regular monthly meetings. The Moderator may convene a joint organizational meeting of all Boards/Committees for orientation in place of individual Board/Committee organizational meetings. The immediate past Chairperson of each Board/Committee shall preside at the initial organizational meeting.
4. Each Board/Committee shall maintain attendance records and accurately record the minutes of each meeting. Copies of these minutes must be filed with the Clerk through the Church office.
5. Attendance: Three (3) unexcused absences by Board/Committee members in one (1) year may be construed as a resignation by the member and the Chairperson of the Board/Committee shall so notify the member. It is, therefore, the responsibility of each Board/Committee member to attend meetings and notify the Chairperson of the Board/Committee of unavoidable absences.
6. The Moderator and the Senior Minister, or their designated representatives shall serve as non-voting members of all Boards/Committees.

1. Each Board/Committee has responsibility for the general functions designated in the Constitution and Bylaws and may create additional standing or ad hoc committees to assist in carrying out these functions. These Committees shall be chaired by a Board member and filled with volunteers from the membership.
2. Each Board/Committee has the authority to make decisions necessary to carry out its responsibilities, provided the procedure for making such decisions is followed as set forth below. Such decisions are binding unless changed or modified by Council or the membership at large. Change or modification can occur at any time.
3. Action by Boards/Committees to create or change policies or programs shall comply with the following procedure:
   1. the existing policy or program, if there is one, must be clearly stated in writing, together with the proposed change in final form;
   2. the reasons for the proposed change must also clearly appear in writing;
   3. the above items must be reflected in the Board's/Committee’s minutes which are submitted to Council;
   4. prior to receiving the Board's/Committee’s minutes, Council may take whatever action it deems appropriate concerning any proposed policy or program. If Council receives the minutes, the policy and/or program shall be deemed to have Council's approval and shall be considered binding until changed by the Board of the Council.
4. Quorum. A simple majority of the voting members of the Board/Committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting. A simple majority of the voting quorum present constitutes the decision of the Board/Committee.

Section 3. Board of Buildings and Grounds. The Board of Buildings and Grounds shall consist of nine (9) members. The Board of Buildings and Grounds maintains the properties of the Church. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. maintaining the buildings and grounds of the Church, its equipment and supplies necessary to operate the Church office;
2. establishing policy on the use of Church facilities and properties;
3. engaging in long range planning for the physical needs of the Church buildings and grounds.

Section 4. Board of Christian Education. The Board of Christian Education shall consist of nine (9) members. The Board of Christian Education determines the purpose, establishes the content, administers, and evaluates the Church School and other educational programs designed for persons of all ages. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. providing nursery care for infants and preschool children on Sunday morning;
2. supervising the use and maintenance of the nursery area and the purchase of nursery equipment;
3. administering the Sunday Church School; reviewing and approving curriculum; and recruiting and training teachers;
4. supervising the Confirmation program;
5. providing fellowship programming for middle and senior high school youth;
6. provide appropriate programming for college students and young adults;
7. offering a variety of educational opportunities for adults such as classes, forums, workshops, study groups, and retreats;
8. coordinating special all-Church educational programs;
9. maintaining audiovisual equipment and supervising its use;
10. providing a Church library, as developed and overseen by the Library Committee. The Library Committee shall consist of six (6) voting members elected by the membership at the annual meeting. The members shall serve staggered terms of three (3) terms each. A member may serve two (2) consecutive terms. The responsibilities of the Library Committee include the following:
    1. selecting print and non-print (video, dvd, tape, cd, software, etc) resource for the Church Library;
    2. promoting the usage of the Church Library;
    3. organizing and maintaining the materials in the Church Library;
    4. working with the Special Gifts Committee to increase the Library Endowment;
    5. reporting regularly to the Board of Christian Education regarding the progress of the Church Library and making recommendations on changes regarding policy, direction, and content of the Church Library.
11. providing additional and special supplies and resources for the educational program;
12. reporting annually to the Board of Buildings and Grounds on the status of all equipment and materials under the supervision of the Board and making recommendations on replacement or additions for presentation to the Board of Finance.

Other Boards and Committees may create and administer educational opportunities if their intent and resultant activities are in accord with the purpose of this Church.

Section 5. Board of Finance. The Board of Finance shall consist of seven (7) members, plus the Church Treasurer. The Board of Finance manages the financial affairs of the Church. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. reviewing all potential and existing contracts (e.g. purchases, agreements, contracts, and other financial commitments), except for routine budgeted operational items of $500 or less, which may result in a financial commitment of the Church, and recommend appropriate action to the Church Council;
2. insuring that all contracts, purchasing agreements, and other financial commitments, in excess of $500, are in proper written form;
3. monitoring the Church budget and the performance of existing contracts on a monthly basis;
4. reviewing all proposed capital expenditures not specifically included in the current budget;
5. arranging for an annual internal audit of all financial records of the Church and certified audit, as necessary;
6. advising the Council on the financial condition of the Church;
7. reviewing the adequacy, costs, and performance of the insurance program on a regular basis;
8. overseeing the Special Gifts funds as developed and implemented by the Special Gifts Committee. The Special Gifts Committee shall consist of six (6) voting members elected by the membership at the annual meeting. The members shall serve staggered terms of three (3) years each. A member may serve two (2) consecutive terms. The Treasurer shall serve as an ex officio member. The responsibilities of the Special Gifts Committee include the following:
   1. encouraging, facilitating and administering all gifts to the Church other than those received through regular member giving through pledges and offerings. Proposed expenditures exceeding $500.00 shall first be approved by Council;
   2. maintaining a current "Special Gift List" for which gifts to the Fund can be used, subject to the needs of the Church and which are consistent with the directives of the Church Council, the donors, and current tax law;
   3. informing the Church membership about the Fund. Information regarding the advantages of making gifts to the Fund, how to make such gifts, and progress being made through the use of the Fund, shall be communicated to the congregation on a regular basis.
   4. reporting regularly to the Board of Finance regarding the progress of the Special Gifts funds and making recommendations on changes regarding policy, direction, and content of the Special Gifts Funds.

Section 6. Board of Membership. The Board of Membership shall consist of eight (8) members. The Board of Membership encourages and provides opportunities for meaningful participation of all persons in the life of the Church. The Clerk is a non-voting member of the Board of Membership. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. organizing and implementing an ongoing program to recruit, orient, and assimilate new members;
2. maintaining a data bank on members of the Church and making this information available to the relevant Boards and Committees;
3. reviewing the membership rolls on an annual basis and recommending to Council the transfer of members to "other than active status" when minimum requirements are not met;
4. in conjunction with the Office Manager, updating the official church roll on an annual basis;
5. encouraging and providing support to nonparticipating members to help them gain more active involvement in the life of the Church;
6. providing a variety of special fellowship events throughout the year;
7. initiating the development of new opportunities and ongoing groups to widen the fellowship circle of the Church;
8. coordinating and supervising post-high school fellowship groups of the Church with the exception of Women's Fellowship, which is represented directly on the Church Council;
9. initiating and administering special programs and activities designed to enrich the life of our Church community;
10. providing a ministry, through the Visitation Team to members who are unable to attend public services of the Church, such as those persons who are hospitalized, in nursing homes, or otherwise "shut-in." The Visitation Team shall consist of a minimum of six (6) members recruited and trained by the Parish Visitor. Responsibilities of the Visitation Team include the following:
    1. calling on their visitees at least once a month;
    2. organizing gatherings at the Church for their visitees throughout the year, each gathering to include worship, fellowship, a meal and a program;
    3. taking flowers from Sunday worship to hospitalized church members;
    4. distributing Christmas and Easter flowers to visitees;
    5. reporting regularly to the Board of Membership regarding the progress of the visitation ministry and making recommendations on changes regarding policy, direction, content and format of the visitation ministry.

Section 7. Board of Missions. The Board of Missions shall consist of seven (7) persons. The Board of Missions coordinates the missions and services of the Church beyond the scope of the local Church membership community. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. interpreting and promoting support of Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) and other mission programs of the United Church of Christ;
2. conducting an ongoing program of Mission Education within the congregation;
3. providing liaison with United Campus Ministry and nurturing support for this program;
4. initiating programs which respond to the needs of the La Crosse area community;
5. providing forums for the airing of social issues, promoting ecumenical endeavors, and other cooperative enterprises in the community at large which are consonant with the purposes of this Church.

Section 8. Board of Service and Worship. The Board of Service and Worship shall consist of seven (7) persons. The Board of Service and Worship serves the congregation by nurturing the spiritual growth of its members. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. evaluating the regular and special worship services of the Church and recommending guidelines for the design of Church services of all kinds;
2. providing printed liturgical resources such as hymnals and recommending changes and additions as needed to enhance the worship life of the Church;
3. providing pulpit supply in the absence of the Minister(s);
4. coordinating support activities for worship services including greeters, ushers, and liturgists;
5. preparing the elements for the Lord's Supper;
6. assisting in administering the Sacraments, designating persons from outside the Board, if necessary, to provide appropriate numbers of Communion servers;
7. supervising the overall decor of the Sanctuary and Chapel, including the use of flowers, plants, banners, and flags;
8. sponsoring programs designed to enhance the spiritual life of the congregation, such as special worship services, prayer groups, retreats, and individual meditation;
9. establishing programs to help persons prepare for and meaningfully celebrate transitional events in life, such as birth, marriage, retirement, and death;
10. overseeing the music program of the Church as developed and implemented by the Music Committee. The Music Committee shall consist of six (6) voting members elected by the membership at the annual meeting. The members shall serve staggered terms of three (3) years each. A member may serve two (2) consecutive terms. The Chairperson of the Music Committee shall be a member of the Board of Service and Worship. Responsibilities of the Music Committee include the following:
    1. coordinating the music program of the Church;
    2. supervising the use of musical equipment owned by the Church and recommending repairs and replacement as necessary;
    3. assisting the Pastor/Parish Liaison Committee during the selection and review of the music staff;
    4. reporting regularly to the Board of Service and Worship regarding the progress of the Music Program and making recommendations on changes regarding policy, direction, content, and format of the music program.

Section 9. Board of Stewardship. The Board of Stewardship shall consist of eight (8) members. The Board of Stewardship coordinates the stewardship program of the church. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. conducting an ongoing program of stewardship education within the Church;
2. formulating and recommending to Council strategies for the development of the annual budget which coordinates program planning for the various boards with the annual fund drive;
3. formulating and recommending to Council programs for raising funds to meet the budget;
4. conducting the annual fund drive;
5. reviewing and evaluating the pledge system, communicating with members regarding the status of their pledges, and regularly reporting to the Church Council on status of pledge receipts;
6. maintaining records from past years for use in preparing seasonal comparisons and projections regarding pledge income.

Section 10. Culinary Committee. The Culinary Committee shall consist of six (6) members. The Culinary Committee oversees the preparation, serving and clean-up of church meals. They work in conjunction with the Board/Committee or group planning the event.

Section 11. Board of Women's Fellowship. The composition and objectives of the Board of Women's Fellowship are determined by that organization's own written guidelines. The President and Vice-President of the Board are elected by the membership of Women's Fellowship and serve as voting members of the Church Council.

The fiscal year of the Church is the calendar year.

Amendments to these Bylaws may be made at any duly-called Church meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present provided there is a quorum, which shall be ten percent (10%) of the membership, and public announcement of the text of the proposed amendments has been published and distributed to the membership at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.

Current revised Roberts Rules of Order are the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the Constitution and Bylaws.

These Bylaws become effective immediately upon adoption by the membership and all previous Bylaws are thereafter null and void.