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BYLAWS OF THE CONGREGATION
Revised as of June 8, 2021
Section 1. NAME
The name of this nonprofit religious corporation is the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Columbia, South Carolina (UUCC).
Section 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Congregation is to further individual freedom of belief, the
democratic process in human relations, and community undivided by nation, race, or
creed.
Section 3. DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION
The Congregation shall be a Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
and of the appropriate subsidiary jurisdictions of the UUA.
Section 4. INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for
persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to
do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual
respect. We strive to be a congregation that truly welcomes all persons and commit to
structuring congregational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s
participation.
The Congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all its
activities, including membership, programming, hiring practices and the calling of
religious professionals, without regard to race, color, creed, gender, gender expression,
physical ability, affectional or sexual orientation, age or national origin.
Section 5. MEMBERSHIP
5.1 Categories of Affiliation
(a) Member
(i) A Member is a person who:
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(A) demonstrates an active interest in the Congregation’s programs
and activities through the contribution of both time and financial
resources
(B) has signed the membership register, and
(C) either
(1) has made a pledge and fulfilled a contribution of at least
the minimum amount, as determined by the Finance
Committee and approved by the Board, documented in the
books of the Congregation by the last business day of the
prior fiscal year consistent with Section 5.1 (a) (ii) below,
(2) has received a waiver, which allows for contribution of less
than the minimum amount during the preceding fiscal year, or
(3) has joined within the current fiscal year and has signed a
pledge card.
(ii) Waivers of the financial contribution requirement, both for new and
continuing Members, may be recommended by the Minister or the Membership
Committee Chair and approved by the Executive Committee of the Board. A
waiver may allow for a member to contribute less than the minimum amount, or
not at all, depending on the circumstances. The Board Secretary shall report
the waivers to the Treasurer as a matter of record. The Executive Committee
of the Board shall renew waivers annually upon renewed recommendation by
the Minister or the Membership Committee Chair. All consideration of waivers
shall remain confidential.
(iii) Members shall be counted for purposes of a quorum and included in the
formal membership statistics submitted to the
UUA.
(iv) Members may participate fully in the activities and committees of the
Congregation, including being members of the Board or Chairs of Committees,
and may vote at Meetings of the Congregation.
(v) “Congregation” as used in these bylaws means all current Members,
collectively.
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(b) Inactive Member
(i) An Inactive Member is a former Member whose status changes to non-voting
upon any of these conditions:
(A) Announced Move
(1) The individual has moved from the geographical area for an
extended period and has expressed orally or in writing to the Board
Secretary, the Minister or Membership Committee a desire to remain
formally connected to the congregation.
(2) Inactive status will be effective upon receipt of the request. The
status change shall be reported to the Board, the Membership
Committee and the Treasurer as a matter of record.
(B) Unannounced Move, Lack of Interest / Contribution
(1) The individual has moved from the geographical area and has
not expressed any desire to remain formally connected to the
congregation and has made no financial contribution for a period
of at least six (6) months.
(2) Or, t he individual’s level of interest in and contribution to the
Congregation’s programs is negligible.
(3) At the end of each fiscal year,
The Treasurer shall report to the Membership Committee the
names of those Members who have not made or fulfilled a pledge
or obtained a waiver during the past fiscal year.
The Membership Committee, in consultation with the Minister,
shall mail written notice to their last known address.
(4) At least fifteen (15) days after mailing notice, the Membership
Committee shall submit to the Board Secretary the names of those
Members for the Board’s formal acknowledgement of the change to
Inactive status.
(ii) Inactive Members may not vote at congregational meetings and shall not be
counted for purposes of a quorum, nor included in the formal membership
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statistics submitted to the UUA.
(iii) Inactive Members may request a return to Member status by written notice
to the Board Secretary, the Minister or the Membership Committee Chair at
any time. Such a request will be forwarded to the Treasurer and reported at the
next regular meeting of the Board. The status change will become effective
upon the receipt of a financial contribution of record or approval by the
Executive Committee of the Board of a waiver of the contribution requirement,
or receipt of a fulfilled pledge.
(c) Friend
(i) A Friend is an individual who does not choose to sign the membership register,
but who demonstrates an active interest in the purpose and programs of the
Congregation, makes an annual financial contribution of record (of any amount)
and requests the designation of Friend.
(ii) Friends shall not be counted for purposes of a quorum, nor included in the formal
membership statistics submitted to the UUA.
(iii) Unless restricted by provisions of Section 8 of these bylaws, Friends may
participate fully in the activities and committees of the Congregation, but may not
be members of the Board nor Chairs of Committees, and may not vote at
congregational meetings, although they are welcome to speak.
(d) Youth Member
(i) A Youth Member is an individual at least 14 and not yet 18 years old who,
following discussion between the individual, the Minister and/or President,
and the individual’s parent(s) or adult sponsor(s), is designated a Youth
Member.
(ii) Youth Members shall not be counted for purposes of a quorum, nor included
in the formal membership statistics submitted to the UUA.
(iii) Youth Members may participate fully in the activities and committees of
the Congregation, but may not be members of the Board nor Chairs of
Committees, and may not vote at congregational meetings, although they are
welcome to speak.
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5.2 Qualifications for Joining
(a) Any individual may become a Member who:
(i) is in sympathy with the purpose of the Congregation,
(ii) has an interest in the programs of the Congregation,
(iii) is eighteen (18) years of age or older,
(iv) submits a pledge card, and
(v) signs the membership register in the presence of a Member of the
Membership Committee, the Minister, or a member of the Board of Trustees.
(b) It is generally expected that prospective members will:
(i) attend an orientation provided by the Membership Committee or by such
other person as the Board may designate,
(ii) meet with the Minister, and
(iii) sign the membership register as part of a public joining ceremony.
5.3 Withdrawal of Membership
(a) By Request. An individual may voluntarily request withdrawal of membership
either orally or in writing to the Board Secretary, the Minister or any member of the
Membership Committee. Withdrawal of membership will be effective upon receipt of
the request and shall be reported to the Board Secretary, the Membership
Committee and the Treasurer as a matter of record.
(b) By Death. The Board Secretary will note the death of a Member, Inactive
Member, Friend, or Youth Member in the official records of the Congregation.
(c) For Cause. A Member may be removed from the membership register in
accordance with the Board of Trustees’ Policy Regarding Disruptive Behavior. The
Board Secretary will record such action in the official records of the Congregation.
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Section 6. MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION
6.1 Time and Place of Meetings
All meetings of the Congregation shall be at a time and place fixed by the Board.
6.2 Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation shall be held in the fourth quarter of the Fiscal
Year for transaction of such business as may be properly brought before the Congregation.
6.3 Special and Emergency Meetings
(a) Special Meetings may be called by a majority of the Board and must be called
upon the written request of at least ten percent of the Congregation.
(b) Emergency Meetings may be called without the usual fifteen (15) days’ notice
when the majority of the Board determines that a situation exists of such urgency
that to delay decisive action fifteen days would seriously jeopardize important
interests of the Congregation. The Board will make every reasonable effort to see
that Members of the Congregation are notified of such a meeting. The usual quorum
will prevail for said emergency meetings.
6.4 Notice of Meetings
The Board Secretary (or such Members of the Congregation as the Board may name)
shall give written notice of Annual and Special Meetings at least fifteen (15) days before
the date of the meeting. Notice shall include a listing of all items to be voted on.
6.5 Quorum
A quorum at any meeting of the Congregation shall consist of twenty-five (25) percent of
the Members as defined in these bylaws.
6.6 Right to Vote
The right to vote at a meeting shall be reserved to those persons who were Members
fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting. Each Member is entitled to one and
only one vote.
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6.7 Members’ List for Voting
Prior to any Annual or Special Meeting, the Board Secretary shall prepare an
alphabetical list of the names of all Members who are entitled to notice of the meeting
and to vote at the meeting. The Board Secretary shall post the list prominently at the
Congregation’s principal meeting place no later than fourteen (14) days before the
meeting.
6.8 Prohibited Forms of Voting
There shall be no proxy voting, no absentee voting, and no cumulative voting.
6.9 Rules of Procedure
All meetings of the Congregation shall be conducted in accordance with the latest
version of Robert’s Rules of Order. A parliamentarian appointed by the presiding officer
shall resolve any point of order and advise the presiding officer of the procedure.
6.10 Ex-officio Members
Except as otherwise provided for in the bylaws, individuals serving in an ex-officio
capacity on any committee or in any group shall be non-voting members of that
committee/group.
Section 7. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
7.1 Number, Term, and Qualifications of Board Members
(a) The voting members of the Board of Trustees shall consist of four Officers and
five Trustees. The Minister, the Past President, and the Chair of the Finance
Committee shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the Board. All members
of the Board shall be Members of the Congregation.
(b) Officers – The President-Elect shall be elected by the Membership at the Annual
Meeting and will serve a three-year term (first year as President-Elect, second year
as President, third year as Past President) beginning July 1 of the year elected. The
Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by the Membership at the Annual Meeting
and will serve a two-year term beginning July 1 of the year elected. Election of the
Secretary and Treasurer should be staggered so that both offices do not change in
the same year. A retiring Officer who has served two or more consecutive years on
the Board in any capacity may not be elected Trustee for at least one year. Co-
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leaders may be nominated to serve in any of the officer positions. Co-leaders will
have one vote at board meetings.
(c) Trustees – Two of the Trustees shall be elected for two-year terms at the Annual
Meeting held in even-numbered years. Three Trustees shall be elected for two-year
terms at the Annual Meeting held in odd-numbered years. A Trustee will remain
eligible immediately after such service to be elected an Officer. Trustees appointed
or elected to fill out an unexpired term on the Board shall be eligible to be elected to
serve a full two-year term immediately after the partial term served.
(d) The maximum consecutive term of service as a voting member of the Board shall
be six consecutive years. An interval of one year shall be necessary before eligibility
for election or appointment to the Board.
7.2 Vacancies and Removal
(a) A vacancy occurring among the voting members of the Board may be filled by a
majority vote of the remaining voting members of the Board, upon consultation with
the Leadership Development Committee. The person so elected shall serve until the
Annual Meeting at which time the position shall be filled by nomination and
congregational election.
(b) Voting members of the Board may resign by giving written notice to an Officer.
(c) Failure of an Officer or Trustee to attend three (3) regular Board meetings, as
reflected by the minutes, within one organizational year will constitute an automatic
resignation from the Board. Exceptions may be made by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
the remaining Board members as a part of the recorded business.
(d) Removal for cause of an Officer or Trustee shall be by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
Members present at a meeting of the Congregation called in accordance with
Section 6 of these by-laws, with removal of that individual in the notice of the
meeting, and a replacement selected as in Section 7.2 (a).
7.3 Authority of Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees, as the duly elected governing body of the Congregation, shall
be responsible for enacting Congregation policy consistent with the bylaws. It shall have
general charge of Congregation property and shall have authority to conduct the
business of the Congregation and to manage its fiscal affairs.
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7.4 Specific Duties of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall:
(a) Solicit financial support for the Congregation: submit an annual budget to the
membership for approval; administer the approved budget; and receive and
administer gifts and trusts. After approval by the Board, the annual budget shall be
submitted to the membership for adoption. The Board shall retain authority to shift
funds, not exceeding 5% of the overall adopted budget, from one portion of the
budget to another, as needs dictate. If actual income exceeds projected income, the
Board has authority to allocate the surplus as needs dictate, without additional
approval of the membership. If actual income falls below projected income, the
Board has authority to reduce funding as needs dictate, without additional approval
of the membership. The year-end statement will report actual income and how the
Board dealt with any surplus or shortfall.
(b) Approve Chairs of all Committees except the Leadership Development and
Shared Ministry Committees.
(c) Appoint a Board member to serve as liaison to each Standing committee except
Shared Ministry, Personnel, and Leadership Development.
(d) Establish Ad Hoc Committees, define their responsibilities, and specify their term
of service.
(e) Employ staff members, other than a settled Minister, as deemed appropriate and
necessary; fix their compensation; establish their duties in written job descriptions
and provide for performance evaluations.
(f) Provide general supervision over all activities of the Congregation; with input from
the committees, at the Annual Meeting, provide a written report on the activities of
the Congregation for the past year; recommend changes, improvements, and
modifications with respect to those activities it considers important to the welfare of
the Congregation.
(g) Vote on the approval of all legal documents.
(h) Call a meeting of the Membership (according to Section 6) and request a vote on
matters of policy which the Board deems controversial or affecting the public image
of the Congregation.
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(i) Appoint delegates to the General Assembly of the UUA, and other denominational
and community bodies.
(j) Perform such other duties as may arise under its authority.
7.5 Duties of the Officers
(a) President – The President shall preside at the meetings of the Board of Trustees
and the Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. In consultation with the
committees, the President shall present to the Board the names of potential Chairs
of all committees except the Leadership Development and Shared Ministry
Committees. The President shall be an ex- officio member of all committees except
Leadership Development and Shared Ministry. The President is authorized to sign
legal documents approved by the Board on behalf of the Congregation. The
President shall be responsible that bond, in the amount determined by the Board, is
provided for the Treasurer at Congregation expense.
(b) President-Elect – The President-Elect shall preside in the absence of the
President, become President should the office of President become vacant, and
succeed to the office of the President on the following July 1. In the absence of the
President, the President-Elect is authorized to sign legal documents approved by the
Board on behalf of the Congregation.
(c) Secretary – The Secretary of the Board shall record and preserve the minutes of
all meetings of the Board and all meetings of the Membership described in Section
6, and perform all other duties described in these bylaws (Sections 5.1(a)(iii),
5.1(b)(i)(A)(1), 5.1(b)(i)(B)(4), 5.1(b)(i)(C)(4), 5.1(b)(iii), 5.3, 6.4, 6.7, 7.6(c), 8.1(e),
and 10.6.) Where two signatures are required on a legal document, the Secretary is
authorized to sign second.
(d) Treasurer – The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records of the
Congregation, provide customary financial reports to the Board on a regular basis,
disburse monies upon authority granted by the Board, and perform all other duties
described in these bylaws. (Sections 5.1(a)(ii), 5.1(b)(i)(B)(2), 5.1(b)(i)(C)(2),
5.1(b)(iv), and 8.1(d).) The Treasurer shall submit for annual review all books and
records of financial transactions, including the Endowment, to the Board and the
Finance Committee, or to an auditor appointed by the Board. The Treasurer shall
submit a financial statement at the Annual Meeting to all Members. In the absence of
the Secretary, the Treasurer is authorized to sign second on legal documents that
require two signatures. Bond in the amount determined by the Board shall be
provided for the Treasurer at Congregation expense.
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(e) Executive Committee – The Officers (President, President-Elect, Secretary, and
Treasurer) shall comprise the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is
charged with responding to requests for waivers of the financial contribution
requirement. Under conditions of urgency, the Executive Committee may, by
majority vote of all Officers, transact business on behalf of the Board.
7.6 Meetings of the Board of Trustees
(a) Regular Meetings – The Board shall meet monthly unless a majority of the
Board agrees to cancel a specific meeting. The time and place of Board meetings
shall be established by a majority of the Board. All meetings of the Board are open
to Members, Youth Members and Friends except during Executive Sessions.
(b) Special Meetings – Special meetings of the Board may be called by the
President or any member of the Board upon agreement of a majority of the Board.
Every reasonable effort shall be made to notify all Board members of the meeting.
(c) Minutes – The Board Secretary shall post minutes of all Board meetings.
(d) Quorum – A majority of the voting Members of the Board fixed by these bylaws
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the
Board. (Section 7.1(a).)
(e) Executive Session – The Board may move into Executive Session by a majority
vote of Board Members at a meeting at which a quorum is present to discuss
confidential matters pertaining to personnel, membership, or legal matters. In
addition to the Board members, a called Minister may be present in Executive
Session unless the matter to be discussed concerns the appointment or
performance of the Minister. The Board may also choose to have present in
Executive Session any other person necessary for discussion of the matter under
consideration.
Section 8. COMMITTEES
8.1 Standing Committees
The following are Standing Committees: Adult Religious Exploration, Building and
Grounds, Caring and Hospitality, Children and Youth Religious Exploration,
Denominational Connections, Endowment Fund, Finance, Green Sanctuary, Leadership
Development, Membership, Personnel, Religious Exploration, Shared Ministry, Social
Action, Technology Services and Worship.
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The composition and basic responsibilities of each Standing Committee are defined in
these bylaws. The Board may assign additional responsibilities to Standing Committees.
The Board may, in its discretion, create Subcommittees of Standing Committees and
define the responsibilities of those Subcommittees.
(a) Adult Religious Exploration Committee – The Adult Religious Exploration
Committee should consist of a Chair and two or more Members or Friends of the
Congregation. The Adult Religious Exploration Committee shall:
(i) implement, oversee, and evaluate the Religious Exploration program for
adults
(ii) recommend to the Board and implement policies related to Adult Religious
Exploration.
(b) Building and Grounds Committee – The Building and Grounds Committee
should consist of a Chair and three or more Members or Friends of the
Congregation. The Building and Grounds Committee shall:
(i) oversee the interior and exterior of buildings
(ii) help with building maintenance and enhancement
(iii) provide upkeep of grounds, walkways, sidewalks, and driveway.
(c) Caring and Hospitality Committee – The Caring and Hospitality Committee
should consist of a Chair and five or more Members or Friends of the Congregation.
In coordination with the Minister, the Caring Network shall provide leadership in
physical and emotional support to Members and Friends in time of crisis and need.
The Caring and Hospitality Committee shall:
(i) create and maintain a list of Members and Friends available to provide
assistance and visitation to Members and Friends with illnesses or other needs
(Caring Network)
(ii) connect individuals with needs for assistance with appropriate members of the
Caring Network
(iii) organize and host receptions following Memorial Services for Members or
Friends of the Congregation
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(d) Children and Youth Religious Exploration Committee – The Children and
Youth Religious Exploration Committee should consist of a Chair and four or more
Members or Friends of the Congregation. The Religious Exploration Committee
shall:
(i) implement, oversee, and evaluate the Religious Exploration program for children
and youth
(ii) recommend to the Board and implement policies regarding registration and
enrollment procedures, age groupings, safety and playground regulations,
supervision, and parental involvement
(iii) plan intergenerational events and celebrations in collaboration with the
Director of Religious Exploration, the Worship Committee and Minister
(e) Denominational Connections Committee – The Denominational Connections
Committee should consist of a Chair and three or more Members or Friends of the
Congregation. The Denominational Connections Committee shall:
(i) provide a liaison between the congregation and the UUA and the appropriate
subsidiary jurisdictions of the UUA
(ii) encourage interest and participation in denominational concerns, activities,
and events
(iii) keep appropriate committees informed about denominational initiatives,
resources, and services relating to their areas of responsibility.
(f) Endowment Fund Committee – [Information in this section is a summary of the
Appendix to the Congregational Bylaws – Endowment Fund which is incorporated here by
reference]. The Endowment Fund Committee shall manage gifts to the UUCC Endowment
Fund, which is part of the UUCC Planned Giving Program. The mission of the Planned
Giving Program is to provide a permanent financial foundation for UUCC that will be
independent of annual operating revenues by facilitating gifts to its Endowment Fund. The
UUCC Endowment Fund, comprised of common and named funds, is designed to serve as
a major component of the Planned Giving Program. The Committee shall consist of five (5)
voting members elected by the Congregation, who shall serve a three (3) year term. No
more than two members may serve on the Committee while also serving on the Board of
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Trustees. The Minister and President or President-elect shall serve as non-voting advisory
members. The Endowment Fund Committee shall:
(i) assist Members and Friends who wish to contribute to a common endowment
fund or establish a named endowment fund
(ii) keep a record of the terms and restrictions of all common and named funds
(iii) review proposed gifts and make recommendations to the Board
(iv) track the value of all Fund assets on a quarterly basis (v) perform other
duties as described in the Appendix to the Congregational Bylaws–Endowment
Fund
(g) Finance Committee – The Finance Committee shall consist of a Chair and two
or more Members of the Congregation, all appointed by the Board with advisement
of the Leadership Development Committee. The Treasurer is an ex-officio member
of the Committee. The Finance Committee shall:
(i) receive, record, and deposit all funds collected by the Congregation
(ii) plan and supervise the Canvass each year
(iii) coordinate all fundraising activities
(iv) create an annual budget for the Congregation, with input from other committees
and program areas, and submit the budget to the Board
(h) Green Sanctuary Committee – The Green Sanctuary Committee shall consist
of a Chair and two Members and/or Friends of the Congregation representing all
aspects of congregational life including Religious Exploration, worship, buildings and
grounds, finance, and social justice. In keeping with the goals of the Green
Sanctuary Program, the Green Sanctuary Committee shall:
(i) build awareness of societal environmental issues
(ii) generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes
(iii) motivate Members to community action on environmental issues
(iv) build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness
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(v) build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices
(i) Leadership Development Committee – The Leadership Development
Committee shall consist of the Past President of the Congregation, one voting
member of the Board chosen by the Board, and three members elected by the
Congregation. The Committee shall select its own Chair. Elected members will serve
staggered two-year terms. At each Annual Meeting, the Leadership Development
Committee shall nominate individuals for the following offices:
(i) President-Elect
(ii) Secretary (in even-numbered years)
(iii) Treasurer (in odd-numbered years)
(iv) Trustee (two in odd-numbered years and three in even-numbered
years
(v) The members of next year’s Leadership Development Committee
The nominations shall be published two Sundays prior to the Annual Meeting.
Additional nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of the
nominees. In the event of a vacancy on the Leadership Development Committee,
the President, with the approval of the Board, shall appoint an individual to serve
until the next Annual Meeting at which time the position shall be filled by nomination
and congregational election. Membership on the Leadership Development
Committee shall not preclude election to the Board.
The Leadership Development Committee is responsible for identifying potential
officers, Trustees, committee members, Committee Chairs, and program
committee leaders, and providing ongoing leadership development of both
existing and prospective leaders.
(j) Membership Committee – The Membership Committee shall consist of a Chair
and five or more Members of the Congregation. The Membership Committee shall:
(i) welcome, recruit, and track Members and Friends
(ii) orient visitors to the Congregation
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(iii) follow up on non-participating Members
(iv) report any changes in membership status to the Secretary of the Board
(v) help visitors and new Members become more connected by referring them
to committees and activities
(vi) coordinate new member joining ceremonies with appropriate committees and
the Minister
(k) Personnel Committee – The Personnel Committee shall consist of the Chair
and four or five Members serving staggered three-year terms. All members shall be
appointed by the Board in consultation with the Leadership Development
Committee. Experience in personnel matters or prior service on a personnel
committee is preferred. The Personnel Committee shall:
(i) maintain an up-to-date Staff Handbook
(ii) provide job descriptions to job candidates
(iii) facilitate confidential background checks on candidates
(iv) develop and submit to the Finance Committee compensation and benefit
recommendations for all staff other than the Minister
(v) promote educational and training opportunities for staff
(l) Shared Ministry Committee – The Shared Ministry Committee (SMC) will serve
a reflective and advisory role with regard to the quality of congregational life at the
UUCC. The SMC shall consist of the Minister and three members serving staggered
terms of three years each. Members will be appointed by the Board from a slate
proposed by the Minister in collaboration with the Leadership Development
Committee. Unexpired terms shall be filled in the same manner. The functions and
responsibilities of the SMC include serving as an ombudsman for the congregation;
periodically advising the Board regarding the health of the shared ministry, for e.g.,
recommending periodic assessments of the shared ministry of the congregation and
its leadership components; modeling healthy and deepening relationships with the
Minister and staff; continually educating itself about ministry, including such actions
as supporting an Alban membership for the committee Chair; supporting continuing
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education of the congregation for its growing understanding and skill in shared
ministry; and supporting the Minister’s planning for continuing education,
sabbaticals, and other professional development.
(m) Social Action Committee – The Social Action Committee should consist of a
Chair and four or more Members or Friends of the Congregation. The Social Action
Committee shall:
(i) inform and educate Congregation Members and Friends about areas of
social concern
(ii) involve Members and Friends in direct social action projects, both locally and
nationally where feasible,
(iii) align our efforts with other churches and community organizations sharing
the same commitment to education and action
(n) Technology Services Committee – The Technology Services Committee shall
consist of a Chair and two or more Members or Friends of the Congregation. The
Technology Services Committee shall:
(i) recruit, train, and supervise individuals who provide audiovisual support
during worship services and other congregational meetings or events
(ii) recommend policies and procedures for the security of technology
equipment and systems and for the operation and maintenance of the
congregational website
(iii) provide training in the use of technology equipment and systems,
including the congregational website
(iv) help troubleshoot problems with technology equipment and systems
(v) provide recommendations for the purchase of new technology equipment
and systems.
(o) Worship Committee – The Worship Committee should consist of a Chair,
selected with the advice of the Minister, and four or more Members or Friends of the
Congregation. The Minister is an ex-officio member of the Committee. The Worship
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Committee shall:
(i) coordinate and lead services when the Minister is absent
(ii) collaborate with the Minister and the Director of Religious Exploration
in planning and helping to implement the calendar of worship services
(iii) record attendance at Sunday services
(iv) provide supplies for the worship services
8.2 Ad Hoc Committees
The Board of Trustees may, at its discretion, create Ad Hoc Committees to handle
functions and activities not addressed in the Standing Committee structure, or to advise
the Board on a special issue or area of concern. The Board shall clearly define each Ad
Hoc Committee’s responsibilities. An Ad Hoc Committee dissolves on completion of its
responsibilities.
8.3 Committee Chairs
(a) All Committee Chairs shall be Members of the Congregation. No one shall serve
for more than three consecutive years as Chair of the same committee.
(b) The President shall appoint a Chair for each committee, with input from that
committee and the advice and consent of the Board, subject to the following
exceptions:
(i) The President shall also have the advice of the Minister when
appointing the Chair of the Worship Committee.
(ii) The Leadership Development Committee will determine its
own Chair.
(iii) The Shared Ministry Committee will determine its own Chair.
8.4 Committee Members
With respect to all committees except Leadership Development, Finance, Shared
Ministry, Personnel and Worship (the provisions for which are found in Section 8.1):
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(a) Committee members may be Members, Friends, or Youth Members of the
Congregation. Terms are for one year, although there are no term limits for
Committee members.
(b) There are three ways to become a Committee member:
(i) A Member, Friend, or Youth Member may volunteer to join a committee, and
the Committee Chair may accept the volunteer as a Committee Member.
(ii) A Committee Chair may invite a Member, Friend, or Youth Member to be a
Committee Member, and the invitee may accept.
(iii) A Board member may, in consultation with a Committee Chair, invite a
Member, Friend, or Youth Member to be a Committee member, and the invitee
may accept.
(c) Committee Members may resign from a committee by informing the Committee
Chair.
Section 9. PROGRAM GROUPS
9.1 Definition
A Program Group is a group, recognized by the Board, that functions for the benefit of
its Members, and not for the benefit of the entire Membership of the Congregation.
9.2 Procedures
Program Groups shall meet the following criteria:
(a) Each Program Group shall direct its own programs and functions.
(b) Program Groups are not funded by the UUCC and are responsible for their own
finances.
(c) Each Program Group shall appoint a representative to the Congregation to
provide information and communication on the activities and programs of the Group.
This representative shall be a Member.
(d) The Congregation cannot sanction groups that would threaten its status as a tax-
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exempt organization.
(e) Program Groups shall adhere to the Purpose of the UUCC as expressed in
Section 2.
(f) If the membership of a Group is limited to only members of certain groups, those
restrictions must be explicitly stated, justified, and approved by the Board. They
must be essential to the function of the group. (For example, restrictions by race or
gender must be justified.)
9.3 Recognition
The Program Group’s representative shall present an annual report on the purpose,
membership, and activities to the Board annually for its review and recognition.
Section 10. SETTLED MINISTER
10.1 Selection of Settled Minister
A new Minister is selected through one of the search and candidating or transition
procedures recognized by the UUA. The Ministerial Search or Transition Committee
shall consist of at least five (5) and no more than seven (7) Members nominated by the
Leadership Development Committee and elected by the Congregation.
10.2 Election
Election of a Minister shall be made by a three-fourths vote of the Members of the
Congregation present at any meeting legally called for the purpose. The terms of his/her
employment shall be set forth in a written letter of agreement approved by the Board of
Trustees.
10.3 Duties
The duties of the Minister are those defined by the letter of agreement and related
documents outlining the ministerial position. The Minister is an ex-officio member of the
Board of Trustees without vote and a non-voting ex-officio member of all Congregation
committees.
10.4 Tenure
The Minister shall be considered to have indefinite tenure.
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10.5 Dismissal
The Minister may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the Members of the Congregation
present at any meeting legally called for the purpose. The Minister’s salary shall be
continued for two months after the date of the vote to dismiss.
10.6 Resignation
The Minister shall give two months’ written notice of intention to resign to the Secretary
of the Board of Trustees.
10.7 Hiring of a Contract Minister
In the absence of a settled Minister, the Board may contract with an individual to provide
ministerial services under the Board’s authority in Section 7.4e, if approved by the
congregation as part of the adoption of the official budget.
Section 11. OTHER PROVISIONS
11.1 Fiscal Year
The Fiscal Year of the Congregation begins July 1 and ends June 30.
11.2 Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the Congregation:
All outstanding debts shall be paid. All real and personal property of the Congregation,
including the Endowment Fund, shall be transferred to the UUA, or its successors or
assigns, to be used by the UUA for its purposes, provided that none of the property
shall at any time inure to the benefit of any individual or organization other than a
religious or charitable organization which is exempt under federal and state income
taxation laws then existing. This provision shall apply to all property donated to the
Congregation, whether by will or in any other manner, unless the donor has expressly
provided otherwise.
11.3 Interpretation of the Bylaws
Any dispute involving the interpretations of the provisions of these bylaws shall be
decided by the President, whose decision shall be final, unless appealed to the
Congregation and overruled by a two-thirds vote of the Members present at a lawful
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meeting of the Congregation.
11.4 Amendments
These bylaws may be amended or repealed at any lawful meeting of the Congregation
by a two- thirds vote of those Members present and eligible to vote. The proposed
change shall be contained in the notice of the meeting, consistent with the provisions of
Section 6.
11.5 Effective Date
The effective date of this document will be the day following congregational approval at
a meeting of the Congregation called for June 8, 2021, after duly published notice as an
amendment to the prior version.