About the Yadkin Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
The first Unitarian Universalist congregation in Wilkes County, Yadkin Valley
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (YVUUF) is a vibrant, diverse and growing
Fellowship, meeting first and third Sundays each month. Our Fellowship met for the first time in April of 2005.
. At 10 a.m. we start with coffee and socializing. The approximately hour long lay-led service starts at 10:30. More
coffee and socializing follows the service. We also have a Social gatherings quarterly at various members’ homes.
YVUUF is a church of religious liberals, open to all people of faith, any
faith, whether it is faith in God, whatever one may conceive God to be, or faith
in humanity and belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
For those unfamiliar with Unitarian Universalism,
believe each individual should be encouraged to develop his/her own
personal theology and be able to express their religious beliefs and opinions
without fear of censure or reprisal. The role of the congregation is to be
supportive of individuals seeking their own religious truths, in an atmosphere
of enthusiasm, tolerance, love and respect.
UUs believe the ultimate authority in religion is not a church, a document or
an official, but the personal conscience and reason of each individual. We
believe that all people on earth have an equal claim to life liberty, and
justice-and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to that claim. UUs also
believe in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural
product of a good faith, evidence of an inner grace that finds expression in
social and community involvement.
YVUUF is active in both our local and global communities, and has contributed
generously to Our House (Child Abuse Prevention Team), Friends Feeding Friends,
Wilkes Cares, United Way, and the UUA Gulf Coast Relief Fund. We also have a
Volunteer Ministry to assist local families under Hospice care with chores &
home maintenance, and have provided tuition assistance to a local WCC student.
Other community service projects are always in the works. Members also
participate in local, national, and international movements for peace and human
rights.
YVUUF is confirmed as an Emerging Congregation with the Unitarian
Universalist Association, and is listed on their website, www.uua.org.
Our Fellowship joins an ever-growing number of UU fellowships in North Carolina
including nearby congregations in Boone, Hickory, Winston-Salem and Charlotte.
YVUUF is also a member of the Western Carolinas Cluster of UU Congregations.
Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Wilkesboro-NC/Yadkin-Valley-Unitarian-Universalist-Fellowship/76259597668
Members and visitors enjoy the spiritual fellowship of free religious
community, and if they so choose, the opportunity to contribute their talents
and energy toward building a spiritual community dedicated to the UU principles
of:
-the inherent worth and dignity of every person,
-justice, equity, and compassion in human relations,
-acceptance of one another and encouragement
to spiritual growth in our congregations,
-a free and responsible search for
truth and meaning,
-the right of conscience and the use of the democratic
process within the congregation and in society at large,
-the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, and
respect for the
-interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Please join us for a Sunday service or a Social and experience the unique joy of spiritual
fellowship in a free religious community.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (YVUUF) is a vibrant, diverse and growing
Fellowship, meeting first and third Sundays each month. Our Fellowship met for the first time in April of 2005.
. At 10 a.m. we start with coffee and socializing. The approximately hour long lay-led service starts at 10:30. More
coffee and socializing follows the service. We also have a Social gatherings quarterly at various members’ homes.
YVUUF is a church of religious liberals, open to all people of faith, any
faith, whether it is faith in God, whatever one may conceive God to be, or faith
in humanity and belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
For those unfamiliar with Unitarian Universalism,
believe each individual should be encouraged to develop his/her own
personal theology and be able to express their religious beliefs and opinions
without fear of censure or reprisal. The role of the congregation is to be
supportive of individuals seeking their own religious truths, in an atmosphere
of enthusiasm, tolerance, love and respect.
UUs believe the ultimate authority in religion is not a church, a document or
an official, but the personal conscience and reason of each individual. We
believe that all people on earth have an equal claim to life liberty, and
justice-and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to that claim. UUs also
believe in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural
product of a good faith, evidence of an inner grace that finds expression in
social and community involvement.
YVUUF is active in both our local and global communities, and has contributed
generously to Our House (Child Abuse Prevention Team), Friends Feeding Friends,
Wilkes Cares, United Way, and the UUA Gulf Coast Relief Fund. We also have a
Volunteer Ministry to assist local families under Hospice care with chores &
home maintenance, and have provided tuition assistance to a local WCC student.
Other community service projects are always in the works. Members also
participate in local, national, and international movements for peace and human
rights.
YVUUF is confirmed as an Emerging Congregation with the Unitarian
Universalist Association, and is listed on their website, www.uua.org.
Our Fellowship joins an ever-growing number of UU fellowships in North Carolina
including nearby congregations in Boone, Hickory, Winston-Salem and Charlotte.
YVUUF is also a member of the Western Carolinas Cluster of UU Congregations.
Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Wilkesboro-NC/Yadkin-Valley-Unitarian-Universalist-Fellowship/76259597668
Members and visitors enjoy the spiritual fellowship of free religious
community, and if they so choose, the opportunity to contribute their talents
and energy toward building a spiritual community dedicated to the UU principles
of:
-the inherent worth and dignity of every person,
-justice, equity, and compassion in human relations,
-acceptance of one another and encouragement
to spiritual growth in our congregations,
-a free and responsible search for
truth and meaning,
-the right of conscience and the use of the democratic
process within the congregation and in society at large,
-the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, and
respect for the
-interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Please join us for a Sunday service or a Social and experience the unique joy of spiritual
fellowship in a free religious community.
What it takes to host a program at our Service
You, too, can present or host a program at the Yadkin Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
What it takes to make a Sunday service
Introduction: A Sunday service is the product of the history of our
Fellowship and those of other congregations with which we have experience. We
are a lay lead Fellowship and a number of members are involved in the finished
product of a Sunday service. It is important to recognize that a number of tasks
need to be performed and that several persons are involved. Attention to time
lines is helpful to those responsible.The presenter’s primary responsibility is
to make the presentation on the topic of the day. However, if possible, other
items on the Sunday program might be related to and expansive of the program
topic.
For new participants who may be interested and willing to make a presentation
or to invite and arrange for a guest speaker, the steps include the following:
1. A date and topic is agreed upon with the Chair of the Program Committee.
The calendar of topics is reviewed on a quarterly basis at Fellowship Council
Meetings. Members are invited to suggest possible programs as they come to mind.
2. One week before the date of presentation, the following items, drawn from
a model Sunday service program (available upon request or from a recent service program), need to be presented to the Program Chair and
the President of the Fellowship by email if possible.
Typical Items in Program
a. The title of the presentation and a one line description, which will be
used in an email announcement and on the web page which are mailed early in the
week before the service
b. One or two readings to be included in the service program distributed at
the service. Readings from the hymnal are one possibility. Therefore, at the
service preceding the date of delivery, one might take a hymnal home to consider
possible readings and hymns.
c. Suggested music, hymns and/or prayer and meditations
3. The person responsible for the presentation of the core topic of the
program should consult with the Program Chair regarding a "Service Leader". If
the presenter has no suggestions, the Chair will appoint a Service Leader. The
role of the service leader is to lead the morning service and be time keeper for
the morning.
4. The Sunday Program should be complete and ready for printing on the Friday
before the service. The Program Chair and the President, in consultation with
the presenter, will insure that the printed programs are ready and delivered to
the service.
Modifications and new ideas for the Sunday service are welcome.
October 31, 2012
What it takes to make a Sunday service
Introduction: A Sunday service is the product of the history of our
Fellowship and those of other congregations with which we have experience. We
are a lay lead Fellowship and a number of members are involved in the finished
product of a Sunday service. It is important to recognize that a number of tasks
need to be performed and that several persons are involved. Attention to time
lines is helpful to those responsible.The presenter’s primary responsibility is
to make the presentation on the topic of the day. However, if possible, other
items on the Sunday program might be related to and expansive of the program
topic.
For new participants who may be interested and willing to make a presentation
or to invite and arrange for a guest speaker, the steps include the following:
1. A date and topic is agreed upon with the Chair of the Program Committee.
The calendar of topics is reviewed on a quarterly basis at Fellowship Council
Meetings. Members are invited to suggest possible programs as they come to mind.
2. One week before the date of presentation, the following items, drawn from
a model Sunday service program (available upon request or from a recent service program), need to be presented to the Program Chair and
the President of the Fellowship by email if possible.
Typical Items in Program
a. The title of the presentation and a one line description, which will be
used in an email announcement and on the web page which are mailed early in the
week before the service
b. One or two readings to be included in the service program distributed at
the service. Readings from the hymnal are one possibility. Therefore, at the
service preceding the date of delivery, one might take a hymnal home to consider
possible readings and hymns.
c. Suggested music, hymns and/or prayer and meditations
3. The person responsible for the presentation of the core topic of the
program should consult with the Program Chair regarding a "Service Leader". If
the presenter has no suggestions, the Chair will appoint a Service Leader. The
role of the service leader is to lead the morning service and be time keeper for
the morning.
4. The Sunday Program should be complete and ready for printing on the Friday
before the service. The Program Chair and the President, in consultation with
the presenter, will insure that the printed programs are ready and delivered to
the service.
Modifications and new ideas for the Sunday service are welcome.
October 31, 2012
Fellowship By-laws
Bylaws of the Yadkin Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Of Wilkes County, N. Carolina
Adopted August 3, 2008
Article I. Name
The name of this Fellowship shall be the Yadkin Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Article II. Purpose
The Purpose of this Church is to create a free religious community that inspires spiritual growth, honors religious freedom and embraces diversity, with members who minister with love to each other and to the larger community.
Article III. Covenant
The members covenant to:
Be guided by the spirit of love and the wisdom of the ages
To celebrate the mystery and diversity of life
To nurture each other in the quest for hope
To inspire our hearts to hope and our hands to serve
Article IV. Denominational Affiliation
This congregation shall work towards becoming a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of the Thomas Jefferson District. It is the intention of this congregation to make annual financial contributions equal to its full Fair Share as determined by the Association and the TJ District.
Article V. Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
5.1.1Membership is open to all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and /or disability.
5.1.2Any person who has attained the age of sixteen (16), and who agrees with the purpose stated in Article II, may become a member of this Fellowship by signing the Membership Book and committing to participate in the affairs of the Fellowship, contributing services and /or contributing funds.
5.1.3Any person who has attained the age of fourteen (14) through fifteen (15) and who agrees with the purpose stated in Article II may become a youth member of the Fellowship by signing the Membership book and committing to participate in the affairs of the Fellowship, contributing services and /or contributing funds.
Section 2: Voting members of the Congregation
5.2.1 The congregation is comprised of members, youth members, and friends. Voting
members are persons who have signed the Membership Book at lease thirty (30)
days prior to the congregational meeting and supported the Fellowship within the twelve (12) months preceding the congregational meeting in question.
5.2.2 Voting youth members are persons between the ages fourteen (14) and fifteen
(15) inclusive, and who have signed the Membership Book at least thirty (30) days
prior to the congregational meeting and supported the Fellowship within the
twelve (12) months immediately preceding the congregational meeting in
question. Youth members are not counted for the purposes of Fair Share.
5.2.3 Only voting members and voting youth members are counted when determining a
quorum at congregational meetings.
5.2.4. Absent members cannot vote by proxy. Absentee ballots shall be permitted for all
elections and resolutions that are submitted as written ballot questions at least 15
days prior to a meeting at which a vote is taken on the ballot question. Absentee
ballots shall be filed in accordance with requirements established by the Council
of Trustees.
5.2.5 Friends of the Fellowship who are not members are welcome at all meetings and
will be given the courtesy of the floor. They are not allowed to vote.
Section 3: Cessation of Membership
A member is removed from membership when any of the following occur:
5.3.1A member makes a written or oral request to withdraw.
5.3.2A member has died.
5.3.3A member has been recommended for removal by the governing Council or membership committee because the member has permanently moved away.
5.3.4A member has not been heard from for one year and cannot be found.
5.3.5A member has not attended any services or meetings in more than one year.
5.3.6A member has not contributed anything to the fellowship for at least one year.
5.3.7A member has violated the Fellowship's covenant and has been asked to leave based on a two-thirds majority vote of the Council.
A person removed from membership may be reactivated when all of the following
occur:
a. A previously removed member notifies the Council of Trustees of
his/her intent to resume membership.
b. A previously removed member attends a service.
c. A previously removed member resumes supporting the Fellowship as
outlined in Section 1.
A person who has reactivated membership may become a voting member 30 days
after satisfying all requirements for reactivation as described in Section 3(8).
Section 4: Membership Records
5.4.1 The Council of Trustees shall obtain an official count of all voting members prior
to each regular and special congregational meeting. The Council Secretary shall.
report the official count at the beginning of each congregational meeting.
5.4.2The Council of Trustees will resolve a membership dispute by majority vote.
Article VI. Congregational Meetings
6.1 In these bylaws "Congregational Meeting" shall refer to the Annual Business or any
special meetings of the Fellowship membership.
6.2The Annual Meeting of the Congregation shall be held between January 1 and
January 31, inclusive, at a time and place designated by the Governing Council.
The purpose of the annual meeting shall be to elect officers and Council members,
adopt the budget for the following fiscal calendar year and to hear reports and
conduct any other business.
6.3 The business to be transacted at all meetings shall be set forth in the notice of the
meeting, which may be sent by email, post, or telephone fifteen (15) days prior to
the meeting.
6.4 A quorum of the Congregation for the purposes of voting on regular business shall
be constituted of fifty (50%) percent of membership present and voting. In the case
of major business, such as the purchase or sale of property, the calling or dismissal
of a minister, two-thirds (66%) of the active membership shall constitute a quorum.
Absentee ballots shall be on such form as may be stipulated by the Governing by
Council and shall be processed for consideration in such a manner as may be a
prescribed the Council. If the Council decided absentee ballots are not to be
allowed for given meeting, such decision must be included in the notice of the
meeting.
Article VII. Officers and Governing Council
7.1The Governing Council shall administer and manage the business of the
Fellowship. The Council shall meet (4) times per year. The Council shall consist
of the officers and three (3) members at large. The Officers of the Fellowship shall
be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. These officers must
be voting members of the Fellowship and shall be elected by a majority vote of
voting members present at the Annual Business Meeting of the Fellowship.
7.2The term for each Council member and officer is two (2) years. The terms shall be
staggered with the President and Secretary selected in one year and the Vice
President and Treasurer shall not serve more than two consecutive terms in the shall
same office, excluding terms served before the adoption of these by-laws. Other
officers not serve for more than three consecutive terms.
7.3The President shall preside over, and may vote at Congregational Meetings and
meetings of the Governing Council. In the absence of the President and Vice-
President, the President shall designate another Governing Council
member preside.
7.4The President, together with the Treasurer, shall sign all leases, deeds, contracts,
promissory notes, as authorized by the Fellowship Membership or Executive
Council.
7.5The President shall be responsible, subject to the Governing Council, for giving
overall leadership in conducting the Fellowship's affairs by providing appropriate
guidance and consultation to other officers and committees.
7.6The President will be an ex-officio member of all task forces and committees and
shall oversee the implementation of long range planning and Task Force activities.
7.7The President shall submit to the congregation for its review and approval at the
Annual Meeting a proposed statement of the Fellowship's goals and an action plan
for achieving those goals. At the Annual Business Meeting the President shall
submit a report of the progress the Fellowship has made to implement the goals and
the action plan approved at the preceding Annual Meeting.
7.8The Vice-President shall, in the event of the temporary absence or disability of the
President, perform all the duties of that office. The Vice -President shall perform
such other duties as the President and the Governing Council may designate.
7.9The Secretary shall keep minutes of Congregational Meetings and Governing
Council meetings, and shall issue the notice of such meetings fifteen (15) days prior
to the meeting. The Secretary shall maintain a register of members, with the dates
of their admission, and maintain all Fellowship records other than those handled by
the Treasurer. The Secretary, in cooperation with the Governing Council, shall
determine when modifications should be made to the membership records.
7.10The Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due the Fellowship. The
Treasurer shall have custody of all church funds which shall be deposited or
invested in the name of the Fellowship in such manner as directed by the
Governing Council, and shall keep separate accounts of the Operating Fund and
all other funds of the Fellowship. The Treasurer shall sign checks and financial
papers and pay all bills that are within the budget and have been authorized by the
Governing Council. An up-to-date written financial statement will be presented at
all meetings. The Fellowship's accounts shall be available for inspection at any
reasonable time by members of the Governing Council.
7.11The Governing Council shall set up grievance procedures for handling complaints
by members against leaders or employees of the Church.
7.12Any member of the Governing Council who shall be absent from three (3)
consecutive meetings, shall, unless the Council votes otherwise, and after written
notification, be considered as having resigned from the Governing Council.
Article VIII. The Minister
At such time as the congregation calls a Minister, the Governing Council will meet to
decide on the responsibilities and administration of a Minister and add them to these by-
laws.
Article IX. Task Forces
9.1The Governing Council shall establish task forces as needed to assist in the duties of
the Church, and shall outline and keep current their mandates, powers, and
responsibilities. All task forces shall be accountable to the Governing Council.
9.2Task Forces are not necessarily ongoing, and can include but are not limited to the
following: Facilities, Visitors, Member Care, Fundraising, Long Range Planning.
Article X: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Fellowship shall be from Jan. 1 through the following December
31st.
Article XI. Congregational Policy
11.1 Neither any individual nor any organization affiliated with the Church may take an
official stand on behalf of, or in the name of, the Church on social or political
questions without prior approval given at a meeting of the Congregation.
11.2It shall be the financial policy of the of the Congregation to:
a.Raise sufficient funds in each fiscal year to meet the total operating expenses
for that year, including amortization of any debt previously incurred.
b.Determine at Congregational meetings whether to acquire or dispose of real
property, lease property for the use of the Church, or to incur indebtedness
outside of the annual budget.
c.Maintain a contingency fund in an amount to be determined by the Board to
meet irregular expenses.
d.Review annually the status and appropriate use of Special Funds of the
Church.
Article XII. Property
No lands or buildings shall be purchased, sold or mortgaged, and no buildings shall be
erected or extended by or for the congregation without the consent of at least two-thirds
of the voting members present at a Congregational Meeting expressly called for such a
purpose.
Article XIII. Dissolution
In the case of dissolution of the congregation, all of its property, real and personal, after
paying all just claim upon it, shall be conveyed to and vested in the Unitarian Universalist
Association or its legal successor, or to any Unitarian Universalist related organization,
and the Governing Council of the congregation shall perform all actions necessary to
effectuate such conveyance.
Article XIV. Amendments
These bylaws, so far as allowed by law, may be amended or replaced at any meeting of
the congregation by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. Notice of any
proposed change shall be contained in the notice of the meeting.
Of Wilkes County, N. Carolina
Adopted August 3, 2008
Article I. Name
The name of this Fellowship shall be the Yadkin Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Article II. Purpose
The Purpose of this Church is to create a free religious community that inspires spiritual growth, honors religious freedom and embraces diversity, with members who minister with love to each other and to the larger community.
Article III. Covenant
The members covenant to:
Be guided by the spirit of love and the wisdom of the ages
To celebrate the mystery and diversity of life
To nurture each other in the quest for hope
To inspire our hearts to hope and our hands to serve
Article IV. Denominational Affiliation
This congregation shall work towards becoming a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of the Thomas Jefferson District. It is the intention of this congregation to make annual financial contributions equal to its full Fair Share as determined by the Association and the TJ District.
Article V. Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
5.1.1Membership is open to all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and /or disability.
5.1.2Any person who has attained the age of sixteen (16), and who agrees with the purpose stated in Article II, may become a member of this Fellowship by signing the Membership Book and committing to participate in the affairs of the Fellowship, contributing services and /or contributing funds.
5.1.3Any person who has attained the age of fourteen (14) through fifteen (15) and who agrees with the purpose stated in Article II may become a youth member of the Fellowship by signing the Membership book and committing to participate in the affairs of the Fellowship, contributing services and /or contributing funds.
Section 2: Voting members of the Congregation
5.2.1 The congregation is comprised of members, youth members, and friends. Voting
members are persons who have signed the Membership Book at lease thirty (30)
days prior to the congregational meeting and supported the Fellowship within the twelve (12) months preceding the congregational meeting in question.
5.2.2 Voting youth members are persons between the ages fourteen (14) and fifteen
(15) inclusive, and who have signed the Membership Book at least thirty (30) days
prior to the congregational meeting and supported the Fellowship within the
twelve (12) months immediately preceding the congregational meeting in
question. Youth members are not counted for the purposes of Fair Share.
5.2.3 Only voting members and voting youth members are counted when determining a
quorum at congregational meetings.
5.2.4. Absent members cannot vote by proxy. Absentee ballots shall be permitted for all
elections and resolutions that are submitted as written ballot questions at least 15
days prior to a meeting at which a vote is taken on the ballot question. Absentee
ballots shall be filed in accordance with requirements established by the Council
of Trustees.
5.2.5 Friends of the Fellowship who are not members are welcome at all meetings and
will be given the courtesy of the floor. They are not allowed to vote.
Section 3: Cessation of Membership
A member is removed from membership when any of the following occur:
5.3.1A member makes a written or oral request to withdraw.
5.3.2A member has died.
5.3.3A member has been recommended for removal by the governing Council or membership committee because the member has permanently moved away.
5.3.4A member has not been heard from for one year and cannot be found.
5.3.5A member has not attended any services or meetings in more than one year.
5.3.6A member has not contributed anything to the fellowship for at least one year.
5.3.7A member has violated the Fellowship's covenant and has been asked to leave based on a two-thirds majority vote of the Council.
A person removed from membership may be reactivated when all of the following
occur:
a. A previously removed member notifies the Council of Trustees of
his/her intent to resume membership.
b. A previously removed member attends a service.
c. A previously removed member resumes supporting the Fellowship as
outlined in Section 1.
A person who has reactivated membership may become a voting member 30 days
after satisfying all requirements for reactivation as described in Section 3(8).
Section 4: Membership Records
5.4.1 The Council of Trustees shall obtain an official count of all voting members prior
to each regular and special congregational meeting. The Council Secretary shall.
report the official count at the beginning of each congregational meeting.
5.4.2The Council of Trustees will resolve a membership dispute by majority vote.
Article VI. Congregational Meetings
6.1 In these bylaws "Congregational Meeting" shall refer to the Annual Business or any
special meetings of the Fellowship membership.
6.2The Annual Meeting of the Congregation shall be held between January 1 and
January 31, inclusive, at a time and place designated by the Governing Council.
The purpose of the annual meeting shall be to elect officers and Council members,
adopt the budget for the following fiscal calendar year and to hear reports and
conduct any other business.
6.3 The business to be transacted at all meetings shall be set forth in the notice of the
meeting, which may be sent by email, post, or telephone fifteen (15) days prior to
the meeting.
6.4 A quorum of the Congregation for the purposes of voting on regular business shall
be constituted of fifty (50%) percent of membership present and voting. In the case
of major business, such as the purchase or sale of property, the calling or dismissal
of a minister, two-thirds (66%) of the active membership shall constitute a quorum.
Absentee ballots shall be on such form as may be stipulated by the Governing by
Council and shall be processed for consideration in such a manner as may be a
prescribed the Council. If the Council decided absentee ballots are not to be
allowed for given meeting, such decision must be included in the notice of the
meeting.
Article VII. Officers and Governing Council
7.1The Governing Council shall administer and manage the business of the
Fellowship. The Council shall meet (4) times per year. The Council shall consist
of the officers and three (3) members at large. The Officers of the Fellowship shall
be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. These officers must
be voting members of the Fellowship and shall be elected by a majority vote of
voting members present at the Annual Business Meeting of the Fellowship.
7.2The term for each Council member and officer is two (2) years. The terms shall be
staggered with the President and Secretary selected in one year and the Vice
President and Treasurer shall not serve more than two consecutive terms in the shall
same office, excluding terms served before the adoption of these by-laws. Other
officers not serve for more than three consecutive terms.
7.3The President shall preside over, and may vote at Congregational Meetings and
meetings of the Governing Council. In the absence of the President and Vice-
President, the President shall designate another Governing Council
member preside.
7.4The President, together with the Treasurer, shall sign all leases, deeds, contracts,
promissory notes, as authorized by the Fellowship Membership or Executive
Council.
7.5The President shall be responsible, subject to the Governing Council, for giving
overall leadership in conducting the Fellowship's affairs by providing appropriate
guidance and consultation to other officers and committees.
7.6The President will be an ex-officio member of all task forces and committees and
shall oversee the implementation of long range planning and Task Force activities.
7.7The President shall submit to the congregation for its review and approval at the
Annual Meeting a proposed statement of the Fellowship's goals and an action plan
for achieving those goals. At the Annual Business Meeting the President shall
submit a report of the progress the Fellowship has made to implement the goals and
the action plan approved at the preceding Annual Meeting.
7.8The Vice-President shall, in the event of the temporary absence or disability of the
President, perform all the duties of that office. The Vice -President shall perform
such other duties as the President and the Governing Council may designate.
7.9The Secretary shall keep minutes of Congregational Meetings and Governing
Council meetings, and shall issue the notice of such meetings fifteen (15) days prior
to the meeting. The Secretary shall maintain a register of members, with the dates
of their admission, and maintain all Fellowship records other than those handled by
the Treasurer. The Secretary, in cooperation with the Governing Council, shall
determine when modifications should be made to the membership records.
7.10The Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due the Fellowship. The
Treasurer shall have custody of all church funds which shall be deposited or
invested in the name of the Fellowship in such manner as directed by the
Governing Council, and shall keep separate accounts of the Operating Fund and
all other funds of the Fellowship. The Treasurer shall sign checks and financial
papers and pay all bills that are within the budget and have been authorized by the
Governing Council. An up-to-date written financial statement will be presented at
all meetings. The Fellowship's accounts shall be available for inspection at any
reasonable time by members of the Governing Council.
7.11The Governing Council shall set up grievance procedures for handling complaints
by members against leaders or employees of the Church.
7.12Any member of the Governing Council who shall be absent from three (3)
consecutive meetings, shall, unless the Council votes otherwise, and after written
notification, be considered as having resigned from the Governing Council.
Article VIII. The Minister
At such time as the congregation calls a Minister, the Governing Council will meet to
decide on the responsibilities and administration of a Minister and add them to these by-
laws.
Article IX. Task Forces
9.1The Governing Council shall establish task forces as needed to assist in the duties of
the Church, and shall outline and keep current their mandates, powers, and
responsibilities. All task forces shall be accountable to the Governing Council.
9.2Task Forces are not necessarily ongoing, and can include but are not limited to the
following: Facilities, Visitors, Member Care, Fundraising, Long Range Planning.
Article X: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Fellowship shall be from Jan. 1 through the following December
31st.
Article XI. Congregational Policy
11.1 Neither any individual nor any organization affiliated with the Church may take an
official stand on behalf of, or in the name of, the Church on social or political
questions without prior approval given at a meeting of the Congregation.
11.2It shall be the financial policy of the of the Congregation to:
a.Raise sufficient funds in each fiscal year to meet the total operating expenses
for that year, including amortization of any debt previously incurred.
b.Determine at Congregational meetings whether to acquire or dispose of real
property, lease property for the use of the Church, or to incur indebtedness
outside of the annual budget.
c.Maintain a contingency fund in an amount to be determined by the Board to
meet irregular expenses.
d.Review annually the status and appropriate use of Special Funds of the
Church.
Article XII. Property
No lands or buildings shall be purchased, sold or mortgaged, and no buildings shall be
erected or extended by or for the congregation without the consent of at least two-thirds
of the voting members present at a Congregational Meeting expressly called for such a
purpose.
Article XIII. Dissolution
In the case of dissolution of the congregation, all of its property, real and personal, after
paying all just claim upon it, shall be conveyed to and vested in the Unitarian Universalist
Association or its legal successor, or to any Unitarian Universalist related organization,
and the Governing Council of the congregation shall perform all actions necessary to
effectuate such conveyance.
Article XIV. Amendments
These bylaws, so far as allowed by law, may be amended or replaced at any meeting of
the congregation by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. Notice of any
proposed change shall be contained in the notice of the meeting.