Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
This corporation shall be called the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.
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Acknowledging Jesus Christ to be our Saviour and Lord, and recognizing the
privilege and duty of uniting ourselves for the public worship of God, for
Christian fellowship, and for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom in the world,
we do now, in the sight of God and invoking His blessing, solemnly covenant
and agree with each other to associate ourselves to be a church of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
We agree to maintain the institutions of the Gospel, to submit ourselves to
the orderly administration of the affairs of the church, and to walk together
in Christian love.
This we do depending upon the aid of our Heavenly Father, Who so loved the
world that He gave His only begotten Son for our salvation, and of Jesus Christ
our Redeemer, and of the Holy Spirit our Comforter and Guide.
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Article III - Principles
1. Ecclesiastical
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose
it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, yet it recognizes
and will sustain relations of mutual counsel and cooperation with other member
churches of the United Church of Christ, using the Constitution of
the United Church of Christ as a procedural guide only insofar that it
is not incompatible with the word and spirit of this constitution. This church
desires to live in a friendly fellowship with all other Christian churches.
2. Doctrinal
The understanding of Christian truth of this church, as embodied in our covenant
and Statement of Faith, is in essential accord with the belief of the generally
accepted Protestant doctrines and practices of the United Church of Christ.
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1. On Confession of Faith
Persons desiring to unite with this church on confession of faith shall
be examined by the Diaconate. When recommended by the Diaconate and affirmed
by the church, candidates shall be admitted by baptism (when necessary), by
giving public assent to the Confession of Faith and covenant of this church,
and by subscribing to this constitution.
2. By Letter
Members of other Christian churches, desiring to unite with this church,
shall present letters of dismission and recommendation to the Diaconate. When
recommended by the Diaconate and affirmed by the church, candidates shall
be admitted by giving public assent to the Confession of Faith and covenant
of this church, and by subscribing to this constitution.
3. Reaffirmation of Faith
If no letter of transfer is available, persons having been baptized may unite
with the membership of this church by Reaffirmation of Faith. When recommended
by the Diaconate and affirmed by the church, candidates shall be admitted
by giving public assent to the Confession of Faith and covenant of this church,
and by subscribing to this constitution.
4. Reception
The Pastorate and the Diaconate shall prepare candidates for membership.
The names of candidates shall be read from the pulpit, if possible, one week
prior to their being presented for congregational affirmation. The reception
of members ordinarily shall be upon some Lord's day when the Lord's Supper
is administered.
5. Duties
Members are expected, above all, to be faithful in all the spiritual duties essential to the Christian life, and also to attend habitually the regular and special worship services of this church, to give regularly for its support and its missions, and to share in its organized work.
6. Memberships and Rights
(1) Communing Members. Communing members who are in full and regular standing,
and do not hold letters of dismission and recommendation, and have attained
to the age of eighteen years or have been Confirmed into the membership of
this church, may act and vote in the transactions of the church.
(2) Associate Members. Any persons, who wish to affiliate with this church,
while maintaining their primary membership in another Christian church, may
become associate members on confession of faith, by letter of recommendation,
or by reaffirmation of faith as described in sections one, two or three of
this article. Associate Members share all the duties and responsibilities
of communing members and may hold any office for which they are otherwise
qualified.
7. Membership Termination
Membership may be terminated as follows:
(1) Letters of dismission and recommendation to another church shall be given
by vote of the Diaconate, to members in good standing who desire them. Membership
with this church shall continue until notice has been received of the admission
of such persons to the church to which they were dismissed. Letters of dismission
shall be valid for one year from their date.
(2) If a member desires to join a religious body with which this church is
not in fellowship, or which will not receive this church's letter, the Diaconate
may, at the member's request, grant a certificate of good standing and terminate
his or her membership in this church.
(3) If a member in good standing requests to be released from his or her covenant
obligations to this church for reasons which the Diaconate may deem satisfactory,
such request may be granted, and his or her membership terminated.
(4) A member or associate member whose address has been unknown or who for
a period of two (2) years has not participated in the work and worship of
this church (via time, talent or treasures) may, by recommendation of both
the pastor and the Diaconate, be removed from the active membership roll and
placed on the inactive list and will cease to be reported to the U.C.C. Conference.
The member will receive a letter from the church prior to this decision allowing
them to respond. This does not apply to any member who is ill or otherwise
restricted and who still maintains a desire to share in the life of this church.
Inactive members will be returned to active membership upon their active participation
in the life of the church.
If a member placed on the inactive roll remains inactive for another year,
that person may be removed from all membership rolls by recommendation of
both the pastor and the Diaconate. The member will receive a letter from the
church prior to this decision allowing them to respond. A person who has been
removed from the membership rolls may be reinstated by reaffirmation of faith.
(5) If a member persistently breaches his or her vows, upon recommendation
of the Diaconate, after the member has been given due notice, the member has
been offered a hearing before the Church Council, and faithful efforts have
been made to bring the member to amendment in accordance with the law of Christ,
the church may censure the member, or suspend or terminate his or her membership.
(6) Restoration. Any person whose membership has been terminated may be restored
upon recommendation of the Diaconate and affirmation of the church, upon evidence
of his or her repentance and reformation, or, if on account of his or her
continued absence, upon satisfactory explanation.
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Article V - Officers, Boards and Committees
1. Pastorate
(1) Calling. Members of the pastorate shall be chosen and called by vote of
the church. Candidates for calling shall be proposed to the church by a Search
Committee to be formed at the time any vacancy occurs in the Pastorate. The
Search Committee shall consist of 10 communing or associate members of the
church, nominated by the Church Council and elected by vote of the church
in a duly called church meeting. Persons called to be full time members of
the Pastorate shall become communing members of the church within one year
of their calling.
(2) Duties. Members of the Pastorate shall have in their charge the spiritual
welfare of the congregation; they shall preach the Word and have in their
care the stated services of public worship, and they shall administer the
sacraments. Members of the Pastorate shall be ex officio, non-voting members
of all boards and committees of the church.
2. Diaconate
(1) Composition. The Diaconate shall consist of four deacons, one of whom
shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve four years, and four deaconesses,
one of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve for four years.
They shall be communing members of this church. No person shall be eligible
for reelection as a deacon or deaconess after serving a full term as such
until after an interval of one year.
The Permanent Diaconate shall be composed of all former deacons and deaconesses
of this church who remain communing members of the church.
(2) Duties. The members of the Diaconate shall assist the Pastorate in helping
the church envision and achieve its spiritual potential. They shall lead the
congregation to a deeper understanding of the nature and mission of the church
and lead a lay ministry to the people of the church. They shall assist the
Pastorate in leading worship and in administering sacraments. They shall ensure
that the sanctuary and its furnishings are properly maintained and determine
what shall be its appropriate uses. They shall enlist, train and recommend
individuals for membership, ensuring that they are familiar with and embrace
the covenant and principles of this church.
The Diaconate shall accept donations to a Diaconate Fund, disbursements from
which shall be in support of the missions of the church as the Diaconate determines
appropriate.
The Diaconate may enlist the assistance of members of the Permanent Diaconate
in performing any or all of its duties.
3. Clerk
(1) The clerk, who shall be a communing member of this church, shall be chosen
at each anual meeting to serve for one year or until another shall be chosen
in his or her stead.
(2) Duties. The clerk shall keep a complete record of the transactions of
all business meetings of the church. The clerk shall secure the signatures
of members to the constitution and keep a register of their names with dates
of admission and dismission or death, together with a record of baptisms.
The clerk shall also notify all officers, members of committees, and delegates
of their election or appointment. The clerk shall issue letters of dismission
and recommendation voted by the Diaconate, preserve on file all communications
and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where
such notice is necessary, as indicated by this constitution.
4. Treasurer
(1) The treasurer, who shall be a communing member of this church, shall be
chosen at each annual meeting to serve for one year or until another shall
be chosen in his or her stead.
(2) Duties. The treasurer shall collect and receive all monies belonging to
the church and shall keep an accurate account of all monies received and disbursed.
The treasurer shall keep in custody all deeds, papers and documents relative
to the property of the church. The treasurer shall pay out monies only on
order of the trustees or some one of their number by them duly authorized.
All deposits made and all checks drawn shall be in the name of the church.
The treasurer shall make an annual written report of receipts and expenditures,
and of the composition and status of the trust funds in his or her custody,
properly audited, to the church at its annual meeting. The treasurer shall
also give bond to the church in such sum and with such sureties as the trustees
may from time to time direct.
5. Auditor
(1) The auditor shall be chosen at each annual meeting to serve for one year
or until another shall be chosen in his or her stead.
(2) Duties. The auditor shall audit the accounts of the treasurer annually
and shall make report at the annual meeting of the church.
6. Moderator and Vice-Moderator
(1) A moderator and a vice-moderator shall be elected for two years by vote
of the congregation at annual meetings occurring in even-numbered years. Persons
serving in these positions shall be communing members of this church. No person
shall be eligible for reelection as moderator or vice-moderator after serving
a full term as such until after an interval of one year.
(2) Duties. The moderator shall preside at the annual meeting and all special
meetings of the church. The moderator shall serve as the chairman of the church
council and preside at church council meetings. The vice moderator shall assume
the moderator's duties during any absences of the moderator and may be elected
to succeed the moderator.
7. Board of Trustees
(1) Composition. The Board of Trustees shall be comprised of three communing
members of the church. One trustee shall be elected at each annual meeting
to serve for three years.
No person shall be eligible for reelection to this committee after serving
two (2) full terms until after an interval of one year.
(2) Duties. The trustees shall have the actual care of the property of the
church. They shall have general charge of its finances; shall authorize the
treasurer as to the payment of monies; and may, at their discretion, call
meetings of the church for matters with which they are concerned. They shall
submit a summary of their transactions of the preceding year and a budget
of planned expenditures for the following year to each annual meeting. The
trustees shall also hold in trust any property so required to be held by the
laws of the State, and shall execute all contracts authorized by the church,
whether under seal or not. They may appoint a superintendent of buildings
and grounds to assist them in maintaining the church's real estate.
The trustees may grant permission to use church facilities, with the exception
of the sanctuary, to non-affiliated groups or individuals for non-recurring
events. They may set conditions and a fee for such use as they deem appropriate.
8. Stewardship Committee
(1) Composition. The Stewardship Committee shall consist of six persons, each
to serve for three years, two of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting.
No person shall be eligible for reelection to this committee after serving
two (2) full terms until after an interval of one year.
(2) Duties. The Stewardship Committee shall enlist the individual members
and friends of the church to give of their time, their talent, and their finances
to support the programs and budget of the church as determined by the several
officers, boards and committees and approved by the church. It may select
such workers as it deems necessary to aid in the task of educating the congregation
in the principles of Christian stewardship and enlisting the congregation
in the active support of the program and budget.
The Stewardship Committee shall determine who will be the recipients of any
scholarships given by the church.
The Stewardship Committee shall maintain a database of information about
all parishioners regardless of their membership status. This database shall
include information about their interests, talents, previous church service
and other data necessary and appropriate to the ministry and mission of the
church. Selected data from this database may be made available to the pastorate,
the nominating committee and church officers as necessary to assist them in
fulfilling their respective duties.
9. Board of Christian Education
(1) Composition. The Board of Christian Education shall consist of six communing
or associate members, each to serve for the term of three years, two of whom
shall be elected at each annual meeting. The church school superintendent
shall be an ex officio, voting member of this board.
No person shall be eligible for reelection to this committee after serving
two (2) full terms until after an interval of one (1) year.
(2) Duties. The Board of Christian Education shall have supervision and direction
of the educational work of the church. It shall have charge of the church
school with full power to appoint and remove teachers, fill other positions
not otherwise provided for, inaugurate and maintain other Christian education
activities and is authorized to appoint a superintendent of the church school
who shall be a communing or associate member of this church.
The board shall have supervision of the church library and is authorized to
appoint a librarian and assistant librarian.
The board shall co-operate in the educational aspects of social service and
missions. It shall determine the appropriation of funds contributed by the
church school with the advice of the school and subject to direction of the
Church Council.
10. Church Council
(1) Composition. The Church Council shall consist of the members of the Pastorate,
the clerk, the treasurer, the moderator and vice-moderator, the chairmen of
the several boards and committees, the heads of auxiliary organizations, the
senior members of the Diaconate, and two members at large.
An at large member shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve a two
year term. No person shall be eligible for reelection as an at large member,
after serving one full term, until they have been off the council for at least
one full year.
(2) Duties. The Church Council shall visualize the entire task of the church,
advise the Pastorate on the general direction of the church's activities,
and to co-operate in the formulation of a well-rounded program. It shall facilitate
ongoing communications between the various boards, committees and affiliated
organizations of the church. It shall resolve any conflicting requests for
use of the church's facilities that may arise between those groups.
The council shall submit to the annual meeting a comprehensive program involving
the chief objectives of the church for the coming year. All officers, boards,
committees, and auxiliary organizations shall present their plans and programs
to the Church Council for their information.
The Church Council may approve requests for on-going use of church facilities
from non-affiliated organizations or groups. Any use of the sanctuary must
be recommended by the Diaconate. All usage of church facilities by non-affiliated
organizations or groups shall be subject to any conditions and fees the Trustees
may deem appropriate.
The Church Council shall meet monthly with seven members consituting a quorum.
Special meetings of the council may be called by the moderator.
The at large members shall seek out the concerns of church members and parishioners
in general so as to represent their interests on the council. They shall assist
the moderator and vice-moderator in the preparation and presentation of the
comprehensive program of church objectives to the annual meeting.
11. Steeple Chimes Editorial Board
(1) Composition. The Steeple Chimes Editorial Board shall consist of three
persons, each to serve three year terms, one of whom shall be elected each
year at the annual meeting. No person shall be eligible for reelection to
this board, after serving two full terms, until they have been off this board
for at least one full year.
A Steeple Chimes Editor shall be appointed each year by the elected members
of the board at the first regular meeting of the board following the annual
meeting of the church. The editor shall serve as a fourth member of the Editorial
Board.
(2) Duties. The Steeple Chimes editorial board publishes the church's newsletter.
It shall define the purposes for which it is published, establish editorial
policy, and ensure that the newsletter complements and supports the programs
of the church. It shall supervise and facilitate the work of the Steeple Chimes
Editor who shall have direct responsibility for coordinating the production
and distribution of the newsletter. The board shall recruit and utilize, to
the maximum extent possible, volunteers in the process of preparing, producing
and distributing Steeple Chimes. The board shall, in cooperation with the
trustees, prepare and submit a financial report and budget to the annual meeting
of the church.
12. Music Committee
(1) Composition. The Music Committee shall be made up of three persons elected
to three year terms, one of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting of
the church. No person shall be eligible for reelection to this committee,
after serving two full terms, until they have been off this committee for
at least one full year.
The Minister of Music (if any), Organist, and Choir Director (if any) shall
be ex officio members of this committee. They shall be voting members of the
committee provided they are members of the church, otherwise they shall serve
in an advisory, non-voting capacity only.
(2) Duties. The Music Committee shall support and enrich the spiritual life
of the church with music in its many forms and idioms. It shall ensure that
music is a regular part of the worship and life of the church.
It shall provide for musical bouquets, establishing such guidelines and procedures
as are necessary to ensure that donations are recognized and utilized appropriately
to complement its musical program.
The committee shall encourage the development and utilization of the musical
gifts of all members of the church family.
(13) Committee of Delegates
(1) Composition. The Committee of Delegates shall be made up of communing
or associate members of the church, equal in number to twice the number of
delegates allowed to represent the church at the annual meeting of the Maine
Conference of the United Church of Christ. Adult members will serve three
year terms with approximately one-third of the members elected at each annual
meeting. Youth members are to serve two year terms with aproximately half
elected at each annual meeting. No person shall be eligible for reelection
to this committee, after serving one full term, until they have been off this
board for at least one full year. Members of the Pastorate are ex officio
members of this committee with the same privileges and responsibilities of
elected members.
(2) Duties. The Committee of Delegates shall send the requisite number of
representatives to all Association and Conference meetings at which the church
is to be represented. The Committee of Delegates will keep the church informed
of Association and Conference activities and solicit its counsel regarding
issues to be considered at forthcoming meetings.
14. Mission Committee
(1) Composition. The Mission Committee shall be made up of six persons, at
least of whom shall be communing or associate members, each serving a three
year term of office. Two members shall be elected at each annual meeting of
the church. No person shall be eligible for reelection to this committee,
after serving two full terms, until they have been off this committee for
at least one full year.
(2) Duties. The Mission Committee shall promote a program of information and
interpretation with regard to the mission outreach of this church, our denomination
and specific designations of special offerings. It shall be mindful of new
opportunities available to the church for reaching out in the name of Jesus
Christ on the local, homeland, and world-wide levels, and shall encourage
the active support and participation of the church in the overall mission
program.
15. Pastoral Relations Committee
(1) Composition. The Pastoral Relations Committee shall be made up of three
communing or associate members elected to three year terms, one of whom shall
be elected at each annual meeting of the church. No person shall be eligible
for reelection to this committee after serving two full terms, until they
have been off this committee for at least one full year.
(2) Duties. The Pastoral Relations Committee is responsible for maintaining
a productive and mutually supportive relationship between members of the Pastorate
and the church family. They are to help all share ideas, hopes, dreams, and
interpretations of mission, so that the buoyant life of the church goes forward
harmoniously.
The Pastoral Relations Committee shall ensure that the church family is made
aware of anniversaries of significance to members of the Pastorate so that
they may be recognized and celebrated.
16. Nominating Committee
(1) Composition. The nominating Committee shall be made up of three communing
or associate members elected to three year terms, one of whom shall be elected
at each annual meeting of the church. No person shall be eligible for reelection
to this committee after serving two full terms, until they have been off this
committee for at least one full year.
(2) Duties. The Nominating Committee shall present to the annual meeting of
the church a slate of nominees willing to serve in the various positions called
for by this constitution or specified by the Church Council. Its members shall
ensure that nominees represent the breadth of talents and interests in the
church family, will faithfully execute the duties of their positions, and
will further the best interests of the church as a whole.
The Nominating Committee shall nominate persons to fill any vacancies that
may arise between annual meetings, as well as any positions that may be created
by the Church Council.
17. Other Committees
The Church Council may form other committees and designate other offices as
it deems appropriate. This shall include, but not be limited to, coffee fellowship
coordinators, head usher and assistant head usher.
The Church Council shall be responsible for filling any such committees and
offices. They may do so by direct appointment or by requiring a simple majority
vote of church members, as they deem appropriate. The Nominating Committee
shall propose nominees for all committees and offices created by the Council.
The church regards as integral parts of itself all organizations
formed for the purposes of ministration and which use the facilities of the
church property. The Church Council shall have a general supervision over
all such organizations. Each organization shall submit a summary report of
its program and activities to the Church Council prior to the annual meeting.
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1. Annual Meeting
The annual business meeting shall be held on the afternoon of the fourth Sunday
of January, for the hearing of reports and for the election of officers and
committees.
All officers and committees named in Article V shall be elected by ballot,
and all elections shall be determined by a majority of votes cast by the members
present who are qualified to vote.
2. Special Meetings
Special meetings shall be called by the Clerk, upon application from the Church
Council, or from the Trustees, or from 5% of the members of the church.
Interim vacancies in offices, boards, and committees named in Article V shall
be filled at the next meeting of the church occurring after such vacancies
occur, with those elected to fill interim vacancies serving the unexpired
terms of their predecessors.
3. Notice of Meetings
Seven days notice must be given of the annual meeting and all special meetings
of the church. Such notice shall be conspicuously posted upon the principal
door given entrance to the place where business meetings of the church are
usually held. In the notice a statement of the business to be transacted shall
be made. Notice of meetings shall also be given from the pulpit. Meetings
for worship on Sunday or during the week, including the celebration of the
Lord's Supper, shall be determined as to number and time of holding by the
Diaconate.
4. Quorum
At all business meetings of the church 20% of the current church members shall
make a quorum, but a lesser number may adjourn.
5. Place
All meetings shall be held in such place in the town of Dover-Foxcroft as
may be specified in the call therefor.
6. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the church shall begin on January 1, and end on December
31.
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Article VIII - Amendments
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting members
of the church present at any meeting called by the clerk of the church in
the manner prescribed above (Article VII), the proposed amendment having been
stated in the notice of the meeting.
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Upon dissolution of this church, after payment of all debts, the entire remaining
assets of the church shall be delivered, assigned, transferred, and conveyed
to the Regional Conference of the United Church of Christ or its successor,
free and clear of all claims of any members of the church.
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