- Congregation -

The name of this church organization shall be and remain Saint Peter’s United Church of Christ of Center Township, Vanderburg County, Indiana.

The avowed purpose of this church shall be to worship God, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the Church Universal; to render loving service toward mankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.

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1. This church shall be a part of the United Church of Christ and it shall sustain that relationship to the United Church of Christ described in those portions of the Constitution and by-laws of the United Church of Christ, adopted and as subsequently amended, relating to local churches.

2. The government of this church is vested in its members who exercise the right of control in all of its affairs, subject, however to Laws of the State of Indiana relating to corporation (not for profit or ecclesiastical corporations).

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Faith - This church acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of man. It acknowledges as brothers in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two Sacraments: Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.

One expression of this faith is the:

"STATEMENT OF FAITH"

Statement of Faith

in the form of a doxology

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:

You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.

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

You call us into your church to accept the cost of discipleship, to be your servants in the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

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

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1. Membership in this church shall be open to any person who has been baptized, has been confirmed, or has made public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In accordance with the gospel covenant which binds into a unity "faithful people of all ages, tongues and races," membership is open to all without regard to race or color.

2. Members shall pledge themselves to attend the regular worship of the church and celebration of the Lord’s Supper; to live the Christian life; to share in the life and work of the church; to contribute to its support and benevolence; and to seek diligently the spiritual welfare of the membership and the community.

3. Any member may, on his own request, be granted a letter of transfer. If wishing to join a body not in fellowship with this church he may be dismissed with a certificate of church membership. If, because of change of faith or for other reasons not involving non-Christian conduct, a member requests in writing to be released from his membership obligations, the church shall patiently endeavor to secure his continuance in its fellowship; but failing in such effort, the church may grant the request and terminate his membership. Such request shall be approved by the Pastor and the Council, and the Secretary shall issue the appropriate letter of release.

4. A member whose address has long been unknown or who for a period of two years, in spite of spiritual care, has not attended the church’s worship or contributed to its support, may, by recommendation of the Council and vote of the Council, be removed from the membership roll and placed on an inactive list. If after the expiration of a year, the relationship remains unchanged, the name maybe removed from the inactive roll by a further vote of the Council.

5. If a member persistently breaches his covenant vows, the Council, after due notice has been given to him, a hearing before the Council has been offered him, and faithful efforts have been made to bring him to amendment in accordance with the law of Christ, may censure him, or suspend or terminate his membership.

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1. The governing body of this church shall be the membership assembled in church meetings. The vote of a majority of members present at the meeting shall be the action of the church. A quorum shall consist of 40 members.

2. The Congregation shall have a minimum of two business meetings each year. An annual meeting to be held in January and a Fall meeting to be held in October or November.

3. Special meetings of this congregation may be called by the Church Council. Furthermore, it shall be the duty of the Church Council to call a special meeting of the congregation upon receipt of written request for such meeting to the Church Council, signed by ten (10) members in good standing. In the latter instance the special meeting shall be held within sixty (60) days after the request is received. Notice of these special meetings shall be distributed to every member family at least ten (10) days prior to the date of meeting or announced in public service on two (2) consecutive Sundays. The two public announcements shall be no less binding than the written notice.

4. It is the prerogative of the congregational meeting to decide such questions as the buying and selling of property, building projects, extensive repairs of the church property, the call and rejection of a pastor, election of church officers and questions of the policy of the congregation, as well as changes in the constitution, as well as changes in the constitution. For the transaction of all other business, the administration of the church is entrusted to the church council, and its several committees, chosen and composed as provided for in the By-Laws.

5. Voting on all elections and amendments to the Constitution or by-laws shall be by ballot. Other matters, however, unless a vote by ballot is demanded, may be voted upon by the usual Yea and Nay decision.

6. To carry a motion, except in case of amendments to the Constitution or by-laws, a majority vote, one vote in excess of half the votes cast, is necessary.

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1. The Church Council shall comprised of the Pastor, *Assistant Pastor and eight (8) members to be elected by the congregation at the Fall meeting. The Pastor and Assistant Pastor are member ex-officio (voice without vote). Terms of office are for two (2) years with one half of the Council being elected each year in order of established continuity.

2. The newly elected members of the Council shall be ordained and installed by the pastor in regular service following their election whereby they pledge the faithful fulfillment of their duties. No officer of the Church can serve unless he has been duly installed.

3. The church Council shall organize itself at its first session after the annual meeting of the congregation and elect from its members: a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasure, Stewardship and two (2) Building and Grounds representatives, who become the officers of the congregation. Any office on the Council may be filled by either deacon or deaconesses.

4. The Church Council shall meet once by its members. Special meetings may be called by the President or three (3) members of the Church Council.

5. Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Church Council.

6. Vacancies in the council shall be filled by the Church Council for the unexpired term.

7. The Council is empowered to conduct the normal business of the church on behalf of the Congregation.

"END OF THE CONSTITUTION"

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BY-LAWS

1. There shall be a nominating committee for members of the Church Council consisting of two (2) out-going members of the Church Council and three (3) members of the congregation, appointed by the President.

2. Candidates for each office to be filled shall be placed in nomination by the Nominating Committee. These nominees shall be reported to the Church Council in sufficient time for publication in the official notice of the Fall meeting. Nominations for each office may be made by the congregation at the meeting from the floor. All nominees shall be eighteen years or older.

3. Church Council members shall be elected for a term of two (2) years. They shall be eligible to serve 2 terms consecutively (4 yrs). There shall be a one (1) year waiting period before they are eligible to serve on the Council again.

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1. President: The President shall preside at all meetings of the congregation and the Church Council, maintain order and conduct the proceedings according to parliamentary practice, see that the Constitution and the By-Laws are enforced and that the instructions of the congregation and Church Council are carried out.

2. Vice President: The Vice President shall preside at all meetings where the President is not present and also when business pertaining to the President and his administration is before the congregation. He shall also do all in his power to help the President and make his administration easier.

3. Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate written record of all proceedings of the congregation and Church Council and keep a correct list of all voting members of the congregation including their addresses.

4. Financial Secretary: The Financial Secretary shall receipt for all money paid to the congregation, keeping an accurate record thereof in books of account and promptly deliver all such money to the Treasurer against receipt. The Financial Secretary shall make a monthly written report to the Church Council and an annual report of all receipts at the congregational meeting.

5. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive, and receipt for, all sums paid to him by the Financial Secretary, keeping an accurate record thereof in books of account, deposit all receipts in the bank designated by the Church Council, pay all current expenses, such as salaries, etc., and shall pay out money for other expenses only by order of the Church Council or of the congregation. Treasurer shall also present a written report of all receipts and expenses in the meetings of the Council and of the Congregation. Treasurer shall be bonded. The amount of bond shall be regulated by the Church Council.

6. Building & Grounds: The chair person of the Building & Grounds shall have the care and custody of the property of the Church as a scared trust.

7. Stewardship Committee: Two members of the Church Council shall aid in securing the funds necessary for the support of the church in its various activities, and to foster the principles of stewardship.

8. Following New Testament traditions, Pastor and Pastoral Assistant shall be known as Elders and the eight Council members shall be known as Deacons and Deaconesses.

9. The Church Council may in emergencies, without first obtaining the consent of the congregation, incur expenses for the congregation not to exceed the sum of $1,500^A.

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Standing Committees shall be appointed each year by the Church Council. Standing Committees may include:

a) Nominating Committee

b) Budget Committee

c) Music Committee

d) Sunday School

e) Cemetery Committee

f) Membership/Evangelism

g) Auditing Committee

And any other Committees as deemed necessary for the Church’s needs.

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Auxiliary Organizations may include:

a) Women’s Guild

b) Men’s Organization

c) Youth Fellowship

d) Sports Organizations

And any other Organization as deemed necessary for the Church’s needs. Each Auxiliary Organizations shall make a report at the annual congregation meeting.

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1. All members of this congregation are entitled to full share in the fellowship and spiritual blessings of the Church and to the Christian sympathy and support of all its members.

2. They may request the Pastor’s aid in spiritual matters and are entitled to his ministrations both for themselves and their families.

3. All members, both male and female, who are in good standing shall have voice and vote at all regular and called business meetings of the congregation.

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1. It shall be the duty of all members to take an active part in all the work and worship of the Church, and to lend their best efforts in serving God and uplifting mankind. These duties are summed up as follows: Regular attendance at divine worship, devout use of the Holy Sacraments, fervent prayer for the Church and all humankind, daily devotions in home, careful attention to the religious training of the youth, obedience to the established laws and authorities of the Church, untiring zeal in brining the unchurched under the influence of the Church, and a spirit of Christian fellowship toward all members.

2. They shall present their children for baptism, sincerely resolve to bring them up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," and when they have arrived at the proper age they shall send them to confirmation classes and have them confirmed.

3. Members should attend all regular and called meetings of the congregation.

4. All members of the congregation are encouraged to receive Holy Communion at least twice each year.

5. It shall be the duty of all members to pledge themselves to pay a specific weekly sum for the support of the church and its benevolence.

6. Forfeiture of Membership - Each year, the Council shall consider the spiritual life of each member. Particularly shall it encourage each member to partake regularly of the Holy Communion, contribute to the support of the Lord’s work according to his means, and attend the service of worship with faithfulness. If a member shall fall short of any of these requirements for one year the Council shall make special effort through brotherly visitation locally or by written communication to persons outside the metropolitan area, to correct the fault. If, at the end of the second year, efforts to restore the erring have failed, the Spiritual Council shall place his name on a listing of "inactive affiliates" of the congregation and he shall be notified of this action. Such individuals are not considered "members in good standing" inasmuch as they will not be reported to the denominational office as members but such individuals will remain, as such, within the book of membership until death, transfer, or written request or erasure by the individual himself.

7. Members who have voluntarily withdrawn or were dismissed from St. Peter’s United Church of Christ may be reinstated by the Council for good cause shown.

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1. It shall be the responsibility of the Pulpit Committee, appointed by the Council, to seek a candidate for the vacancy in the office of Pastor.

2. As soon as a pastoral vacancy occurs, it shall be reported to the Conference Executive.

3. In filling a vacancy or in securing supply ministers for the period of vacancy, the Pulpit Committee may seek the council of the Conference Placement Committee.

4. The Pulpit Committee may request the Conference Executive to secure relevant information about any minister whom it wishes to consider for the vacancy.

5. Any minister may confer with the Conference Executive concerning a pastoral vacancy. At the minister’s request, his name shall be submitted by the Conference Executive for consideration by the local church committee.

6. The Pulpit Committee shall present to the church the name of the candidate it recommends to fill the vacancy. A favorable vote of the church constitutes a call.

7. In the call, the terms of the relationship shall be stated, including the agreement of the church to participate in the Pension fund of the United Church of Christ, the Minister’s Health Insurance Program, and other terms agreed between the candidate and the Committee. The minister, the church, the Association, and the Conference Executive shall each receive a copy of the call.

8. When a minister accepts a call to this church, the church and he shall join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation or recognition. A report of this service shall be signed by the proper officers of the Association and by the Conference Executive, and copies shall be sent to the Secretary of the United Church of Christ and to the Council for Church and Ministry.

9. The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite period of service. In order to terminate this relation, three (3) months notice shall be given by either the Pastor or Congregation, unless by mutual consent. If, however, a change in pastorate is desired for any other reason (such as general dissatisfaction ) a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all present in a meeting duly called shall be required to demand a resignation.

10. Discipline of the Pastor shall be in conformity with the Constitution and By-Laws of the United Church of Christ.

11. The church may at its discretion choose an Associate or Assistant Pastor(s).

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1. The Pastor and Assistant Pastor shall where strictly to the confession as given in Article Four (4) of the Constitution. It shall be the duty of the Pastor and Assistant Pastor to set a good example to this congregation and to conduct all services on Sundays, Holidays and such other days as the congregation may desire, to direct the work of religious education, administer the Holy Sacraments, visit the sick, comfort the distressed, and to perform all such duties as belong to the Pastor’s office and Assistant Pastor’s office in the Untied Church of Christ. They shall keep a record of all services performed and make an annual report to the congregation, and when leaving the pastorate, they shall turn over to the President of the Church all books, papers, and documents belonging to the congregation.

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1. It shall be the duty of the Council to superintend and to take care of the cemetery. They shall have an accurate plot plan, showing all graves and lots. Their permission and order is required for any burial.

2. No burials shall be permitted except in case of graves already sold.

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1. Proposed amendments to these By-Laws shall be presented to the Church Council in writing.

2. A copy of any proposed amendment shall be distributed to all members at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.

3. Amendments to these By-Laws may be made at any regular or special meeting of the congregation providing they receive two-thirds (2/3) of affirmative vote of ballots cast.

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