THE BY-LAWS OF

WAIMEA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WAIMEA, KAUA'I, HAWAII

1993

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this church shall be WAIMEA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST located at Waimea, Kaua'i, Hawaii.

ARTICLE II - OBJECT

The object of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing in the worship of God and in making His will dominant in the lives of men and women/ individually and collectively/ especially as that Will is set forth in the life/ teachings, death/ and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE III - POLITY

This Church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head and finds in the Holy Scriptures, interpreted by the Divine spirit through reason, faith/ and conscience/ its guidance in matters of faith and discipline.

The government of this Church is rested in its members who exercise the right of control of all its affairs.

While this Church is amenable to no ecclesiastical judicatory/ it accepts the obligations of mutual counsel/ comity/ and cooperation involved in the free fellowship of the United Church of Christ churches and pledges itself to share their common aims and work.

ARTICLE IV - DOCTRINE

This church recognizes the bible as its major source of faith and practice and holds that living in accordance with the teachings and spirit of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship.  Each member has the undisturbed right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of his own conscience under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The following statement of faith, therefore, is not a test but an expression of the spirit in which the church interprets the Word of God.

Section 1.  Faith:  We believe in God the Father, source of all wisdom, goodness, and love; and in Jesus Christ, His Son, who has revealed to us most perfectly the character of God; and in the Holy Spirit who continues to reveal the character and will of God forevermore.

Section 2.  Doctrine of Beliefs:  We are united in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures/ and we therefore covenant to walk in the will of God and the way of Jesus Christ made known or to be made known to us.

We covenant to join in fellowship with other like-minded Christians together with such churches in the Kaua`i Association of the United Church of Christ.  We hold it to be the mission of the Church of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all people/ exalting the worship of the one true God and laboring for the progress of knowledge/ the promotion of justice/ the reign of peace/ and the realization of human brotherhood and sisterhood.

We depend upon the continuing guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth/ and so we work and pray for the transform at of the world into the Kingdom of God and we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and Life Everlasting.

ARTICLE V - SERVICES Section 1.  Worship.

(a)   Services of Worship shall be held at given hours each Sunday/except under emergency conditions or when temporarily suspended by the Church Council.

(b)   The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated at such times as the Church Council and pastor shall determine.

(c)            The baptism of adults and children shall be administered at such time as the pastor may determine after meeting with those seeking baptism.

(d)   Other services for worship/ inspiration, prayer and study may be held as determined by the Church Council and pastor.

ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Qualifications.  Members of the Church shall be persons whose names have been presented to the Church Council/ and who have publicly accepted the Church’s covenant on presentation of satisfactory letters of transfer from other Churches/ or if such letters are not available/ by reaffirmation of faith/ or by confession of faith and baptism.

Each member of the Church shall fulfill the covenant of the Church by sincerely accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of their life/ by sharing their time/ talent and treasure in proportion as God has blessed them to do God’s work through the Church/ witnessing their Christian faith in word and deed in all phases of their life.

Section 2.  Reception.  A person who has been accepted as a member of the Church by the Church Council shall be received at a regular service of worship or at some other time as may be designated by the Church Council.  A person who is unable to attend such service of worship may be received by the Church acting through the Church Council.

Section 3.  Classification of Members.

(a)    Active Membership:  An active member is one who has been received into the membership of the church as prescribed and who/ furthermore/ maintains residence on the island of Kauai and who shows concern through attendance at worship/ prayer on its behalf/ financial contributions/ participation in church programs or other indications of support of the church.  An active member has a voice and a vote in all congregational meetings.

(b)    Affiliate Membership:  An affiliate member is one who holds membership in another church not on the island of Kaua'i/ but who is situated here for a limited period of time and who desires to be active in the church but also retains membership in the congregation from which he/she come.  An affiliate member acquires all rights and responsibilities of an active member while residing on Kaua`i and participating in church activities.

(c)   Inactive Membership:  An inactive member is one who/ whether he/she resides in the parish or not/ has ceased to show interest in this church for a period of two (2) years.  An individual who has absented himself/herself from the life of the church may be contacted in a manner to encourage active participation.  After such contact efforts they may be placed on the inactive roll of the church with written notification by the Church Council. An inactive member has no right to vote in congregational affairs.  He/She may be restored to active membership upon request to the council and a majority vote of the council.

(d)   Friends of the Church.  Friends are non members who support the church and its mission.  Friends will always be welcomed/ but not granted the privilege of voting in congregational matters.

Section 4.  Termination of Membership.  Termination of membership shall be in one of the following ways:

(a)    By letter of transfer of membership to another Christian fellowship upon request by an authorized person of that fellowship.  No letter of transfer shall be given to an individual/ but only to the church to which the individual is being transferred.  The responsibility of the individual to this church and the responsibility of this church to the individual shall not be completed until a letter or receipt is received from the church to which said transfer is being made.

(b)    By letter of dismissal upon written request by a member for the purpose of leaving the church absolutely due to changes in conviction or disinterest.

 (c)  Upon the recommendation of the Council with written notification to the individual for due cause.

Section 5. Restoration of Membership: Any member whose membership has been terminated may be restored to active membership upon request to and by vote of the Church Council at any duly called meeting.

ARTICLE VII - CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS Section 1.  Business Meetings:

(a)    The Annual Congregational Meeting shall be held during the month of January.  Announcement of such a meeting shall be made from the pulpit during the regular Sunday service three (3) consecutive weeks in advance to the scheduled meeting.  Announcement of such meeting shall also be made in any and all printed reports to the congregation such as the monthly newsletter/ church bulletin, etc. Annual reports shall be presented/ elections of officers shall take place/ committee chairpersons shall be elected/ and a budget endorsed.

(b)    Special Congregational Meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the Church Council or by written request by five or more members to the council.  Notification of such meetings shall be made from the pulpit/ if possible/ two (2) Sundays before the meeting, except in case of emergency. A Quorum shall consist of one-third (1/3) members of the congregation.

(c)   Voting and Elections for church officers may be held by ballot/ voice vote/ show of hands or in such other manner as the Moderator shall determine.  Unless otherwise specifically required herein/ or by the articles of the Church/ a majority vote of the members entitled to vote who are present at the meeting shall be decisive and final.

(d)   The Official Year of the Church shall begin January 1st of each year and all officers, boards, committees and other groups shall assume their duties and responsibilities immediately after elections but in no event sooner than the Annual Meeting and shall continue in office until their respective successors shall have been elected and qualified.

(e)           We will strive to use the consensus decision making process. Matters of Parliamentary Procedure shall be referred to the latest edition of Robert Rules of Order/ Revised, as needed.

Section 2. Other: A Copy of the By-Laws, Council Minutes, Budget, Treasurers Reports and Committee Minutes shall be made available for inspection by all members of the church at all times.

ARTICLE VIII - CHURCH COUNCIL

The Church shall be governed by a Church Council composed of the Moderator/ Vice Moderator/ Recording Secretary/ Treasurer/ Assistant Treasurer/ Chairpersons of; Finance Ministry/ Deacons/ Music and Worship Ministry/ Christian Education/ Fellowship Ministry/ Personnel/ Missions Ministry and any others deemed necessary by the Council for the orderly operation of the church.  The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member with no vote.

The Council shall act in behalf of the Church in all matters except those vital matters which should be brought before the entire Church membership.

The Council shall meet monthly at such dates and places as may be designated by the Moderator.  Special meetings may be called by the Moderator or a majority of the Church Council.

Council meetings shall be open to all members of the congregation but with no vote.

Two-thirds (2/3) of the council shall constitute a quorum for conducting business/ provided notification of meeting was made to the members.  All members of the Council must be active or affiliate members of the congregation.

The Council shall prepare and submit to the members of the Church each year a report of the Church's activities.

A vacancy in the Council caused by death/ refusal to act/ removal or resignation shall be filled by special election by the Council at a meeting for the purpose and the council member thus chosen shall be elected for the unexpired term only.

ARTICLE IX - CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1.  Church Officers:  The officers of this church shall be: the Moderator, the Vice-Moderator, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Recording Secretary and the Pastor, ex-officio.

(a)  The Moderator shall be elected at the annual meeting

of the congregation for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible for re-election.

He/She shall preside at all meetings of the members, at the Congregational meetings, and at all meetings of the Church Council.

He/She shall perform such duties as pertain to the office of moderator as he/she is directed to perform by resolution of the Council, not inconsistent with the provisions of these by-laws.

 (b)   The Vice-Moderator shall be elected at the annual meeting of the congregation for a term of two (2) years and shall

be eligible for re-election.  He/She shall have and exercise all the powers/ authority/ and duties of the moderator during absence or disability of the Moderator.  He/she shall be the chairperson of the Nominating Ministry and coordinate the whole church calendar.

(c)    The Recording Secretary shall be elected at the annual meeting of the congregation for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible for re-election.  He/She shall keep a faithful record of the proceedings of all congregational meetings and all council meetings.

(d)    The Treasurer shall be elected at the annual meeting of the church for a period of two (2) years and shall be eligible for re-election.

Working in cooperation with the Finance Committee:

-shall receive all moneys of the church and shall deposit and disburse the same as the Church Council shall direct.

-shall have the custody of all papers relating to the property of the church and shall keep them in a fireproof container at the usual place of business.

-shall pay the bills of the church on order from the Church Council and shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements.

-shall have no authority or power to buy/ sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise transfer property without the specific authority and approval of the Church Council.

(e)    The Assistant Treasurer shall be elected at the annual meeting of the church for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible for re-election.

-shall assist the treasurer in an arrangement worked out satisfactorily by the two.

-may also act as Treasurer during the latter's absence or in the event of the treasurer's inability to act.

By virtue of the person’s office as Assistant Treasurer, said person shall be a member of the Finance Ministry.

(f)    The Pastor.

Selection: When a vacancy occurs in the pastorate, the Church Council shall appoint the Pastoral Search Ministry of at least eight (8) members, four (4) of whom shall come from the Church Council and at least four (4) from the members at large. The ministry shall seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, make a canvass of available ministers, and recommend a candidate to the Council.

The Church Council shall call a congregational meeting, and a secret ballot will be taken by the membership for calling the Pastor.  The Pastor shall be elected by a one-third (1/3) majority vote of the congregation present.

Installation:  When a pastor has been elected and has accepted the call/ the Kaua'i Association shall be invited to sit as an ecclesiastical council for the purpose of installing the Pastor in accordance with established procedures.  The Pastor shall become at the earliest opportunity a member of the Church and of the Kaua’i Association.

Conditions of Appointment:  The conditions of appointment shall be determined by contract drawn up by the Council. This contract/ upon approval of the Council shall be presented to the congregation for final approval.

Duties:  The Pastor shall be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Church with the assistance of the Board of Deacons.  He shall seek to enlist people as followers of Christ; preach the Word: administer the sacraments; have under his care all services of public worship; and. administer the activities of the church in cooperation with the various boards and ministries, He shall be the immediate supervisor of the church staff and ex-officio and advisory member of all boards and ministries. The Pastor shall participate in the council and all other ministries as shepherd and guide.  Lending insight to discussion and decisions/ recalling our mission and purposes and giving spiritual support for encouraging understanding within the ministries and congregation.  The Pastor shall be ultimately responsible to the congregation.

Section 2.  Authorized Signature:  The Moderator with the Treasurer shall be authorized to sign all legal documents upon authorization of the Church Council.

ARTICLE X - BOARDS AND MINISTRIES

Section 1.  Board of Finance:  The Board of Finance shall consist of seven (7) members elected at the Congregational meeting. Members of this board shall be the Treasurer/ Assistant Treasurer/ Stewardship Chairperson/ Cemetery Chairperson, Buildings and Grounds Chairperson and two (2) members-at-large.  The members shall serve a term of two (2) years/ eligible for re-election.  A Chairperson and a Recording Secretary shall be elected from among its members. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of five (5) members.

It shall hold monthly meetings.  Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson/ provided due notification was given to all members.  It shall report monthly to the Church Council and shall keep accurate records of its proceedings.

The Board of Finance shall be responsible for assisting the Church Council in the care and custody of the property of the church and for the raising and disbursing of all funds needed for the regular current expenses of the church.  It shall be responsible for the annual audit and budget.

The sub-ministries of the Board of Finance shall consist of:

(a)   Buildings and Grounds:  concerned with the upkeep of church property.

(b)   Stewardship:  concerned with the annual education and receiving of tithes and pledges of the membership.

(c)   Cemetery:  concerned with procedures and policies of the cemetery.

The Board of Finance shall have no authority to buy/ sell/ mortgage/ lease or otherwise transfer property without specific authority and approval of the Church Council.  The Church Council may/ in addition prescribe such other duties and responsibilities of this board.

Section 2.  Board of Deacons:  The Board of Deacons shall consist of nine (9) members of the congregation elected to serve in three classes on a staggered schedule.

The term of each deacon shall be for a three year period.

The election of three (3) deacons shall take place at each annual meeting.

Any vacancy on the Board of Deacons shall be filled by vote of a majority of the remaining members/ but such members so elected shall hold office only until the next annual meeting of the members of the congregation/ at which time a member shall be elected to complete the unexpired term (unless the term expires at the time of such meeting).

Each year at the first meeting of the Board of Deacons/ the chairperson shall be elected from among their own number.

It shall be the duty of the deacons to cooperate with the pastor in ministering to the spiritual interest of the church and the community.

The Board of Deacons shall assist in the preparation and administration of the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism.

The Board of Deacons shall assist in ministering to the sick/ the poor/ the sorrowing/ the indifferent/ the stranger/ and others in need.

The Board of Deacons shall make an annual survey of the church rolls and submit recommendations to the Church Council regarding necessary revisions.

The Board of Deacons shall oversee and encourage other ministries for nurturing spiritual growth such as:

Evangelism Ministry: establish goals and objectives towards church growth; develop and implement a plan that will nurture the spiritual life of the members of the congregation; keep a record of attendance for the year for statistical purposes.

Shepherd’s Ministry: a ministry of lay people working with the Deacons reaching out to the members and friends of our church.  the congregation is put into small groups for closer contact and care.

Section 3.  Music and Worship Ministry.  The Chairperson shall be elected annually at the Congregational meeting and shall be a member of the Church Council.  The responsibilities of this ministry shall include but not be limited to the following:

(a)   Along with the Pastor, be responsible for the worship services.

(b)   Coordinate Lay participation in the worship experience.

(c)   Coordinate ushering and orderly reception of the offerings of the congregation.

(d)   Coordinate provision of child care during Sunday Services.

(e)   Coordinate the entire music program of the congregation which may include all choirs/ times of special music/ musicians/ choir directors/ and others involved in the musical program of the congregation.

(f)   Recommend policy for the Church Councils approval related to the use of music for weddings and funerals held within any of the buildings of the congregation.

(g)           Provide a means for those interested in the music life of the congregation to attend workshops that might enhance their abilities.

(h)  Coordinate for general upkeep of the sanctuary.

Section 4.  Fellowship Ministry:  The Chairperson shall be elected annually at the Congregational meeting and shall be a member of the Church Council.  It shall be the duty of the Fellowship Ministry to work closely with and support other programs of the church related to the social activities such as:

(a)   Pot-luck Dinners

(b)   Aloha Hour

(c)   Easter Breakfast

(d)   Kokee Service

(e)   Work Project meals

(f)   Women’s Fellowship

(g)   Men's Fellowship
(h)   Issei

(i)  and any other fellowship activities that may arise.

Section 5.  Christian Education Ministry.  The Christian Education Ministry Chairperson shall be elected annually at the congregational meeting and shall be a member of the Church Council.  It shall be the duty of this Ministry to facilitate and conduct all the education activities of the congregation such as Sunday School/ Bible Studies/ Vacation Bible School/ etc.  The responsibilities of this committee shall include but not be limited to the following:

(a)   The selection of teachers and materials for all educational
activities of the church.

(b)   The development of goals and objectives for the educational
program of the church.

(c)           Provisions of opportunities for training and support of teachers and other leaders in the educational program of the church.

(d)   An annual evaluation of the educational program of the church and recommendations to the Council pertinent thereto.

(e)   Submission of a request for budget of the year preceeding.

(f)   Support and work with the various ministries in implementing
programs.  Such as YOUTH MINISTRY, MVK (MOST VALUABLE
KIDS), JR. & SR. HI PF and YOUNG ADULT.

Section 6.  Personnel Ministry.  The Personnel Ministry shall consist of a minimum of four (4) members. The Chairperson shall be elected annually at the congregational meeting and shall be a member of the Church Council.

It shall be the duty of the Personnel Ministry to write designated job description and performance tasks.

To maintain an up-to-date policy manual as approved by the Church Council.

The ministry shall meet at the discretion of the Chairperson.

The ministry shall work with the various church ministries in developing evaluation forms as required.

When required/ the ministry shall check with outside agencies in determining information and guidance in matters concerning the church and or its staff.

The ministry shall develop or obtain job applications for positions of the church.

Section 7.  Missions Ministry.  The Chairperson shall be elected annually at the Congregational meeting and shall be a member of the Church Council.  The Missions Ministry shall promote missions education in the church.  This Ministry shall study ways and means of supporting and developing missions/ missionaries and new mission programs into the life of the church.  This ministry shall develop an enlistment of time and talents in conjunction with our annual stewardship program.  It shall prepare an annual budget and make recommendations for the disbursement of its funds.

Section 8.  Nominations.  At least two (2) months prior to the annual election meeting/ the Church Council shall appoint a nominating committee to prepare a slate of officers for all elected Church Council members.  The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Vice Moderator/ as Chairperson/ a member of the Board of Deacons/ a member of the Board of Finance/ two (2) members of the Church Council and two (2) members-at-large.

This committee shall prepare a slate nominating at least one person for each office to be filled and shall obtain each candidate's consent to serve.  Such nomination shall be available at the church two (2) Sundays previous to the annual election meeting.  Nominations from the floor shall be accepted at that meeting.

Section 9.  Pastoral Relations.  The Pastoral Relations Committee is a standing committee in our church that seeks to support and maintain an open and healthy relationship between pastor and members of the congregation.  It helps the Pastor and members of the church share ideas/ hopes/ dreams and interpretations of mission.  It lets the Pastor know what the people in the church are thinking. It gives a framework in which conflicts can be dealt with creatively. It demonstrates concern and support for the Pastor and his family. This committee will meet/ at least quarterly/ with the Pastor present and will participate in an annual evaluation of the work of the Pastor.  This committee will replace outgoing members by mutual agreement with the Pastor.  This committee should report annually to the congregation.  This committee will use/ "The Pastoral Relations Committee"/ booklet from United Church Resources as a guide. Committee selects his/her own Chairperson.

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to and repeals of these bylaws may be made by the vote of not less than two-thirds of the Church members present at a congregational meeting provided that a statement of the proposal shall have been made known to the Church members at least one month before the meeting.