MOUNT VERNON
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
Mount Vernon, Washington

Bylaws

PREFACE:
These Bylaws provide governance structure and guidelines for Mount Vernon First Christian Church (MVFCC). The congregation, in order to promote the work of the church in the spirit of Christ and thus advance God?xs realm, do hereby adopt these Bylaws.

ITEM I. ELECTED OFFICERS, VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS, & PAID LAY POSITIONS
ELECTED OFFICERS:

Moderator of the Congregation
Vice Moderator of the Congregation (Moderator Elect)
Recording Secretary
Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Trustees
Elders
Diaconate (Adult and Youth)
 

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS
Christian Education
Music
Nominations
Associate Nominations
Outreach
Pastoral Relations
Property
Stewardship
Worship
Youth Ministry
PAID LAY POSITIONS
Administrative Assistant
Musician
Housekeeper
 
 ITEM II.  STRUCTURE
 The General Board of MVFCC shall meet on the odd numbered months of the year (or more frequently as needed ) and shall be composed of the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, a Representative of the Trustees, Elder Coordinator, Diaconate Coordinator, the Volunteer Coordinators listed above, a Youth Representative, and the Pastor (ex-officio status).   The General Board shall be accountable for both visioning and operations.  The responsibilities of the General Board include, but are not limited to:
Directing the ongoing review and update of the vision and mission of MVFCC
Who and what we are as church
Who and what we want to be
Providing the means and conducting the ongoing assessment of goal achievement
What we are doing to achieve set goals (activities, programs, etc.)
What progress we have made toward goal achievement
Developing new goals
What do we want to do
What are we able to do

Developing and implementing policies regarding
Property management and maintenance
Salaried employees
Job descriptions Hiring
Evaluation
Purchase of equipment, supplies, and materials needed for the ongoing operation of MVFCC

Coordinating Outreach and Stewardship efforts
Overseeing and coordinating Christian Education
Developing and implementing a realistic budget
Being fiscally accountable to the congregation by means of a comprehensive report at each congregational meeting to include
Current demands on the financial resources of the church
Identification of financial needs not currently met
Budget reconciliation
To facilitate accountability, an Executive Board (EB) shall meet on the alternate months (even numbered).  The major assistance provided shall be in strategic planning with emphasis on visioning and to include operations as necessary. For example, the EB:
Reviews ongoing and upcoming issues and concerns
Makes action plans for implementing motions passed at the previous meeting of the General Board
Makes recommendations for agenda items for upcoming meeting of the General board
Membership on the Executive Board shall include
Moderator (acts as Recording Secretary for EB)
Vice Moderator (Chairs Executive Board) Youth Ministry Coordinator
Elder Coordinator
Diaconate Coordinator
Pastor (ex-officio)
 
ITEM III.  POSITION DESCRIPTIONS OF ELECTED OFFICERS, VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS, & PAID LAY POSITIONS

ELECTED OFFICERS
Moderator of the Congregation
Term of calling is one year  following one year as Vice Moderator
Provides administrative leadership to MVFCC
Presides at all meetings of the General Board and all congregational meetings
Serves on the Executive Board
Appoints Volunteer Coordinators after consultation with the Nominations Coordinator and with the approval of the General Board
Assumes accountability for the ongoing vision quest of MVFCC
Prepares, publishes, and posts the agenda for each congregational meeting, two weeks in advance of the meeting
Reviews and consults with the pastor and Outreach Coordinator regarding solicitations for assistance and / or participation from all outside agencies and organizations and makes recommendations to the board
Appoints a three (3) member task force to prepare the annual church budget using expenditure data provided by the treasurer. The task force will include the following personnel
Treasurer
Trustee
Stewardship Coordinator
Pastor (ex-officio)
Encourages congregational participation in regional and ecumenical activities
Vice Moderator (Moderator Elect)
Term of calling is one year, moving to the position as Moderator the following year
Presides at meetings of the Executive Board
Acts in the absence of the moderator
Facilitates goal review, assessment, and update
With the Outreach Coordinator, arranges implementation of MVFCC participation and assistance to outside agencies and organizations
Supports the moderator in encouraging congregational participation in regional and ecumenical events
Prepares and presents a written and oral report of accomplishments at the meetings of the General Board, and at each Congregational Meeting
Recording Secretary
Term of calling is one year
Records the minutes of all meetings of the MVFCC General Board
Prepares copies of the minutes for distribution to each board member for the following meeting
Files a copy of the Board minutes and appended reports with the Administrative Assistant
Records the minutes of all Congregational Meetings
Prepares and files the minutes of Congregational Meetings, and appended reports, with the Administrative Assistant
Calls for annual reports from elected officers in a timely manner
Publishes the annual reports of elected officers
Signs documents as needed
Financial Secretary
Term of calling is one year
Collects all monies coming into MVFCC (offering, rents, memorials, special contributions, etc.)
Deposits all income into the appropriate accounts (General fund, Building Fund, Good Samaritan Fund, Youth Account, etc.) in a timely manner
Reports to the Treasurer the total deposits for the week
Reports to the General Board the total funds collected and accounts credited on a monthly basis
Tracks monthly and annual contributions from each member
Prepares and issues a statement of total annual contributions to members who request such accounting
Keeps a record of the value of in-kind contributions made for outreach programs, as provided by the Outreach Coordinator
Treasurer

MVFCC TREASURER: Term of calling is one year.  Manages all collected funds and oversees  correct and timely disbursement. Treasurer is accountable to the Board and the Congregation. Specific duties to include:

Receives deposit totals from the Financial Secretary
Maintains all checking and savings account balances and reconciles monthly or quarterly as appropriate
Pays all bills, invoices and other appropriate items
Pays minister and all employees as required by employment agreements. Makes necessary deductions for Medicare, IRS, and State Department of Labor & Industries for appropriate employees
Completes and submits all Federal and State quarterly and annual employee forms, e.g., IRS Forms 941, 1099, W2 & W3; and State Department of Labor and Industries tax report
Completes and submits all other miscellaneous government forms, e.g., Non Profit Corporation Form for Secretary of State and Property Tax Exemption Form for State Department of Revenue
Prepares detailed reports to present at Board meetings
Prepares detailed annual report to Congregation
Provides an accurate accounting of monthly and annual expenses  With a Board appointed task force, presents the proposed annual budget for approval of the General Board
Trustee
Not to exceed five (5) in number, one of whom shall be elected each year for a term of five years

Acts as legal agents of the church in all business matters
Manages all church property
Handles all business transactions related to church property
Supervises all endowments and trust funds
Secures an audit of all financial accounts annually
Performs such legal duties by and for MVFCC as are required by the State of Washington and federal law
The Eldership
Term of calling is three years.  (Three elected annually)
Elects a coordinator annually to preside at meetings of the Eldership
generate schedules of services to be performed
serve as the representative Elder at meetings of the General Board, serve on the Executive Board
prepare and present the report of the Elders at meetings of the General Board and at congregational meetings
Contributes to the nurture of the congregation as partners with the pastor
Shares spiritual insight with the congregation
Articulates the vision of the congregational mission
Aids in evaluation of congregational programs
Provides support to congregational programs
Serves at the Lord?xs Table

With a member of the Diaconate, takes communion to those who are unable to worship with us
Serves as "shepherds" by
being closely attentive to our family of faith
recognizing potential problems before they occur
visiting those who need "care"
encouraging those who are becoming less active
providing recognition to those who serve ceaselessly with perseverance
being supportive and caring to new members
Teaches 
through traditional Christian Education 
by sharing their spiritual journey 
by example
Regularly engages in prayer and religious studies
Participates in programs of training and renewal
Supports the activities of the Northwest Region of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.
The Diaconate 
Term of calling is three years (Three elected annually)
Elects a coordinator annually to 
preside at meetings of the Diaconate 
generate schedules of services to be performed
serve as the representative of the Diaconate at meetings of the General Board
prepare and present the report of the Diaconate at meetings of the General Board and at congregational meetings
serve on the Executive Board
Holds meetings on a quarterly basis, as a minimum
Promotes the growth and welfare of the church
Takes responsibility for maintenance and care of the communion trays
Takes responsibility for  communion preparation
Greets worshipers
Serves communion
Receives offerings
In concert with the Pastor and Elders, ministers to families in times of sickness, bereavement, or other need

Assists preparation of candidates for baptism
Accompanies Eldership to serve communion to those unable to attend worship
Regularly engages in prayer and religious studies
Supports the activities of the Northwest Region of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ
 
 VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS
 Christian Education Coordinator
 

The goal of Christian Education is to organize, support and maintain a continuing program which encompasses all members of the congregation
Serves as a member of the General Board
Term of calling is one year
In consultation with the Youth Coordinator, selects and orders age and interest appropriate material for classes
In consultation with the Nominations Committee, calls and trains teachers for all Christian Education Classes
In consultation with the Christian Education faculty and the Youth Coordinator
schedules classes
designates and prepares classroom spaces
assembles supplies needed for classes
Prepares and presents reports of Christian Education Activities in a timely manner
at meetings of the General Board
at each congregational meeting
With the assistance and support of the board engages in regular assessment of the Christian Education needs of the congregation
Music / Choir Coordinator
Serves as a member of the General Board
Term of calling is one year
Meets with worship committee to select music for worship services;
Makes arrangements for worship song leader
Selects choir music in collaboration with pianist and the individual who directs the choir (if a different person)
Arranges for choir practice and selects music for practice
Solicits new choir participants
Coordinates with the worship committee and the Pastor regarding choir participation in regular worship and for special services
Informs pianist, organist, or other instrumentalist, at least one day before weekly choir practice of hymns selected for the upcoming Sunday
Coordinates with church administrative assistant to make arrangements for alternate musician when regular instrumentalist will be absent
Serves as chair of selection committee when new instrumentalist is to be hired
Is accountable to treasurer for verifying that the church musician has fulfilled the terms of the contract
Nominations Coordinator
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year
Maintains minutes of all meetings of the Nominations Committee and submits one copy of such minutes to the General Board, keeping a copy for future reference
With the assistance of a committee (appointed by the Moderator and approved by the General Board), identifies and calls members to serve during the coming church fiscal year in all elected and volunteer positions to be vacated at the end of the current church fiscal year
With the assistance of a committee (appointed by the Moderator and approved by the General Board), identifies and calls members to fill all positions among the elected officers and volunteer coordinators that are vacated prior to the end of the Term of calling
Completes callings at least six months prior to the end of the church fiscal year
Coordinates and implements training for those called to fill positions
The Associate Nominations Coordinator assumes the position of Nominations Coordinator at the beginning of the next church fiscal year
Associate Nominations Coordinator
Appointed by the Moderator with the approval of the General Board. Due to the critical nature of this position, the individual appointed should have been actively engaged in service to the Congregation
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year, moving to the position of Nominations Coordinator the following year

Maintains documentation of all who have served with dates and duration of service, passing that record to the incoming Associate Coordinator
Collaborates with the Nominations Coordinator and the Nominating Committee to call individuals to serve in the various elected and volunteer positions
Assists the Nominations Coordinator in coordinating and implementing the training of those newly called to positions of Church governance and service
Outreach Coordinator
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year
In collaboration with the Moderator and Vice Moderator and Pastor, identifies, plans, and facilitates participation in local, county, state, regional, national, and international service programs
Encourages the congregation to do justice, show mercy, and share our faith by recognizing and sharing our many talents and resources
Calculates the value of in-kind contributions made for outreach programs and reports the amounts to the Financial Secretary.  (For example: purchases for shoe boxes; school supplies; Christmas family gifts)
Pastoral Relations Coordinator

This position is elected by those who serve on the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC)
See ITEM VI - PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE and the PRC Handbook for additional information
Property Coordinator
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year
Inspects church properties on a regular basis
Makes recommendations to the General Board for improvements, repairs, replacements, and/or maintenance needed on church properties
In accordance with board action, makes arrangements for repairs and or regular maintenance
For bills submitted for payment, verifies to treasurer that materials have been acquired and that work has been satisfactorily completed
Stewardship coordinator:
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year
Encourages the members of the congregation to develop proficiency in assessment, development, and appropriate use of all human and material resources
time
gifts and talents
the manner in which we use the material and financial goods and property in our possession (including church facilities)
the influence we exert on those around us
our opportunities for doing good
Worship Coordinator
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year
Collaborates with the Pastor, Music / Choir Coordinator, and worship leader (or alternate) to plan weekly worship services to reflect the scriptures identified by the Pastor, including the selection of:
hymns
call to worship
invocation
scripture (determined by pastor)
communion prayer
offertory invitation
offertory prayer
With suggestions from the Youth Ministry Coordinator and the youth, plans for worship service participation of Young Christians;
Assigns Worship Leaders for each month
With Worship leader, invites scripture readers
Provides copies of plans for worship to
Church Administrative Assistant
Pastor
Worship Leader
Music / Choir Coordinator
Worship song leader (if different than Worship Leader)
Develops, schedules, and provides Worship Leader training annually
Provides copies of prayers, etc. for the serving Elder(s), worship leader, and scripture reader
With the Pastor, makes arrangements for guest ministers when needed and coordinates with the Eldership regarding the conduct of the worship service
Greets guest ministers
provides and sets up lapel microphone and gives instructions for use
provides bulletin and reviews order of worship
Plans, announces, and coordinates the special services and/or celebrations of the year
With the Pastor, plans and executes recommended or desired changes in the order of worship
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Serves as a member of the General Board
The Term of calling is for one year
The goal of our Youth Ministry is to inspire young people to be a part of the church and to build meaningful relationships with God, family, peers, and the members of the church
Works collaboratively with the Christian Education Coordinator and the Eldership
Promotes an atmosphere where each person is accepted and valued
Plans regular activities to include a balance among
Bible study or discussion at each meeting about Jesus and God in relation to our lives
leadership training
identifying and developing gifts
recreation
meaningful service
Encourages youth participation in Northwest Regional Christian Church Disciples of Christ youth activities
Promotes and announces all activities prominently in a timely manner by means of
posters
the church newsletter
newspaper announcements
letter, e-mail, and/or personal telephone calls
Informs all parents regarding the details of each activity
Any person or persons working with the youth, in any capacity whatsoever, shall have on file in the MVFCC office a copy of his/her current Washington State background check
PAID LAY POSITIONS
Administrative Assistant
assists pastor as directed
answers church phone in Pastor's absence, responds to answering machine messages and/or makes appropriate referrals
assists church officers as requested
verifies to treasurer, prior to making payment, that vendor orders have been appropriately filled
verifies to treasurer, prior to cutting paycheck, that housekeeper has performed duties as specified in position description and contract
prepares weekly Sunday bulletin
prepares and distributes church news letter
oversees maintenance of church web site
distributes mail to appropriate office mail boxes
purchases office and postal supplies as needed
orders copy machine, printer, and computer supplies
maintains church files to include but not be limited to
membership records (names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
rental contracts
employment contracts
other legal documents
minutes of all meetings
annual reports
record of memorial gifts
record of baptisms, marriages, funerals, ordinations, installations, etc. performed
names of ministers with dates and length of service
purchase orders
warrantees
service contracts
attends monthly meetings of the General Board and makes necessary reports
posts pertinent mail and/or announcements on bulletin board
Musician
Works under the direction of the Music/Choir Coordinator
Provides music for Sunday Morning Worship
Collaborates with the Worship committee to select hymns
Selects and performs appropriate selections for
prelude
offertory
communion
postlude
Plays accompaniment for congregational  hymns, choruses, and responses such as the Doxology
Accompanies the choir
Attends and accompanies choir during weekly choir practice
Provides music for special services, e.g. Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, etc.
Provides music for memorial services, weddings, etc. (if available) for church members
Housekeeper
Maintains the Church premises according to the cleaning schedule published in the Operations Manual
  
ITEM IV. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS
Appointment of Nomination Coordinators and Nomination Committee
" At the first meeting of the General Board of MVFCC during each church fiscal year, the Associate Nominations Coordinator from the immediately previous church fiscal year shall become the Nominations Coordinator.
During the first month of each church fiscal year, the Moderator, with board approval, shall appoint an Associate moderator selected from persons who have served, or are now serving on the General Church Board, or on a previous nominating committee, or as an elder.
In consultation with the Nominating Coordinator and the Associate Nominating Coordinator, the moderator, with board approval, shall appoint a nominating committee of at least three active congregants.
The appointed Coordinators and committee members will be introduced to the congregation at the congregational meeting on the second Sunday in April.
The names of the Coordinators and committee members will be posted in an appropriate prominent location in the Church during the remainder of the church fiscal year.
The Nomination Process    
No later than April 20th of each year, the nominating committee will review and list the anticipated vacancies in elected and volunteer positions for the upcoming year.
Suggestions for filling the open positions will be solicited from
the current officers and volunteers
the pastor
the general board
members of the congregation
The Nominations Coordinators and members of the Nominating committee will match anticipated vacancies in volunteer positions with suggestions for filling open positions, and with the gifts and talents of members.
Potential volunteers will be contacted no later than June 1 and called to serve in specific positions.
When all volunteer coordinator callings have been filled, the committee, in collaboration with the pastor, the chair of the elders, and those called, will coordinate and provide appropriate leadership training to be accomplished before the beginning of the next church fiscal year.
The members of the Nominating committee will contact potential officers no later than June 1 and obtain their written consent to be nominated to serve in the specified position. (See Policy Handbook for suggested consent form.) In collaboration with the pastor, the chair of the elders, and those called, the nominations committee will coordinate and provide appropriate leadership training to be accomplished before the beginning of the next church fiscal year.
The list of nominees for elected positions shall be posted in an appropriate prominent location in the Church at least 45 days prior to the regular annual election held during the congregational meeting on the second Sunday in December.
The Election Process
The election of officers shall be the first order of business during the congregational meeting on the Second Sunday in December.
During the regular election, any member of the congregation shall have the right to place in nomination, from the floor, the name(s) of any member(s) of the congregation for any elected office, provided that the person(s) being nominated has/have first been contacted and given his or her consent to serve in that position prior to placing his or her name in nomination.
Voting shall be by secret ballot unless there are only single nominees for each position. In that case, the Moderator may request a motion to cast an unanimous ballot by acclamation for all positions. No second is required. Voice votes of "Aye" or "No" are called for and those who wish to abstain are asked to raise their hands. A unanimous, "AYE", is necessary to pass the motion. If "No" votes are heard or if there are abstentions, a secret, written ballot must be collected and tabulated.
All terms of office, whether elected or volunteer, shall commence on January 1.All officers and volunteer coordinators shall be presented to the congregation on the first Sunday in January and their names shall be posted in an appropriate prominent location in the Church.
 
 ITEM V.  THE PASTOR
PURPOSE:   To provide spiritual and administrative leadership for Mount Vernon First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The minister shall abide by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)'s Ministerial Code of Ethics.
The minister shall lead the corporate worship of the congregation, to include but not be limited to the pastoral prayer, the sermon, and the service of communion with the Elders and Diaconate.
The minister as an administrative leader, shall oversee preparation of all yearly reports, and serve as an ex-officio member of all organized groups, boards, and committees of MVFCC.
The minister will oversee the communication vehicles of the congregation (newsletter, bulletin, etc.), as well as all public relations activities.
The minister is expected to give focused time and energy to evangelistic and membership calling, to train laity, and to make visitation a priority.
The minister shall have oversight and evaluation of the Christian Education ministry of MVFCC.
The minister shall communicate advice and counsel in a discerning manner, providing appropriate follow-up care as each situation dictates.
The minister will represent the congregation in local, regional and global denominational and ecumenical relationships and activities.
The minister is expected to encourage the congregation's growing participation in outreach activity (locally and globally) and to support Disciples Mission Finance as the primary means by which Disciples fund the whole ministry of the Church.
The minister is expected to systematically teach and set an example of Christian stewardship.
The minister shall preside over baptisms, weddings, funerals and other ceremonial events and ordinances.
EXPECTED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Lead meaningful worship.
Preach Bible based sermons that are meaningful for the present day.
Articulate personal journey of faith.
Demonstrate strong administrative and organizational skills.
Facilitate implementation of congregational planning to achieve goals.
Provide appropriate and confidential counseling.
Engage in denominational and ecumenical endeavors.
Maintain personal integrity and a high level of confidentiality.
Maintain familiarity with current resources and skilled individuals that undergird the ability to offer help in addressing the needs of the congregation and of the pastor.
Dedicate the focused time and energy necessary to be spiritually and academically equipped for the unique demands of serving as the Minister of Mount Vernon First Christian Church.
ACCOUNTABILITY: The minister shall:
establish a mentor relationship with a person supported by the Pastoral Relations Committee of MVFCC (hereafter PRC).
engage in at least 10 days of continuing education  annually as supported by the PRC. 
set short-term and long range goals for professional accomplishments;
attend the monthly meetings of the Board of MVFCC and thereat present a monthly report of activities to include pastoral activities;
insights into the needs of the congregation;
congregational accomplishments;
progress toward achievement of personal and professional goals;
educational accomplishments.
present a pastoral report at the annual congregational meeting of MVFCC to include pastoral activities engaged in;
insights into the needs of the congregation
congregational accomplishments
progress toward achievement of personal and professional goals
educational accomplishments.
upon completion of a continuing education event, present a report to the congregation, with the PRC, devise means and methods of assessing and evaluating congregational progress toward goals achievement.work a five-day work schedule with two lieu days.  The minister will be readily available, either in the office or available by telephone or cell phone for at least 15 hours per week.  The minister will be available during times of crisis.
EVALUATION:
This position description shall be reviewed by the PRC with the minister quarterly during the first year of service with recommendations for change forwarded to the Board of Elders for action.  At the end of the initial year, the PRC will make recommendation to the Board of Elders for frequency of future evaluations (not to be less frequently than on an annual basis).
COMPENSATION:
Compensation for the minister will be as negotiated and presented in the letter of call.  Annual review by the PRC may engender alterations to be recommended to the church Board. Other alterations to compensation may be generated during the annual budgeting process by the church Board.
The minister will have four weeks paid personal leave annually.
 TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The term of employment for the minister shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated in writing by either the minister or the church board upon sixty days notice, or, with the recommendation of the General Board and approval of three fourths (3/4) of those in attendance a special or called meeting of the congregation (note required attendance in constitution), and following consultation with the Regional Minister and President, may be dismissed immediately for due cause.  
A written statement setting the salary to be paid and other conditions of the call shall be made in duplicate, one copy for the minister and one for the church.  This statement shall be prepared by, and all future revisions made by the church Board.
 
 ITEM VI. THE PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) is a small group of persons who provide support for the pastor and provide a regular channel of communication between the pastor and the congregation.  The members of the PRC are appointed by the General Board of MVFCC following mutual consultation by the Moderator and the Pastor.  Detailed guidelines for PRC operation and procedures are given in the PRC Manual published by the Office of Search and Call at Disciples Home Missions.
 
 ITEM VII. AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended at any congregational meeting of MVFCC by a majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the regular voting members of the congregation where attendance at the congregational meeting is equal to or greater than the average Sunday Worship service attendance at MVFCC for the previous six months, provided that the proposed amendment has been approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members of the MVFCC General Board, and written notice of the proposed amendment has been presented at a regular Sunday worship service at least two (2) weeks before the vote is taken.