Section 1. Name
The name of this Church is Rollstone Congregational Church as shown on the charter of incorporation issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Section 2. Organization
This church was organized April 16, 1868.
Section 3. Incorporation
By act of the General Court of Massachusetts Chapter 36, Section 47 51, of the Revised Laws of the Commonwealth on February 12, 1906, this Church was incorporated. Charter #10,764.
Section 4. Affiliation
By vote of the Church, April 10, 1961, this Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
Section 5. Seal
The corporate seal of the Church shall be circular in form bearing the words and date, Rollstone Congregational Church, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, incorporated 1906.

The certificate of incorporation of this Church (February 12, 1906) states that the church is incorporated "for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the public worship of God, in accordance with the principles and doctrines of Congregational Churches."
According to the beliefs and practices of the United Church of Christ, this Church encourages public and private worship of God, Christian education, spiritual and social betterment, fellowship, and service to humankind.

Section 1. Faith
This Church shall be evangelical, basing its belief upon the Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. It professes a common truth declared in any of its statements of faith. These statements currently approved are the Kansas City Statement (1913), the Oberlin Statement (1959), the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith, and the Apostles' Creed.
Section 2. Freedom, Tradition, and Heritage
Although this Church holds firmly to Congregational polity and life, believes itself to be autonomous, and recognizes that all authority and power rests with the members in a duly called meeting of the Church, it is our intent that this Church shall, in keeping with its founding foreparents, maintain itself within the Congregational tradition of churches, in full fellowship with the United Church of Christ, or any properly and legally voted successor, whether immediate or more remote.
At no time should autonomy be interpreted to mean that this Church can vote to remove itself from the mainstream Christian Church allowing itself to become a vehicle for the formation of a sect, cult, or any other group that does not identify itself legally with the United Church of Christ and its associated bodies.
The long history of Rollstone Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, shall carry determinative weight in all matters regarding the future of the Church, its collegiality with other religious bodies, its conduct of its fiscal and program life, and its belief that the Church can best serve its purpose set forth in Article II hereof through a voluntary association of people who consent to serve Jesus Christ as Lord and none other.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, should an opportunity develop that would permit more effective adherence and fulfillment to the purpose set forth in Article II hereof, and still be consistent with the foregoing expression of intent, such as a merger with a religious denomination(s) of similar traditions, history, and cultural perspective, it is not our intent that such opportunity be thwarted by this Article, but rather that such opportunity be seized through amendment of this Article as provided in Article XLIII hereof.
Section 3. Fellowship
This Church shall seek to express its faith through cooperation in the associations and councils of churches as well as the denominational fellowship to which it adheres. Delegates and support for such organizations shall be encouraged under the leadership of the Church Cabinet. We cherish and will cooperate with the fellowship of the churches united in the Central Association, the Massachusetts Conference, and the General Synod of the United Church of Christ, or their successors; for counsel in matters of common concern and corporate expression of the Gospel.
Section 4. Covenant
This Church adopts the covenant which is contained in the form for reception of members.
Section 5. Polity and Government
This Church shall be part of the United Church of Christ, sustaining its relationship in ways outlined by the Constitution and By-Laws of the United Church of Christ adopted July 4, 1961.
The Government of this Church shall be vested in its regular members.

This Church will welcome into its fellowship anyone who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and seeks to follow Him.
Section 1. Membership
The requirements for membership are:

Section 2. Form for Reception of Members
The form (ritual) for Reception of Members shall be one which has been suggested by the Board of Deacons.
Section 3. Obligations
Members are to be faithful in all spiritual duties essential to the Christian life, to attend services of worship faithfully, to give regularly to the support of the Church, and to share in its organized work. These obligations are also a part of the Covenant agreed to at the time of joining the Church. (See manual or hymnal.)
Section 4. Absentees
A member may be absent due to removal from the parish for purposes of work, travel, study, military service, change of residence, and the like. Absentees may retain membership by financial support of the Church and personal communication with the Pastor and/or the Church Clerk.
Section 5. Classification.
There shall be two classes of membership: Member and Affiliate-Member.
Members and affiliate-members shall have the privileges of worship and shall receive all mailings. Members shall also have voting privileges and shall be included in the annual church membership count. An affiliate-member who shall not have voting privileges and shall not be included in the annual church membership count, must have previously been classified as a member of this Church. Thosemembers who elect to become affiliate-members shall have their change in membership classification approved by the Church Cabinet.
Section 6. Review of Membership
The Church shall annually review its membership, the Pastor and Clerk being responsible for suggesting names of long-term inactivity to be dropped from the membership, subject to final approval by the Church Cabinet. Those names to be dropped shall be referred to the Annual Meeting for action by the membership. A person whose membership has been terminated may have one's name placed again on the membership rolls if so voted by the Church Cabinet.
Any proposed change in a member's status shall be preceded by a notice as specified by the Church Cabinet sent to the person at the last known address at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which action may be taken, and a second notice of action sent after the vote has been taken.
Section 7. Termination
Upon a written request a member may have one's membership terminated.
When a member is known to have joined some other church this shall be understood as a voluntary transfer of membership, and should be so acknowledged by the Church Cabinet.
Any member who has established residence in a community at some distance is expected to advise the Pastor or the Clerk and to seek a letter of transfer to another church in order to keep active his Christian church life.
A letter of transfer may also be granted for any cause upon written request.
Letters of transfer are to be given to a specific church. Whenever a transfer is granted, the membership in this Church shall cease within a year, or upon receipt by this Church of notice that the transfer has been completed.

This Church recognizes two sacraments as established by the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of Baptism shall usually be administered before the congregation at the request of a parent or adult in consultation with the Pastor.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion (The Lord's Supper) shall be administered as part of the regular services of worship as directed by the Board of Deacons in consultation with the Pastor. Efforts should be made that the Sacrament be served once a month.
Either Sacrament may be administered on occasions other than the Sunday service at the discretion of the Pastor.

The officers of this Church shall be a Pastor, members of the Board of Deacons, Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, if any, Collector, members of the Board of Trustees, the Moderator, and the Vice Moderator.
In an emergency the Pastor should be contacted. The Moderator, as chief lay officer of the church, has authority to act for the Church in an emergency, followed by the Vice Moderator, and the Chairpersons of the Board of Trustees or Board of Deacons.

Section 1. Requirements
The pastor shall be ordained to the Christian ministry "with standing in an Association of the United Church of Christ." S/he shall be a member of the Church, having been received into membership by a Senior Deacon. S/he shall maintain standing in the Association to which this Church belongs during his/her pastorate. S/he shall maintain residency in this city unless approved by a vote of the church due to extenuating circumstances.
Section 2. Call and Installation
The Pastor shall be called by a majority vote of the members of the Church voting at a duly warranted meeting for such purpose, and the terms of the contract with the Pastor shall be authorized by vote of the Church. S/he may be installed by the Association, providing s/he so requests and the Church concurs by majority vote.
Section 3. Committee Membership
The Pastor shall be a consultant to and a member ex-officio of all committees, but shall not necessarily attend all meetings of the committees. S/he shall support the By-Laws of the Church, and shall make a report of the condition of the Church to its Annual Meeting.
Section 4. Spiritual Duties
The Pastor shall be responsible for the preaching of the Word of God and shall have direction over the religious work and worship of the Church. S/he shall be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the congregation. S/he shall administer the Sacraments and ordinances of the Church. The Pastor shall administer the Communion Fund, a pastoral discretionary fund, with approval of the Board of Deacons of amounts over $50.00.
Section 5. Communications Responsibilities
The Pastor shall have the authority to oversee all publications or communications with the best interest of the Church in mind. Any concerns can be brought to the Church Cabinet for resolution.
Section 6. Termination
The termination of the pastoral services shall require a 60 or 90 day written notice on the part of the church or minister, and must be acted upon by a special legally called church meeting, which may amend this requirement as may be agreeable to the parties. The Moderator will request the Nominating Committee to nominate at that meeting an Interim Committee whose duties will include procuring an interim pastor and supporting the interim during his/her tenure.
(Other duties of the Pastor are listed throughout these By-Laws.)

The Pastoral Relations Committee shall be a group of three persons elected at the Annual Meeting and the Pastor with the primary responsibility of enabling the Pastor to fulfill the task of professional ministry on behalf of Rollstone Congregational Church and strengthening pastoral effectiveness in the life of the Church through honest and open communications.
This Committee shall meet quarterly with the intent of sharing with each other a view of the pastor's work as seen by the members of the Church, an understanding of where and how the Pastor perceives the fulfilling of the pastoral office at this time, and a plan for sharing with the congregation any information that would interpret and explain where the Church is in its relationship to the Pastor and the present course of the Church.
If the Pastor believes it necessary for clarification, the Pastor shall share with the Chairperson of this Committee any information about the institutional life of the Church that could be moving toward a crisis, and likewise, the Chairperson of the Committee shall share with the Pastor information that would serve to prevent a misunderstanding between the Pastor and a member of the congregation, a segment thereof, or the congregation.
Using the material provided by the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ and other resources of quality chosen by the Committee, this committee, after consulting with the Pastor, shall submit to the Board of Trustees a recommended salary package for the Pastor for the ensuing year.
At the time of a Pastor's termination, this Committee shall be enlarged to a committee of between seven and eleven, and become the Pastoral Search Committee. The additional members shall be nominated and elected to the Committee at a duly called meeting of the Church.

One or more Assistant or Youth Ministers may be contracted with by a majority vote of the members of the Church voting at a duly warranted meeting for such purpose, to provide additional support to the church program as set forth in their contract(s). The Church Cabinet is responsible for coordinating the negotiation of the contract. That contract will designate the duties and responsibilities of the assistant or youth minister(s); which group(s) within the Church will oversee and coordinate with the assistant or youth minister(s); and the terms of the employment relationship. The assistant or youth minister(s) shall submit an annual report.

The Clerk shall be elected annually and shall be duly sworn to the faithful performance of the duties by a Notary Public. S/he shall be responsible for keeping distinct and full records of all business transactions of the church, the reception and dismissal of members, deaths of members of which s/he has knowledge, all baptisms and marriages. The Clerk shall conduct the official correspondence of the Church as designated in the By-Laws or as voted in a business meeting of the Church. S/he shall issue letters of dismission and recommendation, subject to the approval of the Church, and shall make a full written report to the Church on all the foregoing matters at the Annual Meeting, or at another meeting when so requested. The records of the Clerk shall at all proper times be open to inspection by any member of the Church. The Clerk shall keep a register of members with their addresses, how and when received, and how and when removed.
(See Articles IV (Membership), XXI (Qualification (Officers)), XXIII (Business Meetings), and XXVIII (Church Cabinet) for other duties of the Clerk.)

The Treasurer shall be elected annually. S/he shall be responsible for all funds and securities belonging to the Church. S/he shall keep accurate records of all funds received and disbursed. S/he shall disburse all funds in accordance with a budget or other appropriation approved by vote of the Church, or as directed by the Board of Trustees, the Board of Scholarship, or the Memorials Committee.
When requested to attend any of the meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shall come prepared with a current report of the Church's finances. S/he shall submit a report for the Annual Meeting and also other reports as the Board of Trustees shall request.
An Assistant Treasurer may be elected at any business meeting of the Church. The duties of such Assistant Treasurer shall be defined by the Board of Trustees.
The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be bonded as the Board of Trustees may direct.
(See Article XV (Board of Trustees) for other duties of the Treasurer.)

A Collector (Financial Secretary) shall be elected annually. S/he shall receive all regular contributions made to the Church and keep a true record thereof. S/he may be assisted by a Counting Committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. S/he shall weekly furnish the Treasurer with a statement of the sums collected for specific purposes together with a duplicate deposit slip showing the aggregate amount received. S/he shall report to each committee having jurisdiction as required. When requested by the Board of Trustees, and in any event at the close of the third quarter of the year, s/he shall advise all who are substantially in arrears on their pledges as to the status of their accounts. S/he shall submit a report annually. S/he shall be bonded as the Trustees may direct.

This Church shall elect annually a Moderator and a Vice-Moderator. The Moderator shall be the "Chief Lay Officer" of the Church.
The Moderator, or in the absence of the Moderator the Vice-Moderator, shall preside at all business meetings of the Church and the Church Cabinet.
(See Articles VI (Officers), VII (Pastor), XXI (Qualification (Officers)), XXIII (Business Meetings) , XXIV (Executive Council) and XXVIII (Church Cabinet) for other duties of the Moderator.)

The Board of Deacons shall be leaders chosen to assist the Pastor in helping the Church to envision and achieve its spiritual possibilities through worship and the caring of persons and Church programs. Deacons shall be members in good standing and of good Christian character.
The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for all the services of worship including the special services of Lent, Easter and Christmas. They shall attend to the Sacrament of Holy Communion, its preparation and serving in worship. They shall assist the pastor in the service of Baptism.
The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for the altars of the chapel and sanctuary, the Baptismal font, the Communion linens, the scarves of the lectern and pulpit, the dossal in the Chapel and the Communion silver.
Whenever the pastor is away, the Board of Deacons shall be responsible for a Supply Pastor and host that pastor while s/he is present with the church.
The Board of Deacons shall show concern for others by visiting the sick, shut-ins, bereaved, needy, delivering flowers and sending cards of cheer to those in need. The Board of Deacons may elect a Deacon's Assistant who may be an ex-officio member of the Board to send the cards. They shall notify the Pastor of all known cases requiring church help. They shall call on and enlist new members, introduce persons into the life of the Church, and cooperate in the work of evangelism within the larger fellowship. The Board of Deacons shall examine candidates for admission to the Church, and if approved, propose them for membership.
The Church shall be served by a Board of eight to twelve Deacons, up to four elected annually for a term of three years. The board shall elect its own chairperson at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of the Church.
The Board shall submit an Annual Report.
(See Articles IV (Membership), V (Sacraments), VI (Officers), VII (Pastor), XXIII (Business Meetings), XXVIII (Church Cabinet), XXXI (Flower Committee), XXXIII (Mission and Outreach Committee) , XXXIV (Music Committee), and XXXVIII (Usher Coordinator and Chief Ushers) for other duties of the Board of Deacons.)

This Board shall consist of five members, namely, the Chairperson of the House Committee, the Treasurer of the church, and three elected members who are serving three-year terms. These three-year terms are to run so that one expires each year and one begins each year. The member serving the third-year term or the elected senior member of the Board, shall be the Chairperson.
This Board shall be responsible for housekeeping, property repairs and improvements, investments, stewardship, the general and benevolence budgets of the church and in general all property and financial matters not otherwise delegated or stipulated in these By-Laws. Hiring and discharge of janitorial help, sextons, and church office secretaries shall be the responsibility of this Board.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Board shall use diligent efforts to keep disbursements within the budget or other appropriation by vote of the Church.
The Board shall not sell, buy, lease, rent, convey, or otherwise dispose of real property of the Church except by vote of the Church.
The Board shall have full authority with respect to Probate Estates, in which the Church may have an interest, to enter into such agreements and compromises in its name and behalf, and to give legal representatives of such estates instructions and directions, all as it may deem it to be in the best interest of the Church so to do.
The Board may appoint a member or members of the Church, for such limited terms as it may require, to assist it in the specialized work of investment. It may in its sole discretion, and at the expense of the Church, engage investment or legal counsel.
The Board shall keep full and complete record of its proceedings. It shall render an Annual Report.
(See Articles VI (Officers), XI (Treasurer), XII (Collector) , XVI (House Committee), XVII (Auditor), XXII (Vacancies), XXIII (Business Meetings), XXVIII (Church Cabinet) , XXIX (Board of Christian Education), XXX (Board of Scholarship), XXXIV (Music Committee), XXXVII (Stewardship and Visitation Committee), and XLI (Organizations) for other duties of the Board of Trustees.)

The House Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and three or more other members elected annually. By virtue of the office, the Chairperson shall be a member of the Board of Trustees.
This Committee shall be responsible for those projects delegated to it by the Board of Trustees.
Any gift of a physical nature which is intended to be placed in or on the church property shall first be approved by this Committee.
They shall render an Annual Report.
(See Articles XV (Board of Trustees) and XXXII (Memorials Committee) for other duties of the House Committee.)

An Auditor shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the Auditor to examine and audit to his/her satisfaction the accounts of the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Collector (Financial Secretary), as well as funds held by the Church. S/he shall report to the Annual Meeting on his/her findings. S/he shall respond at any time to a request by the Board of Trustees for an audit. S/he may be called upon to audit the records of any organization within the Church.

This Church shall elect an Historian for a three-year term who shall annually give a summary of the highlights of the Church's life and shall cause to be preserved such items of historical value as s/he and the Pastor deem worthy of keeping.

Those persons chosen to serve the Church administratively or programmatically shall be known as its staff members. They shall be salaried as voted by the Church.
It shall be their duty to offer to the Church leadership in the fields of its work and worship. They shall be encouraged to seek further professional advancement.
The staff shall meet occasionally at the call of the Pastor to share in mutual planning and devotion to their calling.

The terms of office for those elected shall begin and end on Annual Meeting dates unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws.

The Officers of this Church (See Article VI) shall be qualified by oath of office administered in this order: The Clerk (See Article X), then the Clerk to the Moderator, then the Moderator to the remaining officers. The wording may be, question, "Do you solemnly swear that you will perform the duties of your office to the best of your ability by the grace of God?" The response, "I do, by the grace of God."

Section 1. Declaration of Vacancy
An office may be declared vacant because of inability or unwillingness to continue to serve. At any duly called business meeting of the Church a vacancy in an office may be declared by a majority vote.
Section 2. Pastoral Vacancy
The Church shall fill a pastoral vacancy by a majority vote on behalf of the candidate recommended by the Pastoral Search Committee.
Section 3. Filling Other Vacancies
Other vacancies to elective office shall be filled by the same body which normally fill the office in periodic or other elections.
Section 4. Temporary Appointments
The Board of Trustees may appoint a temporary Auditor, Collector, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, or Sexton; the Music Committee may engage a temporary organist; and the Church Cabinet may engage or appoint temporarily any other person not mentioned above to carry on the specific work of a position until a successor is duly elected.

A. Business Meetings of the Church
Section 1. Calling Meetings
Business meetings of the Church shall be called by warrant issued by the Clerk upon a written request expressing a majority vote of any one of the following:

1. The Board of Deacons
2. The Board of Trustees
3. The Church Cabinet, or
4. Twenty members signing a petition for a church business meeting.

• Clerk shall post an attested copy of the warrant in the Parish House at least seven days prior to the meeting.
• the event of the inability or the refusal of the Clerk to act, this duty may be performed by the Moderator, or the Vice Moderator in the absence of the Moderator.
• 
  
• Section 2. Annual Meeting
• shall be an Annual Meeting of the Church on the second Sunday of February, the hour and place of which shall be specified in the warrant. An alternate date may be set forth in case circumstances prevent the gathering of a quorum.
• Annual Meeting shall be for the receiving of reports, acting on nominations, adopting the annual budget, and the transacting of any other business that may legally and appropriately come before the meeting.
• 
  
• Section 3. Special Meetings
• Special business meetings may be called as the interests of the Church require. The procedure for calling such meetings shall be the same as stated in Section 1 of this article.
• Section 4. Quorum
• quorum for all church meetings shall be thirty (30) voting members.
• B. Business Meetings of Boards and Committees
  Section 1. Notices
  The Chairperson shall be responsible to have each member of his/her group duly notified of each meeting.
  Section 2. Quorum
  At stated meetings of each board or committee, one-third of those elected to serve shall constitute a quorum except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws. One-half of the elected membership of a board or committee shall constitute a quorum for special meetings.
  C. Parliamentary Procedure
  The rules of parliamentary procedure as laid out in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all Church and committee meetings when not in conflict with the Charter or By-Laws.
  

Once a year, usually in June, all officers, chairpersons, and organizational presidents, or their duly authorized substitutes, shall meet to plan the calendar of activities for the ensuing twelve months, subject to the call of the Moderator. This calendar shall be kept in the church office in order to expedite the various functions and keep conflicting appointments at a minimum.

The fiscal year of the Church shall coincide with the calendar year.

Annual Reports are to be presented at the Annual Meeting in written form. It is imperative that these reports be filed in the Church Office in reasonable time before the Annual Meeting date to facilitate processing.

Only members (regardless of age) shall have the right to vote. Unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws a majority vote of the members present and voting shall be necessary to carry a motion.

In order that there may be a single coordinating and authoritative body with concern for the whole program of the Church and with power to act for the Church in an interim period between church meetings, there shall be a Church Cabinet.
The Cabinet shall be a composite of the officers of the Church, as designated in Article VI, and the Chairpersons of all committees specifically established within the By-Laws, except that any who are not members of the Church shall not serve on the Cabinet. Anyone serving in more than one position of the church shall be limited to a single vote.
The Moderator (or Vice-Moderator) shall be Chairperson; the Clerk, secretary. A quorum for transaction of business shall be ten which must include a majority of the Board of Trustees holding office at the time of meeting.
A majority rule shall be required for any action.
Members of the Cabinet shall be called by the Moderator whenever four of its members furnish him/her with an agenda in writing and request him/her to do so. In any event the Moderator shall assemble the Cabinet at least once within two months after the Annual Meeting of the Church.
Limits, Duties, Responsibilities:
The Cabinet shall not transact business which is under the purview of any board, committee, officer, or organization within the Church unless there is clear evidence of non-feasance or of action not in accordance with these By-Laws. Concerns should be initially addressed directly with the appropriate committee before being brought to the cabinet.
It shall attempt to restore harmony should differences arise among committees, boards, officers, or organizations.
Its decisions shall be binding except as they may be modified or annulled in a duly called church meeting.
In an effort to assist the Church in setting goals, directions, and objectives, it shall serve as a planning, evaluative body, meeting once in the fall for this purpose and at other times at the call of the Moderator.
It shall initiate and promote ideas and activities in the program of the Church whenever and wherever there is a lack of vitality.
It shall interpret the Church By-Laws when needed.
It shall render an Annual Report to the Church.
(See Articles III (Belief), IV (Membership), VII (Pastor), XXII (Vacancies), XXIII (Business Meetings), and XLI (Organizations) for other duties of the Church Cabinet.)

Section 1. Purpose and Scope
This Church shall have a Board of Christian Education that shall endeavor to enable growth in Jesus Christ in persons of all ages.
The Board of Christian Education shall design and implement effective models for involving people in the study and practice of the Christian faith.
The Board of Christian Education shall consist of five to eight members elected annually by the Church. The Pastor, members of the Christian Education staff, and the Church School Superintendent shall be ex-officio members of the Board.
Section 2. Responsibility
To achieve the established purpose, the Board of Christian Education shall present yearly a program which shall provide religious education opportunities for people of all ages. It shall report annually to the Church.
Specifically, the Board shall staff a Church School that the children and youth of the Church might have weekly instruction in the Christian faith. The Church School shall offer classes for children, youth, and adults of all ages.
The curriculum used in the Church School shall be selected by the Board of Christian Education. Together with the teachers of the Church School, the members of the Board shall review the curriculum annually.
As occasion demands, the Board shall encourage and support special areas of study, such as Confirmation, Missions, Social Concerns, and Evangelism. If a need is seen in the life of the Church to increase awareness of a particular concern, the Board may call into being a special Task Group to address itself to the need. These may be study groups, work groups, special retreat activities, or a series of lectures and presentations.
A Task Group called into life by the Board of Christian Education shall consist of any number of people, elect its own Chairperson, and report to the Board of Christian Education. When the Task Group has realized its goals, it shall be dismissed by the Board. There shall be no restriction of time or time expectancy for a Task Group.
Every effort shall be made by the Board to offer confirmation and youth programs. Youth groups, sponsored by the Church, shall be responsible to the Board of Christian Education. As the Board seeks to supply teachers for the Church School each year, efforts shall be made to find advisors for a Junior and Senior High Youth Group.
Likewise, the Board shall endorse special education opportunities for adults. At least once a year the Board shall offer, either of its own accord, in cooperation with another group or committee in the Church, or with a collegial institution, a study series for adults. When cooperating with another church or agency, at least one member of the Board of Christian Education or an elected delegate of the Church shall serve as a liaison with the cooperating group.
All special programs of continuing Christian religious education shall be the responsibility of this Board.
Section 3. Volunteer Staff
To promote order and systematic keeping of records, to guarantee personal communication with the people of the faith community, the Church, the Board of Christian Education shall secure a Superintendent of the Church School.
Primarily an administrative position, the Superintendent shall keep a record of students, superintend the activities of the Church School, especially in the Children and Youth Divisions, and assist teachers, as requested by them.
With the assistance of the Board, the Superintendent shall order all the materials for the Church School.
The Board shall try to establish also a committee of three to care for the library and oversee the ordering of books for the Church Library. This committee shall be responsible also for the cataloguing of all audio-visual resources. An updated report of all new religious education material shall be given to the Board of Christian Education.
Section 4. Para-professional and Professional Staff
As funds allow, the Board of Christian Education, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, shall employ a Director of Christian Education or a Director(s) of the Church School, a Minister to Youth or a Youth Director(s). These persons shall fulfill tasks as stated in a written job description and agreed upon by the person, the Board of Christian Education, and the Board of Trustees.
All persons paid a salary of any amount shall be expected to give a report to the Church annually, or at the time of termination.
Members of the paid religious education staff of the Church shall be expected to meet weekly with the Pastor and be immediately accountable to the Pastor.

This Church shall have a Board of Scholarship consisting of the Pastor and three laypersons. The laypersons shall be elected by the Church each to serve a three-year term. Terms of the lay members are to overlap so that one will expire each year and one will begin. The senior lay member shall be chairperson.
Section 1. Purpose and Power of the Board
To determine who needs and who qualifies for financial assistance from funds in the custody of the church, known or to be known as Scholarship Funds. To determine the amount and conditions of the grant in each case, when it is to be paid, and to whom. To place requisitions upon the Treasurer for applicable funds. Each such request shall set forth all pertinent information needed by the Treasurer.
Section 2. Qualifications of Grantee

1. A member of the church for at least one year before the grant is made.
2. Completion of the work of the twelfth grade or its equivalent.
3. The applicant's prior scholastic record as shown by a transcript from the school s/he last attended shall indicate his/her ability to complete the educational program which s/he contemplates successfully. An overall average of "C" or better during the preceding school year shall normally be required.
4. The applicant shall have been admitted to a course of study in an accredited educational institution.
5. A satisfactory disposition toward augmenting his/her resources by remunerative work during his/her free time.
6. Shall in character, aim, and ability be deemed worthy.

Section 3. Limits and Obligations of the Board
No grant shall be made from the Scholarship Fund which is not in accord with stipulations and specifications made with respect to those funds by the donor as a condition of this bequest to the Church. The Board of Trustees shall require strict observance in this regard. Any question of conformity with these conditions in a given case shall be resolved with the Board of Trustees by the Board of Scholarship before a check shall be drawn on behalf of the grantee.
Students enrolled in areas of study designed to train for the Ministry, Religious Education, Missionary Work, or directly related endeavors, normally considered to be Christian Education, shall be given preference in consideration for scholarship aid.
The Board shall submit an Annual Report.
(See Article XI (Treasurer) for other duties of the Board of Scholarship.)

There shall be a Flower Committee of three to six members elected annually.
They shall be responsible for having flowers set in the Chancel each Sunday. In cooperation with the Board of Deacons of the Church, the Flower Committee shall see that flowers are delivered following worship to the elderly and the sick of the parish.
They shall render an Annual Report.
This committee shall report to the Board of Deacons.

There shall be a Memorials Committee of four to six members, up to three elected annually for two-year terms. Its purpose shall be to assist members and friends in selecting any memorial within the jurisdiction of the Church.
Its procedure may be:

This Committee shall cause to be kept a Book of Memorials containing a record of all memorials given to the Church.
(See Article XI (Treasurer) for other duties of the Memorials Committee.)

There shall be a Mission and Outreach Committee of three to five members elected annually.
This Committee shall be responsible for the following things:

1. Oversee the Mission and Outreach budget of the Church;
2. Encourage contributions to the special collections of the Church, such as Neighbors in Need and One Great Hour of Sharing;
3. Coordinate efforts at Community Outreach;
4. Encourage other acts of Christian charity and benevolence; and
5. They shall render an Annual Report.

This committee shall report to the Board of Deacons.

There shall be a Music Committee of four to six members. This Committee shall be responsible for providing suitable music for all religious services, and meetings of the Church when requested by the Board of Deacons or the Board of Trustees. This Committee shall execute contracts with musicians and maintain high standards of Christian worship through music. It shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of all musical instruments, choir properties, and hymnals belonging to the Church. The budget for music is to be disbursed as this Committee may direct.
The Organist and/or Choir Director shall be a member(s) ex officio (by virtue of the position).
For purposes of developing and perfecting a fine program of music, regular conferences are recommended between the Pastor and the music staff.
This Committee shall submit an Annual Report.
(See Article XXII (Vacancies) for other duties of the Music Committee.)

A Nominating Committee of three members each to be elected for a three-year term shall be elected at each Annual Meeting. The terms are to run so that one expires and one begins each year. Until their successors are chosen, they shall present nominations as vacancies occur except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws. Their services shall be available upon request by bodies authorized to fill vacancies.
Job descriptions to assist the Committee in defining the work they are seeking to have done shall be kept on file in the Church Office.
All persons elected shall be members of the Church. (See Article XX, "Vacancies.")
(See Articles VII (Pastor) and XXIII (Business Meetings) for other duties of the Nominating Committee.)

As Rollstone Congregational Church sees itself in covenantal relationship with the United Church of Christ, as stated in the By-Laws of the United Church of Christ, this Church shall elect annually delegates as authorized and alternate delegates to the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. These delegates shall attend the Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ and submit a report to the Church.
In affirmation of the covenant with the United Church of Christ, this Church shall elect also delegates as authorized and alternate delegates to the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. These delegates shall attend the fall and spring business meetings of the Central Association and any other business meetings of the Central Association and make a report to the Church.
To assist the delegates to the Central Association, to be supportive of other churches of our order, and to share in the common pilgrimage, this Church shall elect at the Annual Meeting of the Church up to eight (8) delegates to attend various functions, specifically installations and ordinations, on a rotating basis, in order as names appear on the ballot. Through the Pastor, these delegates shall report to the Church Cabinet.
Rollstone Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, sees itself in collegial and familial relationships with the Montachusett Council of Churches, and as such, delegates as authorized to the Council shall be elected at the time of the Annual Meeting of the Church. Through the Pastor, these delegates shall report to the Church Cabinet.

This Church, seeking to promote the ideal of Christian stewardship, shall elect annually a Chairperson and three or more others to a committee which shall be responsible to the Board of Trustees for a continuing program of Christian service through gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
This Committee shall conduct and promote an annual campaign making an effort to give an opportunity to every member of the Church to contribute to its support.
This Committee shall submit an Annual Report.

There shall be an Usher Coordinator and four to eight Chief Ushers elected annually.
The Chief Ushers shall rotate, as designated by the Usher Coordinator, through the Sunday Services. They are responsible for preparing the sanctuary for service and directing the actions of the Ushers.
They shall report to the Board of Deacons.

The Church may have such special or standing committees (Boards) from time to time as may be constituted by the majority vote at a business meeting of the church for such purposes and authority as the vote may designate.

Except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, the Chairperson(s) of a Board or Committee shall be elected by a majority of its members.

It shall be understood that all organizations of the Church shall be in good fellowship and relationship with the Board of Trustees and the Church Cabinet.
It is expected that every group meeting under the auspices of the church shall render an annual report of benevolent giving and program activity at the Annual Meeting of the Church.

Section 1. Reports
Reports to the Annual Meeting shall be in accordance with article XXIV and as called for in the various other articles of these By-Laws.
Unless otherwise voted, only the Pastor's report shall be presented orally.
Section 2. Central File
In order to provide a central file for items of church information and business, copies of minutes of all Church meetings and committee meetings and financial reports of those who handle Church money shall be placed on file in the church office.

Separate but interlocking corporations that are legally related to the Church will generally conform to the following:

1. At least two-thirds of the Directors of such corporations shall be members of this Church.
2. All officers of such corporations shall be members of this Church.
3. Such corporations shall submit a report to the Annual Meeting of the Church.
4. Annual meetings of such corporations shall be publicized within the Church Newsletter and all annual reports shall be made available to the Church..

Amendments to these By-Laws may be made at a legally constituted meeting. The proposed change(s) shall be presented in writing and posted with the warrant calling the meeting. Any amendment to either Article II and Article III (Sections 1 and 2) hereof, or any amendment which indirectly affects said Articles II or III, shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members legally qualified to vote. Any other amendment to these By-Laws shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at the meeting called to consider such amendment.