The Worship Place (Interdenominational) Constitution

Article I – Preamble

We, the members of The Worship Place (Interdenominational), in faithful response to the will and purposes of God as revealed through Jesus Christ and God’s continuing revelation to the world, do hereby adopt this constitution on this 3rd day of January, 1999.

Article II – Purpose

The purpose of this congregation is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in faithful response to God’s will and purposes as revealed through Jesus Christ; to nurture and educate members in the Christian faith, to serve the community of which this congregation is a part; to spread the gospel message; to work cooperatively with Christians in other communions; to seek the oneness of the body of Christ; and in all ways to make known the love of God and saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Article III-  Membership

Membership of this congregation, as a part of the whole family of God on the earth, shall consist of the following:  those who shall unite with it by confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, giving expression of their faith through baptism and commitment to Him or those who unite by transfer of membership, or statement of previous membership in another church, thereby reaffirming their faith and commitment to Christ.  An Associate membership will be available whereby an individual may affiliate with this church, and still retain membership in a denominational church or live in a different geographical location.  Associate members are entitled to full right, privileges, and responsibilities in all activities of the church except for the right to vote.

Article IV – Rights, Privileges, and Responsibilities of the Congregation

The congregation shall manage its affairs under the Lordship of Jesus Christ; organize and carry out the purpose of the congregation; establish its budgets and financial policies; call its ministers, and approve the acquisition or disposal of real property.

Article V – Officers, Board of Trustees

Section A.  Officers

The congregation shall elect from its members the Board of Trustees as set forth in the By Laws.

Section B.  Board of Trustees

The congregation shall have a Board of Trustees who shall be responsible to the congregation and have authority to act on behalf of the congregation when it is not in a congregational business meeting provided, however, that the calling of ministries, acquiring, developing, or disposing of real property, or incurring any indebtedness thereon, shall always be submitted for approval of a majority of the members present and voting in a congregational business meeting. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for receiving reports from its minister(s), officers, Chairperson, and the various organizations within the congregation.  It shall establish by its action the program and budget of the congregation, subject to action by the congregation at its annual business meeting.  It shall be responsible also for conducting all legal business matters of the congregation and shall carry out such other responsibilities as may be defined in the By Laws. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held at least once a month if necessary, at such times and places as the Board may determine.  These meetings shall be open to the congregation.  Special meetings of the Board of Trustees may be called by the Chairperson of the Board, or, upon the request of three (3) members of the Board of Trustees.  Notice of special meeting shall be made by telephone, by announcement at a Sunday morning worship service, or by mail.  The purpose(s), time, date, and place of the meeting shall be indicated in each notice. The election, qualifications, and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees shall be a set forth in the By Laws .  The Trustees shall hold title to all properties of the congregation and shall manage the same under the direction of the Board of Trustees, and shall perform such other duties as may be required of the Trustees by the laws of this State.

Section C.  Committees

The Board of Trustees shall establish standing committees and other organizations necessary for the conduct of the work of the congregation as set forth in the By Laws.

Article VI – Congregational Meetings

Congregational business meetings shall be held at least annually in the first month of the fiscal year.  Notice of all such meetings shall be announced at a regular Sunday morning worship service of the congregation at least three (3) weeks consecutively in advance of the meetings, or by written notice sent through the mail and postmarked at least twenty one (21) days before the meeting.  Purpose(s), date, time, and place of the meeting shall be indicated in each notice.  Normally, a vote of the congregation shall be by a show of hands but, upon motion by one third (1/3) of the members present a vote upon a particular matter shall be by secret, written ballot. Upon prior approval of the Board of Trustees, absentee voting by any congregational member may be permitted, provided such action is done in person at the church office prior to any congregational meeting.  Determination on a motion shall be by a majority vote.

Article VII – Amendments

This Constitution may be amended at any congregational business meeting by two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting on the amendment; providing that the proposed amendment has been announced at or following three successive Sunday worship services immediately prior to the time the vote is taken.  Written notice of the proposed amendment shall be sent through the mail to the members of the congregation at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the time the vote is to be taken. By Laws

I. Officers of the Board of Trustees – Election and Terms of Office

A. Initial Trustees shall be elected from the Church membership. 

Following initial election, the term of each shall be determined by drawing 1/3 of the Trustees to fill each category of three (3), two (2), and one (1) year terms.  Thereafter, Trustees shall be elected for a term of three (3) years.

1. The congregation at its annual business meeting shall elect to the designated term persons needed to fill vacancies of the Board of Trustees.  Vacancies occurring through the year may be filled for the duration of that year by the Board of Trustees.

2. The Board of Trustees at its first meeting following the annual congregational business meeting shall elect for terms of one (1) year at least the following officers:

   1.  The Chair who may serve as voting ex-officio member of all committees

   2. Vice Chair

   3. Treasurer

   4. Corporate Secretary 

Members shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms, but may be re-nominated after at least a one (1) year sabbatical between the terms.

B. Qualifications

Officers must be members of the congregation and the Board of Trustees. 2. Trustees must be active in the congregation life and give evidence of seeking to grow in their own understanding and practice of Christian life.  Such evidence would include the following:

• Conduct one’s life in the teachings of Jesus Christ
• Promotion of good will and Christian fellowship in the congregation.
• Regular attendance at worship services and stated meetings of the Board of Trustees.
• Demonstrated skills or potential in carrying out the responsibilities of the particular office.

C. Responsibilities

1. The Chairperson shall preside at all regular and special business meetings of the congregation and the Board of Trustees and perform such other duties normally associated with the office, including execution of legal documents with the attestation of the Corporate Secretary.  The harmonious and effective administrative functioning of the Church rests finally with the Chairperson.  The Chairperson shall encourage orderly procedures in the life and work of the congregation and the Board, and shall be an ex-officio member of all organizational functions of the congregation.
2. The Vice Chairperson shall serve to support the Chairperson, preside in his, or her, absence at meetings of the congregation and the Board, and perform all other duties normally associated with the office or delegated by the Chairperson.
3. The Treasurer shall receive all income of the congregation, pay all accounts, as authorized by the budget, or special action of the Board when such items are not in the budget, provide accurate records of all income and expenditures, make regular written reports to the Board, and submit to an audit of both income and expenditures, annually and as directed by the Board or the Congregation.
4. The Treasurer shall serve as Chairperson, appoint an Assistant Treasurer, and other members of the Finance Committee who shall assist the Treasurer in counting and tabulating the offerings made at each worship service, and in other matters a required.  Strict confidentiality shall be maintained as to individual members’ contribution.
5. The Corporate Secretary shall attest all legal documents and matters directly binding the Church activities.
6. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

II. Board of Trustees

A. Membership

The Board of Trustees shall consist of not less than nine (9) nor more than fifteen (15) elected members, as determined, initially, by the Steering Committee, and, thereafter, by the Board. 1. The Board shall perform its duties according to the authority granted in the Constitution, or otherwise delegated to it by the congregation in meetings called according to Article VI of the Constitution. 2. The Board shall have the authority to establish policies and programs, taking into full account the responsibility of the congregation to the total witness, mission, and nurture of the Church. 3. The Board shall have authority to appoint or hire a Recording Secretary whose duties shall be to keep accurate minutes of all business meetings of the congregation and the Board, both regular and special, and provide for these minutes to be reviewed and approved by their respective bodies as specified by the Board with regard to the time, place, and manner, and shall be the Church correspondent to official entities. 4. Any officer or staff member elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the congregation would be served thereby. 5. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

B. Responsibilities

1. The Board shall conduct its affairs in harmony with the Constitution and By Laws of the Congregation. 2. The Board shall be responsible for conducting the business affairs of the congregation, and provide or the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of the work and activities of the congregation. 3. The Board shall establish committees as needed for the conduct of its work.  There shall be no other functional entities within the congregation with authority to act for, or on behalf of, the congregation or represent it unless the entity has been duly established and authorized by the Board. 4. The Board shall receive regular reports as required by it from it committees and from other authorized organizations within the congregation, and it shall act on such reports with approval, disapproval, modification or referral to the respective committee or other organization. 5. The Board shall receive the proposed annual budget of the congregation from the Finance committee and upon Board acceptance, recommend its approval to the congregation at its annual meeting.  Requests for non-budgeted funds from committees or organizations shall be approved or disapproved by the Board.

III. Ministers

A. When a vacancy occurs in the Minister’s position, the Board of Trustees shall appoint a Search Committee to make recommendations to the congregation to fill the position.  The terms of employment shall be approved by the Trustees after negotiation by the Search Committee prior to submission to the congregation.

B. The minister of the Church shall be a voting ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees and Committees and shall attend all meetings of the Board.

Amendments

AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS ARTICLE III SECTION A – SENIOR MINISTERS (note: Proposed changes and additions are printed in bold, words to be deleted are struck through.)

A.  When a vacancy occurs in the Senior Minister's position the Board of Trustees shall appoint a Search Committee (Search Committee) to make recommendations to The Worship Place Congregation (Congregation) to fill the position.  The terms of employment shall be approved by the Trustees after negotiation by the Search Committee prior to submission to the Congregation

1. The Search Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members of the congregation and a minimum of two Trustees. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Search Committee.

2. The Search Committee will select its chairperson(s) and a recording secretary.

3. All meetings held by the Search Committee shall be closed and documents received and created by the Search committee shall be held in confidence to protect the privacy of those being considered for the Minister's position.

4. The Search Committee shall cause the vacancy to be announced through seminaries, newsletters, and other sources selected by the Committee.

5. The Finance Committee shall recommend to the Board of Trustees, for their approval, a maximum amount of salary and benefits which will be available to offer to the selected finalist for the position.  The Finance Committee shall also recommend to the Trustees for their approval  an amount of funds that will be available to the Search Committee to meet necessary travel expenses of the Committee and the finalist Candidates.

6. Once a single finalist for the position has been selected by the Search Committee, the Committee shall conduct a thorough check on the Candidate's credentials and background,  listen to and/or view a recording of a sermon preached by the Candidate in an actual church setting, and interview the Candidate.  If possible, one or more members of the Search Committee should attend a regular Sunday service at the Candidate's church.

7. Upon completion of the interviews, credentials and background investigation of the Candidate, and final selection of the Candidate by the Search Committee, the Candidate will meet with the Trustees.  The Trustees shall approve the terms of employment of the Minister prior to submission to the Congregation for a vote.

8. The Trustees will send a letter to all members of the Congregation announcing the selection of a Finalist for the Senior Minister's position and including a copy of the Candidate's resume.  The letter will announce the date that the nominated Minister will preach to the Congregation at all Sunday services as well as the time and date of a Congregational Meeting for the Congregational vote after the minister has preached to the Congregation.   An announcement of the sermon by the nominated Minister and the meeting for the vote will be placed in each Sunday bulletin following the sending of the letter.

9. The Congregational Meeting will be held as scheduled and a vote by the Congregation taken unless the nominated Minister, for any reason, withdraws his name from consideration prior to the vote or the Board of Trustees, by a majority vote, cancels the meeting.

10. Voting for the Minister shall be by means of a secret ballot. 11. A minimum of a 75% positive vote of the voting members at the Congregational Meeting shall be required for the Minister to be selected for the vacant position. 12. The results of the vote will be tabulated and reported to the Congregation as soon as is practical. 06/20/09

IV. Nominating Committee

A. Membership and Tenure

1. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall annually appoint a nominating Committee of no more than six (6) members from the congregation, none of which presently serve on the Board of Trustees. 2. Appointment to the nominating committee is subject to ratification by the Board.

B. Responsibilities

The Nominating Committee shall seek recommendations from the congregation and shall nominate Trustees to be elected by the congregation at its annual business meeting.  Three (3) or more members of the congregation may place a name or names in nomination for the position of Trustee.  This must be done at least two (2) weeks prior to the annual business meeting of the congregation.

V. Insurance

The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for providing insurance to protect the Church, its officers, employees, and property as deemed necessary by the Board.

Dissolution

Upon dissolution of this organization, whether voluntary or involuntary, after all debts have been satisfied, the assets of the organization then remaining in the hands of the Board of Trustees shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government for a public purpose.  Any such assets not so disposed of local government for a public purpose shall be disposed of by a Court of competent jurisdiction of the County in which the principal office or business of the Corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization, or organizations as said Court shall determine, which are organized an operated exclusively for such purposes. These By Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees recommending amendments to the congregation according to the procedures set forth in Article VII of the Constitution.

 Appendix I – Stained Glass Windows 

Dove Entrance (North Double Door) – The left panel portrays Moses with basket and reeds, flaming bush and stone tablets. The right panel depicts Christ's lineage in King David with his harp, shield, sword and sling. The dove represents the Holy Spirit.  Donated by Mary Jane S. Griffin.

Gethsemane (Sanctuary North Side) – Christ is in prayer, the cup behind Him, the cross before Him.  Donated by Bo and Betty Wickstrom.

Miracles on the Water (Sanctuary North Side)  – Two concurrent miracles show Jesus lifting Peter from the stormy water and calming the sea.  Donated by Leon Harmon.

Birth (Sanctuary North Side) – The star illumines the Christ Child. The wise men journey to the stable with their gifts.  Donated by Jane Kamiske.

The Cross (Sanctuary Center) – The white cross of beveled glass dominates the scene. Behind it, the red cross emphasizes His blood sacrifice. The lamb represents believers who meet Him at the foot of the cross. The empty tomb is 'on the right. The rainbow reminds us of God's promises.  Donated by Billy Moorman.

Calling Disciples (Sanctuary South Side) – Jesus commissions the disciples to be fishers of men. Letters "A" and "0" are in the background. The fish are tied together indicating past and future vocation of those He called. The dove is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  Donated by Bob and Addalie McMinn. .

The Ascension (Sanctuary South Side) – The conquered cross is in the background; the glorified Christ ascends and the angels adore Him. It is a reminder that one day He will return in like manner.   Donated by Joy Webster.

Resurrection Glory (Sanctuary South Side) – Sunrise, angel and lilies speak of Eastertide. Grave clothes lie where the stone was rolled away. The butterfly is a symbol of freedom and triumph over death.  Donated by L. Marshal and Rodah E. Welch.

Father Entrance (South Double Doors) – God's open hand tops the entrance. The ark and rainbow in left panel show God's judgment and promise. The connecting triangle represents Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The right panel with sword and ram demonstrate Abraham's obedience. The stars represent Christ, the morning star, and God's promise to Abraham of descendants as numerous as the stars. 

Donors: Dorothy, James D., Susan, and Barbara Dezelle; Susan and Louis Dorey; Audrey J. White and family; Dr. and Mrs. R. Lynn White; Dr. and Mrs. Mark S. White; Lee and Lucille Reiser. Dennis Roberts, Artist, Fredericksburg Texas

Appendix II – Guidelines for Facility Use

All members of The Worship Place are eligible to reserve and utilize the Worship Place, if in accordance with the guidelines set forth.  Church membership is determined by the master membership role maintained in the church’s record system at the time of request. Request for use of The Worship Place shall be submitted to the Church Secretary; hereafter referred to as the “Scheduling Coordinator”, or appointed designee. If a group needs the facility already assigned to another group, the two groups should work out a solution. 

However, if a solution cannot be determined, the first request shall prevail. Functions having potential damage to carpeted areas, wall, floors, etc. shall not be permitted.  There shall be no food or drink in the sanctuary and no use of tobacco inside The Worship Place.  No alcoholic beverages shall be served on the premises Functions having unusual insurance risk will not be permitted.  The use of equipment that may cause excessive loads on the electrical system shall not be permitted.

All groups, sponsoring functions other than normal Sunday morning church activities shall be responsible for restoring the area to a clean, orderly condition, turn-off all lights, and assure all doors are locked.  Tables and chairs are to be returned to the place from which they were removed.  If the group desires, they may make arrangements in advance with our custodian for him/her to clean up and return the area to its original condition.  He/she is to be paid a mutually agreed upon fee in addition to his/her regular salary by the group in advance. After each special use of the facilities, the custodian will inspect the area and report its condition to the Scheduling Coordinator.  In the event of an “improper” clean up, the group will be contacted and asked to “finish the job.  If this is not done in a timely manner, the offending group may be denied further use, or the Trustees may take other action as deemed necessary.

All functions, and church activities are to be concluded, and the area restored to normal, with The Worship Place being secured no later than 11:00 P.M. Church furniture, dishes, supplies and equipment shall not be removed from the premises, except for use of a church sponsored function.  Hotplates shall not be used.  Ice shall not be removed except for church sponsored activities. Members who reserve the building for non-church related activities will be assessed an operations fee at a rate determined by the Trustees.

The Scheduling Coordinator is to handle all building requests.  The Scheduling Coordinator has the authority to make judgments based on these guidelines.  If there is any question concerning the use, the Trustees have the final authority. FEES All fees collected for the use of The Worship Place shall be used for the maintenance of the building and grounds.

*A form describing The Worship Place amenities and a map to aid out-of-town friends and family in finding The Worship Place is available from the church secretary.  These two documents will be distributed to local funeral homes.  Hopefully, this will help the funeral home and The Worship Place Scheduler in coordinating funeral/memorial services. *Additionally, a checklist for the Scheduler to accumulate funeral/memorial pertinent information is available.  The checklist will serve as an official record of file for the church, and provide an efficient and tactful means to inquire into certain aspects and desires of the family. APPROVED ACTIVITIES

1. The following activities may use The Worship Place facility upon approval by the Scheduling Coordinator”.
   1. Funerals
   2. Weddings of Church members
   3. Church sponsored meetings and programs
2. The following activities require approval by the Trustees upon recommendation by the Pastor, Music Director, or Scheduling Coordinator.
   1. Musical performances by groups or soloist
   2. Educational programs not directly related to church programs.
3. The following activities or groups not permitted to use the Sanctuary or Meeting Rooms:
   1. Political Organizations
   2. b. Clubs or Interest Groups of the Community Association

NOTE:  If there is any doubt, or if there is any disagreement as whether or not a group is non-church oriented, the Trustees should be consulted.

USE OF THE SANCTUARY ORGAN AND PIANO Only Trustee or Music Director appointed musicians may play the organ or piano.

FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS FOR FUNERALS AND WEDDINGS Florist or companies who decorate the sanctuary will be required to post a check for $100.00 AS A DEPOSIT AGAINST DAMAGE of any kind, including water damage caused either by their employees or their equipment.  This deposit will be returned to the florist on the day following the ceremony, after an inspection by the Scheduling Coordinator. All flowers, palms, and equipment shall be removed from the church building following the ceremony.  Florists will be responsible for seeing that all debris is removed from the building and properly disposed of. All furnishings and fixtures, including the piano in the sanctuary may only be moved under the direction of The Worship Place coordinator.

KITCHEN USE

1. You must sign the calendar to use the kitchen for activities not regularly assigned, i.e. Caring Committee, Coffee Fellowship, Bible Study Groups, Church Staff and workers, etc. The calendar is kept in the church office. Requests to use the kitchen for special activities should be sent to the Kitchen Committee Chairpersons, Lois and Ed Heitger.
2. Put things back where you found them.
3. The custodian will empty the trash containers. All trash is to be bagged and placed in the large kitchen container.
4. Do not remove anything" from the kitchen, except dirty linens. Linens must be returned within one week.
5. Do not put coffee grounds down the disposal or leave in the coffee pots.
6. Report any malfunctioning appliances to Joe Phillips, chairperson of the Building Ministry.
7. The door to the kitchen must be closed when the kitchen is not in use.
8. Use of ice machine is only for church functions.
9. No food or drinks are to be consumed on any carpeted area of the church.
10. Questions concerning The Kitchen Committee, its functions, or guidelines, should be addressed to the Chairperson.