CONGREGATIONAL BYLAWS
McVEYTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

I - PURPOSE

The McVeytown Presbyterian Church of McVeytown has been called by God and organized to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to minister to the needs of members of the congregation and residents of the community, and to promote peace and justice in the world.

This church is a particular congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and recognizes that the constitution of said church, in all its provisions, is obligatory upon it and all its members. Therefore, a set of bylaws, consistent with the Book of Order has been drawn to help assure that the church may function in a more spiritual, orderly, and consistent manner. Periodic revision will be necessary as the Book of Order and church polity changes require.

II - INCORPORATION

In accordance with the laws of the state of Pennsylvania, the congregation shall cause a corporation to be formed. Consistent with the laws of this state, both ecclesiastical and corporate business may be conducted at the same meeting of the congregation.

III - CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

1. There shall be an annual meeting of the Congregation in the church sanctuary following worship on one Sunday in January of each year, for the transaction of any business properly coming before such meeting (Book of Order G-7.0300).

2. Special congregational meetings may also be called. The call for each such meeting shall clearly state its purpose and no matter other than that specified in the call may be considered. (Book of Order G-7.0300) One special meeting will be held annually in the church sanctuary following worship on the first Sunday in November. The sole purpose of this meeting shall be to elect church officers for the coming year.

3. Public notice of the time, place and purpose for all congregational meetings shall be given on two successive Sundays.

4. The pastor shall preside at all congregational meetings, but for specific corporate proceedings, shall call the president of the board of trustees to preside. Where the church is pastorless or circumstances make it impossible for the pastor to preside, the presiding officer, usually a moderator appointed by the presbytery, shall be determined as provided in the Book of Order G-7.0306.

5. The clerk of session shall be secretary of congregational meetings. If the clerk of session is unable to attend a specific meeting, the congregation shall elect another active member to serve.

6. Only active church members as defined in G-5.0202 and G-7.0301 of the Book of Order, shall be entitled to vote at congregational meetings.

7. Voting by proxy is not permitted.

8. Congregational meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, except in cases where the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) provides otherwise.

9. All meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer.

10. A congregational meeting quorum shall consist of the moderator, secretary, and 10 percent of the eligible voters (Book of Order G-7.0305). The clerk of session shall determine the number of voting members present.

IV - CHURCH BOARDS - COMPOSITION AND FUNCTION

1. Session

The session shall be comprised of nine elders, divided into three equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the special November congregational meeting, for a three year term.
No elder shall serve on the session for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. Immediately following session service for six aggregate years, an elder shall be ineligible for election to a new term until at least one year has elapsed.

2. Deacons

There shall be nine deacons, divided into three equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the special November congregational meeting, for a three year term. No deacons shall serve on the board for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. Immediately following board service for six aggregate years, a deacon shall be ineligible for election to a new term until at least one year has elapsed.

3. Trustees

As provided in G-7.0400 of the Book of Order, a board of trustees shall serve consisting of six members, divided into three equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the special November congregational meeting, for a three year term. No trustee shall serve on the board for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. Immediately following board service for six aggregate years, a trustee shall be ineligible for election to a new term until at least one year has elapsed.

4. Vacancies on the session, board of deacons, and board of trustees may be filled at a special meeting of the congregation or at the annual meeting, as the session may determine.

V - CHURCH COMMITTEES

1. Nominating Committee

There shall be a representative nominating committee of active members, chosen in accordance with G-14.0201b of the Book of Order. They shall be elected annually at the special November congregational meeting. No member shall serve more than three years consecutively. Membership of this committee shall itself include both men and women, giving fair representation to persons of all age groups and of all racial/ethnic members of the congregation. Nominations by the committee shall reflect these same characteristics and shall be members who are actively demonstrating their faith through their participation at worship, in the sacraments and other church functions. At least one member of the committee shall be an active trustee. The committee shall bring to the special November congregational meeting nominations of one eligible person only for each office to be filled. Additional nominations of qualified persons may be made from the floor by any active member.

2. Audit Committee

There shall be an audit committee as provided in G-10.0400, consisting of three members in classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the special November congregational meeting, for a three year term. No member shall serve on the audit committee for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. Immediately following audit committee service for six aggregate years, a member shall be ineligible for election to a new term until at least one year has elapsed.

2. Memorial Committee

There shall be a memorial committee responsible for: 1) encouraging memorial gifts; 2) acknowledging receipt of such gifts; 3) recommending to session the appropriate use of these gifts. The memorial committee shall consist of three members in classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the special November congregational meeting for a three year term. No member shall serve on the memorial committee for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. Immediately following memorial committee service for six aggregate years, a member shall be ineligible for election to a new term until at least one year has elapsed. An elder on session shall be appointed by the moderator to also serve on this committee for a term of one year.

VI - AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the laws of the state of Pennsylvania and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) by a tWO-thirds vote of the voters present, providing that the proposed changes in printed form shall have been distributed at the same time as the call of the meeting at which the changes are voted upon.

Adopted January 16, 1994

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