BUSH CREEK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN CONSTITUTION

B. This congregation is organized under the provisions for Religious Corporations of Public General Laws of the State of Maryland, by certificate dated January 26, 1881, and amended on January 10,1911.

C. Principal office, sanctuary for worship, Christian education facilities and additional property shall be at Monrovia, Frederick County, Maryland 21770.

Back to top

ARTICLE II

Purpose and Function

This congregation:

A. Is founded upon the faith that there is but one God who is a personal Father God who in holy love creates, sustains, and orders all.

B. Confesses Jesus Christ as the Lord of the Church and of all life.

C. Believes that the Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts and minds of believers, creating and sustaining the church through the gospel, giving guidance and comfort, and uniting believers with the Lord and with one another.

D. Maintains the New Testament as its only creed and rule of faith. In the Holy Scriptures is recorded God's search for man which is climaxed in God's redemptive act in and through Christ. Through His holy word God still speaks and continues to accomplish his redemptive purpose.

E. Believes that the gospel is the Good News that God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Through the Gospel God's sovereign will and Christ's redeeming grace are revealed.

F. Holds that the church is the body of Christ and is under the Lord's mandate to be faithful in accepting and transmitting the gospel by word and deed.

G. Considers that all members of the congregation, of the body of believers, are responsible for the total ministry of the church.

H. Accepts the ministry of the Church to be the proclamation and fulfillment of the gospel for all people both near and far, and the nurture of the individual believers in the Christian faith and life.

(From the MANUAL OF BROTHERHOOD ORGANIZATION AND POLITY, revised September, 1970.)

Back to top

ARTICLE III

Membership

Section I:

A. The membership of the Church shall consist of those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who hold allegiance to Him in life and conduct, having been received into the Church by confession of faith and baptism as practiced by the Church of the Brethren or received by letter of transfer from some other congregation of the Church of the Brethren.

B. A person could be admitted by confession of faith from another denomination upon approval of the Deacons.

Section II:

A. The membership roll of the Church shall be surveyed and divided into the following classifications:

1. Active member - A member is one who, as able, avails himself or herself of the public means of grace by attending services of worship and communion, and participates in the nurture, witness and stewardship. of this congregation.

2. Separated Members: Members, who no longer participate in the Church’s life or carry out the commitments expected of active members, and for three consecutive years have failed to respond to invitations to reaffirm or renew their relationship with the congregation.

3. Associate Members: They are temporary residents, such as students and part-time residents who participate in the life of the congregation on a seasonal or short-term basis and who continue to hold membership in another congregation in the community of the permanent residence. They may also be former residents who have moved to a new location in which there is no Church of the Brethren congregation, and who wish to continue a relationship with the Brethren at the same time that they are members of another Christian community.

B. Membership Termination:

Membership in the Church may be terminated by:

1. Death

2. Transfer by letter. A letter of transfer is the property of the congregation and shall go from the granting to the receiving congregation.

3. Withdrawal. This action shall be taken by the local congregation upon written request of the individual.

4. Removal. The name of a member may be "removed" or "dropped" from the membership rolls of the congregation when there is sufficient cause for taking such action.

C. Membership List - It shall be the responsibility of the Deacons to maintain and classify the membership list.

Back to top

ARTICLE IV

THE CHURCH YEAR

The Church Year shall begin January 1 and close December 31. This will include all organizational purposes of Commissions and Fellowship groups; also all annual reports shall close December 31. Individual records of giving shall conform to the calendar year for income tax purposes.

Back to top

ARTICLE V

THE CHURCH COUNCIL

SECTION I - MEMBERSHIP AND FUNCTION

A. The Church Council is the final authority of the local congregation. It is the church fellowship in business session. It evaluates past accomplishments, hears reports, studies present conditions, provides opportunity for elections, and makes plans for the future program of the church; it provides opportunity for the sharing and co-ordination of differing points of view, and plans for the future welfare of the church.

B. There shall be two council meetings annually. The Year-end Council shall be held as soon as feasible after the close of the year for the purpose of electing District Conference delegates, deacons, to receive reports of all commissions, the Pastor, the Youth, the Women's Fellowship, and other organizations of the church, and to act upon other business items. The Interim Council shall be held for the purpose of adopting a budget, electing Annual Conference delegates, church officials and commission members; and to act on other business items. Special council meetings may be called by the moderator, pastor or board of administration. All meetings shall be announced at least two Sundays in advance, and whenever possible, agenda items made available beforehand.

C. The method of transacting business shall be in accordance with the MANUAL OF WORSHIP AND POLITY, 1953 edition, as revised, and ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER.

D. Those members present after the meeting has been properly announced shall be considered adequate to transact business.

E. In most cases a majority vote shall be considered adequate to pass an item of business. Exception: Legal matters, amendments to the Constitution, and any item the Moderator considers sufficiently controversial to warrant a greater than majority approval. Legal matters may be decided with the consent and approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the members, above voting age in the State of Maryland, who shall attend a meeting after not less than two weeks notice.

Section II - Officers of the Council:

A. Moderator - The Moderator shall be a Minister, or a capable lay-leader. The person may be, but need not be, from within the local congregation, and must presently be serving in the Mid-Atlantic District. The moderator shall be nominated by the Board of Administration and elected by the Church Council annually, but shall not serve more than six consecutive years.

Duties: The Moderator shall preside at meetings of the Church Council. In the moderators absence, the associate moderator or another designated person shall preside. This person shall serve the church in an advisory capacity, shall also act as an advisor and counselor to the pastor and shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Administration.

B. Associate Moderator - the Associate Moderator shall be an active member of the local church. This person shall be nominated by the Board of Administration and elected by Church Council annually, but shall not serve more than six consecutive years.

Duties: The Associate Moderator shall serve in the absence of the Moderator and as chairman of the Board of Administration.

C. Church Clerk - The Church Clerk shall be an active member of the local church. This person shall be nominated by the Board of Administration and elected by Church Council annually, but shall not serve more than six consecutive years.

Duties: The Church Clerk shall record the proceedings of the Church Council and Board of Administration meetings. In cooperation with the minister, the Clerk shall issue letters of membership on proper authority, act as custodian of important church records, act as or work with the church historian, and prepare credentials for church delegates.

Back to top

ARTICLE VI

Organization

Section I - Pastor

A. The Pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the church, and shall perform the duties of a minister as set forth in the record of agreement with the church and as outlined in the Ministerial Placement Policy of the Church of The Brethren.

B. The Pastor's tenure and term of office shall be negotiated and set forth in the church's record of agreement with the pastor.

C. The Ministerial Placement Policy of the Church of The Brethren shall be observed in choosing the Minister.

D. The Minister shall be called by three fourths (3/4) majority of those members present and voting in council.

E. The Minister shall be ex-officio member of all church Commissions and the Board of Administration.

Back to top

Section II - Board of Administration

A. Composition of the Board:

1. Chairperson - Associate Moderator

2. Secretary - Church Clerk

3. Chairperson of the Deacon Commission.

4. Chairperson of the Commission on Ministry, Leadership & Vocation.

5. Chairperson of the Commission on Missions & Service.

6. Chairperson of the Commission on Christian Education.

7. Chairperson of the Commission on Stewardship & Finance.

8. Chairperson of the Commission on Trustee & Property (The Trustees)

9. Chairperson of the Commission on Music & Worship.

10. Representative of Youth Fellowship.

11. Representative of the Women's Fellowship.

12. Pastor Ex-officio without vote.

13. Moderator Ex-Officio without vote.

B. Duties:

1. Work and organization of the Board of Administration:

a. The Associate Moderator serves as permanent chairperson. In that person's absence, another is elected from those present.

b. The Church Clerk serves. as Secretary.

c. Every commission, Board and Age Group should be represented at every meeting. If the Chairperson of any organization cannot be present, another representative should be designated and should attend the meeting.

d. Seven members must be present in order to transact business.

e. The Board of Administration shall plan, supervise, and coordinate the work of the church through the commissions to the end that unity and efficiency may be achieved in the total program of the church.

f. Serves as the nominating and personnel committee of the church. May appoint a sub-committee if deemed necessary.

g. In the event of a vacancy on a commission either by neglect; death or moving away, the Board may declare the vacancy and appoint another to finish the unexpired term subject to Council approval. A case of neglect may be referred to the Board after a commission member has missed two consecutive commission meetings and has been contacted by the commission chairperson.

h. The Board meeting just prior to the interim council will deal with the preparation of the budget.

i. The Board shall meet in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Any meeting may be canceled by the chairperson if there is not sufficient business. They may also be rescheduled to another date if there is justifiable conflict.

Back to top

Section III - The Commissions

General Notes:

1. No person will be permitted to serve on more than one commission at any given time except for Deacons as described under A. The Commission below. This does not apply to appointed personnel. Persons serving on a commission who are selected to be probationary deacons may continue serving on that commission until their term expires.

2. Tenure will apply to those elected to the commissions but not necessarily to persons appointed to carry out a specific task.

3. Commissions will be in complete charge of their area of responsibility as to appointment of personnel for specific tasks, methods and self-organization and should feel free to counsel with the Board of Administration on any matters in which they desire direction and guidance.

4. Where the commissions are called upon to make appointments they will have freedom to choose the best personnel for the job. These appointments need not be from commission personnel. All appointments shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Administration and will need approval by Church Council.

5. Commissions shall provide training opportunities when and where needed.

6. Newly elected members will meet with the commission immediately upon election on an ex-officio basis and take office January 1.

7. Each commission is to elect a chairperson and secretary for a one-year period.

8. The commissions are to meet in January, March, May, July, September and November unless deemed otherwise by the chairperson.

Back to top

A. THE DEACONS' COMMISSION

1. Membership:

a. Deacons shall serve a three year term, concurrent with other commissions. A person completing a three year term would be eligible for reelection after a one year lapse.

b. At the beginning of each calendar year the commission shall consist of the number of deacons needed to serve the congregation as determined by the Deacons’ Commission and approved by Church Council.

c. Probationary Deacons would be called at the Spring Council. The probation term would continue until the end of the year in which they are called.

d. Deacons shall be called by an "Open Ballot" process. Working without nominations individuals will be asked to vote for active church members, male and female, whom they believe to be well qualified for the office of Deacon. Church Council will be provided with a list of ineligible persons. Council will be instructed to call individual persons to the office; however, a husband and wife may both be called in the same year.

e. A committee consisting of the Pastor, the Church Board Chair, and the Chair of the Deacons' Commission will contact the individuals receiving the most votes by a home visit to extend the call to them. Upon the acceptance of the call, the names of the newly called Deacons shall be made public at the Fall Council Meeting.

f. The Church Board shall work with the Deacons' Commission to provide an annual program of training and preparation for the Deacons.

DUTIES: The Deacons Commission Shall:

1. Be responsible for the spiritual care and nurture of the church family.

2. Provide seasonal resources for family worship and personal devotion (Advent. Lent, etc.).

3. Work with the congregation to provide for small group ministries, meals to the sick and bereaved, and other supportive action.

4. Assume general oversight of the physical arrangement for observing the ordinances of the church, such as Baptism, Love Feast, and Holy Communion service.

5. Assist the pastor with anointing services.

6. Assist the pastor in counseling and giving aid to the sick, unfortunate, and the needy.

7. Maintain an accurate membership roll through annual review.

8. On a regular basis - appoint a sub-committee to care for the revision and publication of a church directory.

9. Share with the pastor responsibility for the restoration of inactive members.

10. Participate in the ministry of reconciliation within the fellowship, consulting the District Reconciliation Committee where necessary, and receiving referrals from other individuals.

Back to top

B. COMMISSION ON MINISTRY, LEADERSHIP AND VOCATION

Membership: Five, each elected for a three year term. They cannot succeed themselves without an interim of one year.

DUTIES:

1. Local Ministry:

a. Works with District Executive Secretary in securing a pastor when the need arises.

b. Establishes yearly contract for the pastor, effective January 1 each year.

c. Serves as advisor to the Pastor. Sets up job priorities, writes job description, and holds a yearly evaluation.

d. Facilitates communication between the pastor and congregation.

e. Provides for the pulpit program and supplies speakers for special occasions or in the pastor's absence.

f. Plans for renewal emphasis.

2. Leadership and Vocation:

a. Is responsible for training and development in ministering in the local church.

b. Lifts up the challenge of full-time Christian service for youth in church-related vocations.

c. Works with the pastor and the District Commission on Ministry and Vocations in discovering and counseling with new recruits for the Ministry, and in presenting their names to the Board of Administration for consideration of Church Council for licensing or ordaining, as the case may be.

Back to top

C. COMMISSION ON MISSIONS AND SERVICE

Membership - Five, each elected for a three-year term. They cannot succeed themselves without an interim of one year.

DUTIES:

1. In the capacity of Missions this Commission shall:

a. Interpret the Brotherhood and District Mission program to the congregation by constantly keeping the mission and vision of the church before the congregation.

b. In cooperation with the Minister shall plan and promote any school of missions felt desirable.

c. Work with the minister in interpreting foreign and domestic ministries.

d. Be alert to local missions and church extension opportunities.

2. In the capacity of Service this commission shall:

a. Promote peace education and appoint a peace counselor annually.

b. Educate on all matters of. Brethren Service such as material aid, displaced persons, social and political action.

c. Encourage members of the church, especially young people, to give of their ability, means and time to the various volunteer and service projects of the Brotherhood.

d. Shall provide a ministry to our young people in the Alternative Service, Volunteer Service, or Armed Services of our country. e. Promote the political seminars.

f. Appoint a disaster coordinator annually.

Back to top

D. COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Membership - Five, each elected for a three year term. They cannot succeed themselves without an interim of one year.

DUTIES;

This commission shall plan, correlate, and direct the total educational program of the church. Specifically: It shall be the duty of this commission to perform the following functions:

1. Outline the objectives and determine policies to guide the Christian Education program of the church.

2. Provide for curriculum, supplies, equipment and materials.

3. Provide for leadership recruitment, education and training.

4. Provide for a vacation church school in the summer.

5. Supervise and correlate the following activities: District Camp, development and maintenance of a church library, visual education program, home and family life program with emphasis through fellowship and recreational programs.

6. Work with other commissions as they need help in areas of promoting education.

7. Selection or appointment of teachers, except when elected by the class, and then approval should be sought.

8. Appointment of the following personnel:

a. Director of Cradle Roll.

b. Director of Church Nursery.

c. Director of Children's classes.

d. Director of Adult Classes.

e. Director of Youth.

f. Director of Home & Family Life.

g. Director of Audio-Visuals.

h. Camp representatives.

i. Librarians

j. Church School Secretary.

k. Church School Treasurer.

9. Co-operate with related character-building agencies of the community..

10. Ex-officio members of this commission shall be:

a. Church School Secretary

b. Church School Treasurer

c. Director of Children's Classes

d. Director of Adult Classes.

11. Appoint Children's Program Committee to plan special worship, educational, and recreation program activities.

The Director of Children's Classes and the Director of Adult Classes shall have full voting privileges.

Back to top

E. COMMISSION ON STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

Membership - Five, each elected for a three-year term. They cannot succeed themselves without an interim of one year.

DUTIES:

1. Prepare the Church Budget in cooperation with the Board of Administration for presentation to and consideration of Church Council.

2. Plan and direct every member enlistment when necessary for raising the budget funds.

3. Receive and disburse money as authorized by Church Council and provide means for keeping accurate and complete records. This shall include assigning assistance to the Church Financial Secretary in counting all offerings and seeing that all money is deposited in the church accounts.

4. Special demands upon the church treasury shall be made through this commission, who, upon approval of such demands, shall authorize payment by the treasurer.

5. In cooperation with the Commission on Christian Education, shall have the responsibility of educating the congregation on matters. of stewardship and to interpret the financial needs and conditions of the church.

6. Invest any surplus funds, such as Building Fund etc. and to store any bonds or notes in a safety deposit box.

7. Recommend to the Board of Administration the name of a person to serve a 5-year term as financial secretary of the church accounts. The Financial Secretary shall:

a. Count all offerings with assistance assigned.

b. Keep an accurate record of each individual's giving to the church's account; and provide him/her with an annual statement of his/her giving.

c. Be an ex-officio member of this commission with full voting privileges.

8. Recommend to the Board of Administration the name of a person to serve as Church Treasurer for a 5-year term. The Treasurer shall:

a. Make disbursements as designated by this commission.

b. Check records regularly to insure accuracy.

c. Provide semi-annual and annual financial statement to the Stewardship and Finance Commission. This report to be made available to the general membership semi-annually.

d. Be an ex-officio member of the commission with full voting privileges.

9. Church accounts shall be audited at the discretion of the Finance Commission not to exceed 5 year intervals.

Back to top

F. PROPERTY AND TRUSTEE COMMISSION. (Known on Church Charter as Trustees)

Membership - Five, each elected for a three-year term. They cannot succeed themselves without an interim of one year and must be a member of Bush Creek Congregation and of legal voting age.

DUTIES:

1. Legal:

a. Shall be the legal body of the church and hold title to all real estate owned or hereafter acquired through purchase or gift to the Bush Creek Congregation.

b. Shall conduct such transactions as the maintenance of insurance, payment of taxes, and purchase or transfer of property for the church as directed by the church charter.

c. Shall, prior to buying, selling or mortgaging the church property, first have the approval of such action by a 2/3 vote of the members of legal voting age present in church council.

d. Shall be responsible for filling out forms which exempt the Church from paying taxes on church property and returning said forms to the County Assessor's Office.

2. Custodial:

a. This commission shall serve as custodian of all church property and equipment. It shall maintain all church property including church building and grounds, parsonage and farm, and shall consider special requests for use of Church property and equipment.

b. This commission shall recommend to the Board of Administration the employment and salary of a competent custodian and supervise his/her work.

c. Shall appoint a farm coordinator annually to meet at least once a year with the Trustees.

Back to top

G. COMMISSION ON MUSIC AND WORSHIP

Membership - five, each elected for a three-year term. They cannot succeed themselves without an interim of one year.

DUTIES:

1. Recommend suitable personnel to the Board of Administration for organist pianist and other necessary music leaders.

2. Cooperate with minister in arranging the music program of the church.

3. Give guidance to the organization and function of choirs and in the purchase of new music or needs as they may arise for the highest possible experience of worship.

4. Provide for the music and worship education of the congregation, Le. the fine art of group worship, family worship, and personal devotions in conjunction with the Deacon Commission.

5. Arrange for services of special emphasis, such as Christmas, Easter, and Children's Day Service. (In conjunction with Christian Education Commission)

6. Shall have responsibility for the musical instruments, piano tuning, etc.

7. The Organist-pianist and music Director shall be ex-officio members of this commission with voting privileges.

8. Appoint one head usher and two assistants. The head usher is to be in complete charge of the usher board. His/her duties shall be as defined by the Music and Worship Commission. The two assistants will assume their duties on an alternating month schedule. Their duties shall be defined by the Music and Worship Commission.

9. Appoint a flower committee whose duty it shall be to help create a pleasing and worshipful atmosphere in the sanctuary every week by the appropriate use of flowers. The members will serve a 1-year term with the option to serve a 2nd one year term. Their duties shall be defined by the Music and Worship Commission.

10. Arrange for the planning of the worship service in the absence of the minister in conjunction with the Commission on Ministry, Leadership and Vocation.

Back to top

SECTION IV

FELLOWSHIPS

A. Youth Fellowship:

1. The Youth Fellowship shall consist of persons in the 7th grade through post high school.

2. The officers shall consist of:

a. President

b. Vice-president

c. Secretary

d. Treasurer

e. Other officers as needed

3. All officers are elected yearly.

4. The general purpose of the Youth Fellowship shall be to provide a program of activities for youth which will increase each participant's concept of Christian living

B Women's Fellowship:

1. The Women's Fellowship shall be open to all interested women. Activities will consist of:

a. Weekly quilting

b. Meals at funerals (when asked)

c. Meals for other special occasions.

Back to top

ARTICLE VII

Amendments

Any amendment to this Constitution must be made in writing to the Board of Administration. Upon approval by the Board, such amendment shall be brought to Council and adopted by a two-thirds (213) majority vote of members present at any Council meeting after publication in the church bulletin for two Sundays.

Back to top

ARTICLE VIII

Adoption

This constitution shall be adopted by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members present in Church Council meeting.

Amended: October 13, 1957

August 29, 1977

November 14, 1982

September 11, 1983

April 23, 1995

April 13, 1997

April 19, 1998

April 30, 2006