CONSTITUTION OF THE

FIRST CHURCH OF GOD, NEWVILLE

Revised November 12, 2000, November 9, 2003, November 14, 2004, November 12, 2006, and November 8, 2009, March 9, 2014, October 12, 2020, November 17, 2024

PREAMBLE

Whereas, the Churches of God, General Conference, accept the Bible as their rule of faith, conduct, and discipline, and,

Whereas, we, the members of the First Church of God of Newville, do declare that we are in full accord with the General Conference and the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference in accepting the Bible as our rule and guide for Church membership and Church government, and,

Whereas, the necessity for a system of harmony and cooperation for the best interests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom exists, therefore,

Be it resolved, that for the above purpose, and in order that the business of the Church may be done in a regular and orderly manner, we hereby adopt the following constitution:

ARTICLE I NAME, PURPOSE, & RELATIONSHIP

Section 1. This Church, located at 475 Shippensburg Road, along Route 533, North Newton Township, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, shall be known as the First Church of God, Newville.

Section 2. The purpose statement of the Church is: We exist to exalt God by showing His love through the fellowship of believers for the purpose of making more and better disciples.

Section 3. This congregation is connected with and subordinate to the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, its parent religious body.  Should this congregation cease to exist as a corporate body, or cease to be subject to the purposes, usages, doctrines, and teachings of said parent body, then all of its property, appurtenances, and effects then owned or held shall revert to the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, within which jurisdiction this congregation is located and affiliated by law.  No assets will inure to the benefit of any private individuals.

Section 4. Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and Dissolution. The church is organized exclusively for religious and charitable purposes as such purposes are defined by 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future Internal Revenue Law of the United States). No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of any individual and no member, director, officer, or employee of the church shall receive any pecuniary benefits of any kind except reasonable compensation for services in effecting the corporate purposes. No substantial part of the activities of the church shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, nor shall the church participate or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing statements of) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the church shall not carry on any other activities not permitted (a) by a church exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or (b) by a church, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Upon dissolution of the church, voluntarily or involuntarily, by judicial order, or otherwise, all its unencumbered assets, or the residue of its assets after paying or providing for all debts and obligations shall be transferred or conveyed to the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor in interest or assigns, as an unrestricted Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In the event The Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, is not a qualified tax exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code at the time of dissolution of this church, then the net assets, or the residue of the assets of the church shall be transferred or conveyed to any qualified tax exempt charitable or religious organization or organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as shall be selected by a majority vote of the members of the church or its governing body.   

ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Any person may become a member of this Church who has accepted Christ as his or her personal Savior and promises to take the Bible as his or her guide through life, and who subscribes to the following constitution and covenant: “I hereby agree to be governed by the Constitution adopted by the First Church of God of Newville; to loyally and faithfully support the Church and her officers by attending all the services that I can; to participate in the Church Ordinances; to endeavor to lead a pure Christian life; and to support the Church financially, and with my time and talents, to the extent of my ability.  I promise to do this regularly and according to the system that may be introduced by the Administrative Church Council (hereafter referred as the Church Council), The Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, and the General Conference, Churches of God.”

 Section 2. Anyone desiring to unite with the Church shall make application, written or oral, to the Pastor or Elders, who then shall present the application to the Church Council. The applicant may be fellowshipped at any Morning Worship Service.

Section 3. Inactive Roll: The Church Council shall periodically review church membership rolls. Names of inactive members shall be removed from the active membership roll when:

A.    the address of the members is unknown, and cannot be found after every effort has been pursued;

B.    every effort has been expended to reenlist and relate the member to the fellowship of the Church through pastoral and lay visitation, including the officials of the Church and through official letters.  This effort will continue for at least three years;

C.    it has been ascertained that the person is deceased, or has united with another church fellowship, or is actively attending and participating in another church fellowship.

Section 4. Reinstatement of Membership: Any member who has been removed from Church membership may be reinstated by applying, orally or in writing to the Pastor and the Church Council. The member will also promise again to subscribe to this constitution and Covenant as stated in Section I of this Article.

Section 5. Letters of transfer or withdrawal shall be granted by oral or written request to the Pastor or the Church Council. The letter of transfer shall be signed by the Pastor or Council President.

ARTICLE III SERVICES

Section 1. Worship Services shall be held each Sunday Morning, and other worship services may be held at any other time as the Pastor and Elders may direct.

Section 2. Special services, special gatherings or observances shall be held at such times as the Pastor and Elders may decide.

Section 3. Ordinances

A.  The Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least four (4) times each year, in October, in January, on Maundy Thursday evening, in July, or on alternate dates, or any other time suggested by the Pastor or the Elders.

B.  The Ordinance of Feet Washing shall be observed with the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday, and at any other time suggested by the pastor to the Elders.

C.  The Ordinance of Baptism shall be held at such times as suggested by the Pastor to the Elders.

Section 4. The Pastor shall be in charge of all worship services and ceremonies conducted in the Church, unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the Pastor and the Elders.  The Pastor shall be responsible for whoever occupies the pulpit.

Section 5. Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as clearly described in the Scriptures (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). The First Church of God of Newville recognizes that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Accordingly, this church, its pastors and staff will only officiate marriages between one man and one woman.

ARTICLE IV ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Section 1. Meeting Schedule

A.    The annual business meeting of the congregation shall be held on the third Sunday in November, or alternate date as approved by Church Council. The purpose of this meeting shall be to elect council members (Elders, Deacons, Deaconesses), and to conduct such other business as may properly come before the congregation. If the annual business meeting of the congregation must be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, all operations of the church will continue under the previously approved elections and actions as voted upon at the last annual congregational meeting.

B.    The delayed annual congregational meeting will be held as soon as possible, no later than three months.

Section 2. Notice of all meetings of the congregation shall be announced two weeks in advance of the date of the meeting.

Section 3. A special congregational meeting may be called by the Church Council at their own option or at the request of twenty-five (25) members of the congregation. Two weeks’ notice of such a meeting shall be given.

Section 4. The Council President shall preside at all congregational meetings. In the absence of the Council President, the Council Vice-President shall preside.

Section 5. All Officers and official business of the church shall be voted on by ballot.  

Section 6. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Pastor, the Council President, and the Elders. Members of the congregation may submit names to the nominating committee thirty 30 days prior to the annual congregational meeting. The list of nominations shall be submitted to the Church Council for approval prior to the congregational meeting.

Section 7. Eligibility to vote and hold office.

A.  All members of the Church having attained the age of fifteen (15) years or more shall have the right to vote for all elective offices and for all official business of the church.

B.  Any candidate for church office on the Church Council shall be an active attendee for a minimum of two (2) years, a member of the church for one year, and be in agreement with the doctrinal statement of the Churches of God.  Any candidate for elder shall have served previously as a deacon or deaconess in the Churches of God.

C.  No individual credentialed as a pastor by the Churches of God, whether active or inactive, shall be eligible for election to a church office. This restriction is meant to avoid any potential conflict of interest on the part of said individual, and does not apply to the Senior Pastor who serves on the church council as a member by virtue of their office.

Section 8. Church Council will consist of twelve (12) members; four (4) Elders, four (4) Deacons and four (4) Deaconesses. The term of office for elders, deacons, & deaconesses shall be for two (2) years. Normally, two (2) elders, two (2) deacons, & two (2) deaconesses shall be elected each year, but variations may occur to this manning. At the end of each term, a council member has the option of running for additional terms (subject to Section 9 restrictions) by informing the nominating committee of his or her desires. If no objections are raised by the nominating committee, his or her name will then be added to the ballot for elder, deacon, or deaconess along with the other nominees and they will be voted on at the regular congregational meeting. The Elders may nominate a qualified person to fill a vacant position and may appoint a qualified person if there are not enough names on the ballot. These nominations must be approved by the Church Council.

Section 9. No Church Council member shall be elected to more than three (3) consecutive terms of office, no more than six (6) consecutive years. At least one (1) year shall elapse before they can be elected or appointed to serve on the Church Council.

Section 10. If, after many years of service, any person who has served as an elder, deacon, or a deaconess, and has discharged his or her duties in a commendable way, the same may be elected an honorary life elder, an honorary life deacon, or an honorary life deaconess by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation at the annual congregational meeting.  These are nonvoting positions and do not require attendance at Church Council meetings.

Section 11. If any member of council (other than a life elder, life deacon, or life deaconess) is absent from four (4) or more regular council meetings in a calendar year, they may be removed from council with a majority vote of members at a regular council meeting.

ARTICLE V DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The Pastor shall be responsible for all Worship Services, to preach, to visit the members of the congregation and counsel with them, to call upon the sick and those in hospitals, to serve on the Church Council, to work with the Church Council for the unity and the growth of the Church, and to work with and serve as an advisory member for all the Commissions.  The Pastor shall adhere to the guidelines and duties further outlined in the most recent job description as approved by the Church Council.

Section 2. The Elders shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual leadership and spiritual development of the church family and shall assist the Pastor in fulfilling the Great Commission as defined in Matthew 28:18-20 to “Reach Newville and Beyond.”  The Elders shall adhere to the guidelines and duties further outlined in the most recent job description as approved by the Church Council.

Section 3. The Deacons shall be responsible for the oversight of the finances of the Church operations and ministries. The Deacons shall adhere to the guidelines and duties further outlined in the most recent job description as approved by the Church Council.

Section 4. The Deaconess shall be responsible for the care ministries of the church family. The Deaconess shall adhere to the guidelines and duties further outlined in the most recent job description as approved by the Church Council.

Section 5. The responsibilities of the Trustees shall be to look after the Church property. They shall elect their own chairman and inform the Church Council of their selection.

Section 6. Persons must be members of the Churches of God for three (3) years to be eligible for appointment as delegates to the Eastern Regional Conference. The delegates should make an oral or written report to the Church Council after the Conference meeting.

ARTICLE VI CHURCH COUNCIL (Herin referred to as Church Council)

Section 1. The voting members of the Church Council shall consist of the Elders, Deacons, and the Deaconesses. Non-voting members shall include the Church Treasurer, the Pastor, the Financial Secretary, honorary Life Council members and other support staff.

Section 2. Commissions

A.  The Elders shall serve as the Commission on Church and Pastor Relations and should serve on one of the other commissions.

B.  The deacons and deaconesses shall serve on at least one of the following commissions: Missions, Personnel Committee, and Trustees.

Section 3. The Church Council shall meet monthly on the second Monday, except in the case of extenuating circumstances. The Church Council will then meet at an acceptable time and place. The Church council can meet at any additional times and places upon which they agree.

Section 4. Each year at the December meeting, all newly elected officers will meet with the regular Council members. During this meeting, the new Church Council for the following year shall organize by electing a president, vice-president, a secretary, and an assistant secretary. The members leaving Council will not have any voting rights in the reorganization of the new Church Council.

Section 5. Council Appointments

A.  At the December meeting, the Church Council shall appoint for one (1) year term only, a treasurer, an assistant treasurer, a financial secretary, and assistant financial secretary.

B.  The Church Council may appoint a delegate and an alternate delegate to the Eastern Regional Conference, and any committees not otherwise specified. These officers may succeed themselves.

Section 6. Duties of the Church Council Officers

A.  It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of the Church Council, to call special meetings, and to appoint committees, as directed by the Church Council. The president may serve as a member of any commissions and committees on an ad hoc basis. The vice-president shall perform the same duties in the absence of the president.

B.  It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep a record of all proceedings of official meetings. The secretary shall attend to all official correspondence, as directed by the Church Council.  The assistant secretary shall perform the same duties in the absence of the secretary.

C.  It shall be the duty of the treasurer to hold in trust monies of the church, and to pay out as directed by the Church Council. The treasurer shall make a monthly report to the Church Council of all receipts and expenditures, and a financial report to the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting. The assistant treasurer shall, in the absence of the treasurer, perform the same duties.

D.  The financial secretary with the assistance of the Deacons and Deaconesses shall be responsible for collecting and counting all money at each service and shall record the amount of money in the envelopes, and all other receipts. The money is verified by the signature of the assisting Deacon or Deaconess. The money shall be deposited in the bank by the next business day. The assistant financial secretary, in the absence of the financial secretary, shall perform the same duties.

Section 7. All vacancies in any office of the Church by death, resignation, or delinquency shall be appointed by the Elders and approved by the Church Council to fill the unexpired period. The appointees may succeed themselves.

Section 8. Social Activities in the Church – Use of church facilities is available for church members, regular attendees, and outside groups as outlined in the Facility Use Agreement.

A.  The Council President and/or the Pastor may approve use of the building for social activities and meetings by groups within the church (i.e., Connection Groups, Happy Helpers, members, regular attendees, etc.), unless the event is questionable, then they may defer the decision to the Church Council.

B.  The Church Council shall approve other social activities held on Church property.

C.  There will be no smoking or alcoholic beverages permitted in any part of the Church property.

D.  Any non-regular attendee or outside group requesting use of the Church property will be required to sign a contract and pay specific rental fees as determined by the Facility Use Agreement. Fees will be set and approved by the Church Council.

Section 9. The Church Council shall not spend, borrow, or contract to spend $10,000 or more for any item not included in the regular expenses budgeted for church business without the approval given in a scheduled congregational meeting by secret ballot, and by obtaining at least three bids for that item. The Church Council shall have the right to proceed with emergency repairs exceeding the limit as needed.

ARTICLE VII COMMISSIONS

Section 1. Church and Pastor Relations

This Commission shall consist of the Elders working with the Pastor to plan and provide for the spiritual needs of the congregation in terms of worship, counseling, and visitation, and will give guidance to the Pastor in planning and reviewing worship services. The Commission shall have authority to set guidelines and policies to further define and execute its mission, subject to the approval of the Church Council.

Section 2. Missions

This commission shall consist of at least two (2) Church Council members and at least two (2) members at large. The Commission will provide for, by careful planning and study, an effective year-round program for missions’ ministries both locally and globally in reaching Newville and beyond. The Commission shall have authority to set guidelines and policies to further define and execute its mission, subject to the approval of the Church Council.

Section 3. Personnel Committee

This Commission shall consist of at least five (5) members, including at least two (2) Church Council members, one (1) of whom shall be an Elder, and at least two (2) members at large. The Commission makes recommendations concerning the hiring of paid staff and performs evaluations of the paid staff positions on an annual basis. The Commission shall have authority to set guidelines and policies to further define and execute its mission, subject to the approval of the Church Council.

Section 4. Trustees

This Commission shall consist of at least two (2) Church Council members and at least three (3) members at large. The members of this commission shall be called the Trustees. The Trustees have the responsibility for the maintenance and care of all church property and will give guidance to any programs for expansions and renovations of the physical property. The Trustees shall not spend, borrow, or contract to spend in excess of $2000 per project without Church Council approval. The Commission shall have authority to set guidelines and policies to further define and execute its mission, subject to the approval of the Church Council.

Section 5. Commission Members shall be appointed by the Church Council as needed for the effective carrying out of the Church’s mission.  All members will serve at least one (1) year and may succeed themselves.

ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution may be amended upon the recommendation of the Church Council at the annual Congregational Meeting or Special Congregational Meeting. Amendments must be approved by two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present for voting.

Section 2. Any proposed amendment to this Constitution will first be vetted by the Eastern Regional Conference Constitution Committee prior to being presented to the congregation for final action.

Section 3. Any proposed amendment shall be posted for the Congregation to review at least two (2) weeks previous to the date of final action.