Secret Handshake
You must be 21 years of age or older to become a member of TPC.
False. You must be 18.
The Standing Committee Chair presides over all Congregational Meetings.
False. A Moderator shall preside over the Annual Meeting and any Special Meetings of the Church.
The TPC fiscal year begins annually on January 1 and ends on December 31 of that year.
False. The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on July 1 of each year and end on June 30 of the following calendar year.
Who is able to pay salaries and bills on behalf of Theodore Parker Church?
The Treasurer shall have overall responsibility for receiving funds and paying out all monies as set forth in the approved budgets. The Treasurer may delegate some or all of his/her duties to other qualified individuals or committees and shall so inform the Standing Committee of such delegation in writing.
Under what circumstances may the Standing Committee hold an executive session?
Meetings of the Standing Committee are open to Members. The Standing Committee may meet in executive session to discuss confidential or sensitive matters, such as personnel matters or legal advice.
Friends of TPC may vote in Congregational Meetings if the vote is unrelated to the budget.
False. Friends are not eligible to vote or be elected as officers but may serve on and chair committees.
Standing Committee members may serve up to 2 consecutive 3-year terms.
True. Members of the Standing Committee shall serve a term of three (3) years. Members of the Standing Committee shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.
The maximum group size for the Standing Committee is 9 people.
True. The Standing Committee will be comprised of the Executive Committee and at least one (1) and up to five (5) additional members for up to a total of nine (9) members.
Who is able to sign contracts, deeds, and mortgages on behalf of Theodore Parker Church?
The Chair of the Standing Committee shall be the chief executive officer of the Church. S/he shall sign all contracts, deeds, mortgages and other instruments, as approved by the Standing Committee, in the name of the Church.
Under what conditions may the Standing Committee present a deficit budget to the membership for a vote?
In advance of each Annual Meeting, the Standing Committee shall review and recommend an operating budget for presentation to the Church Membership at the Annual Meeting. The budgeted expenses should not exceed anticipated income except when the Standing Committee believes that unusual circumstances merit presenting a deficit budget.
Failing to attend services may result in a person's name being removed from the Membership List.
True. A Member who has been absent from the Church without expressing an interest to remain a Member for three years will be considered to have resigned membership in the Church.
The Executive Committee consists of the Chairs of all TPC committees.
False. It includes the Chair of the Standing Committee, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Clerk.
A warrant with the agenda must be posted 10 calendar days prior to an Annual or Special Meeting.
False. A warrant containing the items of business to be considered at an Annual Meeting or Special Meeting of the Church shall be posted by the Clerk at least ten (10) days, including two Sundays, prior to the meeting.
Who has the authority to manage the Church's endowment and permanent funds?
The Board of Trustees shall have sole management of all trust funds, endowments and permanent funds of the Church.
Under what conditions may the Standing Committee create a new church committee ?
The Standing Committee shall determine the creation of committees and other working groups it deems necessary and shall provide them with the support needed to function as the lifeblood of the Church. The Standing Committee shall provide all committees and working groups with a written charge for their duties and responsibilities.
Members are required to make an annual tax-deductible donation to support TPC.
False. Membership duties and responsibilities are to participate in the life of the Church and to support its financial needs as they are willing and able.
Only TPC members may serve as members of the Standing Committee.
True.
The quorum for an Annual or Special Meeting is 1/3 of all Members present.
False. Thirty percent (30%) of the Members, as established by Clerkâs official Membership List, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Annual or Special Meeting of the Church. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the quorum of Members present and voting shall be required for any issue, the result of which would be to register the sentiment of the Church in any public venue.
Who is responsible for maintaining a record of all marriages, funerals, and baptisms performed?
The Minister shall keep a record of all dedications, marriages, funerals, baptisms and other services performed by the Church during his/her ministry, such record to be the permanent property of the Church.
What voting process is recommended when an Annual Meeting is being held virtually instead of in-person?
Um, yeah . . . ;-)
Members must agree to uphold UU values and support the decisions of the minister.
False. To become a member, you must agree to the purposes of the Church, agree to the bylaws, and sign the membership book.
If a Standing Committee vote results in a tie, the Minister shall cast the deciding vote.
False. The Minister shall be a non-voting member ex officio of all committees of the Church, including the Standing Committee.
A 2/3 vote of all persons on the Membership List is required to call a minister.
False. A 90% (ninety percent) vote of the Members present and voting at the Annual or Special Meeting of the Church shall be necessary to call a Minister. Voting shall be by secret ballot. At least 25% (twenty-five percent) of the Membership List shall be required for dismissal.
Who has the authority to interpret Theodore Parker Church bylaws?
Acting on behalf of the Church Membership, the Standing Committee shall have supervision and management of all the affairs and property of the Church, exclusive of the Trust Funds managed by the Trustees, and shall have the authority to interpret these bylaws.
What is the process for amending the Theodore Parker Church bylaws?
These bylaws may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the quorum of Members voting at any meeting of the Church, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been included in the warrant for such meeting.