CHURCH ORGANIZATION

CHURCH OFFICERS

Officers are elected for one year and are limited to 2 consecutive terms in the case of the Moderator.

The Officers consist of: The Moderator, Clerk, Financial Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, and Historians (2).

CHURCH BOARDS & COMMITTEES

One third of each Board or Committee is elected each year at the Annual Meeting. No one may serve on more that one Board at the same time. A description of the Boards and Committees follows:

The Diaconate (18 members)     This Board is concerned with all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the church. Each Deacon is responsible for assisting the Ministers in pastoral care for members of the church family. Communion is prepared and served by the Deacons. New members are welcomed, introduced to the congregation and sponsored by the Diaconate. Deacons serve as head deacon and/or guest book attendant at 9:15 and 11:00 o'clock services on Sunday. The Board meets monthly on the third Tuesday.

Board of Trustees (9 members)      The Trustees have the responsibility for the care, custody and control of church real estate and other tangible property.. This includes budgeting, selection and management of custodial and clerical staff. This Board prepares and directs an annual budget for capital expenditures and the operating and maintenance costs of the church facilities. They are concerned with the acquisition or disposition of real assets. The Board meets monthly on the third Wednesday.

Board of Finance (6 members)     The Board of Finance prepares the annual church budget based on the plans and needs of each board and committee and determination of estimated income. It presents this budget to the Cabinet for approval and to the congregation at its annual meeting for acceptance as the operating budget for the new fiscal year. The Board manages the investment portfolio of the church, and develops planned giving programs for gifts and bequests. Sunday offerings and all special service offerings are collected and recorded by the Board and forwarded to the Financial Secretary. The Board meets monthly on the second Tuesday.

Board of Stewardship (6 members)     This Board conducts a year-round schedule of stewardship education and informational programs to insure full membership understanding and dedication to the needs for operating and mission funds. The members organize and supervise the annual Stewardship Drive for Commitment. The Board meets monthly.

Board of Missions (10 members)     The Mission Board prepares an annual budget for benevolent giving to local and foreign missions and for all special appeals and offerings. The Board maintains knowledge of routine and extraordinary needs for moneys and goods, and informs the congregation on a regular basis. A Justice and Peace subcommittee of this Board is concerned with current social issues. The Board meets monthly on the first Wednesday.

Board of Christian Education (9 members)     This board determines and directs the program of Christian Education in consultation with the Associate Minister. It recruits and trains the teaching staff as well as selects and procures resource materials. A flexible program is provided, depending on the number and age of the students. The Board meets monthly on the first Tuesday.

Scholarship Committee (3 members)     This committee along with the senior minister, is responsible for promoting the scholarship fund. raising funds, advertising in the BEACON for applicants who must be church members or affiliated with church members, processing applications for the Lightbown Fund, and disbursing interest from those funds to worthy applicants. The committee meets as needed.

Music Committee (6 members)     Providing music during church services is the responsibility of this Committee. The members give leadership in developing choirs and other musical groups at all age levels, have care of all musical instruments, and plan and manage budgets for all salaried music personnel. The committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday.

Flower Committee (12 members)     This Committee provides flowers and decorations for the regular or special church services. The members of this Committee plan an annual budget and solicit memorial funds for these arrangements. The committee meets as needed.

Memorial Garden Committee (6 members)     This Committee provides guidance and direction for the general function of the Memorial Garden (located in the historic cemetery west of the sanctuary), established for the interment of crematory ashes of members of the First Congregational Church and their immediate families. The members maintain the garden as a place of beauty, peace and repose. The committee meets as needed.

Hospitality Committee (6 members)     This Committee is responsible for after church service coffee hours and collations following Memorial Services The committee ensures that the necessary supplies and the many church members required to provide these services are available.

Publicity Committee (3 members)     Publicity for special events in local newspapers is this committee's responsibility.

Nominating Committee (9 members)     This Committee prepares a list of nominees for officers, boards, delegates and committees for announcement prior to and at the annual church meeting. The members present to the Cabinet, between annual meetings, nominations to fill vacancies among officers, boards and committees as required throughout the year. The committee meets as needed.

Long Range Planning Committee (6 members)     This committee makes recommendations for future facilities and programs. The committee meets as needed.

Justice and Peace Committee (open membership)      This committee seeks ways to promote justice and peace in our society. This committee meets monthly.

Historical Records Committee (2 members)      This committee is responsible for the preparation and care of historical church records.. This committee meets as needed.

Cabinet     From the bodies listed above the Church Cabinet is drawn:
Officers (Moderator, Treasurer)
Boards (1 from each - usually the Chairman, appointed from within the Board)
Committees (1 from each - usually the Chairman, appointed from within the Committee)
Ladies Benevolent Society (1)**
The cabinet meets monthly on the second Tuesday or as needed..

Delegates elected at the Annual Meeting      Barnstable Association (2), Massachusetts State Conference (2), and Cape Cod Council of Churches (2)

Total number of members of the Church participating as Officers, Board and Committee members, and acting as delegates is 127. This represents about one fourth of the church membership.

OTHER CHURCH GROUPS

**Ladies Benevolent Society (180 members)     This is the women's service organization that is open to all women of the church "or parish". It encourages fellowship, mission, education, and service. This group meets monthly on the first Tuesday.

LBS Fair Workshop (35-55 members)     The women's service organization conducts a number of craft fairs during the year. This group meets weekly on Monday.

Thrift Shop Officers (6)     This group is responsible for the planning and implementation of the shop. They meet monthly.

Choirs     The Senior Choir (30 members) meets weekly on Thursday. The Hand Bell Choir (14 members) meets weekly on Monday. The Church Orchestra (60 members from a 100 mile radius) meets weekly on Wednesday.

Youth Groups / Sunday School     Senior High Youth (15 members) meet twice a month. Junior youth (15 members) meet twice a month. Sunday School (40 children) meets weekly.

Sociables (100 members)     This group features fellowship, sociability, and entertainment. They meet monthly on the third Saturday.

NON-CHURCH SPONSORED ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

Meals-On-Wheels     This group meets daily.

Compassionate Friends     This group meets monthly.

Young Mothers Play Group     This group meets Tuesdays and Fridays.