CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH, LITTLETON, MAINE ADOPTED: NOVEMBER, 1981   PREAMBLE: Whereas, we, a body of believers depending wholly on the Lord Jesus Christ for our redemption through his blood, organized as a church for the spreading of the gospel, and the teaching and practices of the Bible according to the Baptist faith, accepting the whole Bible as the Holy Spirit inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God, deem it advisable that we have definite laws to direct us so that all things may be done in decency and order.  Therefore, be it resolved that we adopt the following Constitution: ARTICLE I.     NAME The name of this organization shall be the United Baptist Church of Littleton, Maine. ARTICLE II.     PURPOSE The purpose of this church shall be, first, to bring people to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; second, to teach and train them in Christian living, and to develop Christian growth and character; third, to help spread the gospel to all the world through missionary interest. ARTICLE III.     AFFILIATION  This church shall affiliate and cooperate with the South Aroostook Baptist Association, The American Baptist Churches of Maine, The American Baptist Churches of the U. S. A., and shall be recognized as nonaffiliated with The World and National Council of Churches. ARTICLE IV.     MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 A person may become a member of this church in one of four ways:  A)  By professing faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and being baptised by immersion; B)  By transfer of membership from a church of like faith and order; C)  By experience.  (By experience means that a baptized  believer finds himself without a church, or cannot secure a transfer of membership because the church to which he belonged no longer exists).  D)  By restoration.  Former members of this church who have been excluded for cause, who give evidence of repentance, may, by the regular mode of procedure, be restored to membership. SECTION 2  (Admission) All candidates for church membership shall meet before the Membership Committee and share their personal testimony of their faith in Christ, and shall be approved by them.  The Committee, after investigation, shall report their findings to this church in the form of a recommendation.  This church shall act upon the report of the Committee.  All candidates for membership shall be required to share in at least two classes of study dealing with the obligations of membership.  This is to be conducted by the Pastor. SECTION 3  (Termination)  Members in good standing may, upon application, be dismissed by letter to join with some other Baptist church.  Members in good standing, desiring to unite with other than a Baptist church shall be entitled to a letter of transfer.  (Members in good standing may, upon request, be granted letters of dismissal from membership.) ARTICLE V.     COVENANT  As a bond of union among us, this church accepts for all its members the following  historic Baptist Church Covenant: Having been lead, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God and angels most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy pirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry and the expense of this church,  the relief of the poor and the spreading of the Gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children religiously, to seek the salvation of our kindred and our acquaintances, to walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment, to avoid all tattling, back-biting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of  intoxicating drinks as a beverage and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.  We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it with out delay. We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. ARTICLE VI.     DUTIES OF MEMBERS SECTION 1  It is expected that each church member shall support the work of this church by their prayers and presence at all services, and to be ready to give of their time and talents to serve whenever called upon to do so.  It is expected that each member will contribute to the current and missionary expenses of this church. SECTION 2 If a resident member has not participated in this church by attendance at the stated services, and supporting this church by their gifts and offerings for a period of one year,  they shall not be considered a member in good standing.  Thus, their names will be placed upon an inactive list as recommended by the Membership Committee.  The Committee shall examine this church’s roll prior to the annual meeting and report to this church at that time. ARTICLE VII.     OFFICERS SECTION 1 The Officers of this church shall consist of the Pastor, Moderator, Deacons, Clerk, Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, and Auditor.  The Officers and Committee Members shall be members in good standing in this church.  SECTION 2     THE PASTOR  A.  The Pastor shall be called to serve this church for an indefinite period of time.  However,  the pastoral relationship may be terminated at any time by either the Pastor or this church giving three months notice of a desire of change.  By mutual consent, the relationship shall be terminated earlier.  Whenever personal matters pertaining to the Pastor are being considered at any business meeting, he and his family shall retire. B.  It shall be the duty of the Pastor to conduct the regular services of this church,  to preach the Gospel, to teach and instruct in the Word of God.  He shall administer the ordinances of this church, assisted by the Deacons.  He shall be ex-officio (automatically a member) of all church Committees and be privileged to sit in on such Committees at any time.  He shall have access to this church’s records and books at any time.  C.  The Pastor’s salary shall be paid weekly.  He shall have a vacation period of four weeks and four Sundays, with pay.  Upon occasion of the death or removal of the Pastor, the Pulpit Committee shall endeavor to secure a new Pastor for this church.  In calling a man, they shall be certain that he is an evangelical, Bible believing Pastor.  In order for this church to call a Pastor, after hearing him as a candidate, a legally called business meeting must be announced from the pulpit giving the time and the purpose of the meeting.  A three-fourth vote of the members present favoring calling the Pastor shall be necessary before a call is extended. SECTION 3     MODERATOR The Moderator shall be elected at the annual business meeting and shall serve for one year.  He shall preside over all business meetings of this church.  In the absence of the Moderator, the Clerk shall call the meeting to order and this church shall elect a temporary Moderator. SECTION 4     DEACONS There shall be  Board of Deacons consisting of six members, two of whom shall be elected at the annual meeting and they will serve for a period of three years.  Two Deacons shall retire annually on a rotating basis.  It shall be the duty of the Deacons to assist the Pastor in his work when called upon to do so and to have a concern for the spiritual welfare of this church.  They shall prepare and serve the elements of the Lord’s Supper. SECTION 5     DEACONESSES The Deaconesses (wives of the Deacons) shall share with the Deacons in their work and perform any other duties delegated to their office.   SECTION 6    CLERK The Clerk of this church shall keep records of all church business meetings, a full and accurate list of all church members and give a report which shall be read to this church at the annual meeting. SECTION 7     TREASURER The Treasurer shall receive all monies contributed  for current and mission purposes, and shall pay all bills incurred by this church.  He shall submit a complete report of this church’s financial condition at the annual meeting. SECTION 8     SUNDAY SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDENT The Superintendent shall be nominated by this church’s school, but must be elected by this church. He shall have supervision of the school and along with the teachers and officers shall plan and promote a good plan of Christian education.  He shall serve as Chairman of the Christian Education Committee. SECTION 9     AUDITOR There shall be an Auditor elected by this church, whose duty it shall be to audit all the books of this church’s Treasurer at the close of the year, and submit a report to the annual meeting.  Reports may be requested at any other time this church may desire it. ARTICLE VIII.     COMMITTEES SECTION 1     ADVISORY COMMITTEE This Committee shall be made up of the officers of this church, along with the Pastor and the Chairman of each standing Committee.  The Committee may be called together at any time the occasion may demand it.  They shall counsel together with the Pastor on such matters that may be pertaining to the furtherance of the work of this church.   When, in the opinion of the Advisory Committee, a majority of church members feel that the spiritual situation of the church demands a change in pastoral leadership, it shall be their duty to interview the Pastor regarding the continuance of his office.  In matters of important business pertaining to the Pastor, the Committee shall not act outside the will of this church. SECTION 2     TRUSTEES  There shall be a Board of Trustees, consisting of six members, two of whom shall be elected annually.  The Trustees shall have charge of this church’s property and shall keep it in repair.  In matters of major expenditures they shall be guided by the decision of this church. SECTION 3     MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE This committee shall consist of the Pastor, Deacons, and Clerk.  It shall be their duty to examine this church’s roll of members and report to this church at the annual meeting any names recommended for the inactive list or dismissal due to disciplinary action.  The Committee shall interview all those seeking membership by baptism and when satisfied, report their findings to this church for final approval. SECTION 4     PULPIT COMMITTEE This Committee shall consist of the Deacons, Deaconesses, and this church’s Clerk.  It shall be the duty of this Committee to inquire about possible candidates for the pulpit of this church, whenever the occasion shall demand it.  When this Committee has satisfied itself regarding a possible candidate, it may invite him to preach at any time during the Sunday services of this church.  No candidate for pastor shall be invited to preach until all former candidates have been voted on.  The actual calling of the pastor will be done with this church taking the final vote at a special business meeting called for that purpose.  The Pulpit Committee shall be responsible for arranging pulpit supplies while the Pastor is on vacation and at any other time this church may require a supply. SECTION 5     FINANCE COMMITTEE  This Committee shall consist of six members, two of whom shall be elected annually.  The Treasurer of this church is also a member of this Committee.  They shall have charge of the financial affairs of this church and shall arrange for the presentation of the budget to be presented at the annual meeting. SECTION 6     NOMINATING COMMITTEE A.  This Committee shall consist of six members, two of whom shall be elected annually.  They shall prepare a list of officers and committees to be presented at the annual meeting.  They shall present to this church, names of members to fill vacancies caused by death or removal between annual meetings. B.  The nominees for the vacancies of Deacons and Deaconesses shall be recommended by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. SECTION 7     BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE There shall be a Benevolent Committee.  The number serving on this Committee is to be determined by this church.  The duty of this Committee shall be to provide gifts to the sick members on behalf of this church. SECTION 8      FLOWER COMMITTEE This Committee shall see that flowers are provided for funerals of all church members.   They shall see that suitable flower decorations are provided for the front of this church. SECTION 9      MUSIC COMMITTEE This Committee shall consist of six members, two of whom shall be elected annually.  They shall be responsible for providing the special music throughout the year.  They shall work with the choir in seeing that suitable music is available at the Sunday services. SECTION 10     SOCIAL COMMITTEE This Committee shall consist of six members, two of whom shall be elected annually.  They shall plan and prepare for any church fellowship suppers held during the year.  They shall make provision for refreshments at any social function during the year. SECTION 11     VISITATION COMMITTEE  This Committee shall assist the Pastor in home visitation and be calling on new families that move into the community.  They shall, whenever possible, call on sick and shut-ins.  This Committee shall consist of the Deacons and their wives. SECTION 12   PROGRAM COMMITTEE  This Committee shall consist of four members, who shall be responsible for planning various special church programs presented during the year. SECTION 13     CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE This Committee shall consist of six members, two of whom shall elected annually.  They shall prepare and plan for a program of Christian Education in this church and arrange for its operation. ARTICLE IX.     MEETINGS   SECTION 1 This church shall meet every Lord’s Day for services of public worship.  A meeting of this church’s school (Sunday School) shall be held every Sunday for the study of God’s Word.  A meeting for prayer and Bible study shall be held on Tuesday nights or as such time as this church may decide.  The Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed at regular intervals, and on special occasions as the Pastor and Board of Deacons may direct. SECTION 2     ANNUAL MEETING  The Annual Business Meeting of this church shall be held on the third Tuesday  of  January, or at such time as this church may determine.  At this meeting, written reports of organizations, committees and officers shall be presented.  Officers and committees  shall be elected for the new year.  This church’s budget shall be voted on also.   A quorum of twenty-five (25) members is required in order to conduct the annual meeting.  The annual meeting shall be announced in this church’s bulletin at least two weeks in advance of the date.  In case of no bulletin, announcement will be made from the pulpit. SECTION 3     SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS The last Tuesday night of each month is set aside after the prayer service for the monthly business meeting.  Special business meetings of this church may be called at any time the Pastor, Clerk, or any five members of this church , who shall present their request for such a meeting in writing.  The written request must state the purpose of the meeting. SECTION 4    VOTING The privilege of voting at business meetings of this church shall be extended to all members in good standing.  On matters pertaining to legal business voting shall be limited to those of legal age as defined by the laws of the state. ARTICLE X.     ORGANIZATIONS SECTION 1 All organizations in this church shall be subject to this church and shall make reports of their work at the annual meeting.  Their policies and programs shall be subject to review by the Advisory Committee, whenever the situation demands it.  Failure to work in harmony with this church shall because to disband any organization.  This may be done by a vote of this church on recommendation of the Advisory Committee. ARTICLE XI.     AMENDMENTS SECTION 1 The foregoing constitution may be amended at any legally called business meeting of this church, by a majority vote of the members present and entitled to vote, provided that the proposed amendments shall have been submitted in writing and shall have been read at least two Sunday services prior to the business meeting at which the amendments are to be voted on. SECTION 2 The rules and regulations adopted in this Constitution shall be construed as setting aside, and making null and void all former rules, acts and regulations for the operation of this church.   DON’T JOIN THAT CHURCH If you should find the perfect church Without one fault or smear, For goodness sake!  Don’t join that church,      You’d spoil the atmosphere. If you should find the perfect church      Where all anxieties cease, Then pass it by, lest joining it      You mar the masterpiece. If you should find the perfect church      Then don’t you ever dare To tread upon such holy ground      You’d be a misfit there. But since no perfect church exists      Made of imperfect men, Then let’s cease looking for that church,      And love the church we’re in. Of course, it’s not a perfect church,      That’s simple to discern, But you and I and all of us      Could cause the tide to turn. What fools we are to flee our post      In that unfruitful search To find at last where problems loom      God proudly builds His church. So let’s keep working in our church,      Until the Resurrection, And then we each will join that church      Without an imperfection.                          Mavis Williams