CONSTITUTION
OF
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WAUWATOSA

Article I – Name

The name of this Church shall be The First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa.

Article II – Purpose

The Purpose of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the object of sharing in the worship of God and in making God's will dominant in the lives of people, especially as that will is set forth in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Article III – Covenant

As followers of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to share in the worship and service of God, to grow in the knowledge and expression of our faith, to reach out with compassion to those in need, to treat each other with love and understanding, and to return to God a portion of God’s gifts.

Article IV – Membership

The Membership of this Church shall consist of individuals, referred to as Members, who have affirmed their belief in the Purpose of this Church, owned the Covenant, and been approved by the Board of Deacons.

Article V - Reservation of Powers

Powers not delegated by this Constitution are reserved to the Membership.

Article VI – Bylaws

The Membership shall adopt Bylaws in furtherance of this Constitution.

Article VII – Governance

This Church, under the headship of Christ, shall be governed by its Membership, when in session, which shall occur at least annually. When not in session, except to the extent reserved to the Boards in the Bylaws, this Church shall be governed by a Council which shall consist of the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, the Chairperson of the Board of Deacons, the Moderator, and such other Members specified by the Bylaws. Their manner of selection, terms, responsibilities, and authority shall be set forth in the Bylaws.

Article VIII – Association

This Church, in acknowledgement and acceptance of its Congregational obligation of fellowship, shall remain in free and faithful association with other Churches for the purposes of mutual edification and promotion of the common good through relationships marked by affection, thereby fulfilling the autonomy and completeness of each Church.

Article IX – Amendment

This Constitution may be amended only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Members present at two successive Annual Meetings attended by at least 10% of the Membership. The proposed amendment shall be distributed to the Members at least thirty (30) days prior to each Annual Meeting.

Adopted 15 January 2006