BYLAWS, POLICIES, & PROCEDURES

Explains how IUCC creates and updates its official policies and procedures. Ensures they follow church bylaws, UCC guidelines, and the law. Details how documents are formatted, reviewed, approved, and stored.

Covers how and when printed mailing labels from the church database can be used. They're only for approved church-related events and not for politics or business. Requests go through the church office, and users cover printing costs.

Outlines how IUCC meetings should be run and how minutes should be recorded. Leaders are encouraged to keep meetings fair and organized without strict parliamentary rules. It explains who takes minutes and what to include in them.

Describes how church groups can use Pilgrim Pines Camp. Some events (like retreats) don’t need new approval, but other uses must be approved by the Administration Board. Includes steps for making reservations and handling cancellations.

Lists what needs to be approved by the Ministries Board or Administration Board before taking action. Covers budgets, fundraisers, events, contracts, and mass mailings. Helps keep things organized and aligned with church values.

Explains how the church’s email list (E-Church List) can be used. It’s for approved church announcements and important updates, not for jokes, personal opinions, or unapproved political content. All messages must go through the church office.

Describes how long IUCC should keep different types of documents—like financial records, personnel files, meeting minutes, and legal papers. Helps the church stay organized and follow legal and church rules for document storage.

Outlines how IUCC protects members, especially children and vulnerable adults, from abuse, harassment, and unsafe situations. Includes background checks, volunteer rules, and steps for reporting problems. Everyone is expected to help maintain a safe space.

Lays out a month-by-month calendar of important responsibilities for the Administration Board, like preparing budgets and setting meeting agendas. Helps keep the board on track and ensures important tasks are not missed.

Explains when the church provides childcare—like during Sunday services and major events—and when it doesn’t, like for regular meetings. Requests must be made in advance. Childcare is usually paid for by the church, not individual ministries.

Describes IUCC’s fair and inclusive hiring process. All job descriptions, ads, and interviews must follow anti-discrimination laws and reflect the church’s values. The policy ensures hiring is open, clear, and consistent for all positions.

A step-by-step list that hiring managers must complete during the hiring process. Includes reviews, approvals, interviews, and paperwork to make sure all hiring follows church policy.

Covers when the Early Childhood Center can refund tuition or waive fees—like during emergencies or for compassionate reasons. Refunds must be approved by church leaders and reported to the Administration Board.

Ensures staff are paid during quarantine if they’ve been exposed to contagious illness. This helps employees stay honest about exposure and helps the church remain safe. Quarantine pay won’t reduce their sick or vacation time.

Explains when and how church members can ask others for donations in honor of someone or for a cause. Requests using church platforms must be approved by the Fund Development Committee and the Administration Board.

Describes who is allowed to use church space. Use is generally limited to nonprofits or groups aligned with the church’s mission. The church can deny use to any group that goes against IUCC’s values or bylaws.

Details the rules for using church facilities after getting approval. Covers cleanup, security, supervision, decorations, and rules for each space (like the kitchen or sanctuary). No alcohol sales are allowed, and groups must restore everything afterward.

A form that groups must sign before using church space. It says they understand and accept responsibility for safety, insurance, and any damage during their event.

Lists the extra requirements for non-member or outside groups using IUCC, like providing proof of insurance and agreeing to supervision rules. Alcohol may be served only with special insurance coverage.

Covers how to rent IUCC space for short-term events. Includes rental rates, deposits, cancellations, and who can rent. Events must align with IUCC’s mission, and the church can deny rentals if needed.

A form renters must complete to reserve space. It confirms they understand the rules, payment schedule, and responsibility for damage.

Explains who can get keys or fobs to access church buildings and how long they can keep them. Keys are only given to people who need access for church duties. Lost keys must be replaced at a cost.

Outlines how IUCC handles money, from offerings to expenses. Includes who can approve payments, how cash is deposited, and when Board approval is needed. Aims to keep finances secure and accountable.

Explains how the church handles donations outside of regular tithes. Covers gifts of money, property, or stock, and the rules for accepting and using them. Some gifts require Board approval or legal review.

Sets rules for fundraising events. Ministries must get approval before hosting fundraisers, especially if they aren’t part of the annual budget. Events must be coordinated with the Fund Development Committee.

Covers how to sell tickets for church events. Most ticketed events are considered fundraisers. Only specific people (like pastors or performers) may receive free tickets unless approved otherwise.

Explains what the Finance Committee does: reviewing church budgets, helping the Treasurer, and keeping an eye on money matters. The committee helps ensure financial decisions are sound.

Describes how IUCC creates its yearly budget—from the first draft to approval by the congregation. The process includes wish lists (aspirational budgets), stewardship campaigns, and a final version voted on by the congregation.

This fund helps people attend church retreats or off-campus events if they can’t afford it. Church leaders review applications and give out scholarships confidentially, as long as funds are available.

Explains what the Child Care Committee does to support the Early Childhood Center. They guide planning, budget decisions, and staff support. They report to the Administration Board and help ensure quality childcare.