The Newton Highlands Congregational Church Bylaws Committee wrapped up its work in October 2024, just in time to celebrate its one-year anniversary. The committee was authorized by the Church Council to begin a review of the church bylaws in October 2023.
The proposed amendments to the bylaws will be voted on at a congregational meeting on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
The hard-working committee members were Senior Pastor Ken Baily, Sally Brickell (moderator), Rich Bryden (assistant moderator and assistant treasurer), Carol Jensen (former Deacon and former moderator), Yumiko Matsuoko (Deacon), Kitty Rieske (Mission Committee chair), and Yvette Ruffin (Christian Education Committee member).
During the year, the full committee met four times. A subgroup consisting of Sally Brickell, Rich Bryden, and Carol Jensen met 14 times, with the Reverend Ken Baily occasionally joining the discussion.
Peter Boberg (Choir), Jim Harper (Treasurer), and Liz Ramos (Pastoral Relations Committee) also provided invaluable assistance. In addition, member Dick Osterberg, an attorney with deep expertise in church organization, reviewed the bylaws and provided thoughtful comments.
The church bylaws were last updated in 2011/12 and prior to that, in 2005.