After 13 months of work by a Bylaws Committee appointed by the Newton Highlands Congregational Church Council, members voted unanimously to approve the updated bylaws on November 17, 2024. The vote took place at a brief post-worship congregational meeting in the church sanctuary.
Bylaws 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 five times. A subgroup consisting of Sally Brickell, Rich Bryden, and Carol Jensen met at least 18 times, with the Reverend Ken Baily occasionally joining the discussion.
Peter Boberg, Jim Harper, Carol H., Misha Hill, Liz Ramos, and Steve Willner also provided comments and 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.
Members gathered to discuss the proposed revisions to the bylaws on October 6 and October 20, 2024.