I am looking for a few volunteers to help the congregation to continue to move forward in your ministry.
The Consistory needs for 5-10 volunteers to take part in reviewing and updating the By-laws and Constitution to reflect the church’s current context. The last update to the church’s Constitution and By-laws was almost twenty years ago. Longtime members, newer members, and confirmed youth and young adults are encouraged to become part of this process. The review and proposal of changes to the Purpose Statement of the Constitution has already been completed by a task group of 3 members facilitated by me.
The first meeting will be a 3-4 hour retreat to reflect together to discern what it means to be church today, to be a member of a church, and leadership styles that nurture and enable congregations to follow God’s purposes for the congregation.
My experience is that the retreat will lead to less time and meetings needed for the rest of the process. If a sufficient number of people are willing to be part of this vital work for the life of the congregation, the group will be divided into two groups, one focusing on membership and the other governance. After that is completed, the entire group would review and draft any needed updates to the rest of these documents. Throughout the process the congregation will also be offered opportunities for input.
The initial goal is to have a draft ready for congregational approval by the 2025 Annual Meeting, but no later than spring 2025.
Steve Prussing shared with the Consistory that upon the recommendation of his doctor he needed to resign as President of the congregation. Steve’s prognosis is good, and we will continue to hold Sue and him in our prayers as a congregation and personally as he continues his treatments.
We need a church member who is willing to step up and fill this vacancy at least until the 2025 Annual Meeting, if they aren’t able to fill out the full term.
Please contact me if you are being nudged by God or others to step in as Congregational President and/or to be part of the short term work group for updating the By-Laws and Constitution. I can also meet with you to discuss in more detail what would be entailed to volunteer for either of these before you decide.
God’s grace and peace. Pastor Deb Kunkel
Let us know if you have any questions or comments. We are happy to provide more details. Please email us 24/7 or call us to learn more.
