New Council Elections
Changes to the GSLC constitution and by-laws were approved at the congregational meeting held on April 29 . One of the approved changes was to a 7 voting-member council. 5 of those voting positions come from elected members of the congregation, 2 of the voting positions are filled by the pastoral staff. On Tuesday, June 6 the full 16 member council met to hold an election for the new council. Following are the results of the election:
President - Nancy Herje
Vice President - Sheri Cassidy
Member at large/Personnel - Scott Buell
Member at large/Finance - Doug Austin
Member at large/special projects - Jennifer Falk.
Laura Prill will complete her council term in the capacity of recording secretary.
Many changes have happened over the past 6 months as we began to implement the organizational changes approved at the Congregational meeting in January. There are still many things that need to happen, especially around growing and developing a healthy and vibrant culture of stewardship. I chose not to come forward for the new council due to demands of a new position at work and I would like to spend this summer with my son before he heads off to college. Trust me, it was not a decision taken lightly. I continue to fully support the restructuring and look forward to engaging in the area of Faith Formation in the fall. I will spend a couple of weeks this summer on mission trips with our youth and also look forward to getting back into the classroom with them on a more regular basis. Building the faith of each member in our community will be the foundation to developing a culture of stewardship--where we see ourselves as disciples who are "called to serve" rather than "volunteer." Where our lives are reordered and centered by our faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ann Kuhar
Out-going Council President
Update on Restructuring Process - May 25
The Council met on May 22 to review 2 items that were requested by members of the congregation relating to the restructuring process. Following are the results of the discussion:
Number of Administrative Assistant Positions:
Personnel Ministry Team and Executive Team agree to change the Admin Assistant position from 1 FTE to 1.5 FTE during the next few months in order to provide more time to consider the exact staffing level required in the long-term. While this had already been communicated verbally, the change will be reflected in the organizational chart to provide clarity.
Filling of the Administrative Assistant Position
Upon successful completion of a 90-day review period, the current Office Administrator will be granted first right of refusal for the Administrative Assistant position, following a meeting with the Personnel Ministry Team and interview team to discuss the functions and performance expectations of the new position.
Considering whether members of the congregation can apply for the Resource Manager position
The Council recommended “staying the course,” allowing GSLC members and nonmembers to apply for the Resource Ministry Manager Position. This allows the interview team to focus on selecting the best candidate for the position, regardless of membership status. Selection criteria for the Resource Manager could include questions regarding the candidate's ability to work in a church environment.
Update on Restructuring Process - May 17
On Monday evening, May 15 about 34 non-council members attended the council meeting to participate in a discussion on the Restructuring process. While many in attendance were concerned about how the Administrative positions would be filled, the purpose of the meeting was to clarify the entire process and help everyone understand how the plan was developed.
As the process is written, there are no incumbents for the 2 new roles (Resource Ministry Manager and Administrative Assistant). The new administrative position will primarily be clerical/secretarial in nature. Current staff will be given the first interview for the Administrative position before deciding if we need to post external.
Members in attendance specifically requested that the council reconsider 2 points:
- That the current Office Administrator be awarded the new Administrative Assistant position without interview, and
- Think about whether these positions should be filled by members of the congregation, especially the Resource Ministry Manager.
The council met following the meeting, reviewed all new information and chose to spend some time in discernment and will meet again on Monday, May 22 for an executive session. We’ll keep you informed when decisions are made.
Continued prayers of support are greatly appreciated.
Important information about the reorganization can be found at the links below:
Leadership Slides presented at the Congregational Meeting on January 29, 2006 (pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions about the restructuring
GSLC Constitution as approved at Congregational Meeting on April 30, 2006 (pdf)
New Organizational Structure and the Stewardship & Spending Plan Process Overview
Our Church Council has recommended that GSLC change our organizational structure and our stewardship and spending plan process. These changes will be introduced at the Annual Congregational Meeting and include:
- Focusing Council Efforts on:
- Oversight of GSLC Mission, Vision, and Objectives
- Oversight of Fiscal Management
- Oversight of Staff & Facilities
- Leadership Development
To achieve these focused objectives, Council size will be reduced to 7 members.
- Restructuring Staff and Ministry Teams around Five Major Ministry Areas:
- Congregational Life
- Faith Formation
- Liturgical Life
- Resource Ministry
- Mission Ministry
- Creating a Culture of Stewardship at Good Shepherd
- The Congregationwill be asked to approve and support an annual spending plan. In addition, our Council will be responsible for reviewing/approving future ministry opportunities identified by the Ministry Teams and will work with the Giving Team and the Finance Team to develop a three-year plan towards funding those opportunities. Knowing the ministry needs for the future, the congregation will be encouraged to make designated gifts. Giving will be encouraged year-round.
Please Note:
- Council has approved the New Organizational Structure and the Stewardship & Spending Plan Process. The Congregation will not be asked to vote on this.
- The Congregation is required to approve changes to the Constitution and By-Laws:
Some of the changes approved by the Council affect the current GSLC Constitution and By Laws. These documents are undergoing revision and will be sent to the NC Synod for review. Once the Synod has ensured that all the ELCA essential elements are intact, GSLC Congregation members will have an opportunity to review the changes to the Constitution and By Laws and will be asked to vote on these changes during a called Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, April 30th at 9:45am.
Date/Time for "Summary of Constitutional Changes" Forums:
- April 23rd at 9:45am
- April 23rd at 11:15am
Location for Meetings to be determined.