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It’s time to look ahead at leadership positions in the church for next year. We have been blessed with stable, consistent, and creative leaders over the years in our congregation. I am thankful to be able to serve alongside those who take part in teams, committees, and boards, and to be able to build on the work of those who have served in this way in the past.

Because we don’t all have the same familiarity with the church administrative functions, and because things have changed in recent years about how our leadership is structured, let me first explain the basic structure of the committees. Our Leadership Board is the vision setting body for our church and it oversee the work of all the other teams and committees. Most teams and committees have a representative on the Leadership Board. In addition, our board functions as our Personnel committee, weighing in on matters related to our staff and their support. We also have a Finance Committee and a Building and Grounds Committee who have roles that are predictable based on their names. These three bodies are mandated for all United Methodist Churches, although their names may be slightly different in different local churches. At our church, we also have a Service Team that helps to coordinate our service projects to local and global neighbors, a Worship Team that designs our worship experiences, a Faithland Team that guides our property discernment process, Member Care Team that organizes ways for people to stay connected despite whatever challenges come up, and for the last few years, we have had a Covid Safety Team which has set our Covid Policy. Several other groups like United Women in Faith, the choir, and the After 8 to 5 group have organization structures that are well-suited to their situation but don’t require congregational votes. All the teams are open and welcoming for newcomers.

This year, you will notice some changes to these committee structures and those serving on them when we vote on nominations at Charge Conference. First, Leadership Board has made the decision that we no longer need a Covid Safety Team. With gratitude for the work of those who have served, and great relief that the spread of Covid at church was minimal throughout the pandemic, as well as acknowledgement that our high rates of vaccination mean that we have built up “herd immunity,” the Leadership Board is convinced that the Covid Policy does not need a dedicated team to oversee it at this time. In addition to the disbanding of that team, several key leaders will be stepping down from positions they have occupied. Again, with great gratitude for the wisdom and steadfast care the outgoing leaders have willingly given, these departures leave room for new leaders to come forward. Notably, we have openings for Finance Chair, Treasurer, and Service Team Chair for 2026. There is also room on all committees for interested people to become members of the team.

The Leadership Board is currently in the process of having conversations with people who have served in their positions for more than 3 years, new members, and others who have shown interest in the work of a committee or team to begin a mutual discernment about where each person’s skills and energy may lead them to serve for the coming year. If you have not yet been contacted by a Leadership Board member, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one yourself to have a conversation and begin praying together about how you can serve. If there is no team doing what you are called to do, there is also the possibility of forming one and/or bringing your vision to the Board.

The work of our church is dependent on each of us carefully, prayerfully, and faithfully using our gifts for the benefit of our community and our church’s mission in the season when we are called to do so.

May the Holy Spirt guide us with wisdom as we seek to serve with joy.