Moment for Merger

October 16, 2016

By Adam Miller

A LOT has happened over the last couple of weeks:

• The Terms of Call committee has met and come up with an offer for Rev. Hoop, which she has accepted.


• The Personnel Committee has finalized the staffing plan for Grace. This staffing plan has been authorized by both sessions at the very productive joint Session meeting that occurred on Thursday. The staff of Grace will initially consist of the following positions:

• Contract Labor Including:
  
  
  
  • Lawn Maintenance
  
  
  • Supplemental Childcare Workers (College Students)
  
  
  • Bookkeeping
  
  
  • Large repairs/ maintenance
  
  
  
  


• Sexton


• 2-4 Childcare Providers


• Food Pantry Manager


• Organist


• Director of Music & Worship Arts


• Assistant Director of Music & Worship Arts


• Office Administrator


• Director of Christian Formation

We will begin interviewing candidates for the newly created and vacant positions as soon as possible. This new staffing plan will go into effect on January 1, 2017.  All current staff members will be paid for their current positions through December 31, 2016.

• The combined Finance Committee has met and has developed a budget for Grace for 2017, which includes the new terms of call and salaries for all positions in the Personnel committee’s staffing plan. This budget is yet another indicator that we are, indeed, stronger together!


• The Finance committee is also moving forward with the legal formation of Grace as a non-profit organization. Legal counsel is being secured to assist with this process. The Finance Committee is also making plans for the combining of financial assets of the two congregations, which can begin taking place as soon as the legal formation has occurred.


• The sale of the property at 1127 Eighth Street is progressing. We have received several offers and are moving forward with the goal of closing on the property in December.


• The Plan of Union is almost finalized. We are making final edits and revisions with the input and guidance of the Administrative Commission. You will all receive a copy of the proposed Plan of Union next Sunday, October 23, giving you a week to review it before the vote that will occur on Sunday, October 30.


• Finally, there will be a congregational meeting following the service on October 30, during which each congregation will meet separately to approve the Plan of Union and to elect 2 ruling elders to serve on the new Grace session.


• Things are moving very, very quickly, now, and we know many of you may have questions or may just be feeling a little nervous as the big day arrives. Please feel free to talk to any member of the Merger Steering Committee, or to Rev. Hoop if you would like to share your concerns or just need a little reassurance.  With God’s help, we will be stronger together, and we will share an amazing new journey of service, faith, and grace together!