Realigning staff as we move forward with our Future with Hope
Grace and peace friends,
I hope you are having a blessed Sunday. I am writing to you on behalf of the Administrative Board to update you on a coming transition in staff at Grace. Two parts of aligning to our Guiding Principles are making sure that we are investing our financial assets where they can best further our goals and ensuring we have the right staff serving where they can be most effective.
After prayerful discussion, the Board adopted a new staffing plan that clarified departments of the church and realigned job descriptions across the church. The intention is to focus on family and outreach ministries, improve focus and communication, and continue shoring up our financial position. A complete organizational chart and responsibility map can be found here, but I wanted to highlight some significant changes.
We've hired a part-time accounting assistant to move our payroll functions in-house. Previously, we were using an outside contractor, and the lax nature of that relationship has led to many errors and issues. Having an employee on staff gives us greater accountability and better communication.
We are going to one director in the Dayschool. To make this possible many administrative functions, building responsibilities, and supply ordering out of the school to the business office and facilities manager.
We are expanding to a full-time Director of Family Ministries. The goal of this position will be to grow our discipleship of children, youth, and parents. This includes an emphasis on outreach to families in our neighborhood and leading families of the congregation in service to others.
The new full-time Director of Family Ministries position was offered to Leonor Hernandez, and she has accepted. Leonor will leave the Dayschool, and Claudia Lopez, our present Associate Director, will be promoted to Director of Grace Weekday School. We are excited about the talents and energy these two women will bring to ministry at Grace.
Unfortunately, these transitions also mean that we will be parting ways with Mary Gossett. This decision was not made quickly or without prayer. Mary helped Grace weather the pandemic and introduced us to new opportunities like Messy Church. She and her family have offered their talents in several areas. As she departs, we wish her the best in her next phase. We will celebrate Mary's ministry and say goodbye to her on May 15.
I apologize to anyone who heard this news from someone other than me. Such announcements are sensitive and detailed, so I prefer to do them in writing first rather than in worship. I met one-on-one to discuss the changes with staff first. We are communicating with you all now and will announce to the Dayschool in the coming week. New staff and changes will be in place by June 1. Over the next month, we will share some helpful FAQs and information for navigating the staff and governance of Grace.
If you have any questions about the transition, the Board's process, or decision-making, please don't hesitate to ask. Join me in praying for this time of change and all the staff stepping into a new stage of ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Kate
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