October 6, 2006

connecting the Community of Christ staff community

Organizational Design and Space Needs

As the new design continues to unfold and take shape, provisions for space at International Headquarters are being assessed. The Space Allocation Team, in association with enrichment group leaders, has met to start this process. Discussions have been guided by several key considerations:

• How to locate people and teams to best accommodate their needs
• Looking at space holistically: office, storage, work and meeting areas, proximity to team members
• Recommendations of the Temple Ministries Team

Enrichment group leaders and members of the WMCT are beginning to meet with staff to discuss space needs. This is the first phase as we work together to create space solutions. You are also encouraged to approach your enrichment group leader and team leads with suggestions and concerns. As teams and enrichment groups begin to consider new space options, everyone is encouraged to walk around and view various locations in both the Temple and Auditorium.

The guiding principles for the first phase of the process will drive all discussions and recommended solutions.

• All employees have a voice.
• Consideration of individual employee, team, and organizational needs will be balanced.

This part of the process is similar to a jigsaw puzzle, where several groups are working on different parts of the overall puzzle. After assembling separate sections of the puzzle, we may have to try several options before finding the one that fits best and makes the puzzle complete.

The Space Allocation Team will meet again in late October to review recommendations provided by teams. They will then prepare a recommendation for the October 26 WMCT meeting. The current plan is to facilitate office moves between mid-November and the Christmas holiday.

Transition Updates

A Transition Information link will be located on the NewsPEACE navigation bar on the left. This is the official place to look for transition information. When new updates are available, they will be highlighted in upcoming editions of NewsPEACE.

Staff Meeting

International Headquarters staff gathered by phone and in person on Thursday, October 5, to further refine areas of corporate culture change. This discussion focused on the need for good communication and timely information sharing. Small groups talked about what behaviors would be evident in the workplace if we are doing this well. Another meeting to further define and hone these decisions will be announced by the First Presidency.

E-Group Meetings

Beginning in November, the first Wednesday of each month will be reserved for enrichment group meetings. This will be an important venue to ask questions and share information with fellow group members. Enrichment group leaders will schedule meeting times closer to November. Watch for your invitation, and plan to attend.

Redesign Evaluation

An evaluation team exploring the redesign process is beginning to form. There will be three phases of evaluation, with the first happing in the very near future. Dave Schaal is leading this team and can be contacted for questions or comments at dschaal@CofChrist.org or ext. 3001.

Teams

The documents listed below can be found on the IHQ server at M:\Teams.

• IHQ Chartered and Proposed Teams (.pdf)
• Instructions on Using Team Charter Form (.doc)
• Team Charter Form (.dot)
  This form continues to be revised as we learn more about the chartering process. When you start work on a charter, always come to this location to get the most current version. Previously drafted charters do not need to migrate to the latest form unless that is helpful to team leaders.
• Team Lead Resource Guide (.doc)
  This guide will become a repository of knowledge for Community of Christ staff regarding teams and team management. This document is under construction but currently has a few sections describing teams, team lead responsibilities, team phases, and team knowledge areas.
  
  If you do not have access to the M: Drive or have any questions about these four documents, contact John Pinkerton at jpinkerton@CofChrist.org or ext. 3072.

New Video Feature: "Hawthorne Place"

View the Hawthorne Place Apartments story where a community outreach and children’s program has been started by the Village Heights congregation. This is another example of great work by Dirk Ellingson, Jaylene O’Keefe, and Dave Wheaton.

Open Enrollment for 2007

During the month of November 2006 you will have opportunity to consider changes to your health, flex, and dental benefits. The self-service site will be used again this year for the open enrollment period. Visit www.CofChrist.org/MissionSupportMinistries and click on the Human Resource Ministries Staff Information Self-Service Site link.

If you have not been to the site recently, it might be helpful to log in, check out your current benefits, and ensure that all personal information is current. More specific information will be shared later in October regarding the exact dates of open enrollment. Watch for e-mail information and updates in NewsPEACE.

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Dome and Spire event: Bach Aria Soloists chamber ensemble—Jan Kraybill will be featured as the harpsichordist/organist

Tuesday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m.
KCUR (89.3 FM) will feature an interview with Community of Christ Peace Award recipient Howard Zehr.

October 27–29
2006 Peace Colloquy—“Justice for Everyone: Reframe, Repair, Restore

Saturday, November 18 at 8:00 p.m.
90th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah with the Kansas City Symphony

Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Advent service at the Community of Christ Temple

Wednesday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Staff recognition

Click here to submit news and announcements for consideration in NewsPEACE.