September 24, 2007

connecting the Community of Christ staff community

New Staff

Penny Springer-Mesteth was recently hired for the part-time Temple Store Associate position. She worked with Visible Horizons in Kansas City for over 15 years as a tutor, counselor and art teacher. Penny has an Associates of Arts degree from Haskell Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin. We’re excited to have her on the Visitor Services team and truly appreciate her flexibility. Welcome, Penny!

Transition to new Director of IHQ

Several teams have already transitioned their reporting relationship to Wim van Klinken, Director of IHQ and the remaining teams will transition by October 1. After this date, Wim will be the primary contact for all IHQ operational matters.

Two teams will remain with their existing reporting relationships: the Fiscal team will continue to report to Dave Brown; and the Funding for Mission Team will continue to report to Steve Jones.

This final phase of transition will take Stassi Cramm, Dave Brown and Paul Davis out of the operational loop for the teams which have been reporting to them. They will continue to be available for consultation, as necessary.

Dave, Paul and Stassi asked to share the following with IHQ staff:

“We are grateful to everyone for their role in beginning the creation of a new culture for International Headquarters (IHQ). To say that the path in getting to this place has been difficult seems to be an extreme understatement. We are also grateful to Wim for making his gifts available to serve as Director of IHQ. We have great confidence in his ability to lead IHQ and look forward to the future with great hope and expectation. May God continue to bless us all as we faithfully respond both individually and collectively.”

Register for Peace Colloquy by September 28 and save!

The Peace Colloquy focused on “Real World, Real Peace: Sharing the Peace of Jesus Christ” will be held at the Temple in Independence, Missouri, on October 26–28. You are invited to go deeper in experiencing, understanding, and sharing the Peace of Jesus Christ—personally, socially, and globally—through workshops, worships, and keynote addresses.

Dolores Huerta and Virgilio Elizondo—two internationally renowned Hispanic leaders—will be honored with the Community of Christ International Peace Award for their work advocating for full inclusion and justice for immigrants on Friday, October 26.

Bring your friends, family, and congregation members to be part of this weekend experience!

Staff and volunteers receive a 50% discount on registration and some are eligible for full reimbursement. Check the new event registration policy being honored early so you can benefit in time for the Peace Colloquy: www.CofChrist.org/NewsPeace/2007/aug2807.asp. (Full price must be paid by staff in advance. Submit request for discount to your e-group leaders to receive discount reimbursement after the event.) Regular registration fees for the weekend are $15 for children and students and $75 for adults (after September 28: $20 or $85).

Visit www.CofChrist.org/PeaceColloquy/ to register or call Customer and Member Services at 1-800-825-2806, ext. 1004.

Church Administrator’s Handbook available on-line

The Church Administrator’s handbook is now available online for download/reference at http://www.cofchrist.org/onlineresources/administrators/. Weblinks to current policies and procedures have been updated for quick and easy reference by mission center and congregational leaders.

Entering Independence IHQ Offices on weekends and holidays

Staff who come to the Independence IHQ offices on weekends and holidays are asked to notify security by calling ext. 2111. This helps security to be aware of what areas of the buildings are in use and also provides for the safety of staff who are not normally here those days. Please do not let anyone else (family or friends) use your key card or keys―this is for everyone’s safety. If you know you will be out of the office for an extended period of time and need to have family or friends pick up items from your office, please have them come during regular business hours.

Language Training Survey

In an effort to learn more about the language training needs and interests of IHQ employees, a short survey has been compiled. Please help us to identify the current language training needs here at IHQ so that we can learn together and further the reach of our mission and the peace of Jesus Christ to all those whom we encounter. You will find the survey at http://www.odtoolsplus.com. The password is 9369UVEX2039UEL. Your assistance and participation in this learning endeavor is greatly appreciated.

2008 Calendars

A representative from Corporate Express will be here October 3 with samples of 2008 calendars. You can check these out between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Temple break room. If you decide to order one, check with your team leader or E-Group leader to determine who in your area has access to Corporate Express and can place an order for you.

Enrichment Group Meetings through 2007

Save these dates for upcoming E-Group meetings this fall.
• October 3
• November 7
• December 5

World Church Leadership Support meets at 8:30 a.m.; Ministry Support Specialists meet at 2:00 p.m. and Service Support Specialists meet at 3:30 p.m. All meetings are currently scheduled for the Continents Room. IHQ staff residing outside the Independence area will be included through a teleconference.