April 17, 2009

connecting the staff community

Jeanette Hicks
It has been my pleasure to work at IHQ since 2001. I began in the Africa region and transferred to the position of program specialist for WorldService Corps. I have had the pleasure of working with many people from many lands, either by helping them get their visas or by helping them in their experience as a WSC volunteer. I have also had the privilege of working with the Peace Colloquy (pictured at right) which I enjoy very much.

I am married and have three children, all grown and on their own. My husband and I enjoy going to estate sales, auctions and working over houses (I’m a handyman in another life). I love to read books of all kinds, play the piano, work in the garden, and do watercolors. I am a member of the College Park Community of Christ, and have been a member of the church all my life. One of my greatest joys is being able to work at IHQ and do the things I love. Sappy I know…but true.

TEAM NEWS FROM IHQ

The sacred architecture of the Temple speaks to our denominational journey of formation and transformation. As an informing symbol, the Temple engages us in the imaginal, mystical, and artistic dimensions of God’s vision of Shalom and opens us to the incarnational dimensions of Christ’s peace.

The purpose of the Temple Strategy Team is to support the church in discerning “additional sacred ministries that will spring forth from the Temple as rivers of living water to help people soothe and resolve the brokenness and pain in their lives.”  The Team is charged with helping Community of Christ explore the meaning of the call to “Let the Temple continue to come to life as a sacred center of worship, education, community building, and discipleship preparation for all ages.” [Doctrine and Covenants 163:8:b]  

As we have engaged with others in the church over the past two years, several strategies and pilot programs have emerged. Teams have been formed to plan and initiate the following:

• 5th Sunday holistic experiences based on Acts 2, on May 31st and August 30, 2009.    
• Self-directed Temple tours with audio wands and a new brochure.
• Daily Disciplines in a redesigned Daily Bread for 2010, including continued emphasis on a daily Prayer for Peace.
• Disciple Formation pilot in Shalom Place with interactive exhibits on the Pursuit of Peace.
• A model for pilgrimages to sacred places, including the Temple.
• Two Temple Services for World Conference.
• In conjunction with the Temple Art Team, additions to Temple Sanctuary and the Worshipper’s Path.
• Peace Support Network.

Temple Team International was established in early 2008 to engage 25 leaders and members from around the world to study, consult, discern, review, and make recommendations regarding the nature and character of Temple as a Life-Giving Symbol for a World Church. The team gathered at the Temple in September 2008 and will meet again April 24-26, 2009.  The diverse cultures and views represented on the team provide important perspectives of the Temple’s importance throughout the church.

Temple Strategy Team Members:  Carolyn Brock, David Brock (co-chair), Bunda Chibwe, Tony Chvala Smith, Bruce Crockett, Sandee Gamet, Jane Gardner (co-chair), Tammy Lindle, Cathy Loving, Lu Mountenay, Keith Russell, Wim van Klinken.

Temple Team International Members: Sarah Allen, Mareva Arnaud, Tanoh Assoi, Javier Bardales, Ken Barrows, Ephim Brudsky, Linda Cain, Lou Clothier, Don Compier, Jennifer de Guzman, Mark Dixon, Florence Gubanc, Amanda Hernández, Jon Hetherington, Renand Hilaire, Bonnie Hinderks, Sam Kumar, Urbain Mbenga, Vicky MacArthur, Greg McManus, Ángela Ramírez, Michel Rosier, Art Smith, Chris Sparks, Francisco Treviño, Adam Wade, David Waring, Kelsey Welch.

The recent team training by Todd Long of the Pryor Institute for Leadership was very well-received. For anyone who could not attend a previous training there is one more opportunity to take part on May 14 in the Temple Continents room.

Participation in this transformative training event is an expectation for all IHQ staff. Training takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and snacks are provided. Lunch will be on your own. Please RSVP to Judith Yager at ext. 2358.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful team called IHQ!

You are invited to participant in a working lunch for IHQ staff on Wednesday, April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Auditorium West Dining room. This is a continued follow-up to the IHQ survey.  

Come share your story of an improvement made at IHQ over the past year, and help dream and build on these improvements to create an ever-growing, positive IHQ environment.

Bring your lunch; beverages and dessert will be provided.  Offices may close so all can attend.  

Results of this working lunch will be published in NewsPEACE.

Take Your Child to Work Day is Thursday, April 23.  While we are not planning a formal program this year, you are welcome to bring your child for part or all of the day.  Please let your team leader know that you will be sharing with your child at work this day. 

For some children, it’s a treat to visit the Children’s Peace Pavilion while they’re here.  Please remember that children must be supervised while they are visiting the Pavilion and that most children can complete the activities in about 1 to 1½ hours.

It is a special experience to share with a child what their parents do all day at work.  If you have any questions, please contact your Enrichment Group leader. 

April 22 – Administrative Assistant Appreciation; Earth Day

• The Earth Stewardship Team has a worship and study resource located at www.CofChrist.org/EarthSteward/ they recommend for use on or around Earth Day.

April 23 – Take Your Child to Work Day

April 28 & 30 – Interpersonal Peacebuilding Training

April 29 – All Staff Working Lunch (Auditorium West Dining Room)

May 6 – E-Group Meeting (west dining room)

May 18-June 5 – MAR/MACM 3-week focus session

May 25 – Memorial Day IHQ Offices Closed

May 28 – IHQ Family Picnic, 6 p.m., McCoy Park

May 31 – Temple Event

Submit news and announcements for consideration in NewsPEACE.