October 23, 2009

connecting the staff community

AUTUMN COLOR AT INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

PEACE COLLOQUY BEGINS TODAY!

The 2009 Peace Colloquy, will focus on women's issues as experienced all over the world. Dr. Halima Bashir, activist for women and children of Darfur, will be presented the Community of Christ International Peace Award at the opening of the 2009 Peace Colloquy. Come tonight at 7:30 p.m. for the Award presentation and to hear Dr. Bashir.  Tonight’s service is also available via live webcast.

Setting up for the Peace Colloquy book and product sales; and registration.

NEXT WEEK

October 29 at 1:30 p.m. in the Temple Continents room, an informational webinar for all U.S. staff.  Information regarding the Health Savings Account plan for 2010 and benefits open enrollment for 2010 will be shared.  U.S. staff not in Independence can participate online at www.CofChrist.org/broadcast/staffcast.asp.

NEW STAFF AT INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

We welcome Amy Hough and Kristi Hettrick Main to the Quorum Support Team.  Van Wilson begins working with the Integrated Formation Ministries Team, specifically working with the World Conference Worship Team on October 26.  Van recently graduated from Graceland University (Religion and Philosophy Summa Cum Laude) and plans to go to graduate school in the fall.  He has participated with the World Service Corps and completed a youth internship for Central Mission Center.

STAFF TRAINING

Five staff members from International Headquarters participated in the National BSNUG (IFAS) Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, October 7-9.  Helen Reynolds and Shawn Mallas attended HR/PY boot camp.  Their assessment was, “there was a lot of material to cover in a short amount of time…we survived!”  Sharon Sperry, Rick Wilton and Dale Hollis attended all three days. 

GEARING UP FOR WINTER

The Maintenance Team just finished a massive overhaul and replacement of the HVAC serving the Auditorium fourth floor northwest corner.  This was a month long, tedious changeover.  The new system was installed simultaneously along-side the old system; and piece by piece the old system was dismantled.  Thanks to Don Moss for reporting and pictures. 

NOTARY UPDATE

Thank you for those who responded regarding notaries here at International Headquarters.  Here is an updated list of names and locations. 

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION!

Family and friends enjoyed an afternoon of memories celebrating Gary Logan’s retirement!

WHO’S WHO??

Here we go!  How well do you recognize your colleagues here at IHQ?  Match the picture, with the name and location. 

Check your answers at the end of this NewsPEACE edition.

DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL

These three sculpted figures depict the journey toward union with the Divine, and are located on the Temple Worshipper’s Path. “The Dark Night of the Soul” begins with despair over a sense of God’s absence and the loss of previous close companionship with God. The believer searches for God and is ultimately faced with surrendering more completely into divine love. This tearing open or emptying is an act of trust that the true self is found through a final sacrifice of the human identity we have constructed for ourselves. The self that dies into God in this way is transformed and lives with a new identity as God’s beloved.  Elements of the “dark night” are found in Christ’s journey through Gethsemane, the cross, and resurrection.  “… Jesus cried…My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:46                                                                                                                                  

The sculptures are coil built earthen clay, fired, and bronze application with patina sitting on bases of desert cream limestone from Oklahoma.  The artist, Linda Lewis, is a member of Community of Christ.

HAVE YOU MET?

Meet the volunteers in Kirtland, Ohio.  Giving tours, working the bookstore, greeting visitors, and sharing our story are just some of the things these volunteers do each day.  It’s a fun family community that is sharing in Kirtland and at our other historic sites.  We’re always looking for new “family” members to join us.  If you are interested, or know someone to invite to share in this special ministry, contact Cathy Loving, ext. 2030, for more information.  Thanks to Ron Romig for reporting from Kirtland.

Cheryl “Cherie” Buletza has been with us during October 2009. She is a very enthusiastic tour guide.	Shirley Davidson helps out welcoming visitors to the center three days a week. Her creative and caring spirit helps keep our visitors and our staff happy.
Pat and Sam Marmoy served as volunteers during the month of October.    Sam has helped maintain and finish projects related to the construction of the Visitors Center.  Pat is an excellent tour guide.  It has been a blessing and a pleasure to have them with us in 2009.	Anne is helping manage the Mercantile store.  We had a very successful month of sales during October
Carleen Shelter is a long term volunteer. She comes in one day a week to help manage the Visitor Center desk and help get tours into the Temple on time.	Lloyd and Sally Tripp traveled from their home in Nauvoo to volunteer during September.  Lloyd provided thoughtful tours of the Temple, while Sally helped welcome visitors to the Center.

ANSWERS TO QUIZ:

A5e

B3b/f

C4c

D2d

E6a

F1b/f

 
Submit news and announcements for consideration in NewsPEACE.