An exciting focus for Parish Committee this year has been to work with committees more closely and think more deliberatively about how they operate to support the mission of this church. One way we did this was by providing discernments tools as part of an All Chairs meeting which committees can use to prioritize and implement their many competing actions. The first tool helps guide committees by assessing impact, will, competency, mission and capacity for a particular action (see The Sweet Spot). Another tool helps guide the decision making process for individual committees with Parish Committee, other committees and the congregation (see Guidance for Committees). Parish Committee hopes these tools will empower committees to make decisions and move forward on an initiative or action with confidence.
Another change in the coming year, which was recommended by Parish Committee and endorsed at All Chairs in March, is to shift the cycle for start-up of new members and new chairs to the Fall. May and June can be considered transition months, and committees can choose what transition makes the most sense. New chairs can partner with the outgoing chairs to plan for the coming year, and new members can join meetings in the Spring to get a sense of what’s ahead. The official term for new chairs and members will start in September, coinciding with a Committee Orientation at All Chairs in early fall. We look forward to hearing how committees find this shift in the transition from year to year, so let us know!
Your Parish Committee
(Norah, John, Kelly, Missy, Martha P., and Sue S.)
Parish Committee
The church is governed by the Parish Committee, made up of seven members elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years. The Parish Committee sets policy, hires staff, and manages the overall direction and business of the church.