There is not a single facet of church life that remains unaffected by the pandemic, even now, two years in — but ministry for children and families has perhaps been most deeply changed — not just at UCG, but across the country. Here at UCG, we’ve seen shifts in attendance patterns, in ministry needs, and in desired types of engagement. In recent months, the ministerial staff, as well as several relevant boards and committees, have begun to reflect on how we might need to reconfigure the staffing of our children’s ministries for future flourishing.
For ten years, Keri Trosper has served as the Director of Children’s Programs, with primary responsibility for United Tribes, the K-5th grade programming, which runs most Sundays September-May. Keri has also supervised the Childcare and Nursery Supervisors and been a primary point of contact between childcare staff and the office, as well as coordinated Children’s Sabbath. She has shown exceptional love and care for the children of UCG over the years in this role.
As we began to assess UCG’s needs for children’s ministry, we determined that one of the most pressing was to have a year-round Director who staffed multiple programs. At the end of the program year, we discussed the anticipated changes and reconfigured position with Keri. Keri was invited to move forward in this reconfigured Director position. However, at this time, she has chosen not to pursue this new role. We support her decision, and are thankful for her valuable contribution to the children’s ministry over the years.
Again, we are so grateful for the ways in which Keri has loved the children and families of UCG and so invite you and your children to share notes or cards of thanksgiving and blessing for her ministry with us. Please leave notes in the church office by Sunday, August 21 and we will send them in one package along with a gift from us all.
Can I assume that making this a year round position would necessitate a commensurate increase in salary beyond what was approved in the budget?
Actually, the restructuring is within the budget constraints for this year. The Board of Business and the Compensation Task Force were asked to weigh in on the new structure and positions to ensure that these changes were financially sustainable.
Could the congregation get specific information on how the needs of the children’s program has changed? I think moving from a 10 month Director to a 12 month Director is a great idea. How would the duties and responsibilities of the Director change? How would this impact the programs and opportunities offered to the children? Would the salary of a year round director reflect the increase in the duties and responsibilities? Shouldn’t this change have been brought before the congregation for a vote? Does this process follow our policies and procedures? Who decide this?
The new job descriptions (as approved at the July Church Council meeting) will be published in the E-vents today, along with more information about the rationale for these changes. We believe these changes will allow us to minister more effectively alongside the children and families of UCG, as well as be more financially sustainable. A number of leaders on relevant boards were consulted about the changes. Part-time staffing relationships are administered by their supervisor and, in some instances, the Coordinating Minister. Only the clergy positions are subject to congregational votes. We followed our policies and procedures, but I have also been working alongside the compensation task force to consider the development of a Board of Human Resources, which would help increase equity, consistent practices, and accountability. This will require a by-law change, and much discussion; so look for information as they continue to do their work.
Keri was doing a terrific job. How does this change help our children? And why hasn’t it come before the Congregation for us to discuss? Please explain.
Marj, I think Betsy had similar questions. Will you take a look and see if my response to her answered yours? If not, don’t hesitate to send me an email.