ITEM #1: A SAFER/MORE HOSPITABLE SPACE
The Building and Grounds Committee, Finance Team, and Administrative Board jointly recommend the expenditure of up to $5,000 on making the 3rd floor of our education building safer and more hospitable. Upon approval, the funds would be taken from the Church’s “Forward Fund”*
Rewatch the town hall from May 30 in which this issue was discussed.
* please note: we received word, just before the release of this ballot, that a potential anonymous contribution may cover the expense of this project. We’re still seeking clarification from the donor. If we receive the anonymous gift, no church funds would be spent for this project without permission of the Administrive Board and/or congregation-at-large.
ITEM #2: DECLARATION OF INTENT WITH EXCELL
Over the course of these last several months, the Facilities Use Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, and our Pastor have been in active conversation with leaders in the ExCell Program in pursuit of an informal partnership, first through use of the church building and secondly through relationship building. Historically, the congregation has entrusted the Facilities Use Committee, in conjunction with Building and Grounds and the Administrative Board, to work through contractual agreements with community programs requesting the use of physical space.
Our church leaders and the ExCell Program Staff have done a stellar job in working through the details of this recommendation. On a practical level, Church Leadership is asking for the congregation’s approval in bringing the ExCell Program offices into the church building. In turn, ExCell would make a minimum contribution of $500 per month. Whereas, neither organization can commit to a specific length of time, we are both expressing our desire to experiment with an informal partnership over the course of a minimum of three years.
What makes this particular invitation unique is the intent that comes with the invitation. Upon approval from the congregation, both entities would commit themselves to the investment of time and energy in relationship building, with one another and also serving together in our community. Whereas, none of this would be formal in nature, it declares that we both have a desire for mutual thriving of our organizations and, more importantly, in the thriving of children, families, and educators in our community. Voting to approve this ballot item, is an expression of support for deliberate relationship building and continued deliberate use of our physical building in service in our neighborhood.
Rewatch the town hall from May 30 in which this issue was discussed.
Get more information on the partnership with ExCELL.
ITEM #3: SUMMER YOUTH COORDINATOR
With Meg’s departure on June 13, the TBC Youth are an immediate need for planning their summer curriculum.
Coordinator Tasks:
- Send out Youth Tab Weekly email
- Preparation & Execution of Youth Circle
- Checking in with students on an as-needed basis, particularly around issues raised as prayer concerns, etc.
- Weekly “Tab Tuesday” events (held on Tuesdays in 2020, but day may be adjusted to best fit schedule of youth and team members)
- Work with the youth to plan one social event each month
The Personnel Committee is recommending Bonnie Dance to serve as the Summer Youth Coordinator. Bonnie has formed trusted relationships with our youth over the last several years, and also brings her experience as an educator. Bonnie has her Masters in Teaching, and is currently a STEAM Innovation teacher at Ettrick Elementary School in Chesterfield County.
Allocation & Cost:
- Position Length: June 16 – August 16
- 10 Hours per week
- $25/hour ($3K for the Summer)
ITEM #4: HIRING A PART-TIME/TEMP MEDIA DIRECTOR
The Media Director acts as the liaison between staff and media volunteers to create engaging online media and incorporate it into worship and online spaces. The role this person plays is vital if we hope to serve an online community without burdening our pastoral staff. The Media Director works closely with the worship leader in implementing visual goals for worship, both live and online. They will also be responsible for running the Livestream, and coordinating A/V Volunteers on Sundays.
The Personnel Committee recommends the church explore and hire for the Temporary Director position with the hope it can be filled prior to Spencer’s departure.
Allocation & Cost:
- 15-20 Hours per week
- If individual requires training: $12-15/hour (likely requiring the full 20 hours/week); if already skilled: $20-25/hour (likely at the lesser 15 hours/week)
ITEM #5: STAFF SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
The Personnel Committee believes strongly that it is the desire and responsibility of the church to promote positive relationships, and a healthy work environment for all staff of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Overwork and staff burnout are commonplace issues in churches all around us, particularly following the past year of pandemic isolation and racial discord at the forefront, and Tabernacle is just as susceptible as any other church.
The Committee recommends enlisting the help of the Center for Congregational Health to assist in furthering this goal for our existing staff, and to provide this environment to the staff we look to bring on in the future. An allocation of $2000 will provide exit interviews for departing staff members, pastoral check-ins for the remaining staff, and the framework for additional possibilities, should the church and staff desire to move further.