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Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

This is to update you on progress against the CRMR Strategic Plan.

1. The Transitional Regional Minister Search Team continues to meet and interview candidates. We are interviewing folks from within and from outside the region. I’m impressed with the skills and gifts of those who have been interviewed so far. I had hoped that we might have a recommendation for the position by now, but it’s just not going to happen. I will say that we are closing in on a choice and will move as quickly as we can to make a selection. However, we think it is prudent that we not rush the process and select the right person for the call.


2. A nucleus of a regional Resource Team has been formed. The purpose of that team is to develop ongoing funding of regional life and programming. Don Brewer is chairing this team and so far, Sally Cline-Beerman and Jim Pritchard have agreed to serve. All three are lay people. Don and I would like to include a couple of clergy members of this team. So, this is a request for any clergy that might be interested in joining this team to contact me via email (shown below) as soon as possible. Currently, Don is planning an initial meeting of the team for February 19^th.


3. I have begun assembling possible names for the search committee that will seek the three members of the future Regional Ministry Team. Recall, that the Transitional Regional Minister will serve until such time as this Regional Ministry Team is called. This search committee needs to be diverse and representative of the region. I would like to have this search committee named for approval by the Regional Board meeting on February 27^th. The search committee will seek an intentionally diverse team of ministers with the combined expertise, theological and pastoral acumen to lead the region in dynamic and innovative ways (per the CRMR Future Story). I am requesting that those who might be interested in serving on this search committee contact me via email (shown below) as soon as possible.


4. I have asked the CRMR Congregational Transformation Team to take on the added responsibilities of the Regional Elders Task Force which will design a Regional Elders program for the region. I would like to see implementation of the program as quickly as possible. Currently, this task force is gathering materials from other regions that have successfully implemented such a program.


5. I am also seeking members for a Communications Network Task Force to begin developing the regional web site (and the needed technology and training for the regional office and staff) as a facility for a region-wide electronic network. This task force will also be responsible for developing the capacity of individual congregations to participate in the network by facilitation the acquisition of appropriate equipment by congregations; and facilitating the training of such individuals. I am requesting that individuals that have an interest in serving on this task force contact me via email (shown below) as soon as possible.


6. Soon, I will be working with the Visioning Team to seek an Implementation Team whose purpose will be to review the strategic plan and decide how they can best assist in implementation and provide or create accountability to the Future Story and Strategic Plan.


7. The Finance Committee engaged Lisa Worthington, pastor of Welcome Table Christian Church, to review our financial procedures with the idea of improving the quality and transparency of those procedures. Additionally, the Accountemps person, Jill Zullo, who was hired following Dena Catlett’s resignation, is also helping to define possible new financial procedures. The Finance Committee will soon be considering new software that would eliminate the two separate systems that are currently being used and also eliminate the need for a separate system for the administrative work in the regional office.

We continue to work the Future Story and Strategic Plan. We are behind the timeline in some areas and on time in others. We covet your prayers and support.

Sandra Hergenreder, who is handling the administration duties in the regional office, is doing a great job. We are most grateful that she was able step in and help immediately. Additionally, Janie Sikes and Franchelle Cliff volunteer their help in the regional office.

All for now.

Blessings,
Dan Woods, CRMR Moderator

dwoods3@mindspring.com