2021 - Q4 Ministry and Personnel Fourth Quarter Report

This quarter has once again been a busy one.  October 1 Rev. Danah Cox starting work as our half-time Family and Community Minister.  He was set up on payroll, benefits and we discussed how the available space would work for him.  October 15th marked the end of the probationary periods for both Jen Heidebrecht and Sarah Reuangrith so we Joanne Anquist, Joanne Pritchard and I conducted a successful review process with constructive input from other staff and congregational members. The review concluded that both Jen and Sarah have been successfully fulfilling the responsibilities outlined in their job descriptions.   

I would like to take a moment to share my appreciation for the support that Chinook Winds Region staff and the United Church of Canada’s payroll and pensions departments have given us.  They helped to sort out rules in relation to the changing hours of our staff and how this affects their benefits and pension plans.  

Marilyn Bates, Esther Peterson and I sat down with Rev. Cox and Rev. Joanne to ensure all areas of ministry are covered in the two ministerial job descriptions.    Aileen’s job description and title have now been finalized, along with her letter of offer as she started the revamped job as Family Ministry Support Worker on October 1.  

We have made amendments to Tanya’s musician contract and are continuing to revise it as the workload changes.  Many thanks to her for her flexibility.  We are now working on changes that might need to occur in the new year.  Krishan’s service contract continues to be paused due to the COVID masking guidelines for choirs.    

We were sorry to receive Rev. Marilyn Evans letter of resignation from her temporary Pastoral Care Minister position in mid-November.  She provided exceptional pastoral care during a challenging period. 

We had hoped to have a Christmas luncheon for the staff but due to their very busy schedules, we decided to have it in January.  

Thanks to all our staff who continue to show flexibility and creativity in doing their jobs in challenging times.  

Submitted by Peggy Jorgensen, M&P Lead