Pastor’s Report: September 2024
Our Leadership Board held its September meeting as part of our ongoing efforts to guide and support the ministries of North Scottsdale United Methodist Church under our new Simplified Accountable Structure. This meeting covered a variety of topics, building on the foundation laid during our annual retreat in Flagstaff earlier this month.
Board Minutes can be found here: 9.24.24 Leadership Board Minutes.docx
Annual Retreat Recap
The retreat was a resounding success. Staying together in an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel allowed for deeper connections among Board members, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of unity. The time together set a positive tone for the work ahead.
Team Leader Meeting Recap
We also recapped the Team Leader meeting, which received excellent feedback. Our Team Leaders were reminded that the Leadership Board’s role is to guide and support their efforts, not dictate how they lead. This reinforces our commitment to collaborative ministry as we move toward achieving the goals we’ve set for 2025.
Mission and Goals Review
I provided an overview of our church’s mission and the 2025 goals. These goals include fostering deeper spiritual connections, engaging more members in church life beyond worship, and increasing our congregation’s impact through service to the world. These ambitious targets reflect our shared vision of building God’s kingdom through meaningful engagement.
Decisions Made
Several important items were addressed during the meeting:
- The Board reviewed and approved the Employee Handbook Flexible PTO policy, which will be included in the updated handbook.
- The Guiding Principles document continues to evolve as a living framework for our governance, ensuring alignment with The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline.
- We approved invoices for the Sanctuary AV project, confirming our commitment to enhancing the worship experience for all.
- Strategies for funding our missions work through church funds (rather than relying on donations) were discussed, reflecting our dedication to outward-facing ministry.
- Preparations are underway for Pastor and Staff Appreciation Day on October 13, with a task force formed to ensure this is a meaningful celebration.
Looking Ahead
The Leadership Board’s next meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2024, at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church. As always, anyone who considers NSUMC their church home is welcome to attend. Please remember that all items for discussion must be submitted to Cathy Sherry, our Leadership Board Chair, or me at least two weeks prior to the meeting date.
I remain deeply grateful for the dedication and leadership of our Board members as we continue to navigate this exciting new chapter in the life of our church.
