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A Pastoral Letter
From Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Dear Pastors, Lay Leaders and members of MCC's Region 3 and the churches in Region 2 covered by Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman:
As you know, the Board of Elders met two weeks ago to reflect, pray and strategize together about our future as MCC and to consider some short term measures that need to be taken in view of the global economic crisis.
A more lengthy email will be sent to you and all of MCC about our meetings and the results, but I wanted to take a moment now to let you know how the measures to be taken will have a special impact on you, Region 3, and on the churches in Region 2 that are covered by Rev. Elder Ackerman.
As part of achieving a quarter of a million dollar reduction in the budget, among other measures, it is necessary to downsize the Board of Elders by two positions for the next 18 months.
Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman's term on the Board of Elders will end on July 31, after the Regional Conference. She has decided not to apply for re-election. In addition, Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd's role as Elder of Region 4 will end at the same time for financial reasons. For at least the next 18 months, we will not be filling these positions.
This was a very difficult decision, especially in the context of other changes we will also be experiencing. We are very sorry to lose Glenna and Arlene on our Board of Elders. At the same time, we are very pleased that Arlene and Glenna will continue to utilize their gifts for ministry in MCC.
As you also know, we have a Structure Evaluation Team that will be bringing recommendations for permanent changes to the Board of Elders and the Board of Administration for a vote at our General Conference in Acapulco in 2010. That team will be getting input from you and all of MCC this year.
Until the decisions of General Conference are implemented, I assure you that Region 3 will continue to be Region 3. Other Elders will provide coverage for your churches, as follows:
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher will provide coverage for churches in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; Rev. Elder Darlene Garner will provide coverage for churches in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia; and Rev. Elder Ken Martin will provide coverage for the churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and Tennessee (from Region 2).
We will be retaining the staff in Region 3 at the present time: Rev. Jen Glass and Ritchie Crownfield.
We know this is an enormous change for Region 3, where Elder Ackerman has served since 2003. She has served in MCC ministry with distinction, excellence, and faithfulness for 32 years, including 17 years in denominational leadership as District Coordinator and Regional Elder.
(continued on page 2)
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