by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo, Sr. Minister
Hopefully, most of you know about the significant structural changes likely coming to BCCUCC. I’m not talking about the building structure, but rather the governance/ministry structure. Every organization has a structure in which it operates. BCCUCC is no different. Some structures work better than others. In 2019, we realized ours wasn’t working that well anymore. It served us well for generations with only minor tweaks. Now, like any structure, it needs significant renovations.
Over the past few years I have shared through blogs, annual reports, and elsewhere that we are considering a new structure. Last June, our Governance/Ministry Task Force (GMTF) shared a presentation at the Annual Meeting outlining their work to date. Now, they are beginning to wrap things up and prepare for the next stage of their work. Before they do, however, they are asking for a vote.
On October 1, we are going to hold a special meeting of the Barrington Congregational Church, UCC, to vote on the GMTF’s proposed structure. The GMTF will be asking the congregation to commit to the new structure in theory with the intention of adopting it early 2024. This action will empower the GMTF to work on writing new church by-laws and governance policies as well as begin to recruit the individuals needed to lead our church into the future. The new by-laws and leadership slate are expected to be presented for follow-up votes at our annual budget meeting in January.
Between now and then, the GMTF wants to ensure that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision on Oct. 1. This is what they have available now and planned for the coming weeks:
- A video recording of the presentation made at the Annual Meeting in June is currently available on YouTube.
- There is a website dedicated to the new structure. It has the latest information as well as a F.A.Q. for your perusal.
- There will be a series of handouts included in the bulletins throughout September.
- The GMTF will be hosting a Q & A Forum on 9/17 in Fellowship Hall at 11:30 during/following coffee hour.
We truly believe this proposed structure will provide us with the agility, flexibility, inspiration, and accountability that we need to be an active, engaged and vibrant church community.