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I read a reflection this week suggesting that perhaps the new year begins in September. Labor Day really feels like the turning of a page into a new chapter. Summer rhythms give way to fall schedules (if they haven’t already), and it’s that last long weekend to relax, reset, and “rest” from our labors before a full stretch of fall begins. While the seasons don’t announce themselves as dramatically here on the peninsula, there is still that sense that something is changing.
Perhaps I am feeling that turning a little more acutely this year, especially with a big change in our Operations Ministry at the church.
As I hope you are aware, today is Chase Montara’s last day as our Director of Operations. I would like to thank her for her years of service, dedication, and steady presence during a period of significant change in the life of our community, and especially for helping me begin my time here.
Yes, we will be hiring someone to fill this important role. Our Personnel Committee recognizes that a transition like this gives us an opportunity to evaluate the position and consider what our church needs as we move forward. In the meantime, staff and volunteers are sharing responsibilities to provide interim coverage.
What I ask most from you during this transition is patience and grace, especially over these next few weeks.
Chase has done an excellent job of documenting procedures, vendors, and administrative responsibilities, but after her 7-year tenure as our Director of Operations, there is inevitably institutional knowledge that can’t simply be passed down on paper. We expect a few bumps in the road, but I am fully confident we will meet them with grace, creativity, and a willingness to work things out together.
A few things to be aware of during the transition:
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Our office hours are shifting to 10am-4pm, Monday through Thursday. While a lot of ministry and events happen outside of those hours, this is when we plan to have someone available if you need to stop by or call. Please be patient with us if there are occasional times when the office needs to close temporarily.
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Kim Rey will handle rental contracts and room reservations during the interim period. Please send those requests and inquiries directly to her at kim@ccsm-ucc.org.
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We have established office@ccsm-ucc.org as a central email address for general operations questions and requests.
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Mark Meyers, our Building and Grounds Chair, will handle facility projects and requests, working closely with Oscar and me.
- We are looking for a few people to help with special events, including serving as day-of wedding or event coordinators. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, simply reply to this email and we’ll share more information.
I have full confidence that, with God’s help, our staff, lay leaders, and volunteers will navigate this transition well together.
And I especially want to thank Diane Kalliam, Sue Bullis, and Siew Kang for their ongoing support in the front office, quite literally serving as the hands, feet, and face of our community to all who stop here along their way.
Transitions are rarely seamless, and there will undoubtedly be things we learn along the way. Ours is a faith that trusts God is still speaking, perhaps especially in seasons of change together.
In hope,
JV
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