Dear Trinity Members and Friends,
Last week a letter was sent to each member’s home regarding the 6-month process undertaken by the Session, its appointed 18-member Church and Budget Work Group, and Session Committees to “right-size” Trinity’s Operating Budget by a reduction of $550,000. On May 24, Session’s approval of that plan necessitates a substantial reduction in various areas, none more than our Personnel budget. Behind every “number” on a spreadsheet is a ministry, a mission, a person, so decisions that effect change are never easy nor are they made lightly. In this email, I will outline the specifics of this staff restructuring.
Staffing will be reduced in the area of Finance by one full-time position: Alfreda Whitlock has retired, finishing her employment at the end of May. We will also reduce our Administrative staff with the retirement of Veronica Ridenhour at the end of June. The oversight of our buildings and operations will see changes with the retirement of Tommy Boling, also at the end of June. The fourth retirement, not until December 31, is Diana Pedrick, who serves as Receptionist. Two years ago, Trinity increased its staffing in youth ministry, and we will see the reduction of one Youth Director position with the departure of Cole Sandridge on December 31.
The reconfigured staff chart will be provided in the next couple of weeks following the completion of internal job description changes. A smaller staff means we will continue to need our members to volunteer and to help as always.
Celebrating Veronica Ridenhour and Tommy Boling
Both Veronica and Tommy have been with us for a long time. They carry deep knowledge about so much at Trinity within them. Tommy joined the staff on August 1, 2013, and Veronica has been with us since November 21, 1994! They have agreed to let us call on them for answers to questions in the weeks to come. A staff luncheon is planned for the end of June to celebrate them. The Property Committee plans to celebrate Tommy, and the Caring Ministries will celebrate Veronica.
How can you also express your love and appreciation? Come to worship at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 27, where we will recognize Veronica and Tommy during the service and at an outdoor reception following worship as well.
A Shower of Cards: Between now and June 25, mail or bring a note or card to the church to be given to them at the reception on June 27. Please designate on the envelope “Veronica” or “Tommy,” and you may certainly include a gift in your card if you wish to do so!
I express my gratitude to Alfreda, Veronica, Tommy, Diana, and Cole, and the rest of the staff, too. Each of them brings their gifts and energy to our collective efforts to serve you faithfully and well. We appreciate each of these employees and their contributions to our church and will celebrate each of them in the coming months. I am also grateful to Trinity’s Session, which sought to make these changes with such caring and generous provisions.
In faith as we move forward,
Kim Clayton
Interim Senior Pastor
