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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE 10/5/2025
Greetings Shadow Rock Family,
There’s so much happening in our community right now—some exciting developments, some
ongoing challenges, and always, the deep joy of journeying together. I want to share a few important updates with you, while leaving the pastoral search news to the Search Team, who will speak to that next Sunday.
�� Staffing News - We are in the process of interviewing for Heidi’s assistant position, so we hope to hire someone soon. With so much training and transition ahead, the Executive Council has
recommended that Heidi and the new person, when they start, establish office hours so you know when they will be available if you need to speak to them. This will help them balance availability with the focused time they need to accomplish their work. They’ll also be working from home occasionally, so office hours will ensure clarity about when they’re on campus and available. If you need to meet outside those hours, appointments are always welcome.
�� Property Sale - We’ve received a full-price cash offer for the property across the street! The sale of this land will give us a much stronger cash position as we move forward. The Board has had many ideas of how to use this money, everything from long-term strategic planning and implementation of a new way to be the Church for the future, to unburdening us from the uncertain, large expenses of a cascading failure of air conditioners. There will be much prayer and thought put into this as we discern how best to move into our future. A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, to vote on this offer. Please mark your calendars—this is a significant moment for our community.
�� Bylaws Revision - The Bylaws Team, led by Sharon Haynes, has been meeting nearly every week since June to revise our bylaws. The last minor update was in 2010, and the current version no longer reflects how we live and do business together. A link to the revised bylaws is included below.
To support understanding and dialogue, we’ve scheduled three Town Halls:
Sunday, October 19 at 9:00 AM (Hybrid: in-person and Zoom)
Sunday, October 26 at 11:30 AM (Hybrid)
Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 PM (Zoom only)
A congregational vote on the revised bylaws will take place on Sunday, November 2.
Shadow Rock Foundation - The Shadow Rock Foundation is being revised so it can jumpstart
conversations about large gifts to our congregation and be one of the vehicles for receiving gifts
and passing them on to the church. There are creative ways to customize your gift so it fits your
vision for how it is used. The Planned Giving Team members are experienced and knowledgeable people who care about Shadow Rock and can help you explore some of your ideas. It is not a substitute for your own attorney, financial planner, or family members.
The Festival Garden Team will be dedicating a new feature on October 26th, so please join
us for that celebration.
�� Campus Care - While we celebrate, we also continue to care for our campus. Recent needs
include air conditioner repairs, water leaks from the last storm, and ongoing maintenance to keep our space safe and beautiful.
�� Hopes and Dreams - We remain committed to expanding Shadow Rock’s presence in the wider community—through good words, good deeds, and new possibilities we haven’t yet imagined. One long-standing dream is to provide staff benefits, and while we haven’t yet achieved that goal, it remains close to our hearts.
When our pledge campaign begins, we ask everyone to respond—even if your pledge remains the same or is given electronically. This helps us plan responsibly. And of course, if you’re able to
increase your pledge, it’s a gift that moves us closer to our shared dreams.
And just a personal celebration. I would like to thank my husband, Doug, because without his support, I would not be able to do this job.
�� Gratitude = Above all, our most extraordinary celebration is each other. Thank you for being part of this beloved community. Your presence, your care, and your commitment make Shadow Rock what it is.
Bylaws questions will be answered in the town halls, but for any other questions, feel free to contact me. My email is president@shadowrockucc.org,
Thank you, everyone.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Merritt, President
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