A Word from Laura

Western friends,

On behalf of the session, we appreciate all who turned out for our congregational conversation last week. You heard and discussed around tables aspects of our financial situation and some of the session’s thinking and decisions about moving forward.

Part of this process involves making changes to our congregational staffing model; you will be hearing more about this in the days to come. The most difficult aspect of these changes is the decision not to have a full-time administrative assistant. As a result, Shenella McGaskey will be leaving this role at the end of March.

As you all know, Shenella has served Western faithfully for 23 years. She has done countless tasks in her central position – answering calls, meeting the public, and making sure details for worship and meetings are covered. Shenella has been an essential support for pastors, staff, leaders and the whole congregation, helping to hold Western together, especially in times of transition and the pandemic. As the needs of the church have evolved, she has changed with the times, taking on new responsibilities in many different areas. I will miss her deeply.

We will have opportunities to celebrate Shenella and express our appreciation in the days and weeks ahead; we will follow up with more details. In the meantime, should you have any questions about our staffing and personnel plan, you may address them to Kathy Hawk, chair of the Personnel Ministry Team.

The session continues to ask for your prayers and partnership as we discern the way forward together.

Laura