Salem United Church of Christ, Columbia, PA: 2016 Annual Meeting Ballot

Phone Number (to call if there are questions/clarifications)

I understand that there was a letter mailed out to members with more details about these options as well as an Annual Report available to me that goes into detail about the past year at Salem and that I can receive a copy of this letter by calling the church office at 684-6498.

I approve the SUSPENSION OF CHURCH BYLAWS: A suspension of the church bylaws for one year will allow volunteers and staff to conduct church business while researching and possibly restructuring the church organization.

I approve Salem’s current council to APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE BOARD. The primary purpose of this 4 person board (President, Vice President, Treasurer & Security) will be to plan for and conduct the business of the church. This will take the place of council until an alternative business model is put into place or we return to our current model. The Executive Board will then appoint chairs for various ministry committees that will operate within specific guidelines (objective, budget, etc.) without the need for monthly reporting to or approval by the Board. These committees include, but not limited to: Parish Life, Christian Education, Worship/Music, Property, Stewardship/Finance, and Outreach.

I approve the formation of a committee that will research ALTERNATIVE LEADERSHIP MODELS for conducting church business. This committee will research alternate leadership models, report findings, make recommendations, and either lead the congregation in putting an approved new model into place or in returning Salem to its current operational structure.

I approve the hiring of a BOOK KEEPING AND PAYROLL SERVICE. I understand that this will take the place of a volunteer having to manage this important task. After many years of dedicated service, the current volunteer is stepping down from this position. I understand that the approximate cost for this service would be: Book Keeping: $70/month for 3 months (set up,) and $50-$60 per month after that and that payroll will cost between $414 - $897 a year.

I approve the RENTAL CONVENANT (included in the annual report). I understand that acceptance of the proposed rental contract (covenant) has been approved by our insurance company and cleared through legal counsel and is ready to be used for daily and long term shared space agreements.

I would like my MEMBERSHIP STATUS to stay the same at Salem.

I would like my membership status changed to “AFFILIATE” of Salem. I understand that this will move me from "active" membership status and remove membership requirements, but I will remain affiliated and in relationship with Salem.

At this time, I would like to be “REMOVED” from the membership of Salem.

I would like to be more involved at Salem. Knowing that my time/talents/gifts are important to the work of the church, I would like to know how to get involved in the activities I write below. Ideas include: Being a part of a Ministry Committee, Teaching Sunday School or Nursery, Usher, Teller, Open/Close, Treasurer Liaison, Prayer Chain, Search Committee, Shared Space Coordination, anything else you are interested in being involved with, write it down).

Do you have an idea you want to bring it to life at Salem? Write it down. Make it happen! Be a part of building Salem’s future.