Leadership Reflections (2)

There is a necessity for the eldership to keep the congregation informed. This is done in a number of ways, and is always in need of improvement. In view of this we are offering the following directives.

The presentations by the Power Point are up to date data that we have received and are deemed significant for the congregation. These are displayed in the auditorium before and after classes on Sunday and Wednesday.

We have a printed bulletin that has additional communication as well as teaching items for the congregation. There are items of a more permanent base in the weekly bulletin, and this is provided so that each member and interested party attending the congregation might have a printed copy for the purpose of remembering special needs and programs of the congregation.

There are times when it is felt that a special situation may have arisen that is not covered in the above two means of communication with the congregation. In this case there is often given to the elder making the announcements at the close of services. This has potential problems. The elders need to have time to verify the information received. The elders are responsible for any and all announcements. Announcements will be taken as factual and/or supporting a given program or event, when in reality there may need to be given additional consideration to a given program before such information is disseminated to the congregation.

POLICY CHANGES: In view of what is stated above the elders will place into practice the following relative to announcements:

a. We will not read to you what is already printed in the bulletin, and is being displayed by the power point program before and following services.
b. We will need to have before the services begin any new information to be announced to the congregation. We will forego any announcement that is given us just before we are to bring the services to a close with the exhortation made by the elder in charge of announcements at any given time. Material given to us at this time, will be considered for announcements at the next meeting of the congregation.
c. Any materials for the lobby tract rack, or that is to be distributed to the members of the congregation, must have prior approval from the eldership.

We hope you understand that we are held accountable to God and to faithful members of the congregation to see that what takes place under our care is to be not only factually true, but done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). As elders that you have asked to be accountable for the congregation, we covet your support and prayers in these matters.

— the elders