Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
conducted. The disposition of camp site equipment and other moveable property shall be the responsibility of the Commission on Camping and Retreat Ministries. Proceeds from any sale of such equipment shall be retained for purchase of equipment that furthers the mission of IGRC camping and retreat ministries. E. Background Check: Every person involved in childcare and children and youth programs at all Annual Conference events must have passed a background check.
Legislative Item 111: Clergy Leave Before a New Appointment
Subject: Leave Granted Before Starting a New Appointment Submitted by: Rev. Erin Totten-Jones, Rev. Jessica Baldyga
Implications: The outgoing church will be responsible for paying the pastor their salary during the designated paid leave time, and it would add to the Standing Rules, under section V, subsection C. WHEREAS, United Methodist Clergy are committed to an itinerant system of ap- pointment to churches (2020/2024 BOD ¶425.1), and WHEREAS, the local church is given the responsibility to care for the work-life balance, health, and wellness of their pastor (2020/2024 BOD ¶258.2.g.8), and WHEREAS, moving from one appointment to the next requires a lot of transitional work, care for family, and adjustment, and WHEREAS, clergy who are well rested and whose families are well cared for have the ability to start their new appointments with more energy and focus, and WHEREAS, creating intentional space between appointment changes gives an emo- tional buffer for the congregation between the outgoing pastor’s last Sunday and the incoming pastor’s first Sunday, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Standing Rules of The Illinois Great Rivers Conference add a new section in V.C.8. stating: 8. To allow clergy and their families time to care for themselves and make a healthy move, pastors receiving a new appointment be given at least the last two weeks off from all pastoral responsibilities (including two Sundays) from their current appointment before beginning their new appointment. During this time off, the clergyperson will continue to be paid. This time off is not to be considered vacation time and can be adapted or negotiated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the District Superintendent. This time off is only available for those pastors under appointment.
Legislative Items 119
Powered by FlippingBook