First, the link to nominate yourself or someone else:
SWC Recommendation Form (please submit no later than February 15, 2024)
Next, the list of openings for nominees on the slate as of January 16, 2024:
Executive Officers
Moderator Elect
Treasurer
Executive Board At Large Members
1 Nominee Needed
Nominating Committee
1 Nominee Needed
Finance and Endowment
None needed at this time
Personnel
1 Nominee Needed
Committee On Church and Ministry (A) focused on authorization
4 Nominees Needed
Committee On Church and Ministry (B) focused on congregational standing and relationships
3 Vacancies Need to be filled
2 Nominees Needed
Please consider the gifts and skills needed to fill these positions and include yourself in the consideration. Use the Recommendation Form to submit a nominee and help the Nominations Committee to prepare the slate for the Annual Meeting. Our first deadline is to receive your Nominations Form with your submissions by February 15th. Our goal is to submit a full slate to the Executive Board by their March meeting for approval and presentation to the Annual Meeting in April.
If you have questions about any of the positions, please consult the SWC bylaws, contact Conference staff, or the chairperson of the committee for clarification. If you have questions about this process, please contact Ken Heintzelman.
Thank you for your work and prayers on behalf of our conference and the covenant we have with each other.
Finally, some clarifying words from committee chair, Rev. Ken Heintzelman:
Your Nominating Committee is working to provide clarity for the nominating process and the process for filling vacancies on your committees. This letter is a step in this direction.
The bylaws state in Section G regarding standing committees that all standing committees shall be responsible for filling vacancies on their committees between Annual Meetings. Such interim appointments must be confirmed by the Executive Board. Appointments by the committee are valid only until the next Annual Meeting when such vacancy shall be filled by election. The bylaws in the same section also state that the Nominating Committee shall serve between Annual Meetings to nominate individuals to fill vacancies in offices. Such appointments are subject to confirmation by the Executive Board.
The Nominating Committee interprets the bylaws to mean that priority is given to empowering standing committees to fill their vacancies. The Nominating Committee is available for consultation and is the mechanism for individuals to be presented to the Executive Board. This last piece is not intended to place the Nominating Committee in a “gatekeeping” role but as a conduit for an orderly process for the Executive Board to receive names, consider individuals, and confirm the recommendations of the standing committee chairpersons. We summarize the process accordingly.
· Vacancy occurs
· Committee considers individuals for replacement
· Consult with the Nominating Committee if needed, i.e. possible individuals, regional representation, and inclusivity considerations.
· Submit name to the Executive Board through the Nominating Committee
· Executive Board confirmation
We are using the bylaws as a foundation for clarifying a process. Our covenantal relationship will always inform how we help each other through our committee and team challenges. If you are experiencing this as you provide leadership for your group, please contact Ken Heintzelman, chair of the Nominating Committee, to work through the situation together.