wfn.org | Worship, counseling intensify as downsizing looms

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #7136 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

19-April-2002
02154

Worship, counseling intensify as downsizing looms

All-day prayer vigil at Presbyterian Center on eve of job cuts

by Jerry L. Van Marter and John Filiatreau

LOUISVILLE - As senior officials of the Presbyterian Church (USA) put the final touches on their downsizing package April 19, an all-day prayer vigil in the chapel of the Presbyterian Center here afforded employees the opportunity to gather for reflection, prayer and support.

The vigil was just one part of a concerted effort to give employees spiritual and material resources to cope with the prospect of a "reduction in force" (RIF) that will cost between 40 and 45 of them their jobs in the next 10 days.

Staff leaders at the Presbyterian Center and pastors in Mid-Kentucky Presbytery have sought to provide a variety of pastoral services, including counseling and added worship services, to the usual daily chapel services here.

More than $5.5 million will be trimmed from the General Assembly's 2003 unrestricted mission budget next weekend by the General Assembly Council's executive committee - part of it to overcome anticipated budget shortfalls and part to fund new GAC initiatives.

On April 22, senior staff will announce the programmatic cuts to be made and the number of positions to be affected. Employees targeted for job elimination will be notified privately. On April 29, immediately after the executive committee signs off on the reductions, formal notice will be given and the names of affected employees will be made public.

Weekly updates from GAC executive director John Detterick and his deputy executive director, Kathy Lueckert, were initiated March 11. The first update included a "hotline" employees could call to ask questions or "just vent your frustration and anxiety."

On March 27, Bob Ellis, an associate in the Worldwide Ministries Division, led a seminar for employees titled "Making Lemonade: What to Do When Life Hands You a Lemon."

On April 11, the Center's Human Resources Office sponsored a stress management seminar. That was followed on April 18 by a workshop called "Dealing with Change," offered by ValueOptions, an employee assistance program used extensively by the Board of Pensions.

Detterick and Lueckert have hosted at least two "brown-bag" lunches to answer questions from employees.

Beginning April 22, when the lay-off notices go out, employees will be offered career counseling services by Right Management Consultants of Louisville. ValueOptions counselors will also be available, as will pastors from Mid-Kentucky Presbytery.

Detterick has scheduled an all-staff meeting on April 23.

Employees whose positions are eliminated will complete their work by May 3. Many will leave April 29, the day they receive formal notice of termination. 

A worship service "of thanksgiving, healing and wholeness," which will include the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, has been scheduled for May 1.
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