Supervising Women Workers

Posted for reader

"In a letter dated August 20, 2007 the CRC Burlington office issued a letter which included comments from Mr. David van der Woerd, the denomination's attorney which suggests that "someone who benefits financially from a charity (a staff member) may not be a Director or Trustee for the corporation, as there would be an inherent conflict of interest. This does not mean, however, that they cannot fulfill their mandate as outlined in the Church Order."

Your clerk or administrative assistant should have received a copy of this letter with a number of suggestions for the church to follow to maintain their tax exempt status. "

Interesting photo from reader

"Though she was a tiger lady, our hero didn't have to fire a shot to floor her. After one look at his Mr. Leggs slacks, she was ready to have him walk all over her. That noble styling sure soothes the savage heart! If you'd like your own doll-to-doll carpeting, hunt up a pair of these he-man Mr. Leggs slacks. Such as our new automatic wash-wear blend of 65% "Dacron" and 35% rayon - incomparably wrinkle-resistant. About $12.95 at plush-carpeted stores. Get yourself a new pair of Mr. Leggs® Dacron for Fall"

By-Laws

Thanks to those who responded to my last post. The Exeter CRC bylaws does not address the issue of Council elders or deacons holding office when they or their family members are paid employees. I have attended agricultural meetings in the past where the chairman asked the members at the onset of the meeting if there were any conflicts of interest. This would seem like a good practice. Perhaps this would bridge the issue until Council can deal with it in a transparent manner.

Joan

Comments on Comments and Impropriety

Annette asked if there was anything in the Exeter CRC bylaws that prohibit employees from serving in office. I certainly don't know if it does or does not. That does however bring up a good point. Perhaps someone could comment on that. There is however, something fundamentally wrong with being a paid member of an organization where they are permitted to vote on their own or a family member's contract, etc. It just doesn't seem right and the optics are TERRIBLE.

I opened this idea up after one reader suggested that it was unethical that members of Council, (and by way of his example, Rick Branderhorst sitting on the Building and Finance Committee and being present when his wife's wages (church secretary) were being negotiated) could have input and/or were being permitted to vote was improper.

I have to agree! I need a hand with this one. Anyone in the legal field out there able to help?

JofA

Canditdates 101

Posted for reader;

Of the candidates, the one who stands out most is Harold Devries. His
letters to council is still fresh in my memory. It was very demeaning
and insulting to the council at that time. His portrayal of the Bible
in that women were totally inept, and only men were fit to rule. That
women being involved in a governing role has killed other churches,
that Satan is involved, that its the beginning of the slippery slope,
(gays next). Also an almost  threatening nature with the future of
Eternal Life Video at stake and his job threatened.  His son, Ron was
very upset by the attitude and had literally challenged council to
address the situation. (It didn't.) The scary part is that Harold was
nominated for the position with still two thirds of council in office
that read the letter and noted his almost fanatical attitude. Don't
kid yourself, the office of women in the deaconate is dying if not
already dead. We just haven't been issued the death certificate yet!
God bless your efforts, but I believe the Exeter CRC is drowning in
its own fear and blindness.

Straw Vote or Stacked Deck

It is interesting that Council had chosen to "cast lots" for nominations for the role of deacon and elder. It is however a little stacked when you consider that they once again have chosen the bag of straws. This would have been a excellent time to put a list of all eligible men and women (for deacon) in the lot. At a time when they could have chosen pro-active affirmative action they decided again to close the door and ignore. I realize that there would be an element of relinguishing of control but wasn't that supposed to be the reason be begin with.

I wish to compile a list of all of the nominations for deacon and elder and get feedback on their views of women in office. From what I see so far it looks grim and stacked.

It is equally sad that Chairman Ken Boersma and Vice Chairman Tim DeWeerd didn't encourage council to seek at least a 50% nomination for deacons. Both of these gentlemen have been part of the process of weeding women out of the leadership roles of women, bolstering them for men and trying to move this church back to the subservient 50's. I wonder if women are equals at Pinder, Taylor, McNeilly, Godkin LLP, Chartered Accountants & Business advisor's in Exeter or at Quadro Communications in Kirkton. It is however fair game I suppose they won with battle to ensure that women could no longer participate in any leadership roles in our church. Thanks so much for rallying for the women guys.

So. Here is your job dear readers (and please do this soon) please send me an email to: joan_of_ark@live.ca I will keep you name and email anonymous but please provide a list and background of the candidates (or the current council members) so that we can do what council should have done in the first place. Given the congregation an opportunity to know who they are voting for. No tricks like when Rev. Frielink came to sell himself to our congregation. I.e. Making it sound like he could isn't crazy about women in office and never say to anyone that he couldn't serve with a female elder or minister. But. Yet in Ingersol a week or two before, he said he was able to and was forthright in this same context. This was the lie of omission. In fact, he should be dismissed for this type of activity.

I'm just ramping up for a large email readership blitz and would like Ontario, Canada and the United States to see what the Axis of Evil is doing to our once harmonious church.

Dear Hard-Liners - WE WANT IT BACK!

So. Get you list and let me know. I'm eager to post it.

Joan