Members: Margaret Catts, Stephen Hundley – ex officio, Jim McNeely, Dave Rudy, Thordis Searle, Bob Crowder - Chair

The Personnel Committee has taken the Revisioning process very seriously. As a first step we hired Jeffrey Anderson as Director of Music and Arts in February. Jeff has brought new vitality, musicality and enthusiasm to our Music program and especially to the Choirs. Jeff has also instituted a monthly recital series at First Church.

Since Elaine Hundley resigned as Director of Youth Christian Education, Sally Silliman’s responsibilities were expanded in the fall to support the Christian Education Program, under Kerry Slinkard’s direction. One of our continuing tasks in 2006 will be to determine and implement the best use of our staff resources.

We do not want to overlook the continued and valued service of our other staff members. Carol Coughenour continues to expand the handbell program and has directed several handbell choir performances in the community. Lyle Neff continues his service as our organist. Carol Lind continues to serve as our valued Church Administrator and Treasurer, and Tim Birdsall as our efficient Facilities manager. Sally Silliman also serves as greeter and secretary.

The Personnel Committee, along with representatives of the Trustees, is continuing to review the responsibilities of our Facilities manager position. We have transitioned most of the cleaning responsibilities for the Montessori School to the school staff and have taken this off of Tim’s shoulders. We also obtained contractor support for Tim for an additional day while the University of Delaware is using our facilities.

The Personnel Committee was reconstituted during 2005 with all of the members except Stephen and Bob Crowder serving for the first time. The new members’ expertise and enthusiasm have made the Personnel Committee a vital part of First Church. During 2005 we developed revised Job Descriptions for all staff positions. We also reinstituted annual Discussions of Performance with each staff member and Pastor.

The Personnel Committee looks forward to the continuing challenges and opportunities to serve the church and God’s kingdom in this place.