Dear Friends,

In a 2010 Journal article, our teacher said, “An association of students has a life of its own – the teacher is not the association, per se. And the association continues and grows, and has its own purpose and its own mission....[It] fosters spiritual sense. It keeps alive the spirit of the Christ.” (“A Wide-ranging Discussion about Christian Science Students’ Associations without Teachers,” The Christian Science Journal, July 2010).

After much prayerful consideration, the executive committee is recommending a resolution that would make a slight adjustment in the rotation of members on the committee. This one- time adjustment would ensure that there will always be at least three experienced members serving on the committee. The resolution will not change our Association’s bylaws.

Background

Article VI, Section 2, of our Association bylaws states, “the duties of the executive committee are first and foremost metaphysical work for the fulfilling of God’s purpose for this Association and its role in Church. This is the business of the committee in the truest sense.” In addition, the executive committee manages the practical affairs of the Association, such as determining the time, place, and speaker for our annual meeting; overseeing the activities of the Association Executive Administrator/Treasurer; and communicating with members, including writing the Christmas letter and asking members to pray about specific issues.

The executive committee has five members, each of whom is elected to serve a three-year term. To ensure continuity of experience on the executive committee, it would be best if no more than two members rotated off each year.

Current Election Cycle

In April, 2026, three members of the executive committee will complete their terms. When the replacements for those members are elected, the new executive committee will consist of two experienced members and three new members. No new members are scheduled to be elected in 2027. Here is the current schedule of rotation:

  • 2026 – 3 rotate off

  • 2027 – 0 rotate off

  • 2028 – 2 rotate off

  • 2029 – 3 rotate off

  • 2030 – 0 rotate off

Proposed Election Cycle

The executive committee is proposing a one-time adjustment to our election cycle by having one of the members elected in 2026 serve a one-year term. That adjustment would ensure that in future years no more than two members will rotate off the committee. Here is the schedule proposed in the resolution:

  • 2026 – 3 rotate off

  • 2027 – 1 rotates off

  • 2028 – 2 rotate off

  • 2029 – 2 rotate off

  • 2030 – 1 rotates off

Resolution

Be it resolved that in April, 2026, three new members will be elected to the executive committee. Two of those members will be elected to serve a three-year term, and one member will be elected to serve a one-year term. Thereafter, all new members will be elected to serve three-year terms. This one-time-only adjustment to the election cycle will ensure that no more than two members rotate off in any one year.

To vote, please complete the form below. (The form might ask you to click “Allow cookies” first; if you are still unable to view the form, click here to access it and vote. Alternatively, you can copy and paste this URL: https://forms.gle/o4iNEA9iAGk6pWi36)

Please vote no later than November 1, 2025.

With much love to each of you,

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jon Trotter, Chair
Susan Forrest
Derek Nelson
Julia Osborne
Laurie Welch