Glebe-St. James United Church A report from the Joint Needs Assessment Committee using the Joint Needs Assessment Process February 2014
"Reaching -- Into Faith, Out to Others"
"With Openness and Inclusion, Love and Respect, Curiosity and Courage, Justice and Hope"
http://www.glebestjames.com Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Profile 1: Demographic, financial, and community profile……..page 5
Profile 2: Living ministry profile (not applicable until 2015)…..page 22
Profile 3: Position Description profile……………………………………page 24
Profile 4: Skills, knowledge and experience profile………………..page 28
Profile 5: What we can offer…………………………………………………page 30
Profile 6: Telling our story…………………………………………………….page 32
Submitted by the 2013 Joint Needs Assessment Committee
Jim Louter (co-chair) Kylie Taggart
Dudleigh Coyle (co-chair) Rebecca Lee
Helen Francis Barbara Munro
Rev. Robert Merritt (Ottawa Presbytery) Phil Fay (Ottawa Presbytery)
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
Mission Statement:
Glebe-St. James is an affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada. We strive to accept each other as we are, and we seek to be a welcoming space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, indeed for all people. We also remember that we meet on the traditional unceded lands of the Algonquin.
We come together –
To be an open, safe place to explore spirituality and faith;
To sustain and deepen that faith through joyful worship and robust reflection;
To put that faith into action as a community of healing and of loving resistance, daring to speak out for justice and healthy outcomes for all; and
To work with other organizations as partners for the common good.
Affirming Vision Statement (2011)
Glebe-St. James United Church comes together as a welcoming, inclusive and spiritually engaged faith community.
We, the people of Glebe-St. James, publicly commit ourselves to becoming an open community in God’s spirit, where everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, race, sex and sexual orientation, ability, class and ethnicity.
All persons are welcome to take part in every aspect of church life including worship, membership, leadership, celebrating life passages and marriage.
We are committed to the challenges of helping to alleviate suffering and of working towards peace and reconciliation for all persons.
We humbly recognize the gift of God’s creation, celebrating our diversity in the Creator’s image, with a vision of justice and kindness, and supported by the compassionate love of Jesus Christ.
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
Mission Statement (2006)
Serving the God of Grace We rejoice to serve God, the giver of grace.
As the Body of Christ in a broken world, we are part of the world’s brokenness.
Jesus addresses brokenness with forgiveness and grace: so in the power of the Holy Spirit we must be instruments of healing and renewal.
God is calling us in love to reflect God’s grace: as a completely inclusive community of faith; in the way we worship, engaging minds and hearts; in the way we learn and grow—all ages of us; in our embrace of the arts to seek God and enrich human life;
in the way we care for people,
welcoming and nurturing one another,
addressing human need inside the church and out;
in the way we stand up for peace and justice, forgiveness and hope;
in our respect for creation.
As the clear presence of the United Church in the Glebe,
we serve the God of grace here and in the wider world.
And the United Church of Canada Words of Faith and current policy statements related to social, political, and ecological issues (http://www.united-church.ca/beliefs)
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
PROFILE 1: DEMOGRAPHIC, FINANCIAL AND COMMUNITY
Purpose: To provide information about the Pastoral Charge to prospective applicants.
PART A: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE:
(Multi-point Pastoral Charges will complete a profile for each congregation)
Number of congregations: X 1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐N/A (e.g. Outreach Ministries)
Congregation: _Glebe-St. James United Church__ _326______100____
(Name of Congregation) (No. on roll) (Average Sunday attendance)
We think of ourselves mainly as: ☐Rural ☐Remote ☐Small town ☐Suburban
X Urban ☐Inner City ☐Other______
Most of us live (check only one): ☐ in an apartment X in single-family homes
☐in retirement homes ☐in long-term care homes ☐on working farms ☐on rural retirement properties
The rest of us live (check all that apply): X in apartments ☐in single-family homes
☐in retirement homes ☐in long-term care homes ☐on working farms ☐on rural retirement properties
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PART B: ABOUT OUR PASTORAL CHARGE:
Our congregation includes: (approximate numbers in each group)
Infant and preschool___10____ Children (5-12) __15______Teens (13-19)__20______
Young adults (20-30) _25______Adults (30-50) __40______Adults (51+)__150______
Young retirees (51-64) _40____ Older retirees (65-70)_30____Seniors (over 70) _80______
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
Most of us: (choose one)
☐Grew up in this area X Moved to this area for work
☐Moved here to be close to family ☐Moved here for other reasons
About half of our congregation members live outside of the Glebe neighbourhood.
Many of us work in the following industries or sectors: (check all that apply)
☐Health or social services X Education ☐Manufacturing
☐Transportation ☐Agriculture and food production
☐Retail ☐Environment ☐Mining/Forestry
☐Information X Technology X Government ☐Other
Our congregation is like: (choose on that best applies)
☐A big family where we all know each other;
X A medium sized church where we recognize each other but may not know each other well;
☐A big church with lots of staff, where small groups are close to one another based on common interest;
☐Other description: ______
Our heritage as a Pastoral Charge: (check one that best applies):
a) X Has roots as a Methodist/Congregationalist/Presbyterian/Local Union/Aboriginal congregation prior to Union in 1925; Or
b) we began: ☐between 1925 and 1945 ☐between 1945 and 1965 ☐between 1965 and 2000 ☐after 2000
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
We think our pastoral charge as in the following way: (choose the one that best applies)
X We have a new vision and are really excited; still working out how to live into that vision
☐We are clear about our vision and purpose and have/are developing the skills and gifts to bring it about; we are excited and optimistic about our vision.
☐Our congregation is changing and it is clear that we can no longer continue as we have been; we don’t know how to go forward and have some anxiety. We believe that we have a future but can’t quite see it.
☐We see that the ministry within this community is probably winding down after many positive and productive years of faithful ministry, mission and service; we want to celebrate what we have been as we intentionally and graciously end this ministry.
Describe the ministry in our congregation at this time.
Our previous minister, the Reverend Doctor Christine Johnston, left this pastoral charge in the spring of 2013. In June of 2013, we hired the husband and wife team of Sharon Moon and Howard Clark (equivalent to one full-time) as interim ministers until the fall of 2014. They are providing both ‘traditional’ ministry to the congregation and specialist ‘visioning’ expertise to develop that aspect as part of this JNA Process. We have a part-time youth staff person (who is also an inquirer) and a part- time Minister of Visitation (a retired minister). In addition we have four members who are licensed lay worship leaders and four others currently taking the lay worship leader training (one of whom is also the inquirer).
What would a newcomer experience in worship and church community life?
In worship, a newcomer would hear that the service begins with the words
“Good morning and welcome to worship at Glebe St James United Church, an affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada. We strive to accept each other as we are, and we seek to be a welcoming space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, indeed for all people. We also remember that we meet on the traditional, unceded lands of the Algonquin. This morning we are lead in worship by ( ); after the service you are invited to join us for coffee or tea and conversation in Fraser Hall which is just down the hallway to your right.”
In church community life, a newcomer would find:
- An accepting environment where people care about each other, seek faith in times of change, and are open to progressive theology and worship styles while maintaining a balance with more traditional styles. - An Affirming Congregation reflecting inclusivity and diversity, filled with spiritual vitality, a living congregation.
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
- Strong music, children’s and social justice ministries, active Healing Pathway community, arts and crafts, quilting, large collection of liturgical banners. What do we do well as a pastoral charge? What are our strengths?
We are willing and confident to experiment, be creative and try new things. We are looking to evolve and change. We are placed to take risks and innovate. We are willing to put social justice issues at the forefront and be a beacon for the city with regard to tough issues. We engage beyond the doors. We are a thinking, open-minded, questioning and creative people who have a respect for meaningful worship that relates faith to life and gives people a reason to come to church. We have a realistic understanding of our limits and resources. We don’t feel we have all the answers and can frame negative situations into learning opportunities.
What aspects of our congregation’s ministry could use development and growth?
Glebe-St. James is currently facing some challenges related to the gradually aging population of its congregation which has affected numbers through attrition and could begin to affect our budget. This has also made it more difficult to find the people to do the necessary regular work of church life (whereas ideas and volunteers for short term projects is not a problem). Hence, improving areas such as pastoral care and reactivating a welcoming ministry, communicating better what we do within and outside of the congregation, and organizing our work in social justice in a more efficient way, are some areas that could use development and growth. Through the work of our Visioning Committee in 2013 and early 2014, we have identified a number of areas for future work. Please refer to the vision document on our website.
What is our dream? (if we had unlimited financial and/or volunteer commitment)
We feel called and aspire to be: • a community that sustains its faith through joyful worship and spirit-filled community; • a community that nurtures the spiritual growth of our members and reaches out to those in need, sharing our faith and love of God to all people; • a faith-guided, spirit-filled community directed towards making right relations in the world and with each other as we seek to follow Jesus; • to have passionate leaders in right relationships working in partnership with other faith- based organizations to achieve right relationships; • a centre to equip ourselves and others with power and skills and spiritual passion to be these leaders; • a community that shows its faith through action as we use our collective gifts and spirituality as a force for good; • a beacon of hope/ sanctuary; • a place for those who seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God; • a place for those who commit to ethical decision making; • a place that is open to newcomers and developing deeper ties with those already in our church community.
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
To creating a Homecoming Community –being an open safe space, a refuge for those needing replenishment; a launch pad into action.
To be a welcoming community:
• where people can grow in their faith and build a healthy community; • where we can welcome a wider community, regardless of economic or age range; • deepen our inclusivity to all people • to create safe space; • to create a mentoring system so wisdom can be passed on; • to promote healing and caring; • to connect with emerging vision by listening with the heart; • to build on what we already are;
To be a place to nourish the spirit
• with multiple entry points; • with diversity of worship opportunities, including alternative worship times; • with family clusters or other small spiritual discussion groups; • by having “roots and wings” for all working and studying together building life-long relationships; • with possible home groups; • by bridging spiritual, secular, religious outlooks; • by focusing on being, more than accomplishing.
To be a launch pad for action
• by being a place of refuge and replenishment where people can hear the words of God and reflect on their purpose and become empowered to keep on fighting; • by creating a community focal point for community concerns; • by being environmentally responsible in a visible way; • through more activity in First Nations rights and improvement of standard of living for First Nations communities.
To be a community of loving resistance
• by being a voice for alternative values; • by being a leader in progressive change; • by having a focus and commitment to justice; • by being a voice for those in the community who do not have one; • by daring to stand up and speak out for justice and healthy community values; • by being more courageous.
To create a network
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
• of churches and other centres creating hubs or campuses, carrying the vision of the United Church in the community (open to amalgamation ?); • each hub of which is devoted and dedicated to a particular program focus; • which becomes a spiritual community hub welcoming all; which is a magnet in the community; • of churches united and working together for a better community; • to build partnerships with those who share our values to build a better community and world.
To become more visible
• by telling our story both inside and outside our walls; • by marketing ourselves better; • by sharing the United Church approach to Christianity so people “out there” know it is possible to be a Christian and be a thinking, questioning, seeking, inclusive person; • by using technology to be more interconnected; • by using our building to open and connect with other groups.
What are the three most important ministry programs we offer?
1. Worship on Sundays which is welcoming and meaningful with a strong music component and an active Children’s Church program.
2. Pastoral care.
3. Social outreach connecting to partners in the fields of refugee housing , social assistance, and mental health, among others.
What are the biggest challenges to ministry in our congregation right now?
• Seeking the correct balance among expectations of the different generations • Balancing the work to strengthen internally (individual members, as well as the congregation as a whole) and working externally by reaching out to other congregations, faiths and communities, seeking social justice • Maintaining and growing membership and participation in church life
What will be the biggest challenges (or opportunities) to ministry in our congregation 5 years from now?
• Keeping the new Vision of the congregation evergreen • Dealing with consequence of an aging congregation and possible declining revenues and volunteers if not replaced by younger families • Dealing with consequence of surrounding UC congregations closing down • Sustainability in all of our resources
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
• Strengthening Glebe-St.James’ relationship with the wider United Church of Canada community, given the coming challenges and changes
PART C: ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Glebe-St. James United Church is located in the Glebe community of Ottawa, a neighbourhood of more than 11,500 people. The neighbourhood has distinct geographical boundaries, one of which is the historic Rideau Canal, and boasts a busy main street with independent and chain stores. This walkable neighbourhood is home to seven other Christian congregations, an active community centre, two large retirement homes, great preschools, primary and secondary schools and is close to one of Ottawa’s three universities (the others are within walking distance). The Glebe’s population is active and informed, as evident in the local monthly newspaper, the Glebe Report (www.glebereport.ca).
The three economic, demographic or political challenges facing our area are:
1. Congregation members are concerned with the declining government investment in social programs, which has affected the work of some of our outreach partners.
2. Many of Ottawa’s residents have been hard hit by the declining size of the public service, a major employer of the area. Ottawa’s technology sector, once another main employer, has also been in decline.
3. Rising housing costs across the city are affecting the ability of some families to live near to or move to the Glebe neighborhood. The recent re-development of Lansdowne Park has split the wider community somewhat (those for and those against the development) but two new large condominium apartment projects there will introduce new people to the neighbourhood and provide possible increased member opportunities.
Here are two or three websites that offer detailed information about our community:
Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group( www.gnag.ca )
City of Ottawa (www.ottawa.ca)
The Glebe Report (www.glebereport.ca)
The Ottawa Citizen (www.ottawacitizen.ca)
Glebe-St. James United Church (www.glebestjames.ca)
Other faith communities represented in our community/region are:
Glebe-St. James is within walking distance of Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, St. Giles Presbyterian Church, St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Glebe Minyan, Ecclesiax (a Free Methodist congregation), the Chinese United Church and the Society of Friends. Southminster United Church, Dominion Chalmers United Church and Centretown United Church are also nearby.
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
We have close ties with the following faith communities, social services or community outreach services: (e.g. food bank, community associations, etc.)
Faith Communities: Holy Week and summer services are shared with St. Giles Presbyterian Church and Southminster United Church. The Centretown United Church building is home to the drop-in centre Centre 507 and the Emergency Food Centre, which Glebe-St. James supports financially and many of our members are active volunteers. Some congregation members are active in the Ottawa School of Theology and Spirituality (www.osts.ca)
Outreach partners: Centre 507, Centretown Emergency Food Centre, Ottawa Mennonite Refugee Assistance (OMRA), Carlington Community Chaplaincy, Centretown Churches Social Action Committee, Multifaith Housing Initiative.
We have recently developed ties with the Canadian Mental Health Association and are seeking to make stronger links with aboriginal services in the area.
Glebe-St. James has been home to the 36th Ottawa Scouts for 75 years. Brownies and Sparks also meet in our building.
The Glebe Montessori School (GMS) (www.glebemontessori.com) has been with us since 1996 and currently the school resides in the lower level of the church building and shares use of the Fraser Hall during week days. GMS embraces the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the belief that her method of education not of only aids the child during early development, but also throughout life. More than 100 students attend the school, ranging in age from three to twelve. After-school enrichment courses are also offered until 5:30. We currently have a long-term leasing arrangement with GMS. In 2014 GMS will contribute just under $140,000 to the Operating Budget (approximately 36% of revenues).
Are there opportunities for ministry in your congregation or community that could/should be explored? (e.g. with schools, youth, the elderly, families, etc.)
We are starting to look at sharing ministries other than just worship with Southminster (United) and possible St. Giles (Presbyterian). Over the summer and fall congregation members visited 21 congregations, schools and organizations in the community as part of our visioning process. Potential areas to strengthen ties with these community members were identified. One recent development is the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group renting our art room for children’s programming, bringing area families into our building. The congregation also seeks to expand its environmental leadership and ties with the aboriginal communities of the region.
Glebe-St. James and the Glebe Montessori School communicate on many issues and the school has contributed to some of our outreach activities in the past. Some Glebe-St. James members have their
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014 children enrolled in the Glebe Montessori School; some other Glebe Montessori school families have become participants in Glebe-St. James church life because of their exposure to the church through their involvement with the school.
Are there opportunities for shared ministry between congregations (United Church or other denominations) in your wider community/region that could/should be explored?
Some opportunities could be strengthened:
- Glebe-St. James works with other faith communities through some of our outreach partners, such as the Ottawa Mennonite Refugee Housing and the Multifaith Housing Initiative.
- Summer services are shared with Southminster United Church and St. Giles Presbyterian Church. Holy week services are often also shared.
- Supporting Centretown United’s congregation is a goal.
On another side, considering that to varying degrees, the United Churches in this part of Ottawa face issues of aging congregations, financial pressures and role decisions, cooperation among these churches could offer exciting potential. As it moves into a new phase, with a new vision, Glebe-St. James is in a position to offer leadership and encourage synergy in turning the challenges into opportunity, of finding ways to do the mission of the Church in new ways. One idea to be explored is whether there could be in this part of Ottawa one entity and overall direction, with several “campuses” playing various roles. Sharing of missions (e.g. certain outreach programs, administration and financial systems, education and learning, pastoral care, and more) and possible deeper combinations with shared ministry teams could be considered. Linkages with other stakeholders in the area that were visited during the visioning work could be enhanced as well.
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Description of Conference and Presbytery
Synode Montreal and Ottawa Conference
Montreal and Ottawa Conference consists of five (5) Presbyteries: Montreal, Quebec-Sherbrooke, Ottawa, Seaway Valley, and Consistoire Laurentien. Spanning most of the province of Quebec and eastern Ontario, this bilingual Conference embodies a diversity of cultures and ethnicities that shape a unique flavour of ministry for those who offer leadership here.
For further information visit our Website: www.montrealandottawaconference.ca
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The Ottawa Presbytery
The Ottawa Presbytery of the United Church of Canada is composed of 61 pastoral charges (49 in Ontario, 12 in Quebec) with 80 congregations serving over 18,000 United Church members in addition to an outreach ministry in Iqualuit, Nunavut. More than 100 ministry personnel (active and retired) and over 100 lay representatives are members of the Presbytery which meets monthly are various locations throughout the presbytery. Congregations are located in both Ontario and Quebec and are representative of rural, urban, and suburban communities. Ministry is provided in English and French as well as a number of other languages. Special ministries related to the Presbytery include Carlington Community Chaplaincy, Centre 507, Emergency Food Centre, Ottawa West Community Chaplaincy, hospital, military, and university chaplaincy, and Youth Ministries Program.
Settlement opportunities within Ottawa Presbytery often include a mix of full time and part-time positions in the West Quebec part of the presbytery and on the edges of the Presbytery. No pastoral charge in the presbytery is more than one hour and a half from the National Capital’s city core with all its amenities.
The services of the Presbytery Office support congregational life in West Quebec and both rural and urban areas of the City of Ottawa. The staff includes a full time Presbytery Minister, a full time Youth Minister, and an office administrator. The Ottawa Presbytery Office is located in the United Church Regional Centre at City View United Church, 6 Epworth Avenue, Nepean. The Regional Centre is the home of the west office of the Montreal & Ottawa Conference and the Ottawa Presbytery.
For further information, visit our website: www.uccanottawa.org
PART D: ABOUT OUR ASSETS
Governance structure: ☐Official Board X Council ☐Other
If “other”, please describe:
How many people are on your Governing Body? __25______
How many are typically present at a meeting of your Governing Body? __20______
Our Church Building(s): (include information for each building if more than one)
The congregation is blessed to be the stewards of the heritage, turn-of-the-century, Arts and Crafts period church. The sanctuary is capable of seating approximately 350 people and it also has an adjacent building consisting of Fraser Hall, offices, a fully-equipped modern kitchen and assorted meeting rooms. A map of the upstairs layout of Glebe-St. James is available on our website (under Contact Us/ Facilities Rental). Note the Sanctuary is also used for meetings, Healing Pathway, and rentals for concerts, etc.
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In the past few years Glebe-St.James has undergone an extensive renovation program. Since 2009 we have invested more than $566,500 in the building through the Doug Davidson Building Fund.
Or
☐ We don’t have a church building (if you check this box, please comment briefly on where you worship and what other spaces you use for your ministry)
Our Sanctuary holds ____350______people.
Are there meeting rooms? X Yes ☐No
What are they used for?
Church meetings, nursery, arts programs, collection counting, Children’s church, Scouts and Guides, classrooms (for Glebe Montessori School), and weekday activities (eg. scrabble).
Is there a basement? X Yes ☐No
Used by Glebe Montessori School on weekdays.
Is there a nursery? X Yes ☐No
One multi-purpose room is equipped as the nursery.
Is the nursery toys/furniture compliant with current safety standards? X Yes ☐No
Are there Sunday School rooms? X Yes ☐No
How many? _____6_____ Are they also multipurpose use? X Yes ☐No
On Sundays we also have access to some of the Glebe Montessori School classrooms in the basement.
Are there community rooms, church hall or activity rooms? (i.e. quilting, gym, etc.)
X Yes ☐No
Largest community room (Fraser Hall) holds ____120______people.
Brief descriptions:
Fraser Hall is a large gym-style multi-purpose room with a projection screen and storage facilities for folding tables and chairs. Built in 1959, it was renovated in 2002 to remove the stage and create an arts room and a nursery/meeting room. One wall has a stained glass window; Fraser Hall was professionally stained on the exterior in the summer of 2013.
Macphail Hall (in the lower basement) is half the size of Fraser Hall and includes closets for choir gowns.
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Where is the office minister’s office located?
Across from the church office, close to the Lyon street entrance on the main level.
Describe it:
Window, air conditioning, meeting area, sofa, desk, bookcase, chairs. (approximately225 ft2)
Is the building used by outside groups? X Yes ☐No
Brief descriptions (tenants, occasional rentals, frequency of use):
Glebe Montessori School (daily, full time during the week)
Scouts Canada (evenings, twice per week)
Girl Guides (evenings, twice per week)
Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group
Exercise classes
Sunday afternoon concert series
Other occasional event rentals, e.g. Third Wall Theatre Company productions.
Canterbury Trebles choir practice
Is there audio visual capacity in: X the sanctuary X church hall
We have two projectors and two video monitors in the sanctuary and one screen in the Fraser hall with a portable projector. Words of hymns and responses are projected during worship, as well as slides for sermon illustrations and announcements.
Is there a photocopier in the church? X Yes ☐No
Is internet provided at the church? X Yes ☐No If yes, is it X High Speed ☐Dial up
Is the church accessible per United Church Accessibility Guidelines? X Yes ☐No
http://www.united-church.ca/files/handbooks/buildings_accessibility.pdf
Are all areas of your building accessible? ☐Yes X No
If yes, how: X wheelchair ramps X elevator/lift X power-assisted doors
X accessible washrooms ☐braille signage X hearing-assist system
X large-print worship materials X increased lighting
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
☐other:
If no, please list areas in the building which are not accessible:
Lower basement (Macphail Hall), choir loft, balcony in sanctuary, tower meeting room
If available, estimate of the cost to meet accessibility needs: $50,000 was spent in 2011 to refurbish existing chair lifts.
Support Staff:
Is there support for administrative tasks (e.g. bulletin, scheduling, and reception)?
X Yes ☐No
If yes, how many hours per week?___35______If yes, is this X paid ☐volunteer?
Is there support for caretaking tasks? X Yes ☐No
If yes, how many hours per week?_____11_____ If yes, is this X paid ☐volunteer?
Our caretaker is also employed by Glebe-St. James to clean Montessori areas. A number of volunteers also do maintenance and repairs (gardening, grass cutting, leaf raking, painting, minor repairs); two volunteers in particular have done many hours of maintenance on the church property and have administered many contracts for work which they can’t do themselves.
We also have a Sunday Sexton hired for approximately 4 hours a week.
Is there support for your music program? X Yes ☐No
If yes, how many hours per week?_13 If yes, is this X paid ☐volunteer?
Describe the music for Sunday Service:
Music is a salient, essential component of Glebe-St. James spiritual life, permeating daily activities. It is reflected in the dedication of the music director and the enthusiasm of the choir members and congregation. Music plays an important role in setting the mood for the service; it is not considered from the point of view of entertainment. There is an expectation that the choir sings every Sunday, although this has been varied with the occasional “intergenerational service”.
The church is equipped with a newly refurbished heritage (1929) Casavant pipe organ (a video essay on the organ was recently completed as a student project), a brand-new Roland electronic keyboard, a Steinway grand piano, an upright Yamaha piano in Fraser Hall and in the choir room, a stand-up piano in Macphail Hall, and some percussion instruments.
The church is currently exploring different worship styles favoured by the various generations. Therefore, the choice of music is carefully made so as to take into account the taste of the younger and
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014 older generations in the use of hymn books, choice of anthems and playing of piano vs. organ. The congregation is open to new ideas and styles, so that introducing new ways for music in the service is welcome, as long as a certain balance is obtained. Guest musicians from the congregation and outside community will often contribute to Sunday services.
Do you have a choir? X Yes ☐No
We have 22 members in the senior choir, and also a small youth choir.
Who provides Sunday Supply when your minister is way on vacation or study leave?
Worship Committee organizes this and hires worship leaders, either ordained or lay worship leaders from within or outside the congregation. In some cases volunteers will lead the service.
Ministry and Personnel Committee:
How many committee members? 6______
How often does the committee meet? _every six weeks______
Has one or more of the committee members ever attended an M&P Committee training event in the last three years? X Yes ☐No
Pastoral Care:
Do you have a trained Pastoral Care Team in place? X Yes ☐No
Are there volunteers who help with the hospital, shut-in & member visits?
X Yes ☐No
If yes, how many volunteers? _3 to 4______
Does this area of the congregation’s ministry need to be developed: X Yes ☐No
If yes, explain how:
We have a Minister of Visitation who currently works 24 hrs/month. The Pastoral Care team has the potential to expand its Ministry in the area of reaching out to young families and members of the congregation who are not ill or infirm. There is also an active Healing Pathway Ministry which has the potential to provide healing sessions on a regular basis.
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PART E: ABOUT OUR FINANCES
The word or phrase that best describes our current financial situation is:
☐Abundant X Adequate ☐Not meeting expenses but optimistic
☐We are not meeting expenses and relying on bequests and reserves to fund operating budget.
☐Other
Our Revenue Sources are: (please indicate approximate percentage of your current operating budget that comes from each source)
Congregational Givings ____69%____ Congregational Fundraising Activities __2%______
Rental of building/services __29%______Bequests, Reserves, Investments ______
Other (please briefly describe):
Is there a Finance Committee? X Yes ☐No
Financial statistics:
How many weekly offering envelopes do you issue? __~100______
How many people are on Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)? ___63______
How many active givers are there? __167 (>$50/yr)______
What is the annual income of the Pastoral Charge? $482,513______
What amount of money is directed toward the Mission and Service Fund? __$38,852______
What are your fundraisers?
Concert Series, Bazaar, Garage Sale, Citrus Sale, hosted dinner parties
What amount is paid for the minister’s salary? _$85,559 (included housing and benefits) budgeted in 2014______
What was the total travel allowance given last year? _$2450 (Minister of Visitation)______
How much of money raised goes for building maintenance? _$113,166 (utilities and maintenance in 2013)______
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
Church building maintenance and repair:
Who does the repairs? A small group of volunteers headed in the past by two members (do repairs themselves or hire contractors).
Are major repairs required? ☐Yes X No
List in priority with estimated costs: ______
Have you had to ask for assistance from Mission Support to cover your budget?
☐Yes X No
If yes, tell us when and how much you received?
Date: ______Amount $ ______
What is the maximum salary increment you feel you are able to pay? (A-F): C to F______
Are you considering a reduction or increase in ministry personnel?
☐Increase ☐Decrease ☐X Stay the same
What other potential resources do you have to draw upon in your church and wider community?
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PART F: OUR FINANCIAL RESERVES
We have sufficient reserves in the bank that we could cover three months of expenses if we had an emergency. ☐Yes X No
Our Financial Accountability:
Our financial statements are reviewed by an external person each year:
X Yes, a formal third-party review ☐No
(a member conducts a financial review that is in accordance with the UCC Financial Handbook )
Our financial statements from the last three years are available upon request.
X Yes ☐No, but available on our website ☐No
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
Our Financial Statistics from the last five years:
This information may be found on the annual Statistics Forms which are filled in by the pastoral charge or from past copies of the United Church Yearbook (Volume 1).
Line #
in UCC Yearbook Current Year One Year Two Years Three Four Years (2013) Ago (2012) Ago (2011) Years Ago Ago (2010)
Households 260 265 265 265 267 Under Line # 3 Pastoral Care
Financially 195 154 168 190 211 Supporting Line # 6 Households
Attendance 100 110 110 100 110 at Sunday Line # 20 Worship
195 154 168 190 211
Regular Line # 18 Givers
Operation of $361,536 $342,239 $329,490 $342,975 $370,240 Pastoral Line # 40 Charge ($)
Additional comments or notes that you feel may be relevant:
Glebe-St. James is a fully sustainable pastoral charge with an annual income of approximately $480,000. We have a solid financial framework, a great partnership with Glebe Montessori School (contributing just under $140,000/year), and a well-maintained, structurally sound building.
In 2009 Glebe-St. James borrowed $350,000 from Presbytery to pay for the replacement of our heating system. The loan currently stands at $140,000.
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
PROFILE 2: LIVING MINISTRY PROFILE (not applicable until 2015)
Living Ministry Profile: An Annual Re-Affirmation
General questions for the whole congregation at their Annual General Meeting
The congregational leadership (minister, council, etc.) should take the opportunity to discuss these questions beforehand and then, based on their reflections, facilitate a wider discussion with the whole congregation at the AGM.
______
Referring to the Joint Needs Assessment profile before you, please reflect on the following questions:
1. Does the description of our physical community (town, city, region) still adequately reflect who we are? In what ways has our community changed?
2. Do our facilities continue to meet the needs of our congregation and wider community?
3. How has our congregational demographics changed over the past year?
4. In the past 12 months, how has our congregation responded to the outreach needs within our community, both regionally and globally?
5. In what ways have we assisted our congregational leadership in responding to the mission of the congregation within the community of faith and beyond?
6. Are there new initiatives that have been undertaken -- or need to be undertaken – to remain faithful to our call within this town/city/region and our world?
7. Are we as a congregation continuing to meet the needs of this town/city/region relating to pastoral care, spirituality and self-care, within the community of faith and the wider community?
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8. Are we faithful in our use of our resources: financial ($), talents (people) and physical (building)? Do our stewardship goals assist us in meeting the needs of the life and work of our congregation?
9. In what ways do your financial/budget projections for the coming years need to be updated? Are they still accurate?
10. Does our worship meet the diverse needs of the whole people of God?
After reflecting on all these questions, are there things that need to be changed/updated in our Living Ministry Profile? (Formerly referred to as a JNAC Report)
Following your Congregation’s Annual General Meeting, please send a short summary of the discussion of these questions to the Conference Office with a copy of your current Annual Report.
Specific questions for discussion and use within the Ministry & Personnel Committee:
Regarding the Ministry Personnel Position Description: a) Does our existing Position Description adequately reflect the reality of our ministerial needs? b) Are the specific “Terms of Call” still appropriate? Do they need to be updated? (Please refer to call or appointment for specific terms of call or appointment)
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
SYNODE MONTREAL AND OTTAWA CONFERENCE
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PROFILE 3: POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: _Minister ______X Full Time ☐Part Time (indicate % ______)
Or Full-time equivalent
One or two sentences describing the position:
Leadership of an Affirming Congregation in defining how to live their new Vision – “Reaching -- Into Faith, Out to Others” - in collaboration with the other Ministers of the Glebe St James Pastoral Charge and Church Council.
Title: Minister
Full-time minister of word, sacrament and Pastoral Care, who is deeply rooted spiritually, empathetic, warm, welcoming and able to preach to the concerns of the congregation in a creative and engaging manner. The Minister will work with the congregation to become a more welcoming and caring community. The Minister will be interested in social justice issues and have an enthusiasm for building partnerships and relationships that match the findings of our recent visioning exercises.
Ministry Designation: Ordained
Accountability and support:
The Minister is accountable to the Ottawa Presbytery and accountable to the Pastoral Charge through the Ministry and Personnel Committee.
The congregation desires a creative and mutually supportive relationship with the minister and that is in conformity with the United Church of Canada’s Ethical Standards for Ministry Personnel. The minister and the congregational leadership will work collaboratively to address the issues and achieve the goals set by the congregation. The Ministry and Personnel Committee seeks to foster open and continuing communication with staff so that issues are addressed and positive relationships are nourished.
General Duties, Responsibilities and Time Allocation:
The Minister works with other ministry personnel and staff to assist the congregation in realizing its vision and goals.
It is clear from the work we have done that there is a common longing:
• to be a vibrant, inclusive, welcoming, spiritually alive, community, • to be a place where there are opportunities for all ages to grow in faith,
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• to find ways to build right relationships and to work for a better world, • to work with other area churches and faiths to make a difference in our community and world, • to be sustainable where we are responsible with our gifts (finances, time, energy and commitment)so that we can achieve what we are capable of becoming.
The Minister is looked to for rooted-spirituality and an assured, but searching faith to undergird, empower and inspire their own work and the life and work of the congregation.
Administration and Leadership: 20 %
• Leadership in the context of owning and driving some activities and of facilitating others that are being driven by the congregation such as:
o Solid administration practices including weekly staff meetings and mentoring where appropriate.
§ Provide leadership for effective team ministry including working with all the staff
o Be the conscience of GSJ communications and provide timely reminders to congregational communication leaders of where more effort is needed including:
§ Use of “e-bulletin”, website, congregational letters, AV support, sound system, etc., § Supporting the use of technology to measure the health and well being of the congregation.
o Outreach by being a leader and speaking out on issues which concern people in the community – such as:
§ Relationship with First Nations § Affordable Housing § Poverty
o Outreach through facilitating and actively participating in the congregation-led “Welcoming Ministry”
o Outreach through leading on specific aspects of increased “Hospitality”
§ by creating diverse entry points,
§ by continuing to welcome children and young families.
• Work co-operatively, as needed, with other building users.
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014
o Provide guidance and assistance to the lay leadership of the congregation including Bible study and ministries, such as Finance and Administration, Stewardship and the Trustees.
Worship ___35%_____
• Takes the lead on congregational worship. Working collaboratively with the Worship Committee, Christian Development Minister and Minister of Music, leads the scheduling, planning and delivery of worship services, including involvement of others.
o Pursue congregational spiritual growth to broaden and deepen our connection with God , and empower ourselves in our various communities
o Work for deeper inclusivity and social justice linkage
o Integrate with the life and vision of the community
• Collaborate closely with the Minister of Music and with Worship ministry to incorporate music and other art forms in creative worship reflecting new emerging theology.
• Officiates at baptisms, weddings, funeral services at Glebe-St. James.
• Mentor the development of lay leadership in worship including our four members enrolled in the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders course.
Church Council and Greater Church: 10%
• Active participation in Church council, Presbytery, Conference and General Council in consultation with the M&P ministry.
• Minister will have a representative on M&P and will maintaining a connection with that ministry there.
• Active participation in both governing bodies of Glebe-St. James; the Steering Committee and the Church Council.
• Strengthen and build partnerships with area churches, other faiths and community partners.
Pastoral Care: __20%__
• This responsibility is currently shared with the Minister of Visitation. Visioning has affirmed the desire to be a healing and caring community. Our minister will provide pastoral care directly as well as supporting others providing care. In the future, pastoral care will be led by the Minister and shared in a number of ways.
o Continue the work started by the interim ministers in establishing “pastoral care” as one of our core values.
§ Continue the initiative of consulting with the congregation and assessing how we might deepen and improve this ministry,
§ Review the early results of the above,
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§ Strengthen the solid Healing Pathway ministry,
§ Recommend to become a Healing Pathway practitioner
o The minister may wish to choose have a personal advocate on M&P
• Continue the work started in becoming a conflict-resolving community.
Christian Development 10 %
• Develop spiritual opportunities for all age groups in the congregational.
• Work collaboratively with the Christian Development ministry team and the Christian Development Minister.
o Supports fully the work of the Christian Development Minister, including jointly identifying opportunities for children and youth participation, during worship services; ensuring co-ordination between Children’s Church and adult worship,
o Acts as an advisor and resource person for Christian Development ministry.
Professional Development 5%
Pursue a program of continuing education, professional development and spiritual development in consultation with M&P.
Are there other Ministry Personnel positions associated with this Pastoral Charge?
X Yes ☐No
If yes, please provide position description profile.
Minister of Christian Development: Christian Development Minister teaches children, and attracts, inspires, leads and supports volunteer teachers and leaders in Christian Education for children and youth. The Minister of Christian Development complies with educational requirements as set out by Presbytery, is theologically literate, is able to develop a rapport with children and youth, and works collegially with the ministry personnel team and with volunteers.
Minister of Visitation: The Minister of Visitation provides pastoral care and visiting, primarily to seniors and persons unable to attend church and to bereaved families.
Minister of Music: The Minister of Music takes the lead on music programming within the Congregation. Working collaboratively with the Minister, the Minister of Music integrates music into all facets of worship. The Minister of Music directs the senior choir.
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PROFILE 4: SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
What leadership skills, knowledge, experience and personal characteristics in a minister would help your congregation move into your vision of what you believe God is calling you to be?
Using the Priorities for Ministry and the Position Description information, list skills, knowledge, personal attributes and experience desired:
Skills:
Glebe-St. James seeks a minister who can lead collaboratively, energize, enable and empower our church community. We have the critical mass to do exciting things to advance God’s work within our church family and in the broader world.
• Ability to provide leadership to Glebe-St. James staff team and to interact collegially, respectfully, flexibly (and, as need be, with confidentiality) with all staff and the congregation, • Demonstrated ability to preach Biblically-inspired sermons which give imaginative, contemporary expression to faith formation and which enable individuals to carry their faith into daily living, • Ability to incorporate prayer into worship and pastoral care, • Ability to incorporate music, children and youth as an integral part of worship, • Ability to discover, develop and inspire lay leaders required for Glebe-St. James’ many activities and ministries • Ability to motivate others, • Ability to help Glebe-St. James increase its membership and enhance its profile in the community, • Ability to work with the congregational leadership to sustain energy levels to address Glebe-St. James’ vision and the ongoing challenges of Glebe-St. James, • Excellent interpersonal skills, • Well developed organizational and administrative skills, • Leadership skills, including and team building skills, as well as mediation and conflict resolution skills, • Computer literacy; tech savvy or willing to learn technology skills necessary to maximize communication possibilities within and outside of the congregation.
Knowledge:
• Degree in theology from a United Church of Canada recognized university or equivalent, • Member of the United Church of Canada, • Some knowledge of other faiths to facilitate collaboration, • Demonstrated ability to preach Biblically-inspired plain language sermons which give imaginative, contemporary expression to faith formation and which enable individuals to carry their faith into daily living,
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Personal Attributes:
• A deeply spiritual person, with an active prayer life, comfortable in the faith of the new creed but still searching and alive to fresh stirrings of the Spirit • A “people person”, with a sense of humour and optimism who can say “I love people”, • An inclusive team leader and player, with a collaborative style of working who will help congregation move toward their vision, • Energetic, energizing, empowering and enthusiastic, • A liberal approach to United Church theology and to social issues, • Willingness to work in a congregation that needs to strengthen and develop its lay leadership, • Feels excited about building Glebe-St. James up spiritually, in service and in numbers, • Compassionate, caring and empathetic, • Respectful of staff and congregation, respects the opinions and history of long time members as well as welcomes new members with new ideas, • Flexible in the way she/he approaches others and willing to work with and incorporate ideas of others, • Mature with sound judgment but open to constructive criticism, • Responsible for maintaining a healthy balance in their own lives by maintaining their own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, nurturing supportive personal and collegial relationships and managing their time for work, family, friends, personal development, and renewal, • Team player and facilitator, • Approachable by children, adults and seniors, • Appreciative of drama, music and other arts as part of worship and the life of the church.
Experience:
Five years as an Ordained United Church Minister.
• At least five years’ experience in ministry as an ordained United Church minister. Additional experience either as an ordained minister or in a related field would be desirable, as would be experience of co-operating with other religious and secular persons and groups on common projects. • Experience in Christian development or children and youth programs would be an asset.
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PROFILE 5: WHAT WE CAN OFFER
1. Review the Salary Schedule.
Will be done as needed.
2. What salary can your pastoral charge afford? $85,559 (with benefits and housing)______
3. Category _C to F___ (see Salary Schedule and enter a category or range of categories - A to F).
We are requesting an ordained minister with at least five year’s experience, which would be at least a pay schedule C ($37,388 before housing allowance and other benefits)
4. Are you able to afford to pay a salary over minimum? X Yes ☐No
If yes, by what % _negotiable______
5. Current Housing Allowance $ _28,800______per year.
Projected Housing Allowance _currently not being reviewed_ (if being reviewed)
Date of Last Housing Review __2012______
6. Continuing Education and Learning Amount: $1320 - 2000/year.
(see UCC Salary Schedule for minimum amount).
7. Basic Telephone (Communication) Amount: Church has land-line; $30/mo allowance for cell phone service_
(The Minister may want to have a cellular telephone rather than a land line for communications purposes).
8. Vacation: _one month__ per year, including ___5__ Sundays.
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Minister is also entitled to disability leave; maternity/parental leave; bereavement leave; compassionate leave; study leave (three weeks per year); and sabbatical (three months after 5 years).
9. Technical Equipment support and services:
To be negotiated
10. Manse, if applicable: (please describe)
Not applicable
11. Moving/relocation budget $_4000_
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PROFILE 6: PASTORAL CHARGE – TELLING OUR STORY
Purpose: To enable a Pastoral Charge to honestly and boldly “tell its story” to prospective Ministry Personnel.
Who Uses It: Council/Board in consultation with congregation, the Joint Needs Assessment Process Committee and Joint Search Committee.
When To Use: After your Joint Needs Assessment Process and when you are seeking new Ministry Personnel, whether for a call or appointment. This form should be relatively easy to complete if you have developed an annual process of setting priorities and goals for your Living Ministry Profile. Presbytery supports Pastoral Charges in this annual review and update process.
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Name of Pastoral Charge: ______
Glebe St. James
Address of Pastoral Charge: ______
650 Lyon Street, Ottawa, ON
Brief Description of Pastoral Charge:
Glebe-St. James United Church’s history goes back to the 1800s. We are an affirming congregation whose members are engaged in the life of the church and committed to outreach and social action. Glebe-St. James United Church is invigorated by our new vision: “Reaching in to faith, out to others”. After a comprehensive visioning process we are looking to act with openness and inclusion, love and respect, curiosity and courage, justice and hope.
We cherish music-filled worship and are open to exploring emerging theology in a variety of worship styles. There are more than 300 members, many of whom are retired or approaching retirement age. A growing and vibrant children’s church adds colour to worship and we share summer services with
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Glebe-St. James United Church Joint Needs Assessment Process 2014 nearby faith communities. We worship in a beautiful 100-year-old recently renovated church building in the centre of one of Ottawa’s most vibrant and socially conscious neighbourhoods. A great deal of work has been done to maintain and enhance the building, including extensive renovations to the roof, reopening of the skylight, a new chancel , a new outdoor sign, an updated heating system and projection system in the sanctuary
We are currently served by the very capable husband and wife team of Interim Ministers Rev. Howard Clark and Rev Sharon Moon, a talented and dedicated Minister of Music, an enthusiastic and welcoming Minister of Christian Development and a caring and experienced Minister of Visitation.
The congregation embarked on a year-long visioning process in the spring of 2013 which included a congregational survey of values and vision, visiting more than 21 organizations and schools in the neighbourhood, holding a series of café-style Sunday morning worship services to identify our goals for the future and hosting stand-alone open-ended consultation sessions to hear from different demographics of our church community. The findings from these thoughtful yet joy-filled efforts are summarized in a document available on our church website and are incorporated in this Joint Needs Assessment report. We have already implemented change to begin to live out our vision and strive to continue to do so.
Note to Applicant Ministry Personnel: Please indicate your interest in our Pastoral Charge by providing your skills, gifts, a statement of faith, a resume and a cover letter to: ______
Closing Date: ______or ☐ There is no closing date.
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Priority Category Title This is who we are as a Pastoral Charge (1 to 9) Living Ministry Profile or X We have a living Ministry Profile (attach) or a Your Mission Statement Mission Statement (attach): 1 ☐We do not have a living Ministry Profile or a Mission Statement. Discipleship ☐We have a specific goal related to our Discipleship (attach): 8 X We do not have specific goal related to our Discipleship. Justice and Outreach X We have a specific goal related to our Justice and Outreach (attach): objective of Visioning 4 ☐We do not have specific goal related to our Justice and Outreach. Leadership X We have a specific goal related to our Leadership (attach): as describe in this report 7 ☐We do not have specific goal related to our Leadership. Ministry Partnerships X We have a specific goal related to our Ministry Partnerships (attach): as described in 5 this report ☐We do not have specific goal related to our Ministry Partnerships. Pastoral Care – Spiritual X We have a specific goal related to our Care Pastoral Care – Spiritual Care (attach): as 3 described in this report ☐We do not have specific goal related to our Pastoral Care – Spiritual Care. Stewardship X We have a specific goal related to our Stewardship (attach): annual plan developed 6 each year by Stewardship Committee ☐We do not have specific goal related to our Stewardship. Worship X We have a specific goal related to our Worship (attach): as described in this 2 document. ☐We do not have specific goal related to our Worship.
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Profiles 1-6: Approved by the Board/Council of:
______
Name of Pastoral Charge Name of Presbytery
______
Name/Signature of Chair Date & Location
______
Name/Signature of Secretary Date & Location
APPENDIX A: MEPS Form PR 403 JN - Record of Joint Needs Assessment Report
Page 2 of MEPS Form PR 403 JN - Record of Joint Needs Assessment Report
APPENDIX B: MEPS Form PR 436 MI Manse Information Summary Sheet
APPENDIX C: MEPS Form PR 425 VRecord of Pastoral Charge Vacancy
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