Search and Call Tools for Congregations
Advancing the Spirit’s guidance into God’s future
INTRODUCING THE NEW
LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE
Who is Who Who ? God are is our calling us we neighbor to become
The new Local Church Profile is not just for congregations in search of a Rachel Hackenberg
pastor. All congregations are encouraged to engage in its process of Microsoft MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE,
discovery every 3-5 years. The UCC Local Church Profile reflects [Pick the date] SUPPORT & AUTHORIZATION valuable data, assesses ministry, clarifies change, and helps advance the 1 calling of the congregation. Not just to be completed by a search committee – the more participation, the better!
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE
Christ United Church Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Solo pastor
EOA WRA Associations Ohio Conference United Church of Christ
September 26, 2018
LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE CONTENTS ➢ Position Posting ➢ Who Is God Calling Us To Become? ➢ Who Are We Now? ➢ Who Is Our Neighbor? ➢ References ➢ Consent and Validation
“God is able to provide you with every blessing, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
2 POSITION POSTING a. LISTING INFORMATION
b. SCOPE OF WORK c. COMPENSATION & SUPPORT d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?
1a. LISTING INFORMATION
Church name: Christ United Church
Street address: 23114 West Road Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Supplemental web links: ChristUnited.church
Additional ecumenical affiliations: Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbytery of the Western Reserve
Conference: Ohio Conference United Church of Christ Association: EOA WRA Associations
UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person: Nayiri Karjian Associations General Minister Office: 330-940-2220 x102 [email protected]
3 Summary Ministry Description: Christ United is a UCC and PCUSA federated congregation. We created our new church in 2016. We are seeking a pastor who will help guide us in our journey to accomplish our vision of being a progressive caring congregation that serves a diverse population and continues to study the word of God. Please note the vision described in our “Provocative Proposals”.
Photographs:
What we value about living in our area : We value the close proximity of Baldwin Wallace University and the city of Cleveland where we can enjoy all of their events, entertainment, classes, restaurants, museums and various other opportunities. We also have the advantage of having local access to the Cleveland Metroparks and are in close proximity to Cuyahoga National Park. We embrace the small town community involvement along with being close to a major city.
4 Current size of membership: 201
Languages used in ministry (other than English): NA
Position Title: Solo Pastor
Position Duration: Settled – a called position intended for longer-term ministry in which the minister joins our congregation and moves their ministerial standing to related association
Compensation Level: Full Time
Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines? Yes
1b. SCOPE OF WORK ● Preparation and leadership of Sunday worship: including scripture study, crafting of liturgy, sermon preparation, guiding lay liturgists, coordination with worship committee and musical staff around liturgical theme as appropriate, preaching, offering of prayers, etc. ● Faith formation and vitality: working with the Faith Formation committee through prayer to plan Bible study, adult and youth classes, identifying helpful resources and opportunities and helping lay persons take advantage of them ● Leadership development: by discovering and nurturing the gifts of the people and matching them with the ministries of the church, by working with members of the congregation to create ministry and programs and providing pastoral care (including visiting homebound members and those who are hospitalized) in collaboration with lay people ● Community engagement: by encouraging mission opportunities both locally and globally and leading the way for the church to care for all people. Be open to conducting weddings and funerals for friends, members of the church and surrounding community. ● Strategic planning for current and new directions in ministry: by supporting permission giving ministries within the congregations and encouraging new mission, worship and service opportunities ● Administration: by attending meetings and giving leadership as needed to church programs, in collaboration with lay leadership, participating in the wider church,
5 both UCC and PCUSA, through activities such as conference, presbytery and association meetings, administration responsibilities (unless delegated) such as email, social media and other technologies, responsibility for staff cohesion coordinated with the personnel committee ● Stewardship: in cooperation with the stewardship, financial and funds committees, develop plans for annual and ongoing stewardship program and faithful use of our resources.
Core Competencies: Caring, Serving, Learning
1c. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT Salary Basis: Association guidelines
Benefits: Salary plus Benefits
What is the expected living situation for your next minister? living nearby with a housing allowance
Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister. Berea, Olmsted Falls, or other neighboring community
Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference: pastoral network, mentoring possibilities, opportunities for professional development and support through the association and presbytery
If applicable, describe how your church will adopt part-time adjustments in the pastoral schedule to support a minister’s bi-vocational employment: N/A
6 1d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve. We wish to become a permission giving congregations that cares for one another and our neighbors both near and far. We wish to expand our Faith Formation program and explore new worship opportunities and practices. We aspire to reach out to the unchurched through creative and dynamic programs. We are open to reimagining our worship space to meet these goals.
Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls. The pastor will help us reach our vision and mission goals by using his or her leadership skills and knowledge. We desire a pastoral leader who will work with church leaders and congregation members to discern God’s call for our mission in this place. Our pastor should be able to guide us, to explore what missions and programs might be implemented, and how that process will move forward.
Specify language requirements or culturally-specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation’s sense of calling. Our congregation uses a variety of concepts, male and female to talk about God. We appreciate inclusive language as well as the uniqueness of each person and would like to be sensitive to cultural differences in our communication and dialogue.
Based on what you have learned about who your church is, who your church’s neighbor is, and who God is calling the church to become, describe four areas of excellence from The Marks of Faithful & Effective Authorized Ministry that your next minister will display to further equip the congregation’s ministry in these areas. 1. Exhibiting a spiritual foundation and ongoing spiritual practice 2. Building Transformational leadership skills 3. Working together for justice and mercy 4. Strengthening inter-and intra-personal assets
7 WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME? “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37 NRSV)
Who is God calling you to become as a congregation? Our Vision is expressed through 7 “Provocative Proposals” that imagine how we can serve. ● Our Shepherding Ministry will maintain our close ties with each other in ways that feel like family. ● Sanctuary redesign will allow for greater flexibility of worship styles, helps us to engage more personally, be more welcoming of each other and foster a deep sense of togetherness. ● We encourage members to come up with ideas that focus on a specific need that meet mission, worship or education goals and apply them through “K-Cell” (or permission giving) Ministries with the help of other members and the board. ● We embrace the need for a dynamic and diverse Faith Formation program. We have a desire to provide a wide variety of classes that range from meditation to retirement, empty nesting to Bible study, self-care to the care of aging parents, spiritual growth to personal growth. ● While maintaining the appeal of traditional liturgy, we plan to incorporate new possibilities that enliven and enhance our worship through music and drama. We see both music and drama ministries offering events to and gathering resources from the surrounding area. ● We see the possibility of growing a second, younger, congregation within Christ United Church. Though this congregation may do a good deal of their own separate programming, multigenerational programming is a possibility. ● Realizing that form follows function, we have postponed any new construction until it becomes clear what kind of facility may be needed.
8 Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation. We are called to serve neighbors both geographically near and those further away. Our congregation is highly devoted to serving others. We currently open our facility most days to outside support groups. While we don’t expect to necessarily gain members from these groups, providing a meeting space for them is part of our mission to the community. We monthly support a community meal on the near west side of Cleveland. Our members founded and continue to support Church Street Ministries which provide food, clothing and household items to Berea and surrounding areas. The Academy for Dramatic Arts is a production company started by our congregation that provide opportunities for youth to participate in drama, art and singing regardless of financial ability. No child is ever turned away; everyone who auditions gets a part. The local Warriors Journey Home chapter was also founded by our members and continues to support our returning troops. The missions of both the PCUSA and UCC are supported by our congregation through annual offerings. Knowing that our community is changing, there are more folk in financial need, aging community members and other ongoing concerns, our members are wholeheartedly open to seeking out where God leads us to serve others.
WHO ARE WE NOW?
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NRSV)
a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS b. 11-YEAR REPORT c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING e. CHURCH FINANCES f. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
3a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS
Describe your congregation’s life of faith. Our vision statement is as follows - With Christ as our heart and God’s love as our fire, we learn, we love, we care for all people.
9 God is described in worship using gender neutral terms. CUC refuses to put the Divine in a box. The Holy Spirit in our midst would be described as an idea or movement started because of God working through a person, the pastor or the congregation. Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation. Friendly, Caring, Strong lay leadership
Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers. Worship tends to lean towards the traditional, with twists. For the most part the pastor follows the lectionary, but can vary depending on the pastor and/or upcoming events. Although most worship services take place in the sanctuary, the church as also used fellowship hall and outdoors for worship. Videos, PowerPoints, music and drama are used during worship. PowerPoint is used every week in place of a bulletin as well. In the sanctuary, a dedicated Kids’ Zone provides a place for children to worship within the worship service. We also have a taize service that takes place 3-4 times a year. An adult baptism recently occurred on the same Sunday that other members joined by reaffirmation of faith. Words to describe good preaching would be- dynamic, spirit filled, thought provoking
Describe the educational program/faith formation vision of your church. Christ United Church has a one room schoolhouse set up. Faith Formation class for children begins after they experience a children’s moment during worship (led by the pastor or lay leadership). The curriculum used is Seasons of the Spirit. Adult formation classes are offered in many ways. Classes, conducted by the pastor and lay leaders, are held in homes, retirement facilities, and the church building. Topics range from Bible studies to current events to book discussions. Resources that have been used recently are White Privilege, Living the Questions, the book Messy Spirituality and select topics such as spiritual growth and gifts. Those who have taken these classes have noted that that they have discovered new ideas and their faith journey has been enhanced.
When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? Governing Board - 2 hours Mission - 2 hours Worship - 2 hours Evangelism - 2 hours Faith Formation - 2 hours
10 Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished? Pastor giving a short notice on resignation. Pastor informed president. President informed Governing Board. Governing Board initiated appropriate steps. Congregation was informed. All was accomplished within a short period of time
Can you provide the next minister with a copy of an organization structure, bylaws and/or annual report to further explain the patterns of the church’s activity and governance? Yes
3b. 11-YEAR REPORT See attached
3c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Describe those who participate in your church. Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Number of active members: 201 Number of active non-members: 16 Total of church participants (sum 217 of the numbers above):
Percentage of total participants who have been in the church: These are based on current membership records our congregations before we federated 2 years ago. Is this numbers an estimate? (check if
yes) More than 10 years: 85% X Less than 10, more than 5 years: 10% X Less than 5 years: 5% X
11 Number of total participants by age: Are these numbers an 0-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ estimate? (check if yes) 4 5 13 9 9 9 20 57 91
Percentage of adults in various household types: Is this number an estimate? (check if
yes) Single adults under 35: 13% Households with minors: 6% Single adults age 35-65: 8% Joint households with no minors: 28% Single adults over 65: 45%
Education level of adult participants by percentage: Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) High school: 8% x College: 60% x Graduate School: 32% x Specialty Training: Other (please specify):
Percentage of adults in various employment types: Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Adults who are employed: 22% x Adults who are retired: 77% x Adults who are not fully 1% x employed:
12 Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation: The occupations range from business, clerical, professional, laborer to retired.
Describe the mix of ethnic heritages in your congregation, and the overall racial make- up. Most UCC congregations tend to describe themselves as “diverse.” Yet, the vast majority of UCC congregations are mono-cultural. What does diversity mean in your context? Christ United is primarily a white congregation. There is some diversity in sexual orientation.
Has your congregation recently had a conversation about welcoming diversity, or do you plan to hold one on the near future (perhaps using, for example, the Welcoming Diversity Inventory)? Please note the date. Comment after the exercise: Christ United has participated in a Welcome to All workshop around 2 years ago which focused on the LGBTQIA+ community. We have also held a White Privilege faith formation class last spring (2017). Both were eye opening and thought provoking experiences. Christ United Church (CUC) completed the process of becoming Open and Affirming and More Light congregation with an overwhelming positive vote on September 23, 2018.
3d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING Complete the following chart. Please leave blank any fields that are not applicable to your congregation. Ways Ways of Gathering Estimated Who plans each of the listed number of gatherings? (list any and all worship people involved planners, such as various lay leaders, in attendance pastors, musicians, other staff) Pastor, Faith Formation Committee, Adult Groups or Classes 6-50 lay leaders Baptis Baptisms (number last year) 1 Pastor, Worship Committee Childr Children’s Groups or Classes 0-12 Faith formation, lay leadership Christ Christmas Eve and Easter Worship 80 - 100 Worship, Pastor Membership Care & Fellowship, Churc Church-wide Meals 30-50 Worship, lay leadership
13 Choir Choir and Music Groups 15-20 Worship, Pastor Churc Church-based Bible Study 8-15 Worship, Pastor, lay leadership Com Communion (served how often?) monthly plus Worship, Pastor Com Community meals monthly Mission Confir Confirmation (number confirmed 0 Pastor, Faith Formation, lay leadership last year) Worship, lay leadership, outside Dram Drama or Dance Program 2-25 leadership Funer Funerals (number last year) 8 All committees, pastor, family Worship, lay leadership, Faith Interg Intergenerational Groups 6-30 Formation Out Outdoor worship 12- 100 Worship, Pastor, lay leadership Pra Prayer or Meditation Groups 4-6 Lay leadership Public Advocacy Work Mission R Retreats N/A Theology or Bible Programs in the N/A Community Weddings (number last year) 0 Worship (time slot: ____10:00___) 75-120 Worship, pastor Worship (time slot: ______) Young Adult Groups or Classes N/A Youth Groups or Classes N/A
14 List all members or regular participants in your congregation who are ordained, licensed, or commissioned ministers. Indicate those with current United Church of Christ Three-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a congregation) or Four-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a ministry beyond a congregation). Name Three- or Four- Ministry Setting Type of Ministry Retired? Way Covenant? Role (Y or N) (3 or 4 or No)
Cathy Green No Ohio Conference Moderator N
retired Minister Ogie White No PCUSA of Word and Y Sacrament
Presbytery of the Judy Mitchell No Stated Clerk N Western Reserve
If one or more previous pastors or retired ministers currently hold membership in the church, describe their role(s) in the life of the congregation: leadership and occasional pulpit supply
15 List all current staff, including ministers. Exclude the position you are seeking to fill. Indicate which staff person serves as head of staff. Compensation Length of Tenure for Supervised Staff Position Head of Staff? (full time, part current person in this by time, volunteer) position Governing Interim Pastor Yes Full time CUC < 1 year Board
CUC 2yrs. Office manager No Full time Pastor First Church 11yrs.
CUC 2yrs. Director of No Part time Pastor Music First Church 16yrs.
CUC 2yrs. Director of Organist No Part time Music St Andrews 8mo.
CUC 2yrs. Assoc Director Director of No Part time of Music Music St Andrews 7yrs.
Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s overall ministry? The two values that stand out are mission and music. CUC also has members that are active in the wider church. CUC is obviously reflects an older, retired congregation that is willing to participate in music, drama, mission, and learning opportunities.
16 3e. CHURCH FINANCES Current annual income (dollars used during most recent fiscal year) Source Amount Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $289,653 Endowment Proceeds (as permitted within spending policy, such as a $0 cap of typically 4.5%-5% on total return) Endowment Draw (beyond what is permitted by spending policy, $0 “drawing down the principal”) Fundraising Events $0
Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $0
Grants $0 Rentals of Church Building $12,656 Rentals of Church Parsonage $0 Support from Related Organizations $0 (e.g. Women’s Group) Transfers from Special Accounts $0 Other (specify): investment income $96 Other (specify):misc $503 TOTAL $302,908
Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for most recent fiscal year): $311,926
Attach most recent church budget, spending plan, operating statement, or annual treasurer’s report as shared publicly with the congregation, or – if your church does not pass an annual budget – list current budgeted expenses here.
Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage? 64%
Has the church ever failed to pay its financial obligations to a minister of the church? NO
17 Is your church 5-for-5, i.e. does it include each of the following contributions during the church year? (indicate those included during the most recent fiscal year) _X_ Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM – Basic Support) _X_ One Great Hour of Sharing _X_ Strengthen the Church _X_ Neighbors in Need _X_ Christmas Fund We gave to the PCUSA equivalent mission giving opportunities as well.
In what way is OCWM (Basic Support) gathered? If calculated as a percentage of operating budget, what is that percentage? (recommended 10%) 10% of budgeted congregation giving split between the UCC and PCUSA
What is the church’s current indebtedness? None Total amount of loan debt: -0- Reason for debt: N/A Are capital and other payments current? N/A
If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including the projected start/end date of the building project and the total project budget. N/A
If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, describe: NA
If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe: NA
Describe the prominent mission component(s) involved in the most recent (or current) capital campaign. NA
Does your church have an endowment? YES
What is the market value of the assets? $211,046 in endowments
Are funds drawn as needed, regularly, or under certain circumstances? Certain circumstance
What is the percentage rate of draw (last year, compared to 5 years ago)? 0%
18 Describe draw on endowment, if any, to meet operating budget expenses for the most recent year and the past five years: has not been drawn upon
At the current rate of draw, how long might the endowment last? NA
Other Assets
Reserves (savings): $0
Investments (other than endowment): $3,084,044 (This is money received from the sale of the former First Congregational UCC of Berea to Baldwin Wallace University.) Property owned in Berea at value of approximately $200,000.
Does your church have a parsonage? NO
Describe all buildings owned by the church: ● Our 14,822 sq foot, one level, brick building is located on 4 acres including a large, tree studded front yard and a side yard that is open and green. The building is totally handicapped accessible. ● We have one large friendship hall with an adjoining smaller room and kitchen, 7 classrooms, 3 offices, one library/meditation room. ● The offices, sanctuary and Friendship Hall are all air conditioned. ● All interior spaces, with the exception of the sanctuary, have recently been redecorated. ● The sanctuary seats approximately 200 and includes a dedicated space for young worshippers, a Charles Ruggles pipe organ and a grand piano. ● We have 1 men’s, 1 women’s and 2 gender neutral, handicap accessible restrooms. ● The outdoor labyrinth is surrounded by a garden. ● The property also includes 3 outdoor storage areas and a paved parking lot. ● This property is held in trust by the Presbytery of the Western Reserve as per the trust clause of the PCUSA. ● In addition to the main property, the church also owns an empty parcel of land that is just over one acre located 1.8 miles from the church near the Berea city center. This parcel is not included in the trust held by the presbytery.
Describe non-owned buildings or space used or rented by the church: NA
19 Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? The entire building is accessible with the exception of the chancel area and pulpit.
Reflection: After reviewing the church’s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s mission and ministry? St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and First Church of Berea federated two years ago, making Christ United only two years old. The Governing Board determines the budget based on annual pledges and donations with consideration of staffing and mission needs. As we learn to be together as one congregation, major decisions about new ministry initiatives are being guided by our provocative proposals.
3f. HISTORICAL INFORMATION Name one to three significant happenings in the history of your church that have shaped the identity of your congregation. Add the most important event in the life of your church in the past 10 years. The most important event would be the federating of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and First Congregational UCC of Berea.
Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past. see above
Every church has conflict, some minor, some larger. “Where two or three are gathered, there will be disagreement….” Describe your congregation’s values and practices when it comes to conflict. We strive to listen to one another and to hear all sides on issues when they arise. Given our short history as a federated congregation, we have yet to experience a significant conflict. Both previous congregations used similar approaches and included assistance from denominational sources as needed.
20 Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years) First UCC of Berea Staff member’s name Years of service UCC Standing (Y/N)
Charles Kuck 15+ Y
Kurt Katzmar 10 Y
Richard Hardy* 2 Y
Martha Chenault 4 Y
Gary Halstead 5 Y
Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership: As a separate church, First UCC of Berea has shifted from a top down leadership model to a more congregation led process. Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? Yes* Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation? Yes* Has a past pastor been the subject of a Fitness Review while at your church? Yes*
St. Andrew’s PCUSA Staff member’s name Years of service PCUSA Standing (Y/N)
Dick Fouse 13 Y
Oommen Thomas 20 Y
Mark Griggs+/Barbara Barkley 2 Y
Barbara Barkley 3 Y
Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership: As a separate church, St. Andrew’s PCUSA had very strong lay leadership which we relied upon as needed.
21 Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? Yes+ Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation? Yes+ Presbyterian equivalent Has a past pastor been the subject of a Fitness Review while at your church? No+
22 4. WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NRSV)
a. COMMUNITY VISION b. MISSION InSite
4a. COMMUNITY VISION
How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy? The following activities are examples of the ways in which our congregation engages in the community: ● Serving a monthly meal on Cleveland’s near west side ● Serving lunches in Berea’s summer lunch program ● Warrior’s Journey Home ● Open Table assistance for foster children who age out ● Church Street Ministries Inc that provides food and other assistance to area families ● Heifer International ● Academy for Dramatic Arts ● Blessing of the Animals
Describe your congregation’s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting). A member of our congregation is currently the Moderator of the Ohio Conference and other members of the congregation attend association meetings, General Synod, and serve on association committees. We also have members who are equally active in the PCUSA and the Stated Clerk of The Presbytery of the Western Reserve is a member.
Many local churches love to tell the story of what they are doing in the community to transform lives. Some have identified certain aspects of their witness into the wider community using language shared with other UCC congregations. (Find more information as desired at ucc.org.) Check any statements below that apply to your UCC faith community.
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__ Accessible to All (A2A) x Just Peace x Creation Justice __ __Global Mission Church __ Economic Justice __ x Open and Affirming (ONA) __ Faithful and Welcoming __ __WISE Congregation for Mental Health x God Is Still Speaking (GISS)__ __Other UCC designations: __ Border and Immigrant Justice__ x Designations from other denominations __Inter-cultural/Multi-racial (I’M)__ __None
Reflect on what the above statement(s) mean(s) to your community. Is your congregation interested in working toward any of the above statements of witness in the near future? As we grow together as a new congregation, God will lead us in our called direction. We have explored the issues around welcoming our LGBTQIA+ friends and we voted to become and An Open and Affirming and More Light congregation on September 23, 2018.
Describe your congregation’s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional). CUC participates on a regular basis with a church located across the street. The process of becoming a federated church came following years of combined activities. We also participate in several hunger programs that are ecumenically based.
If your congregation has a mission statement, how does that mission statement compare to the actual time spent engaging in different activities? Think of the range of activities from time spent gathering, to governance, to time spent going out. CUC actively reflects our mission statement. CUC strives to show God’s love through actions of love and caring. Reflect on the scope of work assigned to your pastor(s). How is their community ministry and their ministry in and on behalf of the wider church accounted for in the congregation’s expectations on their time? CUC expects the pastor to be active in the wider church and the community. The amount of time would certainly vary depending on the needs of the congregation, wider church and the community.
24 4b. MISSION InSite Comment on your congregation’s MissionInsite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown? We are working with the “full steam” ahead group who are looking for a movement and not necessarily an institution. Our strong mission mentality would fit into our core values and challenge us to work outside of our walls.
How do your congregation’s internal demographics compare or contrast to a) the neighborhoods adjacent to your church, and b) other neighborhoods with which your church connects? Very comparable.
How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not? The “aging in place” religious perspective definitely reflects the core values of our church. Much of our vision is shaped by “God’s mission, our community and my church”.
What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for? Due to the recent federating of two churches, we have caught the eye of the community. Our church is also known for its work in mission.
What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved? New people visiting our church comment without fail about our friendly, non- judgemental demeanor. We are found to have a welcoming family atmosphere that is small enough to know people personally and large enough to extend the hand of help to our neighbors. We have an engaging worship experience that incorporates tradition and creative elements.
25 5. REFERENCES
Name up to three people who have agreed to serve as phone and written references. Advise the three references: “The contact information you provide may be shared publicly. Please use contact information that you feel comfortable giving to candidates so they can reach you with their questions.” Make sure they are not members of your church but are persons who know your church well enough to be helpful to candidates seeking more information. Request a letter from each reference in answer to the four prompts below. Attach the letters (up to three) as desired. REFERENCE 1 Name Rev. Ogie White Address 10874 Meadow Trail Strongsville, OH 44149 Phone Numbers 216-210-8244 Relation retired Minister of Word and Sacrament regularly worshipping with us E-mail [email protected]
REFERENCE 2 Name Rev. Jody LeFort Address 28312 Osborn Rd Bay Village, OH 44140 Phone Numbers 216-469-8713 Relation retired Minister of Word and Sacrament former transitional pastor E-mail [email protected]
REFERENCE 3 Name Chaplain Willie Springer Address 31 West Bridge St. #300 Berea, OH 44017 Phone Numbers 440-973-4567 Relation Coordinator for Veterans Outreach office E-mail [email protected]
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6. CLOSING THOUGHTS a. CLOSING PRAYER b. STATEMENT OF CONSENT c. CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION VALIDATION
6a. CLOSING PRAYER ______GODBURST When the Holy Child is born into our hearts there is a rain of stars a rushing of angels a blaze of candles this God burst into our lives. Love is running through the streets. Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem
6b. STATEMENT OF CONSENT The covenantal relationship between a church and those called by that church to serve as pastors and teachers and in other ministerial positions is strengthened when vital information is openly shared by covenantal partners. To that end, we attest that, to the best of our abilities, we have provided information in this profile that accurately represents our church. We have not knowingly withheld any information that would be helpful to candidates. As the committee charged with the responsibility for identifying and recommending suitable new minister for our church, we have been authorized to share the information herein with potential candidates. We understand that a candidate may wish to secure further knowledge, information, and opinions about our church. We encourage a candidate to do so, recognizing that an open exchange of relevant information builds the foundation for continuing and healthy relationships between calling bodies and persons seeking a ministry position.
Which individuals and groups in the church contributed to the contents of this Local Church Profile? The Pastor Search and Nominating Committee, the Governing Board, the Vision Team, the Financial Committee, Berea Cares, Nayiri Karjian (WRA/EA General Minister)
27 6c. VALIDATION BY CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION ____
The congregation is currently in good standing with the association / conference named. Staff Comment: Christ Church is a community faithful to its calling, to Jesus Christ and the two denominations in which it holds standing.
To the best of my knowledge, ministerial history information is complete. Staff Comment: Yes.
To the best of my knowledge, available church financial information is presented thoroughly. Staff Comment: Yes.
My signature below attests to the above three items. Signature: Nayiri Karjian
Name/ Title: Association General Minister Email: [email protected] Phone: 330.940.2220 Date: September 26, 2018
This document is created through support to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) and is only possible through the covenantal relationships of all settings of the United Church of Christ.
“Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God!’” – Mark 11:22
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