United Church of Christ



2020PastorDatePosition to be filledUnited Church of ChristLOCAL CHURCH PROFILEFOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS Local ChurchStatement 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 a suitable new minister for our church, we have been authorized to share the information herein with potential candidatesWe understand that a candidate may wish to secure further knowledge, information, and opinion 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.Signature of Search Committee ChairpersonDateChurchName:ST. JOHN’S UCC OF ORWIGSBURGAddress:232-236 E. MARKET STREET, P.O. BOX 216ORWIGSBURG, PA 17961 Search Committee Chairperson or Contact PersonName:Tracey HollerAddress:3046 Ridgeview Dr. ORWIGSBURG, PA 17961-9502Tele:(570) 366-0543Fax:(570) 366-2274Email:abctholler@ 2020PastorDatePosition to be filledLOCAL CHURCH PROFILEFOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS Please return the completed document to your conference or association office.1.Church:ST. JOHN’S UCC OF ORWIGSBURG 2.Address:232-236 E. Market St., P.O. BOX 216Orwigsburg, PA 17961Website: of Search Committee Chairperson/Contact Person:Name:Tracey HollerAddress:3046 Ridgeview Dr. Orwigsburg, PA 17961-9502Telephone:(570) 366-0543Email:abctholler@ Fax:(570) 366-22744.Conference/Association Staff Person Assisting Our Church:Name:Rev. Sharon S. Morris – PA Southeast Conference of the U.C.C.Address:1441 Laura Lane, Suite 100, Pottstown, PA 19464Telephone:(484) 949-8774 x 302Email:morris@Fax:(484) 949-8784Email:MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION5.Membership:(as reflected in the eleven-year UCC Statistical Report for our church;“est.” indicates the figure as an estimate.)Last Year5 Years Ago10 Years Agoa.# Church Members230375357b.Average attendance at worship5191102c.Average participation of youth in C.E.61525d.Average weekly participation in adult education4108e.# Members who are ordained clergy10 6.Profile of CongregationEstimate percentage of congregation. Each category should add up to 100%.a. Agec. Family Units 5%0-530%couples with children at home10%6-1841%couples without children at home 6%19-3424%single15%35-49 5%single parent with children at home20%50-6420%65-7424%75+b. Education level of Adultsd. Occupation of Adults 1%Completed less than high school13%Business17%High school graduate 4%Clerical11%Some college/vocational school 0%Farmer/rancher48%College graduates 5%Laborer/manufacturing23%Graduate school44%Professional 7%Student447675132715“So we who are many, are one bodyin Christ . . .”Romans 12:5a00“So we who are many, are one bodyin Christ . . .”Romans 12:5a 2%Tradesperson28%Other/Retirede. Employment47%Employed 1%Not currently employed52%retiredDescribe the racial-ethnic makeup of your congregation:We are a predominantly white congregation, with a small percentage of minorities. 7.Total Church Income – Budget IncomeLast Year5 Years Ago10 Years Agoa.Members’ offerings$144,257.00$180,874.00$162,234.00b.Interest from investment or endowments$4,635.00$1,592.00$826.00c.Principal reduction (endowments or investments) Loan Balance$0.00$1,596.00$1,961.00d.Rentals$20,678.00$14,390.00$16,549.00e.Special Fundraising Capital Campaigns$0.00$14,390.00$16,549.00f.Other$0.00$0.00$0.00If the church has conducted an annual stewardship campaign, list results for the past two years:We have not had a formal campaign in the past two (2) years, but we hold annual stewardship appeals.8.Total Operating BudgetLast Year5 Years Ago10 Years Agoa.Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support$4,850.00$7,000.00$11,000.00b.Our Church’s Wider Mission Special Support$0.00$0.00Unknownc.Other Gifts$100.00$8,419.00Unknownd.Current Local Expenses*$100.00*$11,000.00Unknowne.Annual Capital Payments$0.00$0.00$0.00f.Other DebtSee #11See #11See #11 *for emergency assistance9.Identify UCC special offerings the church receives throughout the year and the amounts from last year:$144.00One Great Hour of Sharing$89.00Neighbors in Need$62.00Christmas Fund$55.00Strengthen the Church10.Missiona.Beyond your contributions through the UCC, name the most significant local or global missions/ministries or agencies that were financially supported by your local church last year and the amount of support:NameAmountNameAmountFood Pantry$2,337.00Blankets$136.00Boy Scouts$40.00Phoebe Ministries$126.00Emergency Assistance$100.00Thai Child Sponsor$1,315.00Fire and Ambulance$100.00Team Orwigsburg$200.00b.What mission project has excited your church the most in the past three years? Why?Food pantry is growing and serving more families and individuals each year. In two (2) years, the pantry has served over 1,200 baskets.11.Indebtednessa.Total amount of outstanding mortgages/capital debt:$0.00 – Church has a working Letter of Creditb.Total amount of other debt: $0.00Describe: credit card paid in full on a monthly basisc.Are payments current? Yes.12.Capital Campaigns:a.If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, note goal and results: Goal:$12,000.002014-2015Outcome:$12,000.00Goal:$115,630.002009-2013Outcome:$115,630.00b.What projects were undertaken as a result of your capital campaign?2014-2015Campaign for Handicap Ramp at Fellowship Hall2009-2013Campaign for Church repairs of outer wall, parsonage windows, walkway, roof repair, paving, kitchen hood, center windows, center basement waterproofing, and chimney capc.Was there a mission or outreach component to the campaign? No.d.If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe it:Goal:N/ABeginning Date: N/APurpose:N/A13.Assets Held by the Church:a.Reserves (savings):Total$133,798as of 12/31/2019Liquid$38,317Building$38,268Memorial$24,914Health MinistryCemetery$892$31,407b.Endowments/Investments:$32,958.00From one (1) money market accountc.Describe buildings and property of your church except the parsonage:2 level stone church with balcony and steeple (1996 Tax Assessed Value $457,420)1 story brick church office ($50,000)3 story framed community center, with 3 rental units (1998 Assessed Value $73,600)2 parking lots at front and rear of church (1996 Assessed Value $60,800)3 acre non-adjacent cemetery (1996 Assessed Value $26,100)d.Is the church building (including sanctuary and offices) handicapped accessible? Yes.Is the pulpit handicapped accessible? No, but possible and feasible.e.If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including estimated date of completion: No.f.If the church owns a parsonage, describe it:Address:670 Kimmels Road, Orwigsburg (Schuylkill County) PA 17961# of Rooms6Bedrooms3Bathrooms1.5Description: Brick/frame, 2 level, shingled roof, oil heat. 3 bedroom ranch with living room, dining room, kitchen, den/office, family room, large unfinished cement basement, attached one car garage, screened porch, furnished appliances, located in rural setting.Distance from Church:0.7mi (one turn)Handicapped Accessible?No.FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF MINISTERIAL LEADERS14.If your conference has compensation guidelines, do you follow them?Xyesyes for some compensation items but not allnoDoes the church consider this position to be full time or part time?XFull timePart Time (specify)How will church members be supportive of a part time or bi-vocational pastor who may need another job to supplement the church salary? Not preferred.15.Salary HistoryTo provide a profile of salaries for the position you are seeking to fill, indicate salaries at the beginning and ending of the ministers’ tenure. Do not include interim positions. If a parsonage is provided, insert the letter “P” in the space provided. Provide information for the last 3 leaders or the last ten years.Start DateEnd DateYearSalaryHousingParsonageYearSalaryHousingParsonagea.Last2017$44,560$1,200P2019$44,560$1,200Pb.Previous2002$39,000$13,311P2014$46,092$0.00Pc.Next Previous1995$31,920$10,570P1999$31,920$10,570Pd.Total Package2019$75,5452018$75,5452014$69,16816.During the above period, has your church ever failed to fulfill its financial obligations to its pastor?yesXnoIf yes, please comment:17.Salary, Benefits, and Expenses Offereda.Cash Salary offered:$45,000 plus benefitsConference recommended salary range:$45,224 — $55,505 : Parsonage includes utilities and maintenance, allowance could be consideredc.Customary benefits*:XVacation: 4 weeks, more vacation negotiableXMaternity/paternity leaveXUCC Retirement Annuity (14% of compensation)Social Security/Medicare OffsetXUCC Life & Disability Insurance BenefitsXContinuing Education FundsXUCC Health Benefits (___ other health benefits)XContinuing Education TimeXUCC Dental Benefits (___ other dental benefits)XSabbatical (negotiable)XOther benefits (specify)d.Ministry Expenses* (these items are reimbursed in addition to salary):XTravel ReimbursementXMeeting Expense ReimbursementXBooks & PeriodicalsXReimbursement of Criminal Background FeeXMoving Expenses*items in “c” and “d” are all negotiableCOMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS18.Populationa.Population of total city or town in which your church is located:Municipal:3,106 (Orwigsburg)b.Describe the population by racial-ethnic category and identify the source of the information:97.71% white, 0.32% black, 0.3% native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.6% pacific islander,0.23% other, 0.55% 2 or more, 0.55% Hispanic/Latino. (2000 Census data)19.Economic FactorsIdentify major sources of employment/income in your communitya.HYDRO (aluminum extrusion)d.Boyer’s Groceryb.Wegman’s Distribution Centere.Schuylkill Medical Centersc.Wal-Mart Distribution Centerf.Blue Mountain School Districtg.IWCO Direct20.General Description (Add *** if the info came from a survey of the congregation)a.Describe three distinctive attributes of your community1.We have a “walkable” borough, i.e. doctors, dentists, grocers, pharmacy***2.Close knit, small American town***3.Close to major roads; two hr. drive to Philadelphia, New York & Baltimore***b.Identify major trends you envision in your community during the next five years:1.Less Commercial Retail Startups due to greater utilization of internet sales2.Outmigration of young adults***3.Drugs and alcohol enforcement, treatment and preventionc.List three or four problem areas confronting your community that members feel your church should address:1.Poverty***2.Church attendance from wider community and “unchurched families” ***3.Drugs and alcohol4.Healthcare stabilityd.Indicate Mission Activities:1.In which your church participates as a part of its mission in the community:Food Pantry; Blood Drives; and involvement in community-wide events2.In which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate:We do not require participation in above activities. We would look to a leader to assist us regarding what needs to be addressed.e.Describe how your church building is now being used by the community:Food pantry (1/mo.); Yoga (1/wk.); Quilting (1/wk.); Cub, Boy and Girls Scouts (weekly); Senior Citizens (1/wk.)f.Indicate the number of school districts from which members of your church are drawn: onetwoXthree or moreCONGREGATIONAL LIFE(Add *** if the info came from a survey of the congregation)21.Identify major trends you envision in your church in the next five yearsIn the next five years our congregation has pledged itself to reviewing the adequacy of our existing programs, strengthening our youth mission and corporate dynamic worship, and establishing a post confirmand and adult Sunday school program.We are working on building and strengthening existing programs, such as continued support of our music program and contributions to OCWM, as well as continued support of outreach by way of Food Pantry, Team Orwigsburg, OCWM, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, and community use of our facilities.22.Planninga.All churches do planning. How would you characterize the way planning is done in your church?We are organized with a governing board (Consistory) that has 12 elected members. Seven (7) members are head of ministries: outreach, education, stewardship, worship, property, and parish life. The ministries are charged with various responsibilities for the functional and relational areas of the church community. Ideas are brought to the commissions, discussed, and if accepted are then proposed to the consistory for approval and budget support if needed. Informal planning is done in a number of ways, through consistory and ministries, which provide fellowship and financial support for some of the congregation’s goals. We are consciously working at becoming increasingly open to planned objectives based on our strategic goals.b.What expectations do you have of the person you are seeking in relation to the planning that takes place?Our major expectation is that this individual would provide advice and resources as we plan and implement our goals and objectives. In addition, encouraging involvement by as many of the congregation as possible is desirable.c.When is the last time your church undertook a period of discernment and long-range planning in an intentional way?We undertook Revitalization Program offered by conference approximately 7-8 years ago.d.What were the outcomes of your intentional long-range planning? Implemented small groups, behavioral covenant, and growth & membership ministry.e.Does your church have any plans to undertake a period of intentional long-range planning in the future?None at this time. Considering planning with regard to property, finances and aging membership.23.Reflections on Congregational LifeComment on the following with what you believe to be the generally-held responses of the congregation. If more space is needed, use additional pages. (Add *** if information came from a survey of the congregation.)a.Identify the three most important faith experiences or events in the history of your church and the year each took place:EventYear1.Celebrating St. John’s 175th anniversary and 100 years of our Church location at 232 E Market***20052.Welcoming of our first female pastor***20013.Schism within the congregation***1992b.Identify the most challenging faith experience or event in the life of your church in the last three years and what the church learned from it:The recent departure of previous pastor challenged our Church, but we remained fully functional with the help of lay leaders.***c.What is God calling your church to do/become over the next few years?Our congregation will tend to our seniors; mission our community with active involvement; and development of small groups with participation from congregation and the community.In addition, we will: (1) review our current worship service to determine if it meets the present and future needs of the congregation and the community, such as whether to retain a traditional service or look for incorporating more contemporary customs into services; (2) strengthen our dynamic corporate worship especially through youth and laity involvement; (3) establish a new adult and post confirmation Sunday school program; and (4) strengthen our youth membership and growth.These objectives will be monitored, added to, and modified over the next five years. The most important aspect of this process, however, is the commitment of a large portion of our worshipping congregation to expanding the missions to which we feel called.d.Describe how the church expects the person you are seeking to help your church reach these goals:We are looking for a pastor who will work with the congregation to equip us to discern our path. As a community of believers, we wish to be inclusive and inviting to all in our church family and community. We look for a pastor to share these values and work with us to achieve these ends.Active participation of our pastor will be vital to help our Church with discernment of where we are going.e.Chose the statement that most accurately describes the theological/faith stance of your church: You may check more than one.We tend to be theologically conservative.We tend to be theologically moderate to conservative.We tend to be theologically moderate.We tend to be theologically moderate to liberal.We tend to be theologically liberal.We tend to be quite diverse theologically.XOtherComments: We are a politically diverse group and theologically moderate. Our church is historically Evangelical and Reformed which still reflects in our liturgy and theology. Although we may be theologically conservative relative to the national UCC, we are relatively moderate in comparison to local churches. We are comfortable with moderate theology, but both ends of the scale are present in the congregation.f.Describe the educational program of your church:For children up through 6th grade, we have a 45 minute Sunday School program during worship. Seventh grade is traditionally confirmation class. Adults currently have a group meeting Sunday mornings to reflect upon and discuss how to live a Christian life. We also participate with our local Lutheran church in providing summer Bible school.Identify the curriculum/a used in your church school and the person or committee responsible for selection of curriculum/a:The Education ministry is headed by Jarrod Kramer. The current curriculum used is DeepBlue by Abingdon Press.Indicate resources used for Confirmation and the person or committee responsible for the selection of these resources:The resource used for confirmation is Affirming Faith. The Pastor and Education ministry are responsible for the selection of the curricula. Each confirmand is mentored by a member of the congregation, the Pastor or a parent.Are there educational opportunities for all ages?Yes, however within the past 2-3 years there have tended to be more adults willing to be available to educate child members than children who consistently attend Sunday school. We are currently discussing planning on encouraging young families to support and attend Sunday School.Does your church have a written Safe Church Policy?XYesNo (If No, has a group worked on this issue in past? What was the outcome?g.Describe how the church expects the person you are seeking to participate in the congregation’s educational programs:The pastor we seek would act as a resource and advisor to educational programs. This would include attending the Education Ministry meetings and leading the confirmation class.h.Describe how programs or ministries of your church are evaluated:Ministries review programs and pastoral relations reviews pastor. Congregation approves programs at annual meeting. Ministries submit monthly reports to the Consistory. Annual reports are submitted for and reviewed at the annual congregational meeting.i.Describe the strengths or positive qualities of your church: (Add *** if information came from a survey of the congregation.)Ethos of Welcoming***St. John’s has a friendly and welcoming ethos where people find acceptance as well as a strong family atmosphere. We are proud of our welcoming and caring approach to ministry. Community involvement and Ministry***We are a community serving church with the following outreach groups: Food Pantry, Team Orwigsburg Mission group, Boy Scouts, Senior Citizens and shut–in visitations. We carry our Christ-centered beliefs by outreach into the community and unselfishly share our facilities with the community.Faith/Music***As a congregation, we journey together in Christ’s love and have shown strong leadership in faith. We find comfort and guidance from Christ’s family and feel God’s presence here. We share our faith and beliefs here as one family. We have an extremely talented director of music and an extremely strong music program.Sanctuary***Our sanctuary provides an environment that most find peaceful and inspiring which lends to the beauty of worship.24.Indicate major boards, committees, small groups, and organizations that are a part of your church; the frequency of meetings (monthly, weekly, etc.); and expectations for leadership. For leadership role use: 1 = pastor takes primary initiative and responsibility; 2 = pastor and laity share responsibility; 3 = laity take primary initiative and responsibility; 4 = the pastor’s presence is expected periodically/occasionally.Board/CommitteeChairPurpose#MembersFrequencyLeadershipConsistoryBill HollerGoverning body91/mo.3Health MinistryKay JonesCommissioned Minister71/mo.4Music & WorshipRick SiegfriedChoir, Hymns31/mo.3StewardshipLarry KellyFinance/Fundraising51/mo.4Parish LifeElaine DeitzlerSelf-explanatory21/mo.3PropertyBill HollerProperty/Maintenance31/mo.4Growth & MembershipJamie BartonSelf-explanatory41/mo.2OutreachKay JonesSelf-explanatory31/mo.2Christian EducationJarrod KramerSelf-explanatory21/mo.2Altar GuildTracey HollerSelf-explanatory13-4Food PantryEdna HartSelf-explanatory32/mo.4Team OrwigsburgSusan McCartneyLocal Mission Work4-4FlowersPaulette PetersSelf-explanatory1-4Seasonal DécorBarbara MarrongelleSelf-explanatory1-4ChoirTrena MurphySelf-explanatory201/wk.4GreetersRick SiegfriedSelf-explanatory2-4Ongoing Small GroupsPurposeBible StudyEducation and Fellowship3-61/wk.4Chit ChatFellowship6-121/mo.325.ConflictMost churches experience conflict at various times. Characterize your church’s experience with conflict given the following possibilities. Indicate the extent to which each statement describes your church: C = closely; S = somewhat; N = not at all.Cas a church, we respect and listen to each other and work things through without generating divisivenessSas a church, we try to respect and listen to each other, but it is not uncommon for differences of opinion to be a problem and for some people to choose sidesCsome have left our church because of conflictNconflict hurts our sense of unity, but we tend not to talk about itCpainful experience with conflict has been present, but it has been worked through, and we have learned from the experienceSwe have had some painful experiences with conflict, and they linger in the backgroundNopen conflict is present, and we need a minister who can help us deal with itCotherSpecify:We read the behavioral covenant before every ment: It is important to point out that while we appropriately marked “C” for the 1st, 3rd and 5th statements, the divisiveness and conflict we are referring to took place more than 20 years ago. Likewise, it’s just as important to note that we took part in a Spiritual Revitalization Program approximately 5 years ago, where one of the outcomes was the creation and congregational adoption of our Behavioral Covenant. We read this Behavioral Covenant before all our meetings. See attached at Appendix 2.26.Worshipa.Describe the weekly worship schedule (number of services, times, languages in which the services are conducted, frequency with which communion is included, special emphases such as healing services, contemporary worship, etc.)Our church service starts at 10:00AM on every Sunday, and runs from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is in the English language. Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month. The service is most frequently traditional, however we have experimented with other types of services (e.g. Jazz services) and are interested in possibly blending contemporary or modern worship into our services. Our last pastor called our service a “traditional service for contemporary souls.”b.Are your worship services or church gatherings sign language interpreted?YesXNoAre there particular ministries for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness?YesXNoComment: lack thereof is based upon necessity.c.Identify how worship is planned on a regular basis in your churchby a worship committeeby the pastorXby the pastor in consultation with the church musicianother – specify:d.Describe the style and content of preaching valued by your congregation:Traditional liturgy with pastoral input. Give Christ- perspective/ God- Centered sermons which relate the Bible to our everyday lives, which in turn we take with us into the world to walk more like Christ. Someone who is biblically knowledgeable, can translate and interpret the bible and able to give meaningful and interesting sermons. Use of humor is appreciated. Prefer a Pastor who reaches out to the congregation with a handshake, blesses the children, and includes youth and children in the worship. Look for someone who is an engaging speaker and who communicates well with the congregation.e.Describe the role in worship of the person you are seeking:We Seek someone who can relate and resonate with our Motto - “Traditional Worship for Contemporary Souls.” Also seek a person who can lead a God-centered liturgy with sound and consistent theology. Seek a person who is sensitive to the congregation regarding the pace at which proposed changes in liturgy are introduced and how these are communicated in advance.Liturgy-Role in WorshipPrefer a traditional mainline service /liturgy with a familiar flow throughout the year, one which uses fresh and relevant wording in confession, prayer, and congregational responses, and includes a predominance of familiar hymns. A God-centered liturgy seems best provided by a relatively simple service whose elements “focuses” rather than “distracts” the worshipper. Use of lay lector in reading of the first two passages, followed by the Gospel read by the Pastor, and a “time with children,” all have been received well. We also include “Prayers of the People” in the service. f.What hymnal(s) are currently used by your congregation in worship?Worship & Rejoice; Hope Publishing; copyright 2001. We also possess a music license, LCCI, which gives us copy privileges of a wider range of church music. We also incorporate some contemporary Christian music along with traditional music within the worship service.g.Have you considered using another hymnal?Yes.h.Churches have a variety of practices related to the use of Inclusive Language in worship services. (Some churches have made the decision not to change any language in worship; others are intentionally inclusive in their references to people avoiding words such as “mankind”. Some avoid exclusively male references for God and seek to include male and female images as well as a variety of metaphors; other churches exercise care in the words of the liturgy but still utilize “traditional” hymns.) How important is this issue to your church?Inclusive language is not an issue with our church, but we have noticed subtle changes over the years.WIDER CHURCH CONNECTIONS27.United Church of Christa.Association, conference, or other denominational programs and activities in which church members participate:Do you send delegates to association and conference meetings?RegularlyXOccasionallyNeverb.Have members of your church ever served as delegates or visitors to General Synod?YesXNoNot Surec.Choose the word that best describes how lay leaders of your church consciously identify with the United Church of Christ:closelyXmoderatelynominallyOtherComment:28.Ecumenical and Interfaith Activitiesa.Describe ways your church participated in ecumenical and interfaith active ties during the past three years:We are involved in several county/region-wide interfaith activities, including the interfaith health network and diversity council. Food pantry and Vacation Bible School is a consortium of local churches. b.Describe how your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate in ecumenical and interfaith activities:Participation is encouraged, but we have always deferred to the pastor’s interests.RELATIONSHIP WITH MINISTERIAL LEADERS29.Relationship with Prior Leadersa.Characterize your church’s experience with pastoral leaders over the past 15 years:You may check more than one response:XIn general, our lay leaders have a history of strong, cooperative relationships with the church’s pastoral leadership.We have had some fairly rocky moments, but we have worked them through, and relationships with pastoral leaders have grown in significant and important ways.XWe have had some tough times and things did not always work out.other – specify:Comment: We have a history of very successful and solid relationships with pastors over the life of our church. We have also had very successful and solid relationships with our settled pastors and interims since 1992.b.Indicate the tenure of the last three installed persons who filled the position you are seeking to fill. Do not include interims:NameFromToJan Remer-OsbornBarbara Kershner02/01/201703/01/200108/31/201912/04/2014David Seymour03/01/199507/11/1999c.If a previous pastor or pastor emeritus/a is currently a member of the church, describe his or her involvement in the life of the congregation:Our former pastor, Barbara Kershner, became a member of our church. She lives out of state, in Massachusetts.d.In addition to financial support, describe how your church supported the most recent person to hold the position you are now seeking to fill:We were consistent in looking for opportunities to love and support our pastor and her husband, who had relocated from the mid-West and had no immediate family nearby. e.Involuntary Terminations:Have any of the last three persons serving in the position you are seeking to fill left involuntarily or under pressure? Yes. If “yes,” respond to the following:Choose all the issues that may have contributed to the involuntary termination. You may check more than one or indicate “not applicable.”Xconflict of personalities in the churchXinadequate performanceXpastoral style inappropriate for this churchethical issues or issues of fitness for ministryfinancial stressesother. Specify:Indicate, if you can, which of the following best describe the congregation’s behavior toward that person prior to her or his leaving: You may check more than one.XCivilXKindXCompassionateXSupportiveXHarshXIndifferentDescribe what your church has learned from the experience about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:We have learned the importance of having a shared vision, mission and direction. In addition, we recognize the need for continual and effective communication within the congregation. We have a Behavioral Covenant which requires us to meet conflict directly and handle it proactively. See attached at Appendix 2.30.Does the church have a Pastoral Relations Committee? Yes.If yes, describe its purpose, functions and how often they meet:Its purpose is to provide a two-way forum which: (a) promotes early identification of a potentially resolvable problem before conflict develops; (b) serves as a sounding board for parishioners’ ideas, comments, and questions as they may arise from time to time. Consistory has a written statement regarding the committee’s membership (5-6) and schedule (quarterly meetings). It is clearly understood that it functions as a communications tool whose hallmark is one of mutually assured confidence. No minutes are kept, and while the membership rotates, an effort is made to keep the chairman in order to preserve continuity.31.If there is periodic assessment/evaluation of the nature of the work and of the performance of that work for the position you are seeking to fill? Describe it:St. John’s has a personnel policy manual which includes job descriptions for all salaried employees (presently 5 positions) and guidelines for an interactive performance evaluation. The President and Vice-President of the Consistory meet with the Pastor and the Chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee to annually review the Pastor’s job performance and to set mutually accepted goals and objectives for the coming year. See attached at Appendix 1.Is the periodic ministerial evaluation coordinated with a regular assessment of the overall ministry of the congregation? Yes.32.Leadership ExpectationsA list follows of 45 items which represent a range of qualities in the ministry of the church. Place an “X” beside the 12 items which your church feels are the most important aspects of ministry for your church at this time. All the qualities are important. However, please mark those 12 which you feel need first priority at this time. Do not rank the items. If the aspects you consider to be important are not included in the list, place them at the end in the blanks provided.Mark only 12 of the following items. Do not rank the items.Our church needs a person who...1.__X_is an effective preacher/speaker2.____continues to develop his/her theological and biblical skills3.__X_helps people develop their spiritual life 4.____helps people work together in solving problems5.__X_is effective in planning and leading worship6.____has a sense of the direction of his/her ministry7.____regularly encourages people to participate in United Church of Christ activities and programs8.____helps people understand and act upon issues of social justice9.____is a helpful counselor10.____ministers effectively to people in crisis situations11.__X_makes pastoral calls on people in hospitals and nursing homes and those confined to their homes12.____makes pastoral calls on members not confined to their homes13.__X_is a good leader14.__X_is effective in working with children15.__X_builds a sense of fellowship among the people with whom he/she works16.____helps people develop their leadership abilities17.__X_is an effective administrator18.____is effective with committees and officers19.____is an effective teacher20.____has a strong commitment to the educational ministry of the church21.____is effective in working with adults22.____inspires a sense of confidence23.__X_works regularly at bringing new members into the church24.____regularly encourages support of Our Church’s Wider Mission25.____reaches out to inactive members26.____works regularly in the development of stewardship growth27.____is active in ecumenical relationships and encourages the church to participate28.____is a person of faith29.____writes clearly and well30.____works well on a team31.__X_is effective in working with youth32.____organizes people for community action33.____is skilled in planning and leading programs34.____plans and leads well-organized meetings35.__X_encourages people to relate their faith to their daily lives36.____is accepting of people with divergent views37.____encourages others to assume and carry out leadership38.____is mature and emotionally secure39.____has strong commitment and loyalty40.____maintains confidentially41.____understands and interprets the mission of the church from a global perspective42.__X_is a compassionate and caring person43.____deals effectively with conflict44.____________________________________45.____________________________________If there are other comments you wish to make about expectations, include one or more paragraphs here on an additional sheet.GENERAL33.Does your governing body or your search committee have a well-defined policy against discrimination? No.34.Has your congregation participated in an ONA (Open and Affirming) study/discernment process? ment: We have and have had gay members in our church family, but we are not presently Open and Affirming.35.Is there a position description of the pastor’s role and responsibilities?Yes. See attached at Appendix 1.36.List the titles of other paid staff positions for whom this person provides supervision and indicate whether these positions are full-time (FT) or part-time (PT).TitlePTFTSecretaryXMusic DirectorXSextonX *we also have a Commissioned Health Minister37.Name three people who have agreed to serve as references. Make sure they are not members of your church, but know your church well enough to be helpful to a final candidate seeking more information about your church, e.g., conference staff, person in community, neighboring pastor:NameTelephoneRelationship to Your Churcha.Rev. Shawn D. Van Dyke(570) 385-2049Pastor or neighboring U.C.C.b.Rev. Sharon S. Morris(484) 949-8774PA Southeast Conferencec.Rev. William Worley(484) 949-8774PA Southeast Conference 38.What groups or individuals in your church have contributed to, reviewed, and/or approved this profile for circulation?Pastoral Search Committee ConsistorySTATEMENT ON LEADERSHIPUsing this page, and one additional page if needed, write a statement that will help a candidate better understand the relationship of clergy and lay leadership in the life of your congregation. Candidates will be interested to know whether your lay leaders have a history of strong, cooperative relationships with the church’s pastoral leadership. If your church organizational structure is based on intentional lay-led ministries, describe how that structure functions in relationship to the pastor; if your organizational structure is dependent on clergy leadership, describe what will be expected of the pastor. If you wish, this statement can provide an opportunity for you to elaborate on the list of committees/boards/groups that you identified in Question 24. (For example, in some churches the expectation is for mutual involvement of pastor and finance committee in the financial matters of the church; other congregations have a clear expectation that the pastor will be focused on “spiritual matters” and will be excluded from settings where financial decisions are made.)Include in the statement reflections on leadership styles that work well for your church. What do you hope/expect that your new pastor will understand and value in your particular style of lay leadership? What would a new pastor need to know in order to work smoothly with your established leaders? If yours is a multiple-staff church, it would be helpful to comment on your expectations of how the staff team members relate to each other. You are encouraged to include anything else you want to say about your church and its expectations of the leader it now seeks:Explaining a “Leadership style” that works well for us:As noted in Article X of St John’s constitution “The Pastor shall preach the word, administer the Sacraments and Rites, prepare the church for its witness in the world, be an instrument of healing in the lives of the people, and guide the community of believer’s in its common work.”There are several areas of leadership we wish to address. Our goal is to have a pastor who has the tools to stimulate growth in our faith and in our congregation with the help of our congregation and lay leaders.The content of the worship service is under the leadership of the pastor. Our congregation has been used to a traditional Christ based liturgy. Major changes to be considered should be reviewed with Consistory or the Worship and Music ministry when necessary. Areas of the service such as flowers on the altar or ushers and greeters are managed under lay direction. The pastor meets monthly with Worship and Music ministry to present any recommendations for worship. The Director of Music with input from the pastor is responsible for the music for services.We have a significant need for pastoral leadership in both direction and support of our education programs. Like many mainline churches we have decreased participation by both adults and youth in church and educational programs. Our confirmation program has been the responsibility of the pastor. Unfortunately there were no members this last year.In regards to leadership in the community the congregation feels the pastor should be involved in the Schuylkill Association. We also would encourage our pastor to be active in the Orwigsburg community determined by their time and skills. The congregation also appreciated the participation of our past minister in the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference.During discussion with the congregation visitation of shut-ins under leadership of the pastor was encouraged. A lay visitation committee is in place but this is felt to be secondary to the active leadership of the pastor.St. John’s has a strong paid staff of an administrative assistant, sexton, and music director. These members have been in their respective positions for many years and have supplied outstanding service to the church. As noted previously the music director is responsive to input from the pastor and worship and music ministry regarding the music program. The administrative assistant is under the direction of the pastor. The church office operates on a computerized system for financial and administrative function. We would hope that the pastor is comfortable with this system. The sexton is primarily under the direction of the property ministry but certainly is responsive to direction from the pastor.Consistory which is elected by the congregation is the overall governing body of church. There are several ministries noted previously in this profile which are under the direction of the consistory and chaired by consistory members. The pastor should provide leadership to these ministries by being a resource to these ministries as needed.Conference or AssociationDescriptive ReferenceChurch Name:St. John’s UCCLocation:Orwigsburg, PA 17961Conference:Pennsylvania Southeast ConferenceAssociation:Schuylkill AssociationName of Staff Assisting in the Search:Rev. Sharon MorrisStaff Comments: ................
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