LOCAL CHURCH PROFILEopportunities.ucc.org/CustomerFTP/3527/Attachments/Zions...LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE – JUNE 2016 PAGE 5 hope to call someone who is caring, sensitive and sociable,

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE

Zion’s United Church of Christ 741 Taborton Road

Sand Lake, NY 12153

Minister

New York Conference, Hudson Mohawk Association

Validation Date: 4/12/19

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)

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE – JUNE 2016 PAGE 2

POSITION POSTING LISTING INFORMATION SCOPE OF WORK COMPENSATION & SUPPORT WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?

LISTING INFORMATION

Church name: Zion’s United Church of Christ

Street address: 741 Taborton Road, Sand Lake, NY 12153

Supplemental web links: Additional ecumenical affiliations: (e.g. denominations, communions, fellowships)

Conference New York

Association – Hudson Mohawk

UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person

Name: Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams Title: Associate Conference Minister

Phone: 315 446-3073 x 410

Email: [email protected]

Summary Ministry Description: In a short paragraph, reflect on where your church is going and what it might look like when you get there. What do you need to get there? Who are you seeking to join you on this part of your church’s faith journey?

• In the future we picture our church doing meaningful mission work and becoming more spiritual in our journey together.

• We picture our youth being excited to worship and remain active in our church after they are confirmed.

• We picture a growing congregation of many families who have belonged to this small church on the mountain for many generations.

• We picture welcoming any one to join in worshiping and membership. • We picture a growing congregation of diverse political and social

backgrounds while respecting each other’s beliefs.


• We picture peace. • We are seeking a fulltime minister to help us in this journey of growing our

church; enhancing our worship services; retaining our youth and providing spiritual guidance as well as inspiration to help move us forward.

Insert 1 – 3 images of your church, its people, its parsonage or building or gathering space, etc. What we value about living in our area (2 – 3 sentences):

• The members of this church value the scenic, rural beauty of this area. • We value the history of this church. • We value the exceptional school district. • We value the surrounding communities and being within short travel distance

to hospitals and colleges. Current size of membership:

• We have 175 active members with 57 members attending church on a regular basis.


Languages used in ministry (other than English):

• Only English Position Title:

• We are seeking a Settled pastor

Compensation Level:

Full Time Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines?

• Yes SCOPE OF WORK (add here the Scope of Work developed by your church using the Call Agreement Workbook)

• The Pastor/minister of Zion’s United Church of Christ is a fulltime position. The primary duties will be: • Leading weekly services of worship, holding communion at least once a

month and holding services around religious holidays. • Officiate at weddings, funerals and baptisms. • Provide pastoral care to those who are ill, hospitalized, homebound, or in

nursing homes. • Provide counseling as needed. • Be available as a resource person for church groups and attend meetings

of the church committees. Work with and assist the committees and boards in carrying out their assigned tasks.

• The minister will have the freedom of voice and counsel, but will not serve as a voting member on any committee.

• Perform administrative duties, which are necessary in coordinating the ongoing life and ministry of the church.

• Assist and support leaders and the youth group of the church. • Work with and support members of all ages in furthering their Christian

Education, such as Sunday school or adult studies. • Develop and foster the spiritual life of the church. • Maintain a professional manner when dealing with groups both inside and

outside of the church. Core Competencies:

(List three core competencies that you imagine could be foundational in your next minister’s relationship with the church. For example, a church seeking a pastoral care minister might


hope to call someone who is caring, sensitive and sociable, while a church seeking an executive minister might want an organized, detail-oriented and time-conscious person.) • We are seeking a pastoral minister who is sensitive, caring and sociable. • We are seeking a minister who will help us to deepen the spirituality of our

congregation and our shut-ins along with strong counseling abilities. • We are seeking a minister who is organized and time-conscious who can

thought provoking sermons that relate to our everyday life.

COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT Salary Basis (from the Call Agreement Workbook, equal to Cash Salary plus Value of Parsonage/Housing Allowance):

• Range of 35,000. – 45, 000. Benefits (choose one):

ü Salary plus Benefits What is the expected living situation for your next minister (e.g. parsonage, living nearby with a housing allowance, living elsewhere to commute as needed)?

• We would expect our next minister to live in the parsonage, which is located next to the church.

Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister.

• In addition to providing housing, we include all utilities such as heat, electricity, internet, and cable service.

• We offer a travel allocation (at the IRS recommended mileage rate – updated annually) for the minister when traveling to visit church members or other church related activities.

Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference:

• Support would be available from the NYS ministry and the Hudson-Mohawk association and also the local area churches’ organization – SLAC – Sand Lake Area Churches.


• The Pastoral Relations Team, which is composed from 5 members of the church, is also support for our minister.

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 would like our next minister to co-collaborate with us in deepening our faith, communicating that faith and helping us to be open to new ways of worship

• We would also like assistance in maintaining a web site, as well as, introducing more of a social media presence with the ultimate goal of attracting more members.

Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls.

• We envision our new minister helping us to create an environment where all are welcome as we strive to become more inclusive.

• We would like our new minister to be open and friendly to help us in understanding and accepting all people in our church and the wider community.

• We would like our next minister to assist us in finding additional ways to make an impact beyond our walls by discovering new opportunities for mission, as well as sharing his/her past mission experiences.

• We envision our new minister to be socially and educationally engaging in the surrounding community by making this community their home.

Specify language requirements or culturally specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation’s sense of calling.

• There are no specific language requirements. All our congregants speak English. However, we would like to learn more about other cultures and faiths as well as their practices so that we can become more accepting of others who are different from us.

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.

• To engage in community leadership that is collaborative and transformative. • To appreciate, practice, and pass on traditions of faith while interpreting

them in light of the context of a diverse and changing world. • To discern God’s mission in the world and, in response, to lead ministries of

compassion, nurture, justice, and proclamation that supports fullness of life for all people.

• To provide effective and appropriate pastoral care and Christian Education, and to equip and motivate others to share in these ministries.

WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME? Who is God calling you to become as a congregation?

• We believe we are being called to become a more compassionate and accepting congregation that welcomes all people of different cultures and political points of view. We are being called to love God, love ourselves, and love others.

• We are very good at attending to the business of our church. We are devoted to keeping it financially strong.

• We need help in hearing what God is calling us to become and to listen to where/how God is leading our congregation.

Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation.

For example, describe two experiments your congregation has initiated or engaged in the past year, what were the results and where do you see your next steps? Has your church had a multi-year strategic plan or vision statement; if so, where do you see that plan/vision taking you? • This past year we started giving free meals to the shut-in members of our

congregation. They had the option of a meal being delivered to them or coming to the church hall. They were told they could invite one guest. These turkey dinners are fundraisers that help pay for the expenses of our church. At first, some people thought that we should only give the shut-in a free meal and charge their guest. However, we allowed both to receive free meals. Everyone felt good about this new idea and want to continue the practice.


• The interim ministers suggested changes in the sanctuary. They worked with the Worship Committee in explaining and making changes. Those who had listened to the reasoning behind the changes agreed to and understood making the changes. Most people agreed to these changes.

• We hope that our new minister will assist us with the visioning process to help us better understand where we are going and how we will get there.

WHO ARE WE NOW? CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS 11-YEAR REPORT CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING CHURCH FINANCES HISTORICAL INFORMATION

CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS Describe your congregation’s life of faith.

For example, who is a favorite theologian admired in the congregation and why? How is God most often described in worship liturgy? In what ways would you describe the Holy Spirit in your midst? • As a congregation we do not have a favorite theologian. • We see God as loving and accepting, not judgmental and condemning. • God is often referred to using masculine pronouns, however, many of our

members would like to have more inclusive language used. • We would like the new minister to assist us in revisiting our Constitution and

mission statement as we seek God’s guidance for the future. Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation.

• This congregation of varied backgrounds, ideas and means cares deeply about the church building, the fellowship hall and our cemetery. Many volunteer in maintaining the property such as mowing the lawns and snow plowing and spring cleanup.

• Our congregation is generous with their time, skills, talent and resources. This was profoundly evident when we built a new church fellowship hall in 2015-16.


• This congregation cares deeply about this community of faith families. One of our strengths is coming together to work on very popular fundraising events, namely our turkey dinners and the summer festival and holiday bazaar.

Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers.

For example, where does worship take place, and what is it based around? What was a recent baptism like? What are some words used to describe good preaching?

• Worship is done in our beautiful church sanctuary. Our services are done in a rather traditional manner. They are held every Sunday at 10am.

• The church bell rings a few minutes before the start of Sunday service. • We begin with a prelude/choir introit followed by the lighting of the

candles, usually done by one of the children with guidance from their parent. • The minister asks if there are any announcements and celebrations.

Individuals raise their hand and are called on by the minister to give their announcement.

• The minister asks for prayer requests. • This is followed by a call to worship by the minister; a hymn; then a prayer

of confession in unison and silent confessions, assurance followed by the Gloria Patria. At this time an offering is taken. Often two children will go down the main center isle and parishioners deposit their envelope offering. Some parishioners have an online account and don’t put anything in the offering tray at this time.

• Next the minister calls all the children to the front of the church and gives a short lesson on a topic similar to that of the sermon. They repeat a prayer after him then they are dismissed.

• The children, teachers and many of the parents file out the main door to go across the street to the fellowship hall where Sunday school is held in the upstairs schoolroom.

• This is usually done while the rest of the congregation begins to sing the second hymn.

• The prayers of the people and Lord’s Prayer come next. Usually the minister reads the Old Testament reading and the New Testament reading. (There are times when members sign up to do the readings but very few seem interested in doing it.)

• The message or sermon comes next. This usually lasts about 20 minutes.


• This sermon is followed by a hymn then the minister gives the benediction and extinguishing of the candles happens while we sing our response: “Peace I leave with you my friends”.

• People then go to the church fellowship hall where members sign up and serve coffee and some sort of pastry with cookies for the children. It is here where our children come down from upstairs school to meet up with parents/family.

• The minster uses easily understandable language. Our congregation likes when the message or sermon relates to our everyday life and current events. However, some members do not like to have politics mentioned in the sermons/message. Others find it most relevant.

Describe the educational program and/or faith formation vision of your church.

For example, how are young people in leadership? How do people continue to form their faith over a lifetime? Name a topic studied or curriculum used recently; what was the impact of this study on those who attended?

• This church has an active education program for our young children. They attend Sunday school after being in church for about 20 minutes. Our young children participate in lighting of the altar candles and taking the offering with the guidance of their parents.

• The teachers follow the same theme or message in their lesson that the minister is talking about in church. Sunday School students are actively involved in monthly mission work.

• Our young people make their confirmation at the middle school age. Many tend not to come to church regularly after achieving that goal.

• We have had small bible study sessions with only 3-6 people. Presently, we do not have bible study.

Describe how your congregation is organized for ministry and mission.

For example, how are decisions communicated in your church? How are teams or committees organized? Where does your church struggle for vision? • Our official board of 12 members usually decides on issues that are brought

to them. Issues of purchasing that cost more than three thousand dollars are brought to the congregation for a vote.

• Sometimes only the board moderator and assistant moderator make decisions.

• The nominating committee decides which members to ask to join committees and or the official board.


• The newly reinstated Pastoral Relations team was an outgrowth from the transition team. This team has worked closely with the current designated ministers. This committee/team has proven to be an invaluable resource for new ministers and has helped begin the communication process within the church community.

When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? • We have one official board meeting on the second Thursday of each month.

usually lasting 2 hours. • There are other committees meeting during the year (Finance, fund-raising,

education, worship, Pastoral relations, mission).

Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished? • Our official board moderator and assistant board moderator called each

board member to acquire a vote majority. • Any member of the church can call an emergency meeting to address a

situation/ major concern.

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/No] • Yes, we can provide a copy of our church’s constitution. However, we feel

that this document may need some updating. 11-YEAR REPORT CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Describe those who participate in your church.

Is this number an estimate?

(check if yes)

Number of active members: 175

Number of active non-members: 213

Total of church participants (sum of the numbers above): 388


Percentage of total participants who have been in the church:

Is this percentage an

estimate? (check if yes)

More than 10 years: 80 X

Less than 10, more than 5 years: 15 X

Less than 5 years: 5 X Number of total participants by age:

0-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Are these numbers

an estimate? (check if yes)

12 2 4 10 20 40 4 X

Percentage of adults in various household types:



Single adults under 35: 2 X

Joint household with minors: 6 X

Single adults age 35-65: 2 X

Joint household with no minors: 20 X

Single adults over 65: 5 X Education level of adult participants by percentage:



High school: 100%

College: 50%

Graduate School: 10%


Specialty Training: 10%

Other (please specify):

Percentage of adults in various employment types:

Is this number an estimate?

(check if yes)

Adults who are employed: 50 X

Adults who are retired: 35 X

Adults who are not fully employed: ? X

Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation:

• Plumbers, carpenters, teachers, nurses, secretaries, retail managers, blue and white-collar professions

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?

• We are mostly Caucasian and of German descent.

List the date your congregation has had or will have a conversation using a resource such as the Welcoming Diversity Inventory. Comment on the results.

• We have not had that conversation. However, two gay couples have been married in our church. Our past interim ministers have been educating us on the diversity of the United Church of Christ.


PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING

Complete the following chart. Please leave blank any fields that are not applicable to your congregation.

Ways of Gathering Estimated number of people involved in attendance

Who plans each of the listed gatherings? (list any and all worship planners, such as various lay leaders, pastors, musicians, other staff)

Adult Groups or Classes 0 Pastor

Baptisms (number last year) 4 Pastors

Children’s Groups or Classes 6 – 16 Sunday school teachers

Christmas Eve and Easter Worship 85 Christmas Easter – 119 Sunrise service

Church-wide Meals 35 Easter Breakfast 70 -100 members

Choirs and Music Groups 6 -10 Members of the choir

Church-based Bible Study 0

Communion (served how often?) 1 x mo. Pastor with Worship committee

Community Meals 150 2 turkey; 1 chicken at Festival by members

Confirmation (number confirmed last year) 0

Drama or Dance Program 0

Funerals (number last year) 2 Pastor

Intergenerational Groups 0

Outdoor Worship 1 Easter sunrise

Prayer or Meditation Groups 8 Pastor

Public Advocacy Work 0

Retreats 0


Theology or Bible Programs in the Community 0

Weddings (number last year) 2

Worship (time slot: _______) 10am

Worship (time slot: _______)

Young Adult Groups or Classes 12 Leave church for Sunday school

Youth Groups or Classes 0

Other Additional comments: 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-Way or Four-Way Covenant? (3 or 4 or No)

Ministry Setting

Type of Ministry Role

Retired? (Y or N)

0

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:


List all current staff, including ministers. Exclude the position you are seeking to fill. Indicate which staff person serves as head of staff.

Staff Position Head of Staff? Compensation (full time, part time, volunteer)

Supervised by

Length of Tenure for current person in this position

Cleaner Part time Board 8+ years

Musical director Part time Board 0 - seeking to fill position

REFLECTION Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s overall ministry?

• We are in need of more truly active members. Although we are a close -knit group, we seek ways to make others feel welcomed here and want to join our church family.

• We are very similar to many other churches in this country with decreasing membership and aging members. We hope to find ways to make this a strong, thriving church.

CHURCH FINANCES Current annual income (dollars used during most recent fiscal year)

Source Amount

Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $51,804

Endowment Proceeds (as permitted within spending policy, such as a cap of typically 4.5%-5% on total return)

$ XXXXXXX

Endowment Draw (beyond what is permitted by spending policy, “drawing down the principal”)

$ Varies as needed

Fundraising Events $ 32,570.


Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $XXXXXXX

Grants $ XXXXXX

Rentals of Church Building $1,500.

Rentals of Church Parsonage $ XXXXXXX

Support from Related Organizations (e.g. Women’s Group)

$ XXXXXX

Transfers from Special Accounts $ N/A

Other (specify): rebates, coffee hour recycling $ 8,000.

Other (specify): flower fund; improvement fund $ varies

TOTAL $

Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for most recent fiscal year): $ 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.

• The monthly treasurer’s report is presented to the board for review and approval.

• The annual report is presented at the annual meeting for everyone to review and approve.

Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage?

• 44%

Has the church ever failed to pay its financial obligations to a minister of the church?

• No

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

In what way is OCWM (Basic Support) gathered? If calculated as a percentage of operating budget, what is that percentage? (recommended 10%)

• $2,400/Year determined by the Finance Committee and Official Board

What is the church’s current indebtedness? 0

Total amount of loan debt: Reason for debt: Are capital and other payments current?

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. If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, describe:

Year(s) Purpose Goal Result Impact

2015-2016 New Fellowship hall $325.000 $272,500 No impact

2016-17 Parking Lot $40,000. $ No Impact

If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe:

Year(s) Purpose Goal Result Impact

$ $

$ $

Describe the prominent mission component(s) involved in the most recent (or current) capital campaign.

• None Does your church have an endowment? Yes


What is the market value of the assets?

• $390,000.

Are funds drawn as needed, regularly, or under certain circumstances?

• As needed

What is the percentage rate of draw (last year, compared to 5 years ago)?

• $20,000. - $30,000. With a fulltime minister

Describe draw on endowment, if any, to meet operating budget expenses for the most recent year and the past five years: At the current rate of draw, how long might the endowment last?

• Our endowment will last 16 years based on no growth

Please comment on the above calculations or estimates:

• Our investments continue to grow

Other Assets

Reserves (savings):

$53,000. Investments (other than endowment): $ Does your church have a parsonage?

• Yes

Fair market rental value of the parsonage: $1,500. / month

How is the parsonage used?

• It is the residence for use by our fulltime minister Street / City / State / Zip:

• 741 Taborton Road, Sand Lake, NY 12153 Finished square footage: Number of Bedrooms, Number of Bathrooms:

• 2 baths, 3 bedrooms

Assessed real estate value:

• $186,000. Available for minister residence: Y/N


• Yes Expected minister residence: Y/N

• Yes Condition of structure, systems and appliances

• Good Entity in the church responsible for review and needed repairs

• Buildings and Grounds committee and board Describe all buildings owned by the church:

• Church, Fellowship hall, Parsonage, and Pavilion hall

Describe non-owned buildings or space used or rented by the church:

Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? (worship space, pulpit, fellowship space, facilities, etc.)

• The Church and Fellowship hall are wheelchair accessible. At this time the parsonage is not wheelchair accessible.

Reflection: After reviewing the church’s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s mission and ministry? For example, when was a time the church made a major budget change? How is the budgeting process done? What new ministry initiative has your church financed?

• We try to pay as we go; we try not to spend more than we have. All bills are paid monthly or when due.

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.

• Our last beloved minister was with us for 10 years. He retired in 2016. Since then we had difficulty with an interim minister who left us after 10 months. Our second designated minister(s) left after one year because they truly wanted to retire and had health issues. They helped us try to heal and get along after disagreeing about the first interim minister.

• In the years of 2015 – 16 we worked together building a new church fellowship hall with the talents of many of our church members. We ran a capital campaign, which was well supported by the community


• The Pastoral Relations team was instrumental in awarding our long-term minister with the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus for his ten years of service to our community and congregation. This was very well received by the members and also reflected an attitude of respect for our clergy.

Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past.

• Managing the retirement of a long-term minister.

(Also 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. For example, what is an example of a recent conflict and something your congregation learned from it? Describe an occasion when Does your church have policies, protocols or structures for dealing with conflict?)

• We recently had members dislike and reject an interim minister. Some were quite vocal and rude to this person. Many chose to not attend church while he was there and voiced their dislike throughout the community. It was a time of great turmoil and grief. It appeared that people were taking sides.

• Some of our members liked the interim minister and learned from him. Others did not like what he had to say and how he said it. They wanted to move right to searching for a new pastor without doing any of the transition work.

• It was during this time that we discovered we had no protocols or structure for dealing with conflict.

• The newly formed transition team under the guidance of this first interim minister held small group meetings and learned that people wanted a venue to voice their concerns and feelings. Many members expressed concern that a few outspoken members were acting like bullies and often making new or even long-time members not feel welcomed and that the outspoken members were in charge of everything church-related.

• Many of the members felt that they were not encouraged to join committees or help out. Many members didn’t attend church any longer or left the church.

• The first interim minister left us after 10 months. The transition team encouraged church members to attend a reception for him where he was presented gifts and a farewell message. Many attended.

• Those who did not like him chose not to attend.


• With the help of two retired ministers who agreed to be with us for a year, we learned that we could agree to disagree without becoming enemies. We began to listen to one another before jumping to conclusions and to avoid speaking out of anger. They each gave sermons/messages about forgiveness and what it means to be a Christian. They started the “sign of peace” during church service. We began to greet one another. Those who disliked the first interim minister began to greet all of the others. Peace began happening.

• Our two designated ministers that came after him worked at helping those who were against the first interim minister. We have learned to be kind and nice to those who don’t share our same feelings.

• Healing between members has been happening. We have all come to realize that our church could become defunct if we didn’t resolve conflict in a more effective manner.

• Some of our new members have left the church because others treated them so badly. This concerns us and we want more than anything to make all feel welcomed and accepted into this community of faith. New people often feel unwelcomed or unable to bridge the gap of belonging.

• We have reinstated the Pastoral Relations Committee (formally, the transition team). We have found that meeting at least once a month with the ministers helps to provide a regular channel of communication for cultivating an open, affirmative and creative relationship between the pastor and congregation.

• We believe we should have a covenant for guiding us in conflict and would like our new pastor to help us with this.

Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years) Staff member’s name Years of service UCC Standing

(Y/No)

Rev. Doctor Robert Loesch 10 Y

Rev. Eileen Dearborn Rev. Hunter (interim)

4 1

Y

Rev. Carol Bass Michael Rivest (Supply Ministry)

1 1

Y


Rev. Kim Mislin Rev. Hunter (interim)

4 1

Y

Rev. Scott McClean Rev. Lyman Potter (interim) Rev. Fran Duffey Rev. Paterick Rev. Ramback Rev. Frank Beach Rev. Clark Rev. Warfield Rev. Frenyear Rev. Bodeen Rev. Ralph Heller Rev. Edward Fuhrmann Rev. Oscar Egli

2 1 5 1 1 1 4 10 1 2 7 10 28

Y

Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:

• We have learned that we liked the ministerial leadership of Reverend Doctor Robert Loesch. He was able to maintain peace among the congregants by managing many of the tasks himself and quelling any conflicts and misunderstandings by communicating with the parties involved. (As an example, at board meetings he gave the updates on many of the committee meetings himself. When he was leaving, he assigned each board member with a specific committee to find out and report on). He kept the peace but when he left us, we were ill-equipped in how to handle and resolve conflict in our church because he had been doing that for us.


• Over the years we've come to understand the importance of making sure our children are actively included in not only Sunday School, but in every aspect of church life. This was especially evident with, not only Pastor Bob Loesch but also, Rev. Kim Mislin and Mike Rivest. Their interaction with our children at all ages was fabulous. No matter what age level, our children are always encouraged to participate in our worship service and church events. While encouraging their participation during worship service, we have also learned the value in not on only being a good an example for our children, but in learning from them as well. They have taught us patience and tolerance while experiencing pure joy. Children are innocently direct and when we, as adults, can really listen to what they are saying, there is much we can all learn from each other about humankind.

• We have learned that we all must help in running a congregational church. We have learned that we must help in the leadership of this church and volunteer to serve on committees and help in any way that is needed.

• We have learned that we must have a clear understanding of the role of the minister and the congregation. We have learned that communication is essential to this faith community. We have learned that we must be tolerant of varying points of views. We have learned that we must grow in order to survive as a church.

Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination?

Y/N/Ask us Ask Us Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation?

Y/N/Ask us No Has a past pastor been the subject of a Fitness Review while at your church?

Y/N/Ask us No

WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? COMMUNITY VISION MISSION INSITE

COMMUNITY VISION How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy? For example, which service activities has your


church participated in this past year? Where has the church participated in global connections of care and justice? What is currently transformational in your church’s engagement with neighbors near or far?

• We participate in the annual Crop walk with funds going to the Regional Food bank.

• We prepare Thanksgiving turkey dinner boxes and delivered to needy people in the community.

• We help the Sunday school teachers gather items for school kits and health kits to be given to people in need.

• We collect items for the local food pantry throughout the year. • At Christmas, our church adopts families. • Our Sunday School organizes an annual Souper bowl Sunday of giving.

Proceeds go to our local food bank. • Our church participates in Blanket Sunday and many other UCC sponsored

mission and disaster relief efforts. • Annual Rummage sale benefits the community. • Our mission outreach team is looking for other activates to reach the

community and beyond. Describe your congregation’s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting).

• Our pastor and usually a few delegates, attend the NY Conference. Presently, one of our members is the treasurer for the NY Hudson Mohawk Association.

Check all of the following “statements of witness” that apply to your UCC faith community. (Find more information on these statements at ucc.org.)

__ Accessible to All (A2A) __ Creation Justice __ Economic Justice __ Faithful and Welcoming

X God Is Still Speaking (GISS)

__ Immigrant Welcoming __ Inter-cultural/Multi-racial (I’M) __ Just Peace __ Global Mission Church __ Open and Affirming (ONA) __ WISE Congregation for Mental Health


__ Other UCC designations: __ Other similar designations in affiliated denominations __ 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?

• We have welcomed people of different sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds into our church. However, we have not officially discussed becoming open and affirming.

Describe your congregation’s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional).

• Our church participated in the Sand Lake Ecumenical Association and share in the following services together.

• Thanksgiving service • Lenten service including lunch/fellowship each Friday during Lent • Prayer Breakfast

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.

• There is a mission a statement contained in the church bylaws and we strive to abide by our mission and vision statement.

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?

• We have a contractual agreement. • We understand that specific allocations of time will vary from week to week

based on the needs of the congregation, our pastor and the community. • We would expect that:

• *30% of time would be spent on worship services and preparation. • *40% would be spend on pastoral care visiting shut-ins, hospitals,

nursing homes, and congregation members in need of care/counseling. • *20% spent on administration and church committee meetings. • *10% on wider church ministry.

Mission InSite


Comment on your congregation’s Mission Insite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown?

• Reviewing our local Mission Insite report data, we can see a decline in child birth rates. There is also a decrease in local school enrollment. Our population is aging.

• We have also noticed an increase in local poverty levels. There is quite a large discrepancy between income levels in this community.

• We serve a rural area. Our demographics do not vary widely from our surrounding neighborhoods.

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?

• Adjacent neighborhoods also have declining birth rates and an aging population.

How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not?

• We have not yet made any changes in our ministry that specifically address the demographics of this community. However, we do contribute to the local community food bank on a regular basis.

What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for?

• Our turkey dinners are very popular and well attended by many in the community.

• People come from miles around to enjoy the day at our Annual Holiday Bazaar and Summer Festival, which consists of games, delicious food and a barbeque dinner, craft vendors, a fishpond for the children and an auction. We enjoy dancing to a country band in the evening. The highlight of the day is to see who won the homemade quilt made by one of the quilters from the church.

What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved?

• Many people in the church have been involved since they were young and attended church with their parents and grandparents.

• Many members have been confirmed in this church and have fond memories of births, marriages and funerals that have taken place in the church sanctuary.


• Many of our members have been buried in the cemetery that is located behind the church. Many members plan to be buried there as well.

• New people that come to this church can feel that connection and affection that many have toward the history of this place.

• Some come because they married members of this church.

REFERENCES Name up to three people who have agreed to serve as phone and written references. 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 Wendy Macolini/ teacher / Setting (518-712-5414 / [email protected]/ attends church but not a member) REFERENCE 2 Tim Komdat/ Funeral director / local community (518-674-3100 / / Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel) REFERENCE 3 Linda Banker/ Position / Setting (518-526-5824 / [email protected]/ member of St. Henry’s church PROMPTS FOR REFERENCES Describe some areas of strength in this church’s ministry. Describe some areas for improvement in this church’s ministry. Describe a significant experience you have had of this church’s ministry. Anything else you wish to share.

CLOSING THOUGHTS


CLOSING PRAYER STATEMENT OF CONSENT CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION VALIDATION CLOSING PRAYER Include here any prayer or dream for the minister you imagine journeying toward you… a poem, for example, or a Scripture passage or a piece of music that is meaningful to your Search Committee:

Dear Lord, We pray that we survive as a church. We have a long history of being the little church on the mountain. We have members with strong family ties to this church. Help us to grow and expand and be accepting of all people. Help us to be good stewards of our finances and expand on mission work. Help us to learn to communicate and speak of our faith. Help us to have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Help us to Love 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.

1. Which individuals and groups in the church contributed to the contents of this Local Church Profile? (for example, church council or consistory, transition team, etc.) • Pastoral Relations Team and input from the congregation surveys and

meetings

Signed: Mary Pat Wager- Stienstra

Name / Title / Date: 3/ 11/19

Assistant Moderator of the Official board &

Pastoral Relations team Moderator

VALIDATION BY CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION

The congregation is currently in good standing with the association / conference named.

Staff Comment: YES 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: Name / Title: Associate Conference MInister


Email: [email protected] Phone: 315-446-3073 x 410 Date: 4/12/19

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


March 7, 2019 To Whom It May Concern, I am honored to write to you at the request of members of the Zion United Church of Christ of Taborton search committee as they begin their search for new spiritual leadership. I have been attending services every Sunday at Zions UCC with my three young children for about 6 years. I feel very fortunate to have become part of this community and to have been welcomed with open arms. Although I am a different faith, my husband and I made the conscious decision to bring our three sons up as Christians. However, finding a church where we would both be comfortable was a challenge. Since I live in the Taborton community, I was invited by a neighbor and longtime parishioner to come to services with my children. I explained to her that we are an interfaith family and I am Jewish. Without hesitation her reply was “our church welcomes everyone.” Almost six years later, my children were baptized as members of Zion UCC and our family has become active members of the church community. Over the last six years, I have seen first-hand the dedication of the parishioners of this small community church. It is more than a place to worship but like a family. I have always felt included, respected and valued although not officially a member myself. I feel very lucky to have the people of this congregation in my life as well as the lives of my children. Sincerely, Wendy McAlonie


January 18, 2019 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to you at the request of members of the Zion United Church of Christ search committee as they endeavor to solicit new spiritual leadership for their community. I have been acquainted with the Zion community for about 40 years. When I was a young mother, I had the good fortune of being neighbors with a family that worshipped there. I got to attend many of the events and services that were offered at Zion, as well as meeting and getting to know many members of the community. Since then I have continued to have a “soft spot” for this warm and welcoming church family. As a parishioner and employee of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Averill Park, I have had many opportunities to work with the people and leadership of Zion UCC. I could surely compile a list of events, both spiritual and social that we have both been a part of with the other area churches. Averill Park is a very ecumenical community. One of the highlights has been the initiation of a community outreach to those in need of assistance with food, shelter, physical needs, advocacy and referral. The resulting agency, known as REACH, is now under the umbrella of Catholic Charities at CoNSERNS-U, which houses a part time community service worker for the Averill Park area. She is present to those in our area through the schools and churches. Our Averill Park area churches support this position financially to this day. Another important joint undertaking was establishing an ecumenical Alzheimer’s Care Team under the direction of Eddy Healthcare Services. This has been an important asset to a large number of families who care at home for a loved one with memory loss issues. They are able to receive respite, socialization and referrals. These are but two of the examples I could cite in the area of pastoral services. The churches work together to provide spiritual programs during Lent, Thanksgiving and at important times in our schools, such as a joint program at graduation time.


These are examples of what I consider to be the strengths of the Zion UCC family. A spirit of working together, in their church community and larger community, to better the lives of their community. As far as areas that might need improvement, I really do not have any knowledge of areas that might need strengthening. It is my hope that the search for new spiritual leadership for Zion UCC will result in a successful match of minister and congregation that will enable the long traditions of welcoming, caring and sharing to continue. Sincerely, Linda A. Banker Pastoral Associate Church of St. Henry 518-674-3818 [email protected]

Documents

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILEopportunities.ucc.org/CustomerFTP/3527/Attachments/Zions...LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE – JUNE 2016 PAGE 5 hope to call someone who is caring, sensitive and sociable,