Local Church Statement of Consentopportunities.ucc.org/CustomerFTP/3458/Attachments/... · 2019. 3. 9. · Samaritan Center, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Chinese School

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2-20-2019 Date

Pastor Position to be filled

United Church of Christ

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS

Local Church Statement of Consent

We at Central United Church of Christ are openly sharing vital information to reach a covenantal relationship as we call a pastor to be our new minister. As a committee we are authorized to share this information to potential candidates. If you, as a candidate, need more information about Central United Church of Christ, we encourage an open dialogue. Signature of Search Committee Chairperson Date

Church

Name: Central United Church of Christ Address: 118 W. Ashley St.

City, State, and Zip: Jefferson City, MO 65101 Telephone: (573) 635-1041 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.centralucc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centraluccjc/

Search Committee Chairperson or Contact Person

Name: Tom Thompson

Address: 6901 Bates Rd.

City, State, and Zip: Jefferson City, MO 65109

Telephone: (573) 496-3553

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2-20-2019 Date

Pastor_________ Position to be filled

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE

FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS

Please return the completed document to your conference or association office.

1. Church: Central United Church of Christ

2. Address: 118 W. Ashley St.


E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.centralucc.com

3. Name of Search Committee Chairperson/Contact Person:

Name: Tom Thompson

Address: 6901 Bates Rd.


Telephone: (573) 496-3553

4. Conference/Association Staff Person Assisting Our Church:

Rev. Tyler Connoley Missouri Mid-South Conference 483 East Lockwood Ave. Ste. 15 St. Louis, MO 63119-3168 Telephone: (575) 956-3316 Email: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

5. Membership: (as reflected in annual reports and the eleven-year UCC Statistical Report for our church; "est." indicates the figure is an estimate. UK= Unknown)

Last Year 5 Years

Ago 10 Years

Ago a. Number of Church members 375 (est.) * 1003 1001 b. Average attendance at worship 80 246 274 c. Total participation of children/youth in C.E. 6 36 86 d. Average weekly participation in adult education 13 UK UK

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e. Number of Members who are ordained clergy . . 1 4 4

CHURCH FINANCES

(Figures reflect the eleven-year UCC statistical reports? as well as the church's annual reports. NA= Not applicable, UK=unknown.)

Last Year 5 Years Ago 10 Years

Ago 6. Total Church Income 2017 2012 2007

a. Members offerings and pledges $240,856 $245,149 $257,746 b. Growth from investment or endowments

UK $77,375 UK

c. Principal reduction (endowments or investments)

$ 145,936 $ 18,000 $4,000

d. Rentals $3,425

$ 8,200 $ 7,050

e. Special Fundraising N/A f. Other Insurance $ 134,256 $ 10,849 $ 3,372

If the church has conducted an annual stewardship campaign, list results for the past two years: N/A

Goal: $ Pledges: $ Actual Received: $ Goal: $ Pledges: $ Actual Received: $

2017 5 Years Ago 10 Years Ago 7. Total Operating Budget $347,784 $301,802 $ 284,990

a. Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support

$ 1,175 $ 10,348 $14,128

b. Our Church's Wider Mission Special Support

$ $ 2,344 $ 5,762

c. Other gifts $ 26,137 $10,180 $ 11,706 d. Current local expenses $348,318 $288,372 $ 276,429 e. Annual capital payments $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 f. Other debt $ 0 $ 0

8. Identify UCC special offerings the church receives throughout the year and the amounts

from last year: __X__ One Great Hour of Sharing $661.00* __X__ Neighbors in Need $690.00* _____ Christmas Fund _____ Strengthen the Church __X__ Basic Support for Our church’s Wider Mission $8,116.00*

*only if received through special offerings and not included as a regular budget item in #7 above.

9. Mission a. Beyond your contributions through the UCC, name the most significant

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local or global missions/ministries or agencies that were financially supported by your local church last year and the amount of support: Central Church has always been a leader in the community by raising funds and supporting our neighbors in need. Last year, the Congregation gave over $2,700 through twelve special envelope benevolences to missions such as Camp Aurora, Samaritan Center, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Chinese School Mission, to name a few. In addition, there are ten groups at CUCC who meet regularly for fellowship and outreach to the community and beyond. Their monetary contributions in 2018 totaled over $30,000 that was distributed to over 14 different charities and did not include time, food items, meals served, and clothing items for those in need. As part of their work, the Mission and Outreach Ministry collected over $2,300 for Blanket Sunday for Church World Service in May, facilitated the collection of 545 kits for the Festival of Sharing in September, and over the course of the year, collected food items for Samaritan Center. The Brotherhood supports local agencies like the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, Samaritan Center, The Healing House, New Tribes Mission, and The Boys and Girls Club through their yearly Golf Tournament that raised over $9,000. Each of the four Women's Circles and the adult Sunday school class (Parlor Class) give from their own funds to local agencies (see chart below). Many of the members also serve meals at the Salvation Army to support and help others who are in need.

Organizational Giving

Group 2018

Monetary Other Mission and Outreach Ministry

$13,000 + • >1000 food items for Samaritan Center • Salvation Army Meals • Delivers Meals on Wheels • Samaritan Center Basket for auction • Summer Lunch Program with Second Christian

Church • Spaghetti dinner and bingo for local group homes • Project Homeless Connect • Mission JC – Day of Caring • Hosted Red Cross Blood Drive • Collected Blankets for Church World Service

Brotherhood $9,000+ • Delivered Meals on Wheels • Supported 6 charities • Celebrating Women Banquet

Elenor Circle $500 + • Lap robes and baby blankets • Supported 7 charities • Festival of Sharing Kits • Delivers Meals on Wheels

WIGS $7,500 • Supported 10 charities • Delivers Meals on Wheels • Salvation Army Meal • Relay for Life

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Parlor Class $1,375 • Supported 14 charities • Salvation Army Meal

Prime Time $50 • Supported 2 charities • Delivers Meals on Wheels

Martha Circle • Quilts for silent auction, raffles and donations

Women’s Fellowship

$1,000 • Delivers Meals on Wheels • Supported 6 charities

What mission project has excited your church the most in the past three years? Why? Festival of Sharing -During the last three years our donations have increased from about $8,200 to about $11,500 in 2018. It is a mission project that encourages the involvement of many of our members. It seems to excite groups and individuals. Organization members come together to create kits while enjoying each other's company. Individuals have been able to contribute by creating kits at home and by donating money. This year two adults delivered CUCC’s donations to the Sharefest in Tipton and six adults participated in the Sharefest event. The Sunday service prior to the delivery of the donations the kits are dedicated during the service.

10. Indebtedness a. Total amount of outstanding mortgages/capital debt: $ 0 b. Total amount of other debt: $ 0 c. Are payments current? X_ yes no ___

11. Capital Campaigns:

· a. The church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, note goal and results: N/A Goal: $ Outcome: $

Goal: $ Outcome: $ b. What projects were undertaken as a result of your capital campaign? N/A c. Was there a mission or outreach component to the campaign? N/A d. If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe it: N/A

Goal: $ Beginning Date: Purpose:

12. Assets held by the Church:

a. Reserves (savings): $ N/A b. Endowments/Investments: $914,853.19 (11/30/2018) c. Describe buildings and property of your church except the parsonage:

Church Building; insured amount (including pipe organ & contents) $4,289,087 Sanders Farm* $250,000 Riverview Cemetery $86,500 * Alfred Sanders, a lifelong member of Central Church, left his farm for the church's use. It provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy God's gifts of nature in a quiet and beautiful setting. We periodically have worship services, picnics and various youth activities at the farm.

d. Is the church building (including sanctuary and offices) accessible? Yes X

e. Is the pulpit accessible? No _X_

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FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF MINISTERIAL LEADERS

13. If your conference has compensation guidelines, do you follow them? _X yes for some compensation items but not all

Does the church consider this position to be full time or part time? _X _ Full Time

How will church members be supportive of a part time or bi-vocational pastor who may need another job to supplement the church salary? N/A This is a full time position.

14. Salary History To 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 Date End

Date Year Salary Housing Parsonage Year Salary Housing Parsonage

a. Last 2015 $58,000 $17,400 2018 $60,400 $ 15,000 b. Previous 1982 $16,500 2012 $57,305 $9,100 c.Next previous

15. During the above period, has your church ever failed to fulfill its financial obligations to its pastor? X_no

16. Salary, Benefits, and Expenses Offered

a. Cash salary offered: We will try to meet Conference Guidelines Conference recommended salary range: $41,893-$62,165

b. Housing: We will try to meet Conference Guidelines

Conference recommended range: $12,568 - $18,650

X Housing allowance only ___ Parsonage Only

_____Would consider offering either

c. Customary benefits

_X_ Vacation: Incremental dependent on years of service (1 day per month 0-5 years) _X_ Maternity/paternity leave _X_ UCC Retirement Annuity 14% of salary and housing) _X_ UCC Life and Disability Insurance Benefits _X_UCC Health Benefits ( other health benefits)

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_X_ UCC Dental Benefits ( other dental benefits) _X_ Social Security/Medicare Offset _X_ Continuing Education Funds _X_ Continuing Education Time _X_ Sabbatical Leave _X_ Other benefits: sick leave, 2 days personal leave per year; other leave:

bereavement, jury duty, etc. See Personnel Policy Manual

d. Ministry Expenses X_ Travel Reimbursement (Local Travel) X Meeting Expense Reimbursement X Books and Periodicals X Reimbursement of Criminal Background Check Fee X Moving Expenses (reasonable amount)

COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS

17. General Description a. Describe three distinctive attributes of your community:

1. Jefferson City is the State Capital

2. Named Rand McNally’s most beautiful small town in 2013. See video https://vimeo.com/75540280

3. We are on the Katy Trail and have a walking/biking lane across the Missouri River that allows

people access to the downtown area from the Katy Trail. b. Identify major trends you envision in your community during the next five years:

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1. Continued growth of Jefferson City as an economic, educational, cultural and economic hub for surrounding counties. For more information go to Chamber of Commerce Website: http://www.jcchamber.org/

2. Continued revitalization of the Old Town, Old Munichburg, and Southside areas

of the City.

3. Expanding development and use of Greenway and the Katy Trail for walking, biking, and running.

c. List two or three problem areas confronting your community that

members feel your church should address (Information is based on a December 2013 survey of the Congregation):

1. The dwindling involvement of individuals in the community's

traditional churches including CUCC.

2. On-going concerns about drugs, crime and safety in the immediate neighborhood and the community in general.

d. Indicate Mission Activities:

1. In which your church participates as a part of its mission in the

community: Central Church has been a leader in the community by raising funds that help support organizations providing direct service as well as by directly helping neighbors in need. Funds have been provided to Samaritan Center, Salvation Army, Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Common Ground, an ecumenical program designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals. Funds are raised through a variety of means including special offerings, community meals, a spring rummage sale, and a fall golf tournament. Direct service is also provided by delivering Meals on Wheels, preparing and serving monthly meals at the Salvation Army, collecting food year-round for the Samaritan Center, and periodically collecting warm coats and eyeglasses. Also items are collected for Project Homeless Connect and individuals help pack bags to hand out as well as work the registration table with other downtown churches. Central participates in community service during Mission JC along with other downtown churches.

Young Youth meets on Wednesdays after-school. Currently, there are about 12 in the Young Youth Program who also attend Vacation Bible School.

2. In which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to

participate: In the area of mission the pastor is expected to serve as a representative

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with other churches and community groups to identify unmet needs and additional opportunities for the church to meet the needs of others. The pastor is expected to continue to support and encourage the on-going mission activities of our church organizations.

e. Describe how your church building is now being used by the community:

The church has a gym that is used by a number of community groups. Meeting rooms are also used regularly. The church office frequently gets calls from basketball and volleyball teams looking for a place to hold practices. Following is a partial list of community organizations that use church facilities:

Boy Scouts (Gym) weekly City Parks & Rec. (Gym) weekly Mental Health Alliance (Friendship Room) twice a month Old Munichburg Association (Library) monthly A number of music groups use the choir room on a regular basis:

• JC Orchestra • Youth Orchestra • Southside Philharmonic Orchestra • Monticello Singers

f. Indicate the number of school districts from which members of your church are

drawn: _X three or more

CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS

18. Our Life of Faith

We believe in God; triune, indivisible, of one essence, with three facets: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternal and transcendent, creating the world and bestowing upon it and its inhabitants blessing, grace, and communication through inspiration and prayer. We believe the Bible is a record of accounts of human interaction with God, providing instruction and guidance as humans strive to learn not only what God lovingly provides, but how we are to respond. Therefore the Bible should be taken seriously, to be listened to and preached with respect, in order that we, as individuals and as the Church, may obtain the guidance necessary to love and to serve God and neighbor.

19. Our Strengths

Central's congregation is generous with their time, talents and finances. The majority of members have a long-standing love for Central United Church of Christ and are committed to keeping Central alive and moving forward. A highly gifted, intelligent, caring congregation that hungers and thirsts for the Word of God. Members have a strong sense of history, who/what Central is. Members gladly volunteer for various programs and projects of the Church to demonstrate their love for God and the wider community. A strong sense of service to community. Members of a community that seems surprisingly insular for a State capital. A congregation “comfortable in its own skin”, not status-conscious, not afflicted by affectation.

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20. Worship Service and Organization

Worship services take place in our sanctuary for much of the year. Two or three outdoor services are held each year located at the Sander’s Farm. The sanctuary is filled with quiet chatter prior to the service and during the Passing of the Peace. Time is taken to greet each other and new visitors to the church. Baptisms are a special time when the congregation is swelled by extended family members and friends. Baptism is a special reminder of God’s love and power. Sermons are preached on Sunday and current membership enjoys a traditional Orthodox service. Growth in faith, membership and need may present an opportunity to add a contemporary service. The educational programs and/or faith formation vision for Central:

• Workshop Rotation curriculum for elementary aged Sunday School classes. • Materials for K-5 on Wednesdays and for Children’s Church include selections from

Sunday School Specials, All-in-One Sunday School and various Travel Guide series published by Group Publishing.

• Appointment of younger members of the congregation to leadership roles on the council and various committees.

• Confirmation, youth groups, Brotherhood, circles and book studies

The congregation is organized by ministries and a Church Council. The Council is elected by the congregation from church members, which form the governing body of the church. However, the congregation is the deciding factor for large projects or mission work. The congregation stays up-to-date with the Tower, the monthly newsletter, which includes the minutes from Council meetings, group meetings and announcements. Central also has a website and a Facebook page to keep everyone up to date. The Council president provides a weekly communication during Sunday worship. The church struggles at times to keep our focus on its mission statement, however, Christ centered members are ready to grow in faith. Church Council meets monthly for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. The congregation meets for approving the annual budget as well as an annual meeting in January to review the reports from the ministries. Special council meetings and congregation meetings are held as needed. When flooding occurred on the ground floor of the Church, the Property Management ministry acted quickly and communicated promptly with the Church Council for approval of mitigation. For additional information about organizational structure please review our bylaws and annual report.

CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS

21. Church Membership Demographics Church population is made up of working adults and retirees. The working adults in the congregation have occupations ranging from hourly pay to professional. The ethnic heritage of the congregation and Church is German, and the overall racial make-up is mostly made up of Caucasians. See below for more details on the current population:

a) Describe those who participate in your church.

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Number of active members: 318

Number of active non-members: 57

Total of church participants (sum of the numbers above): 375

b) * Percentage of total participants who have been in the church:

More than 10 years: 80%

Less than 10, more than 5 years: 12%

Less than 5 years: 8%

c) * Number of total participants by age:

0-11 12-17 18-24 25-40 41-54 55-64 65-74

75+

6 3 24 64 42 83 92 61

d) * Percentage of adults in various household types:

Single adults under 35: 5%

Joint household with minors: 8%

Single adults age 35-65: 32%

Joint household with no minors: 31%

Single adults over 65: 22%

e) * Education level of adult participants by percentage:

High school: 20%

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College: 25%

Graduate School: 21%

Specialty Training: 33%

Other (please specify): 1%

f) * Percentage of adults in various employment types:

Adults who are employed: 47%

Adults who are retired: 49%

Adults who are not fully employed: 4%

*Numbers and percentages are based on a survey conducted in 2013-2014 PARTICIPATION AND MINISTRIES

22. The chart below describes various ways our congregation gathers in matters of operation, worship, and outreach.

Ways of Gathering #Members or

Involvement Purpose Leadership &

Meeting Frequency

Governing Body Council 11 Elected members to serve as the

governing board for a 2-year term. The Council is authorized to make decisions and take actions except on items that require congregational approval.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; Monthly

Committee of Ruling Deacons

** See Attachment 1 from bylaws See attachment 1

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Mission and Outreach Ministry

6 to7 Supports and guides the outreach programs, both UCC and local benevolences. Annual activities are Blanket Sundays, Festival of Sharing and Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo for Community of Independent Living clients.


Faith Formation Ministry

6 Guides and promotes Sunday School activities and Christian Education programs throughout the church.

Pastor and laity share responsibility; monthly

Worship and Music Ministry

4 to 5 Works with Pastor to plan worship services, decorates church for special occasions, prepares communion, and cares for altar items.

Pastor and laity share responsibility; meets as needed

Finance Ministry 5 to 6 Works on annual budget and with other ministries to review proposed budgets. Proposes changes to balance our budget.


Communications Ministry

3 Manages social media outlets for our Church. Works with other ministries to communicate Church events as well as develop and promote new communication methods.


Property Management Ministry

2 to 8 Charged with oversight of the physical property of the church and making recommendations to the Council regarding maintenance and care of the church properties.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; meets as needed

Congregational Life Ministry

6 to 7 Responsible for lay ministries within the congregation, supports various church organizations, and plans special times of fellowship.


Human Resources Ministry

6 to 7 Maintains and develops Church policy. As well as handles employment matters and reviews job descriptions.


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Sunday Worship Adult Sunday School 8 to 10 Expand our faith by using the

Bible, Sunday School Curriculum, and discussion.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; weekly

Sunday Morning Worship

80-100 Expand our faith through music, community, and pastoral guidance.

Pastor and laity share responsibility; weekly

Youth Groups or Sunday School Classes

2-3; with two teachers

Build our faith by using the Bible, Sunday School Curriculum, and discussion.

Pastor and laity share responsibility; weekly

Confirmation 5 to 6 Expand our faith and knowledge of our church by using the Bible, Confirmation Curriculum, and discussion.

Pastor and laity share responsibility; as needed

Special Services and Events Christmas Eve and Easter Worship

200 Engage with our fellow Christians during special events.


Outdoor Worship 55 Engage with our fellow Christians during special events.


Funerals 6 Remember a loved one’s life and commiserate with family and fellow Christians.


Baptisms 1 Embrace a new life in the Christian faith.


Weddings 1 Embrace a new Christian union and celebrate with family and fellow Christians.


Church-wide Meals Engage with our fellow Christians during special events


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Community Meals 75-350 Engage with our fellow Christians and the wider community during special events.


Small Groups Choirs and Music Groups

26 Provide music for Sunday worship and special events. The director may meet with the Pastor to discuss music needs and to coordinate music with the service. Bell Choir provides music during worship 5-6 times a year.

Pastor’s presence is expected periodically; meets as needed; weekly practices

Men’s Brotherhood 12 Promotes familiarity of members with each other and a social life in a Christian way. Promotes the welfare of the congregation and various missions in our community.


Women’s Fellowship 10 Charity and fundraising Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; 5 meetings per year

WIGS (Women in God’s Service)

10 to 15 Provides financial support to different church activities and community organizations. Provides service to community and our church.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; 8 meetings per year

JOY Circle (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last)

* N/A N/A

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Elenor Circle 24 Unites the women of the church in Christian fellowship and with divine help and guidance to: develop understanding of the work of the entire church, deepen spiritual giving, stimulate sacrificial giving, and promote Christian service in the home, the local church, the community, the nation, and the world.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; monthly

Martha Circle 6 Quilting for others to raise funds to support mission work.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; weekly

Young Youth 4 to 6 Provides Christian activities for K-5th graders. An outreach activity that provides a fun, religious education, and food for neighborhood youth.

Laity take primary initiative and responsibility; weekly during school year

Youth Group 4 Develops appropriate youth ministry activities, encourages and promotes leadership training as well as various church camp experiences for age appropriate youth. Incorporate youth in our worship and other church activities. Furthermore, provides ongoing opportunities for service and mission.


Prime Time varies The purpose of the group is to get together for enjoyment for a carry-in meal and to listen to a speaker on varying topics from gardening to history to senior interests.


*Retired, preserving the name **outlined by our bylaws, but currently not formed

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23. CONFLICT

Most 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.

• S as a church, we respect and listen to each other and work things through without generating divisiveness

• C as 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 sides

• C some have left our church because of conflict • S_ conflict hurts our sense of unity, but we tend not to talk about it • C painful experience with conflict has been present, but it has been worked

through, and we have learned from the experience • S_ we have had some painful experiences with conflict, and they linger in the

background • S open conflict is present, and we need a minister who can help us deal with it

Comment: The church experienced major conflict in 2018 resulting in the termination of the Senior Pastor and the Associate Pastor. There were major disagreements as to the expectations for the pastors, how to proceed with changes within the church, and with theological beliefs. When the pastors left, most of the Church Council and about 60 members left the church and started a new UCC church in Jefferson City. The remaining congregation has consistency in beliefs and expectations for the church. There is less conflict within the church today. A pastor is needed to solidify the church and lead it through changes, thus allowing it to flourish and grow again. Much of the conflict arose out of the fact that more than 80% of the congregation had been members of the church for more than 10 years. Rather than finding a way to capitalize on this characteristic, Church leadership was pushing forward quickly with major changes without going through good change management techniques, not getting buy-in from the majority of the congregation, and appeared to be trying to change the longevity issue by leaving a majority of the long term members out of the process in hopes of getting them to leave the church. On several occasions it was verbally stated that if any of the long time members could not get on-board with the changes being pursued, then they should consider going to another church. While much of the change was stated to make the church more inclusive of everyone, it was being done by intentionally isolating and excluding major factions of the current congregation. Another aspect of the conflict was our congregation felt that our expectations of a senior pastor were not being met. Just like other churches, our church has and is undergoing change and during this time it is imperative to have a Pastor with strong leadership characteristics to explain the needs for change, reasons for change, what is changing, obtain buy-in from the congregation, and able to get people not only on-board with the changes but motivated to support and promote the changes. Some examples of our expectations that were not met are as follows:

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a. Our expectation of a pastor is to be able and willing to work with all members of our congregation. Such as, periodically attend some meetings of the various groups of our church. Our church has a rich history of fellowship groups and ministries that are the backbone of our community of faith.

b. Another expectation is for the pastor to be able to be open and welcoming of those with differing opinions and be able to assist in a solution that meets the needs of all members of the congregation. Furthermore, constructively communicate the solution and its benefits.

c. Additional expectation of our pastor is to be able to effectively communicate and motivate our members and those who wish to become members. This expectation requires someone to be charismatic and willing to approach all members and visitors making them feel welcome not only in church but in the wider community.

Specific Leadership Expectations that were not being met include: - Making pastoral calls on people in hospitals and nursing homes and those confined to

their homes, - Ministers effectively to people in crisis situations, - Being a helpful counselor, - Inspiring a sense of confidence, - Mature and emotionally secure, - Compassionate and caring person, sensitive to others' needs.

24. WORSHIP

a. Describe the weekly worship schedule (number of services, times, languages in which the services are conducted, frequency with which communion is included) Central currently has one weekly service on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. It is a traditional Mainline Protestant service conducted in English including singing by the congregation and the Senior Choir, Bell Choir, and special music. Communion is provided once a month plus at special services during the Easter Season. Prior to 2018, Central also had a more informal service earlier in the morning on Sundays.

b. Are your worship services or church gatherings sign language interpreted? ___ Yes __X__ No

Are there particular ministries with persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness? Yes Comment: The Mission and Outreach Ministry hosts an annual spaghetti dinner/bingo night for local agency residents. In addition, the Mental Health Alliance meets in the church twice a month. For almost sixteen years, the old Parsonage served as a group home for men with developmental disabilities. A change in direction on the part of Emmaus Homes ended that ministry in

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2007.

c. Identify how worship is planned on a regular basis in your church ___ by a worship committee

_X_ by the pastor _X_ by the pastor in consultation with the Worship Committee and Music Director _ other - specify:

d. Describe the style and content of preaching valued by your congregation: The style and content of preaching needs to contain these elements

• Relevance - Messages that help us understand how the Bible and God's word apply to today's world and to our everyday lives.

• Teaching rather than preaching -- A style that uses anecdotes, examples, and stories to make messages understandable, thought provoking, and practical. A style that avoids the use of lectures and the reading of sermons.

• The current membership enjoys a traditional Mainline Protestant service, but is open to adding a contemporary service as needed.

e. Describe the role in worship of the person you are seeking: The expectation is that the pastor will assume major leadership for

worship and the theological messages provided, and be comfortable working with lay leaders and other staff in planning services and special celebrations. Currently, the Pastor works with the Worship Committee and Senior Choir Director in planning services, particularly special holiday celebrations. Ideally, the Pastor also will be comfortable with new forms of worship and have the skill and ability to help members who are very comfortable with traditional services recognize the value of new approaches to worship.

f. What hymnal(s) are currently used by your congregation in worship? The Hymnal (Red Binding) Copyright 1941, renewed 1969 Eden

Publishing Company St. Louis, MO for General Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Copyright acquired by United Church Press 1985.

g. Have you considered using another hymnal? Yes, the church explored adopting the New Century Hymnal. There was also

some interest in a non-denomination hymnal. In the end, the congregation decided to buy additional copies of the existing hymnal rather than adopt anything else.

h. Churches have a variety of practices related to the use of Inclusive

Language in worship services. How important is this issue to your church?

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The congregation feels it is important to keep the traditional language in worship services.

WIDER CHURCH CONNECTIONS

25. United Church of Christ a. Association, conference, or other denominational programs and

activities in which church members participate: Do you send delegates to association and conference meetings? Regularly _X Have members of your church ever served as delegates or visitors to General Synod? Yes _X._ However, we have not sent a delegate in recent years.

b. Association, conference, or other denominational settings in which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate: There is the expectation that the Pastor will represent the church at association meetings and conferences and in other denominational settings, and share relevant information from those meetings with the congregation.

c. Choose the word that best describes how Lay leaders of your church

consciously identify with the United Church of Christ: closely ____ moderately ____ nominally __X_ other Comment: The best description might be traditional Mainline Protestant.

26. Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities

a. Describe ways your church participated in ecumenical and interfaith activities during the past three years: Central Church supports Common Ground, a facility in the Old Town district founded by the First United Methodist Church to help area residents with such items as transportation for medical visits and utility assistance. In addition, Common Ground classes are planned for such topics as nutrition, growing vegetables, sewing and similar self-help topics. This is a program that might present more opportunity for interfaith partnership in order to meet the needs of low-income individuals and families. Central Church participates in Project Homeless Connect with other downtown churches. Central provides donations for gift bags that are given out and helps with registration on the day of the event. Central takes part in Mission JC with other downtown churches. There is a joint worship service in a neutral location lead by First Baptist Church, and then go into the community to do service projects that people have signed up for.

In addition, the Pastor has been a member of the Downtown Clergy Group. This group meets regularly and has planned such activities as community Lenten services held over the noon hour. Each church has responsibility for one service plus serving a light lunch to those who attend. These services

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have been held for the last three to four years.

b. Describe how your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate in ecumenical and interfaith activities:

The Pastor is expected to continue to participate in the interfaith Pastor's group as well as explore other opportunities for interfaith collaboration.

RELATIONSHIP WITH MINISTERIAL LEADERS

27. Relationship With Prior Leaders a. Characterize your church's experience with pastoral leaders over the past 15

years X In 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

through them, and relationships with pastoral leaders have grown in significant and important ways.

X We have had some tough times and things did not always work out.

Other. Specify: Rev. Sinnaduray supported radical change for the church. Most members of the Council and some of the congregation agreed with change but most congregation members did not agree with the direction of the church or the expectations for the pastors. As such the Call Agreements for the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor were terminated by the congregation. Approximately 60 members of the congregation left and formed a new UCC church along with Rev. Sinnaduray. A ministry of over 30 years in today's world is a rarity. In general, a former minister (Rev. Buchholz) and church leaders were able to find common ground and make key decisions

b. Indicate the tenure of the last three installed persons who filled the

position you are seeking to fill. Do not include interims:

Name From To 1. Rev. A. Rushan Sinnaduray

2. Rev. Dr. Stephen Buchholz

3. Rev. Robert Bauer

2015

1982

1973

2018

2012

1982

c. If a previous pastor or pastor emeritus is currently a member of the

church, describe his or her involvement in the life of the congregation:

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No former pastors of CUCC currently are members of Central UCC.

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:

In addition to vacation and personal leave time, the congregation supported the former pastor by providing time, as well as financial support, for continuing education including sabbaticals. He also had the support of a fantastic staff and lay leaders who were knowledgeable and willing to contribute their time and talents. In general, he was shown appreciation and respect.

e. Involuntary Terminations:

Have any of the last three persons serving in the position you are seeking to fill left involuntarily or under pressure? _X_yes:

• 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.

__X__ civil __X___ kind __X__ compassionate __X___ supportive _____ harsh ______ indifferent

• Describe what your church has learned from the experience about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:

Open communications are critical: the pastor, the Council, and the congregation must be clear in expressing issues and preferences. It is important to know what is going on in the Church and to explain with specificity one's beliefs. The situation deteriorated rapidly with no remedial action. It is important for the congregation to understand its goals with an expectation that the Council will represent the membership rather than pursuing its own agenda.

28. Leadership Expectations Following is a list of 12 items that represent a range of qualities in the ministry of the church. Our church needs a person who...

1. 1. Is an effective preacher/speaker. 2. Helps people develop their spiritual life.

3. 3. Is effective in planning and leading worship. 4. Is a person of faith. 5. Is effective in working with youth and children. 6. Is a helpful counselor. 7. Ministers effectively to people in crisis situations. 8. Makes pastoral calls on people in hospitals and nursing homes and

those confined to their homes. 9. Builds a sense of fellowship among the people with whom he/she works. 10. Is a compassionate and caring person.

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11. Works regularly at bringing new members into the church.

GENERAL

29. Does your governing body or your search committee have a well-defined policy against discrimination? __X__ Yes

Comment: see the Church Personnel Policy Manual

30. Has your congregation participated in an ONA (Open and Affirming)

study/discernment process? _Yes Comment: In 2006, the congregation voted against the Conference's stance on Gay Marriage, with the loss of members who had strong feelings on both sides of the issue. In late November 2013, Rev. Sarai Rice, Field Consultant, Alban Institute, met with church staff, leaders, and interested congregation members to begin the process of envisioning the work to which God is calling Central. In her report she identifies this as an area of underlying disagreement within the congregation. In 2016, the New Beginnings report identified this issue as one to pursue within the church. An ONA committee began meeting in 2016. This issue has received considerable discussion and remains divisive for Central, but has not received any formal votes since 2006. In general the congregation is open and accepting of LGBT persons but does not support Gay Marriage.

31. Is there a position description of the pastor's role and responsibilities?

X_ Yes If "yes," please attach a copy. Does your church have a personnel policy covering this position? X Yes __No

32. 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). Title: Administrative & Financial Secretary PT X FT Title: Youth Director X_ PT FT Title: Music Director X_ PT FT Title: Organist & Assistant Secretary X_ PT FT Title Bell Choir Director X_ PT FT

STATEMENT ON LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY

Central United Church of Christ is seeking to grow spiritually: we seek an energetic, entrepreneurial Pastor as a partner.

If CUCC is to be dedicated for God's use it needs to become an intergenerational church -- a church that can meet the spiritual needs of older members while reaching out to young families and those looking for a new church home. In order to accomplish this goal we need a Pastor who:

• Understands cultural change and how that impacts churches;

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• Understands the needs and spiritual interests of younger generations; • Can initiate ideas for revitalizing the church; • Values the opinions and strengths of current members and actively engages them

in putting ideas into action; • Understands the relationship between program planning, budgeting and

performance measurement; • Can be flexible - adapt as the character and composition of the congregation

changes; • Can provide the guidance, encouragement, and inspiration needed to

help us change even when change seems somewhat overwhelming. • Can manage conflict; • Is a person of strong faith with the ability to inspire spirituality in others; • Is a good preacher and leader of worship -- someone who can help us think

with our "head and heart"; • Is an approachable, friendly, warm person who relates in a compassionate

and caring manner to people of all ages; • Is responsive to members’ concerns; • Is willing to be involved and work with all members of the congregation; • Can collaborate with inter-faith and community partners; • Can effectively use technology to enhance the worship experience; • Excellent communicator; and • Understands and honors Central's history.

Central seeks a Minister who has the ability to build, inspire, and lead a team of staff and volunteers -- a strong partnership between the Pastor and the Church's lay leaders. Together they must build consensus on future directions and work together to accomplish goals. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 and 3:9, Paul encourages us to "be united in the same mind and the same purpose" because "we are God's servants, working together".

Under the current structure, lay leaders take the primary initiative and responsibility on most boards and committees. The minister regularly participates in meetings of the Council and Ministries providing leadership and guidance. Future growth will require significant changes in operations and inter-relationships in carrying out the work of the church. Central seeks a Pastor who can build consensus, strengthen the sense of shared responsibility between the Pastor and lay leaders, provide much needed lay leader training, and serve as a coach for lay leaders as they work together to effectively meet the church's needs. Photographs:

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Sander’s Farm

Bell Choir

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Festival of Sharing

Breakfast

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Oktoberfest

Conference or Association Descriptive Reference Church Name: Central United Church of Christ Location: 118 West Ashley Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Conference: Missouri Mid-South Association: Western Name of Staff Assisting: Rev. Tyler Connoley

Missouri Mid-South Conference 483 East Lockwood Ave. Ste. 15 St. Louis, MO 63119-3168 Telephone: (575) 956-3316

Email: [email protected]

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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.)

• Search and Call Committee • Church Council • Congregation

2. Additional comments for interpreting the profile:

Signed: Tom Thompson / Search Committee Chair / 2/21/19 Name / Title / Date

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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: Tyler Connoley, Minister for Search and Call Discernment Email: [email protected] Phone: 575-956-3316 Date: 3/1/19

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Church Bylaws pertaining to the Board of Deacons

CHAPTER VII BOARD OF DEACONS (DIACONATE) Section 1: The Board of Deacons, together with the Senior Pastor, will serve as the nongoverning spiritual leaders of the church. Section 2: The Board of Deacons will consist of three members from each of the spiritual ministries and will be approved by the Church Council. They will be ordained to serve and receive initial and ongoing training to support their roles. Section 3: The Board of Deacons, in partnership with the Senior Pastor, will select a group of no more than five and no less than three from among the current Board of Deacons to serve as a Pastoral Relations Committee. Other duties of the Board of Deacons are outlined in the Policies and Procedures. Section 4: Members of the Board of Deacons shall be selected and approved to serve a term of two years. Terms shall be staggered and each member of the Board of Deacons will be eligible to serve a consecutive two year term. A member of the Board of Deacons shall not be able to serve again for a period of two years after having served a second full two year term. No member of the Board of Deacons may chair a spiritual ministry at the same time. Attachment 1

Documents

Local Church Statement of Consentopportunities.ucc.org/CustomerFTP/3458/Attachments/... · 2019. 3. 9. · Samaritan Center, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Chinese School