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Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
1 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge
Prepared By
The Joint Needs Assessment Committee
2010 / 2011
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
2 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
The Upper Stewiacke – Springside Pastoral Charge
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report
Executive Summary
The Upper Stewiacke-Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Committee is pleased to present the following profiles of our
Pastoral Charge.
This Pastoral Charge has maintained a current community
profile, with a Needs Assessment completed both in 2003
and again in 2008. The 2010 Joint Needs Assessment
Committee has been able to review, reaffirm, and revise our
current community profile with the aide of comprehensive
research and consultation of past community members. We
believe this to be an accurate account, reflecting the life of
the churches, past and present.
--Shalom
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
3 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Our Community at a Glance
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
4 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Profile #1 – Our Community
History of the Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge
The first church service in the valley was held in the Fisher house located on the south
side of the river where the home of Eric and Colleen Jackson presently stands. Services were
held here for many years.
In 1857 construction began on what is now the Springside Church. Although it was
located in Eastville, Rev. Dr. James Smith named the church Springside in reference to the
springs on the nearby hills. People attended Church services here from Upper Stewiacke,
Newton Mills, Eastville, Cross Roads, Pembroke and Burnside. In 1866 Springside and Upper
Stewiacke separated into two congregations, each with their own ministers.
The present church building in Upper Stewiacke was completed in July 1894. Three
church buildings existed before the present structure. The first was a log building located
across the road at the site of Blakie‟s Mill. The second was on the site of what is now the
Upper Stewiacke Church Hall and the third was on the site of the present structure.
In 1950 Springside and Upper Stewiacke along with South Branch and Burnside
became a four- point charge. They all became United Churches in the church union of 1925.
Previously, they were Presbyterian. In 1969 Burnside joined with Springside and in 1995 South
Branch amalgamated with Upper Stewiacke. We are now a two-point charge consisting of
the Springside and Upper Stewiacke congregations.
Geography
The Stewiacke Valley is located in the Southern area of Colchester County. The
Upper Stewiacke and Springside churches are located in the Upper end of the Valley. The
Stewiacke River, popular for canoeing and fishing, winds the entire length of the Valley.
The 289 Highway runs through the Valley and connects two – 100 series highways: the
102 to 104 (TransCanada Highway). The Halifax International Airport is within an hour drive
and larger shopping communities in Truro and New Glasgow are less than forty minutes away.
The Pastoral Charge serves a rural population of twelve hundred people, comprising
approximately 290 households.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
5 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Organizations and Support Services – The Life of our Community
The Upper Stewiacke area has a remarkable number of organizations. In the years
2000, representatives from many organizations created a millennium quilt that displays over
thirty organizations working together in our community. In the years 2000, 2004 and 2007, the
Upper Stewiacke Community Association held expos that showcased 65 local businesses and
organizations. The Upper Stewiacke Community Association initiates various programs
throughout the year. Also, in 2006 the Association purchased land for the development of a
community park. More details about the organizations will be provided under specific subject
areas.
Medical Services: The Colchester Hospital in Truro (38 km.), Aberdeen Hospital in New
Glasgow (45 km), Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital (32Km.) and the Halifax hospitals
(115 Km.) are accessed in accordance to where respective medical doctor‟s refer their
patients.
Senior Support: Our communities‟ senior population remains a vibrant part of our
organizations, church, and community life. Many seniors continue to live in their own homes.
Others, requiring more advanced services of closer health facilities and assisted living,
relocate to seniors‟ facilities in Brookfield and Truro. Many of these community members stay
connected in local activities and special church social connections.
The Truro Food-bank serves those in need from the Upper Stewiacke area. Each church
supports the Food-bank through weekly donations.
Third Place Transition House, Truro, provides a safe place for families in threatening situations
who need shelter and protection.
Fire and Emergency Services:
The Upper Stewiacke Fire Department is a member of the Colchester County Fire Fighter's
Association. It is made up of approximately twenty-eight volunteer members, plus junior fire
fighters. They provide fire fighting and first response service in case of an emergency. The
response to any calls is linked to the 911 Emergency System. Many members have basic first
aid and CPR training; some members have advanced first aid. The Fire Department also has
basic first-aid equipment, defibrillator, oxygen equipment, and Heli-pad available.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
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The Upper Stewiacke Ladies Fire Auxiliary:
The Ladies Auxiliary is comprised of a group of women supporting the Fire Department
through major fundraising activities and events. Every spring, the Auxiliary with assistance
from the firemen, holds the Maple Syrup Festival. The day is filled with toe-tapping music
provided by local musicians.
Police Services:
Emergency police services are linked to the 911 Emergency Services. The Stewiacke
Detachment of the RCMP serves the area and as part of the community-policing program
provides an officer to work with the Rural Watch Society. A Game Warden from NS
Department of Natural Resources also works with Rural Watch.
Ambulance:
Ground ambulance service through NS Health Services is provided from Truro. A helicopter
pad allows for emergency services direct to the QEII hospital in Halifax.
Stewiacke Valley Red Cross:
The Red Cross Society previously active is currently non-operational; however it maintains a
collection of medical equipment that is loaned to local people.
The Stewiacke Valley Doctor’s Residence Society
The Doctor‟s Residence Society oversees the investment and distribution of monies acquired
through the sale of the Doctor‟s house in 1986. Each year local organizations are invited to
make requests for funding projects related to health, recreation and/or leisure. In addition a
thousand dollar bursary is awarded to a Grade X11 student graduating from South Colchester
Academy in Brookfield or from Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro.
Economy
The economy has traditionally been based primarily on farming and forestry. Although
some lumbering continues and a number of residents are employed at a mill in an adjacent
valley approximately twenty kilometers from Upper Stewiacke, the local forestry industry is
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
7 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
employing fewer and fewer residents. Farming remains a solid way of life in our communities.
Other local small businesses are becoming a more significant employer with more than 40
local businesses ranging from hair dressing, arts and crafts, a diner, a full service Co-op,
mechanical services, computer services, pet services, furniture repair, and more. More
thorough listings of local businesses are found on the community website,
www.upperstewiacke.com. Farm gate sales of meats, vegetables, and home goods
supplement dairy, beef, and sheep farming. In addition, many people commute to Truro
and Halifax to work.
Many services and supplies available locally are identified in the report. Various businesses
providing services in:
Carpentry
Plumbing
Electrical
Mechanics
Hairdressing
Local Arts
Furniture repair
Trucking
Dressmaking, alterations & repairs
Dog services – lodging, training, & grooming
Landscaping
Firewood
The Farmers Market:
The Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from June to October currently held at
the O‟Connell Family Farm. It offers fresh produce, plants, woodworking, crafts,
local meats and fish, and a hot breakfast.
Some of the larger businesses employing number of local residents:
Heritage Credit Union
Canada Post
Upper Stewiacke CO-OP
Bev‟s Country Dinner
Burnside Mechanical Services
Both churches are sponsoring congregations of the Arimathea Funeral Co-operative. Church
sanctuaries are used for funeral visitation, as well as for the funeral services. Each
congregation has a committee who helps during visitation, serving refreshments and assisting
the funeral director in taking care of the family. The advent of the Funeral Co-op has made it
possible for our community members to have the comfort of staying in our own community.
Our churches provide a natural setting for taking care of one another. The Colchester
Community Funeral Home and Mattatall Funeral Home located in Truro are also available.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
8 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Education, Culture, Recreation & Leisure
Upper Stewiacke Elementary School is situated in the village of Upper Stewiacke. The school
population is about 60, including grades Primary to Six. The dedication of the staff is reflected
in the happy faces of the children. The Home and School Association in active and
contributes to the many needs and activities connected with the school. A hot lunch
program is provided for three days a week on a volunteer basis. For a nominal charge the
children are served a healthy well- balanced meal. Volunteers help with computer classes
and in any way the teachers need assistance.
Upper Stewiacke Community School Council is made up of community volunteers develops
and implements recreation, leisure and adult upgrading programs for the community. Most
of the programs take place at the elementary school.
Brookfield Pre-School is located on the top floor of the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex. It
accommodates children ages 3-5 and runs Monday - Thursday from September to June.
Brookfield Elementary School accommodates grade Primary through 6 and has
approximately 210 students. It is located in the former Brookfield Junior High School. In 2003
the former Brookfield Memorial School and the Middle Stewiacke Elementary were closed
and the students relocated to the new Brookfield Elementary.
South Colchester Academy accommodates grades 7 through 12. It opened its doors on
September 2--3. It is located beside the Elementary School on Hwy. 289. It boasts many sports
teams, a wonderful music program and various activities. One program of interest is the
Canada-Brazil exchange available to high school students. Also, in 2008 a scholarship was
awarded to a student to attend school in Brazil for 6 months to a year. The Academy has its
own web page at scainfo.ednet.ns.ca.
Higher Education:
The Nova Scotia Community College, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and the Success
College of Applied Arts and Technology are all accessible to the area. Multiple universities in
Halifax are within 100km.
Stewiacke Valley Garden Club has an active group of 20 members of all ages who take a
special interest in beautifying the community. They plan and look after the flowers at
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
9 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Crockett Park, situated at the head of Eastville. They have worked with the principal of the
school to help some of the children plant spring bulbs. The club has also plants flower beds at
the Stewiacke Valley Museum, the Fire Hall and the Eastville Community Club. Each spring the
club holds a plant sale at the Fire Hall.
Stewiacke Valley Museum is in what was originally the Community Hall, the Museum opened
its doors in 1982. Maintained and operated by volunteers, the Museum is home to the
genealogical records of the area and also houses a large collection of artifacts, dating back
to the arrival of the Scots and Irish in the 1700‟s. Each year, the Museum volunteers showcase
exhibits following a particular theme. Members recently completed a book on WW I & II
veterans.
Stewiacke Valley 4-H Club has been active for more than 40 years offering services to youth
from 5 to 18 years old.
Members of the Burnside-Pembroke Community and Park Association maintain the Burnside
Community Hall, Burnside Community Parks and Proven, Burnthill and Pembroke Cemeteries.
Community dances are held occasionally at the community Hall.
Members of South Branch Community Club maintain the upkeep of the South Branch United
Church, which closed its doors in 1995 and became the property of the Community. An
annual variety concert and special church services take place in the Community church.
Crockett Community Park is situated at the head of Eastville beside the Stewiacke River on
land donated in the name of the Crockett family. This unique park on route 289 is enjoyed by
the community and traveling public. The garden club and members of the community
maintain the gardens. Picnic tables are available for leisurely outdoor dining. Annual
Canada Day celebrations are held at the park as well.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
10 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Profile #2 – Our Pastoral Charge
Mission Statement for
The Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge
As a Christ-centred church in response to God’s call, our mission and ministry will be to provide leadership and support for
Christian development among all people within the congregation and community. We achieve this by working together
using our resources as an informed church of Jesus Christ and by supporting, through prayer and contributions, the United
Church of Canada and its world mission
1999 – 2000 Reaffirmed 2010
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
11 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge Profile
The Pastoral Charge is comprised of two church congregations. Each point has
relatively the same size of congregation. Recently, the Charge operates with combined
services, alternating churches each month. The present combined services have
attendances of 40-50 people. The combined format will continue until the fall of 2010 when
the congregations will evaluate benefits and needs of each point.
The Upper Stewiacke Church located in the village of Upper Stewiacke is a smaller
church but has a large hall attached to the church, containing large and small meeting
rooms and kitchen. An office is located in the church. Upper Stewiacke has a church choir
under the direction of an organist. The choir provides musical leadership for Sunday worship,
funerals and special services. The average attendance at worship prior to combined services
was 25-30 each Sunday. Traditional, curriculum based Sunday school classes were replaced
in 2008 with Sunday Fun Time for children and are held during church services. The children
attend the first part of the worship service. On Communion Sunday, the children return to the
service for communion.
Springside Church is located in Eastville, approx. 7Kms from Upper Stewiacke.
Springside is a designated heritage property. The large building is situated next to the
Stewiacke River. Springside has a small, dedicated choir under the direction of the organist.
The two points share an organist. The Springside Church Hall sits next to the church. The
average attendance at worship prior to combined services was 20-25 each Sunday.
The pastoral charge manse is located next to the elementary school in the Village of
Upper Stewiacke. The house is a two-story structure, with a nicely landscaped lot and a one-
car garage.
Our charge is comprised of a number of interesting little hamlets. Until the late 1960s,
each community had a defined school district. A unique community spirit still is evident with
regular events and activities happening in and around the community centres.
The churches remain the backbone of the community. Like many rural areas, we
have seen a decline in church attendance but at the same time, we still have a significant
amount of support for the work of the church. Each church has a group of very loyal workers.
Janitorial services are also provided by volunteers.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
12 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Our Life, Our Identity
Stories & Events illustrating personality of our Pastoral Charge
The Upper Stewiacke - Springside Pastoral Charge reflects a community where
people are concerned for one another. The values and practices of a rural extended family
way of life remain important in our effort and support to retain a healthy community.
The two churches share a common community bond and fellowship while
maintaining their respective identities forging a strong spiritual community. The combined
activities of our two churches demonstrate a significant ability to successfully plan and initiate
events that draw in the entire community in celebrating a rich heritage, our well-organized
talents, and our strong spirit of cooperation. The following activities are just a few examples of
events in recent years that demonstrate the ongoing collaboration of the two points.
The Upper Stewiacke - Springside Pastoral Charge hosts various events that depict our
personality and culture. “Christmas in the Valley” is enjoyed by all. This celebration has
included a wide variety of activities: a Christmas tree display, decorated by various groups,
decorated open homes, ginger bread display, outside home lighting contest, craft sale,
luncheon teas. Christmas in the Valley events take place over several days through the
Christmas period and make for a very scenic village.
An outside Christmas tree lighting ceremony is held during the first week in December
each year in celebration of newborn and in memory of deceased. At Christmas time a
service is held in a local barn amongst a live nativity scene!
Communion is a regular part of service and held 6-8 times a year and during
Christmas and Easter celebrations at various services. The youth participate in communion
celebrations alongside the adults.
Upper Stewiacke and Springside have hosted several Dinner Theaters. These have
guaranteed a thoroughly enjoy the performances featuring local talent while being served a
delicious, mouth watering, home cooked dinner and dessert.
Remembrance Day Services are held each year at the Springside Church Cemataph.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
13 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
This annual service draws an extensive crowd from both our own and bordering communities
with well over 100 attendees.
The Lenten season is observed with multiple celebrations such as an Ash Wednesday,
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services culminating with an Easter Sunday Sunrise
Service. The service takes place along the river and is followed by a delicious breakfast
cooked by the men of the charge and followed by a Family Easter service. Children (and
some just young at heart) participate in an „Easter Egg‟ hunt. These services have alternated
between Upper Stewiacke and Springside.
Many special services such as Fireman‟s Sunday, Blessing of the Animals Sunday,
graduation Sunday, and 4-H Sunday have been held throughout the year. The named
groups take part in the service. Recent years there has been a vibrant Youth Group who
regularly took part in church services. Members of the Youth Group have been camp
counselors and campers at Camp MacLellan. Also, members have attended to attend Youth
Forum at Maritime Conference.
Other activities in the church such as youth/teen and old time dances, variety
concerts, barbecues, turkey dinners, potluck dinner and luncheons have all been very
popular events. We also have an annual charge picnic at the closing of the Sunday school
year.
As our church community has grown over the years, although the size of our congregations
fall and rise, church groups have formed and folded, and events and services have changed
and ceased, the life of our church remains vibrant and continues to evolve to meet the needs
of the days and life of community members.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
14 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Current Church Groups
The Bible Study Group, combined from the two congregations, meets regularly at the Upper
Stewiacke Church Meeting Room, or in member's homes. The group focuses on various areas
of the Bible as related to scripture program for the study year. The Prayer Group meets
regularly, usually in the Upper Stewiacke Church Meeting Room.
Each point receives a name of a family from the Christmas Index in Truro. Members of the
congregations supply a complete Christmas dinner including gifts for all of the family. Any
extras that come in are given to the food bank. Each point has a mitten tree and when the
family is provided for the surplus goes to the Food Bank. There is a contact person for each
point.
Each church has its' own choir under the leadership of the church's organist. The combined
choirs practice two to four times a month. Each Sunday the choirs treat their respective
congregations with some delightful singing that is appreciated by all. The two choirs currently
team up for the combined services and for such occasions as funerals and some special
events. At times there has been an active junior choir.
The Upper Stewiacke and Springside Sunday Schools have been replaced from a curriculum
based Sunday School to a more flexible “Sunday Fun Time” that better meets the current
youth. The congregations and Sunday Schools support Camp MacLellan by donating pennies
and Canadian Tire money. The pastoral charge has adopted a cabin at Camp MacLellan
and maintains it throughout the year.
A part time support person works with the minister on clerical duties, approximately five hours
weekly, depending on workload. More time is allotted when needed such as work required
for annual reports.
Upper Stewiacke Building Fund and Memorial Treasurer
The congregation of Upper Stewiacke Church, under the recommendation of the Point
Nominating Committee appoints the Building Improvement and Memorial Treasurer at the
AGM in January. The Treasurer reports to the congregation and presents an annual report at
the AGM in January.
Duties: - records donations to the building and memorial funds and notifies families of
memorial donations
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
15 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
- in consultation with church trustees, pays bills for building improvement expenditures
and memorial contributions.
Springside Building Improvement and Memorial Fund Treasurer
The congregation of Springside, under the recommendation of the Point Nominating
Committee appoints the Building Improvement and Memorial Treasurer at the Annual
General Meeting in January. The Treasurer reports to the congregation and presents an
annual report at the AGM in January.
Duties: - records donations to the building and memorial funds and notifies families of
memorial donations.
- in consultation with church trustees, pays bills for building improvement expenditures
and memorial contributions
Auditors
An auditor for the Pastoral Charge is appointed at the Annual Meeting of the Official Board in
January under the recommendation of the Charge Nominating Committee. The auditor
reports to the Official Board.
Auditors for the two points are appointed at the annual congregational meetings in January
under the recommendation of the Point Nominating Committees. Each auditor reports to the
respective congregation
Presbytery Representatives
Structure: - Each point consists of a representative and an alternate. These
members are nominated by each point‟s Nominating Committee and
then voted on at their Annual General Meetings.
Duties: - Representatives to attend the 6-7 Presbytery meetings per year
- To report back to their respective congregations to keep them well informed
- To be on one committee at Presbytery.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
16 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Summation
It is evident from the volume of committees and boards that we are a very active and dedicated
community of volunteers, working together “to provide leadership and support for Christian
development among all people within the congregation and community.” (Mission Statement) On a
continual basis, committee members, in concert with the clergy and Presbytery keep up-to-date on
changes to the United Church Manual, ensuring that we know our roles and responsibilities for
carrying out the various activities in the Charge. Due to regular planning between the two
congregations, for worships services, Christian Development activities and fundraising events, we
strive to ensure our churches remain dynamic institutions, meeting the needs of our community and
as stated in our Mission Statement “supporting through prayer and contribution, the United Church of
Canada and its world mission.”
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
17 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Profile #3 – Our Resources
Resources Profile for Upper Stewiacke - Springside Pastoral Charge
Our number one and most valuable resource is the people in our congregations.
The congregations receive the money needed to carry out the work of the church in the
following ways: Envelope offerings, unidentified offerings, donations, canvassing,
Memorial Fund Donations, Hall Rentals, Stewards Fund Raisers, Mission & Service Envelopes,
Mission & Service Donations, Building & Maintenance, Fund Donations (Upper Stewiacke),
Building Improvement Fund (Springside), Sunday school Fundraisers (i.e. Adopt a Bulb),
Sunday school Lenten Fish Campaign.
Monies received are used in the following ways: Church operations, Mission & Service
donations, Donor Specified, Sunday School and education, Manse and Church building
upkeep, Community Out Reach, Benevolent Funds
Upper Stewiacke congregation is responsible for 50% of Pastoral Charge budget.
Springside congregation is responsible for 50% of Pastoral Charge budget.
The Upper Stewiacke congregation owns the property the church sits on. The
attached hall was constructed in 1986. The Springside church property was bequeathed in
1857 to the Springside Presbyterian Church congregation. The adjacent hall was constructed
in 1926. The buildings in both congregations are maintained through the receipts and
expenditures mentioned above. Each congregation has a Board of Trustees who oversees
decisions made with respect to the maintenance and repairs of the buildings within their
respective congregations. Volunteers carry out Work. Major work is hired out, i.e. roof repair,
and costs are covered by the Building & Maintenance Fund in Upper Stewiacke and by the
Building Improvement Fund in Springside as well as by the Memorial Funds in each respective
congregation. (Please see Pastoral Charge Annual Report) The congregations maintain the
buildings without having to assume extra debt. The Springside Church building has been
designated a heritage property and receives funding through the Nova Scotia Department
of Tourism and Culture. The Pastoral Charge owns a beautiful spacious two story manse
located one kilometer from the Upper Stewiacke Church within the village of Upper
Stewiacke. It has 5 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, a large living room, a sitting room, dining room and
kitchen. The manse has an office for the minister‟s use that includes a fax machine. The
interior has recently undergone renovations and re-decorating. The house is wheelchair
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
18 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
accessible and has a front veranda. Adjacent to the house is a 14 x 24 garage. (Please see
Presbytery Manse Report for more detail on Manse.)
The property- value of the Upper Stewiacke congregation buildings is approximately
$140,000 and the property value of the Springside congregation buildings is approximately
$201,300. Upper Stewiacke has one large bequest that has been invested under the
guidance of the trustees of the Upper Stewiacke United Church.
Stewardship is alive and well in both congregations and shows itself in many forms
including financial support, an abundance of talent, and invested time by congregation
members and adherents.
We look to the clergy and session for the spiritual leadership of our church community
and to the Committee of Stewards and the Board of Trustees for financial and maintenance
guidance. Music is an important part of our worship time in both congregations and we
value our choirs and our organist and the contribution they make to our services. We have
very capable individuals in our pastoral charge that are always willing to step in when called
upon to help in various areas. Two local parishioners are also available to play the organ or
piano on occasions when the regular organist cannot attend. Very enthusiastic volunteers
complete any other work done within the Pastoral Charge over and beyond the duties of the
Ministry Personnel and secretary.
Upper Stewiacke United Church is a lovely one-story structure with a bell tower rising above
the front door. Every Sunday the bell chimes out over the village, reminding everyone that
church is “taking in”. The building along with an attached hall sits on approximately 1 acre of
land. Both congregations use the office in the church building. The hall is used for Sunday
school, suppers, fund-raising events, church meetings, etc. The trustees have a rental policy.
It is also used by many community based groups for their functions such 4-H. Many local
businesses within the Stewiacke and Musquodoboit Valleys meet throughout the year.
The Springside United Church is the oldest church building in the Stewiacke Valley and was
designated as a heritage property in 1995. The church looks over the beautiful Stewiacke
River and along with an adjacent hall sit on approximately 2 acres of land. The interior of the
church building features an open gallery that runs the length of the church of either side or
the back. The back portion is now enclosed for storage. The adjacent hall is used for Sunday
school, suppers, as well as other events through out the year. It includes a hall, stage, and a
kitchen. The trustees have a rental policy. The following is a list of the contents and resources
within the church building.
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
19 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Position Profile #4 – Position Statement
The minister of The Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge provides leadership in
Worship word, sacrament, pastoral care, faith development and community
outreach.
Involvement and visibility in the community and familiar with the uniqueness and gifts
that rural ministry has to offer.
Communication of the word of God that is in today‟s context
Addressing social issues in our community and beyond.
Encouraging good stewardship.
Youth and young families are high priority in the community. Also, there is a large
senior population within the community as well as in surrounding extended-care facilities.
Visitation to members, whether inside or outside the community, is required along with
hospital visitation at the three hospitals servicing our area - the Musquodoboit Hospital,
Colchester Regional Hospital and Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre.
The ministry personnel should be available at specific times whether in the office at
the Upper Stewiacke Church or the office in the manse. It would also be expected that the
ministry personnel keep accurate records for example: baptisms, weddings, funerals,
memberships and transfers. This person will give guidance and leadership in matters
pertaining to General Council, Maritime Conference and Presbytery. Study leave and
personal development is encouraged by the pastoral charge and be helpful to the Ministry
Personnel as well as the pastoral charge.
We appreciate the uniqueness of God‟s ministry and realize that hours can and do
fluctuate with the time, seasons and needs of the Pastoral Charge. It should be noted that
there is a dedicated core of volunteers that are willing and do to assist the ministry personnel
whenever possible. The minister is responsible for the following tasks:
1) Worship and preaching (including preparations)
2) Pastoral care, bereavement, visitation, hospitals, (nursing homes and shut ins, as time
permits)
3) Community involvement and Youth Development.(as time allows)
4) Administration (record keeping, necessary church meetings etc.)
5) Outreach and some volunteer time is appreciated.
6) Study groups would be appreciated
7) Support of volunteer groups and initiatives (as time allows)
Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment
Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008
20 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010
Profile #5 – Minister Skills
Outlined below are some of the experiences and skills that the Upper Stewiacke-Springside
Pastoral Charge would see as being especially important for a minister to meet the unique
needs of this two-point charge.
These are the talents and gifts that are important to the people of the Upper Stewiacke -
Springside Pastoral Charge:
To be able to communicate and work with all ages.
The ability to plan and lead worship with a spiritual message that is sensitive to
congregational needs.
To have skills in visitation and pastoral care
To be able to relate to the youth and young families and to encourage
intergenerational worship
Ability to support Christian Development for all ages, if time permits, lead group
studies that are a combination of Bible themes and social issues.
To be willing and able to recognize peoples needs for counseling and refer them to
specialized support services available in the surrounding area.
Profile #6 - Terms
Salary & Benefits:
All Salary and Benefits are paid as set out by United Church Guidelines including travel,
moving, pension, study leave, etc
Manse:
Cost sharing on fuel - United Church guidelines
Lawn-mowing - Ministry personnel responsibility
Snow-removal - Pastoral charge responsibility
Fire Proof Safe is in the manse
Other:
Basic Telephone and Internet service is provided. Additional personal internet or phone
usage is the responsibility of the incumbent. Secretarial support services is provided up to 5
hours a week as required.
It is expected the incumbent will participate in Presbytery/District Work, Conference work and
General council involvement as appropriate and time permits.
As a strong community is the foundation of our Pastoral Charge, it is the expewctation our
minister will be present in community and events.
Hours:
This position is currently a part time position of 30 hours per week.