MINISTRY SITE PROFILE

Transcription

1 1. NAME AND LOCATION Name Synod The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is intended for use by congregations and church-related organizations that are seeking to call an ordained or lay rostered minister (Associate in Ministry, Deaconess or Diaconal Minister) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or First Call candidates for rostered ministry. Congregations must complete the entire Ministry Site Profile. Church-related organizations may, with the concurrance of the synod bishop, complete only the required sections ( 1-4 and 8-19 ). Once complete, this form is submitted electronically to your synod bishop for review and posting to the "ministry opportunities" listing on the ELCA web site. Type of Ministry Site (select one) 2. CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address: City: Web site: Phone: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America God's work. Our hands. (575) FAX: (575) PART I: WHO WE ARE CONGREGATION MULTIPLE POINT PARISH ORGANIZATION Peace Lutheran Church, Las Cruces, NM Size of Community MINISTRY SITE PROFILE Date Completed: Las Cruces NM U.S. Canada City State / Province ZIP / Postal Code Country Rocky Mountain Synod 2E address Year Organized Congregation - Organized Medium city (50,000 to 249,999) 1701 E. Missouri Ave. Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization ( preferred contact information ) Congregation ID Las Cruces State / NM ZIP or Province Postal Code office@peacelutheranlc.com Country: U.S / / Canada Name: Address: Ron Salak 1800 Imperial Ridge City: Las Cruces State / NM ZIP or Province Postal Code ronaldsalak29@comcast.net Country: address U.S. Day (575) Evening (575) Cell: (575) FAX: ( ) - Phone: Phone Chairperson of Call or Search Committee ( preferred contact information ) Canada Name: Address: City: Day Phone: Country: U.S. ( ) - Evening ( ) - Cell: ( ) - FAX: ( ) - Phone [ SR-902r ] Page 1 of 14 State / Province ZIP or Postal Code Canada

2 3. DEMOGRAPHICS Languages spoken Primary language: English Second language: Spanish In the congregation / organization English Spanish In the surrounding community Third language: Race / Ethnicity Largest Caucasian 95 Hispanic 65 Second Other ( Please specify below ) 5 Caucasian 30 Third 0 0 Fourth 0 5 Combination of Hispanic, African American and Asian Please explain 'OTHER' ethnicity. Gender comparison * Age distribution * Male Female 19 years or younger over 65 Number of Paid Staff ( Number of full or part time paid staff of the congregation or organization. ) Clergy 2 Secretarial Support 1 Lay Rostered 0 Custodial Support 2 Other Lay Professionals 0 Other 3 Enter the following congregational information. Average weekly worship attendance Average attendance in Christian education Parish type: Single site Indicate the distance members live from the church facilities 1/2 mile or less miles 20 1/2-1 mile 5 More than 3 miles 70 Community Type ( Check any that apply. ) Bedroom community College or University Farming Industrial Inner City Mining / logging Ranching Resort Retirement [ SR-902r ] Page 2 of 14

3 4. BUDGET OF THE CONGREGATION / ORGANIZATION Last fiscal year : 2012 Total budget for the last fiscal year Mission Support to the ELCA / synod for the last fiscal year Total debt of the congregation/ $630,500 organization at the end of the last $638,000 fiscal year $23,100 Total savings, reserves, endowment at the end of the last fiscal year $108, TRENDS IN THE COMMUNITY CONTEXT OF THE CONGREGATION OR ORGANIZATION Please give a short answer to the following questions. ( approx. 150 words maximum ) Characteristics Write a description of your community in terms of socio-economic status, demographics, primary areas of employment and lifestyle. The Demographic ZIP Code report ( available at ) for your primary ZIP codes may be helpful. Our congregation is made up primarily of middle class caucasians. We are diverse in socio-economic status, political and religious affiliation. Immediate neighborhood is primarily low-income Hispanic, six blocks from New Mexico State University. PLC members come from all across the city, which is growing rapidly, 25 miles from the Mexican border. Public schools, City of Las Cruces and NMSU are major employers, plus White Sands Missile Range, hospitals/healthcare providers. The area also draws retirees and snowbirds from across the US. LGBT community has a strong presence in the congregation--representation in staff, members, and visitors-- Reconciling in Christ Congregation. In March 2012 Council passed a resolution to create a Safe Haven Policy. The Safe Haven Policy was adopted in February Context List three ways that the community in which you are located has been challenged by change and transition in the last three to five years. 1. Drought: agriculture is a significant driver in this community. Following an 8 year drought farming remains fairly stong. It is a major source of income for many of the families in the Valley. 2. Rapid population increases accompanied by debates about how to manage the development of the infrastructure and housing. (Population growth: ,904; ,047. Median household Income $37,576.00) 3. Depressed real estate market and downturn in the economy; exacerbating poverty and immigration issues. Trends List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years. ( If this profile is about a congregation, the Congregational Trend Report ( available at research ) may be helpful to you.) 1. The loss of several key staff members as well as lay members in 18 months, however, many church members have stepped up to fill in as needed to serve Christ and the community. 2. Difficulty procuring volunteers for Family Ministry events, while the number of families to be served has grown. 3. Growth of social justice/service ministry (Border Servant Corps) and more congregational support/participation of that ministry. [ SR-902r ] Page 3 of 14

4 Programs Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry. Several organizations in Las Cruces owe their existence to PLC. Peace is an incubator of ministries that address the needs of the community. We open our doors to existing programs needing affordable space. Some of the programs we currently support monetarily are: El Caldito Soup Kitchen, Jardin de los Ninos, Community of Hope, Habitat for Humanity, and Casa de Peregrinos. In addition, our own ministries include: Faith Formation Across the Lifespan, Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Group, Adult Education, Hunger & Justice (including Bread for the World), Border Servant Corps, Lutheran Campus Ministry, and Village of Caring. Goals If there is a Strategic Plan in place for the congregation or organization; what are the primary goals to which you are committed? There is no strategic plan at present. But we are guided by our Mission and Vision statements. Mission Statement: By God's grace, to grow and share our faith, welcoming all and striving to live in the spirit and love of Christ. Vision Statement: As Christ Calls Us, Peace Lutheran will embrace His mission, becoming a center of Christian hospitality. As Christ Loves Us, we will care for and nurture one another, encouraging and rejoicing in each person's unique gifts. As Christ Forgives Us, we will accept each other in our brokenness, offering support and healing through all stages of our earthly journey. As Christ Teaches Us, we will share our understanding of God's word in our community, proclaiming the gifts of grace. As Christ Commands Us, we will open ourselves to our neighbors with mutual caring and respect, celebrating together the Good News. Energy What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? 1)Border Servant Corps and social justice issues; 2) Fairth Formation for children, youth and adults; due to recent leadership losses we've had struggles which have created important opportunities; many members have a strong desire to help develop successful ministries devoted to families...most especially; for our children; 3) many adults, retired and otherwise, want to get involved in service trips, immersion experiences; 4)recent renovations have created a building we are proud to worship in and gladly offer for use by diverse groups in our community;5) there is continued interest in outreach to the surrounding neighborhood; 6) music--openness right now for more diverse music representation enhancing an already very strong music program. Partnership How does this congregation or organization see itself as a member and active participant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod? * Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico * Border Conference participation * We participate in Synod Assembly * We include Synod as a major part of our benevolence budget. * We have members who serve on various committees of the Synod * Congregation members give generously to ELCA World Hunger Appeal * Networked with other ELCA sponsored volunteer programs, PLC is the home of Border Servant Corps * Lutheran Campus Ministry provides additional opportunity to network across the synod and the national church. [ SR-902r ] Page 4 of 14

5 6. MINISTRY SITE CHARACTERISTICS PART II: OUR VISION FOR MISSION As you think of your congregation or organization and the way it tends to live out its corporate life and pursue its mission, what tends to characterize your life together? You may make only one selection in each of the comparisons below or you may leave the line blank if this item does not apply to your ministry site. AS A COMMUNITY We tend to be formal and programmatic. We have clearly defined goals and plans for our future. We are racially and economically diverse. We tend to be informal and spontaneous. We have no stated goals or plans. We are demographically homogeneous. OUR LEADERSHIP STYLE We welcome ideas that are provoking and challenging. We prefer ideas that are tried and true. We rely on our leaders for direction. We rely on group decision-making. We have learned how to use conflict constructively. We tend to perceive conflict as something destructive OUR PROGRAMMING Our facilities are often used by community groups. Our facilities are only used for our activities. We train people to minister outside our walls. We train people to minister inside our walls. We focus on ideas and beliefs. We focus on skills and action. OUR THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE We are obviously Lutheran in identity and practice. We are less obvious about our Lutheran heritage. We participate in synod and ELCA activities. We are not very active in the synod and ELCA. We focus on Biblical studies and doctrine. We focus on contemporary issues and topics. [ SR-902r ] Page 5 of 14

6 7. PURPOSE, GIFTEDNESS AND MISSION The mission of a congregation or organization is found at the intersection of its purpose, giftedness and context. That is, a clear sense of mission will grow directly out of an assessment of your identity and purpose, your resources and gifts, and your understanding of the needs and trends within your community. Please offer thoughtful responses to the following questions. ( Approximately 250 words maximum ) Purpose How does this congregation or organization understand its reason for being in light of God's call to mission and service? Who are you? Why are you here? ( You may wish to refer to your congregation's or organization's Mission or Vision statements. ) Worship is the center of our congregational life Small Groups are the primary source of assimilation We see ourselves as servants to the wider community as well as to each other We welcome all to the Lord's table Peace does adhere to its Mission and Vision Statements Giftedness What are your gifts and resources for fulfilling this purpose? What are the congregation's or organization's top three assets and how are they being used? Are there obstacles that must be overcome to be able to use these gifts and accomplish the mission? Gifts and resources: Outreach to local, national and global communities, strong devotion to quality Christian Education, we are a welcoming/reconciling in Christ community, relationships with existing local agencies. Top three assets: 1. Border Servant Corps-BSC leadership is part of PLC staff, host volunteers working in the area, provides opportunities for volunteers to learn and teach about social justice and work toward systemic change. BSC supports volunteers who live in intentional community, focusing on Community, Simplicity, Social Justice, and Spirituality, accompanies our sisters and brothers on the U.S. / México border. 2. Talented members, i.e. musicians, artists, former pastors, professors, librarians, parish nurses, etc. who help maintain an atmosphere of welcome, hospitality, and caring. 3. Well-located, well-designed building is much used by Peace and larger community. Obstacles: less than consistent financial support, fewer volunteers, communication, congregational confusion about the structure of PLC and how it is functioning. [ SR-902r ] Page 6 of 14

7 Mission In light of the way you have described your ministry context in this Ministry Site Profile, what are the top three mission priorities which, if accomplished, hold the most promise for the continued development of this ministry? 1. Continued support and ongoing growth of the Border Servant Corps 2. Family Ministry - opportunities for fellowship and inter-generational engagement 3. Christian Education/Faith Formation 8. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Please describe your ministry setting and position opening in 75 words or less. This is the brief description that will be publicized. We seek a pastor who will support, encourage and supervise our outreach in the community (including BSC), has a good sense of the liturgy (to know what should and shouldn't be changed in varying worship services), can preach to all levels of intellect, and will give energy to education/faith formation for all ages. Someone who understands the concepts of social justice and cultural diversity, and would be interested in exploring with the congregation how to bridge some of the gaps, i.e. service opportunties, outreach, welcoming, programming, etc. [ SR-902r ] Page 7 of 14

8 PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDS Use this section to describe both the gifts for minstry and the style of leadership that your position requires. 10. THE LEADER WE SEEK Roster type: ( Check all whom you would be open to interviewing ) Associate in Ministry Deaconess Diaconal Minister Ordained Clergy In Candidacy / First Call Position type: ( Select the most descriptive option ) Senior Pastor / Head of Staff This ministry position is: Full time Education: ( Select the minimum level of education required ) Language ( proficiencies preferred ) Primary language: English Proficiency Fluent Second language: Spanish Proficiency Conversational Third language: Proficiency Experience: ( Select all you would consider for this position ) 0-3 years 4-9 years years years 21 + years 11. TOP FIVE MINISTRY TASKS ( Select the five most critical tasks required in this position. ) Administration Building a Sense of Community Campus / Young Adult Ministry Chaplaincy Children's Ministry Christian Education Communications / Media Community Organizing Conflict Management Counseling / Social Work Early Childhood Administration Ecumenical Work Evangelism / Mission Financial Management Global Service Innovation / Creativity Interim Ministry Interpret Theology Inter-personal Climate Ministry in Crisis Ministry in Daily Life Ministry with Seniors Multicultural Ministry Music / Worship / Arts Outdoor / Camping Ministry Parish Nurse / Health Participant in the Larger Church Pastoral Care and Visitation Preaching / Worship Leadership Public Policy / Advocacy Recruit and Equip Leaders Self Care / Family Life Small Group Ministry Social Ministry Spiritual Formation / Direction Stewardship Strategic Mission Planning Teaching Volunteer Coordination Youth and Family Ministry [ SR-902r ] Page 9 of 14

9 12. GIFTS FOR MINISTRY Every rostered leader can offer a variety of gifts, skills and personality characteristics that would be helpful in a ministry setting. Identify a maximum of five gifts for ministry that the rostered leader must bring to your ministry setting in the left-hand column. In the right-hand column, identify five more gifts that would be helpful in your ministry setting. ( If your setting is a congregation and your search is for a pastor, this survey of gifts assumes that the pastor is able to offer worship leadership and preaching. ) Top Priority Our new leader needs to be able to... Help people develop their spiritual life. Help people understand and act upon issues of social justice Provide care and nurture. Be active in visitation of members and non-members. Be effective in working with children. Build a sense of community among the people with whom he/she works. Help others develop their leadership abilities and skills for ministry. Be an effective administrator. Be an effective communicator. Be an effective teacher. Encourage support of the Church's wider mission. Work regularly in the development of stewardship growth. Be active in ecumenical relationships. Be effective in working with youth. Organize people for community action. Be skilled in planning and leading programs. Have a strong commitment and loyalty to the Lutheran Church. Understand and interpret the mission of the Church from a global perspective. Deal effectively with conflict. Bring joy and good humor to relationships. Be able to share leadership and work in a team. Be creative and innovative about his or her tasks. Be able to use technology and media. Appreciate cultural diversity in language and customs. Have talents in the areas of music, arts and writing. Very Helpful [ SR-902r ] Page 10 of 14

10 13. MUTUAL EXPECTATIONS Please list the five primary areas of activity or focus that you wish your newly-called rostered leader to give special attention to during the first year of his or her ministry at this congregation or organization: A. Preaching and Teaching B. C. D. E. Family and Youth Ministry Social Justice issues Local interfaith connections Solidify stewardship and giving attitudes Please list five ways that this congregation / organization will support and encourage the rostered leader during the first year in order to help her or him accomplish these responsibilities: A. B. C. D. E. Active families with young children University trained group leaders Strong staff, including musicians Members who have passion for Border Servant Corps and hunger issues Core volunteers for church ministries 14. COMPENSATION Indicate the maximum amount that is available for the "Defined Compensation" of this ministry position. Defined Compensation is described by the ELCA Board of Pensions as the gross cash salary paid to the staff member. In the case of clergy, Defined Compensation includes any housing allowance (whether in cash or the annual cash value of a parsonage,) Social Security Tax offset, and/or furnishings allowance if paid directly to the staff member. You may choose to use the button below to access the ELCA Board of Pensions Defined Compensation calculator in assisting you to determine Defined Compensation. Parsonage (If yes, include the annual dollar value in the "Defined Compensation" below) Social Security Tax offset (If yes, include the annual dollar value in the "Defined Compensation" below) The maximum amount available for Defined Compensation $90,000 - $95, BENEFITS The ELCA Board of Pensions has complete information about the benefits program of the church at including online calculators to help you estimate costs. Pension Medical 4 weeks Vacation weeks: ( Recomended: Four weeks per year. For an ordained or lay rostered minister in a congregation, this should include four Sundays. ) [ SR-902r ] Page 11 of 14

11 Sabbatical Policy Parental Leave Policy Are Background Checks required? ( Recomended for all paid staff and key volunteers. ) 16. PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES Auto / travel reimbursement ( Recomended: Auto reimbursement at the IRS business mileage rate for actual miles driven. ) Professional Expense account ( A reimbursement account for professional expenses - books, publications, memberships, vestments, uniforms and the like. ) Continuing Education ( Recommended: Two weeks per year, plus $700 per year from the congregation or organization and $300 per year from the rostered leader; funds to be held in a separate account. ) First Call Theological Education ( Recommended: Meeting synod expectations for First Call rostered leaders to participate in FCTE, including financial support and continuing education time.) Comments Please offer any comment or explanation regarding the compensation package, especially as it compares to synodical recommendations or guidelines. We are conscientious about meeting synod guidelines. 17. OTHER SUPPORTING RESOURCES Are you able to supply the following items, if requested? Mission and Vision statement of the congregation or organization Printed history of the congregation or organization Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives Budget Annual Report Position description: Duties and Responsibilities Communications Piece ( publicity, newsletter, etc. ) [ SR-902r ] Page 12 of 14

12 PART IV: COMMENTARY You are encouraged to offer information or commentary that will help the reader appreciate the vision, opportunities, challenges and nature of your ministry site. Use this opportunity to promote and commend your ministry possibilities. To see some examples, please click here. If your congregation is a part of a Multiple-Point Parish, please click here. Las Cruces is a multicultural borderlands community. It is a university town, junction of 2 major interstates, with growing city infrastructure, an agricultural center including: pecans, onions, chile, cotton, and a popular place for retirees. PLC engages in interfaith relationships and ecumenical partnerships; its membership includes people of many religious backgrounds, including retired pastors. PLC is well known in the community through our relationships with many service agencies, and the availability of our building for many purposes. The Border Servant Corps is an important part of PLC's identity. BSC was started in 1997 by one passionate director and a handful of volunteers. It now draws fifteen to sixteen volunteers annually from all over the country who are placed in a variety of social service agencies in Las Cruces and El Paso. It maintains three houses, two in Las Cruces and one in El Paso, for these volunteers. Although BSC has its own Board, it is a fiscal subsidiary of PLC; its director is a member of PLC staff who serves under the guidance of the senior pastor. The total budget of Peace Lutheran is broken into two parts: Peace and Border Servant Corps. $185,000 is the independent BSC budget and $445,500 is Peace Lutheran Church. Family ministry has had challenges due to staff changes in recent years, having depended on a former BSC volunteer who came on staff to provide leadership to the family ministry program and an after school program which lasted three years. When this part time position could not be refilled because the after school program was discontinued, member volunteers tried to make up the difference with mixed results. Peace Lutheran church has worked with a part-time Associate Pastor for the past 10 years whose main responsibilities include: worship leadership and preaching, pastoral care, Lutheran Campus Ministry (Interfaith Council at New Mexico State University), adult education, and most recently, Family Ministry. Peace has a strong ministry with many opportunities for growth and expansion! [ SR-902r ] Page 13 of 14

13 18. SEVEN REFLECTIONS Seven Reflections on Ministry and Context If you would like to enhance your Ministry Site Profile with additional reflections on several key questions, you may download the extra form. 19. DISCERNMENT PROCESS AND ADOPTION PART V: COMPLETION OF PROFILE Please describe the process used to gather information, formulate responses, and officially adopt this Ministry Site Profile. ( Approximately 100 words maximum ) Enter the date on which this Ministry Site Profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board: / / 20. CALL PROCESS CONTACT PERSON Enter the name of the person on the synod staff who is the contact person or call process administrator for your call process. You may need to contact the synod office to verify this information. Name: Title Office Phone: Pr. Sarah Moening Assistant to the Bishop smoening@rmselca.org (303) Click here to allow a change in the CALL PROCESS CONTACT PERSON'S information. 21. REFERENCE'S RECOMMENDATION Please give the name of someone from outside the congregation or organization who has agreed to comment on the life and ministry of this ministry site. Reference agreeing to do this: Name: Pr. Jeanne Lutz Day Phone: (575) Evening (575) Cell: (575) FAX: ( ) - Phone padrecita@hotmail.com Finished! Thank you for the thoughtfulness and energy you have invested in completing this form. Be certain to SAVE your work on your computer and PRINT a hard copy for your files. Before submitting this form you must DATE and LOCK it to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes to your work. After you hit SUBMIT you will see a dialog box that confirms that your form has transmitted successfully. What to do next: Once this form is submitted, go to and click on Access Account to download your Reference Recommendation and Seven Reflections forms. [ SR-902r ] Page 14 of 14