CONGREGATION St. Paul Lutheran Church CONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZAITON NAME CONG ID

Transcription

1 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 concurrence 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. PART I WHO WE ARE 1. Name and Location CONGREGATION St. Paul Lutheran Church CONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZAITON NAME CONG ID Wheaton, IL, CITY, STATE, ZIP US COUNTRY Metropolitan Chicago Synod (5A) Congregation - Organized 1927 SYNOD TYPE OF MINISTRY SITE YEAR ORGANIZED Suburb outside 10 miles of a large city SIZE OF COMMUNITY Date Completed: 2. Contact Information 515 S. Wheaton Ave. Wheaton, IL, US ADDRESS LINE I ADDRESS LINE II CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY office.stpaul@sbcglobal.net org WEB SITE PHONE FAX Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization Bob Cook NAME Wheaton, IL, US ADDRESS LINE I ADDRESS LINE II CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX rrrobertjcook@aol.com Chairperson of Call or Search Committee NAME,, US ADDRESS LINE I ADDRESS LINE II CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 1 of 12

2 Language Spoken In the congregation/ organization In the surrounding community Race/ Ethnicity (In the Congregation) English PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE English PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE Race/ Ethnicity (Surrounding Community) Gender comparison Caucasian (90%) African American (5%) Other (0%) Asian / Pacific Islander (0%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH Actual: Caucasian 91% African American 6% Multiracial 2% Asian / Pacific Islander.5% Latina.5% OTHER EXPLANATION Caucasian (80%) Asian / Pacific Islander (5%) Hispanic (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH Actual: Caucasian 82% Asian 7% Hispanic 6% African American 3% OTHER EXPLANATION Age distribution 46% 54% 25% 15% 15% 20% 25% MALE FEMALE 19 YEARS OR YOUNGER OVER 65 African American (5%) Number of Paid Staff CLERGY LAY ROSTERED OTHER LAY PROFESSIONALS SECRETARIAL SUPPORT Congregational Information Single site AVE WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AVE ATTENDANCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PARISH TYPE Distance members live from church facilities: 5% 5% 55% 35% 1/2 MILE OR LESS 1/2-1 MILE 1-3 MILES MORE THAN 3 MILES CUSTODIAL SUPPORT OTHER 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 2 of 12

3 Community Type Bedroom community College or University Farming Inner City Mining/logging Ranching Industrial Resort Retirement 4. Budget of the Congregation/ Organization 2014 $628,431 $0 TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR LAST FISCAL YEAR $75,897 $299,619 MISSION SUPPORT TO THE ELCA/ SYNOD FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR TOTAL DEBT OF THE CONGREGATION/ ORGANIZATION AT THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR TOTAL SAVINGS, RESERVES, ENDOWMENT AT THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR 5. Trends in the community Context of the Congregation or Organization Characteristics Context Write a description of your community in terms of socio-economic status, demographics, primary areas of employment and lifestyle. The Demographic ZIP Code report for your primary ZIP codes may be helpful. Wheaton, Illinois is the county seat of DuPage County and is located approximately 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. Two leading lifestyle magazines rated Wheaton as one of the top places to live, recognized for low crime, great homes, parks, community activities, and more. Wheaton has a current population of approximately 54,000, which is a 3% decline since Wheaton has a well-educated population primarily comprised of white-collar professionals. College graduates account for approximately 62% of those over age 25 versus 28% nationally. There are nearly 40 churches and religious institutions located within the city limits, and Wheaton is the home to Wheaton College, a private four-year Evangelical Protestant Christian liberal arts college. Estimated median household income in 2013 was $85,234 in Wheaton versus $56,210 for the state and $41,573 nationally. Estimated median household value in Wheaton was approximately $315,000 in 2013, in comparison with $170,000 for the state. 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. The financial crises of caused job loss, underemployment, and financial hardship. Changing economic demographics within the Congregation reflect the larger community. Affordable housing for low income residents has been a focus. DuPage United, of which St. Paul Lutheran Church is a member, has targeted this concern. We have participated to varying degrees. Additionally, retirees in Wheaton, including former and current members of St. Paul, are also faced with the issue of affordable housing. This ongoing concern is exacerbated by the property tax (driven by school budget) issue. Ever increasing taxes raise concerns for all community members, including retirees who wish to remain in Wheaton or young families just starting out. Concern regarding the cost of a college education and growing educational debt upon graduation increase. Recent conflicts concerning the President of College of DuPage and fiscal accountability have been time-consuming for the Board of Trustees and is a related concern in the community. Trends List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 3 of 12

4 First, we have noticed it has become more challenging to engage and retain volunteer help. In response we have tried to create opportunities that are more finite in nature. Secondly, our Sunday School population has suffered a decline in recent years. Presently we have about 1/3rd the attendance we had only a few years ago. Of course there are ebbs and flows in the population of any congregation. Recently we revitalized our nursery space. Lastly, we have experienced a heightened awareness of our increased financial fragility. We have lost a number of our core contributors due to their moving or passing away in a short period of time. The concern was brought to the forefront of our budgeting conversations and has caused some congregational anxiety, but we are working through it. Programs Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry Members participate in the community through the faith-based organization PADS which provides shelter to the homeless. We provide space for ESSE, an Adult Day Care and PFLAG. Members volunteer at and provide food donations for PRC (People s Resource Center), as well as use our computer center to teach English as a second language. Labor of Love makes and ships quilts to refugee camps. We host a monthly support group for family and friends of those with mental illness. Our youth participate in service-learning trips, having served with communities in Mexico and Louisiana in recent years. Within the Congregation, members participate in adult and hand bell choirs, cinema night, book club, men s bridge, Bible studies, Faith Circle, Talk Nerdy, women's retreat, Saturday morning men s group, Gen X/Gen Y, Holy Crafters, Mission Interpreters, Women, Wine, & Word and Making Disciples mentoring program for high school youth. Goals If there is a Strategic Plan in place for the congregation or organization; what are the primary goals to which you are committed? We completed a Strategic Plan in early 2015 in which we defined our core identity as being centered in Jesus, embracing of all people and sent to serve. We divided our theme for mission planning into three areas which we identified as Called/Gathered/Sent. The Called team, which was charged with stewardship of all resources, established 2 goals: to strengthen financial discipleship and to simplify our structure by organizing around mission. The Gathered team, which concentrated on discipleship of our members, established 2 goals: to implement a mentoring ministry for new/prospective members and to increase the engagement of children and youth in worship. The Sent team, which prioritized evangelism in our community, established 2 goals: to initiate a specific outreach to families with special needs and to develop a ministry of first impressions. Additionally, it was agreed upon and stressed that we intend to adopt Evangelism as a whole church culture. Energy What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 4 of 12

5 Our congregation has a number of things we are really excited about. We are most excited right now about the opportunities that will come along under the leadership of a new pastor. We re excited to have a new pastor come to our congregation with a fresh perspective and new ideas to strengthen and grow the congregation. We have also seen some positive changes to our worship and music including more involvement from the congregation. We see our small groups working well together in the areas of education, Bible study, fellowship and administration. Finally, we re excited about how well our congregation has pulled together during this time of transition. Many lay people have stepped up, and that shows a renewed commitment to our church. We re looking forward to having a new pastor who will partner with us on this journey toward change. 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? St. Paul has annually sent three voting members to the Synod Assembly. Our teens take part in the ELCA Youth Gathering every three years. This past year we formed a Mission Interpreters Team whose goal is to keep our congregation informed on a monthly basis about how God s work is being done through our support of the wider Church. Each year we heavily advertise and encourage ELCAS s Good Gifts program which provides direct support for ELCA s mission work. Last October we participated in the ELCA s God s Work, Our Hands Day, making a public witness with the bright yellow t-shirts while carrying out works of love in the community. Our website ( provides links to numerous church-wide organizations. We remind and encourage members to subscribe to "The Lutheran" magazine each year. Financially, St. Paul has had a strong history of benevolence to the synod with a goal of giving at least 14% of its annual general operating revenue. PART II: OUR VISION FOR MISSION 6. Ministry Site Characteristics A LOT LIKE US AS A COMMUNITY A LITTLE A LITTLE LIKE US LIKE US We tend to be formal and programmatic. We tend to be informal and spontaneous. We have clearly defined goals and plans for our future. A LOT LIKE US We have no stated goals or plans. We are racially and economically diverse. We are demographically homogeneous. We welcome ideas that are provoking and challenging. OUR LEADERSHIP STYLE We prefer ideas that are tried and true. We rely on our leaders for directions. We rely on group decision-making. We have learned how to use conflict constructively. Our facilities are often used by community groups. We tend to perceive conflict as something destructive. OUR PROGRAMMING 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 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 5 of 12

6 We are obviously Lutheran in identify and practice. 7. Purpose, Giftedness and Mission 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. Purpose How does this congregation or organization understand its reason for being in the light of God's call to mission and service? Who are you? Why are you here? The St. Paul Mission Plan (January 2015) states our core identity as centered in Jesus, embracing all people, sent to serve. We are a group of believers, from Wheaton and numerous surrounding communities, who come together to worship and deepen our faith through educational and relational activities. In furtherance of these purposes, we welcome and seek to reach out to all who may be interested in worshipping and growing in faith with us, in an open and affirming environment. 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? St. Paul s top three assets are: 1) An excellent, experienced staff that promptly and accurately handles administrative tasks, coordinates children s, youth and family ministries, and directs a strong choir with excellent music; 2) A cadre of committed, diligent lay leaders serving in a variety of roles, including the Church Council, the Property Committee; and a number of small group activities; 3) A small, core group of older, generous financial givers, supported by a larger group of smaller-but-steadier givers. One important challenge is to broaden the base and increase the level of financial support from our members, toward improving our ability to match finances to mission objectives. 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? As a community of the people of God, the members of our congregation affirm that people of all races, national and ethnic origins, ages, mental and emotional condition or capacity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic situation and those who suffer from addictions share with others the worth that comes from being unique individuals created by God, and that all stand before God in need of forgiveness; and that all people named and unnamed above are welcome within the membership of our congregation upon making the same affirmation of faith that all other members make. Our top mission priority is drawn from that affirmation: to be a safe place for anyone, at any stage of their faith journey, to worship and to be accepted. Our second priority is to actively reach out to those people; to establish evangelism as a whole church culture and to look for ways we can make our presence known to people who are seeking a faith community like ours. Our third priority is to nurture people effectively once they are with us; not just new members but all of our church family. 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. 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 6 of 12

7 9. References Synodical Bishop St. Paul is an established parish in an upper-middle class bedroom community 25 miles west of Chicago. We are an open and affirming congregation, welcoming people at all stages of their faith journey, with an ambitious sense of ministry to our community and world. Our membership is aging, so there is a need for renewal and growth in both people and physical plant. We seek a high-energy, relational pastor to lead, encourage, and teach us. Wayne Miller Metropolitan Chicago Synod wmiller@mcselca.org NAME SYNOD DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Inside Congregation or organization Ellen Noth Long-time Member epnoth@sbcglobal.net NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Outside Congregation or organization Nancie Barry ESSE - Program Director esseadultdaycare@gmail.c om NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Member of the ELCA Clergy roster Jana Howson United Lutheran Church - Pastor prjlhowson@gmail.com NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Anyone else who knows your setting well Fred and Tecla Reklau Members of Congregation ftreklau@yahoo.com NAME SYNOD DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDS 10. The Leader we Seek Roster Type: Associate in Ministry Deaconess Diaconal Minister 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 7 of 12

8 Ordained Clergy In Candidacy/First Call Solo Pastor Master's Degree (seminary or graduate school) Full time call POSITION TYPE: EDUCATION: FULL TIME/PART TIME: Language Proficiencies English/Fluent PRIMARY LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) SECOND LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) THIRD LANGUAGE (PROFICIENCY) Experience: 0-3 years 4-9 years years years 21 + years 11. Top Five Ministry Tasks 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 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 12. Gifts for Ministry Top Priority Help people develop their spiritual life. Help people understand and act upon issues of social justice. Provide care and nurture. Very Helpful 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 8 of 12

9 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. 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. Maintain open and honest communication throughout the year. B. Bring a sense of innovation and creativity to our ongoing challenges. C. Help us work toward adopting evangelism as a whole-church culture. D. Strive toward a balanced life. E. Pray fervently for our congregation. Please list the 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. Maintain open and honest communication throughout the year. B. Be open to new ideas and approaches. C. Provide a support group to meet regularly with the pastor and family during the first year of call. 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 9 of 12

10 D. Encourage a balanced lifestyle by respecting the pastor's free time and interests. E. Pray fervently for our pastor. 14. Compensation No PARSONAGE Synod Guidelines SOCIAL SECURITY TAX OFFSET MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DEFINED COMPENSATION 15. Benefits 4 weeks PENSION MEDICAL VACATION WEEKS No SABBATICAL POLICY PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY ARE BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED 16. Professional Expenses AUTO / TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT No FIRST CALL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES ACCOUNT CONTINUING EDUCATION Comments: Please offer any comment or explanation regarding the compensation package, especially as it compares to synodical recommendations or guidelines. We plan to follow synodical recommendations and guidelines. A housing allowance is also provided. We are not seeking a first call candidate at this time, so First Call Theological Education, although recommended, is marked "no." 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 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 10 of 12

11 Position description: Duties and Responsibilities Communications Piece (publicity, newsletter, etc.) No 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. St. Paul is unique in that it truly welcomes and accepts a person wherever he or she is in his or her faith walk. We know that faith formation is a lifelong journey that begins with our children and youth. Questioning is considered to be good and is encouraged. We view doubt as looking for answers, needing to know, or seeking God. This is a part of and in addition to a strong commitment to the Lutheran expression of the Gospel. We are committed overall to participatory input from our congregational members. We do not always agree, and for the most part we live with those differing viewpoints. Someone interested in partnering with us would need to feel comfortable with that uncertainty at times, share an ability to live in tension under the Gospel, and be able to develop the strong and nurturing relationships that are an essential part of faith development. PART V: COMPLETION OF PROFILE 19. Discernment Process and Adoption Please describe the process used to gather information, formulate responses, and officially adopt this Ministry Site Profile. (Approximately 100 words maximum). Our Congregation participated in two question-directed Sunday morning Adult Forums, a Sunday evening roundtable, and an opportunity to complete a web survey. Information was tabulated by the Transition Team and used in completing our profile. Announcements before services and in bulletin were also given, as well as information posted on website. Additionally, information from a recently completed Mission Planning process was consulted. The Transition Team presented the MSP to the Council on Monday, October 19, The Council-adopted Ministry Site Profile was presented at a specially called Congregation Meeting on Sunday, November 08, Enter the date on which this Ministry Site profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board: 10/19/ Call Process Contact Person Reverend Sarah Stumme NAME Associate to the Bishop TITLE sstumme@mcselca.org OFFICE PHONE 21. Reference's Recommendation Lisa Jackson NAME Ljackson@scscompliance.com /20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 11 of 12

12 DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX 10/20/2015 9:28:44 AM Page 12 of 12