First Lutheran Church West Barnstable, MA Completed:

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1 First Lutheran Church West Barnstable, MA Completed: 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 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or a First Call candidate for rostered ministry. Congregations must complete the entire MSP. Church-related organizations may, with the concurrence of the synod bishop, complete only the required sections (Part I, III and IV). Once complete, this form is submitted electronically to your synod bishop for review and posting to the Current Openings listing on the ELCA website ( PART I: WHO WE ARE Name and Location Summary Description First Lutheran (FLC) is a 101-year-old church in West Barnstable, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with average worship attendance of 150. The congregation is almost 100 percent Caucasian and the largest age group is members over 65. FLC is known for excellence in worship, music, education, and outreach to the community. FLC is seeking a full-time mid-career ordained pastor to partner with the congregation as it moves forward to do God s work. CONGREGATION First Lutheran Church CONGREGATION/MULTIPLE POINT PARISH/ ORGANIZATION NAME CONG ID West Barnstable, MA, US CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY New England Synod (7B) Congregation - Organized 1915 SYNOD TYPE OF MINISTRY SITE YEAR ORGANIZED Medium city (50, ,999) SIZE OF COMMUNITY Contact Information Ministry Site (preferred contact information) First Lutheran Church, 1663 Main Street P.O. Box 157 West Barnstable, MA, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY firstlutheran@comcast.net (508) (508) WEB SITE PHONE FAX Chairperson of Congregation or Head of the Organization Al Grorud NAME 56 Shad Bush Circle South Dennis, MA, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY (508) (508) (508) (508) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 1 of 13

2 Chairperson of Call or Search Committee David Norlach NAME 71 Nottingham Drive Yarmouth Port, MA, US ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE, ZIP COUNTRY (508) (508) (508) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL PHONE FAX shirleynorlach@gmail.com Demographics Language Spoken In the congregation/ organization English Finnish German PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE In the surrounding community English Spanish Race/ Ethnicity (In the Congregation) PRIMARY LANGUAGE SECOND LANGUAGE THIRD LANGUAGE Caucasian (95%) Asian / Pacific Islander (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION Race/ Ethnicity (Surrounding Community) Caucasian (90%) Hispanic (5%) African American (5%) Other (5%) LARGEST SECOND THIRD FOURTH COMMENTS OR EXPLANATION Gender comparison Age distribution 44% 56% 20% 15% 10% 20% 45% MALE FEMALE 19 YEARS OR YOUNGER OVER 65 Number of Paid Staff CLERGY LAY ROSTERED OTHER LAY PROFESSIONALS SECRETARIAL SUPPORT CUSTODIAL SUPPORT OTHER Congregational Information Single site 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 2 of 13

3 AVE WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AVE ATTENDANCE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PARISH TYPE Distance members live from church facilities: 5% 10% 35% 50% 1/2 MILE OR LESS 1/2-1 MILE 1-3 MILES MORE THAN 3 MILES Community Type Bedroom community College or University Farming Inner City Mining/logging Ranching Industrial Resort Retirement Budget of the Congregation/ Organization 2015 LAST FISCAL YEAR $330,623 $225,353 TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR $26,802 $560,479 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 PART II: OUR VISION FOR MISSION Trends in the Community Context of the Congregation or Organization 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 for your primary ZIP codes may be helpful. The population of the community around First Lutheran Church in 2015 was just over 53,000 with a median age of In fact, the largest groups by far were between 45 and 74. While the country as a whole has seen an increased population of 3.5% over the past 5 years, our little area has been flat if not slightly declining. The Male/Female ratio is split pretty much evenly and the area is populated by almost 90% white people, although the trend is changing in favor of African Americans, Asians and Polynesians. The average household income is 80K and the median is almost 64K. Being a vacation destination means that there is a higher than usual amount of service related employment. High tech jobs are scarce but not altogether absent. The area in and around First Lutheran has a larger number of those jobs as well as office workers Trends: List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years. The retirement of our long-time pastor and the loss of the position for an Associate in Ministry. The hiring of a dynamic music director who has revitalized the music program. Bringing a paid, part-time director into the Christian Education program, which has somewhat reallocated leadership responsibilities. A huge change has been the leadership of the intentional interim pastor who has provided strong leadership in the transition process, including intensive self-study and the fostering of participation by many members of the congregation. 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 3 of 13

4 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. Given the fact that our area is slightly declining in population, remaining even on income and a vacation destination, change is a little slow here. We have seen an influx of immigrants from many areas including Brazil, Jamaica, and even the Baltic states. Most young people who have grown up in the area only stay long enough to graduate from college and then leave the Cape. Currently, many of the young people (aged 18-35), are immigrants. There are a number of Brazilian churches in the area as they have the largest numbers among the newcomers. Like everywhere in the US, homelessness is an ever present problem. Great strides have been made on the Cape for the homeless and First Lutheran has been involved with many programs to assist those in need. We have been involved with overnight programs and days of hospitality in which we welcome those without permanent shelter to share in a meal and camaraderie. It is an area we feel very strongly about. Probably the most tragic challenge in our area is the opioid epidemic. It has hit Cape Cod very hard with statistics in the top 10% of the state. About 342 people lost their lives to overdoses from in the region, according to the Cape Cod Times. This issue remains a concern to all. Programs: Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry. God s Work, Our Hands At the beginning of 2016, the following outreach opportunities existed at First Lutheran. These activities either raise money to fund outreach or deliver directly to people in need, mostly in our community. This is an ever-growing ministry. Day of Hospitality, NOAH Dinners, Faith Neighborhood Kitchen, Cape Cod Caring Cards/BIC, Our Market Basket, Cape Cod Council of Churches, Our Baby Cradle, Knitters Group, Quilters Group, Homeless Ministries of the Council of Churches, Lutheran Lights Celebration, Christmas Market of Hope, Bread Bakers, Recycle Bicycle. Programs for ministry include worship, Christian education, the music program, three weekly Bible study groups, weekly Adult Forums, Vacation Bible School, Care Team, and Beer & Hymns programs. Goals: What are the primary goals of your ministry site (please refer to any Strategic Plan that has been adopted). These primary goals emerged from the recommendations of the 2014 Task Force on Church Vitality and the 2015 Executive Summary of the Congregation Assessment Tool. Deepen our sense of connection to God and one another through stronger worship services. Create methods for experimentation with worship practices to enhance existing worship and embrace new ideas. Strengthen the pastoral response of the church in serving people with special needs. Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church. Become more relevant to our community and society beyond the church doors, including satellite ministries and sharing with other faith communities. Train and support lay leaders to carry out the mission, emphasizing tools of team building and conflict resolution, allowing the pastor to guide and lead the congregation. Become an authentic Welcoming Place with trained greeters, name tags, and a new member program combining education with service. Support a strong church family with fellowship opportunities and new programs based on input from our self-study. Energy: What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? Three main things that First Lutheran Church is excited about are: Outreach. The Outreach Committee is a center of energy. In addition to working on ways to serve the community, Outreach organizes Lutheran Lights, the key visible event of FLC s year, which invites the community into the 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 4 of 13

5 church for traditional Scandinavian Christmas events. FLC has an endowment to support outreach activities. Bible Study. Three Bible Study groups meet every week. Two are for women and one is co-ed. There is an opportunity to expand Bible studies. Also, the lively Adult Forum continuing education program between Sunday services often includes scriptural topics. The beauty of the church and its setting. Dedicated members and the Property Committee nurture the building, gardens, and parsonage. The church is located on historic Route 6A, and many members feel pride in being located on beautiful Cape Cod, a popular resort and retirement area. 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? First Lutheran Church has been enriched by a healthy relationship with our New England Synod and ELCA. FLC has always been a leader in the synod in their mission support giving. Our role with the ELCA includes the understanding that our mission support to NES is in turn sent on to ELCA global church headquarters. How the mission support was calculated over the years changed from being 10 percent of our annual budget to 10 percent of the pledged income. Despite that change, the congregation remained committed to the theology of tithing. Through synod assembly participation, both pastors and lay voters receive a sampling of the ministry of ELCA and NES. In turn they report back to the congregation to share the ministry of the greater church, providing an annual connection to refresh the relationship between FLC and NES. More recently during the congregation s challenges and subsequent inner conflicts, the relationship with the synod grew as the congregation reached out on multiple occasions for support, prayers and guidance during this difficult time. As well, currently we are grateful for the interventions, dialogue and leadership as we continue the interim, transition and call processes. A consistent link to the regional church that FLC continues with is Camp Calumet. Calumet has been understood at First Lutheran as an extension of our Christian Education. For the past 10 years we have financially supported an average of 10 children/youth and families to attend camp each year. 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 5 of 13

6 Ministry Site Characteristics A LOT LIKE US AS A COMMUNITY A LITTLE A LITTLE LIKE US LIKE US A LOT 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. 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 direction. 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. We are obviously Lutheran in identify and practice. OUR THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE 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. 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 6 of 13

7 Purpose, Giftedness and Mission 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? These phrases about the purpose and identity of our church came from recent input from the Church Council. We are a congregation that believes Jesus Christ is our Savior and endeavors to preach this every day. We believe outreach into our community is a top priority. We will focus outward. FLC needs to find the right balance between property and outreach. How do we get into the community? FLC needs a facilitative manager rather than a captain. Being a church of faith in our community is a top priority. A mission-oriented church that is anxious to spread the good news of the gospel to all of Cape Cod and beyond by addressing the needs of the less fortunate. We are looking for a pastor to encourage and inspire our congregation to go forth and do God s work. We like to be involved in community outreach. 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? This exceptional congregation is characterized by numerous highly gifted and educated members, including a roster of retired pastors. Resources are strong and the church has a beautiful building and setting. FLC is known for excellence in worship, music, and education. Members have a great deal of dedication and commitment. There is huge energy driving outreach to those society has left behind or who are suffering. Last year s 100th anniversary celebration showcased First Lutheran s pride in its history and Finnish origins. Finnish is still spoken by some, and Finnish language classes take place at the church every month. There are challenges. FLC has a cultural divide, mainly between what is called the Sunday School culture of families with children and the worship culture of members focused on other activities. This divide and other silos have both fostered and become deepened by several unfortunate incidents that have left hard feelings and sapped the energy of the congregation. The CAT results spoke to this, and the challenge of it has been a focus of the intentional interim pastor and the Transition Team. The Transition Team arranged for a mediation organization to present a workshop on conflict management. Also, the interim pastor has had many conversations with members who were still experiencing hard feelings. First Lutheran has traditionally been clergy-focused, yet with a lack of clarity about the different roles of clergy and laity. This congregation is challenged to understand those roles and to learn to work together as a team, which would help reinvigorate church committees. Teamwork has not been modeled or practiced for years at First Lutheran. 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? 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 7 of 13

8 We recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and the Savior of all. Upon such daily recognition, we pledge ourselves to be about the work of Jesus through his Church, with intentional service through First Lutheran. First Lutheran has had strategy, vision, and mission statements in the past. The above statement was the first resolution passed at the 2016 annual meeting. Also, the phrase God s Work, Our Hands, is very familiar and embraced by the congregation. However, the time is here for vision discernment. The congregation is hungry to focus their energy through that process, which in some ways will formally affirm what is already taking place at First Lutheran. Congregational leaders are intentionally holding off on vision, mission, and strategy formation so that the new pastor will be part of the process. References Synodical Bishop The Rev. James E. Hazelwood New England Synod lwasilewski@nesynod.org NAME SYNOD (508) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Inside Congregation or organization Edye Nesmith Cape Cod Council of Churches, executive director enesmith@comcast.net NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (508) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Outside Congregation or organization Sandra Doorey Retired teacher; non-member who participates in FLC quilting group NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (508) sandradoorey@comcast. net DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Member of the ELCA Clergy roster The Rev. Christian Holleck St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Harwich, Cape Cod, MA., co-pastor NAME ORGANIZATION AND TITLE (508) matthew14_27@comcast.net DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX Anyone else who knows your setting well The Rev. Christie Burns Associate Pastor, West Parish of Barnstable, United Church of Christ NAME SYNOD (508) associatepastor@westparish.org DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 8 of 13

9 PART III: LEADERSHIP NEEDS The Leader we Seek Roster Type: Associate in Ministry Deaconess Diaconal Minister Ordained Clergy In Candidacy/First Call First Lutheran Church Solo Pastor Master's Degree (seminary or graduate school) Full time call POSITION TYPE: MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIRED: 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 Top Five Ministry Tasks 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 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 Gifts for Ministry The five gifts essential in this position, and the five that are very helpful in this position. Top Priority Very Helpful 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 9 of 13

10 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. 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. Work with leaders to discern and strategize vision. B. Plan a variety of worship that will appeal to all age groups. C. Encourage members to participate in committees and ministries. D. Introduce self to community leaders. E. Encourage education and development of ministries for all ages. 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. First Lutheran Church is building a checklist of ways that the congregation will support and encourage the new pastor. We would like to work with the new pastor in developing and refining that list. B. 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 10 of 13

11 C. D. E. Compensation No PARSONAGE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX OFFSET $85,000 - $90,000 MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DEFINED COMPENSATION Benefits 4 weeks PENSION MEDICAL VACATION WEEKS No SABBATICAL POLICY No PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY No ARE BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED Professional Expenses AUTO / TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT 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. It is the intent of First Lutheran Church of West Barnstable to pay our Rostered Leader(s) at or above the New England Synod guidelines. We expect to continue compensation of our new pastor at or about 25-30% over Synod guidelines. The actual makeup of the compensation package will be tailored to the new pastor s needs. We have available, should the new pastor wish, a 4 bedroom (plus a nursery room) parsonage. This parsonage fronts on a large pond (or lake), and has recently been refurbished. Alternatively, should the new pastor wish, we will supply him or her with a housing allowance. 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 No 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 11 of 13

12 Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives Budget Annual Report Position description: Duties and Responsibilities Communications Piece (publicity, newsletter, etc.) PART IV: COMMENTARY No 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 creatively promote and commend your ministry possibilities. First Lutheran Church of West Barnstable is a church of gifted and committed individuals with strong resources and a beautiful physical facility. One year into the transitional period, there is eagerness to call a new pastor who can lead, be a partner in, and facilitate the move forward to do God s work. FLC s passion for outreach to the community is in the context of a surrounding area with a growth in immigration, a graying population, homelessness, and a serious problem of opioid addiction. The congregation itself desires leadership to heal old rifts, revitalize worship, and to improve teamwork between the pastor and lay workers partly through a reshaping of the committee structure, which is floundering. Foremost in the minds of the congregation are Christian education, welcoming and incorporating new members, including young families, becoming a whole community without silos and divisions, and continuing our strong leadership outreach. PART V: COMPLETION OF PROFILE 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). This is the culmination of work begun when our intentional interim pastor came to First Lutheran and organized the eight-member Transition Team. She and the team led months of self-study starting with the Congregation Assessment Tool and an interpretation of those results by a Synod representative. The team gathered further information through adult forums, Bible study discussions, church-wide Discovery Days, Lenten soup suppers, and other discussions with members and leadership. The team collected and discussed information, and one member was appointed to use it to organize and complete the MSP. After review by leadership and members, including a congregational meeting, the Church Council adopted the MSP. Enter the date on which this Ministry Site Profile was adopted by vote of the Congregation Council or organization's board: CALL PROCESS ADMINISTRATOR The name of the person on the synod staff that the bishop has designated as the Call Process Administrator for this call process. The Reverend Sara J. Anderson NAME Associate to the Bishop, New England Synod TITLE (860) sanderson@nesynod.org 8/18/2016 OFFICE PHONE 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 12 of 13

13 Reference's Recommendation The Rev. Jane O'Hara Shields NAME (508) DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE CELL FAX 8/9/2016 9:14:20 AM Page 13 of 13