Congregational Church of Pinehurst

Transcription

1 LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE Congregational Church of Pinehurst Pinehurst, North Carolina God is able to provide you with every blessing, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Church Name: Congregational Church of Pinehurst Address: 895 Linden Road, Pinehurst, NC Phone: Supplemental Web: Southern Conference UCC Association Staff Contact Person Name: Rev. Eddie Weathers Title: Minister for Church Affairs, ENCA Phone: Summary Ministry Description: The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC, is an official ONA church which celebrates the human spirit by welcoming all to our family of faith. As a congregation of 74 members, we seek to share God s love and justice with the world and to be inclusive of all human diversity in the life of our church. We receive with respect, and nurture with intention, the gifts of all who come to us on their journey of faith. Pastor Responsibilities: PREACHER - Develop and lead an inclusive, thought- provoking, joyful worship service that includes a relevant, inspiring sermon. PASTOR - Create a caring and meaningful pastoral relationship with members and visitors through friendly welcoming dialogue. Interface with The Spiritual Care Ministry and assist them in visiting those who are hospitalized, homebound, or in nursing facilities. TEACHER - Encourage the development of an education program that includes activities for both children and adults. Have an open spirit to sharing worship services and programs with those of differing faith traditions. ADMINISTRATOR - Work collaboratively with the music director, staff, and members of The Council to maintain guidance and support. Participate in committee meetings as necessary. Maintain an active presence in the UCC Southern Conference. STEWARDSHIP - Continue to expand the church's membership and assist in the development of financial stewardship that increases giving and support of the church.

2 The Congregational Church of Pinehurst is in the beautiful town of Pinehurst, North Carolina within easy driving distance of major cities and transportation hubs. The neighboring towns of Aberdeen and Southern Pines provide varied shopping opportunities. Surrounding us are rural areas that have all the challenges of that environment, which is why the church interfaces with agencies to assist those in need. Moore County has good public, private, and church-sponsored schools. In addition, Sandhills Community College has outstanding and varied programs for learners of all ages who want to expand their knowledge. The college is highly regarded throughout the southeast. Moore Regional Hospital and The Reed Heart Center are recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals in the country and is one of the largest employers in the area. It is in relationship with both UNC and Duke hospitals, when additional care is needed. The community is noted for excellent options for elder care and senior living situations. Although the area is small, it has an excellent array of arts and cultural opportunities. This includes numerous art galleries, art shows, musical programs (including The Philharmonic and the NC Symphony), lectures with renowned speakers from around the country, and a renovated theater that provides a venue for movies, musical programs as well as live broadcasts of The Met Opera and The National Theater from London. Being near UNC, NC State, and Duke Universities, there are lots of occasions for sporting and cultural events on those campuses. The climate affords opportunities for many recreational activities from golf on top courses, tennis, water activities, walking trails and an active equestrian community. Throughout the area are numerous children's playgrounds as well as a cooling off water park. During the summer, Farmer's Markets and Friday celebrations with current bands, and movies in the park for children are just some of the activities one can enjoy. In addition, the mountains and beach are an easy 2-3 hour drive. This is a desirable place to work and live. Current size of membership: 74 Active members Languages used in ministry (other than English): none Position Title: Pastor Position Duration Settled

3 Compensation Level (choose one, delete the other options listed): Part Time Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines? Yes Core Competencies: (List three core competencies that you imagine could be foundational in your next minister s relationship with the church. Providing educational opportunities to members on their spiritual journey through sermons, Bible and book studies. Provide assistance to members of the congregation in recognizing and utilizing their gifts of ministry and how each compliment the whole church as well as the wider community. Provide guidance and support to the lay persons in the congregation who are involved in visiting the sick and needy as well as reaching out to new members. SCOPE OF WORK (add here the Scope of Work developed by your church using the Call Agreement Workbook) The Congregational Church of Pinehurst is seeking an individual to lead the worship services, as well as the spiritual growth and caring for the congregation and wider community. Core competencies required of this individual include a strong spiritual faith, commitment to inclusivity, and demonstration of leadership qualities. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT Salary Basis $45, Salary may include Benefits What is the expected living situation for your next minister (e.g. parsonage, living nearby with a housing allowance, living elsewhere to commute as needed)? He/she will live in one of the communities within a short commuting radius to Pinehurst. Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister. In the past, part time pastors have chosen to live in the community or commute one hour from Raleigh. Either of these choices is acceptable. State any incentives (e.g. school debt reduction or retention bonus after a certain number of years in position): Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference:

4 The Southern Conference UCC is 90 minutes away. Locally, there are a number of pastors and a rabbi from varied congregations who can be of spiritual support. If applicable, describe how your church will adopt part-time adjustments in the pastoral schedule to support a minister s bi-vocational employment: The church has a single service on Sunday at 10:00 AM. Everything else in the pastor s schedule is flexible and can be arranged to meet the needs of bi-vocational employment. Who Is God Calling You to Become as A Congregation? God is calling The Congregational Church of Pinehurst to continue to be a community of people who support one another as spiritual partners in sharing the love of God within the church and out into the greater community. Our church is being called to be a congregation that creates encouragement for the community at large through our open-door policy, religious book studies, addresses by visiting theologians, community lectures and seminars, and church services that are inclusive of other faith traditions. In addition, God is calling us to support our fellow Christians on their spiritual journey and to challenge social injustices to all humankind. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? 1. Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve. The new minister and the congregation seek to strengthen its worship practices to attract new worshipers while serving the current membership needs. Key components of this worship should model Jesus ministry with relevance to world events and be inclusive of all wherever they might be in their personal spiritual journey. 2. Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls. The new minister and the congregation will seek to be a beacon of social justice as they reach out to the local and larger community in service to all in need. Current partnerships with NAACP, assisted living communities, Moore Coalition for Human Care, homeless teens ministry and the North Moore Resource Center will be strengthened. In addition, other social justice and outreach needs will be addressed. 3. Specify language requirements or culturally-specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation s sense of calling. The new minister will encounter an English speaking, predominately white aging congregation. Included are a significant number of LGBTQ members, fully integrated into the spiritual life of the congregation. The new minister will be required to embrace all within their spiritual journey and seek to include more of the greater cultural community including outreach a younger and more racially diverse population.

5 Based on what you have learned about who your church is, who your church s neighbor is, and who God is calling the church to become, describe four areas of excellence from the Marks of Faithful & Effective Authorized Ministry that your next minister will display to further equip the congregation s ministry in these areas. Four Areas of Excellence Excellence in inspiring, engaging and all-embracing worship services. Excellence in compassionate community outreach and education demonstrating strong commitment to social justice. Excellence in caring for each other within the congregation, supporting each with Christian love. Excellence in growing the church through spiritual education, fiscal responsibility and fellowship. WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME? Who is God calling you to become as a congregation? Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation. Congregational Church of Pinehurst Third Annual Madrigal Dinner Friday, December 2, 2016 & Saturday, December 3, 2016 This year s dinner partnered with Hearts for Heroes, an organization that provides equine and canine assisted therapy to US Veterans as well as active duty military personnel suffering from physical and psychological impairments including PTSD. H4HUS has programs designed to incorporate this therapy along with licensed social workers and mental health care practitioners. The Madrigal Dinner is a mixture of a Capella singing, instrumental music intertwined with humorous theatrical skits performed by church's choir under the direction of the choir director. A simple supper was enjoyed by all. Immigration Community Panel April 23, 2017 at 7:00 PM Sponsored by The Peace and Justice Committee of the Congregational Church of Pinehurst. The panel featured: Ana Illarraza-Blackburn, Latino for The North Carolina NAACP, David Salazar, Founding member of Si a Las Licensia NC, Neil Godfrey, Moore County Sheriff, Clare Ruggles, Director of North Moore Resource Center, Beckie Moriello, Immigration Attorney from Wake County, Tim Locllair, Chief Office for Academic and Support Services for Moore County Schools.

6 The purpose of the evening was to promote a better understanding of the issues surrounding immigration and to foster better communication and cooperation between immigrants and those among whom they live. Following presentations by the panelist covering a wide perspective, the audience had a chance for questions. This led to many discussions and much dialogue among the panelists and audience. It was a very well received program with the understanding that more dialogue would occur. We are reminded that Jesus often sat down with strangers engaging them in dialogue, as a way to learn about their lives and the challenges they face. We hope this program is a stepping stone to help those in our community who struggle in the areas of citizenship. This was one of the most successful community programs the church has sponsored. And both of these programs were well received by the community at large. Our goal is to continue to engage with others with both entertaining and informative programs. Our Mission, Peace and Justice Committee is in touch with major issues of social justice that affects the community. It brings forward ideas that are approved by the Council and Pastor and are in concert with other programs offered in the community. WHO ARE WE NOW? CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS 11-YEAR REPORT CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS PARTICIPATION STAFFING CHURCH FINANCES HISTORICAL INFORMATION CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS Describe your congregation s life of faith. The life of faith expressed throughout the congregation is one of inclusion as all are felt welcomed to the church community. Many theologians are quoted through sermons and read in book studies so we, as the congregants, can expand our understanding of the mystery of God. These include but are not limited to Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, and Richard Rohr. Jesus and His ministry among us, is at the forefront of sermons, that are supported through outstanding contemporary music by the choir as well as hymns. The Holy Spirit is present through The Bible readings, prayers, spoken and silent, Communion which is open to all, and the natural beauty of the sanctuary. The contemporary language of the liturgy is one of inclusivity- using Mother and Father interchangeably, as well as the wording of The Lord's Prayer. All of this is strongly supported by the outstanding choir under the leadership of a well-respected director. Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation. The congregants are people of faith, who are spiritually kind and friendly. Laughter is often heard as part of the morning worship. They take their faith seriously but with a joyful spirit. For the past 10 years we have had extremely gifted, highly regarded pastors. Our choir has 23 members! and an outstanding director. Our Council has shown consistently strong and effective leadership.

7 Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers. Worship at the Congregational Church of Pinehurst (CCP) takes place in the bright, open, contemporary-styled sanctuary every Sunday at 10:00am. The only exception to this location is during our Easter Sunrise Service which occurs at a farm owned by a church member overlooking a pond and rolling fields. The worship space at CCP expands to a slightly raised chancel area where a traditional lectern and pulpit are located on either side of a long, gorgeous, wood altar, placed before a large, wall-mounted cross. Typically, the theme for worship is at the pastor s discretion. Most often the pastor bases his or her sermon upon the 3-year, lectionary cycle, but in the event of a national issue/crisis or a concern before the congregation, the pastor is always free to elect different texts for that Sunday. The central purpose of the pastor s preparations for worship in terms of liturgy, hymns, and preaching, is to present theological interpretations associated with relevant issues and everyday life, or as connected with the annual seasons of the Christian calendar. Our worship setting is informal (laughter is often shared) and somewhat interactive. Music is an integral part of every worship service and the visual arts, via creative altars capes, is a popular means of illustrating a biblical text or as a sacred, visible offering to God. Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month and is open to all people and all ages. On occasion, worship closes with everyone gathered in a large circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary during which a benediction is spoken and a congregational response is sung. Describe the educational program and/or faith formation vision of your church. The church has had at least two book studies per year. These are led by members of the congregation with input from all attendees. Recently, we studied The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. As one attendee commented, I learned important ideas from Mark s Gospel including some differences from the other Gospels that discuss the last days of Jesus Christ. We strongly believe that God is Still Speaking and that forms our faith overtime. Currently we have a limited number of young people in our congregation. We are aware that this is an area that needs to be strengthened. Describe how your congregation is organized for ministry and mission. Our church is managed by a Council that is elected from the congregation. Each member serves a two-year term and may be invited to serve a second term. The executive structure of the Council included a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The council meets once a month and if necessary will call additional meeting as needed. The Council develops the budget and plans the annual business meeting of the congregation. Communication with the congregation is predominantly through s. These are sent weekly to members as well as minutes of the monthly Council meetings. In addition, a period of time is available for announcements from the congregation before the start of the worship service. The church has formed the following committees and ministries: Prayer shawl ministry Mission, Peace and Justice Team Community Life team Fellowship Team

8 Endowment Committee Worship and Education Team Spiritual Care Ministry These committees are headed by members of the congregation and open to all members to join. These committees meet regularly as determined by the participants. When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? Our council meets two hours per month and the Council Chair and pastor meet about 6-8 hours per month. The Search Committee is currently meeting two hours per month to complete the church profile. Once completed the time on this may change to meet more often. Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished? A situation occurred shortly after our previous pastor left that needed to be handled quickly. The council and our supply pastor were able to address this crisis promptly through phone conversations and s. Because of the swiftness of the handling of the situation, no residual effects were felt. Can you provide the next minister with a copy of an organization structure, bylaws and/or annual report to further explain the patterns of the church s activity and governance? YES

9 CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Describe those who participate in your church. Number of active members: Number of active non-members: Total of church participants (sum of the numbers above): Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) 74 yes 18 yes 92 yes Percentage of total participants who have been in the church: Is this percentage an estimate? (check if yes) More than 10 years: 31 yes Less than 10, more than 5 years: 47 yes

10 Less than 5 years: 14 yes Number of total participants by age: Are these numbers an estimate? (check if yes) yes Percentage of adults in various household types: Is this percentage an estimate? (check if yes) Single adults under 35: 10 yes Joint household with minors: 8 yes Single adults age 35-65: 25 yes Joint household with no minors: 28 yes Single adults over 65: 20 yes Education level of adult participants by percentage: Is this percentage an estimate? (check if yes) High school: 10 yes College: 50 yes Graduate School: 25 yes Specialty Training: 15 yes Other (please specify): Percentage of adults in various employment types: Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Adults who are employed: 35 yes Adults who are retired: 65 yes Adults who are not fully employed: 5 yes Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation: We have people from the fields of; education, construction, sales, computer programming, landscaping and entrepreneurial endeavors.

11 Describe the mix of ethnic heritages in your congregation, and the overall racial make-up. Most UCC congregations tend to describe themselves as diverse. Yet, the vast majority of UCC congregations are mono-cultural. What does diversity mean in your context? We are mostly Caucasian from diverse areas of the United States. Some persons have had International living experiences, while a small number have come from within an hour of the church. A small percentage of the congregation are African American. However, we have great diversity of religious backgrounds including Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian to name a few. This provides the church with a varied perspective and appreciation of liturgy PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING Ways of Gathering Adult Groups or Classes 4 programs with in each Estimated number of people involved in attendance 48 Pastor, lay person Baptisms (number last year) 4 Pastor Children s Groups 205 Pastor Christmas Eve and Easter Worship 179 Pastor Who plans each of the listed gatherings? (list any and all worship planners, such as various lay leaders, pastors, musicians, other staff) Church-wide Meals 160 Pastor, Council chair and Music Director and Choir Choirs and Music Groups 22 Music Director and pastor Church-based Bible Study 16 Pastor Communion (served how often?) 600 Pastor Community Meals 200 Church council Confirmation (number confirmed last year) Drama or Dance Program 3 Pastor 0 Funerals (number last year) 110 Pastors and families Intergenerational Groups 0

12 Outdoor Worship 11 Pastor Prayer or Meditation Groups 30 Public Advocacy Work 30 Church Committees Retreats 69 Council Chair and Pastor Theology or Bible Programs in 0 the Community Weddings (number last year) 120 Pastor and persons getting married Worship (time slot: 10:00AM) 2700 Pastor Worship (time slot: 6:00 PM) 150 Pastor Young Adult Groups or Classes 0 Youth Groups or Classes 0 Other 0 Additional comments: List all members or regular participants in your congregation who are ordained, licensed, or commissioned ministers. Indicate those with current United Church of Christ Three-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a congregation) or Four-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a ministry beyond a congregation). Name Three-Way or Four-Way Covenant? (3 or 4 or No) Ministry Setting Type of Ministry Role Sarah Edwards No Interim yes Ray Morris No Supply yes Martha Nilsen No Interim yes Sam Walker No Supply yes Robbin Mundy No Hospice Chaplain Supply no If one or more previous pastors or retired ministers currently hold membership in the church, describe their role(s) in the life of the congregation: Previous or retired ministers, who are members of the congregation, are currently used as supply ministers in order for the interim pastor to attend family functions and times of vacation. At other times, they are just part of the congregation and worship with us on a regular basis. Retired? (Y or N)

13 List all current staff, including ministers. Exclude the position you are seeking to fill. Indicate which staff person serves as head of staff. Length of Tenure for Compensation (full time, part Supervised current person in Staff Head of time, volunteer) by this position Position Staff? Music $11, Pastor 5 years Director Pianist $ Music 1 year Director Secretary $ Pastor 1 week REFLECTION Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation s overall ministry? The demographics and activities reflect that we are a small congregation with many opportunities for lay ministry. One of the greatest gifts of The Congregation Church of Pinehurst is that the Lord is in charge and we, the congregants, are here to support that. This gives those attending on Sundays chances to be part of ministries that in a large church may not be needed or necessary. CHURCH FINANCES Current annual income (dollars used during most recent fiscal year) Source Amount Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $105, Endowment Proceeds (as permitted within spending policy, such as a cap of typically 4.5%-5% on total return) $ Endowment Draw (beyond what is permitted by spending policy, drawing down the principal ) $0.00 Fundraising Events $ Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $0 Grants $0 Rentals of Church Building $16, Rentals of Church Parsonage $0 Support from Related Organizations (e.g. Women s Group) Transfers from Special Accounts $0 Other (specify): $ Other (specify): $ $0

14 TOTAL $124, Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for most recent fiscal year): $ Attach most recent church budget, spending plan, operating statement, or annual treasurer s report as shared publicly with the congregation, or if your church does not pass an annual budget list current budgeted expenses here. Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage? 36% Has the church ever failed to pay its financial obligations to a minister of the church? No Is your church 5-for-5, i.e. does it include each of the following contributions during the church year? (indicate those included during the most recent fiscal year) X Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM Basic Support) XOne Great Hour of Sharing XStrengthen the Church XNeighbors in Need XChristmas Fund In what way is OCWM (Basic Support) gathered? If calculated as a percentage of operating budget, what is that percentage? (recommended 10%) Separate single offering What is the church s current indebtedness? Total amount of loan debt: $64,000 Reason for debt: mortgage Are capital and other payments current? Yes If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including the projected start/end date of the building project and the total project budget. If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, describe: Year(s) Purpose Goal Result Impact 2015/16 New Roof $24,000. $24,000 Project completed $ $ If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe:

15 Year(s) Purpose Goal Result Impact $ $ $ $ Describe the prominent mission component(s) involved in the most recent (or current) capital campaign. Does your church have an endowment? What is the market value of the assets? $12, Are funds drawn as needed, regularly, or under certain circumstances? No What is the percentage rate of draw (last year, compared to 5 years ago)? Describe draw on endowment, if any, to meet operating budget expenses for the most recent year and the past five years: At the current rate of draw, how long might the endowment last? Please comment on the above calculations or estimates: Other Assets Reserves (savings): $60,000.00in First Bank Investments (other than endowment): No Does your church have a parsonage? No The Council is responsible for the review of the structure and determination of repairs. Describe all buildings owned by the church: Outdoor Shed Describe non-owned buildings or space used or rented by the church: None Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? (worship space, pulpit, fellowship space, facilities, etc.) The Narthex, Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall (called The Hearth Room), and bathrooms are accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Reflection: After reviewing the church s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation s mission and ministry? We strive to contribute 10% of our financial and human resources to mission ministries. HISTORICAL INFORMATION Name one to three significant happenings in the history of your church that have shaped the identity of your congregation. Add the most important event in the life of your church in the past 10 years. The most important change for us was becoming an ONA church.

16 Pinehurst Congregational UCC path to ONA designation Pinehurst Congregational UCC began to explore ONA designation as far back as In the winter of 2011 the Mission, Peace and Justice team forwarded to the Church Council the team s desire that it was time to move forward to gain official designation. The following is a summary of the steps taken that ultimately led to PCUCC becoming an officially designated ONA faith community. * 4/03/2012 Council and MPJ team met with the a UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns representative for a full educational morning session * 2012/2013 Council discussed pros and cons for going forward. Agreed that the membership could benefit from a congregational wide learning process * Nine individuals (not on the Council) gathered for a study session using the curriculum packet put together by the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns * 09/23/2012 a member/friends meeting was called to be held following a Sunday service. 50 people attended and after a brief introduction, those gathered were divided into five smaller discussion groups to discuss the reasons why and why not the church should declare itself ONA. * The Council appointed an ad hoc committee to carry forward the ONA process * Educational material was inserted into Sunday bulletins; resource material was shared and two sessions on homosexuality in the Bible were led by a local rabbi and by Pastor Brent Bissette * Additional information from other congregations and pastors was solicited and studied * 08/22/2013 Council approves an ONA statement to be submitted to the congregation * 09/08/2013 Church membership voted on acceptance of the statement and desire to become an ONA designated congregation. * Official designation followed shortly after. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ASSESSMENT Our church has always had an awareness of the human responsibility for the stewardship of our environment. In October of 2011 we invited Tom Nutt-Powell from Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light to visit with us and help us determine how we, as a congregation, might reduce our carbon footprint. Tom presented The Sustainable House of Worship (SHOW) workshop using Pinehurst Congregational Church as a laboratory for the day. Participants left with an understanding of how individually and as a faith community they could make changes that would have a positive effect on the environment. Nutt-Powell also did an assessment of our facility with recommendations for the congregation to follow that could lower energy consumption, operating costs and reduce the pollution from the building. Over the next few years several of these recommendations were completed as follows: -insulation in the attic over the office wing -smart thermostat in sanctuary -LED bulbs replaced old bulbs -dual flush converters in each toilet in bathrooms -HVC system replaced -composter bought, recycling in kitchen continued, recyclable paper products purchased Pinehurst Congregational continues to be committed to the care of Mother Earth. According to persons who have been members of the church for over ten years, originally the church congregation was very conservative. It is believed that the greatest change, as illustrated by the two examples given above, is how the congregation has moved from this conservative view to one which is progressive, open and committed to social justice. Some 10 years ago, our church invited Bishop John Shelby Spong to give a series of lectures on a Saturday and to preach in church on Sunday. Over 100 people attended, and this event helped move the church, once

17 considered quite conservative, into a more open and questioning body committed to social justice. It directly led to at least two couples, now stalwart leaders and members to join the church. Since Spong s visit, the church has sponsored a wide variety of lectures (most notably, a weekend with Dr. RobinMeyers), seminars, readings, films and discussions for the community at large which have helped our congregation grow and mature. Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past. Every church has conflict, some minor, some larger. Where two or three are gathered, there will be disagreement. Describe your congregation s values and practices when it comes to conflict. Several years ago, a group of anti-fracking activists made a series of presentations at our church. We did not sponsor the event but publicized it to our congregation. A church member attended two of the events and was very put off by what he considered a biased presentation and yellow journalism techniques. He protested to the Mission, Peace and Justice Committee, asking why we were allowing such a group to use the church and what was our policy. In point of fact, there was nothing but a general policy about liability and MP&J had really not discussed the meetings in question. The chair of MP&J met with the aggrieved member several times and invited him to be on a committee to oversee a policy about use of the church and review proposed presentation content if deemed appropriate. A sensible policy was developed and approved to the satisfaction of the member, who raised the issue, and the entire church membership. The episode shows an example of how the church can accept varying views, affirm individuals, and maintain focus on important issues. Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years) Staff member s name Years of service Rev Raymond Hunt 3 Rev Valerie Coe Lowder 6 Rev Sarah Edwards 1 Rev Brent Bissette 11 Rev Martha Nilsen 1 UCC Standing (Y/No) Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership: The church has learned that ministry is a cooperative venture. In addition, we have learned the value of support and the importance of communication. Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? Yes, many years ago.

18 Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation? No Has a past pastor been the subject of a Fitness Review while at your church? No WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? COMMUNITY VISION How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy? Participate yearly in the Community Interfaith ThanksgivingService. Participated in the Forum on Poverty in Moore County Hosted an Immigration Panel open to the community. Participate in 5 for 5. Yearly 9/11 Memorial service. Participated in a memorial service led by the LGBT community to honor those killed in the Miami night club attack. Attended a service at a neighboring Mosque Planning a service in the fall to include an Imam with an open panel discussion following. This will be a community-wide event. Describe your congregation s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting). Our Council chair attended the UCC General Synod in 2015 in Cleveland. We will also have attendees this year again. Some members are active in UCC online resources and regularly sign petitions related to human rights issues, Interfaith Power & Light. Check all of the following statements of witness that apply to your UCC faith community. Accessible to All (A2A) XCreation Justice Economic Justice Faithful and Welcoming God Is Still Speaking (GISS) XImmigrant Welcoming Inter-cultural/Multi-racial (I M) Just Peace XGlobal Mission Church XOpen and Affirming (ONA) WISE Congregation for Mental Health Other UCC designations: None Reflect on what the above statement(s) mean(s) to your community. Is your congregation interested in working toward any of the above statements of witness in the near future? Our congregation continually works toward justice in all areas. We participate in most UCC drives to collect for those in need. This year we have especially focused on Immigration Issues,

19 Education and Voting rights. We regularly work with Sandhills Pride (LBGTQ), the NAACP regarding human rights, and Bread for the World. Describe your congregation s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional). We participate in Interfaith gatherings, including Thanksgiving and we host a Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha weekly. Some members also attend regular Hindu meditation. Periodically, we welcome the Sandhills Jewish congregation to participate in our services. Currently, we have an interfaith service scheduled this September with a mosque in nearby Raeford which 11 members visited, along with our synagogue and Sangha friends. If your congregation has a mission statement, how does that mission statement compare to the actual time spent engaging in different activities? Think of the range of activities from time spent gathering, to governance, to time spent going out. Gathering time constitutes approximately 70% of the total. Governance takes up about 15% time, with another 15% spent on going out. (See attached mission statement) Our mission statement is reflected in living works at our church every day. Reflect on the scope of work assigned to your pastor(s). How is their community ministry and their ministry in and on behalf of the wider church accounted for in the congregation s expectations on their time? Our pastor covers most of the faith needs of our church at the present time. If we hire a part-time minister, there are ministries in place to assist when needed. The Mission, Peace, and Justice Team is responsible for the focus of our civil rights and lets the congregation know of important political issues that need support. In addition, the schedule significant speakers to visit the congregation when possible. Spiritual Care Ministry visits assigned members of our church as needed. The church has transportation and hospitality chairs that assist in church social events and weekly coffee hour. A Worship and Education committee meets to coordinate calendars for committees. Feedback can be provided to the pastor as well as plans for future services that may include special elements, such as a children's sermon. It also can provide feedback for the pastor about prior services and plans for future services (including special elements to be included). We have a very proactive Council that stands for our beliefs at all times. MissionInsite Comment on your congregation s MissionInsite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown? The MissionInsite report indicated no significant change to occur in the next five years with a slight increase in unmarried persons.

20 How do your congregation s internal demographics compare or contrast to a) the neighborhoods adjacent to your church, and b) other neighborhoods with which your church connects? a) They represent more working individuals than exist at our church. b) They represent many of the local neighborhoods but not those with significant minority representation. How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not? The several zip codes that make up our catchment area indicate that many persons are transplants from other locations with only a few members that are originally from the local area in North Carolina. What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for? Our church is known for its inclusivity, friendliness, musical programs, social justice activities and educational programs, and strong, socially relevant preaching. What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved? The Responses when asked why people came to the church and what makes them continue coming is the friendliness of the people, the informal, welcoming spirit, the outstanding music, the commitment to social justice, and the preaching. REFERENCES Name up to three people who have agreed to serve as phone and written references. Ron Sickenberger 104 Cook Point West End, NC Former member of Congregation Rabbi Ken Brickman Sandhills Jewish Congregation Beth Shalom 131 Jackson Springs Road. Jackson Springs, NC Worked on several interfaith projects with current and former pastor Emily Whittle, True Wonderful Happiness John Bowman, True lotus Country Community of Mindful Living in the Pines A Buddhist sangha that meets at the church

21

22

23

24 CLOSING THOUGHTS Prayer for The Search Committee Dear Lord, We ask You to guide us, the members of the Search Committee of The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, in the process to select our next spiritual leader. Give us wisdom, insight, and patience as we seek the leadership best needed for this wonderful church. Encourage the spirit of the person who will become our minister to accept with joy Your choice for him/her to lead us as we move forward as a faith-filled community. Give us all a sense of happy anticipation as we await the one whom we know will be the right one according to your Plan. We pray this in Jesus' name AMEN Prayer for the Congregation Good and gracious God, thank you for uniting our congregation as we continue to be a beacon of light. We pray for Your grace and mercy during this time of transition. Help us continue to be patient and prayerful. Open the hearts of the Search Committee and council to trust that all things will work out according to Your perfect timing. Please prepare the heart of your chosen candidate to join our church to lead us, care for us, and inspire us to Your will. AMEN STATEMENT OF CONSENT The covenantal relationship between a church and those called by that church to serve as pastors and teachers and in other ministerial positions is strengthened when vital information is openly shared by covenantal partners. To that end, we attest that, to the best of our abilities, we have provided information in this profile that accurately represents our church. We have not knowingly withheld any information that would be helpful to candidates. As the committee charged with the responsibility for identifying and recommending suitable new minister for our church, we have been authorized to share the information herein with potential candidates. We understand that a candidate may wish to secure further knowledge, information, and opinions about our Church. We encourage a candidate to do so, recognizing that an open exchange of relevant information builds the foundation for continuing and healthy relationships between calling bodies and persons seeking a ministry position. Which individuals and groups in the church contributed to the contents of this Local Church Profile?

25 The congregation engaged in a self-study process led by Rev. Martha Nilsen and facilitated by Rev Jim luck. The products of the congregations work as well as input from the church council is included. Nancy T. Farina, Council Chair May 31, 2017