Comment on significant changes: We believe that a large percentage of this change is because of increased accuracy in maintaining our roles.

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1 CHURCH PROFILE FORM Reformed Church in America Section A. Background Information Today s Date: 02/01/2018 Position to be filled: Lead Pastor 1. Name of church: Fellowship Reformed Church 2. Web address: 3. Mailing address: 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd. Holland, MI Telephone: ( 616 ) address: info@fellowshipreformed.org 4. Classis: Holland 5. Classis Supervisor: Jon Brown Address: Pillar Church 57 E 10th St, Holland, MI Telephone: (616) address: jon@pillarchurch.com 6. Chair of search committee: Kristin Garris Address: 368 Erin Isle Drive Holland, MI Telephone: (616) address: kristingarris@yahoo.com 7. Membership: Time of worship Five years ago Today Active Confessing Members Inactive Confessing Members Comment on significant changes: We believe that a large percentage of this change is because of increased accuracy in maintaining our roles. Age of all active members (baptized and confessing ) 25 % (295) 0-20 years old 15 % (176) years old 12 % (140) years old 23 % (264) years old 1

2 24 % (280) 65 years and older 8. Racial/Ethnic composition of congregation: 1 % African American 1 % Asian 97 % Caucasian 1 % Hispanic Other: (please specify) 9. Worship schedule: Average Attendance (includes adults and children) Time of worship Average attendance Five years ago Average attendance Today 8:30am & 10am Comment on significant changes: 10.Describe a typical worship service (order of worship, music, etc.) What is your congregation s preferred style or styles of worship? Attach a bulletin, if available. At Fellowship, all of our worship seeks to remember the Story of God while inviting worshipers to respond to the good news of the gospel. All of our worship seeks to invite thoughtful and heartfelt participation in the work of personal and global transformation God does in and through worship. Our two weekly services each have a distinct style that reflects the natural expressions of the communities that worship at those times. While certain musical styles may be common in a given service, we believe that there is much blessing and wisdom to be gained from borrowing from Christians of all times and places. 8:30am A service for families of earlier risers who desire a more intimate worship setting. Music at this service favors classical and folk expressions using organ and acoustic instruments. Nursery is not staffed but will be open for parents to use. 10:00am A lively service that favors current, contemporary music expressions led with a worship band. Children and youth ages 3 years old through 8th grade are dismissed prior to the sermon for Children & Worship and Sunday School (except on Everybody Worships Sundays). Here is a typical order of worship: God Gathers Us Prelude Gathering Song: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Greeting One Another Welcome & Announcements 2

3 Song of Praise: God of Wonders Confession & Grace (words and song): O Come to the Altar Children s Blessing Offering (song): Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God God Speaks to Us Prayer for Illumination The Word Read: John 2:13-25 The Word Spoken: The Journey: Destroy this Temple God Sends Us Song of Response: Resurrection Hymn Prayers of God s People Song of Sending: When I Think About the Lord God s Blessing Postlude Current and past bulletins can be found at: 11.Financial Information: Attach a copy most recent Consistorial Report and Annual Budget if available. Five Years Ago Today Total RCA related contributions $ 90,346 $ 79,636 Total other contributions $ 95,096 $ 97,749 Percentage of total budget contributed by living donors: % X % % % 44 % or less Consistorial Report Annual budget edit#gid=0 12.Congregational Giving: Number of those whose annual contribution is: Less than $ $501- $1, $1,501- $2, $2,501-$3, Greater than $3,

4 13.Financial assistance: Do you receive financial assistance beyond the congregation? (rents, etc.) Yes No X 14.Church/Sunday School: Average Attendance Nursery - Fifth Grade Average attendance Average attendance Five years ago Today Comment on significant changes: Describe briefly all educational programs (including children, young adult, adult). To see a complete listing,see our most recent Ministry Guide. Nursery At Fellowship, we believe the purpose of the nursery is to provide a safe and healthy place for children to experience the love of God, while providing their parents the opportunities to enter fully into the life and activities of the church. Our goal is that children are exposed to, and are able to respond to the following principles: God exists, loves you and wants to take care of you (John 10:4-15) God created everything and God created you (Genesis 2:7-25) God gave us the Bible. We can read it to know God and know what is right (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We can talk to God through prayer (God wants you to be good, kind and loving (Romans 13:9-10) God wants you to worship. There are many ways to worship God (John 4:23) God wants you to see and think good things (Philippians 4:8-9) Children & Worship Our three year olds through Kindergarteners are experiencing "Children and Worship" during their Sunday School time. This program continues to be one of the most effective ways of nurturing children's faith and preparing them for worship with the whole congregation. In Children and Worship, children are not learning to worship, but they are worshipping! If you'd like more information, check out the RCA website. You will find the information under "Resources," then "Discipleship," then click on the "Educational" tab and the "Children's Ministry" link. Each week, even on Everybody Worships Sundays, 3 year olds-kindergartners are dismissed with the leader around the time of the offering to Children's Wing Room C4/5. While there, children... greet each other sing watch and hear a Bible story wonder together about the story respond to the story through retelling stories, crafts, playdough, etc. read the story from the Bible and have a prayer time enjoy a feast (snack) together 4

5 Sunday School Children's Sunday School is a special time and place for children to learn about God's love for them and how to share that love with others. Sunday School is available to children in 1st through 5th grade during the 10:00 a.m. worship from September to May. There is no Sunday School on Everybody Worships Sundays or during holidays. Our children at Fellowship are a part of the whole church family. Because we all belong in worship, all children, youth and teachers start off in worship with their families. After participating in part of the worship service, they are then dismissed to their classrooms. Parents can pick up all children from their rooms following worship. In class, children study age appropriate scripture lessons based on outcomes developed by the RCA and adapted to fit Fellowship's needs. We are currently using the "Dwell" curriculum from Faith Alive Christian Resources. The children's Sunday School lessons include stories from the Bible, memory verses and daily application. Children enjoy their time in age appropriate classrooms with loving teachers. Elevate Middle School Ministry Youth Group (Wednesdays 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Youth group is a great place to hang out, have fun, and share in God's love! Meets from October through March. Sunday School (Sundays 10:00 a.m.) Meets Sunday mornings in the Youth Center, September through May. Students learn more about Jesus through scripture reading and discussion. HSM (High School Ministry) Sunday nights from 6-8pm, high school students and adult leaders gather together to take part in games, discussions, service, and prayer. Students will experience God's love and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through this time together. Confirmation Class A class for high school students who are interested in publicly professing their faith and becoming confirmed members of the church. Through 10 sessions, the foundations of Christian faith are explored. The goal is to help unify what students have already learned in Christian education, worship experiences, and with family. Confirmation class is on Sundays from 9-10am in the fall. Summer Serve Every summer, HSM takes a week-long trip to serve in areas outside of our community. This is a great opportunity for the group to grow closer together and closer to God. This year we will be heading to Houston for flood relief. Set aside June to join us! Young Adults A group of adults in their 20s and 30s who gather on the 4 th Sunday of the month for a meal, discussion, and connection. 5

6 15. Adults We have a variety of opportunities for adults that range from small groups, women and men s retreats, and classes. Community Nights During the school year we have an intergenerational gathering of families and members of the community on Wednesday nights. This begins with a meal and then there are growth opportunities for children and adults. 16.Church groups/organizations: Briefly describe ministry purpose of each group. (use separate sheet if necessary) Name of group Frequency of Meeting Attendance (i.e. weekly, bi-monthly, etc) Human Resources Team bi-monthly Supports the staff and gives direction for structure and policies Building and Grounds Team bi-monthly Provides oversight and improvement of the building and grounds Finance Team monthly Provides oversight and recommendations of the church finances Mission Crew Monthly Provides oversight and direction for our local, national, and international missions Hand2Hand Steering Team Provides oversight and direction for our Hand2Hand ministry quarterly Staff Meets regularly to grow as individuals and a team while supporting the goals of the church body Hospitality Team Helps make the church a welcoming place for guests and also coordinate meals weekly monthly 17.Comment on one event or experience over the last year that has significantly contributed to the spiritual life of the congregation. This year our church has been following a theme called, The Journey. This theme came out of the book called, Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness Places, by Chuck DeGroat. Chuck DeGroat met with the staff in the Summer to talk through the themes in his book. He also led a church-wide retreat and preached on a Sunday. Out of the retreat, small groups were formed to read through the book and share life together. The staff and consistory are also having discussions throughout the year about the book. We are seeing staff and members of the congregation have deep and authentic conversations about their spiritual journey as a result of this theme. We give thanks that Chuck DeGroat is available to us as a faculty member at Western 6

7 Theological Seminary. 18.Buildings: Please describe church-owned or rented buildings and purpose. We have a single building that has undergone many additions and renovations over the years. Our current sanctuary was constructed in The former Sanctuary was converted to a youth center and gathering place in There are many classrooms for adults and students. Some classrooms have been converted to an art studio. We have converted our former music room into a food pantry for our Hand2Hand program. Our offices were recently renovated and expanded to provide an open concept that is used by staff and the congregation. Also on our property are a community garden and a small storage garage. 19.Do you plan any capital expenditure during the next five years? Yes X No If yes, please explain briefly: Routine facility maintenance items that will be budgeted 20.Is there a mortgage indebtedness? Yes X No Amount: $3,200,000 Of how long standing? July 31, 2044 Annual rate of repayment: $210, Pastor s study: In church X in parsonage Other Not Provided 22.List all paid staff in addition to the pastor: Position Minister of Discipleship and Congregational Life Minister of Equipping and Missional Engagement Minister of Seniors and Visitation Minister of Children and Families Minister of Operations and Ministry Implementation Minister of Creative Arts and Worship Minister of Youth and Young Adults Kids Hope USA and Hand2Hand Ministries Director Parish Nurse Director of Communications Office Manager Director of Finance and Information Staff Support Custodians Children s Ministry Assistant Full time X Part time Full time X Part time Full time X Part time Full time X Part time Full time X Part time 23.Consistory Membership: What method is used in selecting members? The outgoing consistory members each year solicit nominations from the congregation and go through an interview process to select a double slate. Lots are drawn to select a single slate that is approved at an annual congregational meeting. Our consistory is divided into Care Leadership and Ministry Leadership. The Care Leadership do much of the spiritual and physical care for the congregation and the Ministry Leadership is responsible for vision and administrative leadership. 7

8 Please list present Consistory members: CLC Elder Male Female Occupation X Retired X Financial X Retired X Retired X Retired X Furniture Industry X Non-profit leadership X Retired X Retired X Property management X Retired X Energy plant management CLC Deacon Male Female Occupation X Business owner X Retired X Teacher X Retired X Retired X HVAC industry X Nursing X College staff X Industrial manufacturing X Retired X Retired X Finance industry MLC Elder Male Female Occupation X Retired X CEO X Non-profit leadership X Food industry management MLC Deacon Male Female Occupation X Non-profit leadership X Financial planner X Administrative support X School administrator Pres/Pres Elect 8

9 Male Female Occupation X Leadership development X Retired 24. What leadership roles do women currently fill in your church? Women are valued in all roles at Fellowship. This includes pastors, elders, deacons, staff, team chairpersons, worship leaders, and volunteers. 25.In our congregation (please check appropriate box) Few have Many have Most have Had up to twelve years of formal education X Had some education beyond high school X A college degree X A graduate degree X 26.In our congregation (please check a box) Few are Many are Most are Scientists & Engineers X Farmers X Business People X Students & Teachers X Industrial Workers X Office Workers X Other: 27.Special training/experience desired: (Describe briefly) We are expecting this person to have skills in preaching, collaborating, and facilitating strategic planning and vision. 28.Languages: Should your pastor be fluent in any language other than English? Yes No X 29.The salary we are prepared to offer our new pastor is to be determined. We are guided by the the compensation guidelines from the Synod of the Great Lakes as minimums but are prepared to make adjustments as necessary based on skills and experience. ines.pdf The average annual increase to our pastor over the past three years was: 2% increase each year 30.Is a parsonage provided? Yes No X 31.The benefits/business expenses we will provide our pastor are: Base Salary $ TBD Housing Allowance $ TBD Parsonage provided? 9

10 Yes No X Travel Reimbursement 90% of IRS tax rate Social Security (Amount) IRS rate paid quarterly Book Allowance (Amount) As needed Continuing Education 1/52nd of salary Allowance (Amount) Provision for Sabbatical 3 months after 7 years - paid Other (Specify Below) $ TOTAL $ Yes X No Retirement Yes X No Major Medical Insurance Yes X No Health/Hospital Insurance Yes X No Life Insurance Yes X No Dental Insurance Yes No X Unemployment Insurance Yes X No Disability Insurance Annual Vacation (Number of Weeks): 4 weeks Necessary Comments regarding above: 32.Community served: (please check one) Rural: Under 2,500 Town: 2,500-9,999 Small City: 10,000-49,000 Metropolitan-Suburban: 50,000+ Metropolitan-Urban: 50,000+ Metropolitan-Inner City: 50,000+ Other: X 33.Cooperative ministry: In what ways have you cooperated with other churches in your community during the past year? We have helped lead the way in our community to bring Hand2Hand to every elementary school in West Ottawa Public Schools. This has been through partnerships with area churches, helping stock their pantries, and connecting people. We coordinate when we offer Vacation Bible School with other churches so the dates do not overlap in the Summer We partner with New Community Fourth Reformed Church in a program called Breakfast with Baby. We also share our Vacation Bible School resources with them and provide some financial support. Partner with Maple Avenue Ministries to host speakers for racial inclusion. 34.Community involvement: In what community programs or projects have you participated during the past year? (As an organization, not as individuals.) Uniting Against Abuse Conference and follow up Lisa Sharon Harper Event - seeking to raise awareness of racism in community 10

11 GSM Circles Program - volunteer leaders and writing a budget curriculum for their class We are a member of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance which seeks to join non-profits together for the betterment of the community We have helped sponsor an event called the Big Read. This is something where the whole community reads a book at the same time, gathers to talk about it, and hears from special speakers. We hosted one of the book discussion sessions. We have opened our art studio to a local non-profit called Culture Works. This organization reaches out to students in the community with opportunities to express themselves and grow in art. We have opened our space to several student groups who needed a home for STEM related projects, Lego League, and a cubing club. We have also made our space available for Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts. 35.What denominations or religions are present within three miles (in rural areas, consider the county) where your church is located? Reformed, Christian Reformed, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Baptist, Non-denominational 36.Outreach: What is your strategy to reach unchurched people in your community? See the WO school district as our mission field Relationally engage with folks who have yet experience love and grace of Jesus through i. H2H and Kids Hope - entering into schools and being consistent presence ii. Youth Ministry - seeks to not just serve our kids but is impacting students who have yet to become a part of a xian community iii. As Volunteer leaders - Sport coaches, Girls on the Run leaders, Girl Scout troop leader We have 4 ways of reaching out: i. Actively using Facebook to engage with our community and to promote events to people in the area ii. Opening our building to use by groups who are investing in children iii. Offering Community Nights on Wednesday nights where all are welcome to connect over a meal and special classes and programs iv. Being in the schools through our Kid s Hope and Hand2Hand programs where we develop relationships and help alleviate hunger 37.The income level of the people in our congregation tends to be: (please check one) About average for our community Somewhat below the rest of the community X Somewhat higher than the rest of the community 38.Describe the community and school system: (Provide website links were appropriate.) Park Township : Fellowship is located in Park Township. This community is a combination of parks, farms, beaches, waterfront, and suburban living. Multi-use paths go throughout the community providing many walking, running, and biking opportunities. Holland State Park, Tunnel Park, and many smaller parks provide 11

12 access to Lake Michigan. The community is growing in diversity. The Holland area has many types of employment options including innovative manufacturing companies. Holland : The city of Holland is minutes away from Fellowship and includes a beautiful downtown with small shops, snow melt for the sidewalks, a farmer s market, Hope College, and Western Theological Seminary. West Ottawa Schools : Fellowship has many connections with West Ottawa Schools. This school district of approximately 8,000 students provides many opportunities for students, particularly in the arts. Many staff are members and Fellowship and we also work closely with an elementary school located across the street from Fellowship, Lakewood Elementary School. In particular we provide mentors as a part of the Kids Hope program and also food through Hand2Hand. Holland Christian Schools : Holland Christian Schools are also located in Park Township and the city of Holland. They continue to be highly regarded for Christian education. 39.Record of last three pastors: Name Megan Hodgin Marijke Strong Brian Keepers Dates 7/15/2010 to 10/31/2015 1/15/2012 to 1/25/2016 8/1/2005 to 6/30/ Please complete your profile with the following contacts: Name Rodger Price Vice President, Consistory Jon Brown Classis Supervisor 12

13 Section B. Reflections Please answer the following questions, adding your own experiences where appropriate. 1. What is the stated mission, vision or purpose of your congregation? Fellowship s mission is to love God and others as an accepting community, centered in Christ, focused on developing faithful followers of Christ. Fellowship continues to live into our vision. Our Vision is to be a community where everyone loves God, follows Jesus, listens to the Holy Spirit, and joins God in gathering people around Jesus, transforming them into passionate followers of Jesus, and empowering them to join Jesus in ministry. 2. What goals have been developed from your mission and vision over the next 5 years? (Example new programs or outreach ministries.) Include long range or strategic plan. Nearly five years ago, Fellowship Reformed Church engaged in the Ridder Church Renewal process and did the work of discerning God s preferred future for Fellowship. This process included input from the congregation, the full consistory and staff. We arrived at three God-sized goals. These goals allowed members of the congregation to engage in differing aspects of ministry at a variety of levels of engagement. Our goals are: a. To develop a strategy for inviting people of all ages and at all stages of faith on a journey of personal transformation that leads to missional living. b. To strategically launch a movement of Missional Communities where people are being gathered around Jesus, transformed by the Holy Spirit and empowered to join God s mission. c. To lead the way in providing Hand2Hand ministries to every elementary school in the West Ottawa School district over the next five years. We are nearing the end of the five year timeframe and we have made great progress in these goals. While, these goals still inform much our church s life and work, we also feel that we are well poised to begin to discern new areas of work and growth for our congregation as we look to the future with excitement and anticipation of what God has in store for us in this next season of God s Kingdom here at Fellowship. 3. Describe the strengths of your church, the best of what you are as a community, and what you can offer a new pastor. Fellowship is openly receptive to people who are in differing places on their faith journey - those who are seeking to know Jesus as well as those who already acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Fellowship is committed to joyful, reformed worship that leads us to praise God, center our lives in Christ and be sent outward to be ambassadors of Christ s mission for our community and world. Fellowship is a church with a generous spirit looking outward to make a difference in the lives 13

14 of those around us. Our work with Kids Hope, Hand to Hand and Meet Up and Eat Up (a program for children of area migrant workers). These partnerships display our conviction and gifts for coming alongside of children and vulnerable parents in the Holland community. We also seek to partner with what God is doing all over the world through our global mission partners. One focus mission partnership in Nicaragua seeks to learn from and come alongside of two indigenous NGO s in Nicaragua doing community development for children and vulnerable families. A second mission partnership is with the Vis in Israel and Palestine that seeks to empower Palestinian youth and make known the challenges for Christians in the region to Americans. Fellowship seeks to be a place where we are centered in Christ and because of our commonality in Christ are able to hold diverse opinions with civility and avenues of dialogue. Fellowship serves as a teaching church in conjunction with Western Theological Seminary providing a nurturing congregational environment for seminary students to explore their passion for ministry in a hands-on manner and to discern their call to ministry with greater clarity. 4. Explain the strategies or ideas that most excite your church in becoming or remaining missional. From its inception in 1966, Fellowship has envisioned that being a church meant we had a desire for others to know God with us, ~ a quote from a charter member. That goal of providing a welcoming place where people can learn to know and love God with us is still a vital part of Fellowship today. It is in our DNA. With our focus on Belong, Grow, Serve, we continue to design and develop, implement and revise programs and activities striving to meet the changing needs of our community within the church, the greater community and in the world. From missional communities to summer programming with migrant families to mission trips to Jerusalem and Nicaragua and so much more, the scope of activities continues to reflect our commitment to share the news of Christ s love and to serve others. 5. Name three of your church s most passionate hopes and why they are significant. Fellowship is passionate about being centered in Christ. To this end, we strive to be grounded in God s Word through preaching and teaching that is theologically relevant, leading to growth in faith and service. Fellowship intentionally works to be relational and relevant to our community within and outside of our walls. God calls us to be ambassadors, ministering to others. Fellowship seeks to continue to be generous, responsible stewards of God s gifts time, talent, and treasure. God provides for us and calls us to be his ambassadors to all we encounter. 6. How do you hope someone who visits your church would describe what she or he considers to be most important? It is our hope that visitors would encounter the living Lord - 14

15 vital, life-giving, world changing - in our worship and in the interactions with those who greet them and welcome them to Fellowship. It is our hope that we may be hospitable to all who enter our doors so that they may feel in our words, actions and our worship the love, grace and acceptance that God has for them. It is our hope that a wide range of people, from different areas of life and with a wide variety of opinions and experiences will find Fellowship to be a place where they can belong and grow. 7. Name at least one challenge facing your new pastor. One challenge facing a new pastor will be to come alongside us as a congregation and staff, collaboratively, as we look to the future to discern together how we may continue our ministry to grow God s Kingdom in the life of our congregation and in the world around us. 8. Describe your vision and hopes for your church and your pastor over the next 5 years. Our hope is that Fellowship will continue to faithfully live into its mission, building on the past and moving definitively into God s future. We envision Fellowship continuing to be a welcoming community where everyone who enters will experience God s love and grace and find a place to belong, grow and serve. We envision that Fellowship will continue to grow into the vibrant future God has for us - in our individual love and discipleship, in our congregational life together and in our outreach into the community and world around us - collaborating together to discern how God would have us serve. 9. Explain whatever else you would like your potential pastor to know about your church. Here are a few highlights of the past year. Sunday, January 14, ten of our young people made profession of faith and committed their lives to Jesus Christ. A number of these students were participants in the Rocky Mountain High trip with our senior high youth group. Over 300 people attended our most recent Table to Table meal, moving after worship from sharing communion during worship to sharing a meal together at church. On average approximately 220 people have been attending our Wednesday community nights, sharing fellowship, a meal and taking time for activities provided for all ages and meaningful conversation. Our new sanctuary was completed in Our former sanctuary has been repurposed as a youth center. The Children s Ministry Wing was moved and modernized to accommodate the growing number of children attending Sunday School. A Sensory Room was added during the construction of our new sanctuary to provide a safe space for worshippers with special needs. Adult education rooms were relocated and refreshed. Our capital campaign to raise funds for the new sanctuary and renovations was successful with $2.1 million pledged and $2.3 million was received. Our Hand2Hand ministries goal of serving each elementary school in the West Ottawa school district has been realized as of this year. Fellowship spearheaded this ministry 15

16 and has come alongside several area churches as they have committed to partner with an elementary school near their congregation. 16

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