St. Paul's United Church Tisdale, SK Tamarack Presbytery Saskatchewan Conference. Joint Needs Assessment Report Spring 2016

Transcription

1 1 St. Paul's United Church Tisdale, SK Tamarack Presbytery Saskatchewan Conference Joint Needs Assessment Report Spring 2016 Box 116, Tisdale, Saskatchewan S0E 1T st Avenue Phone:

2 2 INTRODUCTION In accordance with the guidelines of The Manual of the United Church of Canada 2010, a Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) was formed near the conclusion of the interim ministry of at St. Paul s United Church in Tisdale. The Joint Needs Assessment Committee commenced February, Individual members undertook the various assignments as required in The Manual. The needs assessment was conducted through a series of Circle Conversations. This report is dated March, 2016 and was prepared by the Joint Needs Assessment Committee: Judy Krantz Judy Saelhof Maureen Donald Muriel Cameron Rev. Emmanuel Menyereye

3 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. The Community of St. Paul s United Church 2. The Ministry of St. Paul s United Church 3. The Resources of St. Paul s United Church 4. Ministry Personel Position Description 5. List of Desired Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personel 6. Terms of the Position APPENDICES APPENDIX A 2015 Annual Financial Report APPENDIX B -- Position Descriptions Administrative Support Janitorial Financial Staff APPENDIX C Interim Ministry Final Evaluation Summary

4 4 COMMUNITY & RESOURCES DESCRIPTION The Community of St. Paul s United Church Nestled in the heart of the Carrot River Valley, Tisdale is a town of 3,600 + people and has been steadily growing. It is predominantly a rural community and excellent highways connect Tisdale with the three largest cities in the province. The area in which Tisdale is located is a wonderland delight for the outdoorsman and recreational opportunities in the region abound with many lakes, several regional parks, a provincial park, and trophy fishing opportunities -- all within an hour s drive of the community. Tisdale is one of the richest agricultural areas of the province with six major grain handling facilities within a 25 km radius and several registered seed farms. The community has a number of strong manufacturing industries. It is a family-friendly, vibrant community with a variety of retailers and trades people including the Beeland Co-Op, three major banks and the Credit Union, nine churches and a recently opened three-story Canalta hotel. The community offers a complete range of services including hairstylists, massage therapy, lawyers, accountants, community library, and excellent education facilities for everyone from pre-school to grade 12 with the opportunity for university classes arranged through the local Cumberland Regional College. Health care services are provided through the Kelsey Trail Health. Conveniently attached to the hospital is a level three/four long-term care facility and a community- owned health-plex which provides clinic space for a variety of health care proffessionals. The people of Tisdale are very active and the community strives to provide all residents the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential and enjoyment through culture and sport. For those with a competitive bent, there is organized hockey, curling, bowling, golf, volleyball, ball, soccer, gymnastics and various other sports. For those who prefer recreational activities, the opportunities abound with recreational sports, walking trails, parks, mini golf, outdoor pool, fitness centres and tennis courts. A thriving arts and culture environment is evident in the community and offers a wide range of opportunities such as a writers group, an art group, a photography club, a quilting group, book clubs, dance club, community band, men s choir, etc. All of these opportunities have been made possible through strong community commitment, leadership and cooperation which includes extensive volunteer hours from the residents of Tisdale and surrounding area and the involvement of service clubs such as the Lion s Club, Lion-L s, Kinsmen and Kinettes (among others). To understand Tisdale, one must understand a commitment to partnership and a shining example of this spirit of partnership is the Tisdale RECplex which is a show-case integrated facility that houses middle and secondary education; Cumberland Regional College; a sports facility which includes a six-sheet curling rink, arena, outdoor pool; an auditorium; community library which serves the school, college and public; a community performance theatre; a day care; and Kelsey Trail Community Health offices.another example of community spirit and cooperation is the Golden Age Seniors Centre which came to be as a result of a partnership between the town and the local seniors association. The result of this collaboration is a beautifully-maintained and completely debt-free centre which is a hub of daily activity. The community has embraced the establishment of immigrant families and is the location for

5 the central offices for North East Newcomer Services. Over the last few years the downtown has undergone a beautification project which includes new sidewalks, lighting, Montgomery Park and a Town Square where many activities take place such as the weekly Farmers Market and outdoor concerts and events. Other groups have joined this spirit of partnership and the Tisdale Ministerial and community choir are two examples of how church people have embraced the cooperative model. This provides a brief overview of the community of Tisdale please visit the following websites for a more comprehensive outline as well as pictures of the community: Town of Tisdale North East School Division Kelsey Trail Health Region St. Paul's United Church 5

6 6 2. Ministry of the Pastroral Charge ( congregation size, demographics of the pastoral charge members, mission or vision statement, worship style, ministry programs in the areas of Christian Education, social justice, and pastoral care) 1. The Mission Statement of St. Paul s United Church in Tisdale is: St. Paul s United Church is a faith community worshipping God through our gathering and local and global outreach. As a people of all ages we worship, learn and grow as we serve the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of others. From St. Paul's has participated in an Interim Ministry. (See summary of final evaluation of the interim ministry, Appendix C) The church community extends for approximately a km radius around Tisdale. Membership statistics in 2015 indicate 125 active members and adherents with a full membership of approximately 300 families. A Joint Needs Assessment was conducted in early About one-third of the congregation is women over the age of 80 and about two-thirds of the congregation have been a member of St. Paul s for more than 10 years. Statistics indicate that average weekly attendance in was 40. Those who do not attend church regularly are moderately active in the church and help when they can. Music is a valued central feature of worship at St. Paul s. The music ministry is led by a dedicated choir and pianist/music director. An active lay pastoral visitation committee exists. Pastoral visiting, counseling and support rate high towards meeting the needs of the congregation and this requirement is growing as the demographic of the membership ages. Long-term members who are no longer able to actively participate in the life and work of the church need to feel that they continue to be vital and valued members of the church community. Christian Education is experimenting with an artist in residence focusing on spiritual development. St. Paul s United Church maintains a friendly relationship with all other churches in the community and is an active member of the Tisdale Ministerial Association. Highlights of life at St.Paul's are: Sunday services are currently held at 11:00 a.m; An enthusiastic hymn sing is held prior to the beginning of Sunday worship services; Potluck lunch is held after service the first Sunday of each month; Participation in interdenominational activities Lenten services, World Day of Prayer; Remembrance Day Inter-denominational Service; Scheduled Greeters & Ushers;

7 7 Regular Newsletter & s; An active UCW; Church Committees; Observer rep.; Presbytery rep.; Community choir participation; Participation in Tisdale Ministerial Organization; Delivery of Meals on Wheels; Lay worship services; Membership in health care auxiliaries volunteer at long term care facilities birthday teas, visitation and entertainment, worship leadership; suppport of Food Bank through donations and volunteers; St. Paul's provides space for Tisdale & Area Community Action Cooperative, Ltd. (TACACL) Collective Kitchens, Good Food Box; Wee Ones( mother and babies group). Special services are traditionally held at Christmas and Easter and other special services have included: Pentecost; Thanksgiving; Sunday School Pageants; Camp Sunday; and College Sunday. Baptisms are performed upon request and statistics provide that an average of one baptism per year has been performed over the past five years. In the past, confirmation services have traditionally been held in the spring with the last confirmation class held in Since 2011 an average of 2 marriages a year have been held in the church (five in 2015) and an average of 12 funerals per year have been conducted over that same time frame (20 in 2015). Children worship with adults during the first portion of Sunday service and then leave for classes. A nursery room space is available for young children. Fundraising takes many forms and provides the opportunity for fellowship while at the same time assisting with the finances. Some fundraising initiatives of note include the annual Fall Supper, the annual Spring and Fall Rummage Sales, the annual Spring and Christmas Tea and Bake Sales; a Stew Luncheon, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Nepal Aid Fundraiser, and Northest Women's Shelter among others. The UCW takes a lead role in organizing and assisting with many of the fundraising projects and activities, eg., Lenten lunches, and they provide funeral lunches. UCW members are active members, and have served on the executive and outreach of the Tamarack Presbyterial. The Women s Fellowship Group meets monthly at the home of members, and themes are wideranging and chosen as interests arise. Activities in past have included banners, congregation name tags, school kits and layettes, prayer shawls, bake sales, fall supper, a cook book, and animated discussion on current events/topics. The main focus of this congenial group is one of fellowship.

8 8 3. Resources a) Property A brick building and adjoining parking lot is owned by St. Paul s United Church. Although the church building is over 50 years old it has received several upgrades. It is well maintained under the supervision of the Property Committee with most maintenance done by volunteers. Some features of note in the facility include: 1. fully wheel-chair accessible (ramp, automatic door, elevator to the lower level; washrooms; wheelchair; 2. a sanctuary (with excellent acoustics) which will seat approx. 200 people; 3. a pleasing minister s study; 4. a well-equipped administrative office (photocopier, fax, computer, internet, scanner, etc.); 5. air-conditioning; recently up-dated energy efficient furnaces; 6. sound system; 7. new audio-visual projection equipment 8. well-maintained yard which includes a memorial garden; 9. a baby grand piano and an organ; 10. a multi-purpose room (nursery, meeting room, expanded seating space) off the sanctuary. 11. a finished basement with a fully-equipped kitchen and ample area for funeral lunches or meetings; ample storage areas; 12. recent improvements include emergency lighting and panic bars at exits, replacement of the downstairs carpet, b) Finances ( See APPENDIX A -Feb. 21, 2016 Annual Report Financial Statement ) Summary 2015 Financial report, (as of Dec. 31, 2015) Revenues: $99, Expenses: $131, Net (deficit): -$31, Bank Accounts: $174,

9 9 c) Personnel/Staff A paid part-time administrative support person* works three hours per day three days a week. A paid janitor* is employed for six hours/week plus weddings and funerals. A paid financial team from Janke Jellicoe, Accountants is responsible for the financial operations. *See APPENDIX B Position Descriptions The Choir Director/Pianist receives an honorarium. d) Volunteer Resources -- There are many individuals and groups who are truly the unsung heroes of the congregation, volunteering their time on a regular basis. Volunteers deliver bulletins to the senior s lodges and to shut-ins and provide seniors with a ride to Sunday worship service; 4. Ministry Personel Position Description( full time) a) Position Description Full-time ordained, diaconal or recognized designated lay minister to serve the congregation of St. Paul s United Church in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Accountable, through the Ministry and Personnel Committee, to the St. Paul s United Church Official Board, and to the Tamarack Presbytery. b) Worship preparation and delivery for Sundays will be the main focus of the position with one Sunday off every 2 months ( decided in negotiation with the M & P Committee). Pastoral Care - including bereavement visitation, funerals, weddings and baptisms Provide leadership for our committees. Administrative duties attending to normal administrative needs such as communications by , letters, phone calls, reports to the Board, meetings with Board, Ministerial, Presbytery and Conference c) Outreach is something the congregation has begun and wishes to explore further. 5. List of Desired Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personel ( skills and gifts required and valued for the position description; seeking either ordained, diaconal or designated lay minister) a) Personal Relations Skills ability to work with people of all ages.the congregation has indicated a desire for a worship leader with a warm, open, friendly personality who is approachable and a good mentor/leader. The congregation appreciates a sense of humor. They place value on a well-rounded individual who maintains a visible and involved presence within the greater community. b) Worship Skills Ability to lead traditional worship services as well as some more contemporary and/or innovative services in relationship with the congregation; deliver thought -provoking sermons; develop worship sensitive to the needs of the congregation;

10 c) Pastoral Skills Ability to provide spiritual nurturing on a one-to-one basis, or to a group. For example: Comfortable providing visitation during crisis situations. d) Leadership/Administrative Skills Working knowledge of the policy and polity of the United Church of Canada and an overall sense of what is going on within the pastoral charge. Ability to motivate and organize; to work collaboratively with the Board and with the congregation. 6.Terms of the Position Salary, allowances and reimbursements for a full-time position as per The United Church of Canada Minimum Salary and Allowances for Ministry Personnel and Financial Handbook for Congregations and other terms as negotiatied with the Ministry and Personal Committee of St. Paul's United Church Paid part-time office administrator. 10

11 11 Recommendation to Tisdale St. Paul's Church Board: The Joint Needs Assessment Committee of St. Paul's United Church, Tisdale, SK recommend the declaration of a vacancy for a full time paid accountable order of ministry position to be filled through call or appointment.

12 12 APPENDIX A 2015 Financial Report from Annual Meeting

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15 15 APPENDIX B ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH Permanent Part-time Position - 9 hrs per week ($14 per hour)(9am 12 noon. Tues.,Wed., Thurs.)These hours can be increased as necessary in consultation with the Ministry and Personnel Committee and as approved by the board. Skills Required Proficiency in word processing ( Microsoft Word, Windows; Excel) Duties Help to create a welcoming and helpful atmosphere in the church Keep and revise church records (Directory, Historic Roll, Funeral./ Baptismal/ Confirmation/Marriage Records) Maintain Supplies for the maintenance of the church Photocopy the bulletins for the church services Prepare and photocopy monthly calendar and announcements Prepare the detailed annual United Church of Canada church report with finance personnel Count the weekly offering with another member of the congregation Work with financial personnel/contracted provider as necessary Answer phone and relay messages Monitor answering machine and fax for messages Book church facilities for weddings, funerals and meetings in consultation with the minister or others Service copier and change toner as required Collect mail, sort or send. Address envelopes for cheques to pay bills Send thank you letters and tax receipts for memorial donations Respond to informational needs and requests from presbytery, Conference and Head Office Provide secretarial duties for the minister as required Maintain a church key list and monitor location of church keys. Keep a list of contact people posted in the church window Notify appropriate committees regarding special events as early as possible Keep bulletin board clear of outdated items Revise address changes as they occur (Church Assistant Program) Key Deposits into Church Assistant and issue charitable receipts at year end Notify appropriate committees regarding special events as early ads possible Have envelopes stamped with offering numbers available when requested Keep monthly calendar of events in office and foyer current Assist with newsletter Revision dated Feb

16 16 APPENDIX B: JANITORIAL DUTIES Work Guide- appox.: 4-5 hrs per week; up to 20 hrs per month; may vary per work week/period subject to clean up including after funerals, weddings &/or other events &/or as needs otherwise require. Including window cleaning may exceed 20 hrs per month from time to time. BASEMENT Dry mop Hall, Kitchen, Bathrooms,Corridor.5 Wet mop hall1.0, Kitchen.2, Bathrooms.3, Corridor.3 Vacuum staircases /landings Attend to other areas as necessary/directed ( storage areas.2; backstairs area & other.3) Empty garbage from all areas and deliver to curb 2 bathrooms: clean toilet bowls, sinks, counters, mirrors, taps, handles, etc. Keep supply of towels/toilet paper in dispensers Wash/clean basement entry windows UPSTAIRS Vacuum carpets in offices.1,foyer.4, Runciman Room.2, Sanctuary (excl. choir area) Dry mop /Wet mop lino/tile floors Pews: Remove old bulletins, scrap paper, arrange hymn books ensuring tidiness Vacuum choir area Dust/polish pews, other sanctuary furniture as needed. Attend to other areas as necessary/directed (Sanctuary: vacuum centre aisle, back stair areas) Empty garbage from all areas & deliver to curb Bathroom: clean toilet bowl, sink, counter, mirrors, taps, handles, etc. Keep supply of towels, toilet paper in dispensers Wash/clean foyer & Runciman Room windows GENERAL : Ensure adequate cleaning supplies including towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, vacuum bags etc ( Advise Admin. Office when more are needed). Change vacuum bags as needed Time estimated to complete tasks;.1 = 10 min,.2 = 15 min,.3 = 20 min,.4 = 25 min,.5 = 30 min,.6 = 40 min,.7 = 45 min, 1.0 = 60 min. Time Sheet : date and insert time for tasks done. Total the hours per date for pay period, sign and forward to Admin. Office for payment Total hours for pay period: x $ /h = $ Revised 31 Dec. 2014

17 APPENDIX C Summary of the Interim Ministry St. Paul's, Tisdale Revised Goals (with the help of Sharon Ferguson-Hood) The goals were discussed and reduced to four for the sake of manageability while still addressing the needs of St. Paul s United Church. The work of the first three goals would make the work of the fourth goal (planning for the future) possible. The four goals below provided the focus for the entire interim period. Goal #1: To explore conflict management and to find ways to communicate conflict management skills. To teach all who are interested, particularly those people involved in leadership at St. Paul s United Church, how to implement these skills. Goal #2: Communication: circle conversations will be offered to give people the opportunity to talk about issues surrounding the church. We will explore issues like how people are feeling with the present situation of Interim ministry. And we will explore topics of trust, and healing if people are feeling hurt. Goal #3: Roles and United Church Structure: Explore United Church structure and how our local Board is structured. Review the roles we assume as leaders in the church. Goal #4: Explore the future of the United Church at St. Paul s in Tisdale. Action Plans: Goal #1: We will hold a workshop led by Linda Anderson regarding conflict management. This workshop will be held on Saturday, January 17 and will take place during the day, including lunch. Goal #2: the Transition Team has planned a series of circle conversations where we will discuss various topics that pertain to our church and its dynamics. These conversations will take place on Sundays following worship. They will include a potluck finger food lunch. The Sundays are: Sept. 14/14, Jan. 11/15, Feb. 8/15, Mar. 15/15, Apr. 12/15, May 10/15 Goal #3: There will be a workshop on Sunday, September 21/14 from 1:15-3:45pm. We will talk about our role in the church and how the Board at St. Paul s UC functions. This workshop will be led by Bill Wall. Goal #4: This will be explored in 2015 in the fall. (This was the initial action plan. NOTE: The action plans were revised and added to as the interim ministry progressed. Evaluation of Goals Introduction A small core participated in the activities pertaining to the interim ministry along with a few others who occasionally attended. The Transition Team hopes the core will be the shepherds among us providing positive lay leadership in the congregation as we continue the work begun during this two year term. Goal # 1: Overall This goal was partially met. Unfortunately we did not have the participation we would have liked which hampered the ability to accomplish this goal. The congregational responses reinforced this understanding. One respondent suggested having a yearly conflict management session, while this may be a bit much, it is something that needs to be revisited. While substantial progress was made, we will need to keep our eyes and ears open to what s happening around us. 17

18 18 Goal #2 Overall: This goal was partially met. Communication has been improved within the congregation, the committees, and the board. This is ongoing work as people become more familiar with methods of communication. Goal #3 overall: This goal was also partially met. We have improved in our knowledge and understanding of board and church structure. We will need to be diligent to continue to work within structures, and encourage others to do so. One area of struggle for us has been for committees to be aware that the minister is a de-facto member of every committee and needs to be given the opportunity to attend meetings. We will need to continue to work on ensuring this is communicated. It will also be important to educate new members of the board and committees on structure and procedure. Understanding the wider church structure has been a challenge, but with the changes going on this will very soon be true for everyone. Goal #4 overall: This goal was met. We have done well in exploring the future of St. Paul s and encouraging the congregation to participate in these discussions. We have successfully eliminated some options, and while we do not have consensus yet, we have been able to give some clear direction to the JNAC. Interpretation and Reflection: The overall outlook and humour of the congregation has improved greatly from having consistent leadership for the last two years. We have noticed an increase in discussions about the future, and what we would like for the future of St. Paul s. The majority of the congregation is looking forward to having full-time ministry here, which has been a large shift. Looking at the financial resources of the congregation today leads to a more positive reaction than it did two years ago. There is a sense that we can make ourselves relevant and valuable in the community despite an aging congregation. There is a growing sense that our ministry here in Tisdale is not done! The board is functioning better and communicating more fully with the congregation. People are beginning to move on and heal from old wounds, finding ways to look ahead rather than just dwell on the past. Conclusions and Recommendations: The circle conversations were a wonderful tool for the transition team, and for the congregation. The workshops were also very helpful. Our biggest obstacle was lack of turnout at events. Unfortunately short of forcing people to attend we are not sure how we could have overcome this as things were well advertised, affordable, and promoted. This is an ongoing struggle within the church. The transition team and work that they undertook benefited from the support and encouragement of the rest of the team and the interim-minster. We would encourage other groups to spend time getting to know one another. Socials as well as regular meetings enhanced the team building and improved and enhanced our work.

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