Central United Church Brandon Manitoba

Central United Church Brandon Manitoba A church with a heart, in the heart of the city 2015 JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

MISSION STATEMENT Our current mission statement, adopted at our AGM, March, 2015 states: We seek to be a community of Christian believers committed to praising God with faithful worship and prayer, welcoming and nurturing the faith and the spiritual growth of all of God s children, joining with one another in times of joys and sorrows, celebrating the gifts of our members and adherents, and labouring for justice at home and beyond. A Joint Needs Assessment Committee was formed in 2013 to look at the future needs of our church. In 2014, Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) was set aside for Intentional Interim Ministry and revived in 2015. After consultation with the congregation, Official Board, Management and Finance Committee, and our present minister, the Committee is recommending that we hire a ministry team consisting of one full time and one half-time Ordained or Diaconal Ministers or a Designated Lay Minister. Applications will be received from individuals or a team. Based on information received from the Official Board Treasurer in the Financial Viability Review Report to JNAC, the committee feels the financial situation at Central United is viable to support one full time Ordained or Diaconal Minister or a Designated Lay Minister and one half-time Ordained or Diaconal Minister or a Designated Lay Minister for at least a three year period. Central United Church is a one-point charge. 2

For the purpose of Joint Needs Assessment reports within the Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, response to the following query is required. The United Church believes that God calls people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, orientation and gender to ministry. Are there any theological or physical factors that would prevent you from welcoming any such person to your Ministry site? Please specify and include your rational. Response to Query: The pulpit area, choir area and sanctuary balcony are not wheel chair assessable. There is a freight elevator that goes to the basement. We, the congregation, know of no theological reason to not welcome a minister who fits into any of the categories named above. In 2015, the Marriage Policy was amended to be all inclusive. 3

COMMUNITY PROFILE The following websites will link you to the city of Brandon and surrounding area. City of Brandon Chamber of Commerce Riverbank Discover Centre Brandon University Assiniboine Community College Brandon School Division Air Service City transit http://brandon.ca/ http://www.brandonchamber.ca/ http://www.riverbank.mb.ca/ https://www.brandonu.ca/ http://public.assiniboine.net/ https://www.bsd.ca/ http://airport.brandon.ca/ http://www.westjet.com/ http://brandontransit.ca/ We are close to both National and Provincial parks for recreational purposes. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/mb/riding/index.aspx http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/ 4

CHURCH PROFILE History: Central United Church was established in 1969 with the amalgamation of St. Paul s United (formed in 1880), First Church United (1881), and Kemnay United (1891) Services have been held at the present location since 1882. In June 1986 the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. An immediate building campaign began. In September 1988, only two years after the disaster, the new building was opened and dedicated. One year later in 1989, the new church was fully operational and debt free. Mission: Situated in the downtown area of the city, Central has adopted a welcoming open door policy. Our motto, a church with a heart, in the heart of the city, reflects that policy. Ministry: Central has historically been served by two full time ministers. One minister was appointed Executive Secretary to the Conference of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. The other was unable to continue serving because of illness. Consequently, a six month term ministry was put in place, followed by two years of interim ministry. The interim minister, along with a Transition team, has done extensive work, studying and implementing steps for future direction, and preparing for a new ministry staff. Worship: Central s roots are based on traditional language and Christ sacrifice, but the congregation is more and more comfortable with inclusive language and lightened theology in worship. Though Sunday services generally follow the traditional format, they incorporate a variety of styles. Members and adherents are willing to accept changes if the spirit moves us in a different direction. They enjoy forms of contemporary music supplied by the young Christian Group who perform once a month, and skits and participation in worship such as Holy Humour Sunday. Our marriage and baptismal policies have been revised during the past year. The demographics are made up of a largely senior population with several younger members, though not always attending Sunday worship, actively 5

contributing to various events and activities within the church. The average Sunday attendance is 100-125. Pastoral Care: Central is the largest of the three United Churches in Brandon, in physical size and membership. As well as regular church goers, it administers to a large number of members and adherents currently residing in senior residences and care homes. The pastoral care relations person coordinates and runs a service in three of these homes once a month. Children s Ministry: The Christian Education Committee offers a regular Sunday school program to which a small group of children regularly attend. Several special event Sundays are held where the children entertain and interact with the congregation. These are well attended and enjoyed by the children, and much appreciated by the congregation. In addition to the Sunday school, the Christian Education Committee helps to run and stock the nursery, assists with the library, and supplies baptismal blankets for each baptised baby. They act as a liaison for the Girl Guides who use our church, and help coordinate and run the Vacation Bible School. They also assist the minister and Worship Committee with the confirmation classes. Social Outreach: In addition to serving our local congregation, our members and adherents generously reach out to the community, sharing both our physical space and our volunteer services. We coordinate and run a very successful Vacation Bible School encompassing all three United Churches. Fifty hampers are regularly packed and distributed for Christmas Cheer. The UCW provides a free Remembrance Tea luncheon to honour our veterans. A Tree of Remembrance service, sponsored by Brockie Donovan Funeral home is held at Central each year. As the largest United Church in Brandon, we are the venue of choice for many large funerals and community events. A young adult Christian group shares fellowship and services in the church. The numerous other groups using our facilities are listed in the Resources Profile. Shared Services: A tri-church team is currently coordinating a shared service ministry with Knox and Trinity United Churches in Brandon. Three combined services have been held with a fourth planned for December. The three churches 6

also actively promote and help each other with events and productions such as the recent Listening for Grace. Annual Statistical Report: 2013 2014 Number of Households 530 484 Baptisms 24 11 Marriages 10 6 Funerals 30 15 Church Membership: Total membership 581 572 Removed by transfer or otherwise 1 1 Removed by death 8 23 Received by transfer or otherwise 0 12 Received by profession of faith 0 0 Total non-resident membership 62 72 Total adherents 626 444 The wide diversity and demographics of our congregation provide ample opportunity for challenge and growth in our changing community. 7

RESOURCES PROFILE Central United Church is part of Assiniboine Presbytery in the Conference of Manitoba. It is located in the downtown area of Brandon, Manitoba. Central United is a large urban church with many resources: Technology: Computers, internet access, photocopier, scanner, portable projector and sound system. Mounted projector, screen, computer and sound system with live streaming of Sunday services. Lending Library: Resource library currently being sorted, upgraded and digitally catalogued. Large number of books on religion and spirituality belonging to a former minister may soon be added to the inventory. A number of children s books are available in the Sunday school room downstairs. The library also serves as a meeting area for small groups. Sanctuary: Seats 850 and includes a small chapel and columbarium. There are stationary pews in the main room (with some cushions available) and portable padded pews in the chapel and parts of the balcony. The chapel has a hanging stained glass window donated from a former affiliated church. Music: Casavant manual 2 pipe organ, upright piano and portable digital piano in sanctuary Child Care: A nursery, equipped with sound system, washroom, toys, and equipment for infant and young children s needs, leads off the main sanctuary. Auditorium: has a seating capacity of 250. Attached is a fully stocked commercial kitchen. There is a piano in the auditorium and a portable sound system is available. Office: Main office consists of two rooms, plus a large storage room housing the main copier/scanner, a smaller printer for minister and office staff, an answering machine, shelves for office supplies and filing cabinets. This area is often used for committee and other small meetings. 8

Additional Offices and Meeting Rooms: There are two separate rooms for ministerial staff, and two private meeting rooms equipped with couches, chairs, and bookshelves. Downstairs Area: Basement area houses archives, children s library, classrooms and office space currently rented by community groups. Staff: includes a part time pastoral care person (working up to 14 hrs/week) secretary, caretaker, full time organist, (also available for funerals and weddings) plus a full time choir director. The secretary works office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00-4:30. The caretaker is on a flexible schedule, minimum 40 hr/ week, with additional hours for weekend or evening events, funerals etc. Board: Under the present church structure (currently under review) 6 active committees with 40+ volunteers serve the ongoing needs of the church Activities within the church include: An active UCW group with about 40 members Hosting of spring and fall Community suppers Catering to large community funerals and other events Community Support Services Healthy Babies Westman Immigration Services Sons & Daughters a young adult fellowship Christian group The Next Chapter a widows support group Girl Guides Compassionate Friends Mood Disorders Gamblers Anonymous Several other groups use our venue for meetings, activities and events 9

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL TIME POSITION 1. Provide worship services that meet and challenge the faith needs of the congregation. 2. Desire to use modern technology in worship. 3. Keep open communication with the board and committees. 4. Respond to pastoral care needs, especially emergencies. 5. Have involvement with administration as needed. 6. Work with those seeking marriage and baptism. 7. Take active role in Presbytery. 8. All of above is done in coordination with other ministry and church staff. SKILLS FOR FULL TIME POSITION 1. Will consider Ordained, Diaconal or Designated Lay Minister. 2. Must be a team player. 3. Offer enthusiastic, challenging worship. 4. Knowledge of modern technology in the life of the church. 5. Provide organizational support. 6. Effective time management skills. 7. Ability to provide faithful, effective leadership to the congregation and the community. 10

TERMS United Church Ministerial Status: We are open to considering Ordained or Diaconal or Designated Lay Ministers. Salary and Housing: Using the Ministry Compensation Model, we are in Zone 3 for housing and prepared to hire up to Category F, minimum salary of $58,646.00. We are prepared to pay up to ten percent above the minimum salary up to a maximum of $64,511. Travel: Reimbursed at the rate of 41 cents per km as set by General Council. A travel log must be submitted. Phone: $50 per month for phone service. Continuing Education and Learning Allowance: Book allowance of $1,400.00 for the cost of continuing education and/or books. Three weeks of study leave within each pastoral year including Sundays. Sabbatical Leave: Three month leave after five years of service. Vacation: Annual vacation of one month including 5 Sundays or 23 working days. Secretarial Assistance: Currently available at 32.5 hours per week. Moving Expenses: Up to $10,000.00 for moving expenses based on reasonable estimates, agreed upon by the Pastoral Charge and the applicant. 11

12 JOB DESCRIPTION FOR HALF TIME POSITION 1. Provide pastoral care to those in hospital, care homes and at home, in conjunction with pastoral care worker and congregational volunteers. 2. Work in cooperation with active Christian Education committee. 3. Provide some worship leadership, e.g. one Sunday per month. 4. Active role in Presbytery. 5. This work will be done in coordination with other Ministry and church staff. SKILLS FOR HALF TIME POSITION 1. Will consider Ordained, Diaconal or Designated Lay Minister. 2. Must be a team player. 3. Effective skills for pastoral care. 4. Provide support to Christian education activities. TERMS United Church Ministerial Status: We are open to considering Ordained or Diaconal or Designated Lay Ministers. Salary and Housing: Using the Ministry Compensation Model, we are in Zone 3 for housing and prepared to hire up to Category F, minimum salary of $29,323.00. We are prepared to pay up to ten percent above the minimum salary up to a maximum of $32,255.00. Travel: Reimbursed at the rate of.41 cents per kilometre as set by General Council. A travel log must be submitted. Phone: $50 per month for phone service.

Continuing Education and Learning Allowance: Book allowance of $700. For the cost of continuing education and/or books. Study leave of three weeks within each pastoral year including Sundays. Sabbatical Leave: Three months after five years of service. Vacation: Annual vacation of one month including 5 Sundays or 23 working days. Secretarial Assistance: Currently available at 32.5 hours per week. Moving Expenses: Up to $10,000.00 for moving expenses based on reasonable estimates, agreed upon by the Pastoral Charge and the applicant. 13