UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE Immanuel United Church of Christ Mount Vernon, IN Pastor Indiana-Kentucky Conference Evansville Tri-State Association [Validation Date] LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE CONTENTS Position Posting Who Is God Calling Us To Become? Who Are We Now? Who Is Our Neighbor? References Consent and Validation 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) 1. POSITION POSTING a. LISTING INFORMATION b. SCOPE OF WORK c. COMPENSATION & SUPPORT d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? 1
LISTING INFORMATION Church name: Immanuel United Church of Christ Street address: 5812 Ford Road N, Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620 Supplemental web links: www.immanueluccmv.com Conference: Indiana - Kentucky Conference Association: Evansville Tri-State Association UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person: Rev. Chad R. Abbott Designated Conference Minister (317)924-1395 (859)-240-4324 (Cell) c.abbott@ikcucc.org Summary Ministry Description: Immanuel United Church of Christ is looking for a dynamic, energetic and inspiring leader who is sociable and can relate across all age groups by being an effective communicator and involved in our local community. We are located in a rural/residential area of southwestern Indiana and we are excited for a pastor to join us on a journey to discover God s future for us. We are a small congregation but we want to grow and we are dedicated to each other and to our community. We are blessed to have a beautiful sanctuary, a large Fellowship Hall, on-site parsonage, and a well-kept cemetery and outdoor fellowship area. We are already making a difference in our community with monetary gifts from our Christian Service Fund and numerous outreach activities coordinated by our very active Immanuel Mission Team. We look forward to attracting younger members of the community to our church and growing both in membership and community outreach. We will strive to accomplish our mission statement to create a vibrant church community that serves our neighborhood and God. Photographs: 2
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Parsonage What we value about living in our area: Progressive schools Strong police and fire departments Community pride Current size of membership: 151 members on the roll 80 active members plus 12 active non-members Languages used in ministry: English Position Title: Pastor Position Duration Settled a called position intended for longer-term ministry in which the minister moves church membership to the congregation and moves standing to related association Compensation Level Full Time Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines? Yes, for the most part. SCOPE OF WORK 4
Preparation and leadership of Sunday worship including scripture study, crafting of liturgy and bulletin, sermon preparation, guiding and sometimes finding lay liturgists, planning of music in coordination with musical staff or volunteers, preaching, offering of prayers, etc. Faith formation and vitality through prayer, Bible study, service, identifying helpful resources and opportunities and helping lay persons and youth take advantage of them Leadership development by working with people in the church to create ministry and programs Pastoral care in collaboration with lay people, including visitations of shut-ins, elderly, and the sick and distressed Community engagement and leading the way for the church to be an ambassador of God s love Strategic planning for current and new directions in ministry Attend meetings and give leadership as needed to church programs, in collaboration with lay leadership Participate in wider church activities such as conference and association meetings Faithful financial development and stewardship Responsibility for supervision of staff and general administrative duties Availability to members and wider community for funerals, weddings, special worship programs, and as a representative of the church to local organizations Counseling, listening and referral Study and prayer to increase faith and to improve skills so as to lead, teach, preach better Energizing and deepening the spiritual connections and faith understandings of others in all they do Core Competencies: We seek a Christian leader who is: Dynamic, energetic and inspiring Sociable and approachable across all age groups An effective communicator who strives to be involved in church/community COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT 5
Salary Basis Salary generally in accord with current Indiana-Kentucky UCC compensation guidelines Benefits Salary plus Benefits What is the expected living situation for your next minister? Parsonage Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister. The parsonage is located adjacent to the church. State any incentives None Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference: Indiana-Kentucky Conference Tri-State Ministerial Association Mount Vernon Ministerial Association The Conference has an annual education day prior to the Annual Meeting The Tri-State Association clergy have a monthly gathering for study/information/education/fellowship monthly from September thru May Several Association clergy gather as support and study groups monthly The Committee on Ministry meets with new clergy Boundary training is offered on a three-year cycle Other groups, such as hospitals, the Center for Congregations, and other professional groups, hold seminars or training opportunities periodically for clergy WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve. We imagine our next minister as an engaged, motivating and energizing leader who will accompany and guide us on this journey of who we desire to be. We expect our new minister to provide support in growing our church, continuing our outreach, and strengthening our youth ministry. 6
Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls. We expect our new minister to provide guidance and support for evangelism to others in our community. We are hoping to build on the success of our outreach programs and Vacation Bible School to reach even more individuals and expand the ministry to the younger generation. Specify language requirements or culturally-specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation s sense of calling. English 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. Exhibiting a spiritual foundation and ongoing spiritual practice *Loving God, following Jesus Christ, and being guided by the Holy Spirit; living a life of discipleship *Praying actively and nurturing spiritual practices Building transformational leadership skills *Empowering the church to grow, to be faithful to God s call, reflective of Christ s mission, and open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit *Encouraging leadership development of self and others through continuing education and lifelong learning Strengthening inter- and intra-personal assets *Demonstrating excellent communication skills *Understanding and ministering to stages of human development across the life span from youth to elderly and infirm Engaging sacred stories and traditions *Exhibiting knowledge, understanding, and continuing study of the Bible and bringing life to sacred stories and traditions in worship proclamation, and witness *Leading faith formation effectively across generations 2. WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME? You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37 NRSV) 7
Who is God calling you to become as a congregation? We are a dedicated, faithful congregation, and we believe God is calling us to continue our welcoming nature and be even more caring in our stewardship Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation. We have a record of strong and successful outreach programs (i.e. At the Cross Mission volunteer work, Evansville Christian Life Center donations, and support for nursing homes and other agencies). We want to become a spiritual alternative in the community for those who have shied away from organized religion. We are ready to serve and welcome any and all who would like to serve with us. 3. WHO ARE WE NOW? You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39 NRSV) a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS b. 11-YEAR REPORT c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING e. CHURCH FINANCES f. HISTORICAL INFORMATION CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS Describe your congregation s life of faith. Our congregation is led by the teachings of Jesus and we seek to discern and follow his direction for our lives. We are not perfect, but we are perfectly forgiven by God s love. We strive to strengthen our faith as the Holy Spirit moves us during worship and church activities. We desire to live out our faith so that others can see and experience the love, joy, and peace of God in their lives. Our desire is to help those in need and to be the arms, hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world. Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation. Friendly, welcoming and caring Mission oriented Members volunteer in all areas Music and Sunday School 8
Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers. Worship is essential for people at Immanuel Church. Elements of worship that we value include sermons, music, layperson participation, and rituals and sacraments. Central to our worship experience is the Common Lectionary, with the service generally organized around the readings for each Sunday. Music is an integral part of our church worship, uniting us and eliciting warm memories for many. The Chancel Choir provides inspirational music throughout the year with special music provided by the Men s Choir and Bell Choir along with guest soloists and groups throughout the summer. Describe the educational program/faith formation vision of your church. In general, Immanuel values educational programs that develop and nurture our faith. We offer Sunday School classes for K-12 and we have 2 adult Sunday School classes each Sunday morning. Children s Church is conducted for children ages 3 thru 3 rd grade during the worship hour. Adult attendees at our weekly Bible Study sessions appreciate rich and thoughtprovoking discussion and analysis. Describe how your congregation is organized for ministry and mission. Our church is governed by a Church Council, consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Council members responsible for the areas of: Financial Secretary, Building & Grounds, Christian Education, Christian Service Fund, Congregational Care, Evangelism, Mission Team, Policy & Constitution, and Worship. We also have a Pastoral Relations Committee, Board of Christian Education, Cemetery Board, Evangelism Committee, Communion Committee, Mission Team, Worship Committee, and Dorcas Women s Fellowship. While each committee has oversight of its individual area of responsibility, the Council cares for and acts on behalf of the whole church with primary leadership from the President and the Pastor. We hold two congregational meetings each year to discuss broader issues affecting the church, such as the budget and elections. When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? Church Council members commit to approximately one meeting per month. These meetings generally last one to two hours. Committees tend to meet on an as-needed basis. 9
Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished? Fortunately, we have not had any crises or disasters in recent years. 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 11-YEAR REPORT Church#: 181640 Assoc: 224 Schedule: 0 Immanuel UCC Mount Vernon IN 47620 YEAR MEMBERS AVG WEEKLY ATTENDANCE CHR ED/ FAITH FORM CONFIRMATION CONFESSION TRANSFER OR REAFFIRM DEATHS OR TRANS OUT OTHER LOSSES NET MEMBS ADDS- REMOVED 2007 252 98 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 2008 254 89 38 5 5 0 4 4 2 2009 253 90 38 2 2 0 3 2-1 2010 250 83 36 2 0 0 5 0-3 2011 253 94 51 3 1 2 3 0 3 2012 225 79 57 0 0 4 5 27-28 2013 153 70 40 1 0 0 7 66-72 2014 155 67 37 0 0 5 3 0 2 2015 155 65 35 0 2 1 2 1 0 2016 151 59 37 0 0 0 4 0-4 2017 151 59 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR CURRENT EXPENSES CAPITAL PAYMENTS BASIC SUPPORT SPECIAL SUPPORT TOTAL OCWM OTHER GIFTS WIDER MISSION BASIC SUPP% CURR LOCAL TOTAL EXPEND PLEDGES AND OFFERINGS 2007 $100,094 $0 $658 $85 $743 $0 $743 0.66 $100,837 $0 2008 $30,559 $0 $450 $1,198 $1,648 $5,000 $6,648 1.47 $37,207 $99,211 2009 $102,452 $0 $478 $195 $673 $6,853 $7,526 0.47 $109,978 $95,567 2010 $106,885 $0 $410 $1,279 $1,689 $6,765 $8,454 0.38 $115,339 $110,035 2011 $93,992 $0 $490 $122 $612 $5,288 $5,900 0.52 $99,892 $100,654 2012 $116,507 $0 $630 $883 $1,513 $2,416 $3,929 0.54 $120,436 $114,638 2013 $121,259 $0 $415 $529 $944 $1,194 $2,138 0.34 $123,397 $125,002 2014 $123,565 $0 $125 $484 $609 $0 $609 0.10 $124,174 $133,992 2015 $139,563 $0 $140 $353 $493 $8,298 $8,791 0.10 $148,354 $125,526 2016 $117,858 $0 $155 $639 $794 $35,200 $35,994 0.13 $153,852 $162,463 2017 $117,858 $0 $130 $0 $130 $0 $130 0.11 $117,988 $0 % CHANGE MEMBERS AVG WEEKLY ATTENDANCE CHR ED/ FAITH FORM TOTAL ADDITIONS TOTAL REMOVALS CURR LOCAL EXPENSES TOTAL OCWM TOTAL EXPENDITURE 10
2012-2017 2007-2017 -32.89-25.32-35.09-100.00-100.00 1.16-91.41-2.03-40.08-39.80-51.32 0.00 0.00 17.75-82.50 17.01 Note: The drop in membership between 2012 and 2013 was due to an updating of the membership roll rather than members actually leaving. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Describe those who participate in your church. Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Number of active members: 80 x Number of active non-members: 12 x Total of church participants (sum of the numbers above): 92 x Percentage of total participants who have been in the church: More than 10 years: 95% x Less than 10, more than 5 years: 4% x Less than 5 years: 1% x Is this numbere an estimate? (check if yes) Number of total participants by age: 0-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ 10 3 3 6 7 8 12 23 20 x Are these numbers an estimate? (check if yes) Percentage of adults in various household types: Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Single adults under 35: 2% x Households with minors: 23% x Single adults age 35-65: 10% x 11
Joint households with no minors: 38% x Single adults over 65: 27% x Education level of adult participants by percentage: Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) High school: 42% x College: 37% x Graduate School: 12% x Specialty Training: 6% x Other (please specify):handicapped 3% x Percentage of adults in various employment types: Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Adults who are employed: 43% x Adults who are retired: 51% x Adults who are not fully employed: 6% x Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation: We have a mix of occupations including: business, clerical, farming, labor, professional, trades, healthcare, homemakers and teachers. Describe the mix of ethnic heritages in your congregation, and the overall racial make-up. We are basically mono-cultural; white, Western European. This reflects the ethnic image of our surrounding community. We presently have a few members that represent various minorities. Has your congregation recently had a conversation about welcoming diversity, or do you plan to hold one on the near future (perhaps using, for example, the Welcoming Diversity Inventory)? No PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING 12
Complete the following chart. Please leave blank any fields that are not applicable to your congregation. Ways of Gathering Estimated number of people involved in attendance Who plans each of the listed gatherings? (list any and all worship planners, such as various lay leaders, pastors, musicians, other staff) Adult Groups or Classes 20-30 Lay teachers Baptisms (number last year) 2 Pastor Children s Groups or Classes 5-10 Lay teachers Christmas Eve and Easter Worship 110-120 Pastor Church-wide Meals 50-60 Council, various members Choirs and Music Groups 25-30 Organist, Dir. of Music, Dir. Of Bells Church-based Bible Study 15 Pastor Communion (served how often?) 50-70 1 st Sunday of every month Community Meals Confirmation (number confirmed last year) N/A 3 Pastor, lay leader Drama or Dance Program 20-30 Lay teachers Funerals (number last year) 5 Pastor Intergenerational Groups N/A Mission Team 15 Pastor, church members Prayer or Meditation Groups 5 Pastor, church members Public Advocacy Work N/A Retreats 4 Lay teachers Theology or Bible Programs in the Community N/A 13
Weddings (number last year) 0 Worship (time slot: 10:00 ) 45-70 Pastor, Director of Music Dorcas Women s Group 8-10 Church members Young Adult Groups or Classes N/A Youth Groups or Classes 3 Lay teacher Vacation Bible School 20-35 Board of Christian Education and church volunteers List all members or regular participants in your congregation who are ordained, licensed, or commissioned ministers. Name Three- or Four- Way Covenant? (3 or 4 or No) Ministry Setting Type of Ministry Role Retired? (Y or N) N/A 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: N/A List all current staff, including ministers. Exclude the position you are seeking to fill. Indicate which staff person serves as head of staff. Compensation Length of Tenure for Supervised Staff Position Head of Staff? (full time, part current person in this by time, volunteer) position Secretary No Part-time Pastor 10 years Music Director No Part-time Council 55+ years Custodian - Building Custodian - Grounds No Part-time Council 15+ years No Part-time Council 5 years 14
Bell Choir Director No Part-time Council 5 years REFLECTION Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation s overall ministry? We are a small, welcoming congregation that strives to serve others. We have decreased for the last few years in terms of attendance as well as passion. However, we are blessed with active members who are dedicated to the life of the church and community. We yearn to see our congregation reenergized, rejuvenated, and more closely reflective of our mission statement. CHURCH FINANCES Current annual income (dollars used during year 2017) Source Amount Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $113,278 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 ) Fundraising Events N/A N/A N/A Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $0 Grants $0 Rentals of Church Building Rentals of Church Parsonage Support from Related Organizations (e.g. Women s Group) Transfers from Special Accounts N/A N/A N/A N/A Other (specify): Cemetery reimbursement (utilities, insurance, etc.) $4,698 Other (specify): Building Fund $14,600 15
TOTAL $132,576 Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for year 2017): $114,990 The most recent church budget is on the next two pages. 16
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Building Fund (2017) Balance as of Dec. 31, 2016 $27,035.99 Building Income, 2017 $14,600.00 Building Expenditures Church $8,822.81 Parsonage $684.47 Total $9,507.28 Building Fund Balance on Dec. 31, 2017 $32,128.71 Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage? 58% Has the church ever failed to pay its financial obligations to a minister of the church? No 18
Is your church 5-for-5, i.e. does it include each of the following contributions during the church year? X Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM Basic Support) X One Great Hour of Sharing X Strengthen the Church X Neighbors in Need X Christmas Fund In what way is OCWM (Basic Support) gathered? Designated offerings What is the church s current indebtedness? No current indebtedness. 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. N/A If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, describe: Stained glass windows, bells, sound system, parsonage renovations, and parking lot resurfacing If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe: None Describe the prominent mission component(s) involved in the most recent (or current) capital campaign. N/A Does your church have an endowment? We do not have an endowment. However, while not technically an endowment our Christian Services Fund serves as a major funding source for our community outreach efforts. This fund was established in 1979. Income for this fund is from proceeds generated by the farming operation of land held in trust by the church. This income cannot be used for general church finances. Money is granted to individuals and organizations that have a proven financial need. Since its inception, the Christian Service Fund has donated a total of nearly $805,000. Also, our very active Mission Team provides donations to organizations in need and is funded by congregational giving. These donations are given primarily in the form of supplies or needed items. For example, in 2018 we donated 10,822 diapers, 10 strollers and numerous stuffed animals to the Evansville Christian Life Center Parenting Rewards Program. Funds and supplies for these donations are provided by individual church members. 19
Other Assets Reserves (savings): $0 Investments (other than endowment): N/A Does your church have a parsonage? Yes Fair market rental value of the parsonage: $850/month (without utilities) How is the parsonage used? Pastoral residence Street / City / State / Zip: 5800 Ford Road N, Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 Finished square footage: 1,736 Sq. Ft. plus full, unfinished basement Number of Bedrooms, Number of Bathrooms: 3 Bedrooms, 1½ Bathrooms Assessed real estate value: $175,870 Available for minister residence: Y Expected minister residence: Y Condition of structure, systems and appliances Good Entity in the church responsible for review and needed repairs The Church Council Describe all buildings owned by the church: (1) Church, which includes sanctuary, offices, Fellowship Hall, classrooms and storage areas (2) Utility barn (3) Outdoor shelter house (4) Parsonage Describe non-owned buildings or space used or rented by the church: The cemetery space adjoins the church but is owned by the Cemetery corporation. Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, classrooms, restrooms Reflection: After reviewing the church s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation s mission and ministry? We are careful and thoughtful stewards of our finances and physical assets. Our budgeting process is prepared by the council, approved by the congregation as a whole, and is closely monitored on a monthly basis. HISTORICAL INFORMATION 20
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. Formation of the Mission Team (the most important event in the past 10 years) Building, location, grounds, and stained glass windows Development of church programs (e.g. Bible studies, vacation bible school, bell choir and children s activities Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past. We switched the pew bibles from Revised Standard to New International. The change was well received. 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. We do not currently have guidelines or policies regarding conflict. We feel that congregants should be able to approach the pastor directly with disagreements or questions about pastoral decisions or approaches, and we want a pastor to be open to these questions and conversations. The Pastoral Relations Committee can discuss issues of conflict with the pastor. Council decisions are also open to questioning at open meetings or by communication with council members. Since we value inquiry and questioning in our spiritual life together, we try to support each other in these discussions. Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years) Staff member s name Years of service UCC Standing (Y/N) Rev. Douglas E. Turner 2011-2018 Y Rev. Paul S. Seburg 1996-2010 Y Rev. David Ambroso 1987-1995 Y Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership: 21
We have learned that we appreciate a pastor with energetic and caring ministerial leadership who can relate across all generations. And, we prefer a pastor who wants to grow the church and be involved in the church and community. Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? No 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 4. WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39 NRSV) a. COMMUNITY VISION b. MISSION InSite COMMUNITY VISION How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy? Donations of diapers, strollers and toys to the Evansville Christian Life Center Parenting Rewards program Monthly bath tissue (150 rolls) and clothing donations to St. Peter s U.C.C. Food Pantry Regular volunteer staffing of kitchen for the At The Cross Mission in Mt. Vernon Monthly food donations to At The Cross Mission and routine giving to local food pantries Donations of blankets and other items to local nursing homes Assistance for the public at the local recycling center Remove litter from select community roads Assist with distribution of school supplies and backpacks at Zion Lippe U.C.C. Project Notebook program Support for the United Caring Services in Evansville 22
Describe your congregation s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting). Our pastor has been active in the Tri-State Association and the Indiana-Kentucky Conference. In addition, several congregation members have attended conference and association events. Many local churches love to tell the story of what they are doing in the community to transform lives. Some have identified certain aspects of their witness into the wider community using language shared with other UCC congregations. (Find more information as desired at ucc.org.) Check any statements below that apply to your UCC faith community. Accessible to All (A2A) Creation Justice Economic Justice Faithful and Welcoming God Is Still Speaking (GISS) Border and Immigrant Justice Inter-cultural/Multi-racial (I M) Just Peace Global Mission Church Open and Affirming (ONA) WISE Congregation for Mental Health Other UCC designations: Designations from other denominations X 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 would likely be open to learning about these statements, but is currently not informed about them. Describe your congregation s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional). Each year, we participate with a number of other churches in the area to host and participate in the Men s Lenten Breakfast program. Each church is responsible for providing a breakfast and a church service (with a lay preacher from the host church). Clergy are encouraged to attend. We also participate in a community Thanksgiving service that involves all the churches in our area. 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. We believe that our mission statement To create a vibrant church community that serves our neighborhood and God also serves as a vision statement. While we do currently strive to serve our neighborhood and God, we would like to become more vibrant and attractive across age groups in our community. 23
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? We expect the pastor to get to know the congregation, its interests, strengths and challenges. While these and other duties (e.g. visitations and church growth) take priority, we expect the pastor to be involved in community ministry and the wider church. MISSION InSite Comment on your congregation s MissionInsite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown? Our MissionInsite report shows that the population within 36 square miles surrounding our church is 97.8% Caucasian, 0.7% Hispanic/Latino, 0.6% African American, 0.3% Asian and 0.5% Other. The average household income is $86,070 and only 5.4% of families are below poverty level. The population appears to be relatively stable. 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? Our congregation is nearly 100% Caucasian. This compares closely with the makeup of our surrounding community. However, the demographics of Mt. Vernon (located 6 miles west of the church) are much more diverse and it is there that several of our outreach programs are centered. Also, we serve a very diverse community through our support of the Evansville Christian Life Center and United Caring Services. How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not? The population of our surrounding area tends to be very caring. We practice that caring mindset by performing local ministry efforts (e.g. litter removal and recycle assistance). Other ministry efforts are directed at areas more in need (e.g. Mt. Vernon). What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for? Mission efforts (pictures of projects in local newspaper), support of At The Cross Mission and United Caring Services, Vacation Bible School, church sign, beautiful stained glass windows, attractive building and grounds, and very nice cemetery. What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved? 24
Very welcoming and friendly Strong mission activities Family 5. REFERENCES Name up to three people who have agreed to serve as phone and written references. Advise the three references: The contact information you provide may be shared publicly. Please use contact information that you feel comfortable giving to candidates so they can reach you with their questions. Make sure they are not members of your church but are persons who know your church well enough to be helpful to candidates seeking more information. Request a letter from each reference in answer to the four prompts below. Attach the letters (up to three) as desired. Letters are available on request. REFERENCE 1 Thomas R. Schneider Funeral Director/ Owner Schneider Funeral Home 812-838-4331 (cell) 812-480-6799 schneiderfh@msn.com Friend of the congregation REFERENCE 2 Pastor Paul S. Seburg Retired U.C.C. pastor 812-459-0788 apseburg@msm.com Former pastor at Immanuel until retirement in 2010 25
REFERENCE 3 Margaret Clem Part-time secretary Immanuel U.C.C. 812-963-3132(home) 812-985-3115(office) margaret.clem39@gmail.com Part-time secretary but not a church member PROMPTS FOR REFERENCES Describe some areas of strength in this church s ministry. Describe some areas for improvement in this church s ministry. Describe a significant experience you have had of this church s ministry. Anything else you wish to share. 26
6. CLOSING THOUGHTS a. CLOSING PRAYER b. STATEMENT OF CONSENT c. CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION VALIDATION CLOSING PRAYER Dear Lord, we ask for your guidance as we seek a minister to join our Immanuel family. Give us the power of your grace so that we may hear your divine instructions. Help us to draw near to you. Open our hearts and clear our vision so that we may follow your path. And, we pray that you will guide, direct, and watch over that minister whom you will send our way. In Jesus name, 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. 27
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. 1. Which individuals and groups in the church contributed to the contents of this Local Church Profile? The Pastoral Search Committee with input from the Council and congregation 2. Additional comments for interpreting the profile: None Signed: Dr. Thomas E. Hickey/ Pastoral Search Committee Chair / August 2, 2018 28
VALIDATION BY CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION The congregation is currently in good standing with the association / conference named. Staff Comment: Yes. To the best of my knowledge, ministerial history information is complete. Staff Comment: Yes. To the best of my knowledge, available church financial information is presented thoroughly. Staff Comment: Yes. My signature below attests to the above three items. Signature: Chad R. Abbott Name / Title: Rev. Chad R. Abbott, Conference Minister, Indiana-Kentucky Conference Email: c.abbott@ikcucc.org Phone: 317-924-1395 Date: 08/04/2018 This document is created through support to Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM) and is only possible through the covenantal relationships of all settings of the United Church of Christ. 29
Jesus answered them, Have faith in God! Mark 11:22 30