UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE First Congregational Church Spencer, Massachusetts Pastor Massachusetts Conference September 13, 2018 POSITION POSTING LISTING INFORMATION SCOPE OF WORK COMPENSATION & SUPPORT WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? LISTING INFORMATION Church name: First Congregational Church of Spencer, UCC Street address: 207 Main St, Spencer, MA 01562 Supplemental web links: www.spencerchurch.org Conference: MACUCC Association: Central Association UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person: Kelly Gallagher, Associate Conference Minister, 413-210-1124, GallagherK@MACUCC.org FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SPENCER SUMMARY PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2018 PAGE 1
Summary Ministry Description In a short paragraph, reflect on where your church is going and what it might look like when you get there. What do you need to get there? Who are you seeking to join you on this part of your church s faith journey? We are a small town church with a close-knit group of parishioners who are dedicated and hard working. We participated in, and completed, the Churches Alive Program through the MACUCC. We are in a time of transition and are excited about where God is leading us and look to the future with open hearts and arms. We have a solid core of members invested in expanding our future. However, as in most UCC churches, some of our long-time members are concerned about these changes. We wish to make a stronger connection with our community by being a viable resource, relevant to life today, a safe place, and to have meaningful interactions with community members and leaders. We want to open our doors and hearts to share our time, talents, and resources with all of God s people- no matter where they are on their journey. We are striving to improve our use of technology (website, social media, etc.) to have better communication with our members and to better reach those outside of our doors. We are seeking a pastor who will partner with us as we continue to fulfill the vision we have for our future. A pastor who will work with us to honor our traditions that are grounded in scripture and worship and to encompass new ideas that are relevant to the daily life of our congregation. A pastor who will be able to hold the diversity of opinions about change by being sensitive to people s concerns; engaging and educating those who are fearful that we will change too much. We wish to call an individual who will walk with us on our of faith journey and who will teach, inspire and continue to renew us in the coming years. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SPENCER SUMMARY PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2018 PAGE 2
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What we value about living in our area: Spencer has a small town New England charm and abundance of natural beauty including an Audubon preserve, State forest, local parks, woodlands, rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. We are conveniently located in Central MA, only 10 minutes away from Worcester (2nd largest city in New England) and about an hour from major cities like Boston, Springfield, Hartford CT and Providence RI. Spencer has an ideal mix of small town feel and access to modern conveniences like highways, restaurants, and shopping. Current size of membership: 138 Languages used in ministry (other than English): None Position Title: Pastor Position Duration: Settled Compensation Level: Full Time Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines? Yes with parsonage. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SPENCER SUMMARY PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2018 PAGE 5
SCOPE OF WORK Plan and lead Sunday and special worship services in coordination with the music staff, Diaconate and lay readers Administration of sacraments Faithful financial development and stewardship Faith formation and vitality for all ages Leadership development by working with people in the church to create ministry and programs Serve as a resource for the Christian Education Program Help lead the Youth Group Plan and teach adult education and/or Bible Study and confirmation classes Visit members who are hospitalized, homebond, nursing facility residents, or other members needing pastoral care Officiate weddings, conduct funerals for members, friends, and community. Provide counseling and make appropriate referrals Attend meetings of church boards and committees Strategic planning for current and new directions in ministry Participate in wider church activities such as conference and association meetings and maintain a relationship with area clergy Assist with the administration of church business when appropriate and work with church staff Contribute to newsletter, church website, and Social Media Core Competencies: We are looking for a pastor who will deliver inspiring and relevant sermons. This pastor must have the ability to partner with us in fulfilling God s vision and purpose for our church, our community and the world. We would appreciate a pastor who is an effective communicator and collaborator who is approachable and involved. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT Salary Basis: Salary range with parsonage is $37,500 - $42,500. Salary range without parsonage $49,500 - $54,500. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SPENCER SUMMARY PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2018 PAGE 6
Benefits: Negotiable What is the expected living situation for your next minister: Parsonage or housing allowance / salary increase Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister: Our parsonage is a 5 minute drive from the church. Should the candidate choose the housing allowance option they shall live no further than 30 minutes away. State any incentives: Negotiable Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference: We are part of the Central Association of the MACUCC. Opportunities for peer and professional support include, but are not limited to: Clergy Communities of Practice (CCOP) through the Pastoral Excellence Program Numerous trainings available through the conference Boundary Awareness Training required every 3 years Super Saturdays twice annually WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve. Community relevance, congregation engagement, membership growth, enhanced online presence that is appealing, current, and shows relevance beyond our walls. Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls. Assist us in becoming a bridge to the community. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SPENCER SUMMARY PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2018 PAGE 7
Knowledge to help us set up social media and website to grow our presence in the community of Spencer. To help us develop classes or functions relevant to the needs of the community. Assisting us to enter the process of welcoming diversity. 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. 1) Building Transformational Leadership Skills: Strategically creating the future of God s Church. Empowering the Church 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. 2) Caring For All Creation Providing hope and healing to a hurting world. Maintaining a basic understanding of mental health and wellness. Nurturing care and compassion for God s creation. 3) Working Together For Justice And Mercy Building relationships of mutual trust and interdependence. Engaging in mission and outreach. Understanding community context and navigating change with a community. 4) Strengthen Inter - And Intra - Personal Assets Respecting the dignity of all God s people. Understanding and ministering to stages of human development across the lifespan. Demonstrating excellent communication skills. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SPENCER SUMMARY PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2018 PAGE 8