FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING LEADERSHIP FOR A DESIGNATED TERM POSITION 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 document that accurately represents our church. We have not knowingly withheld any information that would be helpful to candidates. As the committee charged with the responsibility for identifying and recommending a suitable leader for the interim time 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. 5/9 (2018) Date Church Name: The First Church of West Bridgewater Address: 29 Howard Street West Bridgewater, MA 02379 Telephone: 508-587-3118 Fax: Email: firstchurchwb@juno.com Website: www.firstchurchwb.org Date of vacancy: May 31, 2018 Revised: l/30/20 l 8
Ministry flows from mission. A time of transition in the life of a congregation is an opportunity to gain clarity on the church's mission. The MA Conference is living into this mission "Rooted in the grace of God, the mission of the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ is to nurture local church vitality and the covenant among our churches to make God's love and justice real." What is your local church's mission? (Please share your church's mission statement here or name that one needs to be developed): We have not developed a Mission Statement, but we use our Covenant as or guide: "We, the Members of The First Church of West Bridgewater, united by the love of one another and guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, hold it to be our purpose to maintain a welcome house for the worship of God; to teach and study the lessons of our Faith; to develop programs for those in need; and to sponsor fellowship opportunities. All this we support in order to build a mutually sustaining and caring Community of Faith." The most typical situations in which a church would seek a designated term pastor are: 1. A church in process of major restructure, assessment of viability, physical re-location, uniting or yoking with another congregation. 2. A church coping with the aftermath of major conflict or trauma. 3. A church with some challenging financial projections and an uncertain future. 4. A church where the regular search & call process may have proved difficult due to size, geographical location, or other issues. 5. A church in process of staff reconfiguration, where a particular ministry will be staffed to maintain needed programming while the reconfiguration of responsibilities is designed and accomplished. Our church is choosing to engage a designated term pastor at this time because we understand the work before us to be in the category of number 3, and 4 (choose the situation from the five above that best describes the work that is before the church in the present moment and describe why.) Designated Term Ministry Pastor Goals: With specificity and clarity, please describe what you hope to accomplish during the Designated Term Ministry Time: 1. We are looking continue our services of worship while looking to find a Settled Minister Assess the churches financial situation and its potential for the church's future. 2. Improve communication within the church with its members and various boards and committees 3. Assess the potential and challenges of financial stability in the coming years. 4. Determine a vision for the future that is faithful to God and effective in our community Please describe how you will know if these goals have been accomplished. When our attendance remains steady and we have welcomed a settled Minister.
The congregation will have a clear and transparent understanding of their financial reality and future. The congregation will be able to name and describe a compelling God given vision for their future. Intro to our church: In a paragraph or two for each item, please provide the following: Brief History: Established in 1651with the settlements in Old Bridgewater. Our first Settled Minister was the Rev. James Keith in 1664, serving for 55 years. Our church has served as not only a place of worship but the location for town meetings through the years. Its members have always played an active role in the community. In 1954 The First Church of West Bridgewater was merged with the Sunset Avenue Congregational Church. This brought the two denominations (United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist Association) together. We have spent over 135 years living in harmony with both a Trinitarian and Unitarian faith. Church Strengths: Longevity of members. We have a great depth with great knowledge of our history of faith. Duel membership has strengthened our members and allowed us to have a greater openness to all. Our church members willingness to serve not only the needs of the church, but the wider community as well serve as a great strength. Significant Events: We hold our Christmas Services, Lenten Season and Thanksgiving Services as Significant. These have joint services that we partner with other churches of faith during those seasons. We have UCC and UUA Sunday services each year as well as special service on our churches anniversary. Our Challenges: We are a relatively small church, so finding new members has been a struggle. Connecting with the younger generation is more difficult than ever. Finding ways to achieve that is one of our greatest challenges. We, as many churches, also find funding to be a challenge however we always say, "For our size we get an awful lot done." Through prayer and perseverance, we have always achieved our goals. Is there unresolved Conflict in Church? X No Level of Conflict in Your Church (Low 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 High): -- 1 _ (As identified by Speed Leas, in a Leadership Magazine article in 1989: 1. "We have problems to solve, but we can do it!" 2. "We're not communicating. There seems to be a low level of trust...but we are talking! 3. The focus has changed to "winners/losers!" Emotions are escalating. Some folks are leaving. At this level it is wise to seek outside help! 4. The goal is "divorce," and getting people to quit. There are active attempts to manipulate or sabotage processes. Open communication is not being practiced. 5. Not only wanting others to leave, but seeking to hurt others in revenge!
Was the previous leader a contributor to the conflict? No If yes, please explain: ---------------------------- What has the congregation and leadership learned about its role in the creation and resolution of the conflict? We must be listen to all and be open to everyone that has issues. We must work together to resolve conflicts. BASIC STATISTICS # Church Members Average Worship Attendance CE Participation Adult Ed Participation 120 50 15 10 2017 2017 2017 UCC Reserves & Compensation Income Budget Mission Giving Endowments Being offered 93,738 100,967 9,000 161,296 43,560 Generally, the starting place of negotiation for the Compensation Package offered to the Designated Term Pastor is the same as that of the most recent pastor. Cash Salary offered $ 43,560 (Total package inclusive of all benefits) Conference Compensation Guidelines (Total Compensation range): $40,000 to 80,000 _ Housing Housing allowance only $ (See above) Parsonage only Would offer either Pension Contribution (14% of Base Salary plus housing) Social Security Allowance Health Insurance Individual Family Dental Insurance Individual Family Vacation (1 week per quarter for full time) Meetings Business Mileage Reimbursed (IRS Rate) One time Criminal Background Check fee of $140 reimbursed to the Designated Term Pastor. Covenant/Contract will be for: X 24 months 36 months or other------
Is this full time or part time? % time ½ time with hope to re-develop to ¾ or full. The Designated Term Pastor will be selected by: subcommittee of church council Once a Designated Term Pastor has been chosen and a covenant has been signed, please forward the following documents to the Framingham Office - Copies of the Interim Covenant/Contract Documents outlining the conditions for terminating the covenant/contract. It is customary that the church or Designated Term Ministry Pastor may terminate the contract only after 60 days notice of such intent. Associate Conference Rev. Don Remick Minister: Phone 508-875-5233 Email remickd@macucc.org Cell Phone 508-775-1162 Once a Designated Term Ministry Pastor has been chosen and a covenant has been signed, please forward the following documents to the Framingham Office - Copies of the Designated Term Ministry Pastor Covenant/Contract Documents outlining the conditions for terminating the covenant/contract. Suggested Supplemental Materials to send to a candidate: 1. Newsletter 2. Worship bulletin 3. Annual Report Position Listing for the National UCC Employment Opportunities: (In 2000 characters or less, please describe your church and your goals for the Designated Term Our Church is seeking a half time pastor to partner with us to insure a faithful future for our church as an important part of our community. Our lovely town is a blend of farming and suburban living within commuter distance of Boston. Family structure is strong. We need a pastor who will help us assess and stabilize our finances, strengthen our communication skills and help us prayerfully discern a vision for an effective ministry for the coming years. This is a Designated Term Position of 3-5 years that can evolve into a Settled Position. We hope you will want to join our team of strong congregational leaders who want to carry our wonderful history into a vibrant future Ministry. ( This will be posted on our National UCC website for up to one month.)