BEDFORD PASTORAL CHARGE JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Introduction Bedford United Church is calling an Ordained or Diaconal member of the Order of Ministry of the United Church of Canada to join in providing leadership to its active and theologically progressive congregation. The Minister for Children, Youth and Families will be a full time member of a dynamic team that includes a full time Lead Minister, part time Minister for Congregational Care and part time Minister for Music, who work collaboratively to support the work of the Pastoral Charge. The new Minister for Children, Youth and families will replace a previous half time Minister for Children and Families and part time Minister for Youth. The primary focus of this position is to provide Christian development and pastoral care for the children, youth and families of Bedford United Church and wider community. The future of a ministry such as ours is tied directly to the vitality and well being of its children, youth and family ministries. We are seeking a warm, enthusiastic individual with a passion for young people and their families. This individual will provide leadership and inspiration to advance our progressive Christian Development programs. 1 Page
Community Profile Bedford United Church (BUC) is located in the heart of Bedford, a culturally diverse and ever expanding suburb of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Bedford is a short 20 minute drive from downtown Halifax. The community is known for its excellent school system including Charles P. Allen High School, which has the highest academic scores in the province. There are seven public schools, including a full French immersion program from primary through high school. There are also two private schools in Bedford and many more in the surrounding areas. Halifax has six degree granting universities and thriving community colleges. Bedford boasts numerous outdoor sports fields, six ice surfaces, and the popular DeWolf Park along the Bedford Basin. The LeBrun Recreation Centre offers recreation activities sponsored by HRM. Restaurants, a public library, two shopping centers, as well as big box stores are all centrally located. Doctors' offices, naturopathic and walk in clinics, as well as a variety of other health care offices are easily accessible in the community. http://www.bedfordunited.com http://www.halifax.ca/ http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/ http://www.halifaxinfo.com/ Worship at DeWolf Park 2 Page
Pastoral Charge Profile Bedford United Church is a thriving and evolving congregation of over 500 families. We are proud of our active and engaged United Church Women and Men s Group, which are the largest of our many ministry teams. Mission Statement Our Mission is to be a vibrant Christian community, worshipping God, growing spiritually, accepting all people, ministering to each other with love while offering hope and working for peace and justice for all creation! History A Presbyterian Church was founded to serve the community of Bedford in 1870. Bedford United Church was created when the United Church of Canada was founded in 1925 and the present church building opened in 1963. BUC experienced a period of intense growth through the 90 s, resulting in the addition of a second, contemporary Sunday morning service in 1997. In 2000, a major expansion and renovation was undertaken to accommodate this growth. To live out our mission statement more deeply, we became Nova Scotia s first Affirming Congregation on May 7, 2006. Our respect for one another and commitment to include everyone in all aspects of our shared life have increased and our spiritual community has thrived since this decision was made. The following statement was approved by the congregation to highlight the importance we place on inclusivity: We the people of Bedford United Church declare publicly our commitment to creating a community where all people are welcome regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, differing abilities, ethnic background or economic circumstances. Lighting the Inclusivity Candle 3 Page
All persons are welcome to take part in every aspect of church life including membership, leadership, celebrating life passages and marriage. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our church, even as it challenges us. We pray for God s spirit to guide us as we work for reconciliation and justice for all persons in both church and society. Theology We are a theologically progressive congregation committed to the spiritual growth and compassionate care of our members and friends and to working for justice and peace in our community and in the world around us. We recognize that each of us is an expression of God and is called to shine with God s light. At Bedford United Church we believe in God, that God was revealed to the world in Jesus, and that God's Presence is active in all of creation through the Spirit. In Sunday worship and throughout our shared life, we experience the joy and the freedom that derives from the Spirit of God. We welcome diversity of thought and experience within the context of our core beliefs and values. It is this diversity that contributes to the richness of our shared life. Like the wider United Church of Canada, we possess a strong commitment to social justice, global peace and equality. We are also passionate about spiritual growth in our individual and collective lives. In our Sunday worship life, we joyfully lift up these dimensions of our ministry and faith. BUC Sanctuary 4 Page
Worship We presently offer worship services at 9 and 11 am on Sunday mornings. In the summer the congregation worships together at a 10 am service. Several talented groups, including our youth band, ReGenisis, provide music leadership to the congregation. Our worship services rely heavily on participation of lay people. In particular, the technology used during worship involves a team of dedicated volunteers at both times. Our services are recorded (audio and video) and made available on our website. We are also able to send audio and video stream to the narthex for overflow crowds, especially helpful at large funerals. Children and youth are welcome and included in all aspects of worship. Lay Leadership Inspired lay leaders are a critical part of the culture of BUC. The wide and varied breadth of ministries we offer is made possible by the gifts, talents and dedication of the members of our congregation. Having paid ministry staff that develop and empower lay leaders is central to the spirit of our community and crucial to the thriving future we envision for our church. Support Staff The Church employs a full time Office Administrator and a part time Caretaker. Position Profile of Other BUC Ministers Lead Minister Although the position of the Lead Minister, as stipulated in United Church polity, refers to preaching, conducting the sacraments and providing pastoral care, in actual fact, the role is much broader, and involves providing comprehensive leadership for all facets of congregational life. This leadership includes oversight of administrative functioning and ensuring the development and fulfillment of the congregation s mission and vision. The lead minister needs to be aware of future trends in ministry and acts as a proactive agent for change within the congregation. All of the lead minister s work is undertaken in collaboration with other ministerial staff and key volunteer leaders. Most of all, the ordained minister needs to strive to deepen their awareness of God s Spirit. He or she needs to be constantly discerning how the Spirit is calling them and the congregation to serve and to live in the world. 5 Page
Minister of Congregational Care The half time Minister of Congregational Care focuses on adult members and adherents of the congregation who are in need, or in time of crisis, including the sick, elderly, shut ins and bereaved. The minister provides both direct and front line pastoral care, and works to support systems and teams that promote and provide pastoral care in the congregation. The Minister for Congregational Care is responsible for the oversight of the Small Group Ministries. Music Minister The Minister of Music is a part time member of the BUC ministerial staff team. This minister provides primary leadership of music selection in consultation with other ministers, assembles and directs a variety of worship music teams (including youth band), and provides leadership for congregational singing and other musical gifts. The minister of music builds and sustains pastoral relationships with volunteers of all ages. The music minister carries out a variety of administrative duties and participates fully as a member of the ministry team. The Christmas Cantata 6 Page
Church Governance In 2015, BUC adopted a new governance model with a smaller, 12 person Council structure, enabling that body to work more nimbly, and empowering the working committees of the church to function more independently and effectively. Please follow the link: Council News Small Group Ministries BUC hosts small group ministries to enable the creation of deep, meaningful community and friendship. Through our small groups people find spiritual connection, caring and support. The small groups also provide an opportunity to share fun and mutual interests. We have over 20 active small group ministries. A snapshot at a point in time can be seen at the following link: Ministries Faith Development The Christian Development Team supports the faith formation of our congregation through an active weekly Sunday School program, a weekly junior high youth group, a once monthly senior high youth group, as well as annual junior and senior high youth retreats and annual youth and adult confirmation programs.these programs are designed and facilitated with an approach that supports and aligns with the progressive Christian theology of Bedford United Church. BUC also supports adult faith development through our Inspired Learning series as well as various study groups offered throughout the year. Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 Page
Connections to Community As part of a group of six local United churches, we have been a major contributor in a campaign to sponsor a Syrian refugee family. A Few Statistics The BUC community experienced the following rites of passage in 2015: 8 Baptisms of Children 11 Teen Confirmations (and Baptism) 21 Transfers of Membership 19 Deaths 9 Weddings The Christian Development Committee reported the following Sunday school statistics for pre school to Grade 6 at the 9am service: Group Average children per Sunday Nursery/ Preschool 11 Primary Grade 4 40 Grade 5/6 6 We also have a small multi age Sunday School for the 11am service. We have 30 active youth in various programs at BUC including Teens United, monthly senior high gatherings and a talented teen band. Resources Profile Church Property Land and Buildings Bedford United Church is a modern church complex on four levels, built in 1963 and expanded and improved in 2000. It includes: A beautiful sanctuary comfortably accommodating 300 for Sunday worship Wide range of musical instruments including drum sets, grand piano and auxiliary percussion. Individual offices with keyed security for all staff Numerous Sunday School classrooms, and meeting rooms Accessible and gender inclusive washrooms Kitchen and church hall 8 Page
The building features a security system, professional quality sound system and a remote controlled projection screen and digital projector in the sanctuary. Weekly worship is available as video and audio recordings. Our website http://bedfordunited.com/ describes the various programs available and provides links to our podcasts, Facebook presence, as well as local and national United Church sites. BUC owns a rental property on Sullivan s Hill adjacent to the church. This property is an investment in the future needs of the congregation. Church Financials To see 2015 year end Financial Statements and Budget for 2016 in the Annual Report for 2015 please go to BUC website under What s Happening tab, Council News. Confirmation 9 Page
Position Profile Minister for Children, Youth and Families The Minister for Children, Youth and Families is a key member of the ministerial staff team, which collaboratively supports the ministry of Bedford United Church (BUC). The primary focus of this position is to provide a ministry of program development, implementation and oversight for the spiritual formation and care of children, youth and families at Bedford United Church. The program is to be shaped and delivered in keeping with the emerging understanding and tenets of progressive Christianity. The Minister for Children, Youth and Families shall excel at building relationships and connecting with people in the variety of ways prevalent in today s world including the use of social media. The minister shall be gifted at motivating and inspiring others to get involved in the BUC community and shall bring enthusiasm and creativity to the position. This position requires a proven track record of designing and implementing effective programs to engage young people and families in the Christian faith journey. The minister must be able to proactively bring the voice of the younger members of our congregation to the design of policies, programs and services at BUC. Success in this position comes from achieving a balance between personal accomplishment and delegating to an established and committed base of volunteers. The position provides a wonderful opportunity for the qualified candidate to express a full spectrum of skills and passions to enhance the mission and ministry of Bedford United Church. Primary Responsibilities Christian Development Develop and oversee the implementation of established or self created children, youth and young adult programming that is congruent with our spiritual and theological vision of progressive Christianity. Coordinate our established Sunday School and Teens United Program (who meet outside of worship time). E nsure volunteer recruitment, training, coordination, nurture and oversight to facilitate the spiritual formation and delivery of program for children up to young adult. Children: Ensure the development and oversight of all additional programming and events required to support the Christian Development (CD) programming such as Sunday School registration, seasonal wrap ups (e.g. church picnic), Vacation Bible School and related family celebrations. Youth/Young Adult: Organize various events such as spiritual retreats, service encounters in social service agencies, sports opportunities, parties, confirmation courses where youth experience Christian 10 Page
community, grow in faith and experience God s presence. Provide opportunities for youth to be actively involved in the worship and work of the local church as well as in the wider life of the United Church, in Presbytery, Conference (Youth Forum) and the national Church such as through the GO Project. Create a peaceful and safe environment where youth feel welcomed and free to be themselves. Family Development and Support Programming : Develop and oversee the implementation of established or created programming for families, providing opportunities to deepen their collective faith journey, experience Christian community and to socialize. Present examples of such programming include: PD days, Advent and Easter events, sledding or skating parties, and Religion and Life components for the local Scouts and Guides programs Ensure that accurate records on program attendance are kept and that the contact database for all families and volunteers is maintained and up to date. All programming is conducted with the support and expertise of the established Christian Development team Volunteer Recruitment Cultivate and nurture relationships with potential, new and existing leaders of the Christian Development program including recruitment, training, nurturing, coordination and supervision of our talented community. Ensure that police record checks and vulnerable sector checks are acquired for all volunteers. Pastoral Care Resource and/or provide congregational care to children, youth and families aligned with the needs of the CD program. Proactively respond to the needs of children, youth, and families when such need is identified or on recommendation by another member of the Ministerial Team or congregation. Offer pastoral care independently or in collaboration with other members of the ministerial team and the Congregational Care Team. Public Worship Be a full and active participant in public worship sharing in the worship design, preaching, offering of prayer and times with children as co ordinated by the Lead 11 Page
Minister, within the team structure, and in consultation with the Music and Worship Team. Provide primary worship coordination when the Lead Minister is away. In collaboration with the entire ministry team, contribute to the Faith Development of the congregation. Secondary Responsibilities Sacraments In consultation with the Lead Minister, preside and co preside during sacraments of communion and baptism as required. Weddings In consultation with the Lead Minister, conduct weddings as need dictates and time allows. Funerals In consultation with the Lead Minister, provide pastoral care and conduct funerals and burial services as need dictates and time allows. Ministry Teams and Church Council The Minister for Children, Youth and Families is an ex officio member of the Church Council and shall provide staff support as required. Administration Participate as a member of the staff team, including attendance at regularly scheduled staff meetings and performance of other administrative duties as required. Other Duties & Responsibilities In consultation with the Lead Minister and the Ministry & Personnel Committee, the Minister for Children, Youth and Families may be required to perform other related duties and take on other related responsibilities as required. Skills and Qualifications Profile Demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, a good sense of humour, and most of all a passion for one s faith. Be an inspirational role model for children, youth and families. Excellent interpersonal skills with all ages and possess superb active listening ability. 12 Page
Demonstrated skill in providing programs for children, youth and families and creativity in developing and providing sustainable programs for children, youth and families. Committed to working within and as part of a collegial, team environment and as an effective self starter, a self motivated individual, capable of working independently. Possess demonstrated initiative and creativity in developing sustainable programs for children, youth and families. Possess strong time management and organizational skills. Experience with Microsoft Office and PowerChurch software is an asset. Willingness to embrace social media platforms to connect with youth and families within the congregation Experience, passion and commitment to emerging trends and tenets of progressive Christianity and a desire to shape the lives of children, youth and families from within that context and spiritual world view. Experience, passion and commitment to UCC theology, spirituality and commitment to social justice. Knowledge and committment to working within the UCC governance framework including contributing to the life and work of the wider church as time and capability allow. Must meet all the requirements set forth by the United Church of Canada for Ministry Personnel. Salary and Benefits Salary and benefits are negotiable and at least commensurate with the United Church of Canada s Salary & Allowances schedule. 13 Page