BC 400 MPSR Page! 1 of 19! Jan. 2018 THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA L EGLISE UNIE DU CANADA BC CONFERENCE Ministry Profile and Search Report (BC 400 MPSR) for Salt Spring Island United Church Victoria Presbytery British Columbia Conference Jan 13th, 2018 111 Hereford Ave., Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2T3 Recommendation: BC Conference declares a 0.83 FTE (10/12 time) vacancy at Salt Spring Island United Church in any credentialed ministry category recognized by the UCC & accountable to BC Conference. Report prepared by the SSIUC Ministry Profile and Search Committee: List of Names of Committee members; Michael Butler, Don Cockrill, Kelly-Ann Haslauer, Neil Maskell, Ellen Mae Simmonds, Sharon Hawke (chair) Supporting Documents follow: 1. Demographic, Financial and Community Profile 2. Ministry and Mission Profile 3. Ministry Position Description
BC 400 MPSR Page! 2 of 19! Jan. 2018 THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA L EGLISE UNIE DU CANADA BC CONFERENCE Demographic, Financial, and Community Profile Note: For guidelines and strategies, please consult the BC Conference Ministry Profile and Search Resource Package. PART A: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE: Number of congregations: 1 Congregation: Salt Spring Island United Church: 74 adherents, 94 members, 130 households Average Sunday attendance is approximately 75 We think of ourselves mainly as: Small town Most of us live : In single-family homes The rest of us live : In retirement homes In long term care homes On rural retirement properties Our congregation includes (these numbers give an approximation): Infants & pre-school- 0 Children (5-12)- 0 Teens (13-19)- 2 Young adults (20-30)- 0 Adults (35-50)- 2 Adults (51+)- 0 Young retirees (51-64)- 6 Older Retirees (65-70)- 10 Seniors (over 70)- 60 Most of us Moved here for other reasons Many of us work (or used to work) in the following industries or sectors: Health or social services Education Transportation Agriculture and food production Tourism/Hospitality Retail Environment Ministry Government Arts & Entertainment Forestry Information Technology
BC 400 MPSR Page! 3 of 19! Jan. 2018 Our congregation is like: A big family where we all know each other, with a cohesive strong culture of community. Our heritage as a local ministry unit: Has its roots as a Methodist/Congregationalist/Presbyterian/Local Union/Aboriginal congregation prior to Union in 1925; Salt Spring Island United Church began in 1861 as a preaching point for Methodist circuit missionaries from Vancouver Island. We think of our local ministry unit in the following way: We think of our ministry unit, Salt Spring Island United Church, as a diverse and open group of people with a strong sense of community which, in part, is due to the fact that we live on a small island. We appreciate ministry that is open to and supportive of where we find ourselves now, and joyfully willing to become a fellow sojourner as together we move on. PART B: ABOUT OUR TANGIBLE ASSETS Governance structure: How many people are on your Governing Body? 13 How many are typically present at a meeting of your Governing Body? 11 Our Church Buildings We have 2 buildings. Our main building is the church proper, where all church worship, business and functions are held. It lies in the center of the main village on the island just 1/2 a block from the waterfront, and is considered a landmark. The 10 stained glass windows, most designed and crafted by an artist now in his nineties who has been a long time member, speak to and come out of the life of the congregation who worship here. A large meadow is an adjacent part of the church property, used by all aspects of the community.
BC 400 MPSR Page! 4 of 19! Jan. 2018 Our other building, built in 1887, is a 20 x 30 church located on the south of the island in the rural valley of Burgoyne Bay. It is open frequently for viewing, but otherwise is used mainly for a special annual Christmas Service and occasionally for weddings and memorial services. The building and grounds, including the cemetery, are cared for by a small group of UCW Women. Our main church building is mostly: Doing pretty well given that it was built in 1952. Some pending upgrades to the main building are expected, including replacement of the 30-year-old roof and the repainting of the exterior building, last done in 2006. Generally the building is well kept and is an attractive sight in the village of Ganges. The Sanctuary in the main building holds 150 people, including the choir loft and removable seating beyond the pews. Are there meeting rooms? Yes, one upstairs and one downstairs What are they used for? Men s Breakfast, Quilters Group, UCW, Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, Memorial Teas, Craft Workshops, and Book Study. Is there a nursery? Are there Sunday Schools rooms? No No Are there activity rooms? Yes in the main building Brief descriptions of activity rooms : The Library is off the Sanctuary, in a very small room able to house the books available. The rear of the sanctuary can be made into a separate room with an accordion door. The Lower Hall has one main room and is used for most other purposes, including meetings. There are two kitchens. The main one, attached to the lower hall, is compliant with food safe requirements. A smaller kitchen, off of the Sanctuary, lacks a stove & dishwasher, but is able to serve the purpose for refreshments following Sunday service.
BC 400 MPSR Page! 5 of 19! Jan. 2018 Where is the office located for the minister? The church office is located on the lower level of the main church building with an outside door access. The Minister s office is entered off the church administrator s office space. The Minister s office, a 10 x 12 space, includes a large bookshelf, large desk, and an area for small meetings (2-4 people). The church provides the computer for the minister s office. Is the building used by outside groups as well as ministry activities? Yes Brief descriptions of outside groups: A theatre group, ages 9-14, uses the lower hall most weekday afternoons from 3-5pm. A community weekly art group for marginalized individuals meet Sunday afternoons. A seasonal Supper Group meet on Sunday winter afternoons. It is for the marginalized individuals of our island community, who may be homeless or going without supper in the dark days of winter. Arts and music groups use the space for rehearsals and performance throughout the year. A community exercise group meets weekly. Local associations AGMs and monthly meetings meet throughout the year. A weekly meditation gathering, open to the community. Is there a photocopier in the church? Yes Is internet provided at the church? Yes Is the church accessible (including for those with disabilities)? Yes To access the lower hall there is a ramp for wheelchair access; however, this requires that the person exit the building and travel through the weather in order to enter the lower hall. Administrative Support: Is there support for administrative tasks? Yes, in a paid capacity. If yes, how many hours per week? 14 hours per week; Tues. thru Thur. 1:30-4:30pm & Fri. 9:30am-12:30pm
BC 400 MPSR Page! 6 of 19! Jan. 2018 Ministry and Personnel Committee: How many members? 4 How often does the committee meet? Every 3 months or as required. Has one or more of the committee members attended a M&P Committee Training event in the last three years? Yes Who takes the service when your Minister is away on holidays or study leave? Our Worship committee plan these times. Usually a lay person or retired minister is invited to give the sermon, and a member of the congregation officiates the service. PART C: ABOUT OUR FINANCES The word or phrase that best describes our current financial situation is: Operating deficits during year but small surplus by year end. Positive cash flow due to capital funds. Our Revenue Sources are (please indicate approximate percentage of your current operating budget that comes from each source): Congregational givings 78% Congregational Fundraising Activities 10% Rental of building/services 5% Bequests/Reserves/Investments 7% Our Financial Reserves: We have sufficient reserves in the bank that we could cover three months of expenses if we had an emergency. Yes Our Financial Accountability: Our financial statements are reviewed by an external person each year: Yes: a formal third-party review. Our financial statements from the last three years are available upon request. Yes
BC 400 MPSR Page! 7 of 19! Jan. 2018 Our Statistics from the last five years of submissions to the United Church of Canada show: Line # in the Yearbook Current year 2017 One year age 2016 Two years ago 2015 Three years ago 2014 Four years ago 2013 # attending Sunday worship 20 80 80 80 80 70 # of regular givers 18 90 90 88 88 85 $ expended for pastoral charge operations # households under pastoral care 140 $118,000 $105,405 $106,830 $104,616 117,727 5 127 127 120 120 115 PART D: ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY What makes the community of Salt Spring Island unique: We are a diverse, progressive and engaged community. The community is well known as a center of the Arts and Culture; Artists, Artisans, Authors and Musicians abound. The temperate climate, coupled with the land and the oceanside s natural beauty, create an atmosphere conducive to all manner of recreational activities. SSI is a unique island in terms of Governance. We are not incorporated, but administered by the Island s Trust within the Capital Regional District. We have a 21-bed Acute Care Hospital, and 2 Extended Care facilities. Public education is provided at three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, and an alternative school providing education for ages kindergarten to grade 8. There is also an independent elementary school.
BC 400 MPSR Page! 8 of 19! Jan. 2018 Economic, demographic or political challenges or characteristics facing our area are: Almost 31% of the SSI community is made up of people over 65 years of age. Affordable and available housing is a problem for many families and individuals. Employment is a problem for younger individuals. The mental health issues in our community are not yet fully addressed in a manner that meets the needs of the marginalized individuals in our community. Here are some websites that offer detailed information about our community: www.saltspringisland.org issuu.com/communityfoundationsofcanada/docs/salt_springs_island_vital_signs_web www.saltspringchamber.com Other faith communities represented in the community: There are currently 7 active churches and 5 other faith-based groups on Salt Spring Island, including: Anglican, Baptist, Bahai, Buddhist, Mormon, Community Gospel, Jehovah s Witness, Jewish Community, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Unitarian, & Wiccan. We have close ties with the following faith communities: Anglican and Roman Catholic, as well as some ties with Baptist and Community Gospel, with regular ministerial meetings.
BC 400 MPSR Page! 9 of 19! Jan. 2018 Ministry and Mission Profile Website Address of Local Ministry Unit: www.saltspringunitedchurch.org Brief Description of Local Ministry : Salt Spring Island United Church membership is made up of a fairly broad spectrum of life and work experience, such that the interest and willingness of our membership is well connected to most parts of the broader community. Members volunteer and are well versed in community initiatives and service. We are therefore a caring and supportive presence in many community organizations. Our Worship Style : Our style is warm, communal, with music being the catalyst to introduce diversity. The congregation is open to explore new ideas related to personal belief. Members are encouraged to participate in the scripture readings and to create the Prayers of the People if they choose. Vision and Mission Statement : We are more than Sunday. We celebrate God s love every day. We are guided by the teaching s of Jesus. We accept the challenges of the Spirit. We are an affirming congregation. We welcome all. Category Title This is who we are as a Local Ministry Unit:
BC 400 MPSR Page 10! of 19! Jan. 2018 Community Outreach and Social Justice The Social Justice Committee, driven by individual initiatives, is currently doing the following in community outreach and social justice: We are an affirming congregation. We have close ties to Grandmothers to Grandmothers (Stephen Lewis Foundation) and to Kairos. We support First Nations in areas of truth and reconciliation talks, treaty rights, and respect of burial sites. We support our local Xwaaqw um initiative & will be hosting Indigenous author study groups & celebrations with Chiefs & Elders. We show concern about environmental issues by sharing information through speakers and videos. We support the local food bank with donations highlighted monthly in our worship services. We are active participants in the annual community Pride Parade. We support the marginalized in areas of poverty and homelessness with initiatives such as: A Christmas "Sock it to Me, to give gifts of quality and warm socks. A visual Arts program known as Art Jam, open to our community s marginalized individuals, to express themselves in a warm and safe place, weekly, in the lower hall. A seasonal Supper Group on Sunday winter afternoons for individuals of our island community who may be homeless or going without supper in the dark days of winter. Community Christmas dinner, a community event guided by SSIUC, serving a Christmas supper on Dec 25th to approximately 250 people who may otherwise be alone or without supper. Grocery cards are made available and distributed as needed by the minister during office hours, through a minister s compassionate fund collection. We are intimately involved in community initiatives. One goal we have is to further educate ourselves and our community so we are able to give positive responses to the issues we care about. We are open to explore and discover other faithful ways of living justly.
BC 400 MPSR Page 11! of 19! Jan. 2018 Church Community and Neighbourhood Some church community and neighbourhood initiatives are born out of Lenten Study sessions on visioning; others are annual events that include both fellowship and FUNdraising. The following is a list of SSIUC community events and initiatives supported by our church community with ministerial support: Annual Boot Sale in the Meadow, in which the community gathers to find treasures and share a refreshment or snack. Christmas WinterFaire, an Event that includes handicraft sale, hot lunch, silent auction, baking, and much more. Box Lunch Social, where the most attractive lunch garners the highest price! Pet blessing service, where all critters are recognized as God s children. Fall Supper, where both our own talents and tasty foods are enjoyed. Plans for a Miracle Garden on church property are under discussion, the goal being a shared garden to produce edibles. Blue Christmas: a quiet service where people may gather to reflect on the sadder side of Christmas and to have those feelings acknowledged. Regular monthly worship services in hospital and residential care facilities. Our church and neighbourhood communities are made up of approachable and compassionate people. The church community is especially conscious of being open to the gift and teaching of the Spirit and celebrates coming together to be reminded and nurtured in thus, each worship opportunity. We are open to discovering and engaging new and diverse ways to express our care and concern for our community. Faith Formation and Christian Education At this time this portion of our mission and ministry is led primarily by our Minister. The diverse community of progressive congregants at SSIUC allows small groups of people to engage in Christian development with the nurturing and encouragement of the minister as members take on leadership roles. There was a book study based on Greta Vosper s book With or Without God. Currently there is a book study exploring works by Indigenous authors. There is an annual sixweek Lenten Study. We feel it would be helpful to move forward with a group of interested congregants to identify further needs and interests of the congregation.
BC 400 MPSR Page 12! of 19! Jan. 2018 Leadership Our congregation is a community of faith, its members connected and supportive of one another, treating one another with kindness, love, humour and grace. We value a minister who feels comfortable, welcomed, and at ease enhancing our focus on community with openness, receptive listening, humour, everyday common language and an ability to walk with us on our journeys, becoming one of this community. The congregation looks to the minister for leadership guidance and inspiration. It is appreciated that the minister have a strong sense of teamwork, organization, and sensitivity, working closely with the secretary and music director. Styles of leadership that are of value to the congregation and staff include being flexible, open to creativity, motivating, encouraging, and supportive of personal growth. The congregation appreciates a minister who is grounded in scripture and rooted in spiritual practice so that the life of discipleship is woven into all aspects of our interaction in a way that is challenging yet inviting and tolerant. When the minister is away a lay person or retired minister is invited to give the sermon, and a member of the congregation officiates the service. We have also on occasion had panel discussions in place of sermons. We have a dedicated M&P committee supportive to all staff, enhancing the culture of community within the SSIUC. The Unified Board is a collaborative group of individuals who each have specific areas of interest within the church, with the welfare of the whole as their focus. The Board moves gracefully between dealing with tasks and policy. Decisions are made by voting, oft times unanimously. Our congregation, like many others, is declining in numbers as older, longtime members enter care homes or die. Declining numbers translates to declining givings to support paid ministry as well as ongoing building maintenance. The present congregation expends a significant amount of time and energy volunteering to support the many fundraising activities necessary to help meet existing budget needs. These demands limit an individual s energy as well as time to pursue spiritual exploration and growth. We do recognize that, to some extent, personal growth does occur in the encounters with other members in the time spent together preparing and carrying out these fundraising events. One of our ongoing goals is for our new minister to lead the congregation through a process of discernment to clearly identify goals and prioritize activities/events, in order to create time, space and opportunity for the life and practice of the spirit.
BC 400 MPSR Page 13! of 19! Jan. 2018 Pastoral Care The Pastoral Care Committee is comprised of 10 individuals, with continual support by the minister. A level of discretion is required by members of this committee as privacy is respected. The church list, including adherents, is organized into groups and each member of the committee is assigned a group. Committee members are responsible for contacting the individuals on their list prior to each monthly meeting, or as is deemed reasonable. Committee members are encouraged to assist, where possible, and work closely with the minister to stay abreast of any concerns. The members of the Pastoral Care committee gather support from one another as they share concerns about individuals. There have been training sessions in understanding personal care and active listening. Present concerns include follow-up care for recently hospitalized or ill members, and support for new members of the church community, including visitation, meals, phone calls, etc. We have a group of active knitters creating prayer shawls for anyone requiring a circle of prayer with comfort and warmth. Spirituality and Self-Care within your Local Ministry Unit The Board encourages the minister to take advantage of study leave. Congregants have full respect for the minister s time off, supporting the pursuit of his/her other life-enhancing activities. We are a small community enabling frequent support for one another throughout our week s daily engagements. This frequent exposure to one another outside the church setting enables us to develop a deeper understanding of each other s private lives, a broader sense of what others are dealing with. Conversations happen in the larger context of life and we learn more about one another on a very human level. SSIUC is a congregation whose people notice the needs of others and reach out to address them. Our pastoral care encourages self-care to all the members of the congregation.
BC 400 MPSR Page 14! of 19! Jan. 2018 Worship We are a diverse group of people, welcoming progressive ideas. In addition to prayer and contemplative practice alone, in groups or in congregation - worship includes an ability to speak to and explore the variety of our diverse backgrounds. Sermons, usually delivered by the minister, nudge us toward further awareness; they contain humour and cultural and educational components that connect our daily lives to the Bible, making the theology relevant. Worship leadership guides the church community to recognize God s presence in their day-to-day lives in a style that is warm and creative, tied to the seasons of the Christian church calendar, often taking a theme-based or a lectionary-based approach. Music is a large component of the worship service utilizing both Voices United and More Voices, with either an electric organ or a grand piano. There is a strong Choir presence, with anthems that speak to the themes of the day. Members are encouraged to participate in the scripture readings as lectors. We use a variety of biblical translations, allowing the lector the freedom of diversity. Lectors are encouraged to create the Prayers of the people if they choose.
BC 400 MPSR Page 15! of 19! Jan. 2018 Ministry Position Description Closing Date: March 15, 2018 Position Title: Minister Position Profile: Solo, 0.83 FTE (10/12 time) minister in any credentialed ministry category recognized by the United Church of Canada. We are flexible as to how the 10/12 time is managed, and are open to discussing and arranging work time with the applicant. Position Summary: The position requires an individual with a strong personal faith and commitment to God, embracing creative leadership. The individual needs to be fully comfortable nurturing the progressive nature of the congregation and displaying a deep appreciation in the exploration of our many faith journeys within our culture of community. The Minister, as team leader, would be responsible for teaching and inspiring members in all aspects of ministry, including; leadership, worship, sacraments, education and pastoral care. The individual will pursue a collaborative approach with the paid Director of Music, music being an integral part of our worship style. A style of leadership appropriate to our congregation would develop and enable lay leadership in all areas of the life and work of the church. The individual would also be responsible, in collaboration with the Church Administrator, for the day-to-day management of the church and its property, with the support of the paid Custodian and the Property Committee. Accountable to: This position is accountable to the governing body of the local ministry unit, through the Ministry and Personnel Committee. This position is accountable to BC Conference for oversight and discipline. This position has a relationship of support and collegiality with the members of Victoria presbytery. Note: (percentages of time) Here and in several later paragraphs we have expressed time utilization as a percentage (i.e. 10%, 15%, etc.). These figures are neither arbitrary nor written in stone. They were prepared for us, after due consideration, by our present minister. We fully expect that a new minister will settle upon his/her own system of time apportionment. Administration:
BC 400 MPSR Page 16! of 19! Jan. 2018 -about 30% time spent on these aspects. -support the work of the Board, meeting with the Chair to help plan agenda for meeting. -attend all Board meetings, Executive meetings and Presbytery meetings. -support the work of committees as an ex-officio member of Pastoral Care, Social Justice, Stewardship, Trustees and Worship. -meet periodically with Ministry & Personnel to discuss goals and emergent matters. Wider Church : including Outreach and Community: -about 15% time spent on these aspects. -the minister shall be encouraged to attend events, showing support for church initiatives. Community Outreach and Social Justice: -support the work and progress of the Social Justice Committee. -distribute funds from the Minister s Compassionate Fund to individuals and programs that assist marginalized people of Salt Spring Island, so as to engage with them. -be present to greet and welcome those attending the Community Christmas Dinner. -plan program and recruit readers and musicians for the annual Grandmothers to Grandmothers fundraising event at the church. Church Community and Neighbourhood: -support the congregational initiatives such as the summer Boot Sale in the Meadow, WinterFaire, Box Lunch Social, Fall Supper, all of which foster fellowship within the church and throughout the community. -be open to new initiatives coming from the congregation and/or the community that encourage a connection between the church and community at large. The Meadow belonging to the church is a wonderful venue to foster greater exposure of the church in the wider community. Continuing Education: -pursue personal, vocational and professional goals for continuing education to enhance her/his ability to lead the church in worship and action. -strive to keep abreast of current issues and affairs as they affect our community. Faith Formation and Christian Education:
BC 400 MPSR Page 17! of 19! Jan. 2018 -about 10% time spent on these aspects. -offer suggestions about adult education programs and take leadership of them in consultation with other interested members of the congregation. -encourage and foster lay leadership. Leadership: -inspire, strengthen and challenge the congregation through diverse and innovative forms of leadership. -a collaborative style of leadership/teacher works effectively -woven into each and every aspect of the position description, including the skills listed here; strong preaching/teaching skills, ability and willingness to be open to progressive ideas to enhance worship, ability to attend to the needs of a diverse congregation, ability to provide spiritual counselling as required, ability to support and encourage committees and lay leadership. Pastoral Care: -about 15% time spent on this aspect. -provide a supportive presence for, and be accessible to, people in times of change and crisis. -visit members and adherents giving priority to those who are ill, especially in hospital, or those who can no longer attend services, who are bereaved, and newcomers. -maintain contact with the Pastoral Care Committee with regard to pastoral needs in the congregation. -be available for counselling. -meet with families to plan funerals, memorial services, and weddings. Self Care: -the congregation respects the Minister s time off, and recognizes and appreciates the value of it. -important that the Minister recognizes her/his own needs in this area and feels comfortable tending to them. Worship:
BC 400 MPSR Page 18! of 19! Jan. 2018 -about 30% time spent on this aspect. -a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with services that are theologically diverse in nature. -a style that is nurture-based and is sensitive to seasonal community events. -inspire, strengthen and challenge each person in the congregation to explore and discover their unique ministry so they can be God s presence in the wider community. -services that are enriched by the choice of music. -share with us in the hearing and consequent understanding of spiritual direction. -a focus on progressive ways of discipleship, with a sensitivity to what is going on in the world around us. -help the congregation to experience the presence of God s grace moving in us and through us so we can better reach out to our community and the wider world. -prepare and conduct worship services, including the preparation and preaching of the sermon. -prepare and conduct worship for Burgoyne Carol Service, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and sunrise Easter Sunday services. -prepare and conduct worship, monthly at Greenwood s (an eldercare facility) and every fifth Sunday at Lady Minto Hospital Extended Care; also at Heritage Place Retirement Home (an eldercare facility). -collaborate regularly with the Music Director to discuss worship themes, tying the music thematically to the services. -meet bimonthly with the Worship Committee to review and discuss past and future services. Other Beneficial Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: -leadership, communication and speaking skills conveying warmth, acceptance and vision. -energy and enthusiasm with strong leadership qualities. -ability to recognize talents and encourage and foster participation. -our church has developed an open relationship with the wider community s marginalized population, thus an ability to communicate and engage with them would be beneficial. -a willingness to be open to new ideas and encourage congregation to participate. Other Preferred Assets:
BC 400 MPSR Page 19! of 19! Jan. 2018 -a strength in caring for an older congregation. -a sense of humour. -an appreciation and knowledge of music. Terms of Employment: The United Church Manual, The United Church Employment Guidelines, the original Call/ Appointment Form, and any relevant Provincial Legislation shall be used as terms of employment for this position. Increments of salary and benefits, consistent with national United Church schedules, are to be determined by the Council, in consultation with the minister and the M&P Committee.