LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE Bethany United Church of Christ Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Settled Pastor Ohio Conference UCC, Eastern Ohio Association February 8, 2018 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)
INSTRUCTIONS The new Local Church Profile supports the calling and discernment of United Church of Christ congregations with their current or future pastoral leadership. For many congregations, the interim time between ministers is an intentional season that is guided in part by the work of preparing a Local Church Profile. Through the Profile, the congregation can discover its data and express its story for the reliable discernment of a search committee and the beginning of a new pastorate. Searching ministers will want to see this document in its entirety. The interim season is not the only time to give attention to questions and exploration of a congregation s vocation, however. Three sections of the Local Church Profile WHO ARE WE NOW, WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR, and WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME are meant to be updated every 3-5 years. Known as the Discovery Document, these three sections can be completed by a visioning group, a governing body, a transition team, or other entity in the church not just by a search committee in order to draw forward the gifts and imaginative possibilities of a congregation. The more participants, the better! Some questions are easy to answer. Some are not so easy. Prompts are provided to stimulate narrative response if needed; these italicized prompts are merely examples from which to choose or to inspire your own. Efforts to answer the questions will prompt conversations and explorations and storytellings and many prayers, and as the Spirit moves throughout the process, congregations will shape a collective articulation of Christ s leading (WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME). This last question to be answered becomes the first section to be read by searching ministers in the Local Church Profile, and it is boldest and most actionable piece for faithful leadership into the future. Your conference can provide materials referenced in the Local Church Profile, such as the 11-Year Report containing data as reported by your congregation annually to the UCC Data Hub and MissionInsite reports containing demographic information on your community. More information on types of pastorate in the United Church of Christ can be found in the Call Agreement PAGE 2
Workbook. Be sure to use the Call Agreement Workbook s Scope of Work to describe in this Local Church Profile the position being sought. When it is time for ministerial search, the conference can counsel you on posting the Local Church Profile together with your public listing at UCC Ministry Opportunities (http://oppsearch.ucc.org). The last page of the Local Church Profile contains a statement that parallels the consent statement signed by ministers in the UCC Ministerial Profile. In keeping with the covenantal relationship between a church and those it seeks to call, this statement encourages an open, honest exchange of information. On behalf of the United Church of Christ, and on the basis of the best knowledge available to them, your conference staff will validate your completed Local Church Profile when it is ready to be shared in relationship with prospective new leaders. PAGE 3
POSITION POSTING LISTING INFORMATION SCOPE OF WORK COMPENSATION & SUPPORT WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? LISTING INFORMATION Church name: Bethany United Church of Christ Street address: 1235 Broad Boulevard, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 Supplemental web links: http://bethanyucc.org/ (Unfortunately our website is not current, we are hoping to address this soon.) Additional ecumenical affiliations: N/A Conference: Ohio Conference UCC Association: Eastern Ohio Association UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person Name: Gary A. Halstead Title: Associations Associate Minister Phone: (330)-940-2220 Email: aam@eoawraucc.org Summary Ministry Description: Bethany is striving to share Christ through our teaching and actions with the goal of strengthening our church for a solid future. We need a strong leader with managerial experience and the spirit of God guiding him or her. Our church is searching for an effective preacher with a positive attitude and a good work ethic who will lead our congregation to open new doors, grow our membership and sustain the growth with a spirit that is felt and received by the members. In addition, we are seeking a shepherd who is effective working with children and youth and is willing to make pastoral calls. We envision a diverse membership which will encourage new traditions and celebrate our heritage. PAGE 4
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What we value about living in our area: As a growing community of friendly households, we have a very safe city centrally located to larger metropolitan areas of Akron, Cleveland and Columbus. We have over 30 parks and facilities for recreation including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cuyahoga River. Two state universities are within twenty minutes for continuing education, sports and cultural opportunities. Current size of membership: 384 Languages used in ministry (other than English) : N/A 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. PAGE 7
SCOPE OF WORK We expect our pastor to be involved in the United Church of Christ Association (Wider Mission). In addition, we would like our pastor to participate in faith-based community and ecumenical activities according to their interests and allowing necessary time in his/her schedule to perform these tasks. SCOPE OF WORK Plan and conduct Sunday morning worship service(s) with a message that will challenge and inspire us to become transformed and put our faith into action. Conduct worship services for special occasions (Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc.) Continue having the children s message during worship service(s). Conduct baptisms, weddings and funeral services for members and their families. Provide spiritual support and guidance to all while providing constructive feedback with a focus on the church and practicing our faith. PAGE 8
Oversee and participate in the confirmation process. Assist in the planning and curriculum of adult bible studies. Visit sick/hospitalized members and their families. Participate in planning, spiritual leadership, assessment and future growth. Sit as an ex-officio member of Council, committees and all organizations within the church. Work in partnership with the elected leaders of the church as well as the staff. Participate in mutual programming with our partner church, New Trinity Missionary Baptist. Participate in faith-based community ministries and missions. Participate in the Church s Wider Mission (UCC). Report monthly and quarterly progress, as well as future planning. Supervise, manage and evaluate the office staff. Bethany Church needs a leader who knows how to encourage and engage the congregation to follow Christ s teachings and to live our lives in ways that show God s love in the world. We trust that a loving and faithful shepherd will help us grow in love and faithfulness as a congregation. PAGE 9
COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT Salary Basis: Conference Guidelines. Benefits: Salary plus Benefits 1. Customary Benefits: Vacation: 4 weeks annually Maternity/paternity leave UCC Retirement Annuity (14% of salary and housing) UCC Life and Disability Insurance Benefits UCC Health Benefits UCC Dental Benefits Social Security/Medicare Offset Continuing Education Funds Continuing Education Time Sabbatical Leave Other benefits: Flexible Spending Account 2. Ministry Expenses Travel Reimbursement Meeting Expense Reimbursement Books and Periodicals Reimbursement of Criminal Background Check Fee Moving Expense What is the expected living situation for your next minister? Living nearby with a housing allowance. Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister. The pastor will be provided with a car for their ministerial duties. State any incentives: PAGE 10
See customary benefits above. Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference: There are four UCC churches located within 10 miles of Bethany UCC. The Eastern Ohio and Western Reserve Association office is also within a mile of the church. If applicable, describe how your church will adopt part-time adjustments in the pastoral schedule to support a minister s bi-vocational employment: N/A. PAGE 11
WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve. Along with a focus on worship, there is also a goal of developing and growing through faith formation. These goals are reflective of our vision statement as a community of God s children where faith, friendship, and family come together. A final goal is strong community outreach through support of our current and potential future missions. Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls. We envision that our new minister will work with the Mission Committee to increase service and mission opportunities and participation for all ages. This support would involve expressing God s call to care for our neighbor in worship and educational settings, while modeling a faithful response to that call through personal involvement. Specify language requirements or culturally-specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation s sense of calling. None other than being open-minded and inclusive. 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. Exhibiting a Spiritual Foundation and Ongoing Spiritual Practice: By welcoming and discerning the individual gifts of the congregation, our faith will be strengthened by a sense of joy about sharing our Christian Life together and by seeking new ways to help us share that joy. PAGE 12
2. Strengthening Inter/Intrapersonal Assets: Exhibiting strong moral character and personal integrity by conducting himself/herself in a manner that fosters respect and by that same character help and challenge the members to grow in faith. 3. Working Together for Justice and Mercy: Engaging in Mission and Outreach to increase service and mission opportunities and participation for all ages by building relationships of mutual trust and interdependence. 4. Building Transformational Leadership Skills: Strategically creating the future of God s Church by working with the children and the youth of Bethany through worship and the educational atmosphere to ensure our continued growth and success. PAGE 13
WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME? Who is God calling you to become as a congregation? God is calling us to strengthen worship as the core of our congregational identity, spirituality and life. We need to foster Faith Formation for children, youth, young adults, and adults so we may better understand how faith calls us to relate to God, one another and the world in a way that invites people from the wider community. God is calling our church to expand our mission and service opportunities so Bethany can be seen and known as a servant people. Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation. Our congregation has addressed various challenges in the past year with an open heart and a willingness to listen. We believe we are being called to further the mission of our church. We have developed a vision statement and reorganized our governance and committee structure. The impact has been a streamlining of our efforts and increased communications with and to all the members of our congregation. We see our next step as calling a settled pastor. PAGE 14
WHO ARE WE NOW? CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS 11-YEAR REPORT CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING CHURCH FINANCES HISTORICAL INFORMATION CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS Describe your congregation s life of faith. We come to worship to be in the presence of God for no other reason than to delight in that presence. We come not because we must, but because we are invited and we know within this sacred time and space, something will be born that is precious and rare. We learn about God through the scriptures and try to make God real in our own lives. We recount God s activities in history to affirm our faith and to hold up God s promise that we are never forsaken. We do this through the giving of ourselves to help one another just as Christ did. The outpouring of love and support throughout the congregation is evidence the presence of God is among us and still fully present. This living testimony of worship then pulls into the celebration those who reside among us, but who do not yet know our God. Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation. Our recently developed vision statement reflects our focus on faith, friendship, and family. We work to intentionally define family as all members of the congregation. We are working to develop stronger lay leadership by recognizing the gifts and talents we receive from the Spirit. Our active and faithful members continually step up to meet the needs of Bethany, our missions and community. Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers. PAGE 15
Our Sanctuary is gothic style with traditional wooden arches, wooden pews and stained glass windows that have their own Biblical story in each pane. The beauty of the church is a welcoming sight and is mentioned often by our visitors. We are a traditional evangelical and reformed church and practice the word of God that is written in the scriptures. We believe that good preaching should be relevant and interesting to inspire us to live God s word in our lives. Music is an important aspect of our worship service that enhances the message of the sermon. The Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, 7th Day, Young Shepherds Choir and the Son Singers perform during different services throughout the year to express God s love through music. Our participatory service involves the parishioners pledging their support to all who join the church either through confirmation or baptism. In the warmer months we gather in the air-conditioned Social Hall for a more relaxed setting. Describe the educational program and/or faith formation vision of your church. Bethany UCC is a community of God s children where faith, friendship and family are reflected in the following Core Values: Be Welcoming to All; Be a Community of God s children loving, worshiping, serving, and sharing faith; and Engaging in Faith Formation. With Faith Formation as one of our core values, our program offers classes for all ages from infants to adults providing the opportunity to explore and develop their beliefs through many levels and media. These classes meet each Sunday from September through May. Bethany follows a safe church policy which means that all classes and programs involving children and youth require the presence of two adults in every setting. Children in Grades 1-6 are gathered with their faith family in worship at least through the Children s Message every Sunday. Children stay for the entire service on Family Sunday, once a month, when children may also take turns leading the liturgy. Beginning at Grade 7 the students attend the whole service. Sunday School Classes for school-age children are based on a lectionary curriculum that follows what we are learning in worship with occasional special foci. During the months of June, July and August a Prayground is established in the Social Hall where the summer services are held. Children participate in the Children s Message with the Pastor and learn through puzzles, books, games, etc. PAGE 16
Seventh and Eighth Graders participate in a two-year comprehensive confirmation program. Topics covered include God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Ministry, Baptism, Spiritual Life, Death and Resurrection, Life in the Church, Stewardship, the Bible, Saints and Gifts, and Worship. Classes are held Sunday mornings with a few additional activities throughout the year(s) such as field trips, service projects, etc. The Pastor oversees the confirmation process along with the selection of mentors. Young adults become members of the senior high class after confirmation. Adult facilitators use the senior high module of Feasting on the Word curriculum to relate the weekly scriptural worship themes to issues of faith and life. Adult Sunday School classes are being formed to discuss timely lectionary passages, the book of Psalms, videos, and presentations in order to better understand the God who created us and showed us the way to life, overpowering sin and death. At different times in the year, youth may act as liturgists, ushers, and acolytes. Several participate in the Chancel Choir and also 7th Day, a contemporary choir of high school students. Confirmation age children and the senior high youth also plan and help with Vacation Bible School, Advent Workshop, Christmas pageant, Mission Projects such as Bethany Kitchen and Sunday School Faith Formation classes. Currently, a youth directs the PreK/K choir, one participates on the Nominating Committee for Council and one has participated on Council. Describe how your congregation is organized for ministry and mission. Our congregation is organized for ministry and mission per the attached chart. The committees are generally organized and structured by council and their decisions are communicated by pulpit announcement, newsletters, and social media. Our church recently updated our vision statement and it is reviewed annually. *See Appendix for our chart. When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? PAGE 17
An average of 12-18 hours a month is spent in meetings each month including staff, governance, worship and faith formation. Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished? For Bethany UCC, a crisis situation occurred in November 2015. Our pastor (hired July 2014) and our Associate Pastor resigned. Several Listening Sessions were established by our Conference Association for congregants to share their concerns and thoughts. A Committee was formed to draft a new Church Constitution and Bylaws which were approved by the Congregation. According to our new Bylaws, a nominating committee was formed to select new Church Council candidates. Areas of church governance were restructured and all committees are accountable to the Church Council. These changes led us to where we are with the formation of the June 2017 Pastoral Search Committee. We are currently served by an Interim Pastor. 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. PAGE 18
11-YEAR REPORT CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Describe those who participate in your church. Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Number of active members: 92 Number of non-active members: 292 Total of church participants (sum of the numbers above): 384 Percentage of total participants who have been in the church: More than 10 years: 68% Less than 10, more than 5 years: 19% Less than 5 years: 13% Is this percentage an estimate? (check if yes) Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation: Professional Specialty, Managerial, Office, Transportation, Sales, Educational, Medical, Construction, and Food Service. Describe the mix of ethnic heritages in your congregation, and the overall racial make-up. Most UCC congregations tend to describe themselves as diverse. Yet, the vast majority of UCC congregations are mono-cultural. What does diversity mean in your context? Area ancestry includes German, Scotch-Irish, American and British, however as a congregation we are mono-cultural. Diversity means that individuals unlike us would join. PAGE 19
List the date your congregation has had or will have a conversation using a resource such as the Welcoming Diversity Inventory. Comment on the results. To date our congregation has not had a conversation using a resource such as the Welcoming Diversity Inventory. PAGE 20
PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING 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 15 Faith Formation Coordinator Baptisms (number last year) 1 Pastor Children s Groups or Classes 34 Faith Formation Committee Christmas Eve and Easter Worship 130 Pastor & Worship Committee Church-wide Meals 100 Stewardship Committee Choirs and Music Groups 40 Music Director Church-based Bible Study 0 Communion (served how often?) 80/monthly Pastor & Worship Committee Community Meals 75/monthly Bethany Kitchen Committee Confirmation (number confirmed last year) 0 Pastor & Faith Formation Coordinator Drama or Dance Program 15 Faith Formation Funerals ( number last year ) 9 Funeral Committee Intergenerational Groups 30 Youth Committee & Faith Formation Outdoor Worship 65 Pastor & Bethany Band Prayer or Meditation Groups 10 Prayer Chain & Prayer Shawl Public Advocacy Work 0 Retreats 35 Faith Formation Committee PAGE 21
Theology or Bible Programs in the Community 12 Retired Pastor Weddings ( number last year ) 0 Pastor Worship (time slot: 10:30 a.m.) 92 Pastor & Worship Committee Young Adult Groups or Classes 0 Youth Groups or Classes 7 Youth Committee Other List all members or regular participants in your congregation who are ordained, licensed, or commissioned ministers. Indicate those with current United Church of Christ Three-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a congregation) or Four-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a ministry beyond a congregation). Name Three-Way or Four-Way Covenant? (3 or 4 or No) Ministry Setting Type of Ministry Role Retired? (Y or N) Harry Cool No VOA Mission N Sharon Alberson Retired Y Rita Root Retired Y 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: Membership only. PAGE 22
List all current staff, including ministers. Exclude the position you are seeking to fill. Indicate which staff person serves as head of staff. Staff Position Head of Staff? Compensation (full time, part time, volunteer) Supervised by Years of Tenure for current person in this position Office Manager No Full Time Pastor > 1 Secretary No Part Time Pastor 18 Faith Formation Coordinator No Part Time Pastor < 1 Custodian No Part Time Pastor 12 Director of Music/Organist No Part Time Pastor 6 Interim Pastor Yes Full Time Congregation < 1 REFLECTION Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation s overall ministry? Upon review of the congregational demographics and activities, the studies indicate that Bethany UCC has a stable base of supporters that have rallied to maintain the most recent church budget for the calendar year of 2017. The church members and attendees have further supported Bethany to maintain a budget that has exceeded expenses and remains in the black. Based PAGE 23
on that support, the overall mission of Bethany is to continue to be the Open and Welcoming church that we have been in the past and encourage new members to help us grow Bethany. PAGE 24
CHURCH FINANCES Current annual income (dollars used during most recent fiscal year). Source Amount Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $234,600.00 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 $1,900.00 N/A Included above Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $31,800.00 Grants N/A Rentals of Church Building $24,100.00 Rentals of Church Parsonage Support from Related Organizations (e.g. Women s Group) Transfers from Special Accounts N/A Included above N/A Other (Interest): $1,300.00 Other (Miscellaneous): $1,900.00 TOTAL $295,600.00 * See Appendix for the 2017 Annual Budget. Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for most recent fiscal year): $272, 300.00 PAGE 25
Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage? 23% Has the church ever failed to pay its financial obligations to a minister of the church? No. Is your church 5-for-5, i.e. does it include each of the following contributions during the church year? (indicate those included during the most recent fiscal year) _ _ Our Church s Wider Mission (OCWM Basic Support) _ _ One Great Hour of Sharing _ _ Strengthen the Church _ _ Neighbors in Need _ _ Christmas Fund In what way is OCWM (Basic Support) gathered? If calculated as a percentage of operating budget, what is that percentage? 4.4%. It is gathered as a line item in our church s budget and it is calculated as What is the church s current indebtedness? Total amount of loan debt: $14K Reason for debt: Purchase of adjacent property. Are capital and other payments current? Yes. PAGE 26
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: We have not had any capital campaigns in the last ten years. Does your church have an endowment? Yes, we have an endowment. What is the market value of the assets? $326,500.00 Are funds drawn as needed, regularly, or under certain circumstances? The funds are drawn annually. What is the percentage rate of draw (last year, compared to 5 years ago)? They are drawn at the same rate, 1.3% Describe draw on endowment, if any, to meet operating budget expenses for the most recent year and the past five years: None. At the current rate of draw, how long might the endowment last? In Perpetuity. Please comment on the above calculations or estimates: PAGE 27
The information has been accumulated from our latest annual report. Other Assets: Reserves (savings): N/A Investments (other than endowment): N/A Does your church have a parsonage? We do not have a parsonage. Describe all buildings owned by the church: Bethany is located between the corner of Broad Boulevard and 12th Street and the corner of Broad Boulevard and 13th Street. The property consists of a sanctuary, Faith Formation wing, gymnasium, a Social Hall and ample paved parking. The residential property adjacent to the parking lot on 12th Street is currently owned by the church. A bird s eye or street level view on Google Earth or Google Maps can provide a sense of our church property. Describe non-owned buildings or space used or rented by the church: None. Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? (worship space, pulpit, fellowship space, facilities, etc.) The entire church is wheelchair accessible except for the pulpit. However, this could easily be modified. Reflection: After reviewing the church s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation s mission and ministry? PAGE 28
1. Bethany UCC made a major budget change in January of 2017 by agreeing to maintain a healthy budget for the fiscal year with fewer members to contribute. 2. Bethany s budget process starts with the annual pledge campaign on the first Sunday in November. The pledges are tallied and those totals are used to determine the budget for the coming year. 3. With the contribution and volunteering of the church members Bethany has been able to continue to support all of our current missions. Bethany s missions continue to expand; for instance, the youth group was able to volunteer on two mission trips this past year. PAGE 29
HISTORICAL INFORMATION 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. 1927: Relocation of the church from an urban to a suburban setting. 1952: Addition of Christian Education wing. 1994: Building Our Faith and Mission 2000 capital campaigns. 2017: Restructuring of Bethany s Constitution, Bylaws, and Committees. Our history also included a long-term Pastor who formed a relationship with the Pastor of New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years we have combined for celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. and a summer camp for children of both congregations. Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past. Fostering spiritual growth and providing outreach opportunities for our youth are very high priorities in our church. For decades now, an annual mission trip is planned by and for our high school aged members. A strong connection was formed with a predominantly Native American Sioux community in Ponca Creek, South Dakota in June 1996. With the blessing of the congregation, this same mission trip continued until 2014. Reassessment of the program led to a change whereby now the youth visit different mission sites. This allows attendees to experience a greater diversity of places, people, and service opportunities. Additionally, a second weekend trip can now also be funded. PAGE 30
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 collectively agree on everything all of the time, however, our dedication to being a family of faith allows us the space to be respectful and loving even when we disagree. Our love of God and one another and the call to serve are greater than any divisive issue. If a particular conflict arises, it is first brought to the attention of the pastor, who then may choose to consult with the Church Council to find a resolution. Currently, the Council is working to update a conflict management policy to ensure clarity and consistency in the future. Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years) Staff member s name Years of service UCC Standing (Y/No) Jack Yates 6 Y Steve Gehlert 25 Y Andrew Courtney 1 Y Interims, Associates and Pastors of Visitation are not listed. Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership: Our congregation is comfortable with reasonably authoritative ministerial leadership which first seeks input and suggestions from members or their representatives, deliberates prayerfully, and finally sets a course which aligns the Church s journey to God s call. Mindful of the particular nature of church leadership, deep personal relationships are a significant aspect of our church family. While respectful of individual privacy and dignity, we collectively share in one another s celebrations and trials, and seek a minister who can willingly, PAGE 31
Be happy with those who are happy, weep for those who weep (Romans 12:15). Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? Ask us. Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation? Ask us. Has a past pastor been the subject of a Fitness Review while at your church? No. WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? COMMUNITY VISION MISSION INSITE COMMUNITY VISION How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy? Bethany strives to: Be welcoming to all...be a community of God s children loving, worshiping, serving, and sharing faith by serving others. In addition to our website, we also have an inclusive invitation and worship information provided in our local Falls News Press newspaper: Bethany United Church of Christ welcomes all, wherever they may be in their faith journey. We seek to live by our Mission Committee Mission Statement: To help serve the needs of our congregation, our community, and our world through a variety of pathways. Some of our missions include: Bakery Brigade: Bread is collected from Giant Eagle and distributed to local food pantries. Bethany Band: Church members and nonmembers practice and perform at nursing homes and worship. PAGE 32
Bethany Kitchen: A free hot meal is provided once a month, open to all. Bible Study: Themes and concepts of our faith are studied through Bible exploration. Camp Bethany: Our children and those from a partner church experience a week of outdoor worship and fun at a camp facility. Clothing, food and school supply donation: Items are gathered and donated to Trinity UCC and Good Neighbors for distribution to those less fortunate. Esperanza Mission Trip: Through Esperanza International, homes are constructed for families in need in Tijuana, Mexico. Faith Formation: Sunday School classes, worship services, children s Christmas Pageant, etc. offer opportunities for faith development. Family Promise: Working together with other local churches, a place to sleep and eat is provided to the temporarily homeless while they search for permanent housing and employment. Gifts of the Heart and Giving Tree: Christmas gifts and/or gift cards are collected for those in need at H.M. Life, Family Promise guests, and Good Neighbors. Harvest for Hunger Food Drive: Funds and canned food are gathered for Akron-Canton Foodbank. Lunch on Us: Volunteers serve a meal twice a year at Miller Ave UCC. We also provide funds and personal care items. Music Ministry: Chancel Choir, children s choirs, Memory Bell Choir, and Bethany Band share the gift of music with the congregation and community. Noisy Offering/Offerings: OCWM, OGHS, Strengthen, NIN, Christmas, and Chapel Hill Homes are supported financially. Prayer Shawl Ministry: Handmade prayer shawls are created as a means to extend love and prayers in times of celebration and hardships. Recycling Efforts: Bethany collects numerous recyclables such as Entenmann s Little Bites pouches, ink cartridges, paper, etc. Retreats: Participants experience reflection, camaraderie, and study at a location away from the church building. PAGE 33
Salvation Army: Bethany volunteers ring the bell at Acme Grocery Store. Treasure Sale: Donated items and baked goods are sold to the public; proceeds benefit missions. Vacation Bible School: Children of Bethany and the community explore Bible stories in a fun and relaxed setting. Worship Services and Faith Formation Classes: A variety of services and programming offer opportunities for faith development to all. Youth Group: Senior high students participate in mission trips, bake holiday cookies, visit the homebound, help at a pet shelter, and organize a rake and run event, etc. We have been involved in Stephen Ministries, Interfaith Caregivers, annual Just Peace Concerts with partner church New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, to name a few. As we move forward optimistically, we hope to continue all of our Community Outreach programs, as well as add others as we see fit. Describe your congregation s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting). The congregation plays a contributing role, however, it is more on a pastoral level for wider UCC participation. The congregation supports the wider UCC through One Great Hour of Sharing, OCWM (Our Church s Wider Mission), and having delegates attend General Synod. We are open to more participation through the Ohio Conference. Check all of the following statements of witness that apply to your UCC faith community. (Find more information on these statements at ucc.org.) Accessible to All (A2A) Creation Justice Economic Justice Faithful and Welcoming God Is Still Speaking (GISS) PAGE 34
Immigrant Welcoming Inter-cultural/Multi-racial (I M) Just Peace Global Mission Church Open and Affirming (ONA) WISE Congregation for Mental Health Other UCC designations: Other similar designations in affiliated denominations 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? For the future, the statements of witness sound interesting to explore on a deeper level if there was interest for learning and involvement. As a congregation, we need to prioritize and get back to our basic fundamentals with an established pastor. Describe your congregation s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional). Bethany has nurtured a relationship with New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church for many years, sharing in concerts honoring Martin Luther King Jr., and organizing a camp experience for children and youth. New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Pilgrim UCC, and Northampton United Methodist Church are integral support churches when Bethany hosts homeless families through the Family Promise program. Multiple volunteers work together providing meals, transportation, and a safe overnight space for children and their guardians. Additionally, the youth mission trips and Esperanza (Mexico) mission trip are frequently organized and/or attended by members of other congregations. 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. PAGE 35
The vision statement of our church proclaims Bethany is a community of God s children where faith, friendship, and family are reflected in the following Core Values: Be welcoming to all, Be a community of God s children loving, worshiping, serving, sharing faith by serving others, and Engaging in Faith Formation. This statement truly does define our activity. From greeters at our doors, to ushers in our sanctuary, to passing the peace during our worship service, to an invitation to return and/or take an active part, we strive to help everyone feel welcome and a part of God s community at Bethany. A look at our church calendar reflects participation in our many various activities, mission projects, and faith formation exercises. While the planning and governance time expenditure is proportionally smaller, it is multiplied many times and its results contribute to the camaraderie of a welcoming group of God s children - a family bound by faith. 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? As a result of a former Pastor s work we have been a congregation that embraced the wider mission of our denomination. Although a focus on our own community issues is also important, our new Pastor will determine the right ratio of these two paths. PAGE 36
MissionInSite Comment on your congregation s MissionInsite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown? Our population and household income trends are increasing. Some growth is coming from increases in Asian and Hispanic populations. It is important to note that average age has also increased from 38 in 2000 to 40 in 2016 and is projected to be 42 by 2026. As a congregation, growth should come from the increase in population with the consideration of a greater emphasis on middle-aged adults and the possibility of new programming for Asian and Hispanic heritages. 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 community is not as racially mixed as the other communities with which our Church connects. Our congregation follows this same trend; PAGE 37
although more minorities are moving to our community we have yet to attract them to our church. How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not? Our community experiences homelessness and poverty. The ministry of Bethany meets these needs by feeding the hungry through Bethany Kitchen and Miller Avenue s Lunch on Us in nearby Akron. Our ministry through Family Promise helps those who are homeless by providing a place for overnight lodging, and morning and evening meals for a week on a rotating basis with seven other congregations. What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for? Community leaders know Bethany Church well, as it is long established congregation, very friendly and civic minded. It has been stated that any pastor would be fortunate to come to Bethany because of the people and the programs it offers. What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved? New people come to Bethany because they have heard through friends and family of our service missions or faith formation activities. The warmth with which they were made to feel welcome and encouraged is also mentioned. PAGE 38
REFERENCES REFERENCE 1 Rev. Kirk Bruce 1604 Highbridge Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 Cell: (330)-388-7935 Email: Kirk.bruce@gmail.com Pastor at Pilgrim UCC, Cuyahoga Falls a neighboring congregation. And my son was an Eagle Buy Scout at Bethany s Troop. Describe some areas of strength in this church s ministry. PAGE 39
Bethany has a wonderful facility, many great areas of ministry, and strong leadership potential. Describe some areas for improvement in this church s ministry. As a neighboring congregation (10 blocks away), they are E&R, Pilgrim is Congregational and it has been a challenge to schedule an activity with them. Describe a significant experience you have had of this church s ministry. My strongest connection is through their Boy Scout Troop which my son was a part of till he became an Eagle and graduated. The troop was engaged in the life of the congregation and called upon to assist in many of the congregation s activities. The appropriate services were held in the sanctuary and social hall as well as weekly meetings. Anything else you wish to share. I believe Bethany is a sleeping giant. The potential is there in the people; they need a pastor who can call them to wake up. Steve served the congregation faithfully for all of his years. In his departure struggles arose. If the energy can be put to work and have all the people pulling on the same rope, in the same direction, at the same time, God will be served in wonderful ways. PAGE 40
REFERENCE 2 Cathy Pappano Cell: (330)-606-1500 Email: cathv.pappano@amail.com Former Director of YMCA Bethany Enrichment Center (1999-2015) located in Bethany United Church of Christ. Describe some areas of strength in this church's ministry: I have known this congregation to be extremely concerned about our global footprint. They have encouraged the congregation to participate in these PAGE 41
efforts through example as well as offering opportunities for them to recycle batteries, printer cartridges, paper and cardboard, to name a few. This Church was an integral part in the development of the Family Promise program. They and several Akron area churches formed a haven for homeless families by providing shelter, food, emotional support. It also included assisting the parents in maintaining jobs, enrolling their children in schools, transporting them to/from school and many other things needed to maintain some normalcy of everyday life. They accept Good Neighbor collections, shop for items using the Fair trade store, make blankets, hats and mittens for those who need them, collect School supplies at the beginning of each year. For many years they have supported the youth of the congregation through numerous mission trips as well as assisting Eagle Scouts to achieve their goals. Numerous community groups such as Girl Scouts, Foreign Students Exchange, our Community Band, the YMCA Breakfast with Santa as well as their child care have been able to utilize the beautiful Social Hall free of charge for meetings and dinners. All these actions reflect their commitment to the community. Describe some areas for improvement in this church's ministry: I cannot attest to the needs of the ministry in the last 18 months, but looking back, I would think perhaps reaching out to families in the neighborhood would possibly be of importance. It is no secret small churches are struggling to maintain memberships. The current church family must step up and work together to make this happen. It takes a village to raise and child. I believe the same applies to any organization. Describe a significant experience you have had of this church's ministry: The YMCA Child Care was blessed to have the church support an Eagle Scout project which enabled the young man to build an enclosed play area off the parking lot so our children could be play in the shade. This Was quite a huge accomplishment and is still in use. During the many years was Director, I found the staff, Pastor(s) and often members to be interested and concerned that we maintain a good working PAGE 42
relationship. The door of the Director of Education, the Pastor and the Office were open to our needs. I thank you for this opportunity to share a bit of my knowledge and hope it is helpful in your search for a Pastor. REFERENCE 3 Christopher Scott Cell: (330)-929-7319 Email: Scotnoh@aol.com Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 160. Boys Troop meets at the church weekly. Describe some areas of strength in this church s ministry. PAGE 43
I believe that Bethany Church is a very valuable part of Cuyahoga Falls and surrounding communities. One of the biggest assets is the building which they have, there are not many functions that the church cannot accommodate. With a Social Hall, multiple classrooms, 2 kitchens and a gym, there is always something going on either by the congregation or the general public. Describe a significant experience you have had of this church s ministry. I have had the honor to volunteer along with my Boy Scout Troop in the monthly Bethany Kitchen. This is an event that provides a meal to homeless and people in need from the community. It's great to see how the members all come together to create, serve and provide fellowship to those who attend. Describe some areas for improvement in this church s ministry. I believe that their biggest challenge is getting the active population of high schoolers to recent college graduates engaged in church. I know it s a problem for all organizations today but I believe they have positioned themselves to face this challenge. Their leadership has always been able to step up and meet all obstacles. This problem will be no different. PAGE 44
CLOSING THOUGHTS CLOSING PRAYER STATEMENT OF CONSENT CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION VALIDATION CLOSING PRAYER Butterfly Prayer from Martha (a member of the Search Committee). Dear God, As we move forward with our search for our new pastor, may we always feel comfortable to speak and share honestly from our guts and hearts, remember to listen to each other, respect differing opinions and agree to disagree, if necessary, for our common goal. We realize our human limitation, but continue to learn and grow from any mistakes. Please bless this group, our Bethany congregation, our families, and remember anyone struggling with challenges: health, financial, employment, and others. Bless the wider world and its people and issues they face. In God s name, we pray - Amen. PAGE 45
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. 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? Pastoral Search Committee; Church Council; Financial Secretary; Administrative Staff. 2. Additional comments for interpreting the profile: We appreciate your interest in this church and hope you will prayerfully consider the information provided. PAGE 46