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LOCAL CHURCH INTRODUCING THE NEW. Who? is God calling us to become. Who are we. Who is our neighbor

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Search and Call Tools for Congregations

Advancing the Spirit’s guidance into God’s future

Rachel Hackenberg Microsoft [Pick the date]

INTRODUCING THE NEW

LOCAL CHURCH

?

Who is

God

calling us

to become

Who

is our

neighbor

Who

are

we

The new Local Church Profile is not just for congregations in search of a pastor. All congregations are encouraged to engage in its process of discovery every 3-5 years. The UCC Local Church Profile reflects valuable data, assesses ministry, clarifies change, and helps advance the calling of the congregation. Not just to be completed by a search committee – the more participation, the better!

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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 114 S. Broad Street

Middletown, Ohio 45044 Half-time Minister

Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association [Validation Date]

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,

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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 preparation of a Local Church Profile. Using the Profile, the church 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 in a church’s life when it’s valuable to give attention to explore a congregation’s vocation. 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 together as the “Discovery Document,” these three sections can be completed by a visioning group, a governing body, a transition team, or other group – not just the search committee – in order to draw forward the gifts and imaginative possibilities of a congregation. The church’s engagement with the “Discovery Document” might not have the same sequence as the completed Local Church Profile that is read by candidates. 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 story-tellings and many prayers. 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 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).

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1

. POSITION POSTING

a. LISTING INFORMATION

b. SCOPE OF WORK

c. COMPENSATION & SUPPORT

d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?

1a. LISTING INFORMATION

Church name: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

Street address: 114 S. Broad Street, Middletown, Ohio 45044 Supplemental web links: stpaulsuccmidd.org

https://www.facebook.com/St.PaulsUCCMiddletown

Additional ecumenical affiliations (e.g. denominations, communions, fellowships): Conference: Heartland Conference

Association: Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association

UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person (Name, Title, Phone, Email): Carl Robinson

Designated Association Minister 937-438-8050

crobinson@sonkaucc.org

Summary Ministry Description:

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What we value about living in our area (2 – 3 sentences):

We value both the friendliness and perseverance of the Middletown community. We value the forward momentum and progress that especially the downtown is exhibiting. We value the resonant history of St. Paul’s and hope to strengthen our presence in our changing community.

Current size of membership: @ 105

Languages used in ministry (other than English): English Position Title: Sole Pastor

Position Duration : Settled Compensation Level: ½ time

Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines? Yes

1b. SCOPE OF WORK

(add here the Scope of Work developed by your church using the Call Agreement Workbook)

Core Competencies:

(List three core competencies that you imagine could be foundational in your next minister’s relationship with the church. For example, a church seeking a pastoral care minister might hope to call someone who is caring, sensitive and sociable, while a church seeking an executive minister might want an organized, detail-oriented and time-conscious person.)

● Creative, innovative, and flexible ● Caring, sensitive, sociable

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1c. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT

Salary Basis (from the Call Agreement Workbook, equal to Cash Salary plus Value of Parsonage/Housing Allowance): Negotiable

Benefits (choose one): Salary plus Benefits

● Salary includes Optional Benefits--negotiable ● No Benefits

What is the expected living situation for your next minister (e.g. parsonage, living nearby with a housing allowance, living elsewhere to commute as needed)?

● Negotiable

Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister. ● Pastor should live within a 30-45 minute commuting radius

State any incentives (e.g. school debt reduction or retention bonus after a certain number of years in position):

● N/A

Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference:

● Enrichment seminars, SONKA conferences

If applicable, describe how your church will adopt part-time adjustments in the pastoral schedule to support a minister’s bi-vocational employment:

● Flexibility when it comes to non-Sunday Service scheduling (e.g. office hours, visitation, religious education)

1d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?

Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve.

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Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls.

● Reaching beyond our walls is essential to the growth of the church and to what we are hoping for in our next minister

Specify language requirements or culturally-specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation’s sense of calling.

● As we are an Open and Affirming congregation in a town with a growing LGBTIA+ presence, being culturally sensitive to LGBTIA+ issues is important.

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.

● Exhibiting a spiritual foundation and ongoing spiritual practice ● Nurturing UCC identity

● Working together for justice and mercy

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2. WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME?

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37 NRSV)

Who is God calling you to become as a congregation?

● God is calling St. Paul’s to become a more active, engaged part of our revitalized community, making ourselves known as a people looking to build the beloved community.

Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation.

For example, describe two experiments your congregation has initiated or engaged in the past year, what were the results and where do you see your next steps? Has your church had a multi-year strategic plan or vision statement; if so, where do you see that plan/vision taking you?

● God is calling us to create a strategic plan for outreach to our community, factoring in St. Paul’s limitations when it comes to the aging of our

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3. WHO ARE WE NOW?

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NRSV)

a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS

b. 11-YEAR REPORT

c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS

d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING

e. CHURCH FINANCES

f. HISTORICAL INFORMATION

3a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS

Describe your congregation’s life of faith.

For example, what beliefs and commitments are stated in your congregation’s purpose statement or membership vows? How is God most often described in worship liturgy? In what ways would you describe the Holy Spirit in your midst? ● We, the members of St. Paul’s UCC of Middletown, Ohio, believe that all people

are created in God’s image and thus are loved and blessed equally by God. We seek God’s will for today through an inner spiritual journey and an outer journey of engagement in community life. Our faith leads us to welcome all persons, including those of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances, into the full life and ministries of this church. We welcome and encourage all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation.

● Our service tends to use more traditional language with traditional responses and prayers (ie Lord’s Prayer), but we are open to discussion on this matter. Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation.

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Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers.

For example, where does worship take place, and what is it based around? What was a recent baptism like? What are some words used to describe good

preaching?

● St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Middletown, OH is eager to welcome a pastor to lead and journey with us as we follow the Still-speaking God. Located in an urban setting, this historic church, founded in 1876, is one that is Open and Affirming. We tend to have a traditional service but have, in the past, also included praise music. (That member moved, so we do not have that now). Our congregation looks forward to partnering with a pastor who will support our commitment to our local and global missions and communities, nurture our ever-evolving faith, and challenge us to grow both spiritually and in

membership.

Words used to describe good preaching: ● Up to date and relevant to daily life ● Engaging

● Educational and inspirational ● Biblical

● Concise

● Relatable communicator with all ages

Describe the educational program/faith formation vision of your church.

For example, how are young people in leadership? How do people continue to form their faith over a lifetime? Name a topic studied or curriculum used recently; what was the impact of this study on those who attended?

● Adult Sunday school class recently viewed and discussed the DVD The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle. Adam Hamilton’s DVD The Walk—Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life and Hamilton’s DVD The Way—Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus and Adam Hamilton’s books 24 Hours That Changed the World, John, The Call, and Moses were also discussed.

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Describe how your congregation is organized for ministry and mission.

For example, how are decisions communicated in your church? How are teams or committees organized? Where does your church struggle for vision? When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished?

● Church council meets once a month for about 2 ½ hours. Committees meet as needed.

● We held an emergency meeting, following our bylaws, when there was a

building maintenance problem and when there was a need for cleaning supplies to help a church in WV flooding.

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/No] Yes

3b. 11-YEAR REPORT

(add here the 11-Year Report developed with the help of your conference staff, UCC Data Hub, and MissionInsite)

3c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS

____

Describe those who participate in your church.

Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Number of active members: 31

Number of active non-members: 74 Total of church participants (sum of

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Percentage of total participants who have been in the church:

Is this number an estimate? (check if yes)

More than 10 years: 87%

Less than 10, more than 5 years: 7%

Less than 5 years: 7%

Number of total participants by age:

0-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

Are these numbers an estimate? (check

if yes)

7% 3% 43% 47%

Percentage of adults in various household types:

Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Single adults under 35:

Households with minors: Single adults age 35-65:

Joint households with no minors: 70% Single adults over 65: 30%

Education level of adult participants by percentage:

Is this number an estimate? (check if yes)

High school: 37%

College: 33%

Graduate School: 27%

Specialty Training: 17%

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Percentage of adults in various employment types:

Is this number an estimate? (check if yes) Adults who are employed: 17%

Adults who are retired: 83% Adults who are not fully employed:

Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation:

● School principal, teacher, auto parts, lawyer, engineer, administrator, insurance agency owner

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?

● We are accepting to all. We are mostly a white congregation, but we do have a couple black and mixed members. One of our pulpit supply ministers is African-American and 8-10 of his followers/parishioners attend when he speaks.

Has your congregation recently had a conversation about welcoming diversity, or do you plan to hold one in the near future (perhaps using, for example, the Welcoming Diversity Inventory)? Please note the date. Comment after the exercise:

● We had this conversation @ 2010 when we became Open and Affirming.

3d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING

Complete the following chart. Please leave blank any fields that are not applicable to your congregation.

Ways Ways of Gathering Estimated

number of people involved

Who plans each of the listed

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in attendance pastors, musicians, other staff)

Adult Groups or Classes

( Baptisms ( number last year)

Child Children's Groups or Classes Presently 1

Christ Christmas Eve and Easter Worship Minister and worship team

Churc Church-wide Meals @40 Fellowship team

Choir Choirs and Music Groups Choir director and pianist

Church-based Bible Study @10 minister

ComCCommunion(served how often?) @35 1st Sunday of the month, worship team CCommunity Meals

ConfirConfirmation (number confirmed last year) 1

Dram Drama or Dance Program N.A.

Funer Funerals (number last year) 4

Interg Intergenerational Groups N.A.

OutdoOutdoor Worship N.A.

Prayer or Meditation Groups

PublicPublic Advocacy Work 10-12 Minister, service and fellowship teams

Retreats

Theology or Bible Programs in the Community N.A.

WeddiWeddings (number last year) 0

Worship (time slot: _______) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Sunday WorshWorship (time slot: _______)

Young Adult Groups or Classes N.A.

Youth Youth Groups or Classes N.A.

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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-Three-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a ministry beyond a congregation).

Name Three- or

Four-Way Covenant? (3 or 4 or No)

Ministry Setting Type of Ministry Role

Retired? (Y or N)

N.A.

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: N/A

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

Length of Tenure for current person in this position Office person 10-12 hours/week Minister & church Council 5 years

Choir director 6-7 hours/week 23 years

pianist 2 hours/week

plus practicing 9 years

REFLECTION

Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s overall ministry?

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3e. CHURCH FINANCES

Current annual income (dollars used during most recent fiscal year)

Source Amount

Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $54,900.00

Endowment Proceeds (as permitted within spending policy, such as a

cap of typically 4.5%-5% on total return) $89,184.00 Endowment Draw (beyond what is permitted by spending policy,

“drawing down the principal”) $

Fundraising Events $100.00

Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $

Grants $

Rentals of Church Building woodcarvers group $ 750/year

Rentals of Church Parsonage $

Support from Related Organizations

(e.g. Women’s Group) $

Transfers from Special Accounts $

Other (specify): $

Other (specify): $

TOTAL $144,934.00

Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for most recent fiscal year): $124,177.00 Attach most recent church budget, spending plan, operating statement, or annual

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Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage? 24.15%

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)--Yes

_x_ Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM – Basic Support) _x_ One Great Hour of Sharing

_x_ Strengthen the Church _x_ Neighbors in Need _x_ Christmas Fund

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are financially stable and support 5-for-5 and other mission projects as needed and as we are able.

What is the church’s current indebtedness? N.A. Total amount of loan debt:

Reason for debt:

Are capital and other payments current?

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.

● May 2019 New Sound System for Sanctuary $4980.40 ● July 2019 Replacement of Air Conditioner Units $13,980.00 ● February 2020 Chapel Restoration $3433.20

If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, describe:

Year(s) Purpose Goal Result Impact

2016 Double pane windows

for Friendship Hall $10,000 $5,100 Cost savings

$ $

If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe: N/A

Year(s)

Purpose Goal Result Impact

$ $

$ $

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Does your church have an endowment? Yes

What is the market value of the assets? $1.800,000.00

Are funds drawn as needed, regularly, or under certain circumstances? Regularly What is the percentage rate of draw (last year, compared to 5 years ago)? 4.12% Describe draw on endowment, if any, to meet operating budget expenses for the most recent year and the past five years:

● We receive a monthly amount to cover monthly expenses in the last 5 years. We have had a decrease in membership.

At the current rate of draw, how long might the endowment last? 25-30 yrs Please comment on the above calculations or estimates:

Other Assets n/a

Reserves (savings): $

Investments (other than endowment): $ Does your church have a parsonage? No

Fair market rental value of the parsonage: N/A How is the parsonage used?

Street / City / State / Zip: Finished square footage:

Number of Bedrooms, Number of Bathrooms: Assessed real estate value:

Available for minister residence: Y/N Expected minister residence: Y/N

Condition of structure, systems and appliances

Entity in the church responsible for review and needed repairs Describe all buildings owned by the church: Church

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Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? (worship space, pulpit, fellowship space, facilities, etc.)

● Sanctuary is on the second floor, but we have a lift. There are three steps to the pulpit. Fellowship and office space and bathrooms are accessible. Reflection: After reviewing the church’s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s mission and ministry?

For example, when was a time the church made a major budget change? How is the budgeting process done? What new ministry initiative has your church financed?

● We are financially stable and support 5-for-5 and other mission

projects as needed.

3f. 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.

● The most important event was the retirement of our minister who had been with us for twenty years.

● Significant happening would be becoming Open and Affirming.

Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past. ● Becoming Open and Affirming

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.

For example, what is an example of a recent conflict and something your congregation learned from it? Describe an occasion when your church

experienced conflict without being able to resolve it well. Does your church have policies, protocols or structures for dealing with conflict?)

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Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years)

Staff member’s name Years of service UCC Standing (Y/N)

Rev. Sheresa Simpson-Rice 2015-2019 Yes

Rev. Susan Jones-Thompson 1992-2012 Yes

Rev. Roy Lausman 1985-1990 Yes

Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:

● We have been exposed to different styles of ministry and sermon delivery

through pulpit supply and interim ministers and have become more accepting of a wider scope of topics

Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? Y/N/Ask us No

Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation? Y/N/Ask us No

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4. WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR?

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NRSV)

a. COMMUNITY VISION

b. MISSION InSite

4a. COMMUNITY VISION

How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy?

For example, which service activities has your church participated in this past year? Where has the church participated in global connections of care and justice? What is currently transformational in your church’s engagement with neighbors near or far?

● SHALOM (serving homeless); Rosa Parks (provided shirts for neighborhood school); planted trees for Trillion Trees Campaign; held a pet blessing;

provided food for a small neighborhood church serving poor and homeless; we have a small in-church food pantry; we send financial support monthly to an orphan in Darjeeling; we open our church for ticket sales and refreshments biennially for the historic Candlelight Tour of Homes; a small mostly African-American Church uses our chapel for Sunday afternoon worship free of charge

Describe your congregation’s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting).

● We have hosted SONKA meetings. Past minister was an officer.

Many local churches love to tell the story of what they are doing in the community to transform lives. Some have identified certain aspects of their witness into the wider community using language shared with other UCC congregations. (Find more

information as desired at ucc.org.) Check any statements below that apply to your UCC faith community.

__ Accessible to All (A2A) __ Creation Justice

__ Economic Justice __ Faithful and Welcoming

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_X_X Global Mission Church _X_ X Open and Affirming (ONA) __ WISE Congregation for Mental Health

__ Other UCC designations:

__ Designations from other 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?

● We are appreciated and well-received

Describe your congregation’s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional).

● We have held combined services with neighboring Methodist and Baptist churches and with a small African-American church that uses our building on Sunday afternoons. We have hosted a Jewish pastor. We have attended ALICE training at a neighboring Lutheran church. We have hosted learning sessions on persons that have previously been incarcerated and on people that identify as transgender.

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.

● When a need arises, the congregation will help with needs—food, materials, and financially. We provide dinner and breakfast when the homeless spend a week at a neighboring church.

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? ● Negotiable

4b. MISSION InSite

Comment on your congregation’s MissionInsite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown?

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Although we are a predominantly white congregation with financial assets, we work with and support our neighborhood projects and ministry.

How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not? ● Not

What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for?

● Being Open and Affirming

What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved? ● ONA

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5. REFERENCES

Name up to three people who have agreed to serve as phone and written references. Advise the three references: “The contact information you provide may be shared

publicly. Please use contact information that you feel comfortable giving to candidates so they can reach you with their questions.”

Make sure they are not members of your church but are persons who know your church well enough to be helpful to candidates seeking more information. Request a letter from each reference in answer to the four prompts below. Attach the letters (up to three) as desired.

REFERENCE 1

Name / Position / Setting Rev. John Dick Telephone 989-430-6539

Email johndck4@gmail.com

Relationship to the Congregation former interim pastor Rev. John Dick

REFERENCE 2

Name / Position / Setting Pastor Robert Walker Telephone 937-278-2692 ext 212 or 937-529-1552 Email rwalker@maria-joseph.net

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December 6, 2019 Dear Friends,

I take pleasure in writing this note of affirmation on behalf of St Paul's UCC in Middletown. I have known this church for 35 years, first as a pastor serving another congregation in the community and then as an interim pastor.

First, my perspective on the church while serving a sister congregation... St. Paul's has always had a passion for serving beyond themselves within the life of the greater community. There were many ways in which our churches collaborated for the wider good of Middletown and St. Paul's was usually part of that collaboration. Then when serving as their interim, I discovered the same zeal for looking beyond their own walls. I see this without question as one of the church's strengths although because they are now an aging congregation, the energy is not the same. But the desire is there and when opportunities are presented in ways that are appropriate, their hearts definitely call them to respond.

Another strength of St. Paul's is their relational commitment. This is a friendly and caring church and one that accepts all people. Of course, their ties to one another go way back because many of the members have been part of this church community for much of their adult lives. They are in the finest sense a family of faith.

A third strength might also be considered a bit of a liability. These wonderful people are committed to being a downtown or an inner-city church. At least this was their sentiment when I was serving there about 5 years ago. The reality is, however, that they do not really have the energy to do a lot to reach out to their neighborhood. And this brings me to one of their challenges. St. Paul's ministry unfolds in one of

Middletown's most challenging areas. There is a lot of poverty bringing the challenges that always accompany the realities of poverty. One area of improvement for St. Paul's definitely rests with the congregation's ability to meet the needs of the folks by whom they are surrounded.

Another area for improvement relates to enhancing their ability to look and think realistically and hopefully about their future. This church needs a leader who can help them explore the many alternatives to ministry with which they are confronted. How can the church best use its resources to strengthen the Kingdom of God in their midst? Where is God calling them to serve and how do they get to that place?

During my nine-month tenure as interim, I quickly learned that this is a loving

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Without a doubt, this small family-based congregation has its share of challenges as do most of our churches today. But their story is not complete and they are eager to write their next chapter. Their new pastor must be someone who can wrap his or her arms around them, love them, and gently lead them into their future.

Rev. John Dick

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Pastor Robert Walker

Love Unlimited House Of Prayer

205 N. Williams St. Dayton Ohio 45402 937-529-1552

Letter of Reference for St. Paul's United church of Christ

St. Paul's UCC has a unique membership as it relates to todays churches. This Church has been faced with the challenge of loosing their Pastor and trying to keep things in order in from week to week. I have personally seen this ministry keep things in order and carry on with business as usual. This act displayed to me that they are a mature group of Christ followers. The membership continued to remain steady and solid. To me this is what a Pastor would love to have in his or her church, a group that follows God first. The church is beautiful and very well maintained. St. Paul's has some of the friendliest members I have ever met in my life, they always make me feel special and loved on every visit.

The only area of improvement that would benefit the church would come by way of outreach. Develop and create an outreach team to go out into the community and neighborhood and evangelize to save more souls.

The greatest experience I had with this church was after their pastor resigned. I was asked to fill in for several weeks to minister. During this time I was able to get to know the members on a personal level, and they were able to get to know me better. They showed me much love, kindness and gratitude. During my visit some of my church members started to come and they enjoyed the fellowship as well and commented on how special and kind this church was. I prayed that some of this hospitality would rub off on some of my members. Not only did my members see the hospitality, they also saw what an organized church looks like.

I truly love this church and the members who attend. They have been a blessing to me and to my family. I'm always excited when asked to minster at St. Paul's Church for it's a great place with great people,

Please feel free to call or email with any questions on this reference letter

God Bless

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6. CLOSING THOUGHTS

a. CLOSING PRAYER

b. STATEMENT OF CONSENT

c. CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION VALIDATION

6a. CLOSING PRAYER/THOUGHTS

We are excited and prayerful to select the new pastor for our church. We are a church steeped in history, both people and our beautiful church building, but we are also a church of extravagant welcome of ALL people

.

Our church leadership wishes to work collaboratively

with the new pastor to move the church in a positive and

spirit-centered direction. We are looking for a pastor who is passionate with new ideas and energy for our church growth and expansion of mission, outreach, and ministry opportunities. Our leadership team is committed to partner with the Pastor to bring the church members together to help cultivate a community that is actively engaged in the development and achievement of the church's initiatives. We truly believe the Lord is not done with St. Paul's United Church of Christ, and we are always listening to the still speaking God and His plans for our church.

Our church leadership currently functions under a council model. We have Co-Moderators who lead council meetings, interact with church employees and the congregation, and sign any financial paperwork. The council also includes: Secretary, Treasurer, Property Steward, and Financial Advisor. The leaders who coordinate the Worship,

Service, and Fellowship teams also serve on the Church Council. The pastor is also a regular attendee of the council meetings unless the council is in executive session. The council meets once a month. The team coordinators can meet as often as needed with their respective teams.

We also engage the congregation in participating in many parts of the worship service. Members serve as lay readers, ushers, greeters, some help with communion, and some open and close the church. We have members who serve in paid positions: Choir Director and Pianist. Occasionally our members might perform special music for holidays or summer services. Our services are definitely a collaborative effort.

Our membership is made up of people from all corners of our region and from all walks of life. Our new pastor should fully commit to relate and respond to

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6b. 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 ministers 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? (for example, church council or consistory, transition team, etc.)

All members were asked to contribute thoughts and suggestions and to complete a survey.

2. Additional comments for interpreting the profile:

● Church council, the church office manager and interim minister gathered and compiled all the information.

Signed:

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6c. VALIDATION BY CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION

The congregation is currently in good standing with the association / conference named. Staff Comment:

To the best of my knowledge, ministerial history information is complete. Staff Comment:

To the best of my knowledge, available church financial information is presented thoroughly.

Staff Comment:

My signature below attests to the above three items. Signature:

Name / Title: Email: Phone: Date:

This document is created through support to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) and is only possible through the covenantal relationships of all settings of the United Church of Christ.

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