1. Art and Diseño

EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH
JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
2014
Joint Needs Assessment Committee, 2014
Rob Gilhooly, Chair
John Taylor, Secretary
Tom Allin, Presbytery Representative
Robin Wilkie, Presbytery Representative
Pam Byers
Dianne Lethbridge
Donna Lowden
Dorothy Ronnenberg
Darlene Smith
Lindy Stewardson
Dave Winstanley
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
4
2. Community and Resources Description
6
i) The Surrounding Community of Hamilton
ii) The Ministry of Emmanuel United Church
iii) Our Church Family
iv) Resources
3. Ministry Personnel Description
i)
18
Position Description
ii) Skills Profile for Minister
iii) Terms of the Position
4. Recommendations
22
5. Appendices
23
i) Behavioural Covenant
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1. Introduction
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do
not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By
faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's
command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible
(Hebrews 11:1-3 RSV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For whoever would draw
near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who
seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6 RSV)
Note how those verses indicate that faith begins with hope. Faith
commences with "things hoped for," that is, it starts with a sense of
discontent. You can never have much faith unless you are dissatisfied
with the way you are now, and are longing for something better. That is
its first note. If you do not feel dissatisfied with the way you are, it will be
impossible for you to exercise any faith. That is why, all through the Bible,
the great enemy of faith is a complacent spirit, an attitude of selfsatisfaction with the status quo. But if you are dissatisfied, if you are
looking for something better, if you are not content to be merely a
cultured animal living out a life of eating, sleeping, and amusing yourself,
and eventually dying, then you are in a position to exercise faith.
Excerpt from “What is Faith”
Author Ray C. Stedman
RayStedman.org
In 2006, Emmanuel found itself here, questioning whether we have
become complacent in our faith journey. With this simple question we
embarked on a journey to explore ourselves and our faith. We did this
though an Intentional Interim Ministry, which began us on a journey to
continually seek our faith.
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Again we find ourselves at a crossroads and again we asks ourselves this
simple question; Are we complacent in our journey or is there more for us
to learn?
After an initial review of the surveys received, we (the JNAC committee)
felt as if we had not journeyed during Rev. Sandra’s time with us. Rev.
Sandra was our called Minister for 5 years, who has now retired from
Ministry leaving us with this current vacancy. Conversely; as we began to
put together the final report we referenced back to the previous JNAC
to see if there were matters that changed or needed to be changed.
Questions were posed and we found ourselves revisiting the surveys. In
our revisit we found ourselves discovering that we have actually
travelled down the path during Rev. Sandra’s leadership. The distance
doesn’t seem far, but on a path that is unknown to us and in fact we
don’t even know where it is, or how we travel on it, or even what we will
find when we get there, brings us back to the lessons learned under our
Intentional Intern Ministry with Rev. Helen. What Rev. Helen showed us
was that it’s not the destination that we should seek but the journey itself.
So, in the following pages please discover if you are the next spiritual
leader to help Emmanuel on the next leg of its journey of Faith, and if
you believe you are, then, please let yourself be known.
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2. Community and Resources Description
i)
The Surrounding Community of Hamilton
Hamilton is a port city located at the head of Lake Ontario, between
Niagara Falls and Toronto known as the Golden Horseshoe. According to
the 2011 census, Hamilton’s population is 519,549 making it the tenth
largest city in Canada. Demonstrating the city’s diversity, according to
the 2006 census (not on the 2011 short form census) 20% of the
metropolitan area population of Hamilton is foreign-born. This makes
Hamilton the Canadian city with the third highest proportion of foreignborn citizens after Toronto (49%) and Vancouver (39%).
Hamilton’s climate is humid-continental, characterized by changeable
weather patterns. However, its climate is moderate compared with most
of Canada.
Hamilton Harbour was discovered by explorer Robert Cavalier De La
Salle in 1669. The city was founded in 1816 and named after George
Hamilton, a settler. Hamilton’s proximity to both natural resources and
retail market, and the accessibility of various modes of transportation,
has helped make Hamilton a main industrial centre for Canada. In 2000,
Hamilton and five surrounding municipalities, Ancaster, Dundas,
Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek, merged to form a new
amalgamated City of Hamilton.
Hamilton is a community of vibrant neighbourhoods, each with a distinct
character. Westdale, Ancaster and Dundas offer culturally rich and
exciting areas for dining, visiting galleries, and shopping. In downtown
Hamilton, James Street North is a bustling engine of artistic energy with
new galleries and emerging artists making their homes here. Locke Street
is a place for antiques, collectibles and cafes, while Hess Village, with its
cobbled streets, upscale dining and funky club scene swings till the wee
hours. The waterfront district has become a Mecca for hikers, boarders
and water sport enthusiasts. In the East end, there is a cornucopia of
ethnic cultures, whose food stores and shops, like the bargain-priced
fabric emporiums on Ottawa Street, are a buyer’s delight.
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The city’s wealth of heritage is authentically preserved and displayed in
museums including Dundurn Castle, and the Canadian Warplane
Heritage Museum. The newly renovated Art Gallery of Hamilton and
vibrant performing arts companies like the Hamilton Philharmonic
Orchestra and Theatre Aquarius quench the cultural thirst of audiences.
And partly because of its diverse environment, numerous TV and film
productions have been filmed in Hamilton. The Bruce Trail and other
footpaths weave through the city’s lush surroundings and along the
waterfront, showcasing wildlife and 125 waterfalls.
Hamilton citizens are fortunate to have a great healthcare system with
teaching hospitals and clinics linked to the Faculty of Health Sciences at
McMaster University. Each hospital provides a particular specialty. The
city has six hospitals and a cancer centre which offer a broad range of
acute and specialized services.
Hamilton is home to several post-secondary institutions that have
created numerous direct and indirect jobs in education and research,
McMaster University, Brock University (satellite campus) primarily for
teacher education, Mohawk College of applied arts and technology,
McMaster Divinity College (a Christian seminary), Columbia International
College, (Canada’s largest boarding high school) and Redeemer
University College, (a private Christian liberal arts and science university).
Public education for students from kindergarten through high school is
administered by three school boards, the Hamilton-Wentworth District
School Board, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
and the Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest. As well as a
number of private Christian schools both elementary and high school,
there is also Hillfield Strathallan College a Canadian private, coeducational day school divided into 4 unique schools – Montessori,
Junior, Middle, and Senior School. Rounding these out with the Dundas
Valley School of Art (an independent art school) which has serviced the
Hamilton region since 1964, students range in age from 4 years old to
senior citizens. In 1998, a new full time diploma programme was
launched as a joint venture with McMaster University. The faculty and
staff are highly regarded regional artists and The Hamilton Conservatory
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for the Arts home to many of the area's talented young actors, dancers,
musicians, singers and visual artists.
Hamilton is also home to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Sports
action occurs at the new Tim Horton Field in Hamilton’s east end, being
built as part of the 2015 Pan American Games and home to the city’s
CFL franchise, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. FirstOntario Centre previously
Copps Coliseum is home to the American Hockey League’s Hamilton
Bulldogs, and has held events from the World Junior Hockey
Championships to Rush concerts over the years.
And circling the cosmopolitan pleasures of the city are some of the best
urban pleasures to be had in Ontario – the splendour of Canada’s most
important gardens, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the famous Bruce Trail,
and an abundance of conservation area, water parks and walking
paths. Overlooking the waters of Lake Ontario, and extending up over
the protective circle of the Niagara Escarpment, this is a city whose
proximity to Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula makes it an ideal
destination for those who want to get close to the heart of the real
Ontario.
The city is easily accessible via plane, train and automobile. Through the
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, WestJet Airlines connect
Hamilton to Calgary Alberta twice daily, and as well as Air Transat and
Sunwing to destinations in the Caribbean during the winter months.
Amtrak and VIA Rail both reach the nearby Aldershot Station.
The commuter GO runs in and out of Hamilton daily by train and/or bus.
Hamilton is also conveniently accessible via the QEW, 403 and 407
Highways.
Members of our church family mainly live in the East Mountain area
surrounding the church. Members also come from across both the city’s
core and mountain neighbourhoods, as well as surrounding communities
of Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Mount Hope, Binbrook, Burlington,
and Flamborough.
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Additional information on the city, schools, employment, travel, etc. is
available at
www.myhamilton.ca/
www.rbg.ca
www.ticats.ca/
www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/
www.hhsc.ca/
www.mcmaster.ca/
www.mohawkcollege.ca/
www.hwdsb.on.ca/
http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/
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ii)
The Ministry of Emmanuel United Church
We look into the future prayerfully seeking guidance from God, and
direction from a new minister whom we foresee as a loving, caring,
pastoral, spiritual leader, and capable preacher, who can guide us
into the future wherever that may lead us.
In recognition of the fact that a substantial amount of subsidized
housing exists in our immediate vicinity, we need direction and
encouragement to go out and ascertain the needs which may exist.
Also there is some transitioning occurring with the influx of younger
families.
We would like to ensure that youth are an important part of our
existence, we require support for our existing Sunday school staff, and
youth programme and need direction to encourage youth to want
to join us at Emmanuel United Church. (We support a thriving Scout
and Guide program).
We have been accustomed to a traditional style of worship. At the
present time we enjoy some innovation, and we are, as shown in a
recent survey, open to exploring different styles.
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iii)
Our Church Family
Emmanuel United Church is the newest congregation in Hamilton
Presbytery, established on the east mountain in 1963. We started in a
neighbourhood school with over 130 founding members in the midst
of a housing boom of single family homes which attracted many
young families looking for a church home in their community. By 1965
we were ready to build our own church building for worship and midweek activities.
Over the years we have been served by eight order of ministry
personnel, each of them providing a distinctly different type of
ministry. Along the way there have been high and low periods. From
the beginning we have had a strong music program currently under
the direction of a Choir director/Organist with 23+ year’s tenure.
Emmanuel is a community church. Half of our members continue to
reside within 2 km of our building. Another one-third have moved
throughout the city. A few come from a considerable distance. Many
refer to Emmanuel as a second home, and its people as a second
family. In recent years we have experienced some growth in our
membership.
Our people are theologically diverse.
We are largely a group of active seniors, delighted to be enlivened
by the few youth amongst us. In our midst there are some multigenerational families and many widows. Like many mainstream
churches we are sadly lacking in younger adults and youth. At
present we have 155 households under pastoral care, with 114
envelope holders with 16 using PAR.
Emmanuel has a strong core of talented, dedicated, faithful workers,
some of whom are original charter members. Others who have been
welcomed more recently make a vital contribution to the life and
work of the congregation. This work includes:
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* Faith and Worship Committee
* Pastoral Care Team
* Property Committee
* Outreach and Social Action committee
* Finance Committee
* Ministry and Personnel Committee
* Fellowship Committee
* Trustees
* Church Council
* Archivist
* We also enjoy fellowship in the Men's Club, the choir, the seniors’
Friendship Club, bridge and badminton clubs, and the morning
walkers.
As a church family we work together on major fund-raising and
outreach projects such as a roast beef dinner, pancake breakfast,
Christmas bazaar, Wesley Urban Ministries Dinner, Christmas Store,
Case for Kids, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and
Neighbour to Neighbour. Over the years we have enjoyed good
relations with and shared services and facilities with neighbouring
congregations, specifically Burkholder and Barton Stone United.
Due to financial considerations the original building consisted of the
Sanctuary and limited additional facilities. In the mid 1990's, we
decided to fulfil the original plan to put on an extension consisting of
a gym/fellowship hall and improved classroom, kitchen and meeting
spaces. This addition has been well received and has provided a
place for a great many church and community events.
Soon after the turn of the century Emmanuel's church attendance
and financial support began to decline, leading to considerable
tension and concern. When the Joint Needs Assessment Committee
surveyed the congregation in 2007, their findings led them to
conclude that certain factors necessitated that we not declare a
vacancy. Instead, we requested an Intentional Interim Minister to
help us work through the problems that had been identified.
Our church policy is to welcome same sex couples and while we are
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not an affirming congregation we are open.
Additional information available at: http://www.emmanueluc.com.
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iv)
Resources at Emmanuel United Church
Resource Profile
Financial Receipts
In the 2013 church fiscal year, the following revenues were received
by Emmanuel:
PAR, Envelopes, Special and Loose
United Church Women, Men’s Club
and Bazaar
Other
Total
$168,153
$13,500
$15,960
$197,613
Financial Expenditures
In the 2013 church fiscal year, Emmanuel disbursements were as
follows:
Property Committee
Faith and Worship
Fellowship and Special Events
Outreach and Social Action
Pastoral Care Committee
Personnel Committee
Finance Committee
Mission and Service
Debt Reduction
Goods and Service Tax (net)
Total
$11,869
$1,388
$0
$400
$1310
$120,830
$22,743
$16,085
$11,223
$1,730
$187,578
*
* Self-Sustaining Committee
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Property Resources
Emmanuel was built in 1965. The main floor of the building houses the
sanctuary, nursery, narthex, air conditioned offices, and library;
upstairs, there is an upper room with a small kitchen, the choir room
and a small meeting room. A 1998 addition saw the original size
approximately double; with the addition of a lift, all areas became
accessible. We also have a large parking lot at the rear of the
building
The addition contains an air conditioned Fellowship Hall, complete
with basketball hoops and a badminton net, a large commercialgrade kitchen, several washrooms, storage rooms, a Youth room,
Sunday School Room, and the Fireside Room (a comfortable
meeting room with a cozy fireplace, with access to the kitchen). The
Fellowship Hall is widely used by outside groups.
The Sanctuary has a main centre aisle and two side aisles; it seats
250. The focal point of the chancel is a large cross; many colourful
memorial stained glass windows line both side aisles. The raised
chancel is equipped with a pulpit, an organ, and rear facing choir
pews, baptismal font, communion table, a piano, a lectern, and a
sound system. Complete sets of Voices United, More Voices and
Bibles (NSRV) are in the pews.
The congregation remains committed to keeping the property well
maintained and up to date. Recent examples of this are extensive
organ maintenance, a large pull-down screen in the Fellowship Hall
and the creation of a beautiful Memorial Meditation Garden.
Because the average age of our congregation is going up, we are
currently working on equipping the sanctuary with improved lighting
and making significant improvements to the audio system. We are
also raising funds and making preparations for the addition of
projectors and screens in the sanctuary. We continually try to find
ways to be more “green” (using LED lighting where we can,
changing to low flow toilets and trying to recycle effectively). Also a
wish of many is to add solar panels to our large roof.
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Human Resources
Currently we have one full-time Minister, one Office Manager (20
hours / week), one contractual Organist and Choir Director, and one
contractual Cleaning Service Firm.
Emmanuel United has a high level of commitment and involvement
from a large core group of volunteers. These volunteers give a
significant amount of time and effort to various leadership positions
and assist in a wide range of volunteer roles.
Office Manager
The Office Manager is an important part of the smooth
operation of Emmanuel United Church. This person assists the
minister and the congregation in church administration, and
responds to telephone enquiries and in-person greeting during office
hours. This person also takes care of all mail (electronic and
conventional), maintains office inventory, and assists church
committees and the minister with document / correspondence
preparation. Organizes Ushers, Greeters, Lay Readers, Sound Person
for Sunday service. Under the direction of the Property Committee,
the Office Manager processes requests for room bookings from
within the church and its various committees and groups, and from
the community.
Organist and Choir Director
In consultation with the Faith and Worship Committee and the
Minister, the Choir Director provides ministry of music to enhance
and support our regular and special worship services. The Choir
Director consults with the Minister in the selection, direction and
performance of music for various musical services (Sunday mornings,
weddings, funerals, etc.). The Choir Director organizes and delivers
two anthems per week and a minimum of at least one and not more
than three extended choral efforts for each calendar year i.e.
Christmas Eve, Christmas cantata, choral service, etc., assisted by
talented members of the congregation.
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Cleaning Service Firm
In conjunction with the Ministry and Personnel Committee and with
input from the Property Committee, the contracted cleaning firm is
responsible for cleaning, on a weekly basis, the interior of Emmanuel
United Church. The cleaning firm may also be contracted to perform
annual or semi-annual stripping and re-waxing of all uncarpeted
floors if required.
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3. Ministry Personnel Description
i)
Position Description
Sunday worship is a key part of congregational life at Emmanuel
United Church (EUC). We are seeking a minister who will help
connect us spiritually to God’s Word, and encourage and motivate
us to invoke it in our own daily lives. This person, working together with
other staff and volunteers, will need to be prepared, through
academic training, experience, and self-assurance in his/her own
relationship with God, to spiritually lead us as a congregation to
discern and fulfill God's will as we strive toward our vision and goals.
EUC is seeking a full-time, United Church ministry person. Ordained,
Diaconal or Designated Lay Minister
We have identified the minister’s responsibilities to be, but not limited
to:
1) Worship (approximately 40% (16 hours on average)
With the Faith and Worship Committee, plan the church year
calendar
Provide regular Sunday morning worship services
Conduct baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals
Consult regularly with the organist and choir director
2) Pastoral Care (40%) (16 hours on average)
Working with the Pastoral Care Team, provide pastoral care for
members
Develop relationships with congregational members
Provide support for bereaved families
Respond to crisis situations involving death, terminal illness, and
other types of distress
3) Christian Development (5%) (2 hours on average)
With the support of the Faith and Worship Committee, regularly
assess the changing faith and spiritual needs of the congregation
and recommend ways to meet these needs
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Participate in curriculum selection for the church school program
Participate in Christian education through Bible study, Confirmation
classes, etc.
Support the spiritual needs of the Scouting/Guiding groups.
Identify areas of need for healthy congregational development
Support individual gifts and talents and encourage their use
4) Outreach (5%) (2 hours on average)
Support the work of the Outreach Committee.
5) Meetings (5%) (2 hours on average)
Presbytery, Conference, Church Council
Attend other committee meetings as required
6) Administration and Other Duties as Required (5%) (2 Hours on
average)
Offer regular office hours
Approve church records and paperwork as required
Develop a congenial working relationship with the Office Manager.
Actively participate in and support the life work of the church.
ii) Skills Profile for Minister
Ministerial
Has strong biblical and theological knowledge and the ability to
relate this knowledge to present-day situations and individual
lives.
Is a strong spiritual leader who respects diverse opinions, who can
be supportive to help us deal more openly with disagreements or
conflicts, and who is able to state his/her own opinion.
Has strong spoken and written communication skills.
Has experience in providing pastoral care and counselling to
people at all stages of life, including crisis and grief support.
Has a creative and enthusiastic ability to attract children and
youth while ensuring that the established church community’s
needs are met.
Supports EUC’s Behavioural Covenant (see Appendix ii)
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Personal Attributes
Possesses a strong and sustaining personal faith
Is warm, compassionate, approachable and respectful
Has a good sense of humour
Is well-organized; able to manage and prioritize tasks
Is open-minded; patient, flexible
Has good mediation skills
Leads when necessary but able to work cooperatively with others.
Technological Skills
Is comfortable with and willing to use a computer and visual
projection techniques, whether in worship or in administration.
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Terms of the Position
This position is for one full-time United Church ordered minister. (40 hrs
/ wk.)
Salary is negotiable and will meet or exceed the 2015 United Church
of Canada Minimum Salary Schedule, up to and including Category
F.
-Housing allowance of $18,000 annually.
-Travel reimbursement of $0.42/km
-Office support of 20 hrs / wk.
-Continuing education and learning resources allowance of $1332
annually
-Vacation of one month (5 Sundays), with study leave of 3 weeks
annually
-Basic telephone service for a listed home telephone ($480 / year)
-Moving expenses at cost if necessary
All other conditions of the United Church Manual will apply.
A current satisfactory level 2 vulnerable person’s police records
check will be required
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Recommendations
That the congregation request Presbytery declare a vacancy for one
full-time Ministry position effective July 1st 2015.
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Appendix i
EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH - OUR BEHAVIOURAL COVENANT
“For where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:20
As God’s people, we care for ourselves, for each other and for God’s creation
by observing the following behavioural principles as we worship, interact and
work with each other at Emmanuel United Church. As we seek to create a
healthy church community, we promise to:
RESPECT each other
Assuming that each one of us wants the best for the church
Recognizing and honouring each person’s unique gifts, skills, and contributions of
time, talent, and/or ideas as they are offered
Treating each other with dignity, honesty and openness, honouring the diversity
and uniqueness of each individual, whether in agreement or disagreement
Observing boundaries of groups using our facilities, enabling the group to
function independently and without interruption in the space they are using
COMMUNICATE clearly with each other
Being as willing to listen, without interruption, as we are to speak
Accepting that conflicts and problems are inevitable and that we need to work
together to solve them
Taking ownership of our individual feelings and refraining from being critical or
blaming others
Speaking to the issue, from an “I” position, respectful in both language and tone
of voice
Openly giving people as much information as is possible
Addressing issues or concerns directly with the appropriate person or, in the case
of a community group using our building, the leadership of the group
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Refraining from gossip and offhand or intentional critical comments about a third
party in the presence of others
TRUST each other
Believing that people will honour their commitments in carrying out the life and
work of the church
Valuing the work and decisions of those whom we choose to serve as Church
Board or committee members
Trusting the leadership of groups using our church facilities to provide
appropriate limits for behaviour/discipline of persons in their care and to follow
regulations and expectations for the use of our building
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