Drama or Dance Program The Madrigal (every other year): 50 performers & crew, 300-350 audience members Director of Music & Arts with an ad hoc volunteer team Funerals (number last year) 10 Pastors and Volunteer Funeral Director Intergenerational Groups/Family Camp 100 (family camp) Director of Youth & Adult Ministry with ad hoc volunteer team Outdoor Worship Noted in Family Camp At Family Camp, led by ad hoc group of staff and volunteers Prayer or Meditation Groups 90 Director of Music & Arts (Taize Services); Minister of Pastoral Care, lay volunteers (Taize, contemplative prayer group, prayer shawl ministry) Public Advocacy Work 75 Pastors, Chair of Justice & Peace Team, Volunteer Leaders Adult Retreats None in 2016 Theology or Bible Programs in the Community 500 JWW Lecture team and Director of Youth & Adult Ministry Weddings (number last year) 1 in 2016, but 3-6 most years Pastors and Volunteer Wedding Coordinator Worship (time slot: 8:30am) 136 (average) Worship (time slot: 11:00am) 261 (average) Young Adult Groups or Classes 10 Lay leaders and Director of Youth & Adult Ministry Youth Groups or Classes 65 Director of Youth & Adult Ministry with 10 lay leaders Mystery (Christmas Pageant) 300 Director of Music & Arts, ad hoc Mystery team OWL Participants (included in the numbers above) Every other year: Grades K-1 30, gr 5-6 15, gr 8-9 15, Young Adults 5 Director of Youth & Adult Ministry and OWL Facilitators, lay volunteers Usher Groups 50 Director of Music & Arts
& Adult Ministry Music & Arts Director of Children & Family Ministry Part Time Director of Music & Arts 8 Years Communications Coordinator Full Lead Minister 3.5 Years Custodian Full Director of Financial Ministry 10 Years Custodian Part Time Director of Financial Ministry 2 Years Sunday Sextons (2) Part Time Director of Music and Arts Various Nursery Attendants (5) Part Time Director of Youth and Adult Ministry Various Organist (Open) Part Time Director of Music and Arts Open Congregational Nurse Volunteer Minister for Pastoral Care 8 Years REFLECTION Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s overall ministry? We are a well-educated, intellectual, and highly skilled congregation. While our membership numbers haven't changed much, our attendance has grown dramatically. We're very white; we are mostly older, although we have a growing number of very active young families. We have gay and lesbian participants (single and couples), as well as a growing transgender and gender-nonconforming population. While we have a number of people who grew up in the UCC, many of our members call themselves “recovering Catholics” or “post-Evangelicals.” For every stereotype of our congregation (liberal, well-paid professional, retired college professor), we can immediately name a life member of the NRA (recent Moderator) or an adult on Social Security disability (Chair of Children's & Family Ministry Team). It reflects on the beauty of this congregation that members who self-identify as fiscal conservatives know that in this progressive community they’re loved. We recognize that, especially today, there’s power in loving each other for our differences. Learning to do that well within our church better equips us to demonstrate that love outside our walls, as well. We value journeying together and listening to each other’s stories as we find places where we can bring light into the world.
My troubles are but pebbles on the road; My joys are like the everlasting hills. So it is when I step through the gate of prayer From time into eternity. When I am in the consciousness of God, My fellowmen are not far off and forgotten, But close and strangely dear. Those whom I love have a mystic value; They shine as if a light were glowing within them. Even those who frown upon me and love me not, Seem part of the great theme of good. So it is when my soul steps through the postern gate Into the presence of God. Big Things become small, and small things become great. The near becomes far, and the future is near. The lowly and despised is shot through with glory. God is the substance of all revolution; When I am in Him, I am in the Kingdom of God And the fatherland of my soul. 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 a 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. 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.) The Lead Minister Search Committee put together the contents of