St. Paul`s, Spryfield Needs Assessment

Joint Needs Assessment Report
2015
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St. Paul’s United Church
173 Old Sambro Road,
Halifax, NS B3R 2H6
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MISSION STATEMENT
St. Paul’s United Church is a welcoming, caring Christian community of faith
and love. As a congregation we strive to live God-inspired lives through
worship, spiritual growth, stewardship, and outreach.
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SPRYFIELD COMMUNITY PROFILE St. Paul’s United Church is located in Spryfield, a community which makes up part of Halifax Regional Municipality. Halifax, a city of 385 000 people, was founded in 1749 as a BriKsh garrison town. Today Halifax is home to six universiKes, a number of hospitals under the administraKve umbrella of the Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Centre, athleKc and cultural venues, parks and gardens, various levels of government, and a strong economy. A vibrant community, Spryfield is fiSeen to twenty minutes by car from the downtown core of Halifax. St. Paul’s is on the Metro Transit bus route with a stop in front of the church. This gives it ready access to the downtown core and to many surrounding communiKes. It has a populaKon of approximately 12 500 people who enjoy ameniKes such as a library, pool, rink, six churches, as well as convenience stores such as Canadian Tire and two large grocery stores. Several clean lakes, Williams Lake, Kidston’s Lake and Long Lake are located in Spryfield. There is an acKve and growing Spryfield and District Business Commission. There are several P-­‐9 schools as well as a high school. Spryfield’s early history, from the late 1700’s, was of a farming community and today has several community groups which focus on history and green space. By the mid-­‐1900’s, access to cheaper land close to the city meant the face of Spryfield changed. Today, it is a residenKal area for a wide spectrum of people, most of whom work in downtown Halifax. There is a development of city housing as well as middle class subdivisions. There is a mixture of small apartment buildings, duplexes and single family homes. With several subdivisions either under construcKon or in the planning stage, there is tremendous potenKal for growth both in Spryfield and at St. Paul’s. !
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2 The Community Wellness Centre in Spryfield is host to a variety of community based health services. These include the IWK Health Centre Pediatric Clinic, the AddicKons and Mental Health Program and Dalhousie Family Medicine Clinic. Spryfield is noted for its many community groups such as the Spryfield Residents AssociaKon, Lions Club, Earl Francis Spryfield Memorial Royal Canadian Legion, Urban Farm Museum Society, McIntosh Run Watershed AssociaKon, Chebucto ConnecKons, Pathways (see below for explana.on) and the Chebucto Hiking Club. Since 1988, a community directory which lists schools, churches, service groups, sports and recreaKonal faciliKes, social agencies, health faciliKes and other organizaKons in Spryfield and surrounding communiKes of Armdale, Harrietsfield, Herring Cove, Jollimore, Ketch Harbour, Pennant, Portuguese Cove, Purcell’s Cove, Sambro and Williamswood has been published every two years. In 2002, Spryfield was given the Model Volunteer Community Award by Halifax Regional Municipality. Spryfield has a number of churches and they meet for special ecumenical services throughout the year. City Church and Pastor Jerry Kendrick tend to take the lead in this. Spryfield is a diverse community. Blacks make up the largest visible minority group but there are also a number of Asians. As in other Canadian communiKes, there are people from Britain, the Ukraine, India, Lebanon, Spain, Jamaica, Slovakia, USA, China and the Philippines. At the same Kme, there are a number of families who have lived in Spryfield for many generaKons. When asked, people from Spryfield say that they appreciate living in a community of friendly, supporKve people surrounded by green space. Founded in 2001, Pathways to EducaKon is a naKonal program aimed at communiKes with large numbers of at-­‐risk youth. Staff and volunteers work with the students, families and schools, offering tutoring, incenKves such as meals and bus Kckets as well as scholarship money to students who graduate. This highly successful voluntary program begins with students in Grade nine and follows them through high school. 2014 saw the first group of Spryfield students who were in Pathways since Grade Nine graduate from high school. All involved have agreed to the success rate here. Prior to Pathways work in Spryfield, approximately 55%-­‐60% of students enrolled in high school graduated. In 2014, that number rose to 75% of the overall student body, with Pathways parKcipants graduaKng 85% of those registered. !
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St. Paul’s-­‐Our Story This year marks the 75th Anniversary of our church. The first service was held on Nov. 24th, 1940. This service was conducted by Rev. R.C. Chalmers in a small school house on the Herring Cove Rd. A property was acquired on Long Lake Road-­‐now DenKth Road, in 1948. Members of the congregaKon raised the money to build a church basement in 1950. Services were held in the church basement unKl 1958. During the late 50’s and early 60’s a Church, manse and hall were built under the guidance of Rev. Dr. A. G. Pentz. Over a period of Kme the congregaKon became more aware of the needs in our greater community and felt the need to take our work beyond the church building. In 1985, our Family Resources InsKtute (FRI) was formed as a non profit, community outreach organizaKon. In addiKon to the award winning food bank, today we offer a number of programs such as a large community garden, March Break and Summer Day Camps, Soups On (a free community lunch program), free income tax services for those with limited income and more. We also work with and support other non-­‐profits in the Spryfield area. FRI is a very important part of St. Paul’s and who we are. By 1985, Kme was taking a toll on our buildings and the trees and grass gave way to the black asphalt of the Shopping Centre along with the liier of cans, paper and carts resulKng in our having to re-­‐think our posiKon. Property was purchased at the intersecKon of the Old Sambro Road and Rockingstone Road in 1988. In January of 1989 the building on DenKth Road was sold to the Mainland South Mall and was later demolished. We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to take our pulpit, communion table and other parts and fixtures from the old building and incorporate them into our new building. Wood was used to make many things including the railing at the front of the church, as well as things like paper towel holders to sell. !
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4 Arrangements were made with the local high school, B. C. Silver, for us to hold our services in their gym. Each week, our “church” was set up and taken down. On June 25th, 1989, Rev. John Moses led us to our present property for a sod turning ceremony. The sod was turned by both Elsie Morash-­‐an adult and Todd Keddy-­‐a child. Designing our present building was a labour of love shared by many people in our congregaKon and a lot of thought was given to every aspect. On March 25th 1990, our church members and guests sang God’s praises in our present building, with Rev. John Moses leading the worship. Since then, we have experienced many changes and have grown spiritually with the guidance of several different ministers. We are very proud that our present building is paid for, although we have a loan for the parking lot paving. !
The Old School House where the congregaKon first met. !
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5 The church on DenKth Road Resources Our Staff !
Rena Eldershaw–Church Administra?ve Secretary, Food Bank Co-­‐ordinator and Church Janitor !
Kristen Hollery-­‐Community Ministry Director & Sunday School Superintendent !
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June Bates-­‐Organist, Choir Director and Bell Choir Director !
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Our Property and Building How They Are Used The property belonging to St. Paul’s congregaKon is a liile over 4 acres. Besides the church building and parking lots, you will see the Umlah Memorial Community Garden. It is one of the oldest community gardens in the AtlanKc Region. Gardeners are both members of the congregaKon and community members. For a small fee, you “rent” your patch of garden to grow what you wish. Some grow flowers, some vegetables and some grow both. Gardeners share informaKon, gardening Kps and the fruits of their labour. A Garden Party is held each year to show off and celebrate their harvests. Also on site, we have a walking trail that we someday hope to hook up with other trails in the community. Along the trail you will find benches to sit on, to rest and/or reflect. This is a work in progress that conKnues each year depending on funding. Each week the hall is full of the joyful noise of Scouts and Guides who use our hall as their meeKng place. Residents from Harrietsfield are welcome to come and fill water jugs at our outside tap in the warm weather or to drop into our building during the winter months. The water in their wells is not safe to drink so we opened our doors to help them. We have an Award Winning Food Bank on site that is run through our Family Resources InsKtute. Our hall is oSen used for birthday parKes, anniversary parKes, church suppers, polling staKons for elecKons, and church lunches. Our parking lot has been used by producKon companies for parking when filming in the area. You can learn more about St. Paul’s by checking out our web-­‐site www.stpaulsunited churchspryfield.ca, or by joining our Face Book Page. !
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12 . Pastoral Charge Profile/Ministry How We Govern Our Church St. Paul’s United Church operates with a Unified Board. The Board meets once a month and is composed of a Chairperson, Vice-­‐Chairperson, the Clerk of the Roll, the Church Secretary, the Minister, the Treasurer, the Envelope Secretary, a Trustee, two members at large, and representaKves from various groups and commiiee that include: UCW: The United Church Women meet twice a month for fellowship and fundraising. One meeKng a month is a “fun” night that could be anything from a guest speaker, a craS night, games night or making things for the local children’s hospital (the IWK). The UCW contributes annually to the church budget. FRI (Family Resources Ins?tute): Our Outreach Program is an important part of the life of our congregaKon. This includes an Award Winning Food Bank as well as other acKviKes that vary according to need and financing. A Day Camp is offered during March break and summer vacaKon. Our Community Garden is among the largest and oldest in the AtlanKc Region. The United Way and the United Church of Canada are our biggest funders. Our Christmas program helped over 200 families in 2014. Fellowship: This commiiee consists of those who plan and carry through on fellowship events for the congregaKon. AcKviKes have included such things as coffee houses and variety nights featuring many in our congregaKon as well as community members. Games nights and fall fairs have also been held . !
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A church supper
DecoraKng the hall for a birthday party
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Our church has a small but acKve Sunday School. Currently there are 16 students enrolled in the children and youth classes. They are using the FeasKng on the Word curriculum for mulK-­‐
age and youth and oSen parKcipate in the Worship Service.
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Long Lake Dam on the Old Sambro Road
We have financially supported several young people to Intermediates at MariKme Conference at the MariKme Conference in Sackville, NB. They have taken advantage of the opportunity to !
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14 meet with other young people in the United Church, aiend church services, conference sessions and talk about their faith. When they returned, they have shared their experiences with the congregaKon. Our Intermediates at MariKme Conference !
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The Choir has 10 regular members and meets on Monday nights to pracKce. They pracKce the music for the next service and prepare special music for some Sundays, Advent, Christmas and Easter. Other congregaKonal members oSen join the choir members for funerals. There is a Men’s Choir put together for Remembrance Day. !
We have a seven member Bell Choir that meets on Wednesday evenings. Under the direcKon of the Organist, its goal is to provide special music at 7-­‐8 week intervals. New members are always welcome and no musical background is required. Members tell us, you just need to know how to count! !
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Worship Band performing at the Blessing of the Animals
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The Worship Band meets on Thursday evenings. At present there are 15 members, both men and women of all ages, who share a love of music but are not necessarily musically trained. The group consists of some people who play various types of instruments including: ukulele, guitar, mandolin, piano, rhythm instruments and someKmes more. They all love to sing. This group looks aSer the worship service music about six Kmes a year in consultaKon with the Minister. The choir and organist either sit in the congregaKon those Sundays or may join the Worship Band. They have parKcipated in Coffee Houses at St. Paul’s Spryfield and at St. James in Sambro, at Ecumenical Services and the Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul’s. New members are always welcome. !
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16 An Adult Bible Study group meets on Thursday aSernoon. This group is currently following FeasKng on the Word as its curriculum. !
A small group meets on Sunday mornings before service for a Prayer Circle. !
Other Study Groups have met throughout the year as interest arises. For example a Lenten Study Group meets weekly throughout Lent. !
The members of the Pastoral Care Team meet every 7-­‐8 weeks to discuss church members who are in need of a pastoral visit. Each team member regularly visits members of the congregaKon who are unable to get to our services. !
Another important part of the ministry at St. Paul’s is a group of volunteers on the Transporta?on Team. They are willing to drive people who want to come to church but do not have transportaKon. !
We have a Funeral Ministry Team who assists with funerals held at St. Paul’s. They set up the church and make arrangements if a recepKon is needed. A brochure regarding funerals at St. Paul’s has been designed and is available on our web-­‐site or from the minister. !
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18 POSITION PROFILE !
➢ To enable spiritual growth, to facilitate theological understanding, and to ensure Pastoral Care and ChrisKan EducaKon are available to all within the congregaKon. ➢ To work in consultaKon with the Unified Board to ensure that the overall mission of the congregaKon is being promoted. ACCOUNTABILITY The Minister is accountable to the Halifax Presbytery and to the congregaKon’s Unified Board through the Ministry and Personnel (M&P) Commiiee. WORK EXPECTATIONS It is expected the Minister will work no more than 40 hours per week. As some weeks may demand more than 40 hours, the minister would then be encouraged to work the equivalent amount of hours less in following week. We are a church that encourages learning. We have budgeted for a book allowance, study leave and would expect these to be used. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES LITURGICAL/WORSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES In consultaKon with the Worship Commiiee of the congregaKon, the following is expected: • Preparing and leading the weekly Sunday Worship services, including preaching • Providing leadership in the development and execuKon of special worship events including seasonal themes, dramaKc presentaKons, and confirmaKon as determined by the Worship Commiiee • Administering the Sacraments of BapKsm and Holy Communion • Rehearsing and officiaKng at weddings • ConducKng funerals and memorial services both in the sanctuary and in funeral homes • Providing worship that encourages intergeneraKonal parKcipaKon !
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PASTORAL CARE RESPONSIBILITIES In consultaKon with the Pastoral Care Team, the following is expected: • Offering individual and family counselling and support to congregaKon and community members • Providing grief counselling to those in need • VisiKng congregaKon members with special needs, including shut-­‐ins, seniors, and persons experiencing illness at home or in hospital • Offering Communion to shut-­‐ins and others when requested • Providing Pastoral Care in crisis situaKons CHRISTIAN EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITIES In consultaKon with the Unified Board the following is expected: • Providing leadership, guidance and support to lay people and children involved in the Sunday School program • Encouraging opportuniKes for youth and adult conKnuing educaKon, including Bible Offering informaKon and counselling to persons seeking bapKsm, marriage, confirmaKon, as well as conducKng the related preparaKon seminars OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES !
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Working with the Board and staff of St. Paul’s Family Resources Institute (FRI) as well as other churches and social agencies to support Community Outreach •
Working with the Unified Board and committees to aid in the effective administration of congregational business
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Skills Required Worship Leadership • Have a scriptural based focus. • Engage all ages in worship • Be creaKve with new ideas • Provide leadership in worship music. • Be open to integrate technology in services. • Be open-­‐minded. • Have clear dicKon. • Be inclusive with respect to sexuality, race, gender and age. • Be well prepared, confident & passionate about their role as a minister. !
Chris?an Educa?on • Be open to diverse theological perspecKves and beliefs. • Lead Bible Study. • Work with Sunday School teachers and students. • Lead adult study/prayer groups. • Encourage leadership within the congregaKon. • Lead ConfirmaKon Classes. !
Pastoral Care !
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21 • Work co-­‐operaKvely with the Pastoral Care Team. • Visit members of the congregaKon where appropriate. • Provide counselling and/or guidance as appropriate. • Become acquainted with the clients of St. Paul’s Family Resources InsKtute. • Be compassionate and inclusive of all peoples. !
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Community • ParKcipate in ecumenical services with the Spryfield Community Ministerial Fellowship. • Be a supporKve member of the Board of St. Paul’s Family Resources InsKtute. • Work with the St. Paul’s Church PromoKons Team and encourage new membership. !
Administra?on • Aiend regularly scheduled Presbytery meeKngs. • Aiend MariKme Conference. • Aiend all Unified Board meeKngs. • Work effecKvely with all staff members. !
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Easter 2015 !
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Terms St. Paul’s United Church Spryfield !
• Salary will be based on the 2015 applicable scale up to and including “Category F” of the United Church of Canada Salary and Allowance Schedules. The hours in a work week are 40. !
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• Approved moving costs will also be covered in accordance with United Church policy and Schedules. !
• In lieu of a manse, St. Paul’s Pastoral Charge offers housing allowance as per UCC Policy, and based on a recent Fair Rental Value assessment for 2015. !
• Other expenses will be provided at the rates recommended by the United Church of Canada minimum 2015 guidelines. These include: !
❖ One month vacaKon (including 5 Sundays) ❖ Three weeks study leave ❖ Travel expense reimbursement at the current rate ❖ Study allowance ❖ Book allowance !
Office support -­‐ the ministry posiKon is supported by an AdministraKve Assistant for two days a week -­‐ on Thursday and Friday. An office telephone, e-­‐mail, a computer and internet services are available for the Minister in the Minister’s office. !
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Members of St. Paul’s Joint Needs Assessment Commi^ee 2015 !
Carolyn Mont carolynmont@ns.sympaKco.ca 902-­‐477-­‐0187 Sharon Field sfield@hrsb.ns 902-­‐475-­‐1223 David Jacobs daveandsalj@gmail.com 902-­‐477-­‐3585 James McKay 902-­‐477-­‐6426 Stephen Foote sfoote@hotmail.ca 902-­‐477-­‐7001 Sharyn Chaulk sc.859900@hotmail.com 902-­‐817-­‐4830 Cheyenna Chaulk sc.859900@hotmail.com 902-­‐817-­‐4830 Rev. Maihew Fillier revmaihew@sjucfr.ca 902-­‐579-­‐2276 Rick Fullerton 902-­‐860-­‐1678 Presbytery Representa?ves rick.fullerton@gmail.com !
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Appendix 1 INPUT FROM THE CONGREGATION !
As we began this process, we asked members of the congregaKon and all commiiees and boards to let us know what they wanted us to look for. A form was made available to all asking: !
From your perspec?ve, what strengths do you want in a minister? There was space on the form to list those strengths. !
The parKcipaKon was good and the results were clear. This gave the Joint Needs Commiiee direcKon in compleKng this project. We organized all the results and referred to them oSen in our deliberaKons. We then used this informaKon in creaKng the PosiKon Profile and Skills Required secKons of our report. !
We found that the responses fell into four basic themes. They are Leading Worship, Pastoral Care, ChrisKan EducaKon and AdministraKon. !
LEADING WORSHIP: The congregaKon was clear that they want a minister who is well prepared and whose dicKon is clear. Sermons should be scripturally based, to the point and relevant to all ages. This is a congregaKon which celebrates through music and would like a minister to provide leadership in worship music. They also look forward to someone who is open to new ideas and able to use technology in worship and church life. It is also important that the minister be inclusive with respect to age, gender, and sexual orientaKon. !
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26 PASTORAL CARE: We have a Pastoral Care Team at St. Paul’s who visit a number of people in homes and in nursing care faciliKes. The congregaKon made it clear to us that these visits are in addiKon to what the minister does, not instead of it. Pastoral Care should also include visits by the minister and interacKon with the Food Bank clients at the weekly Food Bank at our Family Resources InsKtute. This might also include counselling services, in part having the knowledge of how to refer individuals to appropriate agencies. !
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: ChrisKan EducaKon is important to us, for children, youth and adults. We would like the minister to moKvate and challenge all ages in learning more about our faith, through Sunday School, adult Bible Study, Prayer and ConfirmaKon classes. As in worship, music is important. It is also important that the minister keep current with modern beliefs and we encourage and budget for Ministerial Study Leave. !
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ADMINISTRATION: The congregaKon also realizes that St. Paul’s United Church is part of the greater community of faith and is closely connected to Presbytery. For the past number of years, we have had acKve parKcipaKon at MariKme Conference, with the minister, members of the congregaKon and youth aiending. On a community level, through our minister’s parKcipaKon, we have long been part of the Spryfield Ministerial, an ecumenical group made up of several churches in Spryfield. We would like this to conKnue. The minister would, of course, be expected to work with the church staff and be accountable to the Unified Board. !
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