United Church of Christ LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING

NEW LEADERS

Local Church 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 opinion 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.

Church

Name: Salem United Church of Christ

Address: P. O. Box 126

City, State, Zip: Westphalia, IN 47596

Search Committee Chairperson or Contact Person

Name: Don Osburn

Address: 10553 N. Albrecht Rd.

City, State, Zip: Bicknell, IN 47512

Telephone: 812-328-2129

E-Mail: osburndr@gmail.com

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LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS

Please return the completed document to your conference or association office.

1. Church: Salem United Church of Christ

2. Address: 13135 N. Salem Road / P. O. Box 126

City, State, and Zip: Westphalia, IN 47596

Church Website: www.salemwestphalia.org

3. Name of Search Committee Chairperson/Contact Person: Don Osburn

Address: 10553 N. Albrecht Rd.

City, State, and Zip: Bicknell, IN 47512

Telephone: 812-328-2129

Email: osburndr@gmail.com

4. Conference/Association Staff Person Assisting Our Church: Rev. Dr. Monica Ouellette

Address: 1100 W. 42nd Street, Suite 350

City, State, Zip: Indianapolis, IN 46208

Telephone: 814-571-6542

Email: m.ouellette@ikcucc.org

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

5. Membership: (as reflected in the eleven-year UCC Statistical

Report for our church; “est.” indicates the figure is an estimate.)

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6. Profile of Congregation Estimate percentage of congregation. Each category should add up to 100%.

3 %

tradesperson

20% other

e. Employment: 78 % employed

7 % not currently employed 15 % retired

f. Describe the racial-ethnic makeup of your congregation:

This is primarily a Caucasian congregation with a German heritage. This is a rural area with mixed ethnic backgrounds from neighboring

communities. Several of our members have different denominational backgrounds.

CHURCH FINANCES

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Last Year 5 Years Ago 10 Years Ago a. # Church members 140 230 198 b. Average attendance at worship 75 65 96 c. Average participation of children/youth in C.E. 5 15 32 d. Average weekly participation in adult education 30 20 25 e. # Members who are ordained clergy 2 1 1

a. Age: 5 % ages 0 - 5

c. Family units: 24 % couples with children at home

10 % ages 6-18 38 % couples without children at home 20 % ages 19-34 30 % single 16 % ages 35-49 26 % ages 50-64 10 % ages 65-74 13 % ages 75 +

8 % single parent with children at home

b. Education level of adults: d. Occupation of adults:

5 % completed less than high school

60 % high school graduates

9 % some college/vocational school

19 % college graduates

7 % graduate school

3% business

9% clerical

20 % farmer/rancher

18 % laborer/manufacturing

16 % professional

11 % student

9. Identify UCC special offerings the church receives throughout the year and the amounts from last year:

$210.00 One Great Hour of Sharing

$125.00 Neighbors in Need

$320.00 Christmas Fund

$527.00 Clothe a Child

$707.00 Lenten Offering (Merom Church Camp, North Knox Social Ministries, Freelandville Community Home, Habitat for Humanity, Hoyleton Children’s Home, Salvation Army)

10.Mission

a. Beyond your contributions through the UCC, name the most significant local or global missions/ministries or agencies that were financially supported by your local church last year and the amount of support:

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Last Year 5 Years Ago 10 Years Ago 7. Total Church Income 2018 2013 2008

a. Members offerings and pledges $98,120.38 $72,416 $98,636

b. Interest from investment or endowments $4,800.95 $2,272 $7,435

c. Principal reduction (endowments or investments)

-0- -0- -0-

d. Rentals $14,619.95 $12,420 $7,156

e. Special Fundraising $19,013 $2,500 $2,896

f. Other $1,816

Last Year 5 Years Ago 10 Years Ago 8. Total Operating Budget 2018 2013 2008

a. Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support $2,470 $2,325 $1,612

b. Our Church’s Wider Mission Special Support

-0- $655 $1,447

c. Other gifts $557 $2,015 $2,973

d. Current local expenses $55,480.59 $88,826 $87,835

e. Annual capital payments -0- -0- -0-

f. Other debt -0- -0- -0-

11.Indebtedness

a. Total amount of outstanding mortgages/capital debt: $0

b. Total amount of other debt: $0

c. Are payments current? N/A

12.Capital Campaigns: Church Organ

a. If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, note goal and results: Goal: $50,000 Outcome: $40,000 Goal: $ Outcome: $

b. What projects were undertaken as a result of your capital campaign?

Church organ purchase

c. Was there a mission or outreach component to the campaign? Yes No

d. If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe it: Goal: $ Beginning Date:

Purpose:

13.Assets held by the Church: 5

Name Amount 1. Benevolence Giving

$1,131.12

2. Samaritan Purse $783

3. Life After Meth $175

4. Kids First Backpack Program $426

5. North Knox Social Ministries $804.67

6. Salvation Army $804.66

7. Merom Conference Center $1467.67

8. Helping His Hands $665

9. CRU- Laura Maddock $806

10. CASA $55

11. Concert on the Hill $750

12. Clothe a Child $847.59

a. Reserves (savings): $669,647.96

b. Endowments/Investments: $124,094.57

c. Describe buildings and property of your church except the parsonage: Large red brick church which includes balcony seating, a large worship area, one office used by the secretary, handicap ramp and restroom, basement fellowship hall, several Sunday School rooms, modern kitchen with modern appliances, extensive library for adults and children. The church is air conditioned. Large beautiful stained glass windows. The church and parsonage is located on approximately 10 acres, including the cemetery dating to mid 1800’s and playground area. The shell and roof of the

Shelter House was completed in 2012. Salem also owns a 90 acre farm suitable for row crops. The church also includes a new security system.

d. Is the church building (including sanctuary and offices) handicapped accessible?

Yes x Partially (specify) No

Is the pulpit handicapped accessible? Yes No x

e. If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including estimated date of completion: N/A

f. If the church owns a parsonage, describe it:

Address: Same address of church

Number of Rooms: 7

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Number of Bedrooms: 4

Number of Bathrooms: 1.5

Description:White frame house with central air, gas heat, full basement with shower, enclosed front porch, all major appliances including dishwasher, 2 car garage with beautiful hilltop view of the surrounding farming community.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF MINISTERIAL LEADERS

If your conference has compensation guidelines, do you follow them? x

yes yes for some compensation items but not all no

Does the church consider this position to be full time or part time? x Full Time Part Time (specify)

14.Salary History To provide a profile of salaries for the position you are seeking to fill, indicate salaries at the

beginning and ending of the ministers’ tenure. Do not include interim positions. If a parsonage is provided, insert the letter “P” in the space provided. Provide information for the last 3 leaders or the last ten years.

Start

Date End Date

Year Salary Housing Parsonage Year Salary Housing Parsonagea. Last 2012 $30,000 $1000 P 2019 $40,024 $2000 P b. Previous 2012 $3000/

month 0 P 2012 $3000/

month 0 P

c. Next

previous

2010 $12,000 0 P 2011 $12,000 0 P

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15. During the above period, has your church ever failed to fulfill its financial obligations to its pastor? yes x no If yes, please comment:

16.Salary, Benefits, and Expenses Offered a. Cash salary offered: $38,500 - $47,000 b. Housing:

Parsonage provided

x Vacation: 2 weeks annually

Maternity/paternity leave

x UCC Retirement Annuity ( 14% of salary and housing) x

UCC Life and Disability Insurance Benefits

x UCC Health Benefits UCC Dental Benefits

x Social Security/Medicare Offset Continuing Education Funds

x Continuing Education Time

Sabbatical Leave Other benefits (specify)

d. Ministry Expenses x Travel Reimbursement x Meeting

Expense Reimbursement x Books

and Periodicals

x Reimbursement of Criminal Background Check Fee

x Moving Expenses

COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS

17. Population

a. Population of total city or town in which your church is located: 300

b. Describe the population by racial-ethnic category and identify the source of the information:

Primarily Caucasian

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18.Economic Factors

Identify major sources of employment/income in your community: a. Farming, grain, livestock

b. Duke Energy- Coal gasification plant

c. Coal Mining- underground and surface d. Professionals- medical, educational and financial fields-government

19. General Description (Add *** if the information came from a survey of the congregation)

a. Describe three distinctive attributes of your community: 1. Low cost of living 2. Low crime rates 3. Excellent schools and Community College (Vincennes University) within 25 miles.

b. Identify major trends you envision in your community during the next five years:

1. Continued growth in the future 2. There are 3 major universities within an hour of our church including: Indiana University,

Indiana State University, and University of Southern Indiana

c. List three or four problem areas confronting your community that members feel your church should address:

1. Inactive church members and un-churched community members. 2. Poverty/ “working poor” 3. Increasing drug issues in our area creating dysfunctional families.

d. Indicate Mission Activities

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1. In which your church participates as a part of its mission in the community: North Knox Social Ministries Riley Children’s Hospital Life After Meth Project (L.A.M.) Participation in Nursing Home activities Church benevolent fund for community emergencies Merom Conference Center Providing assistance in sending our Young Ambassadors for a youth exchange Backpack Program for North Knox students

2. In which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate: We hope to find a Pastor who will be interested in helping us not only with the above projects, but will also guide us in finding ways to help in our community, our schools, and in the greater Knox County area. We would like to keep our assistance strong with Merom with all they have to offer.

e. Describe how your church building is now being used by the community:

Community benefits Westphalia Housing Authority meetings Wedding and receptions, family reunions,

gathering of community members Funeral dinners for family members and gathering place for families that live out of town after a service. Local Polling place We open the Shelter House for many

activities and events throughout the year. Emergency shelter for our community

f. Indicate the number of school districts from which members of your church are drawn:

one two x three or more (Daviess, Knox, Greene counties)

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

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(Add *** if the information came from a survey of the congregation)

20. Identify major trends you envision in your church in the next five years

New life in church with the help of new pastor Outreach to new families with help from new pastor

Continued growth in church membership Expansion of youth group activities

Enlarge our territory as members in mission work

21. Planning

a.All churches do planning. How would you characterize the way planning is done in your church?

By leadership groups of church: Church Council, Christian Ed

Committee, Worship Committee, Memorial Committee, and

Outreach Committee

b. What expectations do you have of the person you are seeking in relation to the planning that takes place?

To be a participating partner in the discussion and decisions, with various church organizations doing the planning.

22.Reflections on Congregational Life

Comment on the following with what you believe to be the generally-held responses of the congregation. If more space is needed, use additional pages. (Add *** if information came from a survey of the congregation.)

a. Identify the three most important faith experiences or events in the history of your church and the year each took place:

Event

Year

1. 150th Anniversary of Salem Church 2000

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2. Mission trip to Neon, KY 2007 3. Operation Shoebox 2019

b. Identify the most challenging faith experience or event in the life of your church in the last three years and what the church learned from it:

Our pastor was with us for 6.5 years until he announced his resignation. Coping with the feelings the loss of a well-loved, respected pastor has created as well as the challenge of the search for his replacement has been difficult. Our church members have willingly come forward to serve on committees to search for our new pastor, and help with all the tasks that need done while a search is conducted.

c. Chose the statement that most accurately describes the theological/faith stance of your church: You may check more that one.

xx We tend to be theologically moderate to conservative.We tend to be theologically conservative.

We tend to be theologically moderate.

We tend to be theologically moderate to liberal.

We tend to be theologically liberal.

We tend to be quite diverse theologically.

d. Describe the educational program of your church:

Identify the curriculum/a used in your church school and the person or committee responsible for selection of curriculum/a:

Our goal is to encourage participation in church worship and Sunday School. Above all, we support teaching the love of Jesus Christ and His salvation. The Christian Education Committee, and classroom teachers make the choices for curriculum.

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Indicate resources used for Confirmation and the person or committee responsible for the selection of these resources: Evangelical Catechism, My Confirmation (UCC Press), Affirming Faith Journal (UCC Press), The Covenant Story of the Bible, The Bible, and other appropriate material.

Are there educational opportunities for all ages? Yes

Sunday classes, Confirmation, Bible Study, Church Camps Does

your church have a written Safe Church Policy? Yes

Describe how the church expects the person you are seeking to participate in the congregation’s educational programs:

We expect the pastor to teach confirmation and give guidance to these youth in learning about themselves as future members of our church. We also expect our pastor to be a leader in the overall program of Christian Education in our church.

e. Describe how programs or ministries of your church are evaluated: Through the annual congregational meeting which is the third Sunday of January. Through financial giving, as well as participation in the programs.

f. Describe the strengths or positive qualities of your church: There are many loving and caring people in our congregation. We have a variety of ages that are willing to come together and work on projects. Our church is committed to God and we try to be good Christians. Our children are our future and we try to instill in them basic Christian values.

23.Indicate major boards, committees, small groups, and organizations that are a part of your church; the frequency of meetings (monthly, weekly, etc.); and expectations for leadership. For leadership role use: 1 = pastor takes primary initiative and responsibility; 2 = pastor and laity share responsibility; 3 = laity take primary initiative and responsibility; 4 = the pastor’s presence is expected periodically/occasionally.

Board/Committee Purpose # Members Frequency LeadershipChurch Council Christian Ed. Comm.

Business matter of the church General education, fellowship, business of the church, Sunday school

9 7

monthly monthly

3 2

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Grounds Comm. Cemetery Comm. Memorial Comm. Worship Comm. Outreach Comm. Bible Study/ Prayer Group

Maintenance of property Recording lots, financial records Recording, management of memorial gifts Assist in planning of worship services Plan mission and outreach programs Prayer and Education

4 4 5 6 5 8

as needed as needed as needed as needed Weekly Weekly

3 3 2 2 2 2

Ongoing Small Groups Purpose # Members Frequency LeadershipN/A

24. Conflict Most churches experience conflict at various times. Characterize your church’s experience with

conflict given the following possibilities. Indicate the extent to which each statement describes

your church: C = closely; S = somewhat; N = not at all.

C as a church, we respect and listen to each other and work things

through without generating divisiveness

S as a church, we try to respect and listen to each other, but it is

not uncommon for differences of opinion to be a problem and for some people to choose sides

C some have left our church because of conflict

S conflict hurts our sense of unity, but we tend not to talk about it

S painful experience with conflict has been present, but it has

been worked through, and we have learned from the experience

S we have had some painful experiences with conflict, and they

linger in the background

S open conflict is present, and we need a minister who can help us deal with it

other Specify:

Comment: Non-theological conflict has been resolved without generating divisiveness. When our

pastor chose to leave, theological discussion evolved, which has created some

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divisiveness within our church. This has in turn, resulted in roughly 10% of our weekly attendance leaving our church.

25.Worship a. Describe the weekly worship schedule (number of services, times, languages in which

the services are conducted, frequency with which communion is included, special emphasis such as healing services, contemporary worship, etc.)

The main worship is on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and this is done in English. The Lent season does provide an additional service on Wednesday evenings beginning with Ash Wednesday service and running through Holy Week with Maundy Thursday Service and then a Community Good Friday Service is held in area churches. Lent Services begin at 7 p.m. and are approximately 45 minutes in length with three to four hymns selected by the congregation beginning each services. Communion is approximately 6-8 times a year. (Can be more depending on the board and minister working this out).

The traditional Christmas Eve service begins at 7 p.m. with the children’s program and then the Candlelight service. Silent Night is sung in both German and English that evening. We have had Easter Sunrise Service with breakfast provided afterwards.

b. Are your worship services or church gatherings sign language interpreted? Yes x No

Are there particular ministries with persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness? Comment: N/A

c. Identify how worship is planned on a regular basis in your church x by a worship committee

x by the pastor

x by the pastor in consultation with the church musician other

– specify:

d. Describe the style and content of preaching valued by your congregation:

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Inspiring, interesting, sincere messages from the heart. Messages should help us connect the Bible with our daily living. Most important is for the pastor to share his or her feelings, honesty, and spiritual knowledge with us.

e. Describe the role in worship of the person you are seeking:

We would like for our pastor to generally guide, educate, and lead us in worshipping our Lord. We feel the need for someone who can help us find our way or direction in the best way to fulfill our spiritual needs.

f. What hymnal(s) are currently used by your congregation in worship?

Our Worship Committee in conjunction with the minister selects songs from Hymns for the Living Church (Hope Publishing, Co.) and also from a separate booklet of Praise Hymns.

WIDER CHURCH CONNECTIONS

26. United Church of Christ

a. Association, conference, or other denominational programs and activities in which church members participate: Wabash Valley Association- we have members who served in this association Church Camp, Merom, IN- we often have members who serve as camp counselors

Do you send delegates to association and conference meetings? Regularly x Occasionally Never

Have members of your church ever served as delegates or visitors to General Synod?

x Yes No Not Sure

b. Association, conference, or other denominational settings in which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate:

We encourage our pastor to take an active role in the community and church life to benefit his or her life, as well as our church.

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c. Choose the word that best describes how lay leaders of your church consciously identify with the United Church of Christ:

closely moderately x nominally other

Comment:

27.Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities a. Describe ways your church participated in ecumenical and interfaith activities

during the past three years:

We have members who actively participate in North Knox Social Ministries to help those in need of food, clothing, and financial assistance in our area. Many of our members have participated in the Emmaus Walk. We have previously helped in the initial start up on the LAM program of Knox County. Our church is in charge of the fifth Sunday worship service at the Freelandville Community Home. Members have helped with local Helping His Hands. We have also participated in Operation Christmas Child sponsored through Samaritan Purse with Christmas boxes and also had church members travel to help unload. Our church is also involved in the Young Ambassadors program through the UCC.

b. Describe how your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate in ecumenical and interfaith activities:

We would expect our pastor to continue the activities that our church has been involved and

to add support to those of us participating in special events or services in our community.

RELATIONSHIP WITH MINISTERIAL LEADERS

28. Relationship With Prior Leaders

a. Characterize your church’s experience with pastoral leaders over the past 15 years. You may check more than one response: In general, our lay leaders have a history of strong, cooperative

relationships with the church’s pastoral leadership. x We have had some fairly rocky moments, but we have worked them through, and relationships with pastoral leaders have grown in significant and important ways.

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We have had some tough times and things did not always work out. Indicate the tenure of the last three installed persons who filled the position you are seeking to fill. Do not include interims:

Name From To

1. Bryan Taylor

2. Peter Bortz

3. Peter Haskins

June 2012 August 2009 July 2002

January 2019 November 2010 July 2007

b. If a previous pastor or pastor emeritus/a is currently a member of the church, describe his or her involvement in the life of the congregation:

None are members.

c. In addition to financial support, describe how your church supported the most recent person to hold the position you are now seeking to fill:

We supported our most recent pastor by praying for our church leader, supporting Bible study, professional growth and personal times of need.

d. Involuntary Terminations: Have any of the last three persons serving in the position you are seeking to fill left involuntarily or under pressure? x yes no: If “yes,” respond to the following:

● Choose all the issues that may have contributed to the involuntary termination. x conflict of personalities in the church inadequate

performance

pastoral style inappropriate for this church x ethical issues or issues of fitness for ministry

financial stresses other. Specify.

● Indicate, if you can, which of the following best describe the congregation’s behavior toward that person prior to her or his leaving: You may check more than one.

civil kind

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compassionate harsh x supportive x indifferent

● Describe what your church has learned from the experience about itself and its

relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:

At one time, our church had a Pastoral Relations Committee to help resolve issues and encouraged communication. We think it would be a good idea to form a Pastoral Relations Committee with a new pastor to allow the transition to go as smooth as possible.

29. Does the church have a Pastoral Relations Committee? yes x no

We plan on forming a Pastoral Relations Committee to assist with the transition of a new pastor.

30. Is there periodic assessment/evaluation of the nature of the work and of the performance of that work for the position you are seeking to fill? Describe it:

There is no periodic assessment at the present time. This task should be conducted annually by the Pastoral Relations Committee and/or the Church Council.

31. Leadership Expectations

A list follows of 45 items which represent a range of qualities in the ministry of the church. Place an “X” beside the 12 items which your church feels are the most important aspects of ministry for your church at this time. All the qualities are important. However, please mark those 12 which you feel need first priority at this time. Do not rank the items. If the aspects you consider to be important are not included in the list, place them at the end in the blanks provided.

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Mark only 12 of the following items. Do not rank the items. Our church needs a person who…

1. X is an effective preacher/ speaker

2. ____ continues to develop his/her theological and biblical skills

3. ____ helps people develop their spiritual life

4. ____ helps people work together in solving problems

5. X is effective in planning and leading

worship

6. ____ has a sense of the direction of his/her ministry

7. X regularly encourages people to participate in United Church of Christ activities and programs

8. ____ helps people understand and act upon issues of social justice

9. ____ is a helpful counselor 10. X ministers effectively to people in

crisis situations

11. X makes pastoral calls on people in hospitals and nursing homes and those confined to their homes

12. ____ makes pastoral calls on members not confined to their homes

13. X is a good leader

14. X is effective in working with children

15. ____builds a sense of fellowship among the people with whom he/she works

16. ____ helps people develop their leadership abilities

17. ____ is an effective administrator 18. ____ is effective with committees and

officers

19. ____ is an effective teacher 20. ____ has a strong commitment to the

educational ministry of the church 21. ____ is effective in working with

adults 22. ____ inspires a sense of confidence 23. X works regularly at bringing new

members into the church

24. ____regularly encourages support of Our Church’s Wider Mission

25. X reaches out to inactive members

26. ____ works regularly in the development of stewardship growth

27. ____ is active in ecumencial relationships and encourages the church to participate

28. X is a person of faith

29. ____ writes clearly and well 30. ____ works well on a team 31. X is effective in working with youth

32. ____organizes people for community action

33. ____ is skilled in planning and leading programs

34. ____ plans and leads well-organized meetings

35. ____ encourages people to relate their faith to their daily lives

36. ____ is accepting of people with divergent views

37. ____ encourages other to assume and carry out leadership

38. ____ is mature and emotionally secure

39. ____ has strong commitment and loyalty

40. ____ maintains confidentiality

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41. ____ understands and interprets the mission of the church from a global perspective

42. X is a compassionate and caring

person

43. ____ deals effectively with conflict

GENERAL

33. Does your governing body or your search committee have a well-defined policy

against discrimination? X Yes No Comment:

34. Has your congregation participated in an ONA (Open and Affirming) study/discernment process?

Yes X No Comment:

35. Is there a position description of the pastor’s role and responsibilities?

X Yes No If “yes,” please attach a copy.

Does your church have a personnel policy covering this position? Yes X No

36. List the titles of other paid staff positions for whom this person provides

supervision and indicate whether these positions are full-time (FT) or part-time (PT).

Title:Title:Title:

SecretaryOrganist

X PT

X PT

PT

FT FT FT

Title: PT FT

37. Name three people who have agreed to serve as references. Make sure they are not members of your church, but know your church well enough to be helpful to a final candidate seeking more information about your church, e.g., conference staff, person in community, neighboring pastor:

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Name Telephone Relationship to Your Church

a. J.D. Rose 713-397-3555 Interim Pastor b. Kenny Pahmeier 812-694-8691 Friend of Church c. Bill Pieper 812-512-2301 Friend & Former Interim Pastor

38. What groups or individuals in your church have contributed to, reviewed, and/or approved this profile for circulation? Church Council and Search Committee Members

STATEMENT ON LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY

Salem UCC has historically looked to the pastor for leadership in guiding the church through many issues related to mission, services, and theology. The pastor has been the person to call on the sick, shut-ins, and those absent from church. Our pastor has been the leader in conducting bible studies, premarital counseling, and talking with parents about possible confirmation.

The pastor has been the person to respect the past and traditions as well as find ways to bring in new ideas into the different areas of the church. The pastor is a member of all committees in an advisory role. There is closeness between the lay leaders of the different committees and the pastor where working relationships have been formed. It would be beneficial for the new pastor to have an understanding of each committee as they develop that relationship. In the absence of a pastor there has been some stepping up from many of the congregation. This development of new leadership would be important to develop with the new pastor being that leader and keeping the focus on showing that love of Jesus Christ.

Salem UCC is a very loving and caring congregation. There have been many hours and dollars contributed to many causes in helping people locally as well as worldwide. Even though we would not be classified as open and affirming we do believe in the love of Jesus. We are not afraid to show that love and we are looking for that special person to come and work with us so that we can be that beacon of hope on the top of the hill in Westphalia, Indiana.

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Conference or Association Descriptive Reference

Church Name: Salem United Church of Christ

Location: Westphalia, IN

Conference: Indiana/Kentucky Conference

Association: Wabash Valley Association

Name of Staff Assisting in the Search: Rev. Dr. Monica Ouellette

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United Church of ChristNovember 26, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

I have been asked to write a letter of reference for Salem UCC in Westphalia, On the one hand this is an unusual reference, in that I am the primary person supplying the pulpit there each week at present, and providing a few hour's each 'week of pastoral care and leadership in an official partnership between our churches. On the other, I think I am the perfect person to provide a window into this congregation at this time; and the many opportunities that await her next pastor.

Salem has a rich history. In 2020 the congregation will be 170 years old and the sanctuary will be 100. This congregation predates the community they reside in and those roots going far back are apparent in many things. This is a traditional congregation in most ways; the way they see their pastor, the way they see their lay leadership, their worship structure and style, the way their calendar comes together with events and activities. All of these have been challenged in 2019 as they struggled following their last settled pastor's departure. Someone who is willing to embrace their traditions and start making his/her mark using them as a baseline will do quite well.

Some of the struggle they have experienced has opened new opportunities to breathe new life into their very traditional postures. I believe someone who sees the values that are held by this faith community that keep their traditions a priority will have the upper hand at leading them into the future. They are committed to a future, a future in this community, and a future with a solid pastor, who understands their values; who in a perfect match will share them. Change for the sake of change or change too quickly will not be received well in this congregation.

Yet they are remarkable in their commitment to mission. Point them to a cause and they will rally. They have exceeded my expectations in every way when it comes to the organizations and efforts they raise funds and tangible donations for throughout the year. They have a concert series in the summer that has a mission

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component, they brought in 75 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child while worshipping in the mid-forties, they support a monthly mission, they raised over $1000 at their Mission Bazaar this Fall, and I could go on. The pastor who can harness this energy, the big hearts of these good people, will have a thriving church and I believe a growing one.

I pray for your discernment if you are reading this. I pray for Salem UCC. I know God has prepared the perfect person to lead this congregation forward. It is neither an easy assignment nor a harrowing one. It is going to be a beautiful challenge with a faithful and loving congregation. If a challenge suits you, if tradition is comforting to you, and if mission is how you see the Church engaging the world beyond its walls then this might be a great congregation for you to pastor. I look forward to seeing what God does with these good people in the years to come.

Your brother in Christ,

J.Senior Pastor, Saron UCC

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Indiana, Kentucky United Church of Christ

Concerning the Westphalia, Indiana; Salem United Church of Christ

William PieperPO Box 143Sandborn, Indiana 47578

Mr. Don Osburn10553 N. Albrecht Rd.Bicknell, Indiana 47512

I was ask to give some thoughts about the Salem Church. It was my privilege to be interim pastor for 14 months. During this time, I became close friends with this church finding these people wanting a pastor to lead them in the word of God, and work with them in the many programs in the church.

Salem is always concerned with their youth and willing to teach and work with them each year in confirmation class. They also have a great program in oversees youth ministry among the German youth. It is good to see the young people working in the worship service.

Another important aspect of the church is with the music program. After I finished my ministry with the church, my wife, Pam, stayed on to work in the church choir. This was important to her and she also loved to sing specials and helped in starting the "Church on the Hill" summer concerts. Salem then became her church to the end of her life.

As in any congregation there are challenges and rewards. For anyone willing to work with a family of about eighty people in a country setting this is good place to be.

I am willing to talk to anyone who would like to know more of my feelings of this congregation.

Respectfully,

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William Pieper(Retired minister of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church)

12. 10.2009

I write this as a friend of Salem UCC but I also have family ties with its members. I grew up in the church and was also confirmed there in 1972. As an adult, my family worshiped there. and was active in the leadership roles. We moved our membership in January 2000. I still live in the area and know the people who call Salem “their place of worship.”

I truly know that Salem has the love for God in their heart. 'They strive to follow the example that Jesus has given us. In the rural setting. where the church building was founded- they understand how God does provide our basic needs. Salem’s outreach ministry shows that through the support of the local food pantry, that also supply basic needs items- by donations as well as volunteering. They also support global missions with participating in Samaritan’s Purse, the Operation Christmas Child. These are only two examples how Salem strives to take an active difference every day.

Salem is rooted in tradition. They have traced back and sent representatives to Westphalia, Germany. That region was where the founders of Salem immigrated from. The names of the earliest tomb stones are inscribed with their and worshippers there today are their relatives. The Gospel of Matthew begins the genealogy or Jesus. Knowing who you are and whose you are gives a solid base to build upon.This committed faithfulness in honoring those who come before us and also knowing the sacrifices that were made so that others have a place to worship.

Tradition is looking back. The church today needs to find its place and mission in the world of today. I don't know what that looks like, because the world is so rapidly changing. As

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for me. It’s finding your passion or compassion lie, and responsibly responding with the resources that I have. Salem has the commitment to accomplish this.

My prayer for the minister who God calls to Salem is to honor the traditions of the past and be willing to lead them to be the church of' today. I know that God is ever present in my life as well as in the life Salem UCC. Stirring our emotions, guiding our thoughts. and prompting us into action in each new day of our life journey. God has wonderful things in store for Salem.

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