St. Andrew’s United Church

Burdett/Bow Island Pastoral Charge

Joint Needs Assessment 2015

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Table of Contents Page(s)

1.0 Community Profile 3-51.1 Our Community

1.2 Features of Bow Island1.2.1 Economic Base1.2.2 Health Care1.2.3 Education1.2.4 Recreational Facilities1.2.5 Service Clubs1.2.6 Other Churches1.2.7 Ethnic Backgrounds

2.0 Pastoral Charge Profile 5-82.1 History

2.1.1 Bow Island2.1.2 Burdett

2.2 Mission Statement2.3 Our Ministry2.4 Our Church Family2.5 Structure

3.0 Resource Profile 8-103.1 Financial Statements (see Appendix A)3.2 Church Property 3.3 Manse3.4 Staffing

4.0 Position Profile 10-114.1 Overview

4.2 Reporting Relationships4.3 Priorities Identified by the JNAC Survey

4.3.1 Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes 4.3.2 Tasks4.3.3 Preaching Qualities4.3.4 Designation of Time

5.0 Terms Profile 116.0 Motion 12Appendix A - Financial StatementsAppendix B - Church and Manse Photos

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JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

1.0 Community Profile

1.1 Our CommunityBow Island, Alberta is a town of 2200 people located in the southeastern corner of Alberta, approximately a 3-hour drive south of Calgary and 1.5 hours from the USA border. It is a 35 minute drive east to the city of Medicine Hat, which has a population of more than 70,000, and is the major shopping center for this area. Lethbridge is a 75 minute drive to the west. Bow Island serves a rural area with a population of about 1000. The main railway, Canadian Pacific, travels through Bow Island, and there is an airport in Medicine Hat with connecting flights to Calgary and Lethbridge. There is a small airport just outside the town limits, which is home to a Crop Spraying enterprise. Emergency medical flights are made from here to Calgary in 45 minutes. J & L Shuttle service, which travels daily from Medicine Hat to Lethbridge, makes a stop in Bow Island.

The Town of Bow Island’s web address is www.bowisland.com and the County of Forty Mile’s site is www.fortymile.ab.com.

Burdett, Alberta, a hamlet of approximately 300 people, is located 11 km west of Bow Island on Highway #3. There is a post office, a skating rink, a community hall, a gas/service station and agricultural based businesses. The school holds classes from K to grade 9.

1.2 Features of Bow Island

1.2.1 Economic BaseBow Island and Burdett share the same large agricultural economy. Wheat, barley, lentils, peas, canola, mustard, and flax are all grown on the dry land farms. The irrigation farms grow wheat, dry beans, sugar beets, potatoes, seed canola, hay, corn, mint, dill, hemp and other diverse crops used in the making of specialty oils and cattle feed. The cattle industry consists of cow/calf ranches and feedlots. There is also some oil and gas activity in the surrounding area.

Local businesses include two banks, an insurance agency, three grocery stores, a bakery, a drug store with a large gift area, a flower and gift shop which also houses a small area that serves tea and coffee, a furniture store, and a hardware store which has parcel pick up for Sears. Several real estate offices, convenience stores, hair salons, a Post Office, a lumber yard, a greenhouse, a weekly newspaper, several contractors that build houses, cabinets, industrial trailers, pre-fab oilfield equipment and agricultural structures also comprise the business sector. As well, Bow Island is the home of “Spitz” snacks and a Bean Plant that ships worldwide. Farm implement dealers, rental storage units and several service/gas stations serve the surrounding area as well. There are also several eating establishments; they range from a nice dining place to fast food.

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1.2.2 Health CareThe Bow Island Health Care Centre has 10 active beds and 20 continuing care beds, houses a walk-in-clinic and provides 24-hour emergency care. There is also a 40-bed Alfred Egan Home (a home for severely mentally and physically disabled adults). The Centre serves Bow Island and the surrounding area with the closest regional hospital situated in Medicine Hat. There is a Medical Clinic with three full-time doctors, and a health unit employing a full time community health nurse and home care staff. There is also a private Physio Therapy clinic and several massage therapists located in the down town area.

Pleasant View Lodge is a live in senior complex that has 58 rooms for seniors who want full meal service, house cleaning and many recreational activities. In addition, there are 20 suites where seniors may live more independently on their own. On the same site is Pleasant View Manor, a 12-suite senior/handicapped self-contained complex.

1.2.3 EducationBow Island has two public schools, Bow Island Elementary, which is pre-kindergarten to grade 3, and Senator Gershaw School, which has grades 4 to 12. Senator Gershaw School, which ranks well for academics in the province on the Frasier Institute School Ratings, provides extra-curricular programs such as athletics, in which they have garnered many provincial awards, and the Grade 11 drama presentation, one of the community highlights each year.

St. Michael’s is a Catholic Separate School, which has pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 programming, and Cherry Coulee Christian Academy is a private K-9 facility.

Medicine Hat College has many universities transfer courses, as well as several degree and diploma programs, while Lethbridge is home to both a university and a college.

1.2.4 Recreational FacilitiesLocal recreational facilities include: a curling rink, a skating rink, an outdoor swimming pool, soccer pitches, a baseball complex, rodeo grounds, a 9-hole golf course (rated as one of Alberta’s best), and Centennial Park, which has full camping hook-ups with a playground, group camp area, and a walking trail. Several other small parks are situated within the town limits. Forty Mile Dam, where there is camping, boating, fishing and swimming, is a 20 minute drive to the south on the 879. Larger recreational areas include Cypress Hills Inter-Provincial Park 1.5 hour east and south of Bow Island and Waterton Lakes National Park 2.5 hours to the west. Youth activities include 4-H, the Youth Connections Centre, a dance studio, baseball, hockey, soccer, and many school sports. There are also three exercise facilities and a play school organization.

The Town of Bow Island Library, situated on Centre Street, celebrated its 40th Birthday in 2015 and is open 5 days a week. Programs it offers include: Children’s Story Time; children’s summer programs; video conferencing on a wide variety of subjects; changing artistic displays; computers usage; and special evening programs.

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1.2.5 Service ClubsService clubs in The Bow Island area include the: Lion’s, Elk’s, Ag Society and 4-H. They are all very active and fund-raise for many projects. A very active Art Club meets every Monday at the Golden Age Club and always welcomes new members. The Senior Centre is very active with daily activities such as cards, pool, and bingo, along with the many special events throughout the year. As well, it hosts the Farmer’s Market from July to September.

1.2.6 Other ChurchesOur community is represented by the following churches: Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Evangelical Free Church, Burdett Community Bible Church, Church of Latter Day Saints, Church on Centre, and a variety of Mennonite churches.

1.2.7 Ethnic BackgroundsOur population is made up of many ethnic backgrounds: English, Dutch, German (Mexican Mennonite), Japanese and Polish to name only a few.

2. Pastoral Charge Profile

2.1 History

2.1.1 Bow IslandThe first service was held at a farm home near Bow Island in 1907. Although it was under the auspices of the Methodist Superintendent of Missions and a minister from Medicine Hat, the service was attended by all regardless of denomination. In 1909 the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Centre Street and 2nd Avenue was dedicated and remains today as a private home. In 1914, with the war and people leaving because of drought conditions, it was felt that a union of the Presbyterian and Methodist congregations was necessary. Terms for an agreement of union were drawn up in 1915 and signed in 1917. After the official union in 1925, this area was a five point charge: Whitla, Winnifred, Bow Island, Burdett, and Grassy Lake. At one time Burdett had its own minister. In 1959 a new church, St. Andrew’s United Church, and a manse were dedicated and the old church sold. Since 1907 there have been a total of 30 ministers who have stayed varying lengths of time. In 1988, a few members from both the Burdett and Bow Island congregations, along with members from other local churches, broke away from the United Church to form a new church. However, the rest of our members faithfully continued on with worship and a United Church presence in the community. Occasionally, the charge has been without a minister and has relied on pulpit supply and local laity to fill in. In 2006, Burdett and Bow Island amalgamated and became one charge under St. Andrew’s, and in July of 2012 we entered into a shared ministry agreement with Foremost United Church.

2.1.2 BurdettBurdett United Church has its roots in the Methodist Church. The church was organized in 1909 and built the next year as the Burdett Mission Methodist Church. Ministers, who lived in the manse, served Burdett and Bow Island area congregations, which met in the country schools from Whitla to Grassy Lake. In the 1930’s, the Sunday school was active

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but the congregation was small. Then, in the early 1940’s, a new group of women became involved in the church and revitalized everything. They had an active evening UCW group. In 1957, a new church was built. Then in 1985 the additions to the Sunday school and a basement were added. The building also became completely handicap accessible. At times, there were some divisions amongst the congregation members and, in the early 1990’s, some members who could not accept General Council decisions left to form a new church. Although the remaining members were few in numbers, they kept the faith in their own way. Then, in 2006, the Burdett congregation amalgamated with St. Andrew’s in Bow Island to form a new and stronger united group. In 2007, the Burdett Church was sold to a private individual and was turned into a private residence.

2.2 Mission StatementWe are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, to uphold Christian values, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to welcome all and to walk together in our faith journey.

Adopted June 2007

2.3 Our MinistryWe define our church as a typical rural church ministry with strong ties to traditional values, but with an open mind to applying biblical principles to our modern world. Theologically we tend to be “middle of the road”, attempting to use inclusive language, discussing same gender marriages, studying modern books including Spong and Borg, and exploring other issues of faith. Although we remain quite traditional in our worship, we are always willing to try new ideas.

Our congregation is moderate in size (30-40 regular attendees), but strong in commitment to the Lord. We have long standing choir and hand bell choir groups and, within the last few years, a drumming group, which accompanies the music, when appropriate, has been established. We regularly meet our M & S commitment, make special donations to disaster relief, and our members are involved in social and justice issues both locally and beyond. We dream of reaching the unchurched where they are, and our members are very active in many varied community activities. As well, our lower hall is used regularly for such activities as community bridal showers and support groups.

There is also a very active inter-denominational Shawl Ministry that meets at the church three weeks a month; the first meeting of the month is held at the senior’s complex to include those who aren’t able to come to the church. Over 140 shawls have been shared in the community over the past year offering comfort and support to those in need. There are also two very active UCW’s within the congregation who contribute generously of their talents to ensure the smooth functioning of the congregation.

As well, we participate in inter-denominational events and services within the community including: the Remembrance Day Service, the Blue Christmas service, World Day of Prayer, Vacation Bible School, and the local food bank.

Our pastoral charge consists of one church congregation serving a large rural area.

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However, since the fall of 2012, we have had a shared ministry relationship with Foremost United Church. Our current minister was willing and able to serve the Foremost United Church on a part time basis, and we review this agreement every year. Thus far, it has been a satisfactory and successful arrangement for all parties. However, at this time, St. Andrew’s United Church feels that they need to call a full-time minister in order to grow our congregation and to develop a youth ministry. Shared Ministry may be something that we’ll need to reconsider in the future. At this time, Foremost United Church is also doing its own JNAC.

2.4 Our Church FamilyOur friendly congregation provides all who attend with a sense of family belonging and the opportunity to develop inter-generational relationships in both a worship and informal format. With strong lay volunteers, we provide music and Christian education opportunities. As well, we contribute to both our local community and the community at large. Our willingness to approach difficult subjects and issues openly has contributed to the strong congregation that we are

2.5 StructureStewards, whose duties include the maintenance of the grounds and the church, are elected by the congregation, with one member appointed from the UCW. The treasurer, a member of the Stewards, sets up and oversees the yearly budget, fundraising (such as the fall beef supper), and the temporal and financial duties as set out in the United Church of Canada Manual.

Modified BoardAt the 2008 annual congregational meeting, the congregation moved to implement a Modified Board. Although the whole board meets quarterly (more frequently if needed), the executive members meet every six weeks. Members (other than trustees) are encouraged to commit to a 2 or 3 year term, and continuity is built by staggering when members’ terms start and end.

Structure of the Modified BoardChairperson (elected)

Secretary (elected)Treasurer (elected)Ministry Personnel

Presbytery – 1 RepresentativeBoard of Trustees – 1 Representative

Ministry and Personnel Committee - 1 RepresentativeFaith and Formation Team - 1 Representative

Worship Team - 1 RepresentativePastoral Care Team - 1 Representative

Congregational Enrichment Team - 1 RepresentativeStewards (a separate entity) - 4 Representatives

Manse Committee - 1 RepresentativeM & S Treasurer (elected)

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Summary of the Committees and Teams represented on the Modified Board:

Presbytery representative is elected by the congregation.

The Board of Trustees is elected from the congregation. This board must include no fewer than three members and no more than fifteen, and the members stay on the board as long as they are willing and able to serve.

The Ministry and Personnel Committee is three to seven members elected by the congregation as well as one representative for each staff personnel. Staff and ministry personnel cannot be members of this group. This committee meets quarterly to consult with and support the staff and the congregation. They also review the working conditions and the remuneration of the staff yearly, and they make recommendations to the church board.

The Faith Formation Team is three or four elected members who develop activities for children, youth, adults, and families to enrich their faith.

The Worship Team is three or four elected members who take responsibility for all worship services and maintain the historical records.

The Pastoral Care Team is three or four elected members who provide support to all people in our church community, whether in crisis or not.

The Congregational Enrichment Team is three or four elected members who utilize the talents and resources of our Faith Community.

The Manse Committee is appointed by the Modified Board. It has one member from the UCW, 1 Trustee, 1 Steward, and 1 member at large. Their duties include the care and maintenance of the manse as well as insuring that accommodation is suitable for the ministry personnel.

3.0 Resource Profile

3.1 St. Andrew’s Board of Stewards Financial Statement and Burdett/Bow Island Pastoral Charge Financial Statement (see Appendix A)

3.2 Church PropertyLocated on the corner of 2nd Avenue West and 1st Street, the beautifully modernized building of St. Andrew’s United Church has many great features. The narthex and the sanctuary can be accessed by two staircases and an elevator from two street level entrances. The sanctuary, which seats about 170 people in the pews, has a raised choir seating area, bell choir area, and a pulpit. An organ, a piano, a sound system, and projector are all used in the delivery of services. The narthex and the balcony provide space for additional seating for funerals, weddings, and other occasions. The basement,

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which was renovated in 2005, has two Sunday school rooms, a youth room, a shawl ministry storage room, two accessible washrooms, a fellowship area, a large modern kitchen (updated in 2009), an office, and ample storage space. The minister’s office on the main level and the downstairs office are both equipped with computers. There is also a meeting room on the ground level.

3.3 ManseThe manse is a 1320 sq. ft. three-bedroom bungalow with a single detached garage. A finished basement includes two spare rooms, laundry room, bathroom, cold room and family room. Included within the manse are: a refrigerator, a stove, a built in dishwasher, a microwave with fan above the stove, a washer and dryer, floor coverings and drapes. The third bedroom upstairs does have laundry hook-ups if the laundry room is needed to be upstairs.

Our manse committee is very proactive in assuring that our minister and his/her family is comfortable in our house. In 2006 new carpets and bathroom upgrades were completed in the basement. In 2007 the backyard of the manse was re-landscaped, underground sprinklers were added, and a gardening area was developed behind the detached garage. This area can be used as a garden or converted to another patio or storage area as needed. In 2011, all new windows were installed upstairs and two new windows were put into the basement.

The house has an attached deck. In 2013 this deck was redone with new maintenance free material, and the kitchen area and upstairs bathroom were also renovated. New kitchen cabinets (redesigned so a built in dishwasher and more cabinets with increased counter space could be provided), bathroom cabinets, fresh new paint and new flooring were put in. Replacing the tub and tiling the walls for a shower along with bathroom cabinets that have two sinks and additional storage completed the upstairs bathroom. The furnace and new electrical panel were also replaced at this time, and a new electrical garage door with remote capabilities was also added. In July of 2015, an air conditioner was installed in the manse.

The Pastoral Charge pays all utilities such as natural gas, electricity, water and sewer. This creates an equivalent rent of approximately $1000.00 per month.

3.4 StaffingWe employ a full time minister, a part time secretary, and a part time janitor for the church. Our M & P Committee negotiates the responsibilities of our ministry personnel and the secretary and is accountable to the Modified Board. The Stewards determine the janitor’s responsibilities.

The secretary will work up to 8 hours per week (as requested by the minister) to complete photocopying; to write letters and reports; to prepare the worship service power point; and to provide general secretarial support. The secretary also maintains our church website www.bowislandunitedchurch.ca.

An additional 8 hours per week is provided for the Modified Board for photocopying of 9

the Sunday bulletin; typing agendas and minutes as requested; and producing publications such as newsletters and annual reports. The secretary must maintain a confidential up to date mailing list, mail letters, and send reminder emails or phone calls to members before Board meetings. The secretary must also order and maintain office supplies, maintain equipment, and co-ordinate volunteer help in case of ministerial or secretarial absence.

4. Position Profile

4.1 OverviewBurdett/Bow Island Pastoral Charge is seeking a Covenant with an Ordained, Commissioned or Designated Lay Minister to provide full-time spiritual and theologicalleadership in Worship. We welcome an approachable and enthusiastic minister with effective communications skills and the desire to relate well with all ages. It is our goal to have a minister who enhances our youth and family programming to encourage increased interest in St. Andrew’s United Church by young adults, youth, and families.

4.2 Reporting RelationshipsThe minister is responsible to South Alberta Presbytery and to the Modified Board through the Ministry and Personnel Committee. The minister will liaise with the various standing committees and teams.

4.3 Priorities Identified by the JNAC SurveyFrom our congregational survey, we have identified the following skills, knowledge, attitudes, tasks, and time designation for our future minster.

4.3.1 Skills, Knowledge, and AttitudesWe are seeking a minister who has:

1. The ability to work with all age groups.2. Public speaking ability.3. The ability to work in a team.4. A high comfort level with and skill in pastoral visitation. 5. The ability to listen and communicate.

4.3.2 TasksWe are seeking a minister who will/can:

1. Lead services that engage and strengthen the congregation members in their faith journeys.

2. Prepare and lead weddings, baptisms, and celebrations of funeral and memorial services.3. Provide pastoral care.4. Provide counselling.5. Be a strong and positive presence in the community at large.

4.3.3 Preaching Qualities10

We are seeking a minister who prepares and delivers Biblically-based thought provoking, personal, and reflective sermons on current issues.

4.3.4 Designation of TimeWe envision the minister’s time to be allocated as follows:

40% - Worship20% - Pastoral Care15% - Faith Formation15% - Outreach (community focused)10% - Administration and Organization

5.0 Terms ProfileCALL/APPOINTMENT: Full-time Ordained, Commissioned or Designated Lay Minister.

AVAILABLE: January, 2016

HOURS ANTICIPATED: 40 hours per week

SALARY: as per United Church of Canada salary schedule.

WEEKLY DAYS OFF: Minimum 1 full day/week; Maximum 2 full days/week

OFFICE HOURS to be negotiated

ANNUAL VACATION: One month, plus one Sunday off in the spring and fall to be negotiated with M&P committee, then recommended to the Board.

ANNUAL STUDY LEAVE: three weeks - as per United Church study leave policy.

HOUSING: Expected to live in the available manse. Pastoral charge pays allUtilities.

CONTINUING EDUCATIONS & LEARNING RESOURCES ALLOWANCE$1332.00 per year

TRAVEL ALLOWANCE; 41 cents per logged kilometer; log to be reviewed and recommended by M&P prior to payment, at least quarterly

TELEPHONE: basic telephone service in the manse.

SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: 8 hours per week including bulletin preparation and secretarial duties.

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6.0 Motion

That the Joint Needs Assessment Committee of St. Andrew’s United Church Burdett/Bow Island Pastoral Charge recommend the declaration of a vacancy for a full-time position of word, worship, and pastoral care.

Respectfully submitted by the committee members:

Jim Geldreich, ChairpersonLaurie CooperStewart PooleShirley WilsonAudrey BeresowskiTina LaneLeone Johnson, Presbytery RepresentativeSandra Riddell, Presbytery Representative.

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APPENDIX A

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STATEMENT OF ST ANDREW'S BOARD OF STEWARDS

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RECEIPTS & DISBURSEMENTSJAN 1, 2014 TO DEC 31,2014

CASH BALANCE Jan 1,2014 DISBURSEMENTS BOARD OF STEWARD'S Administration 573.40 Opening Cash Balance 95762.02 95762.02 Allocation to Pastoral Charge 63000.00

Insurance 5544.00RECEIPTS Maintenance 905.99Giving's 74399.30 Organist 1200.00Giving's for Building 480.00 Taxes Property 156.25Church Supper 4030.00 Utilities 8320.07Building Usage 1500.00 Wages - janitor 2261.00GST Refund 1326.08 Supplies 508.44M Hodgson Fund Interest 500.00 Fall supper expenses 1887.30UCW 2500.00 Grounds Upkeep 533.58Shawl Ministry 0.00 Elevator 276.05Other Income 481.58 Sunday School & Youth 191.63Burkina Faso 645.00 Postage 178.50

_________ Giving's Envelopes 250.16Annual General Receipts 85861.96 Fellowship 148.48OTHER RECEIPTS Transient OutreachEvelyn Egan Estate 3878.60 Shawl Ministry 394.16Earned Interest from Investments 1758.20 Burkina Faso 645.00

Other - Title Search 387.33

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TOTAL INCOME 91498.76 91498.76 Annual Operating Disbursements 87361.34UNBUDGETED DISBURSEMENTS 0.00

TOTAL CASH AVAILABLE 187260.78________

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 87361.34 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 87361.34_________ Difference Income to Expenses

CLOSING CASH BALANCE 99899.44 4137.42BOARD OF STEWARD'S ___________ Closing Cash Balance 99899.44Building Fund Balance 37284.96

_________Total Both Accounts 137184.40 Submitted by Jim Geldreich, Treasurer

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Burdett/Bow Island Pastoral Charge Treasurers Report

NOTE: Income From Foremost United Church included in this Pastoral Charge Report is from the Shared Ministry agreement with the Foremost United Church that our present minister was willing to accommodate.

Reference 2.3 Our Ministry.

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APPENDIX B

Pictures of

St Andrew’s United Church

And

Manse

See website:

www.bowislandunitedchurch.ca.

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