Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report

May 2009

Riverbend United Church

14907 – 45 Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta

780-430-7275

Table of Contents

The Joint Needs Assessment – Purpose and Process Page 3

Profile 1: Pastoral Charge Page 4

Profile 2: Consultation with Pastoral Charge Page 8

Profile 3: Resources of Riverbend United Church Page 10

Profile 4: Community Page 12

Profile 5: Interests and Directions of Riverbend United Page 15

Profile 6: Ministry Personnel Description Page 17

Recommendation Page 19

The Joint Needs Assessment – Purpose and Process

The Joint Needs Assessment Committee was struck in January 2009 in response to the declaration of a vacancy in our ministerial staff.

The committee was comprised of:

Christine Ens (Chair)

Rev. Dirk Jessen (Presbytery representative, Ministry Personnel)

Jen Carter-Morgan (Presbytery representative, Lay Person)

Andrew Brotto

Diane Hawrelak

Eric Kearney

Bev Mangano

Megan Spaner

Mike Zilinski

The report reflects the many elements of Riverbend United Church including a description of our pastoral charge, an outline of the Riverbend community and the current state of the Interests and Directions of the Congregation. We have also worked to reflect what we feel are the important elements of the job description and requirements of prospective applicants. We have identified the terms that we are able to offer our new minister. We look forward to the journey ahead.

The Joint Needs Assessment Committee considered the following information for this report:

· Report of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee, Riverbend United Church, August 2006

· Results of three separate discernment sessions held with the Congregation, the Youth and Young Adults, and the Church Board

· Interviews with Riverbend United Church staff including Don Koots, Minister; Karen Bridges, Incumbent; Joanne Olson, Parish Nurse; and David Smith, Music Ministry

· Conversation with Shauna Gibbons, Program Coordinator – Leadership Education Resources, Alberta and Northwest Conference

The information gathered was reviewed by the committee and formed the basis for the recommendations made in this report.

Profile 1: Pastoral Charge

Mission Statement

The mission of Riverbend United Church is to celebrate the Good News of Jesus Christ, to embody that Good News for the world, and to welcome and befriend one another in the name of Christ. – adopted in 2006

Vision Statement

We have created a sacred space to celebrate the Good News of Jesus Christ through worship together. We are called as stewards to maintain and expand the space to support our ministries that embody that Good News. As we embody the Good News, so must we let it be seen. As Christians we are called to welcome and befriend not only ourselves but all of God’s people, locally and globally. Our mission is to take the spirit we have found and celebrated together and turn it to shine outside of our building as well as inward…to warm our neighbours as well as ourselves. – adopted in 2008

History

Riverbend United Church had its beginning in January of 1980 when St. Paul’s United Church established a new church development committee, with the goal of establishing a church in the Riverbend area. Just 6 months later, Riverbend United held its first service in the music room of a local elementary school. Rev. Stewart Hewlitt and Rev. Don Waldon alternated between St. Paul’s and Riverbend United that first year, until the young congregation was well enough established to call a full time minister. A cherished dream was realized with the completion of our present building in 1989. Situated on an attractively landscaped 1.6 acre site next to a park, the building area is 10,290 square feet, with a seating capacity of approximately 300. With gratitude and joy, we celebrated our 25^th anniversary in the fall of 2005 and look to the future as we move forward in faith.

Congregation

At this time, approximately 350 families call Riverbend United their church home. Of these, 81 are on PAR, and 167 contribute regularly through envelope offerings. On average, 23% of the congregation is made up of children ranging in age from 0 to 14 years: 10% consists of youth (15 – 20 years of age); 49% fall in the 21 to 65 year age group and the remainder, 18%, are 65 and over. Thirty-four percent of our families live outside the original Riverbend area. Rapidly developing communities in the area offer potential for growth of the congregation. Riverbend United Church is uniquely positioned to serve Southwest Edmonton, as detailed later in the report.

Official Board

The church board is made up of the chairperson, chair-elect, past chair, secretary, treasurer, the chairpersons of the various committees, members-at-large, trustees, and ex-officio clergy. The board meets monthly, and arranges times and dates for congregational meetings. The committees of the Board include Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Care, Stewardship and Finance, Ministry and Personnel, Health Ministry, Property and Maintenance, Archives, United Church Women and Outreach.

More information about the individual committees is included in an addendum available upon request.

Worship

Sunday morning worship services are held at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Nursery care for children under age 3 and Children’s Ministry programming up to Grade 6 are provided at the 10:30 service. The Youth and Young Adult group also meets on Sunday mornings. While there are differences between the congregational make up of the two services, worship content is basically the same at both services.

The 9 AM group can be described as faithful, constant and reliable; mainly older and retired or semi-retired, but with some who are neither, but who simply prefer an earlier or quieter worship service. Most people in this group have a United Church background. There is a small choir, but there is no Children’s Ministry, Nursery or Youth Group offered at this time, which makes the atmosphere of worship different from the busier, more energetic air at the later service.

The 10:30 congregation is “all-inclusive”, represents every age group, and has a strong lay leadership component. It, too, has a steadfast and reliable core attendance, but is more likely to reflect the variation to be expected with change in the church community. As an example, some of our younger families, with children in Sunday school or Youth Group, are at a phase in life where they relocate often, and/or occasionally alter their worship patterns to accommodate sport and other family related activity. This service features a full choir and offers Nursery, Children’s Ministry, and Youth Discussion Group. Congregants are positive in their response to child and youth participation in worship, and likely to respond favourably to contemporary worship and music.

Music Ministry

The music ministry is an essential element of our worship at Riverbend United Church. The Music Director works closely in a team with other ministerial staff to ensure that the musical aspect of worship is a meaningful and integral part of our sacred life.

Believing that there is good music of many styles, and that the diverse nature of our congregation requires a diversity of musical style in order to be meaningful for all, the senior choir provides a wealth of varied musical offerings at the 10:30 a.m. worship services. On occasion the choir has also led complete services, for example the Lenten Taizé services. This choir also participates, with a number of other choirs, in an annual Twelfth Night Festival, sings carols for the annual ‘Cookie Walk’, and other events.

A small but dedicated ‘ensemble’ provides musical leadership at the 9:00 a.m. services.

Riverbend United is also blessed with a fine Handbell Choir (5 octaves). Meeting weekly, they participate in our worship services approximately once a month.

Health Ministry

This ministry is a service dedicated to promoting the health, healing, and wholeness of individuals, families, and congregations. The Parish Nurse assists individuals and families to access relevant resources that enable them to personally promote their health. Therefore we work together to create and sustain a vibrant faith community for the health and healing of ourselves and others.

Children’s Ministry

· Nursery – provided during worship services, from 10:20 - 11:45 am for babies and toddlers under 3 years of age. It is run by parents/volunteers organized by a volunteer coordinator.

Children’s Ministry Sunday Program -- The 10:30 worship service includes a story time for children, after which the children meet downstairs for group singing before separating into age groups for instructional time. The program accommodates children from age 3 to Grade 6, and is run by volunteers. Present enrollment is approximately 100 children; average Sunday attendance is 35 - 40.

The Children’s ministry has been following the rotational model for the last two years. The program explores bible stories and concepts through child friendly multimedia workshops utilizing art, drama, music, games, puppets, storytelling, cooking, science or other educational media. The same bible story or theme is presented in all of the workshops for three to five weeks as grade groupings of students rotate to a different workshop each week. The themes are related to the lectionary followed in the worship services.

The Children’s Ministry involves children in the ministry and committee work of both pastoral care and outreach. The children make cards and ornaments to include with the pastoral care gifts delivered to shut-ins at Christmas and Easter. The program also sponsors three foster children through World Vision.

· Vacation Bible School - In July, our Incumbent, with the help of the Youth and Young Adults and a few adult volunteers, organizes a weeklong half-day Bible School that combines learning and fun. Open to children up to Grade 6 and out of diapers, this has been a very popular program. This program has provided excellent leadership development and mentorship opportunities for our Youth and Young Adults.

Youth Ministry

The programs are interactive opportunities for youth, Grade 7 to Grade 12. This program is assisted by the youth leaders – a group of 18 young adults in college or in the workplace. Each program is open to all youth and their friends at anytime of the year. Youth will have the opportunity to explore issues relevant to their lives, to try new things, and to have fun while they learn to live in community. They will be encouraged to question and come to a deeper understanding of their faith. Over 80 youth in total take part in the various programs.

Sunday morning discussions – Coordinated by the Incumbent, with the assistance of the youth leaders. Includes topics of faith, outreach, and justice issues. Approx. 20 – 25 participants each Sunday, held concurrently with the 10:30 service.

Fellowship/Youth group – primarily a social time to build community. Meets twice a month on a Saturday in the evenings for dances, games, activities etc. Coordinated by the Incumbent, with the assistance of the youth leaders. May be involved in fundraising such as the biblical cake auction and the Spring Fling Dinner.

Confirmation - a two-year program with weekly gatherings held from September to April. Youth are given the opportunity to question and come to a deeper understanding of faith through discussions, participation in group activities, and through interaction with other members from the congregation. The first year is an exploration of the bible and the second year explores The New Creed. This is the only program that youth must commit to and is not a drop in program.

Cantata – A yearly musical worship production that involves 20-25 youth and young adults in April of each year, and is shared the first weekend in May.

Mission trip – a mission trip to Cuba took place in spring 2005; it is hoped that another such trip will be planned in the near future.

Youth Retreat - a weekend retreat at a camp near Edmonton, usually in November. The time is spent exploring a theme and building community in a camp setting through games, music, movies and activities.

Youth Council – This committee functions in a similar way to the Board structure of the church. Youth who are interested can join the council at any time by participating in one of the sub-committees: archives, advertising, worship, High School social group, and the Saturday youth group. The youth council provides direction for planning throughout the year in consultation with the Incumbent.

Young Adults – After graduating high school/turning eighteen, young adults are eligible to become Leaders. Leaders volunteer to lead discussion group, as well as organize the Saturday night activities for the youth. There are usually some training sessions held prior to the start of Youth group in September. Occasionally they meet outside of the Church for socializing.

Profile 2: Consultation with Pastoral Charge

Several opportunities were provided for members of the congregation to provide input in the process. A summary of the discussion from three such gatherings is included below. Raw data is available upon request.

A. Congregational Discernment Sunday, March 22, 2009

24 were in attendance along with several members of our committee. Four groups were created each taking time to answer specific questions. The following is a recap of the information received from the groups.

What makes this church special to you?

The intergenerational mix, the welcoming and compassionate community, the commitment of our youth, and great ministerial staff were prevalent themes.

What are the needs of our church in serving our present congregation and reaching out to SW Edmonton?

Continue to build relationships between the various generations... and in doing so, assist individuals and families through the many transitions that life brings. Reaching out to the community through publicity and programs will sustain the church.

How is Faith formed in Children, Youth and Young Adults?

Faith is formed in a variety of ways. It is important that there is a freedom to question and be questioned, a sense of belonging, an opportunity to share and be part of a dialogue with others to ensure a greater understanding of our own personal faith stories and journeys. Children and youth need to be given the opportunity to lead, develop teamwork and be mentored.

What should be the priorities of our Children and Youth Ministry?

For the children and youth to see our church as a welcoming and safe place where their individual gifts and talents are recognized and celebrated. We must continue to find ways to engage both children and youth. To maintain designated physical spaces and adequate financial resources for programming.

B. Brainstorming Questions posed to Church Board – March 17, 2009

A summary of the discussion follows:

Why is it important for you to be part of this congregation?

Worship, prayer and reflection provide respite from the worries of the world; we are an active, inclusive community that longs to make a difference; our confirmation, youth and music program cultivate spiritual growth.

How is faith formed in children, youth and young adults?

Through building relationships among all generations and the involvement of many different congregational members, not just staff and parents; through participation in high quality programs such as retreat, cantata, VBS, and outreach activities.

What should be the priorities of our Children and Youth Ministry?

Building a foundation for faith through the maintenance and growth of our current programs with dedicated staff and space; the development of leaders among the youth as well as for the children and youth.

C. Discernment session held with Youth and Young Adults – April 26

Summary of discussion

In my faith life and community, I appreciate…

- the hospitality, acceptance and support of the youth and leaders; new ideas presented in a fun and creative atmosphere

What does your faith provide for you?

- acceptance and support; a retreat from life; a sense of belonging; a relationship with God

What does the ideal youth group look like?

- a diverse age group among the participants, a leader you can relate to; acceptance, a place that is your own.

Why are you committed to Riverbend United Church?

- great youth program; youth are a priority in the church, hospitable; overall ideas of the church are youthful

What do you value in a youth minister; what skills/gifts are important?

- open, fun, good listener, patient, young at heart, someone who can see our talents and encourage us to use them, strong sense of humour, creative

Profile 3: Resources of Riverbend United Church


Financial Statement

		Actual 2008	Budget 2009
Income
	Envelopes/PAR	$279,543	$319,603
	Loose offerings	10,462	9,600
	M & S	33,093	31,680
	Rental	10,192	12,300
	Social committee	10,386	9,150
	Other	6,387	9,125
	Cell Tower Revenue	22,800	22,800

Total income		$372,863	$414,258

Expenses
	M & S Disbursements	$33,093	31,680
	Presbytery assessment	19,200	20,164
	Building costs	47,151	44,090
	Office & Administrative	20,561	20,145
	Health ministry	26,121	25,525
	Outreach	4,432	4,810
	Pastoral care	337	1,315
	Social & Rental expenses	8,116	9,320
	Spiritual formation	6,441	13,500
	Wages & benefits	177,321	182,849
	Other Committee expenses	2,387	1,900
	Project expense	28,608	12,450
	Music Ministry	30,240	33,160

Total expenses		$404,008	$400,908

Profit/Loss		($31,145)	$13,350

Human Resources - Current Paid Staff

Ordained Minister - full-time paid position

Designated Lay Minister – full-time paid position

Office Administrator – full-time paid position shared between two people

Music Director – part-time paid position

Accompanist – part-time paid position

Handbell Director - part-time paid position

Parish Nurse – part-time paid position

Caretaker – part-time paid position

Property

Our current facility was designed in 1988 when our congregation had 115 families and only one staff member plus a part time secretary. We have grown since that time to over 350 families, 3 ministerial staff with offices plus office staff that maintain office hours 5 days a week. We are about to embark on a $1.5 million expansion and update to programming space, meeting space and administrative space. A fundraiser has been hired and we are expecting our stewardship campaign to commence fall 2009.

Communication

In an attempt to maintain good communication with our members we have a church newsletter, The Front Pew, published monthly from September to June, and once over the summer months, July and August. The editors aim to produce “a paper with something for everyone – information, humour, highlights in the life of the church, food for thought in our efforts to live Christian lives, and upcoming events, all in a professional quality publication.”

We also maintain a website http://www.riverbendunited.org/ which provides up-to-date information on church activities, as well as brief profiles of staff and volunteers, and an overview of history and ministries.

Profile 4: Community

Our Neighbourhood

Riverbend United Church

14907-45 Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta

The capital city of Alberta, Edmonton, has a population of about 800,000 with a distinct culture to it that makes it unique amongst many of the large cities in Canada. The city continues to experience some economic growth and prosperity. Edmonton tends to be very community oriented, very family oriented and less transient than other major centres. There is a great connection to the outdoors through all four seasons. Edmontonians are proud of their football, hockey, baseball, and all sports teams, the many major international events hosted here, year-round festivals and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. It is fair to say that it is quite a warm and family-oriented city.

Riverbend United Church is located in Edmonton's vibrant Southwest known generally as Riverbend. Amenities near our church include a local ski hill (Snow Valley), Fort Edmonton Historical Park, the John Janzen Nature Centre, walking and biking trails in Edmonton's scenic river valley trail system. There are several public and Catholic elementary and junior high schools, as well as a new public high school opening fall 2009. Riverbend has a satellite location of the Edmonton Public Library, close-by grocery and other necessity shopping with freeway access to West Edmonton Mall, Southgate shopping centre (indoor) and South Edmonton Common (outdoor) and the new Ambleside shopping area in Windermere. The addition of the Anthony Henday ring road has made Riverbend all the more accessible in the last year. In Spring 2010, Riverbend is scheduled to be home to a new public recreation facility with swimming, fitness centre, indoor soccer and 4 arenas. For those with coffee on the brain, all three major coffee shops are available in our community: Tim Horton's, Starbucks, and Second Cup, with many franchised restaurants within easy driving distance. There are also many local independently owned cafes & restaurants, some within walking distance of the church.

For the most part, the congregation is drawn from the Riverbend area; however, there are many in the congregation who travel some distance to attend, including from west of the city, downtown and other areas in and around Edmonton (including post-secondary students who still call Riverbend home).

The geographic area that Riverbend United serves is a topic that is frequently raised by our board as we look to the future direction of the church. The city is expanding rapidly to the South of the church with very significant growth being realized, and further growth being anticipated. It is also unclear where the new communities to the South and East will fall regarding “which church they belong to”. While these are issues that will be addressed at the Edmonton Presbytery level, the congregation is actively involved in addressing them. The one element that is clear is that Riverbend is in an area of rapid growth in a city that is growing significantly, and there is an opportunity for us to address this as a congregation, in the best way possible.

The City of Edmonton

Greater Edmonton has a population of approximately one million people, including its suburbs. Here is some general information adapted from www.Edmonton.com:

Climate

Edmonton is the most northerly of Canada’s major cities and is on the same latitude as Hamburg, Germany and Liverpool, England. Warm summer days seem to go forever, fall’s vivid colours are stunning and the crisp bright beauty of an Alberta morning is breathtaking. At the summer solstice, Edmonton basks in 17 hours and six minutes of daylight each day. Greater Edmonton has dry winters, and receives much less snow than many other North American cities.

Environment

The city of Edmonton is surrounded by wide-open spaces under big blue skies. Surrounding counties consist of rich rolling farmland, aspen parkland, boreal forest, lakes and wetlands. Nature lovers delight in the region's diverse bounty of animal and bird life. As a city, Edmonton is very much in tune with its special environment:

No other city in North America has as much natural urban parkland including a spectacular river valley that meanders through the city.

· Public transportation is available through an extensive bussing system and an expanding Light Rail Transit line.

· The Edmonton region leads Canada in its efforts to reduce solid waste. Curbside recycling and a state-of-the art co-composter facility have helped reduce by 60% the waste sent to area landfills.

· Edmonton is also a world leader in the treatment of waste water.

Education

Edmonton is home to great public grade school education in both the Public and Catholic systems. The world class University of Alberta, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Grant MacEwan College as well as the more intimate King’s University College and Concordia University College are all part of Edmonton’s post-secondary scene.

Health

The Edmonton Health region has grown to be the largest academic health region in Canada and is the leading medical and health sciences centre in Western Canada. It is the largest employer in Alberta and an economic driver in the Edmonton area. In recent years Edmonton's Health region is consistently ranked among the best of regional health authorities across Canada. Edmonton's world-calibre hospital care is available to all residents through Alberta's universal health care system.

Arts

Welcome to Canada's Festival City! Greater Edmonton plays host to more than 35 arts and cultural festivals throughout each year. But festivals are only the beginning. Greater Edmonton has a thriving and diverse arts scene:

· Edmonton's downtown Arts District includes the fabulous Winspear Centre concert hall, the Citadel Theatre and the Art Gallery of Alberta. It is the heart of a glittering cultural scene that includes opera, ballet and symphony.

· Greater Edmonton has some of the finest theatres in North America and more theatre companies per capita than any other city in Canada.

· The Royal Alberta Museum is the flagship of over 20 museums in and around the city.

· Edmonton is an important stop for major musical acts and for touring Broadway musicals.

Profile 5: Interests and Directions of Riverbend United

Riverbend United Church in the Community

Riverbend United is a strong community rooted in cooperation and support for one another and provides a welcoming United Church presence in the neighborhood. The Church provides space to the general community for activities such as Brownies and Guides, other youth programs, choirs, and a recently formed twice-weekly playgroup. Another example of our ongoing presence in the community is our regular contribution to the community newspaper "The Raggtimes". Whether it is documenting our youth/young adult activities, highlighting the citizenship of one of our members, or articles from our ministerial staff, Riverbend United Church has a strong presence in community news. Our members have been active participants in the redevelopment of the nearby Ramsay Park project and volunteers at seasonal community events held in the park.

Several social groups have developed over the years – currently the most active include the weekly walking group, the monthly book club and bridge group.

Riverbend United Church has a healthy relationship with other Christian denominations in Riverbend. While we acknowledge our different expressions of faith, there is mutual respect for the ministry of each denomination within our community.

Riverbend as part of the United Church

We are a vibrant place that is proudly United Church and believe strongly that our ministry staff has responsibilities to the wider church: Presbytery, Conference, and National levels. Our current lead minister is just completing a term as Order of Ministry representative to General Council Executive. He is also the incoming chair of Edmonton Presbytery. Our Incumbent is currently serving as Chair of the Design Team for Youth Forum at the 40^th session of General Council as well as sitting on the Agenda and Planning Committee. Our members have been very involved on the national church scene with five members attending the 39^th session of General Council.

Our Mission and Ministry

We count among our special gifts our multigenerational experience with an especially vibrant youth and young adult program. Our unique healing spirit guided by a part-time Parish Nurse and active health ministry committee supports and nurtures the holistic care of our members. And a well-established music ministry draws on the many talents of our members to fulfill our spiritual and worship life. Our caring congregants look within to serve in many ways through our Pastoral Care Committee and reach out to serve beyond our church in the local and global community through our Outreach Committee.

History of our Youth Ministry

Our youth ministry has grown and developed over the years into a premier program.

In 1995 RUC, in partnership with Edmonton Presbytery, hired a youth worker for 12 hours/week. The position has evolved into a full time Staff Associate in 2000 (currently Designated Lay Minister) and the profile now includes children’s ministry, youth, and young adult ministry.

Current Situation and Future Dreams

Our dream is to maintain and grow our family ministry with a strong intergenerational component. We hope to serve an increasing population while maintaining our high quality programs and extending our ministry to deepen relationships with families. There are a few challenges - it is a challenge to offer consistent programming to young families with many diverse interests that affect their regular attendance, especially when this same group is relied upon for program leadership. It is a challenge to provide equal and consistent programs to a wide variety of age ranges and interests.

An area for development is the establishment of a connection with the young families during the early years of childhood, prior to the parents’ interest in, or need for, our Sunday Children’s Ministry programs. This relationship needs to begin and grow with the baptismal preparation, a well coordinated nursery program on Sundays and support and networking provided for the young parents. We are proud of the success of our youth program, but without fostering the spiritual lives of our youngest members, how will we feed the program with new youth?

We must continue to serve the youth and young adults who have been so committed to Riverbend United. The following quote is indicative of the strength of our program. “The success of our program can be summarized by the commitment of our youth. Youth come to church without their parents, youth have remained in the church after coming out of Sunday School, and even after they have graduated High School. Some youth choose to come back to confirmation for a third and fourth year after they have been confirmed, and past youth are now volunteer leaders in the youth ministry and many work on various committees in the church. Our major success has been changing the belief that once you are confirmed you have graduated and therefore no longer needed to learn or attend church. The youth and most of the congregation have come to believe that faith is a life long journey, and that doubt and questioning are important in the deepening of our faith, and we are called to live in community and live out our faith in the world.” Taken from Evaluation of Riverbend United Church’s Faith Formation, a paper written by Karen Bridges, Feb 2008

Riverbend United is proud of our successes in ministry with children and youth. We look forward to future opportunities to strengthen relationships with families and further develop the spirits of our children, youth and young adults. Embark with us on an exciting journey!

Profile 6: Ministry Personnel Description

Overview

Riverbend United Church embraces a culture of working collaboratively. The full time position we are seeking to fill is entitled Congregational Minister for Youth and Families. This person will work in partnership with the RUC staff and with the lay leadership of the church. The Minister for Youth and Families will provide spiritual leadership to our children, youth, young adults and families.

Position Description

The staff of RUC works within a cooperative team setting and it is understood that the candidate would be a full participant in this team model. All staff members report to the Ministry and Personnel Committee.

The following is a summary of responsibilities; the approximate time allocations will vary seasonally and as needs arise.

Faith Formation (Approx 25 hours per week)

Children’s Ministry (Ages 0-12)

· Foster relationships with the whole families of children ages 0-12

· Develop and coordinate Sunday morning programming for children ages 0-12; this would involve coordinating, training and supporting volunteers where required

· Take primary leadership in Faith Focus Time – introduction of the day’s theme with the whole congregation prior to departing for Children’s Ministry programming

· Incorporate children into the occasional worship service

· Plan and coordinate annual Vacation Bible School

Youth Ministry (Grades 7-12)

· Develop and lead a weekly Sunday Morning Discussion Group

· Coordinate and lead our two year Confirmation Program

· Plan, organize, and coordinate youth involvement in a variety of events including bimonthly youth group (primarily fellowship) and an annual retreat

· Empower the youth and young adults in planning and leading occasional worship services throughout the year

· Provide leadership development opportunities for youth

· Coordinate, train and support volunteer leaders for all youth programs

Young Adults (18-35)

· Provide short term faith formation opportunities

· Provide spiritual direction/mentorship

· Facilitate leadership training and mentorship as the young adults work within the Youth and Children’s ministries

Young Families

· Co-facilitate baptismal preparation classes

· Provide short term faith formation programs or small group ministry

Pastoral Care (approx 10 hours per week)

· Provide primary pastoral care to children, youth and young adults

· Work with Parish Nurse, Minister and Pastoral Care Committee on providing pastoral care to parents and young families

· Share in visitation with minister and parish nurse of new families to the congregation

Administration (approx 5 hours per week)

· Attend weekly team staff meetings

· Work with the Board and Committees as required and needed

· Attend Spiritual Formation Committee Meetings held every 4-8 weeks

· Assist office administrator in ensuring membership records are kept up to date

· Contribute written articles and reports to various publications including the monthly newsletter

Other responsibilities:

Participate in the larger work of The United Church of Canada through attendance and participation at Edmonton Presbytery and Alberta and Northwest Conference.

Within this team, the candidate would not be expected to lead worship or assist with sacraments initially, however it would be possible for the candidate to “grow” into these activities if desired.

Requirements

For this position we seek someone with:

· significant theological depth within the United Church ethos

· theoretical and practical experience or training in the faith formation and pastoral care of families, children, youth and young adults.

o Preference will be given to candidates possessing specific training in the faith formation and pastoral care of children and youth. The successful candidate may be diaconally trained for the emphasis on education, service and pastoral care; or have completed the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Training Program of Alberta/Northwest Conference or equivalent training/experience.

o Candidates interested in enrolling in future training will also be considered. Some extra time off for studies and/or financial support for tuition could be negotiated.

· the ability to build relationships with people of all ages especially children, youth, young adults and families

· the desire and ability to be a competent and committed team player

· a keen awareness of ethics and boundary issues in working with young adults and duty of care in relation to children and youth.

Terms

Salary: $32,500 to $42,000 per year

To be based on the Salary and Allowance schedule of the United Church of Canada as the minimum guideline plus 10%. We may negotiate with the candidate to give consideration for advanced education, experience and special circumstances.

Housing Allowance - $18,000 per year

Continuing Education and Learning Resource Allowance - $1600 per year

Holiday Allowance – one month per year

Study Leave – 3 weeks per year

Riverbend United Church also agrees to provide the following:

· moving expenses, including travel/food/lodging costs for Minister and immediate family (if applicable)

· office space and telephone

· office equipment with internet connection

· secretarial support

· basic cell phone coverage

Recommendation of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee

The Riverbend Pastoral Charge, in accordance with the submission of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee, requests that Edmonton Presbytery declare a vacancy for a

full-time ministry position effective August 1, 2009 with compensation in accordance with the United Church of Canada guidelines and appoint Presbytery representatives to the Joint Search Committee as soon as possible.

Should the Joint Search Committee find it difficult to fill this position with one full time individual, the committee may choose to call/appoint more than one individual to meet the needs outlined in this report.