Mountain View United
Church
Report
of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee
This
is a profile of, and assessment of the needs of Mountain View United Church.
We
hope you enjoy reading it and find it informative.
Some
of the information in this document is taken from the workshop entitled
“Moving Forward” held on Feb 08 2003, the Congregational Questionnaire
distributed in March, consultation with the Congregational Board and the Annual
Report. A complete copy of the annual report is available upon request.
We
at Mountain View refer to the various committees and groups within the
congregational organization as “Ministries” to better reflect the work they
do. This document follows that convention.
While
the Joint Needs Assessment Committee has made every attempt to be sure all of
the information contained in this document is accurate and complete, it is for
informational purposes only, and the staff and congregation of Mountain View
United Church are not to be held responsible for any errors our committee may
have made.
Profile #1: Community
Mountain
View United Church is situated at 85 MacBeath Ave, corner of Connaught Ave.,
which is about in the center of the rapidly expanding city of Moncton, N.B. It
can easily be accessed from either Mountain Rd or Wheeler Blvd which circles the
city starting at the Dieppe city boundaries to connect with the town of
Riverview. Our congregation is comprised of approximately 360 households from
Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and smaller outlying communities. Mountain View’s
congregation welcomes all faiths as can be seen by the diversity within it.
Among the many congregations found in the surrounding area are Roman Catholic
churches, both French and English, Baptist, Anglican, Pentecostal, Presbyterian,
Nazarene, etc.
History:
After
a survey conducted in 1949 by a student minister under the direction of the Home
Mission Board, the northwest section of Moncton showed signs of a need for a
United Church to serve some of the 500 Protestant families of the area. After
several meetings in a marquee tent borrowed from a neighboring Catholic church,
and a meeting in the Georgetown school, Mountain View United Church was
constituted by Rev. W. S. Godfrey on Sunday, Dec 10, 1950. After several
fundraisers by an enthusiastic crew, D. A. MacBeath, who donated the land on
MacBeath Ave to be used for a United Church, turned the sod in June 1951.
Mountain View United Church grew steadily over the next few years and was joined
for a while with Stilesville in 1954 to become a two-point charge. On Sunday,
Dec 16, 1962 the official opening of the new sanctuary of Mountain View United
Church was held, 12 years after being constituted by Moncton Presbytery. In
1975, Mountain View celebrated its 25th anniversary. Statistics showed 450
resident members, 50 non-residents, 240 member families and 150 adherent
families. 2002 was our 52nd anniversary year and our current statistics show
there are approximately 414 confirmed members and adherents.
Our
church community is mostly comprised of middle-income members and adherents with
some younger families. Mountain View United is in close proximity to both
English and French schools, the Universite de Moncton, Atlantic Baptist
University, Mount Allison University in Sackville, a short commute from Moncton,
community colleges as well as being located next door to the Moncton Hospital.
Moncton
is fast becoming known for being a vibrant bilingual, educational, cultural and
social center with excellent recreational facilities such as the Capitol Theatre
(a performing arts center), the new 4-Plex Ice Center, the Universite de
Moncton’s CEPS (athletic center), and the new YMCA currently awaiting
construction. The greater Moncton area is also considered by many to be one of
the premier shopping centers of the Atlantic Provinces.
The
greater Moncton area is probably the fastest growing community in Atlantic
Canada and, therefore, should present growth opportunities for Mountain View
through outreach programs and partnerships with other churches and
organizations. According to local leaders, municipal and provincial planners,
politicians and labor leaders, this growth trend will continue for some time
still. Moncton is also currently enjoying one of its best economic and cultural
booms seen in this area. Its location makes it the Hub of the Atlantic Provinces
and all signs point to continuing prosperity economically. It is our hope that
Mountain View United Church will prosper right alongside Moncton and surrounding
communities.
At
present, there is very little interaction between Mountain View and other
churches of greater Moncton, an area that will require attention and
improvement. Mountain View United Church as a whole is faced with several
challenges and opportunities such as maintaining and increasing membership.
Another huge challenge is keeping our youth interested and involved in our
church so that they in turn become strong active participating members of our
congregation. Currently there appears to be a lack of interest in this area. The
stumbling blocks to meeting these challenges appear to be a lack of enthusiastic
leaders, budget restraints and other social and sporting events taking priority.
Like
many other churches in our area and elsewhere, we are faced with declining
membership and an aging congregation, along with social and demographic changes
which are impacting our church, such as Sunday shopping, sports programs, etc.
Parents are often both working, some on shift work as well as Sundays, often
keeping families from participating in Church services, activities and events.
Mission
Statement:
(1)
To be a spiritually transformed people
(2)
To be intentional about discerning our individual gifts and abilities
(3)
To be a supportive community that nurtures life-giving experiences
As
a caring Christian community, Mountain View United supports the work of
Alcoholics Anonymous, Al Anon, and Recovery, by the use of our facilities. We
are an active congregation, with opportunities for members of all age groups to
participate in congregational life.
Our
Senior Choir leads our congregation in the Ministry of music. We have been
fortunate in the caliber of talented musical directors we have had over the
years. We also have an active Men’s Choir and a Children’s Choir, both of
which perform during the church year. The use of Voices United has been added to
our church’s music resources.
The
United Church Women remain active, with three units and a general meeting on a
regular basis, fulfilling all objectives of the organization.
Twice
monthly, following the worship service, coffee and conversation hour is held in
the Church gym. This is hosted by individuals or Ministries of the Church and
provides a wonderful opportunity for fellowship among our Church family. The
children of the congregation look forward to “cookie Sundays”.
The
Youth Group meets on a regular basis for outings and in house activities.
The
Guiding program continues to be a part of life at Mountain View and interest has
been expressed in re-starting the Scouting program.
The
seniors of Mountain View are invited to a time of fellowship on Thursday
mornings, with lunch being served twice a month. This is a recent event and has
become very popular among our older members.
Bible
studies are held on a regular basis with special emphasis during Advent and
Lent.
Although
the Sunday school does not have a large enrollment, those who are involved are
enthusiastic and committed. The curriculum materials presently being used are
Bible Quest and Seasons of the Spirit.
The
Committee/Ministry (we prefer to call our committees Ministries) structure of
Mountain View consists of the Session (with Pastoral Care, Worship and Special
Concerns Ministries), Finance, Property, Stewardship/Outreach, Christian
Education, Nominating, Ministry and Personnel, UCW, and the Trustees all
reporting to the Congregational Board.
Mountain
View currently has a web site, which can be accessed at http://www.mountainview.reach.net
and has a member of the congregation who has committed to keeping in touch with
the various Ministries within the Church and the secretary to keep it up to
date.
With the recent sale of the school property adjacent to the church, the possibility of relocation or amalgamation must be considered. Whether this is viewed as a time of stress and turmoil or a time of great opportunity and rebirth is our choice.
In
past years we have had surpluses and deficits. The deficits were a result of
major capital expenditures, examples: elevator, new roof and new windows.
1. The
majority of the money for our budget comes from envelope or pre-authorized
remittance giving and loose offering on Sundays.
a.
Fall Fun Fair, for the last twenty-three years the funds raised were from
$3000 to $4500.
b. Lobster take-outs, for the past six years the funds
raised were from $1800 to $3500.
c. Pie take out was started in
the fall 2002. This was very successful.
d. Talent money fundraisers are where people offer to do
things for others, get paid, and turn the profit into the church.
3. Ongoing contributions by The United Church Women
4. Manse rental that is left after expenditures. It is presently rented.
10. We have an inventory and
pictures to help substantiate any claims against the insurance in case of a fire
etc.
11.
Office supplies / advertising. This
cost is for normal office supplies, telephone, and Internet access for the
secretary and minister’s office. The advertising is for the church
announcements in the newspaper for Sunday services.
12.
The church is electrically heated
13.
The Mission and Service fund receives 20 percent of all regular envelope
offerings.
14.
Each ministry within the church submits a budget plan to the finance
Ministry, which creates the overall budget and presents it to
the
Congregational Board for approval.
15
.
The church property consists of one main building, a manse and a parking
lot that is shared with a school. (The school is to be torn down and the
hospital is to take the property over.).
a.
The Church Office is equipped with a Celeron 400MHz computer with 128 MB
of RAM, a 17” monitor and a HP black and white laser printer, Internet access
and E-mail, a fax machine and a photocopier.
b.
The Order of Ministry staff person(s) office is also equipped with a
Celeron 500MHz computer with 96 MB of RAM, a 15” monitor and a Canon color ink
jet printer. There is also an air conditioner. The one Internet access dial-up
account and e-mail address are shared between the Minister, the secretary and
the intern minister if we have one.
c.
The two computers in the offices of the Minister and Secretary are
connected via a network cable so that either machine can use either printer.
d.
The intern Ministers office is equipped with a Pentium 133MHz Computer
with a 14” monitor and it also shares the one dial up Internet access account.
As we don’t have a student intern at present the Sunday school has been
making use of this unit.
e.
The Church uses Windows 98, Corel Word Perfect, and Clavis software
programs.
f.
The Church sanctuary has a Baby Grand Piano and a Casavant Pipe Organ.
g.
We have a PA system with a wireless microphone and fixed pulpit and
lectern microphones as well as 8 Cassette recorders for providing copies of the
Worship services to shut-ins and a CD player.
h.
In addition to the Sanctuary and offices on the main floor there is a
parlor with an upright piano, well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, stoves,
microwave oven, and a commercial dishwasher. There is a gym with a stage and a
small PA system. The basement has a kitchen, a library with a TV and VCR and an
overhead projector and many Sunday school, nursery and meeting rooms as well as
an office for an intern Minister, an office for the Sunday school and an office
for the tellers. There is as well an attic with plenty of storage space over the
gym.
i. The manse is located next to the church with a small parking lot in between. It has been rented for a number of years. One volunteer, for the last six years, has maintained the manse. He either repairs what is required or asks other volunteers for help. Major jobs that are above the volunteer’s capabilities he will contract out with the help of the property ministry.
16. The Annual Report is available on request.
The Order of Ministry staff
person(s) will assume all Ministerial responsibilities of Mountain View United
Church in concert with the Congregational Board, the Session, the Ministry and
Personnel Ministry, and in accordance with the precepts of the United Church of
Canada and the mission statement of Mountain View United Church.
We
are seeking a creative, innovative person who can utilize his or her special
skills and gifts as part of a team to assist in motivating the members of the
congregation to utilize their abilities and
thus help fulfill the spiritual needs of the Church community.
It
is important to us that in addition to fulfilling the requirements of their
jobs, our staff people feel welcome and appreciated and enjoy being a part of
the community.
The
Congregational Board suggests the Order of Ministry staff person(s) time at work
be divided among the following duties as well as any others the board and staff
person(s) may agree upon:
These
are described in more detail below:
Pastoral
Care:
In Consultation with the Session and its Pastoral Care Ministry and as is appropriate, the Order of Ministry staff person(s) either formally or informally:
Will participate in regular visitations at hospitals and special care facilities in the greater Moncton area
Will visit the congregation’s shut-ins in the greater Moncton area
Will provide home communion for the congregation’s sick and shut-ins in the greater Moncton area
Will participate in the regular visitation of the congregation
Will provide crisis ministry
Will officiate at baptisms
Will conduct weddings
Will conduct funerals
Will welcome the participation of other Ministers/Clergy Persons in some way such as scripture readings or special words of encouragement and/or comfort at wedding, baptism and/or funeral services when requested to do so by the families involved and/or the Session or the Congregational Board.
Worship:
In
consultation with the Session and it’s Worship Ministry the Order of Ministry
staff person(s):
Christian
Education:
In
consultation with the Christian Education Ministry, the Order of Ministry staff
person(s):
Outreach:
In
consultation with the stewardship and outreach ministry the Order of Ministry
staff person(s):
Administration:
In
consultation with the Congregational Board and the Session the Order of Ministry
staff person(s):
Professional
Development:
The
Order of Ministry staff person(s):
Other
conditions of employment and Accountability:
Mountain View United Church will
be looking for an Order of Ministry Staff person(s) who possesses the
following skills:
1.
We are a congregation who likes to laugh and a staff person with a
good sense of humor is an asset.
2.
This person must have an ability to work with all age groups.
3.
This person must be comfortable visiting hospitals and special care
homes on a regular basis.
4.
We have a declining enrollment in Sunday school and youth groups and
thus this person will need to work closely with the Sunday School
Superintendent and the youth to assist in increasing youth involvement.
5.
This person must actively follow up leads to bring new members to the
congregation.
6.
Time management skills are essential.
7.
This person must be an effective communicator and be comfortable with
both speaking publicly and communicating in writing.
8.
Basic computer use skills would be an asset.
9.
This person should be an effective listener and able to accept
constructive criticisms and suggestions when they are made in a loving,
respectful and helpful way.
10.
This person should be a good administrator and be available to offer
counsel to the Congregational Board and its various Ministries.
11.
This person should be able to work in concert with other staff
members including the secretary, choir director and custodian as well as the
members of the Session and Congregational Board on a regular basis to plan
and develop worship services and to co-ordinate the on going education and
spiritual growth of the congregation.
12. Mountain View has had a tradition of having intern Ministers do their internships with us and we would consider it an asset if the person we employ had the necessary skills, education and certifications required to supervise an intern or was willing to take training to do so.
Salary
is consistent with the standards set out by the United Church of Canada, as
set out in the United Church Salary and Allowance Guide and is negotiable.
Benefits include United Church Pension, Group Insurance, CPP, and EAP in
accordance with United Church guidelines. There is a six-month disability
salary continuance as well as maternity, parental, compassionate, and
bereavement leaves.
The
vacation period is five weeks per year, dates to be determined in
consultation with the Ministry and Personnel Ministry. There is an
expectation that vacations will be taken during the summer months as during
this time, we share worship services with another local church, Humphrey
Memorial United Church.
Study
leave is three weeks and the budget for continuing education, including
books and computer subscriptions or software is $750.00 a year.
A
Housing Allowance if appropriate is available and is negotiated every 3
years. Moving expenses will be covered. The church does own a manse, however
it is currently rented to a member of the congregation. If this is viewed as
a problem, an attempt will be made to decide upon a mutually agreeable
arrangement.
The
travel allowance is based on the guidelines set out by the United Church of
Canada and has been set at $0.35 per kilometer for the year 2003. The
Minister is expected to keep a log of travel, which is to be submitted to
the treasurer on a monthly basis.