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Penn West Conference

PROFILE

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We invite you to pull up a chair, take a sip of steaming hot coffee ortea and spend some time with us – the people who are praying foryou right now – that you might just be our next conference minister.Get to know us, our churches, our geography, the love that we havefor Christ. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Welcome to the Penn West Conference profile. In it, the SearchCommittee seeks to provide a glimpse of our spirituality, ourchurches, our structure, our people, our climate, and our area. Wehope you might begin to get to know us, recognize our strengths andour challenges, and then ask the question: are you called to be ournext Conference Minister?

We believe a conference brings church families together to learn fromone another and to fellowship and worship in a way that glorifiesGod and adheres to the teachings of Jesus Christ. While our sixassociations have their own unique personalities, it is our desire toexplore our diversity and our commonality to search for new ways tolove and serve Jesus Christ in His church.

We live in Western Pennsylvania for many reasons. Some are farmerswho carry on the traditions of their ancestors. Some are transplantsfrom a time when industry and steel mills were thriving. Others havearrived more recently to work in the booming high-tech, medical, andnatural gas fields. Whatever our background, we share a strong workethic, dedication to our professions, and a commitment to provide forour families and care for our communities.

Our four seasons enable us to enjoy the splendor of changing colors,the activities of both warm and cold temperatures, and . . . just whenwe begin to tire of the heat, the snow, the cold, or the rain, a newseason emerges bringing new life and new hope to our lives. On anygiven day, we can experience the culture and fine dining in the city;drive to Lake Erie to fish, boat, or swim; or travel to the mountains tohike, kayak, or take a scenic drive.

It is the hope of the Penn West Conference Search Committee that wehave portrayed an honest and accurate profile.

Are YOU called tothis exciting and challenging ministry?

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Conference Map

0 50 miles

Clarion Association – Armstrong, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield,Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Warren

Juniata Association – Bedford, Blair, Fulton, HuntingdonLake Erie Association – Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer, VenangoPittsburgh Association – Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, WashingtonSomerset Association – Cambria, Somerset and Northwest MarylandWestmoreland Association – Fayette, Westmoreland

Erie

Butler

Clarion

Punxsutawney

Indiana

Pittsburgh

Greensburg

Somerset

Johnstown

Western Pennsylvania

Northwest Maryland

Our conference office is located in Greensburg,Westmoreland County, western Pennsylvania.

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Bedford

Warren

Huntingdon

Dubois

Frostburg,MD

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Most of our 104 churches are the German Reformedtradition; others come from Congregational, Welsh andother traditions.

Number of church members: 13,800

Number of Pastors: 146

Ordained – 97Licensed – 36Commissioned – 13

Number of Members in Discernment: 13

57

38

9

under 100 members

100 - 300 members

over 300 members

104

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Meet

CLARION

The Clarion Association includes eighteen churchesrepresenting the United Church of Christ in rural areas,small villages, and larger towns. Clarion University andIndiana University are located within our communities, aswell as Punxsutawney Phil, a rather famous weatherpredictor. Our churches have long, rich histories andfriendly, welcoming people. Our ministerium meetsmonthly providing association pastors the opportunity toshare and fellowship with each other.

Our Associations

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JUNIATA

Twenty-one churches make up the Juniata Association. Eachone is dynamically involved within its own community as wellas the wider church. Within our boundaries are two UCC basedretirement communities as well as Camp Living Waters.Fourteen of our churches are 5 for 5! Our ministers' meetingsare a time of fellowship and learning; a place where ideas,thoughts and struggles can be shared and lifted up.

LAKE ERIE

Seven churches make up the Lake Erie Association includingtwo located in Erie and four located in and aroundGreenville. The people of the LEA are caring and supportiveof each other and of their communities and tend to be verymission oriented. There is certainly room for growth in thisarea which offers many opportunities for recreation in andaround Lake Erie and is a short drive to Pittsburgh.

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PITTSBURGH

Welcome to America’s “Most Livable City” and to the 14churches of the Pittsburgh Association! You will findcongregations of every size and style here, from urbanchurches on busy street corners to rural churches that haveserved the same farming families for generations. Somecongregations struggle to fill pews and pay bills, whileothers are vital and energized. As our city and regioncontinue to grow and change, there is tremendouspotential for growth; we hope you will help us see thepossibilities and rise to meet the challenge. We invite ournew conference minister to support our association'sleadership, to encourage our participation in the widerPenn West community, and to foster greater connectionbetween our ministers.

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SOMERSET

Located in the south-central part of the Penn WestConference, the Somerset Association has 23 churches.We are home to a number of wonderful people andplaces! Two top rated ski resorts in the Mid-Atlanticstates, the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail, connectingPittsburgh to Washington, D.C., and the AlleghenyHighlands trail are just a few of the many wonderfulrecreational opportunities. The area once known as theLand of Milk and Maple has abundance of seasonallychanging beauty, and a diverse culture grounded inagriculture, labor, and family.

WESTMORELAND

Comprised of 21 churches, this vibrant association enjoysnatural beauty, a great historical legacy, and pleasantrural as well as urban communities. However, ourgreatest asset is our people. There is a genuine passionand concern for both Christ and one other. We possess awelcoming spirit as well as a desire to help and serveothers in Christ’s name. The association is blessed withactive participation, communicates well among itsmembers and is very friendly and eager to supportmissions beyond the walls of our churches.

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Conference

In ActionMINISTRIES & PROGRAMS

Penn West Academy for Ministry

Formed in 1965, the Academy provides a rich education forthose following a call to licensed ministry and/or personalgrowth. It is a four-year program; participants are involvedin five courses that meet four times a year. It is a 4 yearprogram with participants being involved in 5 courses thatmeet 4 times a year. Special segments and an annualRefresher Course are also offered. Thirty-five local churchesare served regularly by Licensed pastors, with one pastorserving his congregation for 41 years!

The Association Church and Ministry Committees worktogether to oversee the Penn West Academy and provide anAnnual Pastors Retreat and Pre-Lent Retreat.

Church Vitality Events

Our Transformation and Renewal Team focuses on ways toencourage vitality in churches. Designed for teams fromchurches, there is an annual event to help congregationsconsider specific ways to make their congregation morevital.

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Youth Programming

Although this is a focus that is still forming, we had 33folks attend the National Youth Event in 2012. We haverepresentatives who are part of the planning process forthe Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Event in 2014

Ministries and Mission Network

Consisting of the Association Presidents and chairpersonsof committees/teams, this group has promoted AllAssociation Gatherings which provide various workshops;learned the use of Webex technology as a tool formeetings, and is designing effective ways to share valuablemission information between churches.

Conference Annual Meeting

We have moved from a “meeting” to a “program” focus,with energy and excitement offering different worshipexperiences and specific ways to strengthen local churcheswhile celebrating the ministry that we do together.

Emerging Ministries

We have a group of folks interested in forming a GreenJustice Team and some exploring possibilities for a newchurch start. We seek to encourage individuals to followtheir passion and invite others to join together to exploreways for new ministries to evolve.

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MISSION PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS

Our Global Partner

Northwest Luzon Conference (NWLC), UnitedChurch of Christ in the Philippines is our global partner. Although we are just developing thisrelationship, our plan is to send two people asambassadors to the Annual Convention of theNWLC in May 2014. The Global Mission Teamis busy with education and encouragement inraising the funds for this exciting venture.

Living Waters Camp and Conference Center

Created by the Penn West Conference,this now separate corporation providesyear round programming, facilities, andinvaluable faith development opportunitiesfor our young people during the summer.More information can be found on theirwebsite at www.livingwaterscamp.org.

Additional Partners

We are active in the life of the following Mission Partners:St. Paul’s - A Continuing Care Community in Greenville,PA; Homewood Retirement Center, Martinsburg, PA;Hoffman Homes for Youth, Littlestown, PA; LancasterTheological Seminary, Lancaster, PA; and BreezewoodTruck and Traveler Ministry, Breezewood, PA.

Ecumenical Connections

We are particularly involved with the following groups:Christian Associates of Southwest PA; PA Council ofChurches; Judicatory Leaders of South Central PA; andthe PA Region of the Christian Church (Disciples ofChrist) whose office is in Greensburg.

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WELCOME TO OUR REGION

Penn West Points of Interest

Western Pennsylvania has an abundance of cultural,educational, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’rean avid sports fan, a history buff, music aficionado, or lovethe great outdoors; there’s something for you in Western PA!

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Pittsburgh is the largest city in the region andthe home to three professional sports teams(the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins), a numberof nationally recognized colleges anduniversities, museums, theaters, a symphonyorchestra, and top rated hospitals. Over thepast decade, Pittsburgh has been recognized bya number of organizations, most notably byForbes Magazine in 2010, as America’s MostLivable City. Pittsburgh is easily accessiblefrom many points throughout the Penn WestConference, offering residents an evening orweekend of quality arts and entertainment.

Penn West Conference has plenty to offer in itsrural communities and small towns.Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number oneindustry. Small family farms dot thecountryside and farmers markets enrich thequality of life in many communities. A numberof historic landmarks are found in those smallcommunities. French and Indian War forts andbattle memorials wind their way through thesouthern tier of the Conference. The Flight 93Memorial is located about an hour’s drive fromthe Conference office, and Altoona is home tothe Horseshoe Curve, the iconic railroadlandmark, that was on Adolph Hitler’s shortlist of strategic U.S. locations to destroy duringWorld War Two.

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The people who call Western Pennsylvania home are thetrue treasures of the region. Their strong work ethic, senseof home, and hospitality make the cities, towns, andcountryside a wonderful place to visit and live.

Do you speak Pittsburgh-ese?“Our conference n’at needs redd up – can yinz help?”

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Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy one of WesternPennsylvania’s many state parks andrecreational trails. The Laurel Highlands trailcovers 70 miles of wild and rugged mountainsand valleys -- a hiker's dream! The GreatAllegheny Passage follows 150 miles of arestored railroad route between Pittsburghand Cumberland, MD. Bicyclists and hikersenjoy a smooth, gentle grade whileencountering picturesque vistas, wildlife, andthe unmatched hospitality of the residentswho call one of the many “trail towns” home.

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Faithful

FinancesAs many Conferences, we have been facing shrinkingincome. However, we are seeking various ways toaddress the situation – with some success. In 2012, webegan the Faithful Stewards program, invitingindividuals to give directly to the work of theConference. We have recently created an EndowmentCommittee to encourage ongoing support for theministry of the Conference and to manage the existingendowments. For the past few years, volunteers haveattended Sunday congregational worship services,presenting the “Thank You” certificates for giving to OurChurch’s Wider Mission and articulating the variousways that money is used. These visits have been wellreceived and make us keenly aware of the need forregular communication and education.

We celebrate that 49 of our churches are 5 for 5congregations (almost 50%).

In 2012, giving to UCC Special Offerings was as follows::

One Great Hour of Sharing – $16,965Neighbors in Need – $13,891Strengthen the Church – $7955Christmas Fund – $13,156Other Directed Gifts – $17,215

In addition, over $10,000 in donations came through theConference Office specifically to support HurricaneSandy relief.

In 2012, we received $246,504 for OCWM Basic Supportand ended the year with a slight surplus. Putting a faceon the need is our biggest challenge.

Our current 2013 Mission Spending Plan is as follows:(staff time is allocated to each area):

Search & Call – 11%Programs – 33%Mission Partners – 20%Communications – 28%General Office – 8%PIZZA – 1%

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Top Ten Reasons to Come to the

Penn West ConferenceNUMBER 10: You will be surrounded by Steeler fans!Even if you don’t like the Steelers or football, Steeler fansare very dedicated and supportive people.

NUMBER 9: People are nice to each other (sometimes toa fault.) That means we will be nice to you too!

NUMBER 8: We hardly ever have hurricanes,earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or tsunamis-and wehope you LOVE snow!

NUMBER 7: We have a lot to learn (there’s thechallenge), but we already know a lot too (there’s thebright side!)

NUMBER 6: Our churches are small, but mighty (smallgroups of stubborn and agitated people are easier tohandle.)

NUMBER 5: We love nature and appreciate the beauty ofGod’s creation (so if you leave early on a beautiful Fridayafternoon, no one will mind or notice.)

NUMBER 4: You could learn a new language-Pittsburghese!! (Have you red up your office? Do yourclothes need warshed?)

NUMBER 3: Need to gain a few pounds? We can help!Sauerkraut, haluski, scrapple, pirogues are staples at ourgatherings and so are cookie tables at every wedding!!

NUMBER 2: We have the sparks of vitality, hope andvision-you bring the fan!

NUMBER 1: God wants YOU here…and so do WE!

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Penn West ConferenceUnited Church of Christ

Conference MinisterPosition Description

The Penn West Conference is seeking a leader who is:

• faithful, with a commitment to the God revealedin Jesus Christ

• lovingly devoted to the church of Jesus Christ,particularly the United Church of Christ in all itscovenanted settings

• ordained, with ministerial standing in the UnitedChurch of Christ

• passionate about the local church, with theunderstanding that the primary mission of thePWC is the support of our congregations

• able to work with us to discern and articulateGod’s mission for the world in our place and time.

• experienced at working with people andmanaging resources

• comfortable with the use of technology as a tool ofministry

• able to travel as needed

• committed to personal continuing education andgrowth as a church leader

The Conference Minister will be the spiritual andadministrative head of the Conference and will haveprimary responsibility for denominational andecumenical relations.

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SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As spiritual leader, counselor, and advisor for the PWC,the Conference Minister will:

1. Serve as pastor at large to the Conference, andupon invitation share worship and celebrationswith local congregations and relatedorganizations.

2. Be a primary resource to help local churches and/or pastors address specific challenges, providingreferrals to additional resources or consultantswhere appropriate.

3. Support and encourage competent pastoralleadership, both ordained and lay, and fostercollegiality among ministers.

4. Coordinate the search and call process and guideCommittees on Ministry in each Association.

5. Call local churches, Associations, and theConference to focus on God’s mission throughministries such as transformation & renewal,evangelism, stewardship, faith formation, andspiritual growth.

6. Care for oneself and family, and maintain healthypersonal relationships beyond those related to theposition of Conference Minister

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ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

As the chief executive officer of the Conference, theConference Minister will:

1. Have general supervision of the work andproperty of the Conference, organizing, directingand coordinating in order to implement thepriorities, goals and constitutional provisions ofthe Conference.

2. Facilitate effective communication between theConference, Associations, and congregations.

3. Be responsible for all publications and electronicand printed materials of the Conference.

4. Supervise, direct and, in consultation with thePersonnel Committee, evaluate staff of theConference.

5. Administer the Conference office.

6. Make regular reports to the Board of Directors andprepare written reports to the annual meetings ofthe Conference.

7. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate.

8. Perform other duties as required.

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DENOMINATIONAL & ECUMENICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Conference’s primary representative to the widerchurch, the Conference Minister will:

1. Serve as a liaison between the Conference and thenational setting of the United Church of Christ:interpreting the actions and programs of ournational bodies; helping to connect theConference, its Associations, and local churches towider denominational programs, structures, andpriorities.

2. Actively participate in the national setting of theUnited Church of Christ and Council ofConference Ministers.

3. Represent the PWC in ecumenical relationshipsand partnerships, including Christian Associatesof Southwest PA, bishop and judicatory executivegatherings, and the Christian Church (Disciples ofChrist) in Pennsylvania.

The Conference Minister is called by election of theConference at its Annual or a Special ConferenceMeeting. The Conference Minister is accountable to theBoard of Directors of the Conference and thus to theConference as a whole.

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APPLICATION

Penn West ConferenceApplication for the Position of the Conference Minister

List those phone numbers and addresses at which you would prefer to be contacted.

Please download and complete a printer-friendlyversion of the application to complete and submit.

A Completed Application will include the following:

• This Application Form

• Your UCC Ministerial Profile from the nationalProfile Office

• Three Letters of Reference specifically addressingyour qualifications for the role of Conference Minister

• Your response to the following three questions:

Please limit your answers to one side of one page per question.

1. What gifts and experience do you bring to serve,nurture and encourage this conference is responseto the conference profile?

2. Describe the strengths and weaknesses you havediscovered in your own leadership style andexperience.

3. What supports, sustains, and nurtures youspiritually?

Note: All applications must be received by January 31, 2014

Please send all application materials to:

Rev. Matt Deal, Chairperson,Penn West Conference Search Committee431 Union StreetSomerset, PA 15501

pwcsearch2013@gmail.com 814-445-4534

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Meet the

Search Committee

Liddy Barlow is the interim pastorof St. John's UCC, Larimer, and chairs theCommittee on Ministry in the PittsburghAssociation. She is a mother of two; heryoungest, Edmund, attended his firstSearch Committee meeting at the ripe oldage of three weeks. Liddy once appearedon Jeopardy!

Mary Hendricks Mary Hendricksis a 1996 graduate of Cedar Crest Collegein Allentown and a 1999 graduate ofLancaster Seminary. She served with herhusband Bill as co-pastor of St. John'sUCC in Bedford for almost two years andin the Greenfield Charge (Mt. Hope,Greenfield, and Grace UCCs) in theClaysburg area for 5 ½ years. She wascalled to St. John's Martinsburg in 2007.

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Cindy Parker, who will always bea Jersey-girl at heart, currently lives inLatrobe, PA: home to Arnold Palmer, Mr.Rogers, the banana split and Rolling Rockbeer. She loves to travel, has ridden bothan elephant and a camel, and lives to eather dessert first!

Sam Swick is a licensed ministerserving Nevin Memorial United Churchof Christ in the Clarion Association. Heand his wife love to go camping in theirtrailer.

Bill Brumbaugh is a retiredchild service worker in the juveniledelinquent department of the PADepartment of Public Welfare. He is thefather of three sons and grandfather ofeight. A member of the Woodcock Valleycharge at St. Paul's in James Creek, hecurrently serves as the consistorypresident and Sunday School teacher.

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Julie Hills has been the Office Man-ager/Project Coordinator at Zion's Re-formed Church in Greenville for the past15 years. She loves spending time with herfamily, especially her 2 year old grandson,Gunner. When asked, "what is the mostdifficult thing about working in a church?"her answer is, "THE PEOPLE!" That's ajoke...sometimes!

Bob Newell Is a part-time licensedminister of two churches in the Dubois, PAarea of the Clarion Association. He gradu-ated from the Penn West Academy in 2006,and has served on the Clarion Associationboard and as a delegate to General Synod.

Steve Craft completed his MDiv. atLancaster Theological Seminary in 2000and serves the First Reformed UCC inGreensburg. He currently serves as presi-dent of the Westmoreland Association andis also known as Professor Franklin ofSlide Rules Productions.

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Matt Deal, Search Committee Chair,is the pastor of St. Paul’s UCC in Somerset,PA. He and his wife, Amanda, reside inSomerset with their one-eyed cat namedLucy. Matt loves working with youth,gardening, fiddling with animals, andhelping to make things grow.

Tom Croner is a man out standing inhis field, with a passion for stewardship.He is a member of Trinity UCC, Berlin;Treasurer of the Penn West ConferenceBoard; and a member of the United Churchboard.

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Penn West Conference

PROFILE

2013