upper stewiacke-springside pastoral...

Upper Stewiacke Springside Joint Needs Assessment

Pastoral Charge Original Completed 2003 & 2008

1 Revised / Re-affirmed 2010

Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge

Prepared By

The Joint Needs Assessment Committee

2010 / 2011




The Upper Stewiacke – Springside Pastoral Charge

Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report

Executive Summary

The Upper Stewiacke-Springside Joint Needs Assessment

Committee is pleased to present the following profiles of our

Pastoral Charge.

This Pastoral Charge has maintained a current community

profile, with a Needs Assessment completed both in 2003

and again in 2008. The 2010 Joint Needs Assessment

Committee has been able to review, reaffirm, and revise our

current community profile with the aide of comprehensive

research and consultation of past community members. We

believe this to be an accurate account, reflecting the life of

the churches, past and present.

--Shalom




Our Community at a Glance




Profile #1 – Our Community

History of the Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge

The first church service in the valley was held in the Fisher house located on the south

side of the river where the home of Eric and Colleen Jackson presently stands. Services were

held here for many years.

In 1857 construction began on what is now the Springside Church. Although it was

located in Eastville, Rev. Dr. James Smith named the church Springside in reference to the

springs on the nearby hills. People attended Church services here from Upper Stewiacke,

Newton Mills, Eastville, Cross Roads, Pembroke and Burnside. In 1866 Springside and Upper

Stewiacke separated into two congregations, each with their own ministers.

The present church building in Upper Stewiacke was completed in July 1894. Three

church buildings existed before the present structure. The first was a log building located

across the road at the site of Blakie‟s Mill. The second was on the site of what is now the

Upper Stewiacke Church Hall and the third was on the site of the present structure.

In 1950 Springside and Upper Stewiacke along with South Branch and Burnside

became a four- point charge. They all became United Churches in the church union of 1925.

Previously, they were Presbyterian. In 1969 Burnside joined with Springside and in 1995 South

Branch amalgamated with Upper Stewiacke. We are now a two-point charge consisting of

the Springside and Upper Stewiacke congregations.

Geography

The Stewiacke Valley is located in the Southern area of Colchester County. The

Upper Stewiacke and Springside churches are located in the Upper end of the Valley. The

Stewiacke River, popular for canoeing and fishing, winds the entire length of the Valley.

The 289 Highway runs through the Valley and connects two – 100 series highways: the

102 to 104 (TransCanada Highway). The Halifax International Airport is within an hour drive

and larger shopping communities in Truro and New Glasgow are less than forty minutes away.

The Pastoral Charge serves a rural population of twelve hundred people, comprising

approximately 290 households.




Organizations and Support Services – The Life of our Community

The Upper Stewiacke area has a remarkable number of organizations. In the years

2000, representatives from many organizations created a millennium quilt that displays over

thirty organizations working together in our community. In the years 2000, 2004 and 2007, the

Upper Stewiacke Community Association held expos that showcased 65 local businesses and

organizations. The Upper Stewiacke Community Association initiates various programs

throughout the year. Also, in 2006 the Association purchased land for the development of a

community park. More details about the organizations will be provided under specific subject

areas.

Medical Services: The Colchester Hospital in Truro (38 km.), Aberdeen Hospital in New

Glasgow (45 km), Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital (32Km.) and the Halifax hospitals

(115 Km.) are accessed in accordance to where respective medical doctor‟s refer their

patients.

Senior Support: Our communities‟ senior population remains a vibrant part of our

organizations, church, and community life. Many seniors continue to live in their own homes.

Others, requiring more advanced services of closer health facilities and assisted living,

relocate to seniors‟ facilities in Brookfield and Truro. Many of these community members stay

connected in local activities and special church social connections.

The Truro Food-bank serves those in need from the Upper Stewiacke area. Each church

supports the Food-bank through weekly donations.

Third Place Transition House, Truro, provides a safe place for families in threatening situations

who need shelter and protection.

Fire and Emergency Services:

The Upper Stewiacke Fire Department is a member of the Colchester County Fire Fighter's

Association. It is made up of approximately twenty-eight volunteer members, plus junior fire

fighters. They provide fire fighting and first response service in case of an emergency. The

response to any calls is linked to the 911 Emergency System. Many members have basic first

aid and CPR training; some members have advanced first aid. The Fire Department also has

basic first-aid equipment, defibrillator, oxygen equipment, and Heli-pad available.




The Upper Stewiacke Ladies Fire Auxiliary:

The Ladies Auxiliary is comprised of a group of women supporting the Fire Department

through major fundraising activities and events. Every spring, the Auxiliary with assistance

from the firemen, holds the Maple Syrup Festival. The day is filled with toe-tapping music

provided by local musicians.

Police Services:

Emergency police services are linked to the 911 Emergency Services. The Stewiacke

Detachment of the RCMP serves the area and as part of the community-policing program

provides an officer to work with the Rural Watch Society. A Game Warden from NS

Department of Natural Resources also works with Rural Watch.

Ambulance:

Ground ambulance service through NS Health Services is provided from Truro. A helicopter

pad allows for emergency services direct to the QEII hospital in Halifax.

Stewiacke Valley Red Cross:

The Red Cross Society previously active is currently non-operational; however it maintains a

collection of medical equipment that is loaned to local people.

The Stewiacke Valley Doctor’s Residence Society

The Doctor‟s Residence Society oversees the investment and distribution of monies acquired

through the sale of the Doctor‟s house in 1986. Each year local organizations are invited to

make requests for funding projects related to health, recreation and/or leisure. In addition a

thousand dollar bursary is awarded to a Grade X11 student graduating from South Colchester

Academy in Brookfield or from Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro.

Economy

The economy has traditionally been based primarily on farming and forestry. Although

some lumbering continues and a number of residents are employed at a mill in an adjacent

valley approximately twenty kilometers from Upper Stewiacke, the local forestry industry is




employing fewer and fewer residents. Farming remains a solid way of life in our communities.

Other local small businesses are becoming a more significant employer with more than 40

local businesses ranging from hair dressing, arts and crafts, a diner, a full service Co-op,

mechanical services, computer services, pet services, furniture repair, and more. More

thorough listings of local businesses are found on the community website,

www.upperstewiacke.com. Farm gate sales of meats, vegetables, and home goods

supplement dairy, beef, and sheep farming. In addition, many people commute to Truro

and Halifax to work.

Many services and supplies available locally are identified in the report. Various businesses

providing services in:

Carpentry

Plumbing

Electrical

Mechanics

Hairdressing

Local Arts

Furniture repair

Trucking

Dressmaking, alterations & repairs

Dog services – lodging, training, & grooming

Landscaping

Firewood

The Farmers Market:

The Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from June to October currently held at

the O‟Connell Family Farm. It offers fresh produce, plants, woodworking, crafts,

local meats and fish, and a hot breakfast.

Some of the larger businesses employing number of local residents:

Heritage Credit Union

Canada Post

Upper Stewiacke CO-OP

Bev‟s Country Dinner

Burnside Mechanical Services

Both churches are sponsoring congregations of the Arimathea Funeral Co-operative. Church

sanctuaries are used for funeral visitation, as well as for the funeral services. Each

congregation has a committee who helps during visitation, serving refreshments and assisting

the funeral director in taking care of the family. The advent of the Funeral Co-op has made it

possible for our community members to have the comfort of staying in our own community.

Our churches provide a natural setting for taking care of one another. The Colchester

Community Funeral Home and Mattatall Funeral Home located in Truro are also available.

http://www.upperstewiacke.com/




Education, Culture, Recreation & Leisure

Upper Stewiacke Elementary School is situated in the village of Upper Stewiacke. The school

population is about 60, including grades Primary to Six. The dedication of the staff is reflected

in the happy faces of the children. The Home and School Association in active and

contributes to the many needs and activities connected with the school. A hot lunch

program is provided for three days a week on a volunteer basis. For a nominal charge the

children are served a healthy well- balanced meal. Volunteers help with computer classes

and in any way the teachers need assistance.

Upper Stewiacke Community School Council is made up of community volunteers develops

and implements recreation, leisure and adult upgrading programs for the community. Most

of the programs take place at the elementary school.

Brookfield Pre-School is located on the top floor of the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex. It

accommodates children ages 3-5 and runs Monday - Thursday from September to June.

Brookfield Elementary School accommodates grade Primary through 6 and has

approximately 210 students. It is located in the former Brookfield Junior High School. In 2003

the former Brookfield Memorial School and the Middle Stewiacke Elementary were closed

and the students relocated to the new Brookfield Elementary.

South Colchester Academy accommodates grades 7 through 12. It opened its doors on

September 2--3. It is located beside the Elementary School on Hwy. 289. It boasts many sports

teams, a wonderful music program and various activities. One program of interest is the

Canada-Brazil exchange available to high school students. Also, in 2008 a scholarship was

awarded to a student to attend school in Brazil for 6 months to a year. The Academy has its

own web page at scainfo.ednet.ns.ca.

Higher Education:

The Nova Scotia Community College, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and the Success

College of Applied Arts and Technology are all accessible to the area. Multiple universities in

Halifax are within 100km.

Stewiacke Valley Garden Club has an active group of 20 members of all ages who take a

special interest in beautifying the community. They plan and look after the flowers at




Crockett Park, situated at the head of Eastville. They have worked with the principal of the

school to help some of the children plant spring bulbs. The club has also plants flower beds at

the Stewiacke Valley Museum, the Fire Hall and the Eastville Community Club. Each spring the

club holds a plant sale at the Fire Hall.

Stewiacke Valley Museum is in what was originally the Community Hall, the Museum opened

its doors in 1982. Maintained and operated by volunteers, the Museum is home to the

genealogical records of the area and also houses a large collection of artifacts, dating back

to the arrival of the Scots and Irish in the 1700‟s. Each year, the Museum volunteers showcase

exhibits following a particular theme. Members recently completed a book on WW I & II

veterans.

Stewiacke Valley 4-H Club has been active for more than 40 years offering services to youth

from 5 to 18 years old.

Members of the Burnside-Pembroke Community and Park Association maintain the Burnside

Community Hall, Burnside Community Parks and Proven, Burnthill and Pembroke Cemeteries.

Community dances are held occasionally at the community Hall.

Members of South Branch Community Club maintain the upkeep of the South Branch United

Church, which closed its doors in 1995 and became the property of the Community. An

annual variety concert and special church services take place in the Community church.

Crockett Community Park is situated at the head of Eastville beside the Stewiacke River on

land donated in the name of the Crockett family. This unique park on route 289 is enjoyed by

the community and traveling public. The garden club and members of the community

maintain the gardens. Picnic tables are available for leisurely outdoor dining. Annual

Canada Day celebrations are held at the park as well.




Profile #2 – Our Pastoral Charge

Mission Statement for

The Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge

As a Christ-centred church in response to God’s call, our mission and ministry will be to provide leadership and support for

Christian development among all people within the congregation and community. We achieve this by working together

using our resources as an informed church of Jesus Christ and by supporting, through prayer and contributions, the United

Church of Canada and its world mission

1999 – 2000 Reaffirmed 2010




Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge Profile

The Pastoral Charge is comprised of two church congregations. Each point has

relatively the same size of congregation. Recently, the Charge operates with combined

services, alternating churches each month. The present combined services have

attendances of 40-50 people. The combined format will continue until the fall of 2010 when

the congregations will evaluate benefits and needs of each point.

The Upper Stewiacke Church located in the village of Upper Stewiacke is a smaller

church but has a large hall attached to the church, containing large and small meeting

rooms and kitchen. An office is located in the church. Upper Stewiacke has a church choir

under the direction of an organist. The choir provides musical leadership for Sunday worship,

funerals and special services. The average attendance at worship prior to combined services

was 25-30 each Sunday. Traditional, curriculum based Sunday school classes were replaced

in 2008 with Sunday Fun Time for children and are held during church services. The children

attend the first part of the worship service. On Communion Sunday, the children return to the

service for communion.

Springside Church is located in Eastville, approx. 7Kms from Upper Stewiacke.

Springside is a designated heritage property. The large building is situated next to the

Stewiacke River. Springside has a small, dedicated choir under the direction of the organist.

The two points share an organist. The Springside Church Hall sits next to the church. The

average attendance at worship prior to combined services was 20-25 each Sunday.

The pastoral charge manse is located next to the elementary school in the Village of

Upper Stewiacke. The house is a two-story structure, with a nicely landscaped lot and a one-

car garage.

Our charge is comprised of a number of interesting little hamlets. Until the late 1960s,

each community had a defined school district. A unique community spirit still is evident with

regular events and activities happening in and around the community centres.

The churches remain the backbone of the community. Like many rural areas, we

have seen a decline in church attendance but at the same time, we still have a significant

amount of support for the work of the church. Each church has a group of very loyal workers.

Janitorial services are also provided by volunteers.




Our Life, Our Identity

Stories & Events illustrating personality of our Pastoral Charge

The Upper Stewiacke - Springside Pastoral Charge reflects a community where

people are concerned for one another. The values and practices of a rural extended family

way of life remain important in our effort and support to retain a healthy community.

The two churches share a common community bond and fellowship while

maintaining their respective identities forging a strong spiritual community. The combined

activities of our two churches demonstrate a significant ability to successfully plan and initiate

events that draw in the entire community in celebrating a rich heritage, our well-organized

talents, and our strong spirit of cooperation. The following activities are just a few examples of

events in recent years that demonstrate the ongoing collaboration of the two points.

The Upper Stewiacke - Springside Pastoral Charge hosts various events that depict our

personality and culture. “Christmas in the Valley” is enjoyed by all. This celebration has

included a wide variety of activities: a Christmas tree display, decorated by various groups,

decorated open homes, ginger bread display, outside home lighting contest, craft sale,

luncheon teas. Christmas in the Valley events take place over several days through the

Christmas period and make for a very scenic village.

An outside Christmas tree lighting ceremony is held during the first week in December

each year in celebration of newborn and in memory of deceased. At Christmas time a

service is held in a local barn amongst a live nativity scene!

Communion is a regular part of service and held 6-8 times a year and during

Christmas and Easter celebrations at various services. The youth participate in communion

celebrations alongside the adults.

Upper Stewiacke and Springside have hosted several Dinner Theaters. These have

guaranteed a thoroughly enjoy the performances featuring local talent while being served a

delicious, mouth watering, home cooked dinner and dessert.

Remembrance Day Services are held each year at the Springside Church Cemataph.




This annual service draws an extensive crowd from both our own and bordering communities

with well over 100 attendees.

The Lenten season is observed with multiple celebrations such as an Ash Wednesday,

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services culminating with an Easter Sunday Sunrise

Service. The service takes place along the river and is followed by a delicious breakfast

cooked by the men of the charge and followed by a Family Easter service. Children (and

some just young at heart) participate in an „Easter Egg‟ hunt. These services have alternated

between Upper Stewiacke and Springside.

Many special services such as Fireman‟s Sunday, Blessing of the Animals Sunday,

graduation Sunday, and 4-H Sunday have been held throughout the year. The named

groups take part in the service. Recent years there has been a vibrant Youth Group who

regularly took part in church services. Members of the Youth Group have been camp

counselors and campers at Camp MacLellan. Also, members have attended to attend Youth

Forum at Maritime Conference.

Other activities in the church such as youth/teen and old time dances, variety

concerts, barbecues, turkey dinners, potluck dinner and luncheons have all been very

popular events. We also have an annual charge picnic at the closing of the Sunday school

year.

As our church community has grown over the years, although the size of our congregations

fall and rise, church groups have formed and folded, and events and services have changed

and ceased, the life of our church remains vibrant and continues to evolve to meet the needs

of the days and life of community members.




Current Church Groups

The Bible Study Group, combined from the two congregations, meets regularly at the Upper

Stewiacke Church Meeting Room, or in member's homes. The group focuses on various areas

of the Bible as related to scripture program for the study year. The Prayer Group meets

regularly, usually in the Upper Stewiacke Church Meeting Room.

Each point receives a name of a family from the Christmas Index in Truro. Members of the

congregations supply a complete Christmas dinner including gifts for all of the family. Any

extras that come in are given to the food bank. Each point has a mitten tree and when the

family is provided for the surplus goes to the Food Bank. There is a contact person for each

point.

Each church has its' own choir under the leadership of the church's organist. The combined

choirs practice two to four times a month. Each Sunday the choirs treat their respective

congregations with some delightful singing that is appreciated by all. The two choirs currently

team up for the combined services and for such occasions as funerals and some special

events. At times there has been an active junior choir.

The Upper Stewiacke and Springside Sunday Schools have been replaced from a curriculum

based Sunday School to a more flexible “Sunday Fun Time” that better meets the current

youth. The congregations and Sunday Schools support Camp MacLellan by donating pennies

and Canadian Tire money. The pastoral charge has adopted a cabin at Camp MacLellan

and maintains it throughout the year.

A part time support person works with the minister on clerical duties, approximately five hours

weekly, depending on workload. More time is allotted when needed such as work required

for annual reports.

Upper Stewiacke Building Fund and Memorial Treasurer

The congregation of Upper Stewiacke Church, under the recommendation of the Point

Nominating Committee appoints the Building Improvement and Memorial Treasurer at the

AGM in January. The Treasurer reports to the congregation and presents an annual report at

the AGM in January.

Duties: - records donations to the building and memorial funds and notifies families of

memorial donations




- in consultation with church trustees, pays bills for building improvement expenditures

and memorial contributions.

Springside Building Improvement and Memorial Fund Treasurer

The congregation of Springside, under the recommendation of the Point Nominating

Committee appoints the Building Improvement and Memorial Treasurer at the Annual

General Meeting in January. The Treasurer reports to the congregation and presents an

annual report at the AGM in January.

Duties: - records donations to the building and memorial funds and notifies families of

memorial donations.

- in consultation with church trustees, pays bills for building improvement expenditures

and memorial contributions

Auditors

An auditor for the Pastoral Charge is appointed at the Annual Meeting of the Official Board in

January under the recommendation of the Charge Nominating Committee. The auditor

reports to the Official Board.

Auditors for the two points are appointed at the annual congregational meetings in January

under the recommendation of the Point Nominating Committees. Each auditor reports to the

respective congregation

Presbytery Representatives

Structure: - Each point consists of a representative and an alternate. These

members are nominated by each point‟s Nominating Committee and

then voted on at their Annual General Meetings.

Duties: - Representatives to attend the 6-7 Presbytery meetings per year

- To report back to their respective congregations to keep them well informed

- To be on one committee at Presbytery.




Summation

It is evident from the volume of committees and boards that we are a very active and dedicated

community of volunteers, working together “to provide leadership and support for Christian

development among all people within the congregation and community.” (Mission Statement) On a

continual basis, committee members, in concert with the clergy and Presbytery keep up-to-date on

changes to the United Church Manual, ensuring that we know our roles and responsibilities for

carrying out the various activities in the Charge. Due to regular planning between the two

congregations, for worships services, Christian Development activities and fundraising events, we

strive to ensure our churches remain dynamic institutions, meeting the needs of our community and

as stated in our Mission Statement “supporting through prayer and contribution, the United Church of

Canada and its world mission.”




Profile #3 – Our Resources

Resources Profile for Upper Stewiacke - Springside Pastoral Charge

Our number one and most valuable resource is the people in our congregations.

The congregations receive the money needed to carry out the work of the church in the

following ways: Envelope offerings, unidentified offerings, donations, canvassing,

Memorial Fund Donations, Hall Rentals, Stewards Fund Raisers, Mission & Service Envelopes,

Mission & Service Donations, Building & Maintenance, Fund Donations (Upper Stewiacke),

Building Improvement Fund (Springside), Sunday school Fundraisers (i.e. Adopt a Bulb),

Sunday school Lenten Fish Campaign.

Monies received are used in the following ways: Church operations, Mission & Service

donations, Donor Specified, Sunday School and education, Manse and Church building

upkeep, Community Out Reach, Benevolent Funds

Upper Stewiacke congregation is responsible for 50% of Pastoral Charge budget.

Springside congregation is responsible for 50% of Pastoral Charge budget.

The Upper Stewiacke congregation owns the property the church sits on. The

attached hall was constructed in 1986. The Springside church property was bequeathed in

1857 to the Springside Presbyterian Church congregation. The adjacent hall was constructed

in 1926. The buildings in both congregations are maintained through the receipts and

expenditures mentioned above. Each congregation has a Board of Trustees who oversees

decisions made with respect to the maintenance and repairs of the buildings within their

respective congregations. Volunteers carry out Work. Major work is hired out, i.e. roof repair,

and costs are covered by the Building & Maintenance Fund in Upper Stewiacke and by the

Building Improvement Fund in Springside as well as by the Memorial Funds in each respective

congregation. (Please see Pastoral Charge Annual Report) The congregations maintain the

buildings without having to assume extra debt. The Springside Church building has been

designated a heritage property and receives funding through the Nova Scotia Department

of Tourism and Culture. The Pastoral Charge owns a beautiful spacious two story manse

located one kilometer from the Upper Stewiacke Church within the village of Upper

Stewiacke. It has 5 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, a large living room, a sitting room, dining room and

kitchen. The manse has an office for the minister‟s use that includes a fax machine. The

interior has recently undergone renovations and re-decorating. The house is wheelchair




accessible and has a front veranda. Adjacent to the house is a 14 x 24 garage. (Please see

Presbytery Manse Report for more detail on Manse.)

The property- value of the Upper Stewiacke congregation buildings is approximately

$140,000 and the property value of the Springside congregation buildings is approximately

$201,300. Upper Stewiacke has one large bequest that has been invested under the

guidance of the trustees of the Upper Stewiacke United Church.

Stewardship is alive and well in both congregations and shows itself in many forms

including financial support, an abundance of talent, and invested time by congregation

members and adherents.

We look to the clergy and session for the spiritual leadership of our church community

and to the Committee of Stewards and the Board of Trustees for financial and maintenance

guidance. Music is an important part of our worship time in both congregations and we

value our choirs and our organist and the contribution they make to our services. We have

very capable individuals in our pastoral charge that are always willing to step in when called

upon to help in various areas. Two local parishioners are also available to play the organ or

piano on occasions when the regular organist cannot attend. Very enthusiastic volunteers

complete any other work done within the Pastoral Charge over and beyond the duties of the

Ministry Personnel and secretary.

Upper Stewiacke United Church is a lovely one-story structure with a bell tower rising above

the front door. Every Sunday the bell chimes out over the village, reminding everyone that

church is “taking in”. The building along with an attached hall sits on approximately 1 acre of

land. Both congregations use the office in the church building. The hall is used for Sunday

school, suppers, fund-raising events, church meetings, etc. The trustees have a rental policy.

It is also used by many community based groups for their functions such 4-H. Many local

businesses within the Stewiacke and Musquodoboit Valleys meet throughout the year.

The Springside United Church is the oldest church building in the Stewiacke Valley and was

designated as a heritage property in 1995. The church looks over the beautiful Stewiacke

River and along with an adjacent hall sit on approximately 2 acres of land. The interior of the

church building features an open gallery that runs the length of the church of either side or

the back. The back portion is now enclosed for storage. The adjacent hall is used for Sunday

school, suppers, as well as other events through out the year. It includes a hall, stage, and a

kitchen. The trustees have a rental policy. The following is a list of the contents and resources

within the church building.




Position Profile #4 – Position Statement

The minister of The Upper Stewiacke-Springside Pastoral Charge provides leadership in

Worship word, sacrament, pastoral care, faith development and community

outreach.

Involvement and visibility in the community and familiar with the uniqueness and gifts

that rural ministry has to offer.

Communication of the word of God that is in today‟s context

Addressing social issues in our community and beyond.

Encouraging good stewardship.

Youth and young families are high priority in the community. Also, there is a large

senior population within the community as well as in surrounding extended-care facilities.

Visitation to members, whether inside or outside the community, is required along with

hospital visitation at the three hospitals servicing our area - the Musquodoboit Hospital,

Colchester Regional Hospital and Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre.

The ministry personnel should be available at specific times whether in the office at

the Upper Stewiacke Church or the office in the manse. It would also be expected that the

ministry personnel keep accurate records for example: baptisms, weddings, funerals,

memberships and transfers. This person will give guidance and leadership in matters

pertaining to General Council, Maritime Conference and Presbytery. Study leave and

personal development is encouraged by the pastoral charge and be helpful to the Ministry

Personnel as well as the pastoral charge.

We appreciate the uniqueness of God‟s ministry and realize that hours can and do

fluctuate with the time, seasons and needs of the Pastoral Charge. It should be noted that

there is a dedicated core of volunteers that are willing and do to assist the ministry personnel

whenever possible. The minister is responsible for the following tasks:

1) Worship and preaching (including preparations)

2) Pastoral care, bereavement, visitation, hospitals, (nursing homes and shut ins, as time

permits)

3) Community involvement and Youth Development.(as time allows)

4) Administration (record keeping, necessary church meetings etc.)

5) Outreach and some volunteer time is appreciated.

6) Study groups would be appreciated

7) Support of volunteer groups and initiatives (as time allows)




Profile #5 – Minister Skills

Outlined below are some of the experiences and skills that the Upper Stewiacke-Springside

Pastoral Charge would see as being especially important for a minister to meet the unique

needs of this two-point charge.

These are the talents and gifts that are important to the people of the Upper Stewiacke -

Springside Pastoral Charge:

To be able to communicate and work with all ages.

The ability to plan and lead worship with a spiritual message that is sensitive to

congregational needs.

To have skills in visitation and pastoral care

To be able to relate to the youth and young families and to encourage

intergenerational worship

Ability to support Christian Development for all ages, if time permits, lead group

studies that are a combination of Bible themes and social issues.

To be willing and able to recognize peoples needs for counseling and refer them to

specialized support services available in the surrounding area.

Profile #6 - Terms

Salary & Benefits:

All Salary and Benefits are paid as set out by United Church Guidelines including travel,

moving, pension, study leave, etc

Manse:

Cost sharing on fuel - United Church guidelines

Lawn-mowing - Ministry personnel responsibility

Snow-removal - Pastoral charge responsibility

Fire Proof Safe is in the manse

Other:

Basic Telephone and Internet service is provided. Additional personal internet or phone

usage is the responsibility of the incumbent. Secretarial support services is provided up to 5

hours a week as required.

It is expected the incumbent will participate in Presbytery/District Work, Conference work and

General council involvement as appropriate and time permits.

As a strong community is the foundation of our Pastoral Charge, it is the expewctation our

minister will be present in community and events.

Hours:

This position is currently a part time position of 30 hours per week.

upper stewiacke-springside pastoral...

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