Resources
Trinity United Church has its own resource centre/ library, with some 1000 books on various spiritual and church-related themes.
There are many mid-week activitiy groups that are either church-sponsored or community-oriented.
We make our church space available to the community at a reasonable rate. We have a basement multi-purpose room, a main floor multi-purpose room, and a 400 seat sanctuary/auditorium. Food preparation facilities are available on both levels.
Contact the church office for bookings and availability.
Also, you can find United Church Resources at www.united-church.ca for the United Chuch of Canada and www.bayofquinteconference.ca for information on the Bay of Quinte Conference area of which Trinity is a member.
To get information about the church year and Lectionary, go to www.divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/
JNAC REPORT
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Introduction page 1
JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
PREPARED BY AND FOR TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, NAPANEE
This Report was prepared by the 2011 Joint Needs Assessment Committee for Trinity United Church, Napanee.
Members included Ed Caton (Chair), Andy McGregor (Secretary), Dave Fisher, Peggy King, Charlie King, Brenda Leclair, Dan Quirk and Ron Wilson.
Providing support and guidance were Belleville Presbytery Representatives, Rev. Anne MacDermaid (Ministry) and Marilyn Fenwick (Lay).
Friends and members of Trinity United were invited to be a part of our research by participating in a Trinity Historical Event, completing a Questionnaire Survey, and attending a Congregational Meeting. A summary of the results of the Trinity Historical Event is attached as Appendix A. A summary of the results of the JNAC Survey is attached as Appendix B.
Two members of the JNAC held exit interviews with our former minister and our two recent, long term, retired supply ministers. Their comments are attached as Appendix C. A copy of Trinity United Church Annual Report for 2010, designated Appendix D, is also included for information.
The Committee worked diligently, enthusiastically and prayerfully and believes this Report represents an accurate picture of the church family known as Trinity United Church in Napanee, Ontario.
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Table of Contents page 2
JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Trinity United Church, Napanee, Ontario
Subject Page
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................2
Photo Collage, Pentecost Sunday, June 2011.................................................................................3
Profile #1 - Community...................................................................................................................4
Profile #2 - Ministry of Pastoral Charge..........................................................................................5
Profile #3 - Resources.....................................................................................................................8
Profile #4 - Position.......................................................................................................................11
Profile #5 - Skills............................................................................................................................12
Profile #6 - Terms..........................................................................................................................13
Concluding Comments..................................................................................................................15
Recommendations by JNAC........................................................................ .................................16
Trinity Historical Event Summary...................................................................................Appendix A
JNAC Survey Results.......................................................................................................Appendix B
Exit Interviews with Ministers........................................................................................Appendix C
Trinity Annual Report 2010............................................................................................Appendix D
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 1 page 4
PROFILE # 1 COMMUNITY
Trinity United Church is located in the town of Greater Napanee, in south-eastern Ontario. Napanee, with the population of 15 000 (urban and rural), is adjacent to Highway 401, midway between the cities of Belleville and Kingston and approximately 200-300 kilometers from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. There are many churches and a Ministerial group within our community including 13 United Churches within a short drive.
The economic base for Napanee and surrounding Lennox and Addington County includes an active agricultural sector, several large and many smaller industries and retail sales outlets. In recent times, Napanee has experienced a period of economic expansion and a renewal to include state of the art food stores, building and hardware stores, large department stores and many fine restaurants. The town’s Springside Park alongside the falls, has recently had a major revitalization. The surrounding area has numerous factories, six prisons, several nursing homes.
Educational opportunities abound in Napanee and area, which is served by the Limestone District and Algonquin District Catholic school boards. There are four elementary schools within the town of Napanee and several in the outlying area, as well as Napanee District Secondary School. Also in the area is a Christian Elementary School, Albert College and French Immersion programs. Post secondary facilities include Queen's University, Queen’s Theological College, St. Lawrence and Loyalist Colleges, and Royal Military College. Several day care and nursery facilities are located in Napanee.
The community is served by the recently expanded Lennox and Addington County General Hospital. In nearby Kingston there are several hospitals with links to Queen’s University. Greater Napanee is well served by doctors, dentists and a wide range of other medical services, including newer long-term care facilities and retirement homes.
Recreation activities flourish in greater Napanee, ranging from hockey, curling, skating, skateboard park, baseball, soccer and golf on the “oldest golf course in Canada”. There are several service clubs and lodges as well as fitness facilities, a movie theatre and a swimming pool. Additionally there are a variety of youth and service clubs. We have a newer recreation complex which includes a double rink pad and soccer pitch. Napanee is closely located to many fresh waterways for various water sports. Also in the area are several Provincial and private parks that are ideal for camping. Greater Napanee, Belleville and Kingston are home to many varied musical groups, including choirs, orchestras, organ societies and music festivals. Opportunities for theatre are many with Selby Theatre close by; Domino Theatre, Theatre 5, the Grand Theatre in Kingston and the Empire Theatre in Belleville. A strong historical presence is shown in our town with the County Museum, Macpherson House (often visited in the past by Sir John A Macdonald), Hay Bay historical church, the refurbished Court House, Town Hall and the Historical Society.
Town of Greater Napanee www.town.greaternapanee.on.ca
Business Improvement Association www.downtownnapanee.com
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 2 page 5
PROFILE # 2 MINISTRY OF THE PASTORAL CHARGE
Mission Statement of Trinity United Church, Napanee
We believe that the purpose of our congregation is to worship God and to witness
to God's activities through Jesus Christ in the community and the world.
To this end we commit ourselves:
· To provide human and physical resources to serve this congregation and community effectively.
· To provide Christian education to promote spiritual development and discipleship for all ages.
· To support with our gifts the work of Christ locally and throughout the world.
· To preserve the best of our heritage and offer it for the service of others in our changing society.
· And to respect the gift of God's creation by working to heal, restore and maintain our environment.
Ministry of this Church
Church Council comprised of Minister, Council Chair, Council Vice-Chair, Council Secretary, Church Treasurer, United Church Women (UCW) Coordinator, Trustees Chair and two Presbytery Lay Delegates, as well as the Chairpersons of the eight following committees:
· Ministry and Personnel (5 members)
· Outreach (6 members)
· Membership and Pastoral Care (7 members)
· Property (6 members)
· Finance and Administration (5 members)
· Christian Education (4 members)
· Worship (7 members)
· Nominating Committee (2 members)
Additional information and staff
· Policy and Procedures Handbook guides Council's decisions
· Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m.
· Average attendance on Sunday morning, 60 to 70
· Average age of congregation described as senior
· Sunday School at 10:45 a.m.
· Three children regularly attend Sunday School
· Three creative, energetic volunteers available for teaching many more children
· Weekly Bible Study, 7 members, facilitated by a United Church Deaconess
· UCW, 25 members, with additional help from many others for events
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 2 (continued) page 6
· Ten families subscribe to the United Church Observer
· Two Resource Librarians (volunteers)
· Church Secretary (paid)
· Organist/Music Director (paid)
· Choir, fifteen regular members
· Custodian (paid)
Outside User Groups
We encourage outside groups to make use of our church building. The regular outside user groups currently meeting at Trinity United, Napanee, are:
· Alcoholics Anonymous - weekly, Sunday evening, basement
· A.A. Big Book - weekly, Thursday evening, basement
· Al-Anon - weekly, Thursday afternoon, lounge
· Amnesty International - monthly, Monday evening, lounge
· CUPE Local 4866 - monthly, Fellowship Room
· Food for Two - weekly, Thursday, 10:30 to 3:30, basement/kitchen
· Girl Guides - weekly, Tuesday evening, basement
· LARC Playgroup (preschool) - weekly, Wednesday morning, basement
· Line Dancing - weekly, Tuesday morning, Fellowship Room
· Martial Arts - weekly, Monday evening, basement
· Martial Arts - weekly, Wednesday evening, basement
· Martial Arts - weekly, Saturday morning, basement
· Piano & Vocal Lessons - weekly, Tuesday evening, Fellowship Room
· Piano & Vocal Lessons - weekly, Saturday morning, Fellowship Room
· Pipe Band - weekly, Wednesday evening, Fellowship Room
· Sparks - weekly, Thursday evening, basement/kitchen
· Seniors Outreach Tai Chi - weekly, Wednesday morning, Fellowship Room
Special Events
A number of events other than Sunday morning service are enjoyed by our congregation and others in our community during the year. During 2010 these events were:
· Hosted Belleville Presbytery meeting
· Monthly Food Bank Sunday
· Monthly services held at Riverine Retirement Home, shared with Grace United
· Two sales of books and resources from Resource Centre, Toronto
· Members attended a "Technology in Worship" workshop
· Annual Good Friday Walkathon, 40 walkers from 8 local churches
· Good Friday Service every other year, shared with Grace United
· Anniversary Supper, sponsored by UCW
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 2 (continued) page 7
· First Day of Summer Luncheon, sponsored by UCW
· Youth musical with members from Trinity and other churches
· Mission Trip to Washington D.C. for teenagers
· Joint service with Newburgh Choir and Congregation, here at Trinity, together with the Abbey North Drummers, to raise funds for the men's initiative, "The Dondi Project"
· Harvest Bazaar, including morning coffee, sales of crafts, plants, preserves, baking, used books, and a noon luncheon, sponsored by UCW and many others
· Prayer Service for the victims and families of the tragic double road accidents involving Napanee Fire Department
· Christmas White Gift Sunday
· Family Christmas Supper and Program, sponsored by UCW
· Christmas Candlelight Service, presented by the choir with guest singers
· Christmas Eve Service
Outreach and Social Action
In 2010 Trinity United donated $26 500 to the United Church M&S fund. In partnership with other churches in the community, many opportunities are presented for outreach and social action. Trinity supports:
· Alcoholics Anonymous - three groups
· Christian Youth Group
· Food Grains Bank
· Golden Lake Camp
· Good Friday Walkathon
· Morningstar Missions
· Quin-mo-lac Camp
· Salvation Army Food Bank
· Seniors Group
· Sparks and Guides
· Seniors Outreach Services
Visiting
Members of the congregation care for one another, and support one another very well in times of sadness or celebration, with visits, telephone calls, cards, and offers of help. Three dedicated members of the UCW visit regularly and one delivers a half dozen bulletins each week. Our challenge is to provide similar care and contact to the non-adherents. The Membership and Pastoral Care Committee has eighteen visitors who contact members and adherents in various combinations of approaches including telephone calls, cards mailed and personal visits, usually
just prior to a communion Sunday. This process is currently under review by the M&PC Committee.
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 3 page 8
PROFILE # 3 RESOURCES
Property - Building
· Centrally located at corner of John and Bridge Streets in Napanee
· Renovations and maintenance over past several years have resulted in a building in A-1 condition.
Main Floor
· Amphitheatre style sanctuary seats approximately 385 with curved pews, divided by three aisles with a floor that slopes gently to the corner pulpit providing excellent sight lines
· A choir loft is to the left of the pulpit, and on the right, a large wall that can be raised to expose the adjacent fellowship hall with a capacity for 60 persons. This wall feature can provide for overflow seating or creative uses for special events
· Sanctuary sound system with output to the dining hall, nursery and Fellowship room
· Newly acquired projector and laptop computer for multiple audiovisual purposes
· A Rogers organ and piano in sanctuary
· Adjacent to sanctuary are an upper board room with archival display cabinets, a lounge, kitchenette, library, washroom, and the fellowship hall with a piano
· Second floor balcony (surrounds fellowship hall) contains 8 Sunday School rooms
· Stairs to basement adjacent to choir loft and stairs close to fellowship hall
· A lift that services the sanctuary, basement and outside ground level provides access for those with special needs
· Defibrillator
· Renovated and paved parking lot for about thirty cars as well as some on street parking
Basement
· Recently renovated church office, minister’s study with private washroom and main board room
· Computers for secretary and minister, church web site, fax and e-mail
· Photocopier
· Banquet hall with capacity of 180 and a piano
· Kitchen with two stoves, two fridges and new island counter, commercial dishwasher and UCW storage room
· Single washroom in hall near office
· Larger male/female washrooms off banquet hall
· Nursery
· Choir rehearsal room with piano
· Fireproof vault
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 3 (continued) page 9
Staffing
· Trinity employs a minister, church secretary, director of music and custodian
· Contracted snow removal and lawn care
Custodian
· Maintains church cleanliness
· Opens and closes church for funerals and weddings
· Reports any maintenance needs/concerns to chair of Property Committee
Secretary
· Primary contact at church
· Manages church office 4 mornings per week
· 16-20 hours per week allocated to job; 8 hours in church office 10-12 noon, Tuesday to Friday
· Prepares order of service bulletin
· Does clerical tasks for minister
· Works for committees and individuals as needed
· Assists with bookkeeping
· Schedules events and user group activities subject to Property Committee approval
· Receives and records information on weddings, baptisms, confirmations, transfers and funerals
· Reports to Finance and Administration Committee
Music Director
· Provides music for weekly Sunday service, special events, weddings, funerals
· Directs choir, choir practices and special music needs
· Reports to, and is a corresponding member of the Worship Committee
· Liaises with minister regarding hymn selection
Sunday School
· Virtually non-existent at present time. Occasionally there are one or two children. However, these “one or two” – or more, if the occasion arises - are looked after by readily available Sunday School teachers
Congregation
· 314 on roll
· Sunday attendance about 60 to 70
· An older, smaller, yet engaged congregation
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 3 (continued) page 10
· Greeters, lay readers, ushers, offering counters, opening and closing church duty persons
· Church council, trustees, generally well-functioning committees of finance, worship, ministry and personnel, outreach, property, Christian education , nominating, member-ship and pastoral care
Stewardship
· Receipts from congregational givings, bequests, UCW contributions, building use/rentals
· Disbursements of salaries, benefits, general operating expenses
· Investments of $227 000
· Non-invested $30 000 for immediate availability
· Financial support for several local, national and international projects
Use of Church Building
· About 20 user groups
· An application form for use of church facilities must be filled out for each group wishing to use the church rooms and facilities
· Detailed guidelines for building care and cleanliness are given to each user group
· Guidelines of rates are provided for weddings and funerals.
Trinity United Church Annual Report
· A copy of Trinity’s 2010 annual report is included in this JNAC report, Appendix D.
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 4 page 11
PROFILE # 4 RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS OF MINISTRY POSITION
The Ministry Position
Trinity United Church is seeking a dynamic and youthful-thinking ordained minister who will reside in the local community of Napanee, Ontario, and who will have an enthusiasm and empathy for our community and church needs as described in this JNAC report. Trinity UC anticipates that this minister can provide a ministerial stability that has been rather elusive for the past several years.
Trinity UC is eager to call to the ministry one with abilities to create an inviting spiritual home that can restore disengaged members and attract newcomers from the community, particularly young families and youth, appreciating that church is increasingly irrelevant to many. This position requires the skills and personal attributes to diplomatically cultivate meaningful changes in church growth and worship processes. An emphasis on church growth should not of course, preclude a continued need for pastoral care of the more elderly members.
While Trinity UC is a congregation of predominately older folk, most realize that it is vitally important to investigate and develop innovative worship and creative outreach in order to survive and grow as a meaningful faith community. A practical beginning has begun with the purchase of a high quality projector for multiple uses in the sanctuary and other venues in the church building as for example, a movie night for youth.
The following position descriptions of responsibilities, expectations, personal attributes and skills are drawn mainly from an April 2011 survey that asked congregational members and adherents to identify their perceived needs of our congregation and the skills and qualities desired in a new minister. This survey was designed to provide weighted numerical priorities as well as the opportunity for written comments. The most commonly expressed responses and comments, if fulfilled, should help Trinity UC move into a rewarding future. The tabulated results of this report are attached to this JNAC report, as Appendix B.
The ministerial position is presently classified as full-time, salaried at 52 weeks a year. Trinity’s Ministry and Personnel Committee provides a consultative and supportive role for staff, reviews working conditions and remuneration and makes appropriate recommendations to Council. It also oversees relationships of staff to congregational members, relationships between and among staff members with respect to their responsibilities and authority. Additionally it consults with staff about their plans for continuing education (where eligible), and reviews and evaluates annually the effectiveness of the staff in relation to their job description.
In Church Life and Growth
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 4 (cont'd), Profile # 5 page 12
· Works with other local United Churches with a view to additional joint services and joint choirs.
· Pastoral care:
Visitation of members in crises and/or health difficulties
Funerals
Weddings
Baptisms
Confirmations
Pastoral counseling with a willingness to refer to an appropriate professional
· Collaborates with Church Council, committee chairpersons and Belleville Presbytery
In Worship
· Consults appropriate individuals and committees regarding innovative approaches to worship yet retains meaningful elements of tradition.
· Encourages participation in worship by children and youth and other talented laity
· Works closely with the choir and music director to provide a diverse and inspirational musical environment for worship and other congregational endeavours.
· Services: Hymn selection (with music director), prayers, announcements, order of service bulletins (with church secretary)
· Sermons: Thought-provoking, and spiritually challenging; Biblically based but relevant and reflective; informative and educational (at lay member level)
PROFILE # 5 PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS OF MINISTER
· Approachable and friendly
· Effective and collaborative communicator (listening, speaking, writing)
· Communicates well with children and youth
· Works well with church Council, staff and lay leaders
· Ability to encourage and support United Church Women, congregational fellowship, local outreach, Christian development and spiritual growth
· Visionary for effective change and its processes and can inspire others in a collegial manner
· Stable and generally healthy personal life
· Sense of humour
· Compassionate and caring
· Ability to inspire others
· Attends to personal spiritual growth
· Ability to weigh importance and balance accordingly, the demands on work and personal time
· Organizational/administrative skills
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 6 page 13
PROFILE # 6 TERMS
Minimum Salary and Range
· It is recommended that consideration be given to setting the approved maximum compensation level through a congregational meeting. This is consistent with improving communications, transparency of decision-making and hopefully congregational commitment to funding the proposed budget. The financial aspect of the Call will effectively be "pre-approved", and the final Call approval will relate to non-financial considerations. The Finance & Administration and Joint Search Committees would confer on this issue early in the candidate selection process.
· Salary range will be consistent with the United Church of Canada salary schedule, with the increment above the category minimum reflecting candidate-specific considerations as negotiated by the Joint Search Committee and the candidate.
Housing Allowance
· Belleville Presbytery sets a minimum housing allowance for its pastoral charges which is reviewed every three years. The 2012 minimum level is $14 000 per year. The housing allowance would be part of the total compensation package negotiations in order to determine the congregation's total financial outlay.
Travel Expenses
· Trinity will reimburse the minister for church related personal vehicle usage at the rate approved annually by the General Council Executive.
Continuing Education & Learning Resources
· An Annual Paid Study Leave, three weeks in duration, will be approved by Trinity.
· An allowance will be supplied to assist with the cost of attending workshops or conferences, purchasing books and obtaining electronic and other resources relevant to
providing ministry leadership.
Hours of Work
· Forty hours per week, with the suggested proportions of approximately:
30% spent on Worship,
25% spent on Church Growth and Congregational Development
20% spent on Administration
20% spent on Pastoral Care
5% spent on the Wider church
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Profile # 6 (continued) page 14
Vacation
· Trinity has an historical cooperative arrangement with Grace United for summer services and vacation period. This five-week period will use up the bulk of vacation entitlement for most candidates. (Beyond affecting Grace, any proposed change to this arrangement would be of such significance that we believe it should be reviewed periodically and subsequent to a Call to Trinity, by way of discussion with Grace United Church representatives.)
Moving Expenses
· Moving expenses are the responsibility of the Pastoral Charge based on reasonable estimates and receipts. The pastoral charge could be involved in the decision-making process for the move in order to enable volunteer efforts to assist with the move if agreeable to both parties.
Secretarial Staff
· Our church secretary also performs secretarial tasks requested by the minister. This is a
frontline position in which the church secretary must deal with a variety of situations appropriately, including those of a sensitive and confidential nature.
Office Equipment
· General office facilities include: computer with relevant software packages and internet access, 2 telephone lines, fax, photocopier and document printer.
· A computer with internet access is provided in the ministry personnel office.
· An experienced PC software and hardware resource person is presently available.
Residential Telephone
· Trinity provides an allowance to assist with the cost of residential telephone service.
United Church of Canada Group Insurance
· Coverage over and above the standard level provided by the United Church of Canada may be determined by and funded by the candidate.
Sabbatical
· In concurrence with the United Church Policy on Sabbatical Leaves, Trinity agrees to provide a paid sabbatical of at least three consecutive months to the ministry personnel who has completed five or more years of service at Trinity.
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, June 2011, Summary & Recommendations page 15
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
The JNAC members wish to express thanks to Trinity’s congregation for their efforts and thoughtful comments on the JNAC survey. We also have appreciated the advice and encouragement of Rev. Anne MacDermaid (Ministry) and Marilyn Fenwick (Lay) as they navigated us through the JNAC process.
Overall, the JNAC report’s profiles and congregational survey brought out four areas that represent the best of Trinity, features that we feel provide a measure of uniqueness to our church family. These are briefly identified and outlined below.
Outreach: Trinity excels in outreach, both globally and in the community. For the year 2010, Trinity gave over $25 000 to the United Church Mission and Service Fund. The 2011 goal is set at $26 500. A Good Friday Walkathon raised $3 921 to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Salvation Army Food Bank and Morning Star Mission Meal Program. A joint service of Trinity and Newburgh United Church choirs with Abbey North Drummers raised $1 688.50 for the men’s initiative, the Lutamo School in Dondi, Angola. It is noteworthy that Trinity hosts close to twenty various community groups, predominately weekly, a testimony to Trinity’s desire to serve the community.
Music: Our choir, though not overly large is faithful and works hard at varied music styles. A few children enjoy participating in the occasional anthem with drumming and other percussion instruments. The choir is enlarged at Christmas with other volunteer singers for a Candlelight Service. We also have a recently formed male trio that occasionally sings Gospel music at our services. From time to time Trinity's choir hosts other musical venture with outside groups.
History: In appendix A of this JNAC Report is a summary of a creative event initiated by our supply minister, Rev. Bill Perry. It consisted of an extensive stitched-together paper panorama on which people could place remembrances, photographs, comments, etc., of Trinity’s events over the years. Later these memorabilia were shared at a congregational get-together. This provided a nostalgic window to the past for long time members and an educational history for newer members.
Church Building: The church building, briefly described in Profile #3 of this JNAC Report, is in A-1 condition. Competent Property Committees and financial support over the years have contributed to the well-maintained building, equipment and other amenities. The sanctuary with its sloping floor and moveable wall is more impressive observed than described.
Our Future
Though we quietly celebrate our strengths both present and past, we journey into the future with a concern for declining membership. Reasons for this are many, one of which is the increasing irrelevancy of church in today’s social climate. And so we ask - In what ways can we halt or reverse this decline? How might we become more relevant to inactive members and others in the community? What particular measures might we implement? Are we willing to try change, to risk? Where do we start? The questions are many.
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, June 2011, Summary & Recommendations page 16
With such questions in mind, it might be worthwhile to form a small group to study Trinity’s current procedures and practices in order to come up with ideas of specific things we could do. Some may be simple; others more radical, bold and exciting. This group might be designated “Visioning Team” since its mandate is to look to our future. A sample framework is suggested below although final details would be determined by Trinity's Council if such a committee is considered an acceptable enterprise.
The Visioning Team will:
· examine our current procedures and practices in order to suggest changes or new initiatives that are anticipated to be effective in halting or reversing the decline in membership
· be comprised of six to eight members, volunteers or recruited or both (adherents included)
· be an advisory body only
· meet approximately once a month as a minimum or more frequently as needed
· answer to Council and periodically provide Council with oral or written progress reports of progress and recommendations
· welcome the minister as a member
Many factors preclude recommending the duration of this group and therefore should be a decision of Trinity Council. While considering our present procedures, the Visioning Team might research what other churches or denominations have found workable to improve church relevancy and growth. There may also be resource material from the United Church of Canada.
It is not possible to predict if a suggested change or new venture will be effective until implemented and given time. This is where our willingness to risk is tested, particularly if the proposal significantly departs from the current norm. Often people see the minister as the sole person to recreate our church. The reality is that we all have a shared responsibility along with the minister. The Gospel is timeless but it may be timely for Trinity to take a thoughtful look at revitalizing some of our current practices.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE
1. That a vacancy be declared for a full time Minister, with a start date to be negotiated.
2. That a Joint Search Committee be formed and using the information in this JNAC Report
find and present the name of the successful candidate to the congregation.
3. That Trinity's Council form a Visioning Team, structured appropriately, to research and
recommend changes and new initiatives that will be successful in revitalizing Trinity's faith community.
4. That the JNAC be disbanded upon final approval of the JNAC Report by Belleville Presbytery.
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Survey Results Appendix B-1
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH NAPANEE - JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT
JNAC Survey Results - April 2011
Based on 68 responses (some respondents did not answer all questions).
Section A: About the Respondents
1. Age group: 0 (1-13) 1 (14-18) 3 (19-40) 16 (41-60) 31 (61-75) 16 (75+)
2. Gender: 45 (Female) 22 (Male) 1 (No gender indicated)
3. Worship attendance at Trinity: 50 (Most weeks) 4 (Once a month) 9 (Occasionally) 5 (Rarely)
4. Participation in church activities: 23 (Always) 33 (Occasionally) 9 (Rarely) 1 (Never)
5. Your view of the Bible: Some Christians say the Bible is "the unerring word of God:, some say the Bible is "a human account of humans seeking to know God". On the line below circle the X that most closely represents your view. The number of X's is shown below.
Unerring Word of God |
|
|
| Account by humans seeking to know God |
10 | 6 | 16 | 13 | 17 |
Section B: Congregational Priorities
(For an explanation of Weighted Totals, please see the note at the end of Section C-4 on page 3.)
Congregational Priorities Listed in order of weighted totals | Very Important | Important
| Less Important | Not Important | Weighted Total |
1. Welcome newcomers | 52 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 250 |
1. Worship on Sunday | 49 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 250 |
2. Sunday School/Youth Worship | 48 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 248 |
2. Music | 45 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 248 |
3. Congregational fellowship | 45 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 247 |
4. Pastoral care | 44 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 243 |
5. Support each other | 44 | 19 | 4 | 0 | 241 |
6. United Church Women | 26 | 39 | 2 | 0 | 225 |
7. Local outreach | 24 | 41 | 2 | 0 | 223 |
8. Interact with other United Churches | 25 | 35 | 8 | 0 | 221 |
9. Christian develop./Spiritual growth | 25 | 32 | 5 | 0 | 206 |
10. Engage those not connected to church | 21 | 31 | 10 | 2 | 197 |
11. Mission and Service/global outreach | 21 | 27 | 15 | 0 | 195 |
12. Interact with other churches/faiths | 17 | 27 | 20 | 1 | 189 |
13. Environment , live respecting creation | 14 | 31 | 15 | 2 | 179 |
14. Bible Study | 7 | 34 | 22 | 0 | 174 |
14. Train Lay Leaders | 6 | 36 | 21 | 0 | 174 |
15. Social Justice Issues | 9 | 31 | 19 | 4 | 167 |
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Survey Results B-2
Section C-1: Priorities for Minister - Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and Responsibilities of Minister Listed in order of weighted totals | Very Important | Important
| Less Important | Not Important | WeightedTotal |
1. Welcome and integrate newcomers | 37 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 267 |
2. Minister to those in crises | 55 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 258 |
3. Work with other local United Churches | 24 | 45 | 9 | 1 | 249 |
4. Support youth worship and children's programs | 41 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 239 |
5. Prepare individuals for and administer sacraments of baptism and communion | 47 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 236 |
5. Plan and deliver weekly and other worship services | 44 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 236 |
6. Work with local social/outreach agencies | 8 | 40 | 39 | 3 | 230 |
7. Attend congregational fellowship events | 31 | 29 | 7 | 0 | 225 |
8. Develop new/diverse models for worship | 26 | 34 | 6 | 1 | 218 |
9. Work with other churches and faith groups | 19 | 30 | 25 | 4 | 216 |
10. Provide guidance and resources to church groups and committees. | 15 | 47 | 5 | 0 | 211 |
11. Provide pastoral care | 33 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 200 |
12. Encourage Bible study | 10 | 36 | 20 | 0 | 188 |
13. Facilitate adult Christian development program | 8 | 38 | 16 | 0 | 178 |
14. Attend committee meetings | 12 | 30 | 19 | 4 | 176 |
15. Visit every congregation member/family | 7 | 24 | 36 | 12 | 172 |
Section C-2: Priorities for Minister - Sermons
Priorities for Sermons Listed in order of weighted total | Very Important | Important
| Less Important | Not Important | Weighted Total |
1. Thought provoking | 36 | 25 | 3 | 0 | 225 |
2. Spiritually challenging | 28 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 218 |
3. Personally relevant and reflective | 32 | 23 | 5 | 0 | 207 |
4. Informative/Educational | 19 | 40 | 5 | 0 | 206 |
5. Biblically based | 20 | 29 | 15 | 1 | 197 |
6. Socially relevant | 21 | 28 | 12 | 0 | 192 |
7. Contemporary Theology | 10 | 35 | 12 | 2 | 169 |
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Survey Results B-3
Section C-3: Priorities for Minister - Participation in Sunday Worship
Participation in Sunday Worship Listed in order of weighted total | Very Important | Important
| Less Important | Not Important | Weighted Total |
1. Participation by a choir | 35 | 30 | 2 | 0 | 234 |
2. Youth/children participation in worship | 28 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 224 |
3. Diversity in musical expression | 27 | 33 | 6 | 0 | 219 |
4. Lay participation in worship | 11 | 37 | 19 | 0 | 193 |
Section C-4: Priorities for Minister - Qualities and/or Experience
Qualities and/or Experience In Future Ministry Staff | Very Important | Important
| Less Important | Not Important | Weighted Total |
1. Approachability and friendliness | 54 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 249 |
2. Effective communicator (listening, Speaking and writing) | 50 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 248 |
3. Communicates well with children and youth | 46 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 238 |
3. Works well with staff and lay leaders | 44 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 238 |
4. Sense of humour | 43 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 236 |
5. Skilled engaging preacher | 40 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 235 |
6. Compassionate and caring | 45 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 234 |
6. Ability to inspire others | 42 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 234 |
7. Understands need for change, process for change, can facilitate consensus | 31 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 221 |
8. Ability to make decisions | 29 | 32 | 3 | 0 | 218 |
8. Effective personal counseling | 26 | 36 | 3 | 0 | 218 |
9. Attends to own personal spiritual growth | 28 | 33 | 3 | 1 | 217 |
10. Commitment to pastoral care and visitation | 27 | 32 | 5 | 0 | 214 |
11. Open and inclusive to all life styles | 23 | 28 | 11 | 2 | 198 |
12. Skill in relationship building and community development | 17 | 36 | 9 | 0 | 194 |
13. Organizational/administrative skills | 14 | 36 | 10 | 1 | 184 |
14. Commitment to social justice | 9 | 35 | 17 | 2 | 175 |
Weighted Totals: In the tables above, the first five columns list the subject and the number of respondents choosing that response for that part of church life. Some people did not answer all questions. To get an overall ranking of issues, a Weighted Total was calculated by the following formula: (Number of Very Important responses x 4) + (Number of "Important" responses x 3) + (Number of "Less Important" responses x 2) + (Number of "Not Important" responses x 0). Items were then listed in order of the weighted total. In the original questionnaire they were listed alphabetically to avoid biasing the responses. |
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Survey Results B-4
Question 5. What strengths do we have at Trinity on which we should build?
Summary: Overall we have an outstanding variety of human resources available in our church community. The responses indicated very strongly that the congregation feels we have a deep sense of community, and excellent leadership and organization skills, nurtured by the wisdom, experience and talent of our dedicated, friendly volunteers. Many mentioned the fellowship within the church family, and stressed the fact that we genuinely care about each other. The beautiful, well-maintained building and great space were mentioned many times. Other compliments included favourable remarks on our UCW, our choir, community involvement, a strong potential youth program, community outreach in the form of dinners, bazaars and concerts, Mission and Service, and a quality projector for our sanctuary.
Question 6. What do you see as the major challenges for our congregation: Where might we improve?
Summary: The overwhelming response was that we are an aging congregation and we need to attract new members, provide events and services that are youth oriented, and still serve our elderly. A great many responded that they were willing to change, and accept and support innovative approaches to make these things happen. We appear to do well with a supply minister versus a permanent minister. As previously stated we need to be more accommodating and accepting of change. Several reminded us that we, as a congregation, need to support the minister and work with him/her. Other ideas expressed were: visiting other churches for ideas, getting more people involved, a young minister to attract young families, a minister who is engaging and has the skills to encourage and develop change, more relevant exciting services with more interaction, be accepting of a more diverse congregation, more committee members willing to take leadership, better communication, open minds, accepting of new ideas and change, a talent show for youth and use their talents in service, and outreach to community.
Question 7. What changes would you like to see at Trinity in the next five years?
Summary: There was a significant voice calling for a young-thinking, permanent, vibrant, fun-loving minister who loves and enjoys children. A general response from all was that they would like to see more social gatherings and embracing of others, regular attendance growth with returning members and new members, and an influx of young families. A significant number of respondents suggested changes in the music section of worship, asking for more involvement with youth, more variety, lively familiar music, gospel music, anthems in English, more instruments, a youth band, soloists, trios, quartets. An enhanced and varied musical program is a valuable asset to our church. Several suggested changes in worship formats, e.g. two services with different formats, participation by young people, have an inspirational speaker, more informal, simplified order of worship, seeking diversity, with less responsive reading, lively uplifting services, blocking off some pews to create a more intimate setting. Amalgamation with Grace United and/or other local United Churches was mentioned several times, with one person suggesting one huge new building for Trinity and Grace and all the small surrounding United Churches. Would like to see active inter-church council with joint services and joint choirs regularly, not just at Lent and including all churches. We need to eye current and future technology (Facebook, Twitter) in order to develop exposure and a significance to our youth. We need to develop a vision for our church.
Question 8. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Summary: The responses to this question were integrated into questions 5, 6 and 7 above.
~ ~ ~
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Exit Interviews Appendix C-1
Exit Interviews with Ministers
The Task
"To consult with the incumbent who is preparing to leave and an incumbent who will remain. The minister who is leaving will have helpful insights to share with the JNAC." (JNAC Process #9, page 14 in Handbook for Joint Needs Assessment Committees)
The Process
We felt Trinity had three "departing incumbents" - Rev. Bill Perry, Rev. Burry Wiseman and Rev. Harold Alston. There is no incumbent who is to remain. The following eighteen questions were prepared and given to each of the three ministers beforehand with the suggestion that a written and oral response would be appreciated, one provided both a written and an oral response, one did the interview only and one did the written report only.
Questions and Comments Received
These comments are a composite of all three ministers' comments. Some are paraphrased, some verbatim.
1. What was the most satisfying about your time at Trinity?
- the congregation and conducting the worship service
- to work with, preach to, and to provide pastoral care for, the people of Trinity
- to see some of the stress around a prolonged absence of ministerial leadership diminish
- visiting the sick, the bereaved, the shut-ins
- the community has been kind, thoughtful and supportive
2. What was the least satisfying about your time at Trinity?
- doing too much administrative work
- working part time
- would have liked more description of expectations along with more lay support
- would like more input for choosing hymns (instead of choir director)
3. What would you change about your time at Trinity?
- generally no recommendations
- Trinity needs to support flexibility and recognize the "message" can be put in such ways as to be more in keeping with modern lifestyle
- flexibility about hymns
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Exit Interviews C-2
4. Did your duties turn out to be as you expected at Trinity?
- overall yes
- expected to have more freedom in worship that was more integrated with Word, Song Prayer and preached Word
5. Did you receive adequate support during your time at Trinity?
- support was more than adequate
6. Did you receive sufficient feedback about your performance?
- yes and no, an annual review would be good
- perhaps a survey could solicit comments from congregation
- missed a stable Ministry & Personnel Committee
- Ministry & Personnel has an important role in the relationship between the minister and the community of faith
7. Do you have any tips to help us find your replacement?
- mature, someone with at least two previous pastorates
- Trinity would be rewarded by projecting an image of openness as tradition and culture meet, avoid, "this is the way we do things at Trinity", flexibility is important
- need to blend tradition with new approaches
- there needs to be a crucial passion or "fire" to do the job
- need to find new and varied ways to share the Good News of Jesus in an increasingly secular world. This calls for a new mix of evangelism and social justice, not a quarrel between them.
8. What would you improve to make our workplace better here at Trinity?
- all declined to offer a suggestion(s) saying there were no improvements required
9. Were you happy with your pay, benefits and other incentives?
- all reported yes
10. Based on your experience with us, what do you think it takes to succeed at Trinity?
- to be a team player who can connect with the people
- Council needs to develop a greater sense of the whole and connectedness as well as being more connected to the congregants both vocal and silent
- a willingness to be part of a community of faith trying to follow Jesus today
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report, July 2011, Exit Interviews C-3
11. Did any Trinity policies or procedures (or any other obstacles) make your work more difficult?
- there appeared to be no conflict in this area
- policies and procedures made life easier
12. Would you consider working again for Trinity in the future?
- all three indicated a yes
13. Would you recommend to others working for Trinity?
- all three would recommend others to work for Trinity
14. How do you generally feel about Trinity?
- enjoyed the people of God in Trinity very much
- have felt welcomed at Trinity
- fun to have worked at Trinity
15. What did you like most about Trinity?
- a beautiful church and a congregation anxiously seeking ways to live out their ministry
- liked the people the most
- wonderful choir, dinners and volunteers