What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Most Sundays Dylan drives 20 miles to Central toting bags of diapers and toys along with his toddler JoJo and his autistic son Lincoln. He worships from the sensory room, an area requested by him and created by members so his family can enjoy the service without being over stimulated.
In the well-maintained sanctuary of our century old building, Ray and his husband Don sit comfortably together, listening to the sermon which correlates scripture to today’s events. Nearby, George tends to Neta, his wife of 50 years, who is battling dementia. A dedicated, blended community who love one another; many of us sing in the choir and nearly everyone serves on a committee.
Women have a strong voice at Central. They fill all staff positions, moderate all committees and represent most of Session. Queer folks comprise half of our congregation and serve in leadership roles.
Central’s Vision Statement
As followers of the risen Christ, we seek to be a community where love and justice are Central. We worship joyfully, strive to grow in our faith and discipleship, provide comfort and care to the hurting, confront injustice, extend hospitality to all, honor and care for God's earth, and act to love and serve our neighbors.
As a member of the PC(USA) and committed to Matthew 25, we:
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Nurture the inner worth and dignity of all
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Educate ourselves about and work to eliminate structural racism and systemic poverty and affirm LGBTQIA+ people
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Act as faithful stewards of our human and financial resources
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
Located a block away from the “red line” that once divided whites and Blacks in Kansas City, Central acknowledges the racial reconciliation still required today. With Section 8 alongside market rate housing, this configuration presents opportunities for doing outreach and justice in our neighborhood.
Max waited to shop in our food pantry with his head held in his hands. As our volunteer helped him with much needed fresh produce and groceries, Max worried that he might lose his car and was distraught about substantial medical expenses. He woke up that morning knowing the assistance received from Central would allow him to make it a few more days. Our volunteer and Max prayed together then Max left cheerfully saying, “I’ve got this!”
By listening to our patrons, we learned they appreciated individualized choices while shopping, which led to greater self-esteem and lessened our food waste.
Nikita and Anya, refugees from Eastern Europe, appeared at our door asking for help. We discovered they had been resettled nearby and had little furniture or food. Working through the language challenges, our volunteers shared food, clothing, and smiles with them. Later in the year Nikita and Anya once again came to mind when we identified some unneeded furniture and donated a couch and three chairs to them.
Being present with our patrons leads to good deeds that may not make the news, but allows us to foster loving relationships, to grow in Christ’s community and to blur that red line.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Near Central is Thelma’s Kitchen, a “pay as you are able” restaurant that brings healthy food to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. For decades they have fed the same neighbors who visit our food pantry. A renovation of its older building prompted Thelma’s to seek an alternate home during the lengthy construction process.
Thelma’s required a kitchen fast. They reached out and we sprang into action. Within a month, we secured Session approval, worked together to update our vintage kitchen, and brokered a lease allowing Thelma’s to continue its mission from within Central. Although we lost access to our kitchen and dining facilities for two years, we recognized our entities share the vision of love and justice for all.
Can you act quickly but mindfully in unusual circumstances? Recognize exciting opportunities for our church? Build stronger relationships among ourselves, our neighbors? Garner support and unify the congregation?
At Central we are not a Sunday-only church. We best reflect God’s love by nurturing our relationships with acts of love throughout our week. It may be working with our staff or during rehearsal of the Kansas City Women’s Chorus. Other times we encounter God at Buddies for Holy Happy Hour or in a committee meeting as we discuss plumbing issues. God moves among us as we worship and enjoy fellowship with treats and coffee after.
Are you fun? A little quirky? Forward thinking? Perhaps LGBTQIA+? Of color? Creative and make good coffee? Then join us.
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Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
We know Josh through his participation in our food pantry. Perpetually down on his transportation luck, Josh cycles through dilapidated cars: duct tape and clear plastic as a window, a tire askew on its axle, and always with outdated plates. If left on the street, the city would impound the vehicle leaving Josh on foot plus a towing fee he could never afford.
Sensitive to his circumstances, our previous pastor, Heidi, negotiated a deal in which Josh could store his car on our lot for a few weeks while he worked through his title challenges. In return, Josh promised to pull weeds around the building. As weeks stretched to months and angst rose in some members, with Heidi’s encouragement we moved toward more grace and love for Josh while he kept a nightly eye on our lot and members working in the garden. Eventually, the car disappeared, members’ hearts calmed, and Josh maintained his watch.
In Central’s next pastor, we seek:
- A model of Christ, fair and just in your actions and full of love
- Oprah: an engaging storyteller who can relate scripture to today’s issues
- Fred Rodgers: a sensitive and adaptive communicator through a phone call, a hospital visit, a letter, a text
- P!nk: to partner with our Director of Worship and Music and continue our excellence in music
- A ninja: adept at juggling different personalities in our staff, tenants, members, and community
- You: be authentic and personable, show initiative and creativity, have integrity
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
For the betterment of Central and the people we serve:
- Be fully invested in Central’s commitment to its social justice and outreach programs
- Unify Central’s community: our members, our staff, our tenants, our neighbors
- Sit and pray with us in our homes, a coffee shop, a hospital room
- Facilitate healing amongst members as we negotiate our church lives during great change
- Strengthen our alliances with our presbytery and Troost community partners
- Collaborate with our Session and committee moderators as we seek to achieve Matthew 25
- Actively participate in the Food Pantry—the heartbeat of our church
- Organize and lead bible studies, book studies, and discussion groups
- Lead and inspire our staff growing their confidence through coaching, teaching, and counseling
- Strengthen and empower the congregation with us to stimulate growth of the church in unconventional and perhaps secular ways
- Recommend a relevant book or movie for inspiration or laughs
- Take a field trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to see a new exhibit with us
- Get your hands dirty in our pantry’s garden planting tomatoes or harvesting garlic
- Grill hot dogs and mix lemonade at our summer concerts in our peace park
- Grab a rake and help us clear leaves
- Watch a Chiefs game after worship
- Socialize at Holy Happy Hour and have a drink if you’re inclined
- Love us, seek justice with us, be Central with us
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Optional Links
Webpage centralpreskc.org
Facebook facebook.com/centralpreskc
Tenants
Covenant Network of Presbyterians covnetpres.org
KC Women's Chorus kcwomenschorus.org
Synod of MidAmerica synodma.org
Thelma's Kitchen thelmaskitchen.org
Te Deum te-deum.org
Organizations
More Light Presbyterians mlp.org
Presbyterians for Earth Care presbyearthcare.org
Matthew 25 PC(USA) presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25
Local links
Visit KC visitkc.com
KC Center for Inclusion inclusivekc.org
Troost Alliance troostalliance.org
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