What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
In the early planning stages for Family of Christ Church, we envisioned it as one where spiritual growth and mission outreach were the two main areas of focus. Choosing mission rather than property, we rented worship space and performed most church functions (fellowship, Christian ed, service projects) in homes in smaller groups of families - clusters. We later purchased property and paid it off. After 45 years this vision remains strong though our numbers and therefore our financial resources have declined. We want to continue to be a progressive, welcoming, partnering Presbyterian presence in Greeley, committed to advocacy and activism concerning issues of social justice and peace, especially with our immigrant communities and others who are marginalized. Working with the Weld Food Bank, we run a weekly food pantry; we manage a community garden on our property; three times each year we serve meals to the homeless; we have an outside theater and have sponsored/presented summer and more recently indoor winter plays too for 10 years, the proceeds benefitting community causes; we have received a grant to help remodel a historic house, moved onto our property, for community use; and we support several community programs with monetary donations. We continue to meet monthly in clusters for fellowship and caring, though we now use the Progressive Christianity education curriculum for our children on Sunday mornings when the worship service is a cornerstone of our ministry. |
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
Our Mission Study found many assets at Family of Christ. Tangible means such as property are complemented by human resources. While our hands are not idle, many of our strengths lie with the heart and the mind. We are blessed with numerous professional, artistic and intellectual talents. Less tangible still, yet all the more important for its immeasurable potential, is the spiritual richness of a deeply caring family of believers and inquirers. Our commitment to the congregation’s heritage of social consciousness and action calls us to reach out to address the emerging needs we witness both around us and among us. In times of hostility against newcomers, we must demonstrate radical hospitality toward those in our constituency who are in need and in danger. In times of violence and discrimination against the marginalized, we must reflect the divine love demonstrated by Christ as we work for equality and justice, particularly through our commitments as a More Light congregation. In times of political strife we must turn our cheeks and open our minds toward the polarized in our community. In times of unprecedented income inequality, we must put into action the exhortations of John 3:11. We must minister to the needs of the aging in our midst. We must welcome the energy of the youthful to our fold and share our experience and guidance as they confront the potential of a menacing future. Critically, we must work to preserve God’s gift of nature, the blessing that sustains us all. |
How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
A called pastor will provide continuity of leadership while creating a vibrant space in services for hearts and minds to be nourished. By acting as a hub and maintaining a bird’s-eye view to assist all our parts to work as a whole while advocating for our priorities both within and without the walls of our building, the pastor will help keep our gears turning smoothly. A self-differentiated individual will help maintain a steady spirit as we face the challenges of rehabilitating an historic structure with depleted financial reserves. This must all be accomplished while also prioritizing making people feel seen and heard whether visiting for a single Sunday or serving for (yet another) term on Session. |
Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
Our congregation has committed to being an inclusive, progressive, and radically hospitable place: a Micah 6:8 church where we “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” We need a ministerial partner who is a spiritually mature, compassionate communicator and who will motivate, encourage, and inspire us to the hard work of achieving these goals. We require someone who will organize and coordinate our energies with a collaborative model and who understands deeply the need for interpersonal engagement both inside the church and in the wider community so that we may thrive and grow in both number and spirit. Taking on the financial responsibilities of moving and rehabilitating the Bessie Smith House, an historic home, has strained the church budget, which is why Funds Developer is among our desired competencies. A minister who oversees this must possess personal resilience and an ability to self-differentiate, so that this task isn’t overwhelming. We delight in a sense of humor, honor the spirituality of the arts and thirst for the challenge of growing spiritually in a welcoming, nurturing, safe environment where all can be trusted and respected. Some in our congregation bear the scars of other religious experiences where the answer was more important than the questions. A ministerial partner who is authentic, intellectually curious and flexible, open and sensitive to each individual’s need to be seen and heard, and who is compassionate in care would be a great fit. |
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
Primary responsibilities (to be handled by the leader directly as part of a 20 hours/week position)
- Preparation and delivery of weekly sermon
- Pastoral care (home-bound parishioner visits, baptisms, weddings, funerals, communication with “cluster” network)
- Coordinate with Presbytery and PC(USA)
- Serve as Moderator of Session
Secondary Responsibilities (to be handled or delegated as time and talent permit)
- Organization of Sunday services
- Organization of special services
- Working with lay leaders, music director, other service participants
- Community connections (LGBTQ+ / More Light, Vecinos, Greeley Garage Sale Theatre, Ubuntu Garden, Historical House ministry, Abundant Life meals)
- Financials (fundraising, grant writing, stewardship campaigns etc.)
- New member discovery and retention
- Communication with congregation, community, session, and ministry committees
- Exploration of re-implementation of adult Christian education
- Continuing to expand children and youth Christian education
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Optional Links
focgreeley.org/
www.greeleytheatre.org/
www.greeleyschools.org/
www.city-data.com/city/Greeley-Colorado.html
www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm
www.greeleychamber.com/
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