What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Covenant’s vision is our mission statement - Striving to be faithful disciples of Christ; worshiping with joy, growing in faith, serving in love. The vision is lived out by:
- Fully welcoming and accepting everyone, no matter where one is in their faith journey
- Reaching out and serving our neighbors locally, nationally, and globally
- Honoring the diverse gifts of all
- Seeking to be instruments of God’s love, peace, and justice
- Expressing our love for God and one another in an inclusive and compassionate community
- Praising God through our words, actions, and music, and exploring opportunities to do so utilizing new technologies
- Sharing in study, worship, and service that challenges, enlightens, nurtures, and encourages wrestling with questions of faith and faithfulness
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
As Covenant moves into 2023 and the pandemic becomes endemic, we are called to respond to emerging challenges, including increasing polarization, growing violent conflict, and escalating inequities in our local area, nation, and world. As a Matthew 25 congregation committed to addressing issues of structural racism, systemic poverty, and congregational vitality, Covenant seeks to:
- Provide a living example of a community that loves one another across our differences and honors diversity while affirming our unity in Christ
- Actively participate in serving our neighbors locally, nationally, and globally through hands-on activities including local hunger programs, disaster assistance, and refugee resettlement
- Financially support over 25 organizations that serve the diverse needs of our neighbors, locally, nationally, and globally, as well as missionaries in Africa and Central America
- Offer an alternative Christmas gifting program to support mission efforts both locally and abroad
- Livestream worship services to reach neighbors local and beyond
- Share our church facilities with local community organizations (e.g. NAACP, Narcotics Anonymous, local bird club, community theater groups, bag pipe band, yoga)
- Operate a well-respected preschool that continually adapts to community needs and provide scholarships to families in need
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Covenant feels called to seek an Associate Pastor who will serve as: i.) a resource and model for connecting faith with contemporary challenges — in both an individual and collective context; ii.) a teacher and leader who can spark both engagement and reflection in the faith journeys of children and youth; and iii.) a bridge builder who addresses needs in and with our community. Together we hope to effectively reach out to and share faith and hope with the next generation and with our community at large by:
- Bringing creative ideas and energy to church programs and worship with a willingness to engage a curious congregation
- Offering inspiring and challenging sermons and teaching that encourage reflection on the integration of faith and daily living
- Introducing and integrating children, youth, and adults of the church into worship, Christian Education, Outreach, faith, and service
- Creating a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for children, youth and adults to explore, question, and enrich their faith
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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.
This person who is open to being called to Covenant needs to be:
- Grounded biblically and theologically in our Presbyterian tradition: Reformed and always being re-formed
- Creative, collegial, and inclusive in Spirit
- Capable of communicating clearly and imaginatively in word and print with people of all ages
- Compassionate, loving, and understanding in caring for others (a good listener)
- Joyful and curious in their faith with a passion for sharing their faith experience
- Capable of motivating others to share a spirit of service contributing to the mission and programs of the church
- Supportive and encouraging of others in their questions and faith journeys
- Willing to be a loving member of our church family with a healthy balance of work and life
- Be willing and able to collaborate with others; be flexible in their approach, self-motivated, and actively engaged
- Capable of working intentionally to break down societal barriers, promote equity, and embrace diversity
- Have a sense of humor and be able to easily relate to people of all ages
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
This person will have responsibility for:
- Christian Education across the life of the congregation working with the Pastor
- Enhancing a robust program for youth and children
- Providing leadership for a dynamic and engaging Confirmation Class
- Teaching occasional classes/Bible Studies, participating in worship weekly, and preaching occasionally
- Providing pastoral leadership and performing pastoral duties including visitation in coordination with the Pastor
- Working cooperatively with and serving as a resource for Session committees
- Recruiting and coordinating paid and volunteer nursery care for infants and toddlers for worship services and occasional church events
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Optional Links
www.covenantpresstaunton.org
visitstaunton.com
marybaldwin.edu
www.americanshakespearecenter.com
www.shenanarts.org
www.stauntonmusicfestival.org
www.frontiermuseum.org
www.woodrowwilson.org
www.augustahealth.com
www.ci.staunton.va.us
www.co.augusta.va.us
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