May 7

DEEP RIVER COMMUNITY CHURCH Deep River, Ontario, K0J 1P0

Associated with the United Church,

Presbyterian Church and Baptist Church

“Reaching Out, Welcoming In, Growing In Christ”

NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

May 2007

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SUMMARY

After 15 years of dedicated service, our current Minister Rev. Dr. Ruth Syme will retire on August 31, 2008. In preparation for the impending ministerial change, the Needs Assessment Committee has prepared this report during 2006/2007 after consulting the congregation regarding their views of the needs and hopes for Deep River Community Church. This report describes our Church – our people, activities, finances, challenges and hopes. The report contains six profiles and two appendices. In the profiles, we describe our Church, our community, our resources, and our expectations for a new minister. As well, we show what Deep River and Community Church have to offer a new minister. The appendices contain our latest financial report and a summary of the results of a recent congregational survey. Community Church is a unique church located in a unique town. Deep River is located on the shores of the mighty Ottawa River, across from the foothills of the Laurentians. The town was built 60 years ago to accommodate the researchers of the nearby Chalk River Laboratories. It is very active and has a large number of organizations (choirs, symphony, theatre, professional, sports, yachting, etc.). Deep River is growing because of expansion at AECL's laboratories and the adjacent military base, Camp Petawawa. The resulting influx of younger people provides a unique opportunity for Community Church and a new minister to rejuvenate the church - something strongly supported by all segments of the congregation. Community Church was built in 1951 to accommodate worship services for all Protestant denominations in the newly built town of Deep River. Community Church remains the largest Protestant church in Deep River and is associated with the United Church, Presbyterian Church and the Baptist Church. While remaining autonomous, Community Church financially contributes to these denominations. The minister is responsible to the congregation through the Church Council. Community Church is known for its generous mission support (25% of its ~ $200k budget). It has a membership of 250 members and an average Sunday worship attendance of 100. We employ, on a part time basis, a voluntary associate minister, a custodian, secretary, organist and choir director. The church provides a bright and welcoming sanctuary for worship. A well-appointed personal office in the church is provided for the minister, while the adjoining administrative office is equipped with a fax, high-speed copier and high-speed internet. The adjacent Christian Education Centre (CEC), which was built in 1959, is the hub of congregational fellowship and community activities. Our manse, built in 1977, is spacious and well laid out for family living. Rev. Anderson “Andy” McKee, our Voluntary Associate Minister, is retired but assists Rev. Syme by providing twenty hours of paid specific pastoral care work each month. Rev. McKee is also available as a backup to Rev. Syme for weddings, funerals and Sunday services. NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE REPORT The Needs Assessment Committee was struck in April 2006 and completed its report in April 2007. The nine committee members represent a broad cross-section of the congregation. The committee consulted with the present ministers, the four recent intern ministers and the

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congregation by means of a highly successful survey (96 replies to an eight page questionnaire!). A summary of the results of the survey is included in Appendix II. The committee presented its final report to the Church Council on April 15 and to the congregation on May 6. Having completed its mandate, the committee was disbanded in May 2007 and a Search Committee was established. The report presents the profiles in sequence followed by two appendices as shown below.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary............................................................................................................. 2 A General Description of Deep River .................................................................. 4 Deep River Community Church........................................................................... 6 Our Resources ................................................................................................... 11 Position Profile .................................................................................................. 13 Skills Profile...................................................................................................... 15 Terms Profile..................................................................................................... 17 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 18 APPENDIX I: 2007 Budget............................................................................... 19 APPENDIX II: Summary of the 2007 Survey Results........................................ 20

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A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DEEP RIVER

Deep River is a unique town with a population of 4,500. Its scenic location was selected sixty years ago to accommodate researchers for the nearby Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. It is somewhat like a transplanted portion of a city, with a street plan laid out by the same architect who designed Hampstead and the Town of Mount Royal in Montreal. Some specific features are as follows:

- situated on the Trans-Canada Highway 17 on a mile-wide section of the Ottawa River, two hours from Ottawa, 1.5 hours from North Bay and adjacent to Algonquin Provincial Park

- local scenery is gorgeous – splendid sand beaches and beautiful tall pines

- has a high proportion of university and college graduates

- summer activities include tennis, sailing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, walking trails, fishing, swimming, hiking, bicycling, golf, gardening, triathlon, and Summerfest – a fun celebration every second summer (http://www.summerfest.ca/2006/)

- many different clubs and societies including live theatre, a choral society and a professionally-led symphony orchestra (http://www.drso.ca)

- two public elementary schools, one separate elementary school, one high school, licensed day care

- because of expansion at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and the nearby Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Deep River’s population is growing – up 10% over the last five years

- Deep River Science Academy, a residential summer school attracting high school students from all over Canada, providing them with a unique opportunity to work in research laboratories (http://www.drsa.ca)

- opportunities for Continuing Education at Algonquin College in Pembroke (50 km)

- three universities within 200 km (Ottawa, Carleton and Nipissing)

- exeptional public library, with internet and interlibrary loan services (http://www.deepriverlibrary.ca)

- award winning weekly newspaper (http://www.magma.ca/~drcanrt/)

- “From The Valley Artisan” co-op, selling local art, woodwork, ceramics etc.

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- 17-bed accredited hospital, with emergency facilities, ambulance, six physicians, two dentists

- North Renfrew Long Term Care Facility and Four Season Lodge to care for the elderly - five other churches (Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostal and Roman Catholic) - several museums, including the Canadian Clock Museum - local artists show off their work in bi-annual shows (http://www.deepriverarts.ca) - keep fit with “Curves for Women” and a well equipped local gym - winter activities include miles of

groomed trails for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing on local ski hill with ski lift, snowmobiling, curling, squash, figure skating, badminton, hockey in the Arena, and Winter Carnival

Interested persons are encouraged to explore the town website: http://www.deepriver.ca

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DEEP RIVER COMMUNITY CHURCH Deep River Community Church (DRCC) is located on Deep River Road, the main entrance to Deep River from Highway 17, and is the first building on the right hand side, after the first stop sign.

Community Church was founded in 1945 as an interdenominational protestant church. In 1951, the National Research Council, which was responsible for building the town of Deep River, constructed a church building1 to accommodate worship services for all protestants in the newly built town of Deep River.

As the town grew, other churches were built and their congregations left Community Church, first the Anglican Church in 1960 then the Lutherans, the Pentecostals and the Free Methodists. In addition to the protestant churches, Deep River has a major Roman Catholic Church.

Church Association: Community Church maintains a special relationship with three denominations - United, Presbyterian and Baptist, and is associated with each of the Renfrew Presbytery of the United Church of Canada, the Lanark and Renfrew Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Central Association of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec. While remaining autonomous, our church financially contributes to these denominations and our minister continues as a formal member of his/her denomination. Our Constitution states that the ministry of the Church is to be denominationally varied, with the minister drawn from one of the three denominations. The minister remains accountable to his/her own church in matters of faith and doctrine and is responsible to the congregation through the Church Council.

Membership: Quite a number of people from different denominational backgrounds find a spiritual home within the church – the majority are from the United, Presbyterian or Anglican churches. Today the congregation has around 250 members and remains a spiritually diverse group. Weekly attendance averages around 100. The average age of regular attendees in our church is in the mid sixties and the majority of our members are retirees. Our 2007 congregational survey showed that the majority of all age groups are open to change with many people commenting that change is needed in order for Community Church to grow and continue its ministry.

1 The church building was acquired by the congregation in the 1980s.

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Vision and Mission: Vision/Mission and planning workshops were conducted in October 2003. We envisioned a younger church demographic with a somewhat more contemporary service format, a revived Sunday school, an active ministry program in the town, as well as a strong mission program abroad. A new mission statement was devised as follows:

We are an ecumenical congregation Reaching Out to Deep River and beyond, Welcoming all denominations into our fellowship, and continually Growing in Christ through study and action.

For daily use, this is shortened to the words in bold: “Reaching Out, Welcoming In, Growing in Christ”, that appear on the cover of this report and the service bulletin each Sunday. Church Organization: Administratively, the church operates under a unified Church Council and is independent of the three major churches with which we are associated. The Church governing structure is illustrated by Figure 1. Council provides support to the minister(s), coordinates committees, appoints people to positions when necessary, presents budgets to the congregation and does long-range planning.

Figure 1 Deep River Community Church Governing Structure

The Council includes a number of administrative positions and also the Chair and Vice-chairs of six Program Committees, which plan and administer specific aspects of church life and functions. The Program Committees are: Worship (and music), Missions, Christian Education, Membership, Property, and Stewardship. There are also committees for Leading with Care,

WorshipAnd Music

DeliverPrograms

Worship&

MusicMissions

ChristianEducation

Property

StewardshipMembership& Pastoral

Care

Council Chair&

Vice ChairSecretary

Treasurer

&Asst Treasurer

EnvelopeSecretary &

Assistant

Circle Representative

Nominating

Chair

Minister(s)

(Ex-officio)

Personnel

Chair

Leading With Care

Chair

Auditor Trustees

Ad hoc Committees

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Pastoral Care and Personnel. Replacements for retiring Council members are chosen each year at the Annual General Meeting of the congregation. Church Activities: Membership activities and pastoral care at Community Church are among the most important functions of the church. Our Minister, Rev. Dr Ruth Syme, provides support and comfort to people in need. Rev. Syme and our Voluntary Associate Minister, Rev. McKee visit those who are shut-in and in hospitals. They also visit those who have moved to retirement homes in the surrounding area. Rev. McKee also coordinates a group of 35 who maintain phone contact with the congregation. We have terrific cooks who supply wonderful food for the many potlucks, and other social events.

Ladies Circle: The Ladies Circle acts as an umbrella group for several groups within the church, including the Sewing Group, the Funeral Luncheon Group and the Friendship Group. The Circle organizes a Christmas Bazaar and Tea in November to raise funds for worthwhile causes.

The Sewing Group is a gathering of enthusiastic sewers, knitters, quilters and others who get together over a cup of tea and make articles for the church bazaar and other charitable organizations. In 2006, they made bibs, tablecloths and cushion covers for the Four Seasons Lodge as well as lap blankets and hats for the Cancer Society.

The Funeral Luncheon Group organizes lunches for the receptions in the Christian Education Centre after funerals. These are available to congregational members and for people outside the congregation.

The Friendship Group is a group of enthusiastic women from several congregations who meet Monday afternoons at each other’s homes. They often volunteer to decorate the sanctuary for special occasions and also participate with the Sewing Group and Circle in organizing the Christmas Tea and Bazaar.

Annual Charity Events:

• Food Bank Sunday is held at Church during the Christmas Season in place of a white gift Sunday. It is organized and led by the leaders of Kids’ Church and involves the children in the service. They bring gifts of money or non-perishable food wrapped in white paper which is given either to the Food Bank or to North Renfrew Family Services.

• Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization which sends

millions of gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children in war-torn and poverty-stricken countries around the world. It also sends each child the message of Jesus Christ. In the fall, we pack shoe boxes with school supplies, toiletries and small toys and send approximately 50 boxes. This is a project of faith in action, spreading the word of God’s love.

• Ten Thousand Villages Craft Fair is organized by our Mission Committee and is held at

the CEC every fall. Here we sell fairly traded crafts and coffee from third-world low-income producers and the money is used to provide them with fair wages, healthy and safe working conditions and to support educational and community development opportunities.

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Missions: Community Church has always had a strong commitment to helping other people in need, locally and globally. This commitment is fulfilled through our Mission Committee and community outreach. About 25% of the church budget goes to missions. Locally, we support North Renfrew Family Services, a women’s shelter and a Renfrew County program against child poverty. Our Mission Committee sends theological bursaries to Knox College, McMaster Divinity School and Queen’s University in Ontario and to a college in Kenya. The Christian Blind Mission International, Leprosy Mission, Compassion Canada, Project Reconciliation and SHARE are some of the international organizations that we support. Our Church allocates 21 percent of the Mission offerings to support the missions of the United, Presbyterian and Baptist Churches. Music: Music is an important part of Community Church. The backbone of our music comes from our choir director, Wendy Sur, our two organists, Mary Greiner and Laurie Jarbo, and our choir. At present the choir has 15 to 20 members. Apart from singing the hymns with the congregation every Sunday, they also sing a specially prepared anthem for the congregation every second week. During the Christmas season, the choir delights the congregation with their annual Candlelight Service of lessons and carols and also sings carols at the Long Term Care Facility and the hospital. Following a miracle Sunday campaign in 2005, sufficient funds were raised to refurbish our “Principal” pipe organ. Kids’ Church: Our Kids’ church meets every Sunday from September to May during the 10:15 am service. We offer separate programs for children up to age 7 and for age 8 and up. Communications: Community Church has two congregational publications. CONTACT is printed quarterly, while the GRAPEVINE is distributed by e-mail bi-weekly, with printed copies available on Sundays at Church.

Men’s Breakfast: As part of his voluntary associate minister’s activities, Rev. McKee organizes men’s breakfast fellowship meetings monthly with an attendance of about 30.

Outreach: Community Church is an ecumenical church that provides Christian outreach to the people of Deep River and area who are not members or adherents of Community Church. We

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welcome persons of all faiths who wish to worship with us and take part in Church activities. We perform weddings and conduct funerals and memorial services for members, adherents and others.

Membership at Community Church is enriched by spiritual stimulation, wonderful music and warm fellowship. Our church is a church of the community where everyone is welcome. The Christian Education Centre (CEC) is also a valuable resource for the whole of Deep River and many community groups use the facility for their various activities. Some of the weekly activities include, Girl Guides and Sparks, Cantando Singers, Deep River Girls Choir, Deep River Recorder Group, Yoga Class, Martial Arts, Jarbo’s Band, Choral Group and other similar community groups.

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OUR RESOURCES

Community Church’s greatest resource is its congregation. The church is blessed with knowledgeable and energetic people who are committed to mission and service. As with most churches, Community Church depends heavily on volunteer efforts by many of its members. Community Church is a congregation led by a collegial team that includes both a full-time and a voluntary associate ordained Minister, a choir director, an organist, an associate organist, a secretary and a caretaker. Rev. Ruth Syme, our full-time Minister, has been with us since August 1993. During this time she has established a reputation for her counseling skills, empathy and a preaching style that is thought-provoking, learned and challenging. Aside from the regular Sunday morning worship service, Ruth also leads services monthly at our hospital and at the long-term care facility. Ruth also supervises and coaches our intern ministers. She will retire on August 31,in 2008. Community Church has a rich history of offering itself as a training site for student ministers seeking ordination. During the past four years Community Church has hosted four United Church intern ministers, who have each been with us for eight months. During this time, they gained valuable experience while enriching our congregational life with their enthusiasm, diverse personalities, interests, priorities and perspectives. Rev. Andy McKee, our voluntary associate Minister, is retired but assists Ruth by providing a minimum of twenty hours of paid specific pastoral care work each month. Most of those visited are in hospital or extended care facilities, are recovering from illnesses or surgery, are in palliative care, or have recently suffered the loss of a family member. Andy is involved with the men’s ministry, the pastoral care telephone group, and is available for pulpit supply. He officiates at weddings, funerals and baptisms, either on request of the family or as a backup for Ruth. Wendy Sur has been the choir director since September 2005. The choir, accompanied by Mary Greiner, organist, or Laurie Jarbo, associate organist, participate in Sunday worship as well as periodic concert performances. In addition, Community Church employs two people on a part-time basis. Bea McIntosh, our secretary, is the first point of contact for the church. Working 12 hours per week, Bea acts as a resource person for church members in general, producing the order of service weekly as well as providing clerical assistance to the minister. Bonnie Cook, our caretaker, works very closely with the Property Committee. Bonnie, who works about 20 hours per week, keeps the sanctuary spotless and the grounds looking very attractive.

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Financial Resources In 2005, Miracle Sunday, a fund-raising project raised almost $88,000. Of this amount, $21,600 was designated to a mission project - Community Based Orphan Care Programs in Malawi, Africa through Presbyterian World Service and Development (PSWD). $16,000 went to the pipe organ refurbishment fund, while the balance was placed in an account to be used for improving access to the Church and the Christian Education Centre. Mission offerings typically are about 25% of total annual givings. Community Church has no outstanding mortgages and is debt-free. Church Property and Maintenance Community Church was built in 1951 and features a bright and welcoming sanctuary for worship. A well-appointed personal office in the Church is provided for the minister. The adjacent Christian Education Centre (CEC), built in 1959, is the hub of congregational fellowship and activity. As part of our community outreach, the CEC is rented by various community organizations. Manse Our manse (see photo) was built in 1977 and is located at 103 Frontenac Crescent in Deep River. The manse is spacious and well laid out for family living with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, (two 3-piece and one with a shower), as well as a finished basement with a family room complete with a fireplace and a large furnace / storage area. The manse easily accommodates small group meetings.

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POSITION PROFILE

Deep River Community Church will have a full-time vacancy in September 2008 for an ordained minister or team of ministers. The minister remains accountable to his/her own denomination in matters of faith and doctrine and is responsible to the congregation through the Church Council.

Being minister of Community Church is a full time job and requires residency in Deep River. The minister’s main duties include preaching, pastoral care and Christian education. In addition to leading weekly worship each Sunday morning, other specific duties in which the minister is normally engaged include (but are not limited to)

- visiting the sick and those going through a crisis - wedding/baptism preparation (including interviews) - reception of new members - support to Church members (which can vary from counseling to accompanying them to

court) - organizing training sessions for lay members when needed (currently there is a need for

training in pastoral care and lay leadership at worship services).

The minister officiates at weddings, funerals and memorial services for members and adherents of Community Church and others. This would include providing support to the bereaved families. At present, the minister is assisted in this task by our Voluntary Associate Minister, Rev. McKee. Availability: The current Minister is normally available for informal “drop-in” discussions in the Church office on Wednesday to Friday mornings from 9.30 to 12:00. The new minister would also be expected to be available informally but with times to be arranged. He or she will be on call for emergencies (such as funerals, or serious personal crises involving Church members), or arrange for local clergy to be available in case of emergencies. The church secretary and/or the chair of Council will know how to contact the minister in such cases. Worship The minister prepares and presents sermons that relate to our daily life. The minister is a member of the Worship Committee. Preparation for Sunday worship services involves close cooperation with other Worship Committee members, organist and choir director. The minister conducts the sacraments of baptism and communion on a regular basis. As well, the Community Church minister normally shares with other local ministers the responsibility of conducting a weekly worship service in the seniors’ residence and hospital. Pastoral Care

The minister provides routine and pastoral counselling and visitation in hospitals, seniors’ residences and homes. The current practice is that the Voluntary Associate Minister provides 20

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hours of paid pastoral care to seniors under the direction of the current Community Church Minister. Christian Education Although the majority of the congregation is over the age of 65, there is broad agreement among members irrespective of age that a rejuvenation of our programs directed towards the younger segment of our congregation is needed. The changing demographic of Deep River (because of a recent influx of young AECL employees and military families) provides both an opportunity and challenge for Community Church and our new minister to enhance the following programs: Sunday school: The minister ensures there is a meaningful children’s time during the worship service as a prelude to Sunday school. In cooperation with the Christian Education Committee, an enthusiastic support for the Sunday school (“Kids’ church”) and guidance to the teachers are an important component of the spiritual growth of the younger generation. Although there are currently no confirmation classes, it is hoped that they will be re-established. Youth and young families: The minister is expected to increase the profile of Community Church by means of programs directed especially to young people. Adult study and spiritual development: We would like to see the minister share his/her faith and provide leadership in Christian development with study and discussion groups, and through fellowship and congregation activities. The minister will use the enthusiasm, the many talents and the resources of the congregation in developing Christian leadership among the church members. Ministerial Growth The minister should maintain a healthy balance of spiritual and personal well-being. We encourage the minister to take advantage of the church’s educational allowance for professional development that would encourage growth through theological and church studies and practical application. Miscellaneous The minister should support the Deep River Ministerial Association, and outreach programs in the community. Most of the administration at Community Church is performed by the Council, committees, and the Church secretary.

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SKILLS PROFILE The skills profile is based on the feedback received from the congregation during the 2007 Congregational Survey and the position profile described on the preceding pages. Skills and Experience Vibrant, dynamic and inspirational leadership is required. As an ordained minister, the individual must possess excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, and have the ability to balance both the traditional and contemporary needs of our diverse congregation. The new minister needs to resonate especially with the younger segment of the congregation and the community since they represent the future of Community Church. The recent influx of young AECL employees and military families provides both an opportunity and challenge for Community Church and our new minister. The perfect applicant would have the following skills, knowledge, aptitudes and temperament. Theological background:

• Grounded in emerging and traditional theologies • Comfortable with, and open to engaging in discussions from varying viewpoints.

Preaching:

• Strong preaching skills • Ability to relate sermons to everyday life and world problems • Ability to balance exploring new and challenging ideas with presenting a more traditional

message. Worship design and leadership:

• Passion to engage the heart, mind, and spirit of the community in faith and worship • Ability to mentor lay leaders, including Kids’ Church leaders, and to support and

encourage all members to participate where they are able. Pastoral care:

• Ability to relate well with all generations, particularly youth and young families • Respect for the great diversity of people in the congregation and in the wider community • Participation in the local community life outside of the Church.

Spoken and written communication:

• Communication skills that connect with the whole community, including children, youth, seniors, singles, and families.

Leadership:

• Strong, confident and mature leadership

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• Understanding of group dynamics in a congregation and ability to lead when change is needed

• Active supporter of the Christian Education program for children and youth. Other Personal Characteristics

• A strong and sustaining personal faith and an ability to share it with others • Warmth, sincerity, approachability and patience • Enjoyment in working with a variety of people.

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TERMS PROFILE

Deep River Community Church offers a full-time position for an ordained minister. The terms of this position will be negotiated with the minister and will be based on:

♦ The minimum standards of the minister’s denomination, plus ♦ Specific knowledge, skills and experience applicable to the needs of DRCC, and ♦ The specific needs and interests of the minister.

For this Needs Assessment document, the policies of the United Church of Canada are used as the guidelines for the following terms. These terms are reviewed annually by the Personnel Committee and discussed with the incumbent minister. Salary: The salary will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on years of experience in ministry and on the relevant skills brought to the position. Housing: Deep River Community Church owns a manse, as discussed under the Resources Profile (page 11). The manse is spacious and well laid out for both family accommodation and for small group meetings (e.g., bible studies, team meetings, etc.). Office: A well appointed personal office in the Church is provided adjacent to the office of the church secretary. Travel Allowance: Consistent with denominational minima, currently $0.39 per km. A travel log is to be maintained and monthly statements of mileage are to be supplied. Government-related Deductions: Income tax, employment insurance, CPP, and any other applicable federal or provincial deductions will apply. Benefits: Moving and travel costs to Deep River will be reimbursed in accordance with denominational policy. The denominational group health insurance and pension is provided. Sick leave, disability, bereavement, compassionate and other similar leave will be provided in accordance with applicable legislation and denominational policy. DRCC will pay for basic phone service at the manse and will assist with the cost of manse utilities. Continuing Education and Resources Allowance: DRCC will provide an allowance for books and other resources and will assist with the costs of continuing education in the amount of $1200 per year, with the division between books and study assistance to be negotiated. Vacation Leave: The minister will receive four weeks paid vacation leave each year. Study Leave: The minister may take three weeks of paid study leave each year. Administrative support: DRCC has a part time paid secretary (12 hours/wk) plus volunteer assistance as needed. The Church office is equipped with a fax and high speed internet.

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CONCLUSION

The vacancy described in this report provides a challenging opportunity for a minister or ministerial team to learn and grow in an open ecumenical Christian environment in a small but very active community. The successful candidate will lead an established church into a new phase in its life and mission with many opportunities for service. In so doing, the leader will further develop their own skills in worship leadership, facilitating change to meet evolving circumstances, and ministering to those in particular need. Interested persons are encouraged to browse the many websites mentioned in this report and to contact DRCC for further information. Contacts: Chair of Council: Morley Taylor (613) 584-9868 Chair of Search Committee Mary terHuurne (613) 584-4531 Church Office: (613) 584-2812 Website: www.drcommunitychurch.ca Church address: 115 Deep River Road, P.O. Box 1149, Deep River ON, K0J 1P0 E-mail: drcc@magma.ca

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APPENDIX 1: 2007 CHURCH BUDGET

LOCAL EXPENSES BUDGET (excluding missions)

MISSIONS: $ 46,000.00 $ 43,172.50 $46,000.00 N.B. Mission givings are spent on foreign missions and overseas relief (~36%), Canadian missions (~25%), denominational support (21%) and theological bursaries (~18%).

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APPPENDIX II: SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS The Needs Assessment Committee surveyed the congregation in February 2007 by distributing 280 copies of a questionnaire developed by the Committee. The response was very good; we received 96 replies to our eight page questionnaire! The results of the survey are summarized below: 1. STATISTICS AND PARTICIPATION

a. Your age

<15 15-19 20-24 25-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 >75 # of

replies

1% 0% 0% 5% 11% 19% 34% 30% 94

b. Other age groups in household

Live

alone Infant-4 5-l4 15-19 20-24 25-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 >75 # of

replies

10 4 5 6 1 6 13 16 20 28 91

c. Your gender

Male Female # of

replies # of replies

30% 70% 88 88

d. How would you best describe yourself at CC

Member Adherent Visitor No longer attend CC Not attend any church # of replies

79% 14% 1% 5% 1% 94

e. I worship at Community Church:

Frequently 2-5x/mo Occasionally 1-4x/3mo Spec occasions 1-

3x/yr Do not attend CC # of

replies

79% 12% 4% 5% 94

f. How many years have you attended CC

1 to 4 5 to 10 11 to 20 > 25 Not attending # of

replies

10% 13% 14% 63% 0% 93

g. In the past I have participated in (enter number of activities)

None 1 to 2 3 to 4 5 to 8 9 to 12 > 12 # of

replies

Total 11% 19% 34% 29% 5% 1% 96

h. In what town / village /rural area do you live

Deep River Laurentian Hills Other # of replies

Total 86% 11% 3% 94

i. Do you feel comfortable inviting people to CC

Yes No Don't know

# of replies

Total 76% 15% 9% 91

j. State any Christian denomination or faith to which you have belonged

United Presbyt''n Anglican RC Lutheran Baptist Reformed Other

Total 34 13 11 5 3 2 2 6

% 45% 17% 14% 7% 4% 3% 3% 8%

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2. CONGREGATIONAL LIFE: RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE ASPECTS OF COMMUNITY CHURCH TO YOU OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS

Un-

important Important

Very important

# of replies

a. Sunday morning Services 2% 20% 78% 94

b. Other Services (e.g. Candlelight, Holy Week, Lent, World day of prayer)

10% 56% 34% 91

c. Sacraments (Communion, Baptism) 3% 39% 57% 89

d. Preaching (sermons) 1% 27% 71% 91

e. Music 2% 34% 64% 92

f. Prayers in worship 6% 52% 42% 93

g. Prayers outside of worship 29% 49% 23% 84

h. sKids’ Church (Sunday School) 10% 30% 59% 86

i. Children’s Programs (except sKids’ Church) 14% 49% 36% 83

j. Teen Programs 17% 45% 39% 83

k. Adult Programs 17% 61% 22% 89

l. Senior’s Programs 23% 51% 26% 84

m. Social Activities 14% 57% 29% 91

n. Bible and Theological Study 24% 55% 21% 87

o. Confirmation (membership) classes 19% 51% 30% 86

p. Stewardship 13% 53% 34% 89

q. Visiting 9% 45% 46% 89

r. Counselling (marriage, bereavement, stress, etc.) 9% 34% 57% 90

s. Pastoral care 8% 38% 54% 91

t. Phone group 35% 52% 13% 88

u. Services for non-members (baptisms, weddings, funerals)

12% 66% 22% 91

v. Associate Ministry 21% 47% 32% 85

w. Intern Ministry 29% 53% 17% 86

x. Activities with other churches 24% 67% 9% 87

y. Community Outreach 11% 55% 34% 83

z. Social Action and Justice 23% 61% 16% 77

aa. Missions 11% 49% 40% 83

bb. Communication (Announcements, Grapevine, Contact)

5% 46% 49% 92

cc. Administration 10% 70% 21% 82

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3. CONGREGATIONAL LIFE, CONTINUED: RATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE ASPECTS OF COMMUNITY CHURCH TO YOU OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS

Disagree strongly

Disagree Neutral Agree Agree

strongly # of

replies

a. My church family is important to me. 0% 2% 13% 45% 40% 93

b. I like worship services that are spiritually enriching

0% 0% 14% 48% 38% 92

c. The order of worship should essentially stay the same from Sunday to Sunday.

8% 13% 48% 25% 7% 92

d. Community Church’s primary style of worship should attract more church members.

0% 1% 20% 53% 26% 86

e. The language & images we use about God should be inclusive (male & female).

4% 13% 32% 36% 14% 91

f. Sunday school should be fun. 0% 1% 10% 49% 39% 89

g. The purpose of Sunday school is to educate.

0% 1% 9% 56% 33% 85

h. Variety in Sunday worship is good. 0% 3% 16% 51% 30% 91

i. Children should be able to take part in communion

5% 16% 39% 25% 15% 87

j. I enjoy newer hymns and songs. 1% 13% 31% 31% 24% 91

k. I enjoy traditional hymns and songs 1% 2% 5% 51% 41% 95

l. I enjoy traditional instruments in church (pipe organ, piano, violin, trumpet etc.)

0% 3% 5% 47% 45% 94

m. I enjoy non-traditional instruments in church (percussion, guitar, etc.)

3% 9% 19% 45% 24% 93

n. The worship experience should be satisfactory to current members.

0% 3% 12% 63% 22% 93

o. I am open to the use of PowerPoint (overhead) projections in worship.

6% 20% 34% 26% 14% 94

p. I can make friends at Community Church. 1% 2% 16% 56% 25% 95

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4. IMAGINE A TIME (IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE) WHEN GOING TO CHURCH IS AN EXCITING TIME LOOKED FORWARD TO WITH ANTICIPATION. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO CHURCH? THE MINISTER’S PERSONALITY? THE SERMONS? THE CHOIR? THE MUSIC? A WARM AND FRIENDLY CONGREGATION? SOMETHING ELSE? - All of the above (25x) -Warm friendly welcoming caring congregation (20x) - Sermons (18x): Sermons based on passages that relate to situations in our daily lives. - sermons in general relate to the everyday life of members of the congregation –thought provoking sermons. - Music and choir (14x) - Minister’s personality (14x) -Time for reflection and meditation and to get strength (12x): - I get something to take me through the week - Sense of belonging, fellowship, acceptance,- a place that feels calm and welcoming.- What draws me the most to church is my own inner feelings and connection to a power that is higher than myself- …I returned after a break to receive strength - An anchor to the week.- time for quiet, personal prayer, reflection - Reflective and quiet time. - It is a time to focus my thoughts.- meditation, a time to be by oneself.- a time to reflect and worship - A habit, ritual , tradition (6x): -The rituals which make Sunday and Sunday worship special are important to me - Lifelong habit - Routine; rituals - Perhaps it is a habit.- A habit since childhood with grandfather and family - Church going was a tradition in my family since my childhood Some other comments: - Community church should not be defined by the Minister but he/she can/should help in giving the church its character. Are sermons the only way to get the message out? I would look to a time when the church is alive and with people caring for each other inside and outside the church.- When the worship service was led by people who were completely committed to worshipping God. Preachers, singers and musicians are not simply following a script, formula or the music but are engaged in what they were doing - Sermons are not that important to me but I admit I will reflect on a bad sermon more than an enlightening one - The Minister’s personality does not draw me in but it can keep me away … does this make sense? - Personally, I find most of the music a bit drab, that is a personal opinion. I would enjoy the sermons with a bit less of history and more of a modern application - Prayers for specific people in our congregation,

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5. PLEASE CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY AND/OR ADD YOUR OWN WORD(S).

SERMONS SHOULD BE

Meaningful to my daily

life Inspiring Challenging Educational

Based on

Scripture Questioning Scholarly Interactive

As % of # of surveys completed 83% 77% 61% 51% 48% 41% 23% 18%

Note that people were less interested in interactive (18% supportive), scholarly (23% supportive) sermons.

Summary of comments received: - Occasionally interactive sermons would be OK but not a steady dose. - Sermons should be simple, yet challenging – easy to understand, yet profound – a sermon is

more than a well written essay. It must come alive during delivery. Adding a bit of humor would help at times.

- Community Church needs to strive for more relevancy in the sermons. - Based on scripture but not literal translation, we need at times more a 21st century rather

than a 1st century interpretation (e.g. Spong, Borg) - Comforting, Thought-provoking, Practical, Uplifting, Hopeful, Joyous, Not stuck to

Lectionary, Variety.

6. IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS NOT KEEN ON ATTENDING SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES, WHAT KEY WORD, PHRASE OR ACTIVITY MIGHT SPARK THEIR INTEREST IN COMING TO CHURCH?

- Warm, friendly, welcoming and accepting congregation (15x) - Music (9x): good choir, upbeat and lively music, casual music, variety in music, more

joyful and inspiring singing. Some (2x) wanted traditional music and service - Church social life (7x): food, tea party, friendly social gathering after church service,

coffee, luncheons, breakfast, special get-together, phone calls, visitation - Sermon(7x): inspiring, uplifting, down to earth, relevant and meaningful to daily life - Provide more services (5x): Parenting courses, marriage courses, spiritual search meetings,

catering to teenagers, visitation, offer rides to church, - Minister (4x): New Minister, guest preacher, good rapport with younger generation Some other comments: Friendly person greeting at the door - feeling of acceptance - Church should make itself the church for and of the Community- Church should be reaching out, concerned, active, hospitable, interested in the welfare of visitors and new residents - Going to Church on a Sunday morning “grounds” me for the week - It is a respite from the chaos and bustle and provides time for reflection.

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7. OUR NEXT MINISTER(S): PLEASE RATE YOUR LEVEL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS WITH REGARDS TO OUR NEXT MINISTER(S).

Disagree Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree

Agree Strongly

# of replies

a. Counselling skills and qualifications would be valuable. 0% 2% 9% 64% 25% 89

b. Conflict management skills would be an asset. 0% 3% 30% 49% 18% 88

c. Visiting is important. 0% 0% 11% 64% 24% 90

d. Small group leadership skills are important 0% 2% 33% 50% 15% 88

e. I enjoy ministers who challenge the congregation to think and to grow. 0% 0% 13% 38% 49% 92

f. I enjoy ministers who are open to a variety of theological views. 2% 2% 24% 38% 33% 91

g. A high level of education is preferred. 1% 9% 39% 42% 10% 93

h. Ministers with a knowledge of science would be appropriate for our congregation. 2% 14% 56% 26% 2% 95

i. I am open to a team ministry (married couple or two half time ministers). 1% 8% 34% 43% 14% 91

j. I like my minister to be friendly & caring. 0% 0% 3% 32% 65% 96

k. I enjoy ministers with traditional attitudes about God. 4% 13% 28% 39% 16% 93

l. I could accept a homosexual minister at Community Church. 17% 15% 27% 29% 12% 93

m. The minister’s denomination is important.

- I prefer a Baptist Minister 12% 16% 63% 10% 0% 51

- I prefer a Presbyterian Minister 9% 2% 65% 16% 7% 55

- I prefer a United Church Minister 5% 1% 35% 35% 25% 81

- Other 15% 15% 54% 8% 8% 13

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8. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE IDEAL NEW MINISTER(S) FOR COMMUNITY CHURCH?

- A young Minister, less than 50 years old (13x) - Someone who is energetic, enthusiastic, vibrant, engaged/involved in the Community (10x) - A warm, approachable, and caring individual who is a good listener (9x) - A person who is able to bring back young people and young families to Community Church, and has an interest in reviving Sunday school (11x) - Someone who has excellent preaching skills, and can provide thought-provoking sermons (8x) - Someone with a commitment to visiting congregation and pastoral care (5x) - A person who is confident, has inner strength, can provide leadership, can accept positive criticism (8x) - Someone who feels comfortable being a Minister to people from all age groups and social standings, not just a selected clique (8x) - A husband/wife team (4x) - Someone who has a good grounding in theology, open to new ideas (3x) - A Minister like [named previous ministers] (2), [named recent intern] (3x), Ruth (4x) or Andy (3x).

Some other comments: -Minister should understand a variety of theological views, but must be clear about where he/she stands and to be able to explain why - Minister to have an inner spirit that glows and is vibrant - We need someone who can harness the many talents of this congregation to revitalize our whole concept of church and what it means to be a Christian. This is a fantastic opportunity - Community Church members have greatly varying theological views, and some are serious enquirers. - New Minister needs to be strongly grounded, for he/she will be challenged.

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9. WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN MINISTERS AT ANY CHURCH, IT CAN BE A TIME OF CHANGE IN OTHER WAYS TOO. THESE CHANGES CAN INVOLVE SUCH THINGS AS THE WORSHIP STYLE, THE WEARING OF CLERICAL ROBES, THE TIME OF WORSHIP, THE FREQUENCY OF COMMUNION, ETC.

a. ARE THERE ANY TRADITIONS OR PRACTICES AT COMMUNITY CHURCH THAT YOU WANT TO KEEP?

In general all age groups like the traditions and current practices at Community Church. They want the Minister to wear clerical robes. They like the organ music, the choir, sermons, communion, grapevine, singing, coffee after church, greeters, minute for missions, time of worship, traditional services and hymns. Seven of the respondents said they would be open to change.

b. ARE THERE ANY TRADITIONS OR PRACTICES AT COMMUNITY CHURCH THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGED OR INTRODUCED?

Music – More contemporary music and instruments, esp. guitar (14x). Lord’s Prayer – Alternate singing and praying (3x). Alternative worship time/form (3x)– Return of something more informal like Rise and Shine, possibly evening service, maybe once a month, make it easier for young people to attend. Youth programs (4x) – Increase budget for Kids’ Church. Where are the kids? Bigger Sunday school, Strive to encourage younger members. PowerPoint (2x) – Use PowerPoint to project hymns Pictures (2x) – Avoid taking photos during service. Some other comments: Council: recruit new members, don’t continue recycling same people. More direction from council – Communion: change frequency to once a month - Fewer greeters / ushers at the door (too overwhelming) - Introduce small care groups to encourage fellowship and personal support – Introduce more links with other churches - Remain seated for hymns – Informal seating: chairs instead of pews?

c. ARE THERE PRACTICES AT COMMUNITY CHURCH YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE DISCONTINUED?

Lord’s Prayer (2x)–Discontinue singing of Lords prayer (2x) - No photography during worship service (2x) - Play hymns faster – Council caters to complaints and people who want to retain the status quo. Should accommodate a traditional and non-traditional service - Name tags are awful, tacky, inappropriate - Lay services and amateur dramatizations have their limits. Must assure reasonable quality and relevance to worship goals?

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10. PLEASE CHECK OFF ACTIVITIES WHERE YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN CHANGE AT COMMUNITY CHURCH BY MAKING A CONTRIBUTION WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

No age given <45 45-54 55-64 65-74 >75 TOTAL

Council membership 0 3 4 6 1 14

Committee (specify) 0 1 2 4 1 8 Kids’ church/Children’s time/Nursery 0 0 2 1 3 Scripture reading/Greeting/Ushering 0 1 5 11 14 7 38

Pastoral care/Visiting/Phone group 0 0 5 9 4 18 Lay worship team/Intern support team 0 1 1 4 2 3 11

Church maintenance/Sound system 0 1 2 3 5 2 13

Choir/Music 0 2 4 5 4 15

Men’s/Women’s/Youth fellowship 0 1 3 3 8 6 21

Study group/Bible study 0 1 2 4 9 5 21

Fund raising 0 0 5 4 1 10

Grapevine/Contact preparation 0 0 3 4 1 8

Total 0 5 19 50 71 35 180

Number of members 2 6 10 18 32 28 96

Activities/member 0 0.8 1.9 2.8 2.2 1.3 1.9

Note: the most active people in church fall in the 55-64 year category. The younger people (<45) are too busy raising a family.

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11. ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS YOU WISH TO ADD

Worship - Sermon presented to bring more people to God - Culturally relevant - May require a drastic change to draw people - Follow the lectionary - Not evangelical- Guest speakers & visiting choirs would be nice … would bring in more people - Once or twice a year have an exchange with another church in the area - The Lord’s Prayer, the Gloria Patri, the Doxology are not user friendly – Need to consider new ideas, e.g. teachings by Spong - If changing the style of worship causes some people to leave DRCC, so be it…. they are already committed Christians who will find other ways to worship. Music - Welcome changes - Non-traditional instruments (2) - More soloists - Lord’s Prayer should not be sung every week- Young people are not familiar with harmony and slower beat music - If we insist on only the old hymns, in about 10 years the church will be empty. New Minister - The length of the minister’s stay should either be open-ended (preferred) or a fixed length - There should be no congregational voting to extend a minister’s tenure…these votes split the congregation. - The Minister should be able to leave on short notice. (interim ministry will then be necessary) - Search committee should be YOUNG - You will never get the Minister that everyone wants … so get the best compromise possible - After 15 years with a female Minister and many female interns, a man would be a nice change - The minister’s sexual orientation or marital status is not important…many good people are homosexuals or divorced - The constitution requires denominational variation… this favours a United Church Minister at this time. Council Introduce a decision making process that Council members and Church members can agree on and follow - Do not let a small vocal group control the decisions of the whole Church as may have happened in the past – Strong need for better communication within Community Church - it takes a lot of effort to get any small change to occur but it only takes one or 2 people to complain about that change and it will be totally reversed. Membership - Am concerned about the number of families who have left Community Church over the last 15 to 20 years. Many have moved to other churches in Deep River. We obviously were not meeting their needs. I think we really need to look closely at this - We desperately need more young families in our church to sustain it for the future - Our long-time members are already committed Christians…..If bringing people to DRCC means a drastic change in style of worship then that is what we are called to do Miscellaneous - A Baptist Minister should not be considered because we have very few members with Baptist backgrounds. (Maybe it’s time to cut our constitutional ties with the Baptists) - Men’s Breakfast: (i) women should not be excluded, (ii) one of the breakfast mornings for both men & women? -More updates from Mission Committee - Donation envelopes for visitors should be more

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accessible - More fund raising, such as Grannies-to-Grannies, something people can get behind & feel like they’re making a difference - Children should be back into church before the end of the service - More parking required (2x) - We have an aging congregation … some jobs will either not be done at all … or we will have to hire people to do them. You can no longer expect the same people to do all the work. We already have a few people who are tired and “burnt out”. - Visitation is a vital part of our reaching out. - We must be careful in providing luxury items ….e.g. the new hymn books, 5 washrooms!! … luxury or necessity?