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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE

Community United Church of Christ Fresno (CUCC) Fresno, California

Settled Pastor

Northern California Nevada NCNCUCC, Sequoia

[October 16, 2019]

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE CONTENTS ⮚ Position Posting ⮚ Who Is God Calling Us To Become? ⮚ Who Are We Now? ⮚ Who Is Our Neighbor? ⮚ References ⮚ Consent and Validation

“God is able to provide you with every blessing, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times,

you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE – 201

INSTRUCTIONS The new Local Church Profile supports the calling and discernment of United Church of Christ congregations with their current or future pastoral leadership. For many congregations, the interim time between ministers is an intentional season that is guided in part by the preparation of a Local Church Profile. Using the Profile, the church can discover its data and express its story for the reliable discernment of a search committee and the beginning of a new pastorate. Searching ministers will want to see this document in its entirety. The interim season is not the only time in a church’s life when it’s valuable to give attention to explore a congregation’s vocation. Three sections of the Local Church Profile – WHO ARE WE NOW, WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR, and WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME – are meant to be updated every 3-5 years. Known together as the “Discovery Document,” these three sections can be completed by a visioning group, a governing body, a transition team, or other group – not just the search committee – in order to draw forward the gifts and imaginative possibilities of a congregation. The church’s engagement with the “Discovery Document” might not have the same sequence as the completed Local Church Profile that is read by candidates. Some questions are easy to answer. Some are not so easy. Prompts are provided to stimulate narrative response if needed; these italicized prompts are merely examples from which to choose or to inspire your own. Efforts to answer the questions will prompt conversations and explorations and story-telling and many prayers. As the Spirit moves throughout the process, congregations will shape a collective articulation of Christ’s leading (WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME). This last question to be answered becomes the first section to be read by searching ministers in the Local Church Profile, and it is boldest and most actionable piece for faithful leadership into the future. Your conference can provide materials referenced in the Local Church Profile, such as the 11-Year Report containing data as reported by your congregation annually to the UCC Data Hub, and Mission InSite reports containing demographic information on your community. More information on types of pastorate in the United Church of Christ can be found in the Call Agreement Workbook. Be sure to use the Call Agreement Workbook’s Scope of Work to describe in this Local Church Profile the position being sought. When it is time for ministerial search, the conference can counsel you on posting the Local Church Profile together with your public listing at UCC Ministry Opportunities (http://oppsearch.ucc.org). The last page of the Local Church Profile contains a statement that parallels the consent statement signed by ministers in the UCC Ministerial Profile. In keeping with the covenantal relationship between a church and those it seeks to call, this statement encourages an open, honest exchange of information. On behalf of the United Church of


Christ, and on the basis of the best knowledge available to them, your conference staff will validate your completed Local Church Profile when it is ready to be shared in relationship with prospective new leaders.

1. POSITION POSTING a. LISTING INFORMATION b. SCOPE OF WORK c. COMPENSATION & SUPPORT d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?

1a. LISTING INFORMATION Church name: Community United Church of Christ Fresno Street address: 5550 N. Fresno St. Fresno CA, 93710 Supplemental web links: https://communityucc-fresno.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CommunityUCCFresno/ https://www.instagram.com/communityuccfresno/ https://twitter.com/UCCFresno Additional ecumenical affiliations: Conference: NCNCUCC Association: Sequoia UCC Conference or Association Staff Contact Person: Davena Jones, Associate Conference Minister, 510-359-7208, [email protected] Summary Ministry Description: In a short paragraph, reflect on where your church is going and what it might look like when you get there. What do you need to get there? Who are you seeking to join you on this part of your church’s faith journey?

Community United Church of Christ Fresno (CUCC) desires to continue growth as a beacon of progressive theology. In order to get there, we hope

https://communityucc-fresno.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CommunityUCCFresno/

https://www.instagram.com/communityuccfresno/

https://twitter.com/UCCFresno


to increase our diverse membership and visibility in the Fresno area, and foster greater financial stability. We are seeking deeply committed members and a dynamic, flexible pastor as our leader to join us on this journey.

Photographs: Insert 1 – 3 images of your church, its people, its parsonage or building or gathering space, etc.


What we value about living in our area (2 – 3 sentences): Highlights of the Fresno Area include being centrally located, which affords easy access to National Parks, lakes, the ocean, and mountains. We also enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, affordable housing, and a culturally diverse community.

Current size of membership: 125 Languages used in ministry (other than English): None Position Title: Settled Pastor Position Duration:

Settled – a called position intended for longer-term ministry in which the minister moves church membership to the congregation and moves standing to related association.

Compensation Level:

¾ Time Does the total support package meet conference compensation guidelines? Yes 1b. SCOPE OF WORK (add here the Scope of Work developed by your church using the Call Agreement Workbook)

Scope of work for a three-quarter time SETTLED PASTORAL POSITION (30-35 hours weekly / 8-10 units) ● preparation and leadership of Sunday worship including scripture study,

crafting of liturgy and bulletin, sermon preparation, guiding and sometimes finding lay liturgists along with the Worship Team, express theme for music


in coordination with musical staff or volunteers, preaching, offering of prayers, etc.

● faith formation and vitality through prayer, Bible study, service, identifying helpful resources and opportunities and helping lay persons take advantage of them

● leadership development by working with people in the church to create ministry and programs

● pastoral care in collaboration with lay people (at least to those who are sick, elderly, or grieving)

● community engagement and leading the way for the church to be an ambassador of God’s love

● weddings and funerals for participants in the worshipping community ● strategic planning for current and new directions in ministry ● participate in wider church activities such as conference and association

meetings as time permits ● faithful financial development and stewardship ● study and prayer to increase faith and to improve skills so as to lead, teach,

preach better ● energizing and deepening the spiritual connections and faith understandings

of others in all they do Core Competencies:

(List three core competencies that you imagine could be foundational in your next minister’s relationship with the church. For example, a church seeking a pastoral care minister might hope to call someone who is caring, sensitive and sociable, while a church seeking an executive minister might want an organized, detail-oriented and time-conscious person.)

1. Caring & Inviting 2. Accountable & Organized 3. Vibrant Leadership


1c. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT Salary Basis (from the Call Agreement Workbook, equal to Cash Salary plus Value of Parsonage/Housing Allowance):

$71,753. This covers a minister with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and 20 years experience. Salary will be adjusted up or down according to the minister's education and experience. This amount does not include health insurance, which is to be determined. Sabbatical and professional development time will be negotiated.

Benefits (choose one):

Salary plus Benefits X What is the expected living situation for your next minister (e.g. parsonage, living nearby with a housing allowance, living elsewhere to commute as needed)?

We expect the next minister to live in the general Fresno area and we will provide a housing allowance per compensation guidelines.

Comment on the residential/commuting expectations for your next minister.

We expect the pastor to live close enough to respond to congregational needs in a timely manner.

State any incentives (e.g. school debt reduction or retention bonus after a certain number of years in position):

None Describe peer and professional supports available for ministers in your association/conference:

In addition to the resources and opportunities offered by the Northern California Nevada Conference, the Sequoia Association meets at CUCC, providing ease of access. Both Faith in the Valley and the Interfaith Alliance for Central California welcome participation throughout the Fresno area. These organizations are focused on social and environmental justice as well as interfaith collaboration.


If applicable, describe how your church will adopt part-time adjustments in the pastoral schedule to support a minister’s bi-vocational employment:

● Adjustments to Office Hours ● Adopt Flexible Meeting Schedules 1d. WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?

Describe the ministry goals you envision your next minister co-collaborating with the congregation to achieve.

● Continued Inclusivity ● Engaged in Social Justice ● Engaged in Environmental Justice ● Deepened Spiritual Growth ● Increased Financial Stability ● Increased Congregational Membership

Describe how your vision of the minister you are now seeking will assist the congregation in making an impact beyond its walls.

We would like the minister to assist in putting CUCC on the map by engaging the congregation and community with meaningful events held at the church and/or in the community. We would like to develop and implement a plan to attract families and youth to our church and to worship with us. We envision our leader to be mission and justice minded.

Specify language requirements or culturally specific capacities preferred in a next ministerial leader, and why those matter to the congregation’s sense of calling.

No language requirements are necessary, but we are looking for someone who accepts and includes all.

Based on what you have learned about who your church is, who your church’s neighbor is, and who God is calling the church to become, describe four areas of excellence from The Marks of Faithful & Effective Authorized Ministry that your next minister will display to further equip the congregation’s ministry in these areas.

● EXHIBITING A SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION AND ONGOING SPIRITUAL PRACTICE


● CARING FOR ALL CREATION ● WORKING TOGETHER FOR JUSTICE AND MERCY ● STRENGTHENING INTER- AND INTRA- PERSONAL ASSETS

2. WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BECOME? “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37 NRSV)

Who is God calling you to become as a congregation?

God is calling us to continue to be an inclusive and progressive Christian Church doing social justice, environmental faithfulness, interfaith collaboration and spiritual formation to help ourselves and others grow in faith, hope, and love.

Describe how God is calling you to reach out to address the emerging challenges and opportunities of your community and congregation.

For example, describe two experiments your congregation has initiated or engaged in the past year, what were the results and where do you see your next steps? Has your church had a multi-year strategic plan or vision statement; if so, where do you see that plan/vision taking you?

We are, by congregational vote, an Open and Affirming and a Just Peace Church. When our last settled pastor left, some time passed before we called an interim pastor. Our Council and Congregation collaborated in creating meaningful worship experiences, by engaging our Minister of Christian Education, our Music Director and congregants in pulpit fill and spiritual guidance.

We developed some experiential services that included working together to provide support for our marginalized community members. This support included making and delivering food to the homeless, conversations on racial inequality, and proving laundry supplies in overlooked communities. Since our Interim Pastor has joined us, we have continued our outreach by hosting Vote for Common Good. We were one of only two stops on the West Coast and our date was just prior to the 2018 election. We also


celebrated our 21 anniversary of being Open and Affirming by providing a dinner with over 100 attendees, including persons from the community who were not members of the church. We do not have a multiyear vision plan at present. We completed the New Beginnings process and as a result, we revised our Bylaws and Vision Statement. 3. WHO ARE WE NOW?

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NRSV) a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS b. 11-YEAR REPORT c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING e. CHURCH FINANCES f. HISTORICAL INFORMATION

3a. CONGREGATIONAL REFLECTIONS Describe your congregation’s life of faith. For example, what beliefs and commitments are stated in your congregation’s purpose statement or membership vows?

As Community United Church of Christ, we promise to be a Christian community where inclusivity and diversity are valued, peace is celebrated, social and environmental justice represent our progressive theology, and interfaith relationships are nurtured through action.

How is God most often described in worship liturgy?

Using inclusive language, God is most often described in worship liturgy as a loving and accepting presence in our lives.

In what ways would you describe the Holy Spirit in your midst? The Holy Spirit is found in our music, prayer, inspiring sermons, faith education, and when church members tell their stories. While we expect to


see the Holy Spirit present in our music, prayer, inspiring sermons, and faith education, we are also cognizant of The Spirit moving in unexpected situations -- when church members share their lives in the fellowship hall over coffee, when our youth say the darndest things up front during children’s time, when members offer a comforting hug during a critical moment.

Describe several strengths or positive qualities of your congregation.

The Community UCC congregation is welcoming and caring, mission and social justice minded, accepting and inclusive. We are people of diverse backgrounds who work together, provide lay support, enjoy collaborative efforts, and participate with other faiths. Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, we xeriscape our church grounds, installed solar panels on our roof, and continue a comprehensive recycling program. We love worshipping with music and are very proud of our church band and choir. We welcome unique worship opportunities growing our faith together.

Describe what worship is like when your congregation gathers.

For example, where does worship take place, and what is it based around: We worship in our sanctuary most of the time and occasionally hold services

outside in the adjacent park. We center our worship experience around traditional Christian accoutrements, with an altar that represents our sermon topic and progressive theology. We have removed the first few rows of pews to accommodate flexible seating arrangements for various services. What was a recent baptism like?

Recently we had an adult baptism of a current member's daughter. Her journey led her to a place where she felt welcomed to be baptized in our sanctuary. We were all asked to join in her faith journey and celebrate with her. What are some words used to describe good preaching?

● Inclusive language ● Related and connecting to current day events ● Personalized experiences that humanize scripture ● Spoken from the heart


● Challenges our comfort zones ● Inspiring and enthusiastic ● Incorporate humor when appropriate

Describe the educational program/faith formation vision of your church.

For example, how are young people in leadership? Our church has had a limited number of young people in the last few years. Participation is growing, however, with a few new families with children. When possible, we’ve had a youth member attend the Annual Gathering. We have a youth member serving on the search team. Lastly, we have confirmation every other year.

How do people continue to form their faith over a lifetime? We offer book studies, lectures, worship, and fellowship. In addition, workshops for Journey into Advent and Lent are available. The Advent and Lenten liturgical seasons are highlighted with special weekend programs held at our church. Past “Journey into Advent” and “Journey into Lent” events have been led by speakers as varied as Sister Helen Prejean, UCC songwriter Bryan Sirchio, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and local talents. Congregants participate in the life of the church through teams. Leaders from these teams are members of Church Council.

Name a topic studied or curriculum used recently; what was the impact of this study on those who attended?

We just completed Living the Questions 2.0. Those who attended walked away with a deeper understanding of different perspectives on progressive theology. Our upcoming book study is The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr.

Describe how your congregation is organized for ministry and mission.

For example, how are decisions communicated in your church? How are teams or committees organized? Where does your church struggle for vision?

● When it comes to decision-making, how many hours are spent in meetings per month? Generally speaking, 12-15 hours are spent in meetings monthly.


● Think of a time when action had to be taken quickly, for example when a crisis or disaster occurred. How was that accomplished? Generally, we handle emergencies through text messaging, email and/or the church Moderator contacts the appropriate Team Leader.

● Can you provide the next minister with a copy of an organization structure, bylaws and/or annual report to further explain the patterns of the church’s activity and governance?

Yes

3b. 11-YEAR REPORT (add here the 11-Year Report developed with the help of your conference staff, UCC Data Hub, and MissionInsite) Church#: 20380

Assoc: 11 Schedule: 0 Community UCC Fresno CA 93710

YEAR MEMBERS AVG WEEKLY ATTENDANCE

CHR ED/

FAITH FORM

CONFIRMATION CONFESSION TRANSFER OR

REAFFIRM

DEATHS OR

TRANS OUT

OTHER LOSSES

NET MEMBS ADDS-

REMOVED 2007 271 129 38 0 0 6 2 6 -2 2008 199 128 22 0 18 0 5 20 -7 2009 137 118 20 5 4 3 5 69 -62 2010 191 94 30 0 2 1 9 2 -8 2011 193 96 35 0 0 5 3 0 2 2012 181 117 64 0 6 20 5 33 -12 2013 196 111 38 9 14 0 5 3 15 2014 196 115 65 0 5 0 5 0 0 2015 177 103 37 5 8 1 6 27 -19 2016 171 85 16 0 9 0 3 12 -6 2017 197 84 65 0 34 0 8 0 26

YEAR CURRENT EXPENSES

CAPITAL PAYMENTS

BASIC SUPPORT

TOT OTHER

UCC GIVING

TOTAL OCWM

OTHER GIFTS

WIDER MISSION

BASIC SUPP%

CURR LOCAL

TOTAL EXPEND

PLEDGES AND

OFFERINGS

2007 $320,498 $0 $13,125 $6,978 $20,103 $115,280 $135,383 4.10 $455,881 $238,978 2008 $327,193 $0 $13,125 $4,767 $17,892 $13,622 $31,514 4.01 $358,707 $244,732 2009 $295,078 $0 $12,715 $4,507 $17,222 $12,788 $30,010 4.31 $325,088 $257,280 2010 $243,276 $0 $13,490 $6,580 $20,070 $18,530 $38,600 5.55 $281,876 $220,467 2011 $265,261 $0 $13,429 $3,851 $17,280 $17,241 $34,521 5.06 $299,782 $219,321 2012 $300,317 $9,583 $12,482 $2,160 $14,642 $18,159 $32,801 4.16 $342,701 $243,123 2013 $289,919 $39,835 $14,317 $2,816 $17,133 $16,906 $34,039 4.94 $363,793 $232,250 2014 $334,400 $0 $16,505 $1,488 $17,993 $23,700 $41,693 4.94 $376,093 $255,800 2015 $308,625 $0 $5,684 $1,658 $7,342 $22,000 $29,342 1.84 $337,967 $235,000 2016 $284,500 $0 $2,500 $1,807 $4,307 $5,500 $9,807 0.88 $294,307 $220,000 2017 $289,551 $0 $1,420 $1,153 $2,573 $1,191 $3,764 0.49 $293,315 $203,000


% CHANGE

MEMBERS AVG WEEKLY ATTENDANCE

CHR ED/ FAITH FORM

TOTAL ADDITIONS

TOTAL REMOVALS

CURR LOCAL EXPENSES

TOTAL OCWM

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

2012-2017 8.84 -28.21 1.56 30.77 -78.95 -3.58 -82.43 -14.41 2007-2017 -27.31 -34.88 71.05 466.67 0.00 -9.66 -87.20 -35.66

3c. CONGREGATIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Describe those who participate in your church.

Is this number an estimate? (check if yes)

Number of active members: 125 ✔

Number of non-active members: 72 ✔ Total of church participants (sum of the numbers above): 197

Percentage of total participants who have been in the church:


More than 10 years: 62% ✔

Less than 10, more than 5 years: 7% ✔

Less than 5 years: 30% ✔ Number of total participants by age:

0-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Are these numbers an estimate? (check if yes)

10 6 4 10 10 32 36 11 6 ✔

Percentage of adults in various household types:


Single adults under 35: 5% ✔

Households with minors: 12% ✔

Single adults age 35-65: 12% ✔


Joint households with no minors: 55% ✔

Single adults over 65: 15% ✔ Education level of adult participants by percentage:


High school: 2% ✔

College: 74% ✔

Graduate School: 12% ✔

Specialty Training: 3% ✔

Other (please specify):

Percentage of adults in various employment types:


Adults who are employed: 20% ✔

Adults who are retired: 65% ✔

Adults who are not fully employed: 13% ✔

Describe the range of occupations of working adults in the congregation: Our occupations are widely varied. We have college professors, k-12 teachers, bankers, authors, attorneys, medical professionals (doctors, nurses, others), mental health professionals, artists, those who work in the service industry, stay at home moms, small business owners, and congregants who are currently attending school.

Describe the mix of ethnic heritages in your congregation, and the overall racial make-up. Most UCC congregations tend to describe themselves as “diverse.” Yet,


the vast majority of UCC congregations are mono-cultural. What does diversity mean in your context?

We have congregants who come from different faith backgrounds, multiple families and members who came to us unchurched. We have a member who identifies as an atheist, and many LGBTQ+ members who make up our congregation. We have congregants who are immigrants. We are 89% Anglo, 2% African American, 5% Hispanic, 2% Native American and Other, 2% Asian.

Has your congregation recently had a conversation about welcoming diversity, or do you plan to hold one in the near future (perhaps using, for example, Welcoming Diversity Inventory)? Please note the date. Comment after the exercise:

We recently participated in dialogues on race relations workshops in small group settings and devoted worship services to the topic. These took place during Black History Month in February of 2019. Welcoming diversity is woven through our sermons and actions throughout the year and we participate in events to support diversity such as the Pride Parade, the NAMI walk, and outreach to economically disadvantaged members of the Fresno community.

3d. PARTICIPATION AND STAFFING Complete the following chart. Please leave blank any fields that are not applicable to your congregation.

Ways of Gathering Estimated number of people involved in attendance

Who plans each of the listed gatherings? (list any and all worship planners, such as various lay leaders, pastors, musicians, other staff)

Adult Groups or Classes 30 Commissioned Minister-Robin Carlson

Baptisms (number last year) 1 Interim Pastor-Ara Guekguezian

Children’s Groups or Classes 10

Faith Education Team-Robin Carlson, Cheryl Jones, Jazzie Wall, Linda Baird, Barbara Kilburn, Bonita Earl, Dave Scott, Becky Garth-Nelson,


Steve Reynolds, Karri Jones, Eileen White

Christmas Eve and Easter Worship 100

Worship Planning Team- Robin Carlson, Joe Mack, Elizabeth Davis Russell, Nancy Pressley, Eileen White, Amy Kilburn, Bob Garcia, EJ Hinojosa, Ara Guekguezian

Church-wide Meals 80

It depends on what event is being held. Fellowship Team is generally always involved. Fellowship Team-Patty Parks, Marge Kelly, Bonita Earl, Sharon Powers, Janet Capella, Adrian Ramirez, Meg Gallagher, Amy Richardson, Brynn Reynolds, Joe Mack

Choirs and Music Groups 20 Music Director-EJ Hinojosa

Church-based Bible Study 20 Pastor Ara

Communion (served how often?) 70 monthly


Community Meals 100 Various Teams

Confirmation (number confirmed last year) 0

We do confirmation every two years and in 2018 we had 6 Confirmands. Robin Carlson plans Confirmation and Confirmand Mentors and teachers. Varies from year to year.

Drama or Dance Program

Funerals (number last year) 6 Families and the Pastors

Intergenerational Groups

Outdoor Worship 70 Worship Planning Team- Robin Carlson, Joe Mack, Elizabeth Davis


Russell, Nancy Pressley, Eileen White, Amy Kilburn, Bob Garcia, EJ Hinojosa, Ara Guekguezian

Prayer or Meditation Groups

Public Advocacy Work 20

Missions and Social Justice Team-Felicia Rocha, Megan Owens, Elizabeth Davis Russell, Doug Hoagland, Cristi Newport, Susan Chavez

Retreats 15 Executive Team of Council-Moderator, Vice Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, and Pastors.

Theology or Bible Programs in the Community

Weddings (number last year) None last year The family and Pastor.

Worship (time slot: 10:30am) 70


Young Adult Groups or Classes

Youth Groups or Classes 6

Faith Education Team-Robin Carlson, Cheryl Jones, Jazzie Wall, Linda Baird, Barbara Kilburn, Bonita Earl, Dave Scott, Becky Garth-Nelson, Steve Reynolds, Karri Jones, Eileen White, Felicia Rocha, and David Rocha

Additional comments:

We weren’t sure if this document was asking for yearly attendance, averages per group. We decided to put an average per group for the duration of the group.


List all members or regular participants in your congregation who are ordained, licensed, or commissioned ministers. Indicate those with current United Church of Christ Three-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a congregation) or Four-Way Covenants (i.e. serving in a ministry beyond a congregation).

Name Three- or Four-Way Covenant? (3 or 4 or No)

Ministry Setting Type of Ministry Role

Retired? (Y or N)

Ara Guekguezian 3 CUCC Interim Pastor N

Robin Carlson 3 CUCC Commissioned

Minister N

Julia Penner-Zook no CUCC In Discernment

N

Norman Broadbent

no Y

If one or more previous pastors or retired ministers currently hold membership in the church, describe their role(s) in the life of the congregation:

Norman participates on Teams and is occasionally invited to do pulpit fill. He retired from First Congregational Church in Fresno and is a welcomed associate member of CUCC. He is a good friend to all and brings a richness to our church life with his congeniality, supportive demeanor and participation in our choir.

List all current staff, including ministers. Exclude the position you are seeking to fill. Indicate which staff person serves as head of staff.

Staff Position Head of Staff? Compensation (full time, part time, volunteer)

Supervised by

Length of Tenure for current person in this position

Administrative Assistant

Full Time Ministers and

Council Executive Team

26 years

Director of Music

Part Time Worship Team

Chair and Commissioned

Minister 5 years

Bookkeeper Part Time Treasurer and

Council Executive Team

3 years


Child Care Provider

Part Time Faith Ed. Team Chair

& Commissioned Minister

8 years

Commissioned Minister

Part Time Church Executive Team 7 years

Interim Minister

Head of Staff ¾ Time Church Executive Team 1 year

REFLECTION Reflection: After reviewing the congregational demographics and activities above, what

does this information reflect about your congregation’s overall ministry?

In reviewing the congregational demographics, we’ve noted that we have gaps between age groups with a majority of our congregants falling in the retirement age bracket. Generally, we are a group that pursues higher education. Even though we are nearly monocultural, we value diversity. We provide opportunities for faith development and public advocacy through Social Justice and Missions. We need to strengthen our young adult program and develop an effective membership drive.

3e. CHURCH FINANCES Current annual income (dollars used during recent fiscal year)

Source Amount

Annual Offerings and Pledged Giving $191,429.00

Endowment Proceeds (as permitted within spending policy, such as a cap of typically 4.5%-5% on total return)

$5,361.00

Endowment Draw (beyond what is permitted by spending policy, “drawing down the principal”)

$19,350.00

Fundraising Events $9,504.00

Gifts Designated for a Specific Purpose $5,000.00

Grants $0.00

Rentals of Church Building $29,081.00

Rentals of Church Parsonage $0.00


Support from Related Organizations (e.g. Women’s Group)

$0.00

Transfers from Special Accounts $0.00

Other (specify): $0.00

Other (specify): $0.00

TOTAL $259,725.00

Current annual expenses (dollars budgeted for most recent fiscal year): $233,543.16 Attach most recent church budget, spending plan, operating statement, or annual treasurer’s report as shared publicly with the congregation, or – if your church does not pass an annual budget – list current budgeted expenses here. Considering total budgeted expenses for the year, compare total ministerial support. What is the percentage? 49% Has the church ever failed to pay its financial obligations to a minister of the church? No Is your church 5-for-5, i.e. does it include each of the following contributions during the church year? (indicate those included during the most recent fiscal year)

X Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM – Basic Support) X One Great Hour of Sharing X Strengthen the Church X Neighbors in Need X Christmas Fund

In what way is OCWM (Basic Support) gathered? If calculated as a percentage of operating budget, what is that percentage? (recommended 10%)

A budgeted monthly payment of $100.00 What is the church’s current indebtedness?

Total amount of loan debt: $0.00 Reason for debt: N/A


Are capital and other payments current? N/A

If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including the projected start/end date of the building project and the total project budget. N/A If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, describe: N/A

Does your church have an endowment? Yes, we have 8 different endowments.

What is the market value of the assets? As of June 30, 2019 the market value of the assets is $263,891.80 Are funds drawn as needed, regularly, or under certain circumstances? It’s a combination of all three. Based on the bylaws, we capped the rate of draw at 5%. The Long Term and the Kitchen Funds have other rules. What is the percentage rate of draw (last year, compared to 5 years ago)? 5% Describe draw on endowment, if any, to meet operating budget expenses for the most recent year and the past five years:

● 2018-19 we withdrew $10,000 ● 2013-17 we withdrew an additional $30,000

At the current rate of draw, how long might the endowment last? No anticipated end date because of our 5% limit on most funds.

Please comment on the above calculations or estimates:

We are very transparent and fiscally conservative regarding our resources.

Other Assets

Reserves (savings): We currently have a Transitions Savings ($20,000) which is somewhat fluid with the anticipation of a new pastor.


Investments (other than endowment): $0.00 Does your church have a parsonage? No Describe all buildings owned by the church: We own our facilities with no debt. Our facilities include our Sanctuary, Social Hall with a kitchen. Offices, meeting spaces, and classrooms are connected to both the Sanctuary and Social Hall. Describe non-owned buildings or space used or rented by the church: None

Which spaces are accessible to wheelchairs? (worship space, pulpit, fellowship space, facilities, etc.) Our Sanctuary is accessible, but our chancel is accessible through the side entrances. The remainder of our facility is accessible.

Reflection: After reviewing the church’s finances and assets described above, what does this information reflect about your congregation’s mission and ministry?

For example, when was a time the church made a major budget change? How is the budgeting process done? What new ministry initiative has your church financed?

When we had two services beginning in 2007, we added a band and sound technician to our budget. That ministry initiative was intended to grow our church by adding a contemporary service. We moved away from two services to an Emergent Service in 2013. We still have our band but have volunteer technicians. The budget is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Finance Team. Any changes to the budget would be brought to Council and, depending on the nature and amount of the change, to the congregation for a vote. Our expenditures reflect our mission and ministry goals.


3f. HISTORICAL INFORMATION Name one to three significant happenings in the history of your church that have shaped the identity of your congregation. Add the most important event in the life of your church in the past 10 years.

● Became an example of environmental stewardship by xeriscaping our church grounds and converting to solar power. As a result, we were awarded the Interfaith Power and Light Cool Climate Award for water Stewardship and Conservation in 2014.

● Celebrated 21 years of being Open and Affirming in 2019 ● Became a Just Peace Church in June 2016

Describe a specific change your church has managed in the recent past. Every church has conflict, some minor, some larger. “Where two or three are gathered, there will be disagreement….” Describe your congregation’s values and practices when it comes to conflict.

For example, what is an example of a recent conflict and something your congregation learned from it? Describe an occasion when your church experienced conflict without being able to resolve it well. Does your church have policies, protocols or structures for dealing with conflict?)

In 2007 our church determined that to grow our membership we needed to offer both a classic and contemporary worship service. The time in between the two services, called Community Connection, would be used for fellowship, meetings, and faith development. Change was difficult and conflict arose. Not many people attended the Community Connection portion and so members felt that they were missing out. The sense of one community was lost. Discussion continued over time and resolution was achieved when it was decided to go back to one service. There was a grieving process for some who mourned the loss of the classic service. The one emergent service continues with intentional inclusion of some elements from both classic and contemporary. In 2017 our pastor removed the main cross from the sanctuary without discussion. When asked why he did that, he told us that to him it was a symbol of empire, torture and substitutionary atonement and he felt uncomfortable standing under this cross when delivering communion. He


further stated that some members had told him that they, too, were uncomfortable with the cross. Conflict ensued when there was no discussion and members felt unheard when they attempted to discuss this with him. The matter was broached at Pastoral Relations, with no resolution, causing some long-time members to leave the church. Subsequently, our pastor accepted a call at another church. Prior to his leaving, he returned the cross to its original location, with no discussion.

Ministerial History (include all previous ministerial staff for the past 30 years)

Staff member’s name Years of service UCC Standing (Y/N)

Jack Takayanagi & Irene Stock 1983-1986 Yes

David H. Brown 1986-1998 Yes

Gail McDougle 1987-1998 Yes

Robert Baker (Interim) 1998-2000 Yes

Marcia Free 2000-2001 Yes

Lucretia Parks (Interim) 2001-2004 Yes

David Schlicher 2004-2009 Yes

Diane Christopherson (Interim) 2009-2010 Yes

Karen O’Connell (Interim) 2011-2011 Yes

Robin Carlson 2012-Present Yes

Christopher Breedlove 2011-2018 Yes

Ara Guekguezian (Interim) 2018-Present Yes

Comment on what your church has learned about itself and its relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:


CUCC members enjoy a robust participation in leadership, worship planning and participation, and community action with the guidance and leadership of our pastor. We want to engage in advocacy and justice alongside our pastor. Members require open communication between congregants, church lay leaders, and pastors. We are a church that strongly supports teamwork. Has any past leader left under pressure or by involuntary termination? Yes Has your church been involved in a Situational Support Consultation?

No Has a past pastor been the subject of a Fitness Review while at your church?

No

4. WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NRSV) a. COMMUNITY VISION b. MISSION InSite

4a. COMMUNITY VISION How do the relationships and activities of your congregation extend outward in service and advocacy?

For example, which service activities has your church participated in this past year? Where has the church participated in global connections of care and justice? What is currently transformational in your church’s engagement with neighbors near or far?

● LBGTQ Support (Pride Parade, monetary contributions, O&A worship) ● Homeless Support (food, water, supplies, referrals, Dakota Eco-Garden) ● Food Bank (CROP Walk) ● Vacation Bible School (Free to all) ● Dakota Eco-Garden ● Seed Balling for Africa reforestation ● Twilight Haven ● Uplift Family Services (teens in foster care)


● Earth Day ● Poverello House ● Women’s March ● Break the Barriers ● Syrian Family Support ● Interfaith Scholar Weekend

Describe your congregation’s participation in meetings, relationships and activities connecting the wider United Church of Christ (association / conference / national setting).

We participate in the Sequoia Association which meets four times a year. We attend the Annual Gathering and have members serving on conference committees.

Many local churches love to tell the story of what they are doing in the community to transform lives. Some have identified certain aspects of their witness into the wider community using language shared with other UCC congregations. (Find more information as desired at ucc.org.) Check any statements below that apply to your UCC faith community.

X Accessible to All (A2A) __ Creation Justice __ Economic Justice __ Faithful and Welcoming X God Is Still Speaking (GISS) X Border and Immigrant Justice __ Inter-cultural/Multi-racial (I’M)

X Just Peace __ Global Mission Church X Open and Affirming (ONA) __ WISE Congregation for Mental Health __ Other UCC designations: __ Designations from other denominations __ None

Reflect on what the above statement(s) mean(s) to your community. Is your congregation interested in working toward any of the above statements of witness in the near future?

Some of our members recently attended a WISE training, offered by the Conference. Discussion is currently taking place about our participation in WISE. Although we may not have these specific designations in place, we support many of them.


Describe your congregation’s participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities (with other denominations and religious groups, local and regional).

Along with our pastors, some members have participated in Faith in the Valley and Inter-faith Alliance. Members participate in an interfaith Thanksgiving service.

If your congregation has a mission statement, how does that mission statement compare to the actual time spent engaging in different activities? Think of the range of activities from time spent gathering, to governance, to time spent going out.

Our mission statement states, “CUCC is an inclusive and progressive church doing social justice, environmental faithfulness, interfaith collaboration and spiritual formation to help ourselves and others grow in faith, hope, and love.” Our worship and team activities carry out the work of the congregation, using the mission statement as our foundation. We realize that the congregation could be more intentional in their actions related to our mission.

Reflect on the scope of work assigned to your pastor(s). How is their community ministry and their ministry in and on behalf of the wider church accounted for in the congregation’s expectations on their time?

We anticipate a healthy balance between nurturing the congregation and community/wider church involvement. We expect to walk with the pastor through these endeavors.

4b. MISSION InSite We utilized the 2016 New Beginnings Analysis for this portion of the Profile. Comment on your congregation’s Mission InSite report with data for your neighborhood(s) or area. What trends and opportunities are shown?

Our church has never been a “neighborhood” church. Rather it is a church that draws people who share our values from the Fresno/Clovis Area.

How do your congregation’s internal demographics compare or contrast to a) the neighborhoods adjacent to your church, and b) other neighborhoods with which your church connects?

We interact with our community through cost free Vacation Bible School and services to our local elementary school.


How are the demographics of the community currently shaping ministry, or not?

The demographics of our community do not shape our ministry. What do you hear when you talk to community leaders and ask them what your church is known for?

We believe that we are known for being a progressive beacon in our community. What do new people in the church say when asked what got them involved?

Most new people who come to the church found us through our website and social media.

5. REFERENCES Name up to three people who have agreed to serve as phone and written references. Advise the three references: “The contact information you provide may be shared publicly. Please use contact information that you feel comfortable giving to candidates so they can reach you with their questions.” Make sure they are not members of your church but are persons who know your church well enough to be helpful to candidates seeking more information. Request a letter from each reference in answer to the four prompts below. Attach the letters (up to three) as desired. REFERENCE 1 Arville and Shelia Earl / Former Members / Social Justice and Educational Committees 706-983-0912 or 706-983-9788 /[email protected] or [email protected] REFERENCE 2 Charlene Toews / Former Member

mailto:/[email protected]


559-281-7856 / [email protected] REFERENCE 3 Gail McDougle / Retired Clergy / 720-226-8337 / [email protected] / Former Pastor of Community UCC Fresno PROMPTS FOR REFERENCES Describe some areas of strength in this church’s ministry. Describe some areas for improvement in this church’s ministry. Describe a significant experience you have had of this church’s ministry. Anything else you wish to share. 6. CLOSING THOUGHTS

a. CLOSING PRAYER b. STATEMENT OF CONSENT c. CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION VALIDATION

6a. CLOSING PRAYER Complete with Committee

● God, please encourage our pastor by the power of your Spirit. Let their soul be refreshed with the love of Christ. Let our new pastor have faith for the future. Help them to keep pressing forward even when the way is littered with landmines. Let them be refreshed by the fact that your grace is sufficient for them.

6b. STATEMENT OF CONSENT

The covenantal relationship between a church and those called by that church to

serve as pastors and teachers and in other ministerial positions is strengthened when vital information is openly shared by covenantal partners. To that end, we attest that, to the best of our abilities, we have provided information in this profile that accurately represents our church. We have not knowingly withheld any information that would be helpful to candidates.

As the committee charged with the responsibility for identifying and recommending suitable new minister for our church, we have been authorized to share


the information herein with potential candidates. We understand that a candidate may wish to secure further knowledge, information, and opinions about our church. We encourage a candidate to do so, recognizing that an open exchange of relevant information builds the foundation for continuing and healthy relationships between calling bodies and persons seeking a ministry position.

1. Which individuals and groups in the church contributed to the contents of this

Local Church Profile? (for example, church council or consistory, transition team, etc.)

2. Additional comments for interpreting the profile:

Signed: Name / Title / Date: 6c. VALIDATION BY CONFERENCE/ASSOCIATION The congregation is currently in good standing with the association / conference named. Staff Comment: Community United Church of Christ Fresno is in good standing with the Northern California Nevada Conference. They are an active Congregation. To the best of my knowledge, ministerial history information is complete. Staff Comment: CUCC has completed their ministerial history information best of my knowledge. To the best of my knowledge, available church financial information is presented thoroughly. Staff Comment: CUCC has submitted accurate financial information best of my knowledge. My signature below attests to the above three items.


Signature: Name / Title: Rev. Davena L Jones/ Associate Conference Minister Email: [email protected] Phone: (510) 359-7208 Date: October 9, 2019

This document is created through support to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) and is only possible through the covenantal relationships of all settings of the United Church of Christ.

“Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God!’” – Mark 11:22

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