October 20, 2006

	DRAFT
LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS

LOCAL CHURCH 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 a 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 opinion 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.

/s/ Mary L Lenzini

_______________________________________________

Signature of Search Committee Chairperson

Date: October 20, 2006

Church Name: Second Congregational Church, United Church of Christ

Address: 45 Broad Street

New London, CT 06320

Search Committee Chairperson or Contact Person

Name: Mary L. Lenzini

Address: 14 Jordan Cove Circle

Waterford, CT 06385

Telephone: (860) 443-4162

E-Mail: mlenzini@vnasc.org

Date Position to be filled

LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW LEADERS

Please return the completed document to your conference or association office.

1. Church: Second Congregational Church, United Church of Christ

2. Address: 45 Broad Street

New London, CT 06033

3. Name of Search Committee Chairperson: Mary L. Lenzini

Address: 14 Jordan Cove Circle

City, State, and Zip: Waterford, CT 06385

Telephone: (860) 443-4162

E-Mail: mlenzini@vnasc.org

3. Conference Staff Person Assisting Our Church: Rev. Lois K. Happe

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

5. Membership: (if information is not available, put n/a or estimate and put est.)

6. Profile of Congregation

Estimate percentage of congregation. Each category should add up to 100%

a. Age: c. Family units:

1 % ages 0 - 5 20 % couples with children at home

1 % ages 6-18 43 % couples without children at home

6 % ages 19-34 35 % single

27 % ages 35-49 2 % single parent w/children at home

17 % ages 50-64

17 % ages 65-74

32 % ages 75 +

b. Education level of adults: d. Occupation of adults:

3 % completed less than high school 5 % business

13 % high school graduates 15 % clerical

26 % some college/vocational school 0 % farmer/rancher

27 % college graduates 3 % laborer/manufacturing

31 % graduate school 42 % professional

0 % student (less than 1%)

13 % tradesperson

22 % other

e. Employment:

42 % employed

5 % not currently employed

53 % retired

6. Describe the racial-ethnic makeup of your congregation:

92% Caucasian, 6% African American, 2% other (Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American)

Budgets

	Last Year 2005	5 Years Ago 2000
7. Total Church Income	$196,095	$219,768
a. Members offerings and pledges	$113,400	$127,329
b. Other Contributions	$11,475	$7,900
c. Investment, user fees, rentals	$56,470	$84,539

	Last Year	5 Years Ago
8. Total Operating Budget	$271,599	$219.768
a. Ministerial	$67,478	$61,068
b. Christian Education	$8,582	$12,685
c. Church Office	$33,705	$33,315
d. Arts and Music	$26,763	$15,180
e. Custodial	$21,103	$21,772
f. Utilities	$48,356	$25,558
g. Property	$47,327	$27,130
h. Other Church Expenses	$3,859	$9,936
i. Missions and Benevolences	$14,425	$13,123

9. Identify special offerings the church has throughout the year and the amounts from last year:

Total $2,029 (Christmas, Easter, Misc.)

Missions and Benevolences:

11. Indebtedness

a. Total amount of capital debt: None

b. Total amount of other debt: $187,330 “borrowed” from our own endowment account

c. Are capital and other payments current? yes no N/A

12. Capital Campaigns:

1. If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, note goal and results:

Goal: Steeple Fund #1 $400,000 Outcome: $326,000

Goal: Steeple Fund #2 $250,000 Outcome: $ 75,000

2. If a capital campaign is underway or anticipated, describe it: N.A.

12. Assets held by the Church

1. Reserves (savings): $33,322

2. Endowments/Investments: $519,820

Income from 3 trusts Annually Whiton-$8,255 Harris-$500 Rogers-$450

3. Describe buildings and property of your church except the parsonage: Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Parlor, Staff Offices, Classroom Wing

4. If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including estimated date of completion: N.A.

5. If the church owns a parsonage, describe it: N.A.

12. If your conference has compensation guidelines, do you follow them?

yes X no

a. If the compensation package offered falls below conference guidelines, are you willing to have a pastor who is bi-vocational having a part-time position to supplement income?

yes X no

b. Are you willing to help bi-vocational candidates locate other employment? N.A.

yes no

15. Salary History

To provide a profile of salaries for the position you are seeking to fill, indicate salaries at the beginning and ending of the ministers’ tenure. Do not include interim positions. If a parsonage is provided, insert the letter “P” in the space provided. Provide information for the last 3 leaders or the last ten years.

16. During the above period, has your church failed to fulfill financial obligations to a pastor. No

16. Salary, Benefits, and Expenses Offered (Total budgeted amounts in all categories except

Social Security can be apportioned as agreed upon with new pastor.)

a. Cash salary offered: $28,900

b. .Housing: $18,383

X__ Housing allowance only: Parsonage only: would offer either

c. Customary benefits:

X Vacation: 4 _ weeks annually

Maternity/paternity leave

X Retirement annuity: ($8,220) other retirement plan

X UCC Life Insurance Plan; other life insurance

X UCC Disability Plan; other disability insurance

X UCC Health Benefits; other health benefits ($5,025 + $437 family insurance)

X UCC Dental Benefits; _____ other dental benefits ($312)

X Social Security ($3,701)

X Continuing Education Funds: ($250 annually)

X Continuing Education Time: 2 weeks annually

X Sabbatical Leave: After 4-6 years for 3-6 months; salary provided

X Books

X Other Benefits, Specify: $200 bonus when budget didn’t permit a raise

d. X Travel Reimbursement; $3,100 annual car allowance

5. Meeting Expense Reimbursement; $250

6. Guest ministers: $500_________

COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS

18. Population

a. Population of total city or town in which your church is located:

New London: 26,201 New London County: 266,618

(2003 census data estimated from huduser.org)

b. Describe the population by racial-ethnic category and identify the source of the information:

New London: 63.5% white, 18.6% black, 19.7% Hispanic, 7.1% all other(American Indian, Alaskan native, Asian, Pacific Islander)

Metropolitan area: 87.8% white, 6.1% black, 6.0% Hispanic, 3.8% all other(American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander)

(2004 estimated census data from huduser.org)

19. Economic Factors

Identify major sources of employment/income in your community:

a. Casinos (Mashantucket Tribe and Mohegan Tribe)

b. Health-related (L&M Hospital, Pfizer-Groton, Pfizer-New London)

c. Military/Defense (Navy, Coast Guard, Electric Boat & defense contractors)

(Estimated from limited city data)

20. General Description

a. Describe three distinctive attributes of your community:

1. Small urban area surrounded by large suburban and rural areas

2. City is transportation hub and home to most social services.

3. Traditional New England flavor – many families have lived in the

area for several generations.

b. Identify major trends you envision in your community during the next five years:

1. Growing immigrant and minority populations – especially in the city, and

especially among children.

2. Economic development in New London – bringing revitalization.

3. More integration of the cities with the surrounding areas.

c. List three or four problem areas confronting your community that members feel your church should address:

1. Poverty and homelessness

2. Funding education systems in some towns

3. Drug and alcohol dependence

d. Indicate mission activities:

1. in which your church participates as a part of its mission in the community:

Support of community meal, soup kitchen and food pantry; Church World

Service; Neighbors in Need; One Great Hour of Sharing; Parish Aid Fund; Brother’s Keeper Sleeping Bags; School Kits, Layettes by Women’s Fellowship for Church World Services

2. in which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate:

Administration of parish aid fund – to help people in crisis. Services at a local

nursing home (with deacons).

e. Describe how your church building is now being used by the community:

Meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Alanon and others.

Space for the Drop-In Learning Center – a daycare/after-school education program.

Boy Scouts, Area Food Coalition

f. Indicate the number of school districts from which members of your church are drawn:

one two X three or more

21. Identify major trends you envision in your church in the next five years

The continued “graying” of our congregation

Increased need for cooperation and sharing with other local churches

Increase in youth and young adult population

Increased need for social services and outreach to the immediate community

Continued Adult education programs

22. Planning

a. All churches do planning. How would you characterize planning in your church?

Planning is through various committees. Ideas, concerns, and proposed activities are discussed at monthly committee meetings. Finalized ideas are then brought before the Church Council and implemented upon Council and/or congregation approval. For example, a proposed Ad Hoc Building Committee was recently formed.

b. What expectations do you have of the person seeking in relation to the planning that takes place?

The pastor is expected to be supportive of the traditional planning process at Second Congregational Church and is expected to bring/share his/her ideas with the various committees.

23. Reflections on Congregational Life

Comment on the following with what you believe to be the generally held responses of the congregation. (If more space is needed, use additional pages.)

a. Identify the most important events in the history of your church and the year:

Event Year

Establishment of The Second Congregational “Society” 1835

Structural fire to original wooden structure 1868

Structural fire to current structure 1926

Major heating, electrical, tower and steeple repairs 1995-1999

Became part of UCC 1961

150 year Anniversary Celebration 1985

with extensive repairs and redecorating prior to event (1985).

b. Identify the most challenging event in the life of your church in the last three years and what

the church learned from it:

1. A series of capital funds campaigns to address major repairs to the church facility, including heating, electrical, and the tower and steeple. A major decision was whether to repair or remove the steeple. The congregation decided to repair the steeple because demolishing it would have been a major loss in the church’s appearance and also because it would have cost about as much to tear it down. (We raised the money with another capital campaign.) We learned and continue to deal with the problems associated with maintaining a church building in its second century of life.

2. During this past year, much time and effort was devoted to exploring and then attempting a merger between our two congregational churches in New London. This process required extensive self examination, planning, discussion, and the collection, analysis and distribution of much information. Enhanced communication amongst and between the churches and a willingness to explore and consider transition and change emerged. As in previous attempts at merger in past years, it was eventually voted down by members of the other church by a very narrow margin.

c. Identify what the congregation intends to accomplish during the next three years:

1. To identify and to work with a “settled” pastor.

2. To hire a CE Coordinator

3. To make a concerted effort to increase membership and participation in Second Church life to insure a solid future existence.

d. Describe how the church expects the person you are seeking to help reach church goals:

1. To work cooperatively with the congregation, and committees with day to day operations, while working toward the goal of increased membership.

2. To call a pastor who is a visible presence in the community, to attract more members, and to make Second Congregational Church known to the immediate and outlying communities.

e. Choose the statement/s that most accurately describes the theological/faith stance of your church: You may check more than one.

_____ We tend to be theologically conservative.

_____We tend to be theologically moderate to conservative.

_____We tend to be theologically moderate.

_ X_­ We tend to be theologically moderate to liberal.

_____We tend to be theologically liberal.

X_ We tend to be quite diverse theologically.

Comments: None

f. Describe the educational program of your church:

1.Identify the curriculum/a used in your church school and the person or committee responsible for selection of curriculum/a:

“One Room Sunday School” Curriculum is being used on a trial basis. Chosen by C.E. committee.

2. Indicate resources used for Confirmation and the person or committee responsible for the selection of these resources: UCC Curriculum Guide , and My Confirmation

Pastor is responsible for the selection.

3. An active adult education program has begun during interim period.

g. Describe the strengths or positive qualities of your church:

1. Diverse age group, socioeconomic pool, talent pool

2. Beautiful sanctuary used by many

3. Various longevity of membership (new members, long time members, and everything in between)

4. Ministries of local urban mission work

5. Large geographic area

6. Diverse programs

7. Strong and active laity involvement

24. Indicate major boards, committees, groups, and organizations that are a part of your church,

the frequency of meetings (monthly, weekly, etc.), and expectations for leadership. For

leadership role use: 1 = pastor takes primary initiative and responsibility; 2 = pastor and laity

share responsibility; 3 = laity takes primary initiative and responsibility

25. Conflict:

Most churches experience conflict at various times. Characterize your church’s experience with conflict given the following possibilities. Indicate the extent to which each statement describes your church:

C = closely; S = somewhat; N = not at all.

S As a church, we respect and listen to each other and work things through without divisiveness.

S As a church, we try to respect and listen to each other, but it is not uncommon for

differences of opinion to be a problem and for some people to choose sides.

S Some have left our church because of conflict.

S Conflict hurts our sense of unity, but we tend not to talk about it.

S Painful experience with conflict has been present, but it has been worked through, and

we have learned from the experience.

S We have had some painful experiences with conflict, and they linger in the background.

N Open conflict is present, and we need a minister who can help us deal with it

S Other. Specify: We are involved in conflict with the City of New London over an effort to tax our Christian Education Wing because we make it available to an outside 501(c) (3) organization for after-school activities. We disagree with the city that the organization (which we began as part of our mission over 30 years ago) is not consistent with the church’s stated reason for our 501(c) (3) status.

We are also in conflict with a contractor who was paid to do work at the church and did not complete the work.

26. Worship

a. Identify how worship is planned on a regular basis in your church:

by a worship committee

__ by the pastor

_ ___ by the pastor in consultation with the church musician

X Other. Specify: Staff make suggestions, pastor makes recommendations, and Board of Deacons has final approval

b. Describe the style and content of preaching valued by your congregation:

Inspiring, theological, educational, faith-based, relevant, and brief, the preferred styles and contents of preaching are as varied as the congregation.

c. Describe the role in worship of the person you are seeking:

We expect the minister to have an active role in worship but not make unilateral decisions.

d. What hymnal(s) are currently used by your congregation in worship?

United Methodist Hymnal. Additional hymns are used from various sources as desired

27. United Church of Christ

1. Association, conference, or other denominational settings in which church members participate:

Southeastern Region of Connecticut Conference, UCC

New London Association (17 churches) -- Association delegates participate in spring and fall meetings. Second Church member recently served six years on the New London Association Committee on Ministry. Two Second Church delegates attended Connecticut Conference’s, UCC Annual Meeting October 2005. Second Church member recently chaired Wider Church Ministry Team for three years and prior to that the Southeastern Region Wider Church Ministry Team. As a delegate of the New London Association, a Second Church member attended the 1999 General Synod in Providence and the 2001 Synod in Kansas City. A member is presently president of the state Women’s Fellowship

Second Church supports the Connecticut Conference, UCC through our Wider Mission (Basic Support) and the Connecticut Conference UCC through fellowship dues.

2. Association, conference, or other denominational settings in which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate:

New London Association of UCC Pastors

Spring and Fall meetings of the New London Association UCC

Annual Conference Meeting

New London Interfaith Clergy Association

Committee work of the Association and Conference as time permits

c. Choose the word that best describes how lay leaders of your church consciously identify with the United Church of Christ:

closely X moderately nominally other

Comments:

Some lay leaders are actively involved. Many of our new leaders are becoming more knowledgeable about the United Church of Christ. We also look to the UCC for guidance in Church School material.

28. Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities

a. Describe ways your church participated in ecumenical and interfaith activities during

the last three years:

Attendance and participation by clergy and lay leaders in many ecumenical activities

Interfaith forum on Palestine and Israel December. 2003

9/11 Interfaith Commemorative Services September, 2003,2004 and 2005

Monthly food collections and contributions to The New London Food coalition

Monthly Community Meal the third Saturday of each month

Homeless Shelter Program developed by area clergy -- December through March 03-06

The church hosts the New London Food Coalition meetings monthly

Annual participation in the Crop Walk

Nurse members participate in the New London Parish Nurse Program

Church World Service Projects (layettes, school kits and health kits, funds for schools in Afghanistan)

Financial and other support for the Jason Murray Clinic in Honduras

Support through board participation and facility support, a Drop In Center for after school activities

b. Describe how your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate in

ecumenical and interfaith activities:

Participation in such activities as outlined in 28a above.

29. Relationship With Prior Leaders

29. Characterize your church’s experience with pastoral leaders over the last 10 years.

You may check more than one response:

_____We have had solid relationships with persons providing pastoral leadership.

__X_ We have had some fairly rocky moments, but we have worked them through, and

Relationships with pastoral leaders have grown in significant and important ways.

_____We have some tough times and things did not always work out.

_____Other. Specify:

Comments: None

29. Indicate the tenure of the last three installed persons who filled the position you are seeking to fill. Do not include interims:

Name From To

Newton Bearden 1976 1980

Wallace Anderson 1981 1992

C. Scott Raeburn 1994 2003

29. If a previous pastor is currently a member of the church, describe his or her role in the life of the congregation: N.A.

d. In addition to financial support, describe how your church supported the most recent person to hold the position you are now seeking to fill:

The Council provides support for continuing education, conference attendance. The Deacons also support the minister in worship. They prepare and assist in the administration of the sacraments. They assist in caring for the poor, the sick, the sorrowing, the indifferent and the stranger.

e. Involuntary Terminations: Have any of the last three persons serving in the position you are seeking to fill left involuntarily or under pressure? No

30. Does the church have a Pastoral Relations committee? Yes

If yes, describe its purpose and how it functions:

The Church and Ministry Committee is responsible for the review of the Pastor’s work and the effectiveness of the church programs, Assists the Pastor with human resource issues, related to staffing, supports the Pastor and the mission of the church, recommends any changes in the budget to the Finance committee as regard the Pastor’s salary and financial support and the development and recommendation of means of increasing our overall organizational effectiveness. The Council Chair serves as the liaison between the Church Council and chairs the Church and Ministry Committee, and with the Pastor reviews the work of the church’s administrative assistant.

The Church and Ministry Committee also meets prior to Council meetings and assembles/reviews Agendas for Council Meetings.

31. If there is periodic assessment of the nature of the work and of the performance of that work for the position you are seeking to fill, describe it:

Formal evaluation of ministers are done periodically but not as frequently required by church bylaws. We intend to regularize ministerial evaluations by C&M.

32. Leadership Expectations-Second Congregational Church, UCC

A list follows of 43 items which represent a range of qualities in the ministry of the church. Place an “X” beside the 12 items which your church feels are the most important aspects of ministry for your church at this time. All the qualities are important. However, please mark those 12 which you feel need first priority at this time. Do not rank the items. If the aspects you consider to be important are not included in the list, place them at the end in the blanks provided.

Mark only 12 of the following items. Do not rank the items.

(Number of respondents for the twelve most frequent responses are shown in parentheses.)

Our church needs a person who…

33. Does your church search committee or governing body have a policy against discrimination? Yes

Comments:

Second church by-laws article VIII: Titled non-discrimination and as held by all members of the church in our mission statement.

34. a. Describe the functions and duties of this position:

The pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the church. The pastor shall preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, conduct the service of public worship, and administer the activities of the church in cooperation with the various committees.

The pastor is responsible for supervising all paid personnel and approving requests for time off in accordance with approved personnel policies.

b. Does your church have a personnel policy covering this position? Yes

35. List the titles of other paid staff positions for whom this person provides supervision. Indicate whether positions are full-time (FT) or part-time (PT).

Title: Administrative Assistant X PT FT

Title: Treasurer X PT FT

Title: Financial Secretary X PT FT

Title: Christian Education Coordinator X PT FT

Title: Organist/Director of Music X PT FT

Title: Custodian and Assistant Custodian X PT FT

36. Name three people who have agreed to serve as references. Make sure they are not members of your church, but know your church well enough to be helpful to final candidate seeking more information about your church, e.g., previous pastor, conference staff, person in community:

37. What groups or individuals in your church have contributed to, reviewed, and/or approved this profile for circulation?

Pastoral Search Committee, Interim Pastor, Church Council, Congregation

Using this page, and one additional page if needed, write a statement that will help a candidate better understand the relationship of clergy and lay leadership in the life of your congregation. Include in the statement reflections on leadership styles that work well for your church. Describe how clergy and lay leaders work together. If yours is a multiple-staff church, it would be helpful to comment on your expectations of how the staff team members relate to each other. You are encouraged to include anything else you want to say about your church and its expectations of the leader it now seeks:

Leadership requires good judgment and character with a readiness to protect and cherish them.

• frankness, but not bluntness

• faith in mankind and self-confidence, but not gullibility or conceit

• being democratic with associates, but not to the point of breeding disrespect

• planning ahead, but not so far as to overlook the immediate future

These are principles of leadership that stand fast where brilliance falls away.

Spiritual leadership is the primary responsibility of the Pastor. However, leading the congregation on a faith-based journey takes us in many directions and incorporates the wisdom, energy, talent, and concern of all. The congregation at Second Congregational Church, UCC is eclectic in nature and representative of the community it serves. Although the Church is steeped in tradition, the membership is open to new ministries, and in many instances is “ready for action.”

The Pastor is instrumental in encouraging collaboration to develop a vision that will capture the hopes and dreams of the congregation. Articulation of this vision is a co-responsibility of the Pastor and lay leadership. The congregation must be knowledgeable of the vision to allow them to participate in the required tasks. A leadership style that reflects a self-confident personality willing to listen to and embrace new ideas will serve the congregation well. Emphasis should be on developing interests and talents of individuals so they can contribute their special gifts to the ministries of Second Church.

The Chairs of Church Council (Moderator) and Deacons, along with other Committee Chairs provide on-going lay leadership. Except for unforeseeable circumstances, daily decisions are made within bylaws, mission, and established procedures. The Pastor is expected to attend Council and Deacon meetings and other Committee meetings as needed. A strong covenantal relationship is between the Pastor and the congregation is necessary.

The Pastor is an important participant in the New London Clergy Association (Ecumenical and Interfaith), providing insight to Second Congregational Church about opportunities to participate in wider community ministries. Additionally, participation in the New London Association, UCC and the Connecticut Conference UCC is also important.

The staff consists of an Administrative Assistant, Christian Education Director, Organist/Choir Director, Junior Choir Director, Janitor, and Assistant Janitor. The Administrative Assistant has a presence at the Church 20 hours per week (Tues – Friday, 9AM – 2PM) and serves as the hub for communication. The Pastor provides daily supervision and oversight of the staff, conferring with appropriate Committee chairs as necessary concerning issues of performance. Regularly scheduled staff meetings with the Administrative Assistant, Christian Education Director, Organist/Choir Director and Junior Choir Director facilitate communication and worship/program planning.

The Pastor who is called to Second Congregational Church will find a strong, vital, congregation that is warm in nature, interested in Church growth, willing to serve, responsive to local, state, national, and global ministries, and committed to participate in the work of the Church with the best of his/her individual abilities.

Addendum prepared by Interim Minister and participants in Adult Education series:

During the past 3 years, the congregation has explored what it means to be a church in the 21st century while going through a potential and then failed merger process.  A large group studied Anthony Robinson's insightful book Transforming Congregational Culture and were eager to discern changes that could occur here to attract younger families and are eager to try more.  Many key leaders and members also participated in several Adult Educational programs (i.e., Kerygma studies, Borg, Spong, selected Gospel studies) and have re-evaluated and expanded how to be Christian in this pluralistically religious world post the 9/11 event.  The next pastor would hopefully build on these studies and continue to offer new programs to address the personal faith questions as well as current events. 

Church Name: Second Congregational Church United Church of Christ, New London

Location: 45 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320

Conference: Connecticut

Association: Southeastern

Name of Staff Assisting in the Search: Rev. Lois K. Happe

Signature of Staff Assisting in the Search

Date