Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Ministry Information Form Narrative

1. What is the congregations’ vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out. We have developed our vision for ministry by discerning God’s will for our church through prayer, intentional worship, and bible study. Our Mission Strategy gives us a graduated approach based on the spiritual hunger of the receiver. The vision implementation is also graduated to match the thirst of the recipient. With those that are ambivalent or struggling with their faith we wish to show the benefits of a commitment to Christ and a faith community through our actions and words. With those that are outside our church, or wanting, we minister by showing the benefits of a commitment to Christ and a faith community through our daily actions and words, and through support of our outreach ministry and community service. We strive to continue our ministry to young seekers in Christ through our vibrant youth program by: engaging them in intentional Bible study, social skills, community service, and mission trips that benefit others, as this feeds the youths’ needs for a place to be young and alive with Christ. We wish to make relevant and expand the faith of our more committed believers through responsive study of scripture, while building relationships with other committed believers with communal prayer, devotion and fellowship in every team meeting, task group and work party. We wish to engage them in leadership development by growing their skills to deliver ministry to others through all the above mentioned methods of outreach, and quiet introspection. 2. How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency? We feel our Christian faith is best developed when given away; not a faith candle that is hidden under a basket but one that provides light and warmth to the outside world. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we are called to minister to the community in places and for needs that are urgent or continual. We are blessed to have the governance of PCUSA to help us with national and world outreach through Synod and GA programs which we participate in financially. We also hold dear the Holms Ministry in Malawi Africa that we support financially and through prayer. Our Mission Team and the Presbyterian Women have many support programs designed for the congregation to reach into the community. This includes rummage sales and bazaars to raise funds for mission projects, providing holiday baskets for local families, school supplies for a local elementary school, hat and mitten tree, shawl and prayer blankets for the homebound and residents of local elder care, and care boxes for young people overseas. Food donations are collected monthly for recipient organizations such as Richland food bank, Grace Clinic, and Hospice House. Our community garden offers space for planting, and proceeds from in-house sales are used for mission projects. The excess bounty is donated to the food bank. The Summer VBS hosts more than 120 children from the community with over 60 volunteers. The youth group meets twice weekly with an equal number of church members and non-members. 3/30/2017

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Ministry Information Form Narrative

3. How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals? The Pastor will work with the Worship Ministry Team to design worship services that engage and inspire the committed, the ambivalent, and the seeker. She or he will include lay people in a wide range of worship and music roles, to encourage spiritual growth and a communal spirit. Our congregation desires pastoral care to provide encouragement, solace, and spiritual guidance. The Pastor will be our primary source for counselling and visitation, and will advise the Deacons in their compassionate ministry. We are committed to living out our Mission Strategy and communally discerning God’s will for our future mission and ministries. The Pastor will embrace our mission and join with us in continually seeking divine direction. While working with Session and the ministry teams, she or he will encourage and challenge us to fulfill the Vision, Mission, and Strategies. She or he will be a vital part of forming and implementing plans to develop the next generation of our teachers and ministry leaders. The Pastor will be an active hub for communicating plans and strategies among the ministry teams and throughout the community. Staff supervision and ministry involvement will build community and increase the impact of our work. We will continue to emphasize the youth program, and Christian Education. The Pastor will encourage and guide these ministries to attract seekers, to grow our faith, and ultimately to demonstrate our commitment in Christ to others. 4. Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and/or organization. We are a small church with a family feeling, and we welcome visitors. The ideal candidate would truly enjoy the company of others, and would make a seeker feel welcomed and valued. This candidate would also deliver thought-provoking sermons that challenge us to model our lives after Christ. The Pastor will be adept at communicating in person and comfortable interacting with the community. She or he will be personally committed to communal discernment, and would prefer to collaborate rather than to dictate or acquiesce. The Pastor’s approach will need to be adaptable. At times, she or he may need to take initiative and engage in planning or programming. Our congregation has remained united in the face of controversies sweeping the denomination. The Pastor will show interest in growing together and developing new visions, rather than in political discourse. The Pastor will be fiscally responsible and will practice personal stewardship. She or he will maintain a healthy balance of time management. She or he will be comfortable with technology, but would prefer personal interaction.

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Ministry Information Form Narrative

5. For what specific tasks, assignments, and programs areas will this person have responsibility?                 

Design worship services and preach the Word Conduct baptisms, weddings, and memorials Provide pastoral care at the church and via visitation when needed Initiate and lead effort to train future church teachers and leaders Supervise and collaborate with Administrative Assistant Supervise Music Director, Accompanist, and Nursery Attendant Advise and guide the Youth Coordinator and participate in youth activities Moderate Session, while providing them spiritual guidance and promoting our Mission Strategy Proactively communicate plans and strategies among the staff and ministry leaders Advise and guide the Christian Education Ministry Team Conduct new member classes and some additional classes Explore innovative programs to engage our congregation in outreach Represent us with the adjacent Korean Presbyterian Church, within Presbytery, and within the community Serve as ex-officio member of all ministry teams and committees, with emphasis on Worship and Personnel Utilize email and word processor software Provide some content for newsletter and social media Seek professional growth opportunities that would enhance the development of the congregation and its mission

Links MIF Narrative Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church - Mission Strategy Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Website Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Facebook Page TRIDEC – Tri-City Development Council Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Visit Tri-Cities The Reach Museum City of Richland Website

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