What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
. Lakehurst’s vision for ministry is to embody the love of Christ. We do this in many ways including the following:
- Warmly welcome all who enter including both children and adults.
- Encourage all to participate in the life and ministry of the church.
This includes music, leadership and preaching, and bringing worship to
local nursing homes.
- Connecting with one another at weekly Fellowship hour and occasional pot luck luncheons.
- Christian education through a weekly children’s message and youth
Sunday school, bi-weekly adult study and monthly Confirmation classes.
- Country Wonder, which is an evening gathering that includes country music and pot luck dinner
- Come As You Are, which is an alternate worship where we watch a
short video and have open discussions relating to the topic of the night
- Ladies craft group where ladies come together to work on various craft projects and fellowship with one another
- Bi-annual clean-up days
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
The town of Lakehurst and its
surrounding areas are very socio-economically diverse. Because of this,
there are many needs, including an aging and secular population, and we
are able to provide resources to fill the needs. We do this in the
following ways:
- “Blessings in a Backpack” provides school supplies
- Christmas giving tree
- A monthly food pantry
- “Care for the Caregiver” support group
- Alice B. Perry Scholarship fund
- Contributions to both local and global missions including Heifer International and the Malawi project
- Hosting groups such as Cub/Boy scouts, several deaf clubs, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Inspiration and a fresh
perspective are needed to remind us to keep our minds open to doing
things in new and inventive ways. While the leadership teams are strong,
we feel that the following are important to help us reach our goals:
- Education, re-education and training
- Spiritual support, guidance and encouragement throughout the decision-making process
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Provide
a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open
to being called to this congregation and or organization.
The most important
characteristic needed is that you have a lively faith and commitment to
Jesus Christ. We are a mixed-age congregation. Because of this, you must
be able to relate effectively to children and members of a
multi-generational church family. Your ability to nurture spiritual
growth and help discern God’s vision for the future of this church is
imperative. Finally, we ask that you hold at least a M. Div. degree from
an accredited theological seminary. |
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
As a part-time pastor your
purpose will be to provide a balanced ministry of preaching, teaching,
pastoral care, and organizational leadership to the congregation and
staff, to enable the church to grow to its full potential in membership
and spiritual vitality.
Your responsibilities will include the following:
- Provide clear and inspiring lectionary-based sermons including a
children’s message, administer the sacraments, and provide a teaching
ministry
- Provide pastoral care and counseling for those with spiritual, life
or health issues, including home, hospital and emergency visits,
officiating at funerals and bereavement counseling
- Nurture the discernment of a faithful vision, and provide active
leadership to the session, deacons, teams and the congregation to
realize that vision, and interpreting that vision to the community. This
includes calling on prospective new members and participating in
community activities
- Moderate session and congregational meetings, support and guide the
work of the staff, and lead and inspire the session, deacons, teams and
congregation in their ministries
- Serve as a resource in the Christian education program, including
the church school, adult education classes, and leadership of the
confirmation class
- Facilitate communication and harmony within the congregation and
community through ads and articles in the bulletin and newsletter
- Attend Presbytery meeting and serve as assigned
- Coordinate with Worship team and music minister to plan weekly worship service
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Optional Links
Website:lakehurstchurch.org
on Facebook: Presbyterian Church At Lakehurst |
