Overview

CHURCH INFORMATION


Church: Umstead Park United Church of Christ

Location: Raleigh, NC
Website: upucc.org
Social Media: Instagram @umsteadparkUCC  Facebook @umsteadparkUCC
Attendance: Sunday service averages 100 people, both in person and via Zoom


POSITION INFORMATION



Position Type: Full Time Interim

Start Date: Late Summer 2023

Duration: Until a settled pastor is called.

Total Package: $60,000-$80,000 Commensurate with experience. Range includes Salary and Housing Allowance. UPUCC does not have Insurance or Pension, but a portion of the salary can be redirected to a private plan if required.

Benefits: Paid Vacation, Sick & Holiday Leave

Contacts - Interim Pastor Search Committee Co-Chairs:

Sara Acosta - sara.melinda.acosta@gmail.com

Nicki Norris - nnorris649@gmail.com


If you would like to be considered for this position, please forward your resume to Sara or Nicki. As a means of introduction, a cover letter describing your approach to leading churches in transition would be welcome.



MINISTRY DESCRIPTION

Umstead Park UCC, in Raleigh, NC is a proudly progressive community of faith, founded in 1999. Through word and deed we’ve often countered the status quo, welcoming all into the gospel of justice and love. Our celebrated actions encompass a great variety: from fiercely advocating for racial and LGBTQ+ equality, offering sanctuary to an undocumented immigrant, and funding maternal care in rural Guatemala to cleaning waterways in urban NC. Within our church community, we offer our members opportunities that educate and enrich their spiritual lives while building close relationships with one another.


Our founding pastor has announced his intention to retire and currently we are seeking an Interim Minister until a new settled senior pastor is called. (Note - Our bylaws indicate that the interim minister is not an eligible candidate for the senior minister role.) The interim minister will walk alongside us as we:

  • Practice the radical hospitality of God, welcoming fully all persons who each reflect the image of God. He/she/they will help establish a safe haven, free from the fear of judgment, where wounds are healed, differences are celebrated and inclusivity is intentional.

  • Foster deep and compassionate spiritual practices. They will search the scriptures with open-minded thoughtfulness; taking the Bible seriously while knowing it cannot always be taken literally.

  • Recognize our identity as global citizens, demonstrate our concern for neighbor through service, and live justice as the social expression of love.



Visit UPUCC on Instagram and Facebook with the handle @umsteadparkucc.


Visioning Priorities

UPUCC has spent the last several months reflecting on our past and looking towards our future. Through that process, we have identified three areas of priority that we will be working towards, during the interim period and beyond. They are:


1. Financial Sustainability - Pursuing greater financial stability, which includes a revitalized congregation (both reengaged Covenant Partners and new members), as well as seeking additional sources of income beyond donations from the congregation.


2. Revitalizing the Congregation - Reengaging Covenant Partners as we emerge from COVID-19 and working to broaden the congregation by engaging new members.


3. Focusing Our Energies - Finding a focus for our social justice efforts, which will help us operate sustainably with our finances and resources, as well as deepen our communal identity.



Primary Responsibilities of the Interim Pastor 

Minister, Teacher, and Worship Leader

  • Facilitates Sunday worship with continued focus on UPUCC’s progressive views on social justice. Coordinates with the Music & Worship committee for lay liturgists as necessary, planning of music with the Music Director, and oversight of the bulletin.
  • Officiates at baptisms, weddings and funerals when requested.
  • Works closely with members and groups in the church to provide pastoral care and supportive conversations with Covenant Partners and makes appropriate referrals.


Strategic Leadership

  • Provides counsel to the Search Committee for the Senior Pastor when requested. 
  • Assists as needed with the preparation of the Local Church Profile. 
  • Is actively engaged in furthering the church’s Visioning priorities, identified above. 
  • Helps plan the agenda for Coordinating Council and Congregational Meetings. 
  • Ensures frequent communication with the congregation through face to face, electronic and print means. 
  • Serves as the official spokesperson for UPUCC, with support from the Coordinating Council. 
  • Participates in wider church activities such as conference and association meetings. 
  • Maintains relationships with specific local groups that reflect the mission and strategic direction of UPUCC. 
  • Follows and adheres to the UCC Manual of Ministry, UPUCC Bylaws and Personnel Policies


Administration

  • Supervises staff of 5 made up of: Minister with Children and Youth, Office & Communications Administrator, Financial Administrator, Nursery Director, and Director of Music. Helps to assure each staff member’s well-being, promotes positive staff relationships with the congregation and fosters healthy relationships between staff members.


Do you have questions? Click here to email the Interim Search Committee Chair.


At UPUCC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to applicants of every race, religious background, age, ability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.



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