First Congregational Church
Position to be filled: Interim Senior Minister
Profile date: 8/10/11
The First Congregational Church of Branford
"Christ is at the center of all we do"
Statement of Consent
We believe that the relationship between a church and those who serve as its pastors, teachers and
other ministerial staff is strengthened when vital information is openly shared. To the best of our
abilities, we of the search committee have developed pertinent information in this profile that
accurately depicts our church. We have not knowingly withheld anything that would be helpful to
prospective candidates. As the committee charged with the responsibility for identifying and
recommending an interim minister for our church, we offer this profile of the First Congregational
Church of Branford, CT in the Christian spirit of our congregation, with the goal of providing such
information.
We understand that candidates may wish to obtain further knowledge about our church beyond that
which is presented here. We encourage candidates to do so, recognizing that an open exchange of
ideas and relevant information can contribute to the foundation of a healthy relationship.
Search Committee Chairperson
Barbara Colley 203-481-4339
barbaracolley@snet.net
1009 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405-3769 203/488-7201 Fax: 203/483-5237
Website: http://www.FirstCongregationalBranford.org
Email: info@FirstCongregationalBranford. org
Church Profile
The First Congregational Church of Branford (FCCB), dating from 1644, affirms the full diversity
of God’s creation and welcome persons of differing views, of all national and ethnic backgrounds,
and of all sexual orientations, without regard to worldly condition.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, our mission is to teach the Biblical principles of love, care and respect
for each other as exemplified through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Constant in our struggle to
interpret the will of God in our lives and the life of the congregation we serve, we lead by our
example of prayer, outreach, teamwork and creativity while nurturing the particular gifts of each
person.
Senior Minister
Over the past 25 years, FCCB has thrived and blossomed into a vibrant, mission oriented, congregation
under the spiritual guidance of our Senior Pastor who developed a strong youth program, was a
visionary, had a passion for social justice, and whose compassion was equaled only by his spiritual
maturity. Over the years he has been fully engaged with both the church staff and lay leadership, having
the unique ability to partner tasks with people who had the talent to see those tasks through to fruition.
This has been essential to the continued growth and strength of our close knit congregation.
Staff
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One Full time Associate Minister (Youth & Family)
Two Part-time Associate Ministers (Caring Ministries, Adult Education)
Director of Christian Education
Director of Music Ministries
Caregivers’ Coordinator
Two Youth Music Coordinators (vocal & bell choirs)
Secretary
Bookkeeper
Pastoral Statistics from past fiscal year
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32 new members
5 baptisms
16 confirmands
8 weddings
Lay Leadership
FCCB is also blessed to have active and strong lay leadership. Our church has many diverse boards,
committees, and active groups.
Boards and Committees (active members)
Church Council (18) + 1 Youth
Board of Deacons (24) + 2 Youth
Endowment ( 12)
Christian Education (9)
Music (6)
Stewardship (6)
Killam’s Point Management Team
Missions (9)
Child Development Center (10)
Land & Building (9)
Human Resources (6)
Delegates to State, Regional& other ecclesiastical organizations
Some other examples of Christian lay leadership and social outreach programs:
Adult and Youth Bell Choirs
Ecuador, multiple mission projects
Branford Food Bank
Camp Totokett (for HIV/AIDS affected
Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
Friendship Bible Study
Lenten Programs
Minister’s Compassion Fund
Terrific Tuesday Programs
Together As One Service
Ton of Food Collection
Worship Broadcast on Cable TV
Christmas Fair
Website
Multiple Mission Donations
ARI-Arian Rural Institute
Stephen Ministry
Community Dining Room
children)
Evergreen Woods Bible Study
Hospice & Hospital Visits
Midnight Run
Ronald MacDonald House
Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Shawl Ministry (Knitting, Purling & Praying)
Vacation Bible School
Youth Mission Trips
Transportation – Vets & others
Twelve Step Programs
Take A Vet Fishing Program
Congregation Statistics:
Active Membership-606
Sunday average attendance-150-250
Church School registrants-50
20 Seminarians mentored, 11 Ordinations since 1988
Balanced 2011 Budget and Annual Spending $509,749.
Killam’s Point
Killam’s Point Conference Center covers approximately 55 acres of church-owned nature preserve
located in the Short Beach area of Branford. Extending out into Long Island Sound, Killam’s Point
is a quiet refuge of undisturbed woodland, salt marsh and rocky tidal area, with areas for fishing
and swimming as well as several hiking trails. The Killam’s Point Management Team, a committee
of FCCB, operates the Conference Center and makes it available to educational and non-profit
groups as well as other churches.
FCCB utilizes KPCC for Easter Sunrise and Father’s day services as well as for many mission and
outreach programs such as Vacation Bible School, Camp Totokett and Take a Vet Fishing .
Worship Styles
Worship Services:
Every Sunday there are two services of worship, with the same scripture, sermon and theme.
Communion is offered the first Sunday of the month, and on Christmas Eve and Pentecost.
8:00 a.m.-Traditional worship with organ, but no choir or Sunday school.
10:00 a.m.-Traditional worship with choir, organ and hymn singing.
Child care provided for infants and toddlers, Sunday school for preschool to 6th grade. Occasional
services with special music and extra vocalists and instrumentation.
Sermons
The sermon is the focus of our worship service. Our congregation expects a well thought out,
Bible-based message delivered with expertise and passion. Sermons should relate to the daily lives
of everyone, regardless of age or place on life’s journey and to the happenings of our times. Our
sermons are encouraging and sustaining but also challenging as new ideas and ways of thinking
are presented. They should challenge the listeners to discover new ways of discerning God’s will for
them and the congregation. The 10 a.m. service is taped for broadcast on Community Access TV
Sunday evening.
Salary, Benefits, and Expenses Offered:
The compensation for this position will be commensurate with the education and experience of the
successful candidate. Our Human Resources Board will work with the successful candidate to
ensure that salary and benefits for this position are competitive.
a. Cash Salary Offered: FCCB offers a competitive salary and benefits package which would vary
depending on education and relevant experience.
b. Housing: FCCB has a manse available for use or a housing allowance will be offered if
preferable.
c. Benefits: FCCB will provide a benefits package to the successful candidate including individual
health and dental insurance; contributions to annuities and life insurance; professional expense
allowance, and 4 weeks of paid vacation per year.
Our Expectations for Moving Forward
Our church community hopes to find a talented Interim Senior Minister who will work as a member
of our pastoral team, assist us through our transition, and help us develop a vision for our Church’s
future.
We are looking for a strong leader who has the wisdom, experience, knowledge, and maturity to
help us discern, prioritize, and achieve what is most important for our church’s development. We
are also seeking a leader who has strong interpersonal skills.
Search Committee Chairperson
Barbara Colley 203-481-4339
barbaracolley@snet.net