Joint Needs Assessment
Colebrook United Church
5441 – 125A Street
Surrey, British Columbia
V3X 1W4
Office Phone
604 596 2412
email: info@colebrookunited.org
April 2010
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Table of Contents
page
3
1.
Introduction
2.
Community
a) Who is Colebrook?
b) Who is Surrey?
i) Population and Demographics
ii) Education
iii) Economy
iv) Arts and Culture
v) Hospitals
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
Current Ministry
a) Background
b) Sunday School
c) Youth Groups
d) Music Ministry
e) Bible Study
f) United Church Women
g) Ties to other United Churches and National Church
h) Other churches in the region
i) 2009 report by Fraser Presbytery
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
People Resources
a) Staff Summaries
b) Property and Maintenance
c) Official Board
d) Volunteers
6
7
7
7
Physical Resources
a) The Church Building
b) Heritage Value
c) Parking
8
8
8
6.
Financial Resources
9
7.
Congregation Statistics
9
8.
Vision for Future Ministry
10
9.
Skill Set for New Minister
10
3.
4.
5.
10. Terms of Employment
11
11. Recommendations
11
12. Appendices
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
Record of Joint Needs Assessment Report (Form MEPS 403)
Three Directional Choices of Colebrook (from Transition Process)
Personalized Character of Colebrook Congregation (from Transition Process)
The Goals of the Interim Ministry
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1. Introduction
This document has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Manual of the United
Church of Canada with respect to evaluating and fulfilling the ministerial needs of Colebrook
United Church in Surrey, British Columbia.
The following people comprise the Joint Needs Assessment Committee responsible for the
preparation of this report:
John Payne
Helen Scott
Aileen Watson
Pat Herbert
Pat Payne
Reverend Merv Lutes
Kees Koster
Chair, Council Representative
Secretary, Council Representative
Council Representative
Transition Team Representative
Transition Team Representative
Presbytery Representative
Presbytery Representative
2. Community
a) Who is Colebrook United Church?
Our Mission Statement:
Our mission at Colebrook United Church is to help all to know God’s love and to worship God; to
become committed to the doing of God’s will as revealed in Jesus Christ and through the Holy
Spirit; and to bear witness to others by sharing our knowledge of God and God’s calling, caring and
commission.
The people who attend Sunday worship have a strong sense of ‘family’. We are a closely-knit,
supportive community. Many capable and talented individuals believe in Colebrook’s ‘family’, and
work diligently in committees and in small groups to maintain the church. A strong volunteer
pastoral care team supports the minister and creates a depth of caring.
On October 25, 2009, Colebrook United Church celebrated 50 years in the present building
serving people who come from Surrey, Delta and White Rock. Colebrook has a strong sense of
mission and outreach through its support of the Mission and Service Fund and education of the
congregation about the work of Mission and Service in Canada and the world using the ‘Minute for
Mission’ ministry.
On an ongoing basis, through its Faith in Action ministry, Colebrook United Church supports:
-the Surrey Food Bank
-the Oak Avenue Keystone Mission
-the Options program (social needs and transition homes)
-First United Church Mission in Vancouver
-the Front Room (a shelter for homeless)
-distribution of food hampers at Christmas to families in need through the Christmas Bureau.
-support for youth doing Outreach in other countries through the Anne White Fund
-responding to world needs, e.g., Peru, Haiti, Gaza and Afghanistan
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The congregation of Colebrook United Church consistently seeks ways in which to maintain its
ministry to seniors while engaging young families and youth, and seeks ways in which to be
inclusive to attract both new and inactive members. A community Christmas concert has been
held in the past, and one is tentatively planned for 2010.
b) Who is Surrey? (for detailed information visit http://www.surrey.ca)
i) Population and Demographics
Covering 371 square kilometres, the City of Surrey is the largest municipality in B.C. and one of
the largest municipalities in Canada. Its growing population of 350,000 comprises mixed ethnic
groups, dominated by Caucasian, Indo-Canadian, and East Asian. Surrey is bounded by the Fraser
River to the north, the Canada-USA border to the south, the city of Delta to the west and the city
and township of Langley to the east. “The City of Parks” boasts a relaxed lifestyle of city living
combined with open country space, including more than 400 parks encompassing over 3,000 acres,
many which of which are in their natural state.
In and near Surrey are five major highways, four railways, deep-sea docking facilities and an
international airport. The Skytrain rapid-transit line makes downtown Vancouver less than 40
minutes away from Surrey Central via public transit. Surrey Centre business is within easy access
of local, national and world trade markets. Surrey comprises six communities: Cloverdale,
Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, South Surrey and Whalley, and many diverse neighbourhoods.
Colebrook United Church is on Panorama Ridge in the southern part of Newton.
The demographics of the immediate neighbourhood have changed over time, with recently
mainly non-Christian South Asian families moving in and Caucasians moving out. Most new
houses are bought by South Asians. In general, house prices are at such a high level that most
young families are unable to locate nearby.
ii) Education
Several universities and colleges in the Lower Mainland include:
The University of British Columbia
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Simon Fraser University
Douglas College
Trinity Western University
iii) Economy
Surrey is a fast growing, dynamic community recognized as an innovative leader, addressing social,
economic and environmental issues in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Surrey’s economy is
made up of manufacturing, construction, and the service sector. The average family income of
$102,000 is the third highest in B.C. The current unemployment rate is 4%.
iv) Arts and Culture
The performing arts are flourishing with many venues of varying sizes in the area and in nearby
Vancouver.
In Surrey are:
Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey Arts Centre, and Surrey Museum
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In Vancouver are:
Stanley Theatre, Granville Island Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, General Motors Place,
B.C. Place, Science World, and Queen Elizabeth Theatre
v) Hospitals
Surrey and White Rock:
Surrey Memorial
Peace Arch (White Rock)
Greater Vancouver area:
Vancouver General
St. Paul’s
BC Children’s
Women’s Hospital & Health Care
Vancouver Cancer Centre
Royal Columbian
Richmond General
Delta Hospital
3. Current Ministry
a) Background
Colebrook United Church is currently in a two-year Transition that began in September 2008.
The previous minister served for eleven years. The Transition Team has organized and led
several congregational gatherings to address a number of issues and is working faithfully with
the congregation to prepare for new ministerial leadership. Consistently, 50-60 members and
adherents worship at Colebrook United Church each Sunday.
b) Sunday School
The Sunday school is small and is attended by 3-8 children from ages 4-10. The children
participate in the first part of the worship service and leave for their own program about 1/3 of the
way through the service. On communion Sundays, they return for communion.
This past July, the minister and council members spent an informative evening with the parents
of our Sunday school children. The purpose of the gathering was to determine the expectations
that the parents have for themselves and for their children, and to consider how Colebrook, as a
congregation, might be able to meet those expectations. The outcome of the meeting was very
positive with a number of suggestions for the Sunday school that could be put into place
immediately. Members of the congregation now have the opportunity to work with the Sunday
school children on an ongoing basis by signing up for participation.
c) Youth Groups
Junior and senior youth groups meet twice a month, each on alternate Thursday evenings. From
time to time they participate as a group in Sunday morning worship services.
d) Music Ministry
Colebrook has a dedicated choir of 10 members that participates in weekly worship and for
special services under the direction of the Music Director. Most music is taken from Voices
United and More Voices. The choir is not active as such during the summer months. Flute and
guitar are used occasionally.
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e) Bible Study
Two bible study groups have been active for several years. In the fall of 2009, a third study
group was formed which included members from other local United Church congregations; its
study in faith is the “Living the Questions” program.
f) United Church Women
A UCW group meets monthly and is active in presbyterial and ecumenical events as well as
supporting all church events.
g) Ties to Other United Churches and the National Church
Colebrook has moderate ties to National Church through subscription by many members to The
Observer, support of the M&S fund, and access to Mandate. Local outreach is strongly
supported; a few members have a strong interest in global outreach and education. Colebrook is
active in the Fraser Presbytery.
h) Other Churches and Places of Worship in the Region
United Churches nearby: Crossroads (2009 merger of former Royal Heights and St. John’s
Strawberry Hill) and Bethany-Newton United Churches, further away: Northwood, Cloverdale,
First United (White Rock), Crescent (South Surrey), Sunnyside (South Surrey) and Hazelmere.
Churches of other denominations in the area: Berea Baptist Church, St. Michael’s Anglican, Faith
Lutheran Church, Bethel United Apostolic Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and St.
Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church. Representing other faiths are the Guru Nanak Sikh
Gurdwara temple and the Masjidur-Rahmah Moslem mosque.
Colebrook has a relationship with Bethany-Newton and Cloverdale churches through a joint
study group, and has shared Good Friday services with Bethany Newton, Crossroads, and
Cloverdale United Churches. Discussions are now underway among Bethany-Newton,
Cloverdale and Colebrook churches to explore various further possibilities of shared worship and
work. Eight churches, including United, Anglican and Catholic churches, have regular
ecumenical gatherings.
i) 2009 Report by Fraser Presbytery
This report examined major demographic shifts and regional development policies in the
presbytery in order to project probable future church needs and priorities. It concluded that the
United Church in Fraser Presbytery is significantly overextended, with probably twice the
number of congregations than its active supporting base can sustain in terms of financial and
human resources. Demographic trends project a continuing decline in the size of the church’s
aging core constituency. The United Church has a significant asset base, with which the
committed core constituency can plan for strategic redevelopment. The report recommends that
Fraser Presbytery undertake a strategic plan for the design of a new and sustainable model.
4. People Resources
a) Staff ---all staff positions, except the ordained minister, are part-time.
i) Ordained Minister (position open as of September 1, 2010)
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ii) Church Secretary-Has been employed at Colebrook for many years, and works closely with the minister; is
responsible for all office duties at Colebrook United Church.
iii) Music Director-Works with the minister to select anthem music for worship services and leads the choir
in weekly practices and during worship services. The Music Director also provides the
musical accompaniment for choir practices and, if necessary, from time to time, for
worship services.
iv) Organist/Pianist-Provides musical accompaniment for Sunday services, and works with the Music Director
during Sunday morning choir practices.
v) Custodian-Is responsible for general janitorial duties in and around the buildings.
vi) Youth Leaders (2)-Lead a senior and junior youth group in activities, each group meets twice a month on
alternate Thursday evenings.
b) Property and Maintenance
We are fortunate to have a dedicated volunteer group of retired men who come on a
weekly basis to attend to the upkeep and repairs of the hall and the sanctuary, and also do an
excellent job of maintaining the grounds.
c) Church Council
Colebrook has worked during this Interim Ministry to improve the flow of information
among members and committees and on improving our level of communication, our
governance structure and our decision-making policies.
The Church Council functions with the following positions:
Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
and the following committees:
Christian Education
Lettings (facility rentals)
Pastoral Care
Memorial
Property and Maintenance
Finance
Worship
Wedding Hostesses
Members-at-Large (3)
Past-Chairperson
Hospitality
Aesthetics
Faith in Action
Ministry and Personnel
UCW
Presbytery Rep
Transition Team
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d) Trustees
e) Volunteers
In addition to the above, the members of the congregation provide countless hours of volunteer
time. This includes the organization of the following social and fund-raising events:
Fall Fair
Harvest Dinner (2 sittings)
Strawberry Tea
Fashion Show
Spring Yard Sale
Catering Functions as Fund-raising Events
Craft Fair
Bake Sales
Yoga Classes
Spanish Lessons
Bridge Tournaments
During the summer months when the ordained minister is on vacation and from time to time
elsewhere in the year, lay members of the congregation conduct worship services. Some of these
are non-traditional services.
Guest ministers lead services from time to time during the year when the ordained minister is
absent. Guest speakers are invited occasionally to speak on specific social justice issues or projects.
5. Physical Resources
a) The church building
Colebrook United Church is located in the relatively expensive single-dwelling residential
neighbourhood of Panorama Ridge. Across the road from the church is an elementary school and
behind the church is a wooded park. The sanctuary is a modern A-frame variation of the West
Coast style, linked to an adjacent, relatively new church hall, part of which houses an independent
pre-school in a dedicated area with a separate entrance.
The sanctuary seats 200 people and has a pipe organ and piano, as well as a sound system, including
wireless microphones. Completed in 2002, the hall seats 120 people for dinners. It has a portable
TV, DVD player, sound system and piano. In addition to the church hall, the building contains full
kitchen facilities, a lounge area suitable for small group functions or memorial services, a second
meeting room (the Anne White room), an administration office and a large minister’s office. The
building is protected by a security system.
The church office is well-equipped, including a desk-top computer and printer, high-speed internet
access, and a digital printer/photocopier.
b) Heritage value
Colebrook United Church is significant as the first postwar era building to receive heritage
protection in the City of Surrey, based on its architectural significance and its interior and exterior
integrity. It is valued as an indicator of the population growth in the Panorama Ridge
neighbourhood of Surrey following the end of the Second World War, when many returning
soldiers and their families settled in the area. The earliest part of the building was built as a
community hall, but with the founding of the pastoral charge in 1947, the building was purchased
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and moved to its present site, rebuilt and enlarged for use as a church. In 1959, a new sanctuary
was built, reflecting the continued expansion of the community within a relatively short time. The
earliest building on the site has now been replaced by a large new structure; three stained glass
windows from the original building were re-installed in the new building.
c) Parking
The church has an onsite parking lot for 24 vehicles. As well, on-street parking is available nearby.
6. Financial Resources
Colebrook functions with a balanced budget or very close to it. At present the church has an
outstanding mortgage debt of $80,915 (as of March 31, 2010) which is carried in part by the United
Church of Canada and in part by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Colebrook has not had
an active Stewardship committee or a campaign in several years. The budget for 2010 is $192,000.
-53% of our budget is met through contributions from members and adherents
-24% of our budget comes from facility rentals, primarily from the pre-school rental and
secondarily from rental of the church hall
-13% of our budget comes from fund raising
7. Congregational Statistics
/09
Number of households
*92
Baptisms
6
Funerals/Memorial Services 6
Marriages
1
/08
154
2
6
3
/07
149
6
6
1
/06
147
7
9
9
/05
150
4
6
6
/04
155
2
7
4
/03
172
6
7
8
Total Membership
170
171
173
181
182
182
*110
Received by:
-Profession of Faith
----- ----3
----- -----Transfer
----8
----- ----- ----Removed by death, transfer away from Colebrook, or otherwise:
1
7
4
2
8
Total Membership
109
Non-Resident Membership *33
171
60
170
60
171
55
173
47
1
5
----7
7
7
181
53
182
42
*These figures reflect church council minuted actions of January 12, 2010 and January 28, 2004 to
update the church statistics.
2009 Statistics
Church attendance
regular services
special Sundays
average 50-60
70-80
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Age distribution of members and adherents
In the congregation of Colebrook United Church, 16% of its members are under 60 years of age,
42% are in their 60’s and 42% are over 70 years of age. Colebrook is on the border of being
described as a “Family Church” (up to 50 active members) and a “Pastor-centered” church (50-159
active members).
Commuting Distances (regular attendees)
47 Households (in total)
7 Households (15%) are located less than 1 km away (= normal walking distance)
17 Households (36%) are located between 1 - 5 km away
12 Households (26%) are located between 5 – 10 km away
10 Households (21%) are located between 10 - 15 km away
1 Household (2%) is located between 15 – 20 km away
8. Vision
As a sequel to many meetings by the Transition Team and several by the congregation during 20082009, in early 2010 the congregation focused on what would be its direction for the next few years.
After much discussion, three main distinctive paths were defined: Maintenance, Revitalization, and
Amalgamation. The congregation divided into three about equal groups according to each person’s
preferred vision at the time, and each group studied one of the three paths over a period of a month
and reported back to the total group with its vision of that path at a congregational gathering, April
17, 2010. After presentations and discussion, in a vote by members and adherents to choose among
the three paths, the result was: Maintenance 45.5%, Revitalization 38.2%, and Amalgamation 16.3%.
The Amalgamation path was set aside, and a second vote between the other two paths gave
Maintenance 67.8% and Revitalization 32.2%.
The Maintenance Path was recommended to the members of the congregation at the immediately
following congregational meeting, April 17, 2010. The recommendation was amended to read, “The
focus being on maintaining what is, to continue where we are, for a minimum of the next three
years”. The amended recommendation was approved by 48 of 50 members present, with one
abstention and one spoiled ballot.
9. Skill Set for New Minister
a) Emphasis on worship using a broad range of worship styles, with a capacity to work towards a
balanced ministry from a variety of choices, e.g., action groups, study groups, mission work,
justice issues.
b) Strong pastoral skills to be able to attend to the needs of a mainly elderly congregation.
c) Work towards a solid foundation of Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values, all directed towards
spiritual growth.
d) Focus on empowering church members within the governance structure of the United Church
doctrine and mission statement of Colebrook United Church.
e) Match people with their gifts, spiritual and other, to seek broader involvement in both the
spiritual and temporal work of the church.
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f) Support congregation initiatives to welcome all – through our public relations, our visitors, and
members, and through fundraising. Help create a culture of warmth, caring and reaching out.
g) Assist in working towards new initiatives in stewardship, individual and congregational,
including the assessment of who and where we are spiritually as individuals and as a congregation.
h) View change as an ongoing positive presence in our personal and church lives that can help
deepen our commitment to spiritual growth as individuals and as a community of faith.
10. Terms of employment
a) The position is “Full time”. The salary is in accordance with the UCC guidelines. The detailed
job description and work times will be negotiated with the Ministry and Personnel Committee.
b) A housing allowance will be provided in accordance with UCC policy; $1500/month for 2010.
c) An education/book allowance will be provided in accordance with UCC policy; $1250/year for
2010.
d) Government related deductions at source: usual federal and provincial deductions apply.
e) UCC plan covers pension, life insurance, LTD, etc.
f) Vacation leave: one month paid vacation per year. Most of the vacation leave is expected to occur
during July and August.
g) Study leave: three weeks paid study leave per year in accordance with UCC policy.
h) Moving and travel costs: reimbursed in accordance with UCC policy.
i) Large furnished private office with computer and printer; internet access available,
assistance from the church secretary who also maintains the office computer systems, produces
documents, and coordinates communication with the congregation.
j) mileage: in accordance with UCC policy; currently $0.41 per km.
11. Recommendations
a) The Joint Needs Assessment Committee recommends that Colebrook United Church request
Fraser Presbytery to declare a vacancy for the position of a full-time ordained minister.
12. Appendices
12.1
Record of Joint Needs Report
12.2
Three Directional Choices of Colebrook (from Transition Process)
12.3
“Martha” The Personalized Character of Colebrook Congregation (from Transition Process)
12.4
The Goals of the Interim Ministry
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Appendix 12.2
The Three Possible Paths For The Next 2-3 Years For
Colebrook Congregation
A.
is the Amalgamation Path, the focus being:
-on working towards amalgamation with one or more United Church congregation(s).
B.
is the Congregational Revitalization Path, the focus being:
-on spiritual and numerical growth.
C.
is the Maintenance Path, the focus being:
-on maintaining what is, to continue as we are.
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Appendix 12.3
MARTHA
On February 20, 2010, we collectively imagined Colebrook as a person. Here is Martha.
“Martha is a 60ish woman who is young at heart and cares about her appearance while
acknowledging her hair colour. She prefers to wear smart casual clothing. She can go classic
but usually her clothing is modest and of a practical style. She has been seen with running
shoes for like Martha of the Bible she is busy and tries to look after everyone. Her health is
for the most part good, only a few aches and pains but she acknowledges that she tires more
easily these day. She confesses that it is important that she now take care of herself, that she
have enough rest at night (like 8 hours) supplemented with the multi-vitamin pills taken
with her high fiber breakfast and those wonderful afternoon naps! She has always been able
to rise to the occasion though experiencing that her energy is now being overly taxed and
she is slowing down.
In her retirement years, she is living out an important life transition. As her energy permits,
she wants to be more selective about what she is involved in now: like spending time
reading, gardening, travelling, taking courses of interest, nurturing friendships and taking
fitness classes. Sometimes she even says no to requests which come her way. She still loves
to cook and bake and family and friends enjoy and appreciate her table. Though her
children have moved out, she still keeps up the big house as the children do come back for
special visits from time to time. She also wants to work to make a difference in the lives of
those outside her immediate circle. Her CBC nightly news tells her that a lot of things are
changing in the world but she admits that adapting to personal change is quite the challenge
for her.
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Appendix 12.4
THE GOALS OF THE INTERIM MINISTRY
OUR HEALING
– the facilitation of personal and congregational healing
- creating and maintaining a safe place for the sharing of experiences and the
expression of feelings,
- covenanting a respect for each other, and
- working towards reconciliation.
OUR COMMUNITY MAKING
– a commitment to an inclusive community of faith
- learning how to live together with differences,
- learning how to deal with conflict in a healthy way, and
- learning how to communicate clearly with each other in words, actions, and
receptive listening.
OUR CONGREGATIONAL IDENTITY
– the celebration of who we are
- reviewing our history, traditions, ways of being
- re-examining our beliefs, values, what’s important to us, and
- revisiting our expectations of each other and our expectations of lay and
ministerial leadership.
OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
– the strengthening of our organizational structure
- assessing present council and committee structures and looking at different
models,
- clarifying areas of responsibility and accountability, and
- clarifying how decisions are made and how decisions are communicated.
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