1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

United Church of Christ
LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE
FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW
LEADERS
First Church of Christ, Simsbury CT 06070
Statement of Consent
The covenantal relationship between a church and those
called by that church to serve as pastors and teachers and
in other ministerial positions is strengthened when vital
information is openly shared by covenantal partners. To
that end, we attest that, to the best of our abilities, we
have provided information in this profile that accurately
represents our church. We have not knowingly withheld
any information that would be helpful to candidates. As
the committee charged with the responsibility for
identifying and recommending a suitable new minister for
our church, we have been authorized to share the
information herein with potential candidates
We understand that a candidate may wish to secure
further knowledge, information, and opinion about our
church. We encourage a candidate to do so, recognizing that an open exchange of relevant
information builds the foundation for continuing and healthy relationships between calling bodies
and persons seeking a ministry position.
Search Committee Members:
Francesca Caponetti
Mario Chiappetti
Leonard Clough
Richard Dupree
Louise Gould
Andrew Granger
Karen Palotti
Mark Scully
Barbara Spear
Melinda Westbrook
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Rev. Dianne Arakawa (ex-officio)
James Trimble (ex-officio)
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
LOCAL CHURCH PROFILE
FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING NEW
LEADERS
1.
Church:
First Church of Christ
2.
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Web Site:
689 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
www.fccsimsbury.org
3.
Name of Search Committee Contact Person:
Name:
Address:
City, State, and Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
4.
Karen Palotti
25 Barry Lane
Simsbury, CT 06070-2001
860-658-2572
[email protected]
Conference/Association Staff Person Assisting Our Church:
Name:
Address:
City, State, and Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
Tamara Moreland
125 Sherman Street
Hartford, CT 06105
860 214 2186
[email protected]
Page 1 of 46
A BRIEF HISTORY OF FIRST CHURCH
First Church of Christ, Simsbury, Connecticut, (“First Church”) is an active and vibrant congregation made
up of approximately 740 members and several hundred friends. First Church has a rich and colorful history
encompassing more than 300 years of faithful witness to God in one of New England’s oldest communities.
Like many New England “first” churches, First Church is situated in the town center, which our
predecessors helped establish in the late 1600s. In its earliest days as an established, 17th century
congregation, First Church was the focal point of the town’s development, often serving as the natural
forum for community dialogue. Its attractive hilltop location in the town center was chosen after lengthy
debate and has helped make First Church a well-known landmark for generations. The second
meetinghouse at this location was constructed in 1830. After a devastating fire in 1965, the meetinghouse
was lovingly rebuilt by a congregation that adopted a strong commitment to mission and outreach despite
the difficult loss at home.
As Simsbury has grown from a colonial settlement into a suburban community, the congregation of First
Church has been blessed with strong leadership and a concerned and committed laity. Today, First Church
still occupies a central place in town although it is one of a wide variety of organizations and activities that
vie for the time and attention of local residents. A microcosm of twenty-first century middle-class
America, Simsbury is an economically comfortable community where residents yearn for meaning and
faith but do not necessarily turn to religious formalities and institutions to satisfy their longings. The
gospel message and Christian values that First Church embraces compete with values of material
acquisition, personal and professional achievement and leisure/entertainment that dominate time, energy
and resources. Our challenge as a historic institution and community of faith is to continue being a relevant
and integral part of the town by helping to serve the spiritual needs of residents and, as witnesses to the lifechanging power of Christian faith, by helping to change lives.
More information on the history of First Church is available in the addendum to this Profile. It is based on
an account written several years ago by Lyman G. Potter, former Church Historian and Senior Minister,
entitled “To Sette Ourselves in Gospel Order,” and “A Short History of First Church in Simsbury,” written
by Donna Hopkins, former Church Historian, which appears in more detail on our website. We encourage
you to read these materials and learn more about “the church on the hill.”
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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
5. Membership: (as reflected in the eleven-year UCC Statistical Report for our church.)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2014
740
180
75
201
4
# Church members*
Average attendance at worship
Average weekly participation of in adult education
Average participation of children/youth in C.E.
# Members who are ordained clergy**
2009
1,010
359
NA
155
3
2004
1,164
375
NA
408
3
*Reflects recent review and refinement of membership rolls. **Includes two retired UCC ministers.
6. Profile of Simsbury (We do not have this demographic information for First Church)
Data provided from CT Economic Resource Center for town of Simsbury with dates shown unless otherwise noted.
This information is not collected by First Church.
a. Age (as of 2012):
4 % ages 0 - 4
23 % ages 5-17
5 % ages 18-24
30 % ages 25-49
24 % ages 50-64
15 % ages 65 +
c. Family units (N/A)
% couples with children at home
% couples without children at home
% single
% single parent with children at home
b. Education level of adults 25
or older (2012)
d. Occupation of adults: (2013)
61.2 % management, business, science and arts
6.6 % service occupations
24.0 % sales and office occupations
5.1 % construction and maintenance
3.1 % Production, transportation and material
moving
11 % high school graduates
7 % some college/vocational school
64 % college graduates
e. Employment labor force of 11,791 (2013)
63.2 % employed
4.5 % not currently employed
32.3 % retired
Describe the racial-ethnic makeup of your congregation:
We do not collect this information. We assume First Church’s racial-ethnic composition is similar to the
town of Simsbury which is:
92.4%
1.82%
3.25%
3.56%
2.43%
White
African American
Asian Pacific
Hispanic
Other/Multi-race
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CHURCH FINANCES
(Figures reflect the eleven-year UCC statistical reports as well as the church’s annual reports.)
7. Total Church Income
2014
$892,399
2009
$925,914
2004
$791,128
735,367
105,688
0
20,496
6,291
24,557
785,131
78,542
0
13,649
10,060
38,532
684,722
69,133
0
14,383
0
22,890
2014
$854,218
42,558
7,372
37,174
767,114
0
0
2009
$931,767
68,400
9,831
81,456
772,080
0
0
2004
$781,878
94,500
11,361
65,791
610,226
0
0
a. Members offerings and pledges
b. Interest from investment or endowments
c. Principal reduction (endowments or investments)
d. Rentals
e. Special Fundraising
f. Other
8. Total Operating Budget
a. Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support
b. Our Church’s Wider Mission Special Support
c. Other gifts
d. Current local expenses
e. Annual capital payments
f. Other debt
If the church has conducted an annual stewardship campaign, list results for the past two years:
Goal
Pledges
Actual Received
2015
$715,000
$676,000
NA
2014
$710,000
$708,000
$724,000
2013
$ 747,000
$ 709,000
$ 744,000
9. Identify UCC special offerings the church receives throughout the year and the amounts
from last year:
X
X
One Great Hour of Sharing (We raised $5,000 for this special offering through a 30 Hour Fast)
Neighbors in Need
Christmas Fund ($7,300)
Strengthen the Church
Basic Support for Our Church’s Wider Mission (only if received through special offerings and
not included as a regular budget item in #8 above.)
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10. Mission
a. Beyond your contributions through the UCC, name the most significant local or global
missions/ministries or agencies that were financially supported by your local church last
year and the amount of support:
Mission/Organization Name
Faith Mulira Health Care Center (Masooli, Uganda)
Rebuilding Together (Hartford)
Heifer International
Children’s Care Bags (Hartford)
Covenant to Care (Hartford)
Christian Activities Council (Hartford)
2014
$ 10,200
$ 5,000
$ 4,000
$ 3,700
$ 1,500
$ 1,500
b. What mission project has excited your church the most in the past three years? Why?
Dance For Change
In 2011, a First Church youth project led by our Associate Minister raised over $12,000 to help pay
for school uniforms and supplies for 21 Ugandan students. Our Pilgrim Fellowship teens danced
for hours, raised funds online and then skyped with Ugandan students during our worship service.
A similar event to raise funds for the Faith Mulira Health Canter (Masooli, Uganda) is planned for
February 2015.
Rebuilding of Affordable Housing
In 2011, responding to a request from the Town Public Works Dept., First Church helped transform
an unused three bedroom farmhouse into an attractive unit of affordable housing in the town of
Simsbury. Our Board of Mission and Outreach contributed $9,000 for materials, and 30 First
Church volunteers provided 600 hours of time and talent, installing a complete new kitchen and
bathroom, new energy-efficient windows and doors, new hardware, lighting, fresh paint
throughout, and refinished floors. The project enjoyed enthusiastic and broad participation and
support across the congregation, largely because it was so close to home.
Hunger Issues
Mission activities related to hunger have generated broad support and excitement at First Church.
These activities include:

annual participation in the Walk Against Hunger, which benefits Food Share, a local food
pantry;
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


staffing of a bi-weekly Food Share truck on our premises, now in its second year, feeding
60-100 guests each visit;
27 members of First Church serving 180 guests at a soup kitchen in Hartford on New
Year’s Day;
10-12 visits to Hartford soup kitchens by youth and adult groups.
Youth Mission Pilgrimage Trips
In 2014, our Youth worked with the hungry and homeless of our nation’s capital, preparing and
serving meals at soup kitchens, providing activities and companionship to children, distributing
food and supplies at food pantries, socializing and burning snacks to people in drop-in centers, and
distributing clothing at clothing banks. Just as importantly, they listened to the stories of those they
met, learned from them, and grew as the Holy Spirit worked in their midst.
In 2015, our Youth will make a pilgrimage to Johnson City in Appalachia where they will repair
and renovate homes, many that have been handed down from generation to generation. Most
people in this area of the country have few resources and their home is the only possession.
Oftentimes families are forced to choose between buying food or medicine or fixing their home.
Our Youth’s work this summer will provide needed updates to their homes so that they can focus
on providing for their families, seek employment and make plans for the future. In the process, this
pilgrimage trip is intended to educate our Youth by directly exposing them to hunger and poverty,
to inspire and to grow in Christ.
11. Indebtedness
a. Total amount of outstanding mortgages/capital debt: $ 0
b. Total amount of other debt: $ 0
c. Are payments current?
Yes
No
X
NA
12. Capital Campaigns:
If the church has had capital campaigns in the last ten years, note goal and results:
No capital campaign(s) have occurred over the last ten years. No campaigns are currently underway.
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13. Assets held by the Church:
a. Reserves (savings):
$ 200,000
b. Endowments/Investments:
$2,700,000
c. Describe buildings and property of your church except the parsonage:
First Church sits atop historic Drake’s Hill on Simsbury’s main street, Hopmeadow Street (Rtes.
10/202). There has been a Meeting House at this location since 1739. The present Meeting House,
the second structure at this location, is an 1830 New England Greek revival wood structure that
was substantially rebuilt after the May 1965 fire. Included in the Meeting House complex are the
Ellsworth Chapel, administrative offices, library, classrooms, music room, nursery and Palmer
Hall, a multipurpose room with complete kitchen facility that accommodates 150 (seated). The
home at 6 West Street is located directly behind and west of the Meeting House and was
refurbished in 2013. Additions were made to the Meeting House in 1985, 1990, and 1997. The
total square footage of the Meeting House complex is 36,600.
d. Is the church building (including sanctuary and offices) handicapped accessible?
Yes
X
Partially (specify) ________________
Is the pulpit handicapped accessible? _____ Yes
No _____
X
No
e. If a building program is projected or underway, describe it, including estimated date of
completion:
In 2014, First Church received a $39,000 Historic Restoration Fund Grant by the Connecticut State
Historic Preservation Office, through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community
Development. This grant was secured, after an extensive application process, by the First Church
Grant Committee with support from our Executive Council. Grant funds were used to refurbish
our historic Meeting House roof. Additional grant applications are currently being considered for
other capital improvement projects.
f. If the church owns a home, describe it:
Location:
Description:
6 West Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
Number of Rooms:
8
Number of Bedrooms: 4
Number of Bathrooms: 2
Distance from Church: 500 feet
Handicapped Accessible? ____Yes
X
No _____Partial
Other:
Significant renovations and improvements were completed in 2013. Our interim minister currently
resides in this property, which is currently zoned for residential use.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF MINISTERIAL LEADERS
14. If your conference has compensation guidelines, do you follow them?
_____ yes
X
yes for some compensation items but not all _____ no
Does the church consider this position to be full time or part time?
X Full Time
_____ Part Time (specify)
How will church members be supportive of a part time or bivocational pastor who may need
another job to supplement the church salary?
N/A – this is a full-time position
15. Salary History
To provide a profile of salaries for the position you are seeking to fill, indicate salaries at the
beginning and ending of the ministers’ tenure. Do not include interim positions. If a parsonage
is provided, insert the letter “P” in the space provided. Provide information for the last 3
leaders or the last ten years.
This information was removed for confidentiality purposes
16. During the above period, has your church ever failed to fulfill its financial obligations to
its pastor?
_____ yes
X
no
If yes, please comment:
17. Salary, Benefits, and Expenses Offered
a. Our annual compensation package of salary plus housing will be in the range information
removed for confidentiality purposes.
b. Housing: See above
_____ Housing allowance only
Parsonage only X Would consider offering either
Note: Housing allowance or housing is included in the compensation range in 17a.
c. Customary benefits:
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Vacation: ___4____ weeks annually
Maternity/paternity leave – paid and unpaid components, per First Church policy
UCC Retirement Annuity (14 % of salary and housing)
UCC Life and Disability Insurance Benefits
UCC Health Benefits (_____ other health benefits) - UCC “Plan B” with option to buy up
to “Plan A” per FC policy
UCC Dental Benefits (_____ other dental benefits)
Social Security/Medicare Offset – 7.65% of salary basis, net of taxes
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X
X
X
X
Continuing Education Funds – treated as ministry expense
Continuing Education Time – one week for each 6 months worked
Sabbatical Leave – per First Church policy
Other benefits (specify) – UCC Vision Care Benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts, paid
Sick Leave policy; paid holidays and personal days
d. Ministry Expenses
X
Travel Reimbursement
X
Meeting Expense Reimbursement
X
Books and Periodicals
X
Reimbursement of Criminal Background Check Fee
X
Moving Expenses - depending on candidate’s need to relocate
COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS (based on Simsbury CERC Town Profile 2014)
18. Population (2012)
a. Population of total city or town in which your church is located:
23,535 people
b. Describe the population by racial-ethnic category and identify the source of the
information:
Per Simsbury CERC Profile, Simsbury has the following ethnic composition
92.40% or 21,769 White
1.82% or 429 African American
3.25% or 765 Asian Pacific
3.56% or 837 Hispanic (any race)
2.43% or 572 Other/Multi-race
19. Economic Factors
Identify major sources of employment/income in your community:
The 4 largest employers in the town of Simsbury:




The Hartford Financial Services Group
Ensign Bickford Industries, Inc.
Chubb Corporation
McLean Care (senior living/health care facility)
20. General Description (Add *** if the information came from a survey of the congregation)
a. Describe distinctive attributes of your community:
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Simsbury is one of Connecticut’s oldest towns originally founded in 1670. While Simsbury has
grown from 5,000 in 1950 to today’s population over 23,000, the Town government has been
sensitive to maintaining its historic charm and rural environment. In fact, the town has been
recognized and received awards such as one from
National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of its
“Dozen Distinctive Destinations; Money Magazine
ranked Simsbury in their top 50 small towns to live in
America in 2013, and more recently the town was
named a “Silver Bicycle Friendly Community” by the
League of American Bicyclists.
Simsbury is located approximately 15 miles from
Hartford in the Farmington Valley, and incorporates
many of the best features of suburban living combined
with undeveloped open space. The town covers an area
of approximately 34.5 square miles in which the flat agricultural land shaped by the Farmington
River gives way to rolling hills bordered by rugged ridges of rock to the east and west. Of the total
land area, 61% is characterized as “open space.”
Recreational opportunities abound given the location of several State Parks: Stratton Brook State
Park, Talcott Mountain State Park, Great Pond State Forest, as well as McLean Game Refuge
(which straddles Simsbury and Granby). Town facilities include a network of 12 town parks and
the Simsbury Farms Recreational
Complex: a 235 acre complex that includes
an 18 hole golf course, covered outdoor
skating rink, several outdoor swimming
pools, four lighted tennis courts, two
lighted paddle tennis courts and the 2.5
mile David Emott Memorial Family
Fitness Trail. The town sponsored
activities are complemented by a wide
variety of well-supported youth sports
activities.
Simsbury offers a wide range of arts and cultural opportunities, both in town and within the region.
Simsbury Meadows Performing Art Center was built 2005 to provide a summer home for The
Hartford Symphony, but the venue has expanded to include a Summer Concert series that has
included performances by Alison Krauss, The Beach Boys,
Kansas, The Temptations, Cirque de La Symphonie, Earth
Wind and Fire, The Four Tops , Frankie Valli and the Four
Seasons, Amanda Carr, Harry Connick Jr., Willy Nelson and
Emmy Lou Harris.
Other performance based opportunities include The Theatre
Guild of Simsbury, Simsbury Summer Theater for Youth, and
the Simsbury Light Opera Company, each of which offer
annual productions in town.
Nearby Hartford boasts The Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Hartford also has two acclaimed
resident theatre companies in the Hartford Stage and TheatreWorks. Hartford is also home to the
Wadsworth Atheneum, one of the oldest and best known art museums in the nation, The Bushnell
Page 10 of 46
Center for Performing Arts, Infinity Music Theater, Trinity College, and the University of
Hartford, with its world-renowned Hartt School of Music.
The public school system currently serves a student population of 4,269 and is consistently ranked
among the top 100 in the country, with 90% or more of high school graduates going on to higher
education. In addition, Simsbury is home to Westminster School and the Ethel Walker School,
private, internationally-known college preparatory schools.
Simsbury offers a wide range of excellent housing, fine restaurants, and a variety of shopping
opportunities.
b. Identify major trends you envision in your community during the next five years:
Anticipated major trends include significant efforts by the Economic Development Commission to
encourage growth in jobs and the tax base, while maintaining the rural environment and historic
charm of the town. Because of the outstanding school system, young families continue to find
Simsbury a highly attractive community, and are expected to remain the largest segment of the
population.
Recently, The Hartford Financial Corporation announced their decision to close its Simsbury
office, which is Simsbury’s largest employer. This decision may influence the tax base and town
budget of Simsbury.
c. List three or four problem areas confronting your community that members feel your
church should address:
First Church has a long history of mission work focused on addressing problems and inequalities
within the greater Hartford community. First Church has been a unifying resource for Simsbury
and surrounding communities, providing both faith guided and secular activities created to address
local problems. First Church members expect this focus will continue and strengthen under a new
Senior Minister.
One local problem is stress, as Simsbury is an achievement-orientated community, which
oftentimes can manifest in problems with substance abuse. While First Church addresses this
problem indirectly by hosting an Alcoholics Anonymous chapter, it also seeks to actively intervene
through our multiple youth programs that educate our youth about the issues relating to alcohol and
drug use.
Our local outreach and mission work also focuses on the Greater Hartford community,
which struggles with poverty, violence, as well as racial/ethnic disparities. There are numerous
education and hands-on activities offered by First Church. Please see the Mission section c –
Mission Activities.
Finally, as an Open and Affirming church, First Church also recognizes the problems associated
with non-inclusiveness for people of all races and gender orientations. We strive to be a beacon to
all who look to worship but may feel ostracized from a church.
d. Indicate Mission Activities
In which your church participates as a part of its mission in the community:
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Our church is a vibrant and active faith community that has firmly embraced a vision for mission
and outreach based upon the compassion of Jesus Christ. Our congregation has a strong desire,
energy and enthusiasm to do God’s work in our community, within the Hartford region, nationally,
and abroad. Our mission approach includes hands-on mission work and benevolent giving, both
directly and through Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM).
Our Hands-on Mission work:
 Mission Trips: Both youth and adults have participated in annual, week-long service projects
in impoverished areas, domestically and abroad.










With respect to our Youth trips under the leadership of our Associate Minister, we alternate
urban and rural trips. The hope is for our youth to gain knowledge and experience of both urban
and rural poverty. Also, we have stopped calling these Mission Trips. Instead, we call them
Mission Pilgrimages. The term pilgrimage helps us keep two things in mind. First, while the
work we do on these trips is quite helpful and much appreciated for those we help, we do very
little to fix the root causes of the problems. Secondly, everyone that has ever participated in one
of these experiences knows that we get even more from the experience than we ever give. A
pilgrimage is an intentional journey for spiritual growth, and that’s what these trips are for our
group.
Rebuilding Together (Formerly Christmas in April): This Hartford-based organization uses
volunteers to refurbish homes of disadvantaged people. First Church has managed every
element of the project, from planning, financing, and organizing to purchasing materials,
recruiting volunteers, and completing the project. Work teams have averaged over 25-50 First
Church volunteers of all ages.
Covenant to Care for Children: This Hartford-based non-profit assists families in crisis by
working to keep families together and provide for children who are taken out of abusive
relationships. First Church members assist by (1) gathering and delivering furniture; (2)
providing necessity bags for at-risk children suddenly removed from their homes; (3)
purchasing and filling backpacks with school supplies; and (4) purchasing Christmas gifts for
children recommended by CC social workers.
Gifts of Love: Based in neighboring Avon, Connecticut, this non-profit supports Farmington
Valley families in need through gifts of clothing and/or furniture.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Over 30 First Church women have knitted or crocheted prayer shawls for
those in need of spiritual comfort or support due to illness, death or special life events (e.g.,
baptism). We have presented 305 prayer shawls to recipients in the last 3 years.
South Park Inn shelter (Hartford): Our Confirmation Class cooks and serves a three-course
meal 3-4 times a year for an average of 120 homeless people. On New Year’s Day, a large
nunber of our members also serve meals to residents of South Park.
Immaculate Conception shelter (Hartford): Our high school youth cook and serve meals at
this shelter for homeless men.
Cans Helping Kids: Our youth participate through sorting returnable bottles and cans for
recycling by this non-profit organization. Proceeds are distributed to child support agencies.
Inner-City Tutoring: First Church volunteers tutor students at two Hartford elementary
schools on a weekly basis through Center City Churches, an ecumenical coalition of churches in
downtown Hartford.
Care Bags for the CT Department of Children and Families: We gather materials and fill
bags with school and personal care items for children in foster care.
Hands on Hartford:
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




Toy Shoppe: Volunteers from First Church help parents select toys and wrap presents and
assist children with holiday crafts, working with Hands on Hartford. First Church sponsors
this program.
New Year’s Day: We prepare meals for 150 clients of Hands on Hartford, some of whom
are homeless.
Food Share: First Church volunteers distribute fresh produce and other food items to clients of
Simsbury Social Services; the Food Share truck is located in the church parking lot every other
Monday. First Church members also plant and harvest organic vegetables at a local farm and
distribute them to Gifts of Love clients.
Committee of Deacons: Through the Deacons’ emergency fund, First Church provides
financial assistance locally for individuals in need.
First Church Called to Care: First Church members provide meals, visits, and transportation
for church members and friends during times of special need.
Retired Men's Luncheon: Women of First Church prepare and serve lunch at the monthly
program meeting for men of the community.
Church School Mission Projects - In Church school we teach values of care and compassion
by involving the students in outreach and mission projects. We also teach the importance of
being a good steward to the students. Students bring a portion of their allowance in their
offering envelope each Sunday, to fund the church school mission projects. Students are taught
to be good stewards of their allowance by dividing their money into thirds with a 1/3 going to
savings, 1/3 to spending, 1/3 to giving. With the student’s offerings, we are able to accomplish
five to six mission projects a year. Our projects for 2015 are:
Bicycle Ambulance for the Faith Health Care Clinic in Masooli, Uganda: students have
learned about the Masooli clinic in Uganda through a workshop, videos, and a skype session.
The have raised $600 to purchase a bicycle ambulance to help families in Masooli get to and
from the health center when they are unable to walk
Christmas stocking: students assembled forty-eight Christmas stockings with items donated
or purchased from their offering envelops to fill stocking for area children in New Britain
and Plainville, CT.
Toiletry kits for South Park Inn and bunny face clothes for care bags: In February, the
students learn about homelessness and how South Park Inn in Hartford helps homeless
families. Students assembled 36 toiletry kits for individuals seeking assistance at South Park
Inn. In addition, the kids made 36 bunny face clothes with bars of soap for the care bags
given to children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services in Hartford,
CT.
School supplies are collect in March and April for Smith Elementary School in New Britain.
We assist this lower income inner city school meet the needs of dwindling school supplies
toward the end of the school year. In the fall, the church school helps Covenant to Care
collect school supplies and assemble backpacks for children in the Hartford area.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held in June in conjunction with two local churches. Each
year a mission project is selected by the VBS board. Last year the project was purchasing
supplies to build desks for a school in Africa.
Our Benevolent Giving includes:
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At least 10% of First Church’s annual income is directed to mission and outreach. 5% to Our
Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) and 5% directed by our Board of Mission and Outreach to
local, national and international organizations, including those listed below.
 Our Church’s Wider Mission: In 2014, OCWM received $42,558.
 First Church Deacon’s Fund: Provides emergency financial support to individuals in need.
 The Christian Activities Council: Works in partnership with urban and suburban
congregations to create a practical vision and mission of social witness, social development and
social reform for the city of Hartford.

Faith Mulira Health Care Center (Masooli
Project): Through this global mission project, First Church has
helped build a modern health care facility that serves the village
of Masooli, Uganda. In October 2014, members who envisioned
this project received the Connecticut Conference Living Waters
Award for making a positive difference in our world.

Covenant to Care for Children: A statewide,
nonprofit, agency that pairs social workers with participating
faith communities to meet the needs of abused, neglected, and atrisk children and teens.

The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for
Equity and Justice: A faith-based organization that works to
create systemic change for social equity and justice through
legislative advocacy, reform, community action and renewal in
the city of Hartford.
 Back Bay Mission: A UCC mission program that serves the poor of the Delta region
surrounding Biloxi, Mississippi. The current focus is on post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding.
 Gifts of Love: Provides food, appliances and furnishings to community families in need.
 Souper Tuesday: Luncheons provided for senior citizens of the community.
 Food Share: A regional food pantry.
 Simply Smiles – South Dakota Native American project in which we have been involved
through the Farmington Valley Association of the UCC
e. Indicate mission activities in which your church expects the leader you are now seeking to
participate:
We seek a person who will provide spiritual guidance, direction, and expertise to the Board of
Mission and Outreach in all areas of missions, outreach, and social justice; who will nurture the
spiritual gifts of individuals within the congregation and discover new opportunities for hands-on
mission work; who will cultivate our vision for social justice, based upon the compassion of God;
and who can clearly and faithfully guide, educate, and motivate the congregation to address such
issues within our community. Examples include:

Evaluate current mission work and identify new ways in which the congregation can serve
God and the community.

Expand upon the energy and enthusiasm of recent projects such as Food Share and the
Community Garden by identifying similar projects in which the congregation can serve
others and grow in its relationship with God.
Page 14 of 46

Plan, organize and lead at least one week-long mission trip per year, encourage adult
participation, where participants can experience the spirit of Jesus Christ at work.

Educate members of the congregation about social justice issues and expand
congregational participation in activities such as the Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition
for Equity and Justice.
f. Describe how your church building is now being used by the community:
Groups that utilize our facilities include: Alcoholics Anonymous; Red Cross blood drives; Boy
Scouts; Cub Scouts; Farmington Valley Chorus; Farmington Valley Transitional Academy;
Simsbury Celebrates; Hopmeadow Nursery School; Simsbury Public School functions; Simsbury
Clergy Group; Simsbury Retired Men’s Luncheon; Temporary shelter (2012 major storm); Food
Share distribution site (parking lot); contribution center of Food Pantry and Heifer.
g. Indicate the number of school districts from which members of your church are drawn:
one
two
X
three or more
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
(Add *** if the information came from a survey of the congregation)
a. Identify major trends you envision in your church in the next five years (***)

Continued interest in hands-on mission activities and opportunities to faithfully serve others.

Increased efforts to diversify church membership/attendance in respect of race and sexual orientation.

Collaboration with neighboring churches that expand faith building opportunities for existing and
prospective members and that expose the un-churched, particularly youth and young adults, to
Christ.
Aging church membership, resulting in greater pastoral care needs, served by our ministerial staff
and vibrant First Church Friends ministry.


Openness and receptivity to new directions.
b. Planning
a. All churches do planning. How would you characterize the way planning is done in your
church?
Operational planning is conducted regularly by both our lay leadership and ministry team on a
collaborative basis. The Executive Committee and Boards and Committees of First Church
routinely engage in planning activities in order to prepare for upcoming liturgical activities,
organize fellowship and other church-wide events, and carry out the everyday business of the
Church.
Page 15 of 46
A new strategic plan for First Church was developed and adopted by the congregation in 2012.
This plan helped identify a number of key areas needing strategic review and improvement.
Portions of the plan, such as reorganization of office staff to better serve the ministry and mission
of First Church, were implemented. Other parts of the plan, relating to governance structure of the
Church, have been implemented partially (e.g., closer alignment of stewardship activities with the
Board of Finance). We also have made efforts to enhance our small group ministries and attract
more volunteers by shortening terms of office for Boards and Committees. Recommendations
made by an appointed committee regarding more extensive governance structure changes (and
accompanying bylaw revisions) were considered but set aside following the announced departure
of our former senior pastor. We recognize a need to re-look at this and other parts of our strategic
plan and refine them for the future.
b. What expectations do you have of the person you are seeking in relation to the planning that takes
place?
See above. We expect our Senior Minister will participate in collaborative operational planning
with staff and lay leadership, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of adults with regard
to missions and outreach, social justice, adult education, hospitality, fellowship, and visitation. We
also expect our Senior Minister to engage collaboratively with staff and lay leadership in the
refinement and implementation of our strategic goals.
c. When is the last time your church undertook a period of discernment and long-range planning in an
intentional way?
A comprehensive strategic planning process began in 2011 and culminated in the adoption of a new
strategic plan by congregational vote in June 2012. Drafted by a cross-functional planning team
and refined by our clergy and Executive Council, the plan reflected input from the congregation
(cottage meetings), clergy and lay leaders and was intended to provide a framework and guidepost
for future operational planning.
c. Reflections on Congregational Life
Comment on the following with what you believe to be the generally-held responses of the
congregation. If more space is needed, use additional pages. (Add *** if information came
from a survey of the congregation.)
a. Identify the three most important faith experiences or events in the history of your church
and the year each took place:
Event
Year
Open and Affirming
2013
After years of debate and education, First Church adopted an open and affirming declaration in
which we now officially welcome, respect, and affirm all people without regard to sexual
orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, economic circumstance, or physical,
emotional, or mental ability. This vote (which saw only 13 dissenting votes) was a strong
proclamation of First Church’s commitment to foster inclusion in all that we do.
Financial Commitment to Mission and Outreach
Page 16 of 46
2008
First Church has a long tradition of strong support for mission and outreach. In 2008, the church
engaged in open discussion of the level of support we could afford. Like many churches at this
time, the recession significantly impacted our income and operational budget. While we could not
continue our historically high levels of support, we did affirm our commitment to mission and
outreach by voting to allocate at least 10% of annualized income each budget year. Many mission
and outreach items identified in this profile would have been eliminated without this action.
Church fire/rebuilding of The Meetinghouse
1966
In 1965, a fire destroyed most of the Church. This event was both traumatic and triumphant.
Traumatic, to witness history destroyed, but triumphant to experience the church membership and
community unite and rebuild. The same spirit of commitment, giving and hope in 1966 continued
and remains today. Decades following the fire, First Church completed two capital campaigns that
expanded our facilities, including the church offices, meeting rooms and classrooms, all which are
vital to the ongoing role of serving our members and community.
b. Identify the most challenging faith experience or event in the life of your church in the last
three years and what the church learned from it:
In June 2011, First Church unexpectedly lost its Sexton, after he suffered a massive heart attack.
Our Sexton, his wife and two sons had come to the U.S. as refugees from Bosnia and were brought
to live in Simsbury and work at First Church in 1999 through the efforts of our former Senior
Minister, Rev. Robert Naylor, and several caring members of our congregation. The family lived
in the house at 6 West Street, and our Sexton worked at First Church for nearly 12 years. After his
death, the family experienced significant difficulty coping with the emotional loss of their husband
and father as well as the loss of his economic support. His death also brought into focus a myriad
of difficulties that the family had faced over the years as former refugees of a civil war, including
the cultural challenge of living as functioning members in an American community. Many
members of the congregation stepped in to assist, but there were significant differences of opinion
on how best to help the family, including financially. Despite best efforts by the lay leadership of
the Church to reach consensus (and despite the meaningful support given by the Church and
congregation), these differences became flashpoints for many and embroiled our former Senior
Minister, Rev. Jonathan Morgan, Rev. Kevin Weikel and several lay leaders in dealing regularly
with this matter. Legal issues pertaining to what was owed to the Sexton’s estate and troubling
criminal activities of the teenage sons (including vandalism at the Church) complicated the
resolution. After a difficult 18 months, the legal matters were settled, and the Church helped the
family to relocate to another residence in town.
Many lessons were learned from this painful period of our Church history. In retrospect, we should
have relied more on better-equipped professional resources when working with individuals who
had experienced the trauma of war; broad-based, ongoing support and basic skills training
(including English language instruction) were needed by this family that was not provided by wellmeaning members, despite best intentions. We learned that Christian caring can involve referral to
and reliance on experts outside the Church. This incident also underscored the need to improve our
employment practices, several of which were reviewed and improved, with more consistent and
better documented decisions. In addition, we learned the importance of strong clergy and lay
leadership to address conflicting perspectives that can cast long-term shadows on trusting Christian
relationships.
c. What is God calling your church to do/become over the next few years?
Honor and build upon our church history
Page 17 of 46
With an extensive mission commitment, we seek to continue to engage in targeted support and
outreach activities in Simsbury, the greater Hartford area, nationally and globally. We will need to
find ways to engage all members in meaningful mission and outreach activities, and continue to
identify opportunities to serve those who would benefit from the resources of our faith community.
Offer life changing opportunities for our congregation
We seek to explore and grow in faith through education, music, worship, and fellowship, all based
upon God’s love and Christ’s teachings. These efforts will include repeating the success of youth
and adult mission trips, growing our thriving small group faith and education programs, continuing
our “uncommon” (contemporary) worship service, and developing programs that help members
build bonds of fellowship and friendship.
Be a welcoming home for our community
First Church desires to expand its presence and influence in our community. We believe First
Church should be a beacon for all seeking to grow in Christ.
We seek an faith based environment that retains current members, while attracting new individuals
including those that are (1) are unchurched, but desire to be part of our faith community; (2) may
have had a prior relationship with a church, but no longer see the relevance; (3) have been
unwelcome by their church and seek a loving and inclusive faith community.
We desire to expand opportunities and increase experiences that alter negative attitudes towards
“church”, provide enhanced spiritual growth and eliminate non-inclusive behaviors exhibited by
some church and church leaders.
d. Describe how the church expects the person you are seeking to help your church reach
these goals:
The Senior Minister will play a central role in facilitating our outreach ministry and in helping our
adult members to discern and strengthen their relationship with God, identify and nurture their gifts
and talents, and help to increase member involvement in the life of the church. We seek someone
who will nurture prospective members and foster a ministry of hospitality within the congregation.
The Senior Minister will help provide the spiritual guidance, strategic focus, training and leadership
for congregational participation in these activities. He or she will work collaboratively with our
Associate Minister as well as our Director of Music Ministries and Director of Children’s Ministries
to foster a spirit of teamwork and shared ministry as well as help each member of the team to
develop professionally. We also expect that the Senior Minister will work collaboratively with our
lay leadership and volunteers as they develop and execute on their respective areas of activity.
e. The following most accurately describes the theological/faith stance of your church:
X
X
We tend to be theologically conservative.
We tend to be theologically moderate to conservative.
We tend to be theologically moderate.
We tend to be theologically moderate to liberal.
We tend to be theologically liberal.
We tend to be quite diverse theologically.
f. Describe the educational program of your church:
Page 18 of 46
Identify the curriculum used in your chur
church
ch school and the person or committee
responsible for selection of curriculum:
Children Education Programs ((Pre K through 6th grade):
Bible stories, prayers and songs are shared with children at all grade levels. Our Pre-K
Pre class uses a
Faith Basics Curriculum
ulum written by the Children's Ministry Director. Kindergarten class uses “Holy
Moly Curriculum.” Grades 1st through 5th, use the Workshop Rotation model. This model
incorporates different learning styles, using one or more of the multiple intelligences and
an has
generated much enthusiasm and interest from both students and teachers! Students rotate to the
cooking, movie, computer, science, art, and movie room to learn the Bible story. Students in grades
6 and 7 participate in a two year program. Year one is called “Ancestors” by Sparkhouse and
reviews all the major Old Testament stories and year two reviews New Testament stories. The
curriculum is selected by the director of Children's Ministries and approved by the Board of
Christian Education
.
Indicate resources used for Confirmation and the person or committee responsible for the
selection of these resources:
Our Associate Minister leads the Confirmation program for 8th graders. He developed a creative
year-long program with a curriculum unique to our
ou Church that combines large group gatherings,
small groups facilitated by faithful lay leaders and hands
hands-on
on mission projects. The goal is for our
confirmands to explore, develop, and nurture their faith and become active members of our church
community.
Are there educational opportunities for all ages?
Yes
Youth Education Programs (7th grade through High School):
Junior Fellowship (JF): This program is for 7th and 8th graders and is led by our Associate Minister
and lay leaders. JF is a community of
of peers where fun, fellowship, and learning are encouraged.
The goal is to grow closer to God and one another through an understanding of the teachings of
Jesus Christ.
Senior High Pilgrim Fellowship (PF): This program is for high school-aged
aged students aand is led by
the Associate Minister and adult lay leaders. There is a youth steering committee that consists of
committed members who have an interest in planning and leading programs and events. The focus
Page 19 of 46
of PF is to help youth experience the Word of God and learn to live as Christians through an
understanding of the life of Jesus.
Current programs include:
 Sunday Evenings: gathering for a time of discussions, worship and fellowship.
 Spring and Fall Retreats: 2-night get-aways, where teens have time to explore their faith
and develop friendships in an outdoor setting.



Lock-ins: Teens stay overnight at the church, and explore their faith through fun, games,
and fellowship.
Serving at a soup kitchen 4 times per year
Week-long Pilgramages
o 2015 (planned) – Johnson City, TN with Appalachia Service Project
o 2014, Washington, D.C., with Youth Service Opportunities
o 2013, Chapmanville, WV, with Appalachia Service Project
o 2012, Chicago, IL, with Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
o 2011, Neon, Kentucky, with Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service
Adult Education Programs:
Adult education at First Church is designed around small groups where church members have the
opportunity to study the Bible, read and discuss books pertinent to the development of our faith, or
engage in a study program together in an environment of Christian fellowship and community.
Small groups have a variety of formats and focuses and include:





Women’s Bible study small groups facilitated by church members
Adult Bible and book studies facilitated by church members or our ministers
Faith circles led by women of the church
Occasional lecture/discussion series, generally involving guest speakers
Off-site retreats
Does your church have a written Safe Church Policy?
X Yes
______ No
Page 20 of 46
g. Describe how the church expects the person you are seeking to participate in the
congregation’s educational programs:
The goal of our educational programs is for participants to explore and nurture their individual faith
journeys through a wide variety of media and experiences.
As noted in 23(f), lay leadership and/or staff play a critical role in First Church educational
programs. The Senior Minister will have a prominent role in setting vision for adult educational
opportunities at First Church. These opportunities will include Bible studies, small discussion
groups, seminars, retreats and fellowship and mission experiences. The Senior Minister might serve
as a mentor to members leading educational programs, and occasionally personally lead a program.
The Senior Minister will have an oversight role in connection to children and youth educational
opportunities at First Church. We hope that the Senior Minister will provide fresh ideas and
approaches toward Christian education, while in close collaboration with the Associate Minister,
church staff and lay people.
h. Describe how programs or ministries of your church are evaluated:
We do not have a formal process for evaluating church programs and ministries. The job
performance of our clergy and professional staff is evaluated as part of an annual review process,
and their leadership of church programs and ministries is addressed individually through this
process. Various programs, such as our annual women’s retreat, are assessed through selfevaluation by the participants,which then helps facilitators and leaders to enhance program content
from year to year.
i. Describe the strengths or positive qualities of your church:
The information provided contained in this section was collected through a series of cottage meetings held
and from surveys conducted.
First Church members are its most significant strength. The talent, vitality, diversity of faith
backgrounds, and compassion of the church membership are its most appealing qualities. Also, our
commitment to mission and outreach is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to the
teachings of Jesus Christ. First Church is a prominent church in Simsbury, having been the
institutional heart of the original settlement of the town over 300 years ago, and our community
identity remains strong to this day. In addition, we are considered to be a leading congregation in
the Connecticut Conference.
As noted above, youth ministries are a key strength of First Church. The wide range of activities of
our Junior and Pilgrim Fellowship groups not only benefits the participants, but serves as an
inspiration to the wider church. Youth activities also serve an outreach function, as youth from
other churches, or no church background, participate regularly.
Furthermore, in addition to the focus on local and global mission and youth and adult education
noted earlier in this Profile, First Church has a vibrant and very active music ministry, which is a
key strength at First Church We use music in many forms to help create a spiritual space that will
move, inspire and uplift people in praising God during worship. Our Director of Music Ministries
trains and conducts our four adult choirs and provides solos and accompaniment on the Moller pipe
Page 21 of 46
organ and piano. Lay volunteers conduct four youth choirs and teach music to the Sunday School
classes.
Choirs:
 Chancel Choir is the largest and core group of our musical ministry, providing choral music for
most regular services and presentation of major choral works twice a year.
 Women’s Praise Choir sings three and four part close harmony in folk, contemporary, jazz and
classical styles.
 Men’s Choir is a smaller adult group which also sings three and four close part harmony in folk,
contemporary, jazz and classical styles.
 The UncommonWorship Team consists of keyboards, drums, guitars and vocal performers,
providing musical leadership for our contemporary worship services.
 Junior Choir includes singers in grades 3 to 6, and offers music in worship once a month.

Cherub Choir is for singers from kindergarten to grade 2, providing music once each month.

Choral Bells is a skilled hand bell choir that performs for worship services as well as in area
hand bell festivals.
The Cornerstone Concert Series:
We present 4 to 6 concerts a year featuring national, regional, and local ensembles and performers
of different styles.
Page 22 of 46
24. Indicate major boards, committees, small groups, and organizations that are a part of
your church; the frequency of meetings (monthly, weekly, etc.); and expectations for
leadership. For leadership role use: 1 = pastor takes primary initiative and
responsibility; 2 = pastor and laity share responsibility; 3 = laity take primary initiative
and responsibility; 4 = the pastor’s presence is expected periodically/occasionally.
Board/Committee
Purpose
#
Members
Frequency
Leadership
Board of Christian Education
Education
8
Monthly
3,4
Board of Finance/Stewardship
Budget/Endowment/Stewardship
5
Monthly
3,4
Board of Mission and Outreach
Mission/ Social Justice
12
Monthly
3,4
Board of Music Ministries
Music
6
Monthly
3,4
Board of Personnel
Staff
5
Monthly
3,4
Board of Trustees
Building and Grounds
4
Monthly
3,4
Board of Worship
Worship
14
Monthly
3,4
Bylaws Committee
By Law Review and Amendment
4
As needed
3,4
Mission
1
As needed
3,4
Finance Endowment
4
As needed
3,4
6
As needed
3,4
Financial Controls
3
As needed
3
Called to Care
Committee for Endowment Devp.
Committee of Deacons
Finance Control Sub-Committee
Friends of First Church
Visitation
13
As needed
3,4
Funeral Receptions
Funeral
4
As needed
3,4
Grants Committee
Building and Grounds
2
As needed
3
Historian
1
As needed
2
Youth Education
8
Monthly
Heritage Committee
JF Advisors
Memorial Garden Committee
Nominating Committee
Open & Affirming Committee
Panel of Delegates
PF Advisors
Sr. Minister Search Team
Trans. Minister Pastoral Relations Comm.
Welcoming Church Ministry Team
Youth Minister Pastoral Relations Comm.
Building and Grounds
9Building and
As Grounds
needed
Boards/Committees
2
Implementation and Education
UCC - First Church representation
2
3,4
As needed
2
7
Monthly
3,4
2
As needed
3
Youth Education Advisor
8
As needed
2
Search
10
Weekly
3
Pastoral development/support
4
As needed
2
Welcoming
5
As needed
3,4
Pastoral development/support
3
As needed
2
Page 23 of 46
Frequency
Leadership
Sunday Morning Adult Study
Ongoing Small Groups
Topical Christian Group Study
Weekly
3,4
Women’s Bible Study Groups
Bible Studies
Bi Weekly
3
Spiritual enrichment away from church
Fall/Spring
3,4
Card making for various needs of the
congregation
Monthly
3
Topical book studies
Monthly
3
Older women meet for reading and
conversation
Monthly
3
Knit shawls and delivered to those in
need – homes, residents and hospitals
Monthly
3
Quarterly
3,4
w/ FCC West Avon. Topical Christian
Studies
Monthly
3,4
Mothers of young children meet to
discuss various bible topics
Monthly
3,4
Women’s Retreat in the Fall and Spring
Card Making Group
Book Groups
Women’s Circle
Prayer Shawl Groups
Purpose
# Members
Supper Club
Special meals and seasonal programs
20/30’s Group
Women’s Small Group
Page 24 of 46
25. Conflict
Most churches experience conflict at various times. Characterize your church’s experience with
conflict given the following possibilities. Indicate the extent to which each statement describes your
church: C = closely; S = somewhat; N = not at all.
S as a church, we respect and listen to each other and work things through without generating
divisiveness.
C as a church, we try to respect and listen to each other.
S it is not uncommon for differences of opinion to be a problem and for some people to choose sides.
S some have left our church because of conflict.
N conflict hurts our sense of unity and we tend not to talk about it.
S painful experience with conflict has been present.
C painful experience has been worked through and we have learned from the experience.
N painful experiences linger in the background.
N open conflict is present, and we need a minister who can help us deal with it.
26. Worship
a. Describe the weekly worship schedule (number of services, times, languages in which the
services are conducted, frequency with which communion is included, special emphases
such as healing services, contemporary worship, etc.)
We hold two weekly worship services on Sunday morning. The first is at 8:30 am in our chapel
and offers an informal and intimate
setting to a smaller group. At 10:00
am, we hold a service in our larger
sanctuary with a more traditional
liturgy, children’s message and a
wider musical offering, including
several different choirs.
In addition, we hold occasional
Uncommon Worship services, in place
of
the traditional 10:00 am service,
providing a less formal, interactive
service of worship designed for all
ages. It encompasses an eclectic mix of music, drama and Word, that is personal, direct, and
contemporary in tone, allowing individuals to know and experience the mystery of God and feel
the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of Jesus Christ in a more relaxed and intimate setting.
b. Are your worship services or church gatherings sign language interpreted?
_____ Yes
X No
Page 25 of 46
c. Are there particular ministr
ministries with persons with developmental disabilities or mental
illness?
First Church is very
y attentive to those members of our Congregation who have development
disabilities, mental illnesses or who may be suffering emotional distress due to some momentary
crisis.
isis. For example, our ministers do provide counseling and support, up to a certain point, to those
individuals who have emotional and mental needs. If they believe the individual needs professional
assistance, they will make the appropriate
appropriat recommendation
n and supply him/her with the necessary
contact information.
From a physical disability standpoint, our Church School and Sanctuary are handicap accessible
with elevators for easy access for both adults and children.
The Children's Ministry director
director and church school teachers have experience in providing
additional assistance to children with special needs such as ADHD, Autism, Downs Syndrome, and
special dietary needs. The director works with the parents to determine how we can best assist with
their
ir child's needs while attending First Church programs and events.
Simsbury Public Schools are well-known
well known “…for highly effective education services for the
students it serves by achieving strong outcomes on state assessments and overall hig
high levels of
parent satisfaction with sevices.” (Letter From the Director of Special Services, Simsbury Public
Schools, 2013). Given that the Simsbury school system will contintue to attract families with
students with special needs, First Church likely always will hav
havee students with special needs.
d. Identify how worship is planned on a regular basis in your church
_____
_____
_____
X
by a worship committee
by the pastor
by the pastor in consultation
consultat
with the church musician
other – specify: Collaborative pro
process
cess among the (Interim) Senior Minister, Associate
Minister and Director of Music Ministries
e. Describe the style and content of preaching valued by your congregation:
Worship is where we are able to open our hearts, bring Christ into
our lives and discover
scover the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Spirit We desire
preaching that is Biblically based and relates
relat scripture to our daily
lives. We seek a passionate preacher who will help us maintain
our theological foundation, while inspiring and encouraging all
members of the congregation (adults, youth and children) to
explore what God is calling us to do and become.
We appreciate references from the preacher to his or her own faith
journey.. Preaching should challenge and build up our personal
faith through thought provoking sermons,, and help us enter into
and develop a closer relationship with God. References to
contemporary and historic situations and to the loving vision of Jesus Christ help parishioners
realize God’s presence at work.
Page 26 of 46
f. Describe the role in worship of the person you are seeking:
The Senior Minister will play a primary role in leading the congregation in worship and have
preaching responsibilities approximately 35 Sundays per year. Duties will also include
participation in the Uncommon Worship contemporary worship service. We are seeking a worship
leader who can help us, during that short period when we come together as a congregation, to find
communion with God and one another and the inspiration that will help sustain us through the
week ahead.
g. What hymnal(s) are currently used by your congregation in worship?
Hymns of Truth and Light
h. Have you considered using another hymnal?
After extensive research and deliberation, we introduced Hymns of Truth and Light, with
additional music selections specific to our church, in 2007.
Churches have a variety of practices related to the use of Inclusive Language in worship services.
(Some churches have made the decision not to change any language in worship; others are
intentionally inclusive in their references to people avoiding words such as “mankind”. Some
avoid exclusively male references for God and seek to include male and female images as well as
a variety of metaphors; other churches exercise care in the words of the liturgy but still utilize
“traditional” hymns.)
How important is this issue to your church?
Over the past five years, we have replaced several portions of our liturgy with gender neutral
wording. Although we are still adjusting to these changes, there appears to be general consensus
on the need for inclusive language.
WIDER CHURCH CONNECTIONS
27. United Church of Christ
a. Association, conference, or other denominational programs and activities in which church
members participate:
Do you send delegates to association and conference meetings?
Regularly
X
Occasionally __________Never__________
Have members of your church ever served as delegates or visitors to General Synod?
Yes
X
No_______ Not Sure _________
The Panel of Delegates represents the congregation at all ecclesiastical bodies and functions to
which our church is invited to send representatives. These members attend meetings of the
Page 27 of 46
Farmington Valley Association (of the Connecticut Conference of the UCC) as well as the Annual
Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the UCC.
b. Association, conference, or other denominational settings in which your church expects the
leader you are now seeking to participate:
We expect the Senior Minister, as an ordained member of the UCC and active member of the
clergy, to have a visible role in activities of the Connecticut Conference and the Farmington Valley
Association for the purpose of facilitating the use of educational and service opportunities available
to our congregation.
c. Choose the word that best describes how lay leaders of your church consciously identify
with the United Church of Christ:
closely
x
moderately
nominally
other
Comment:
Historically, our lay leaders have identified to a moderate degree with the UCC, but we see this
area as an opportunity for further development.
28. Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities
a. Describe ways your church participated in ecumenical and interfaith activities during
the past three years:







Joint services with Metropolitan AME Zion Church of Hartford.
Good Friday service shared with all the Protestant churches in Simsbury
Easter Sunday Sunrise Service with Simsbury United Methodist Church
Interfaith Thanksgiving service with local congregations.
Martin Luther King, Jr. convocations at First Church, attended by local clergy, town officials
and residents
Vacation Bible School with Simsbury United Methodist Church
20/30 Somethings Group with West Avon Congregational Church
b. Describe how your church expects the leader you are now seeking to participate in
ecumenical and interfaith activities:
We expect that our Senior Minister will continue the work of predecessors in exploring ways in
which First Church can continue to foster cooperative and caring relationships among the various
Simsbury faith communities, other UCC communities and beyond.
RELATIONSHIP WITH MINISTERIAL LEADERS
29. Relationship With Prior Leaders
a. Characterize your church’s experience with pastoral leaders over the past 15 years.
You may check more than one response:
Page 28 of 46
X
In general, our lay leaders have a history of strong, cooperative relationships with the
church’s pastoral leadership.
We have had some fairly rocky moments, but we have worked them through, and
relationships with pastoral leaders have grown in significant and important ways.
We have had some tough times and things did not always work out.
Other. Specify:
Comment:
Historically, First Church of Christ has enjoyed very positive and productive relationships with its
pastors. The Reverend Lyman Potter, whose tenure spanned 22 years from 1963 to 1986, led a
faithful congregation through a turbulent period of social change. In addition, in 1965, shortly after
his arrival, First Church was seriously damaged by fire. Mr. Potter led the successful fundraising
to rebuild the church and simultaneously spurred a congregational decision to increase our mission
and outreach commitment – at that time, 25% of our annual income.
Upon Mr. Potter’s retirement, the Reverend Robert Naylor began a 14-year term as Senior
Minister, and our congregation reached new levels of vitality and outreach. During this time, the
church celebrated the 300th anniversary of its founding and successfully completed a $1.2 million
Fourth Century Capital Campaign. Part of the campaign proceeds were used to construct a new
office wing. Mr. Naylor left First Church in 2001 for a call to Second Congregational Church in
Greenwich, Connecticut.
After Mr. Naylor’s departure, First Church was led by the Reverend Roger Nicholson as Interim
Senior Minister. This was Mr. Nicholson’s third ministry with us, as he filled the pulpit during our
search for Mr. Naylor and also during Mr. Naylor’s extended illness. Mr. Nicholson was much
loved by the congregation as a result of his faithful and successful care of First Church on these
occasions.
The Reverend Jonathan Morgan was called to serve as Senior Minister of First Church in
September 2003 and served in that role for ten years. He developed a very personal one-on-one
ministry and brought a new emphasis on the joys and challenges of being a Christian in today’s
world through organized programs of study and small group meetings, to which the congregation
has responded with enthusiasm. First Church supported Jonathan’s strong interest in hands-on
mission work. During his tenure, he expanded our mission and outreach activities into new areas,
including direct, hands-on work with Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, a UCC organization
for which he served on the board of directors. First Church also supported Jonathan’s active
involvement in our denomination, including his leadership role in the Farmington Valley
Association and his participation in state and national UCC events. During the summer of 2011,
First Church supported Jonathan’s three-month sabbatical, during which he visited other churches
around the country primarily to learn about different models of church governance; he later shared
this learning with our lay leadership as we explored ways of updating the governance structure of
First Church.
In September 2005, the Reverend Kevin Weikel was called to serve as Associate Minister for
Youth and Young Adults. He has developed a highly successful program of education and
fellowship for the youth of the church that has served as a model for other UCC youth leaders.
Rev. Weikel’s role has expanded over the past nine years to encompass active participation in
worship (including leadership of our Uncommon Worship services), pastoral care, officiating at
Page 29 of 46
baptisms, weddings and funerals, and leadership of a new ministry for young couples. Rev. Weikel
also covered for Rev. Morgan when the latter was on his sabbatical as well as after he left First
Church and before Rev. Arakawa arrived as Transitional Minister. Rev Weikel also has been part
of The Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) which is a 10 year intensive continuing
education program. This program focuses on “sustaining younger, emerging United Church of
Christ local church pastors, believing that healthy, catalytic pastors lead to healthy, vibrant
congregations.”
In 2007, the Reverend Alison Butrick Patton was called to serve as Associate Minister for Parish
Life and Outreach. Under her leadership, First Church engaged in a very successful local mission
project that resulted in the rehabilitation of two affordable housing units in Simsbury. She was also
instrumental in organizing our highly successful annual women’s retreats at Silver Lake and
contributed to the development of our 2012 strategic plan. Rev. Butrick Patton left First Church in
2013 to become Senior Minister at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
In recent years, First Church has been blessed by the presence of two members in our care who
went through a process of discernment and subsequently entered and graduated from Andover
Newton Theological School. One was recently ordained and now serves as an associate at First
Church of Christ, Congregational in Suffield, CT; the other served our congregation for over a year
as Acting Associate Minister of Parish Life and now serves as a chaplain at Hartford Hospital.
Since the departure of Rev. Jonathan Morgan, we have been blessed to have Rev. Dianne Arakawa
as our Transitional Senior Minister. Rev. Arakawa, who has significant experience in transitional
ministry, quickly assessed areas that needed our attention during this interim period and began
helping to address them. She has worked with our Board of Personnel to implement a muchneeded office staff restructuring, encouraged greater teamwork and collaboration among the clergy
and professional staff, helped clarify roles and responsibilities, and encouraged standardization of
protocols and policies that previously had been carried out ad hoc. Rev. Arakawa has been actively
involved in ensuring that the ministries and programs of First Church continue to thrive during this
transition period. She also has lent her very helpful guidance and support to the Search team on the
process for selecting a new Senior Minister.
b. Indicate the tenure of the last three installed persons who filled the position you are
seeking to fill. Do not include interims:
Name
Rev. Jonathan Morgan
From
2003
To
2013
Rev. Robert H. Naylor
1987
2001
Rev. Lyman Potter
1963
1986
c. If a previous pastor or pastor emeritus/a is currently a member of the church, describe his
or her involvement in the life of the congregation:
Our former Acting Associate Minister of Parish Life remains a member of our congregation but
through mutual agreement is not attending during the one-year period since her departure in mid2014.
Page 30 of 46
d. In addition to financial support, describe how your church supported the most recent
person to hold the position you are now seeking to fill:
First Church strongly supported Rev. Jonathan Morgan’s ministry. He received the love and
respect of members, who endorsed his personal approach to visitation, adult education, and
hospitality, and he enjoyed the mutual respect and faithful exchange of ideas with his colleagues.
Many of our members hold special memories of mission trips, retreats and personal visits with
Jonathan.
See Section 29a for additional details.
e. Involuntary Terminations: Have any of the last three persons serving in the position you
are seeking to fill left involuntarily or under pressure?
_____ yes

X
no:
Indicate, if you can, which of the following best describe the congregation’s behavior
toward that person prior to her or his leaving: You may check more than one.
NA civil
NA compassionate
NA harsh

NA kind
NA supportive
NA indifferent
Describe what your church has learned from the experience about itself and its
relationship with persons who provided ministerial leadership:
NA
30. Does the church have a Pastoral Relations Committee?
X
yes
no
If yes, describe its purpose, functions and how often they meet:
The church has a Pastoral Relations Committee for each full-time minister, which is led by the current
Vice President of the congregation, with 3-4 additional lay members on each committee. Committee
members are appointed by the Executive Committee for two year terms, coinciding with the terms of
the church officers. These committees are available to counsel the ordained minister, as requested, in
their personal and financial concerns.
31. If there is periodic assessment/evaluation of the nature of the work and of the
performance of that work for the position you are seeking to fill? Describe it:
The position receives an annual performance review by the Church President and Vice President.
Is the periodic ministerial evaluation coordinated with a regular assessment of the overall ministry of
the congregation? Not currently
Page 31 of 46
32. Leadership Expectations
A list follows of 45 items which represent a range of qualities in the ministry of the church.
Place an “X” beside the 12 items which your church feels are the most important aspects of
ministry for your church at this time. All the qualities are important. However, please mark
those 12 which you feel need first priority at this time. Do not rank the items. If the aspects
you consider to be important are not included in the list, place them at the end in the blanks
provided.
Mark only 12 of the following items. Do not rank the items.
Our church needs a person who…
1.
2.
x
3.
x
4.
5.
x
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
x
11.
x
12.
13.
14.
15.
x
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
x
is an effective preacher/speaker
continues to develop his/her
theological and biblical skills
helps people develop their
spiritual life
helps people work together in
solving problems
is effective in planning and leading
worship
has a sense of the direction of
his/her ministry
regularly encourages people to
participate in United Church of
Christ activities and programs
helps people understand and act
upon issues of social justice
is a helpful counselor
ministers effectively to people in
crisis situations
makes pastoral calls on people in
hospitals and nursing homes and
those confined to their homes
makes pastoral calls on members
not confined to their homes
is a good leader
is effective in working with children
builds a sense of fellowship among
the people with whom he/she works
helps people develop their leadership
abilities
is an effective administrator
is effective with committees and
officers
is an effective teacher
has a strong commitment to the
educational ministry of the church
is effective in working with adults
inspires a sense of confidence
works regularly at bringing new
members into the church
24.
25.
26.
x
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
x
34.
35.
36.
x
37.
x
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
x
regularly encourages support of
Our Church’s Wider Mission
reaches out to inactive members
works regularly in the development
of stewardship growth
is active in ecumenical relationships
and encourages the church to
participate
is a person of faith
writes clearly and well
works well on a team
is effective in working with youth
organizes people for community action
is skilled in planning and leading
programs
plans and leads well-organized meetings
encourages people to relate their faith
to their daily lives
is accepting of people with divergent
views
encourages others to assume and
carry out leadership
is mature and emotionally secure
has strong commitment and loyalty
maintains confidentially
understands and interprets the mission
of the church from a global perspective
is a compassionate and caring person
deals effectively with conflict
If there are other comments you wish to make
about expectations, include one or more
paragraphs here on an additional sheet.
Page 32 of 46
GENERAL
33. Does your governing body or your search committee have a well-defined policy against
discrimination?
__X__ Yes
_____ No
Comment:
34. Has your congregation participated in an ONA (Open and Affirming) study/discernment
process?
__X__ Yes
_____ No
Comment:
35. Is there a position description of the pastor’s role and responsibilities?
___X__ Yes
_____ No
If “yes,” please attach a copy.
Does your church have a personnel policy covering this position?
X
Yes
No
36. List the titles of other paid staff positions for whom this person provides supervision and
indicate whether these positions are full-time (FT) or part-time (PT).
Associate Minister/ Youth and Young Adults
Office Manager/Church Administer
Director of Music Ministries
PT
PT
PT
X
X
X
FT
FT
FT
*See Organization Chart (Supplemental Information)
37. Name three people who have agreed to serve as references. Make sure they are not
members of your church, but know your church well enough to be helpful to a final
candidate seeking more information about your church, e.g., conference staff, person in
community, neighboring pastor:
Name
Telephone/Email
Relationship to Your Church
a. Bill Ketchabaw
919.650.3776
Former member and employee – out of state
[email protected]
b. Woody Eddins
860.651.3356
Pastor of Simsbury United Methodist Church
[email protected]
c. Mary Glassman
860.550.3976
Former First Selectman of Town of Simsbury
Page 33 of 46
38. What groups or individuals in your church have contributed to, reviewed, and/or
approved this profile for circulation?
The Search Committee wrote this Profile after careful thought, reflection and prayer.
A series of cottage meetings were held to obtain First Church members’ feedback, thoughts and
concerns. First Church members were also asked to complete an on-line survey designed by Hartford
Seminary. The results of the cottage meetings and surveys were incorporated into the Profile.
This Profile was reviewed by our Conference Minister, our senior staff and approved by First Church’s
Executive Committee.
STATEMENT ON LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY
Using this page, and one additional page if needed, write a statement that will help a candidate better
understand the relationship of clergy and lay leadership in the life of your congregation. Candidates
will be interested to know whether your lay leaders have a history of strong, cooperative
relationships with the church’s pastoral leadership. If your church organizational structure is based
on intentional lay-led ministries, describe how that structure functions in relationship to the pastor;
if your organizational structure is dependent on clergy leadership, describe what will be expected of
the pastor.
Consistent with our congregational tradition and our by-laws, First Church operates as a democratic
institution, and much of the strategic decision making authority resides with the congregation and/or lay
leadership. Within this traditional congregational model, however, we have found that the most effective
decision making results from building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships between our
ministry team (consisting of our ordained clergy, Director of Music Ministries and Director of Children’s
Ministries), Church officers, Executive Council and various Boards and Committees. This collaboration,
built on mutual respect for each other’s roles/contributions and shared leadership accountability, extends in
varying degrees to all aspects of the life of First Church, including (among others) worship, programs,
pastoral care, stewardship and administration.
We seek a Senior Minister with strong leadership skills who will actively participate in church decision
making, celebrate the different viewpoints and perspectives of our congregation as a strength, and help
build consensus among all decision makers. Our Senior Minister will be a leader who values the
complementary gifts and skills of others and helps carry on our tradition of shared leadership, in which
members are encouraged to assume responsibility for carrying out a wide variety of important functions
within the Church. Pastoral care is a good example: our Transitional Senior Minister meets regularly with
First Church Friends, our visitation team, to collaboratively review tactics, define expectations, coordinate
pastoral visits, etc. but does not formally “direct” the team, which is led by lay members.
We believe honest and open communications by and among the ministry team, lay leaders and the
congregation are essential to a collaborative leadership and decision making model. A variety of regular
leadership meetings is designed to encourage free and open discussion of issues and ideas. Each month, the
Church’s four elected officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Clerk) meet with the Senior
Minister to share information about Church activities and plans, discuss particular issues and plan the next
Executive Council meeting. These meetings help set an agreed agenda for that meeting, ensure there will
be no “surprises” and help identify all key points for discussion. The broader Executive Council (which
consists of the officers as well as Board and Committee heads) also meets monthly. Our clergy attend this
Page 34 of 46
meeting and fully participate in discussions of issues, which cover the full range of Church activities finance, mission and outreach, worship, Christian education, visitation, etc.
Our Boards/Committees meet regularly (monthly, in most cases), and members of the ministry team
actively participate in these meetings as appropriate (for instance, the Director of Music Ministries attends
meetings of the Board of Music Ministries). This allows for collaborative planning and decision making.
We also hold quarterly “All-Boards” meetings, which provide an opportunity for all First Church
Board/Committee members, the officers and the ministry team to share and discuss key information prior to
the regular Board/Committee meetings. This helps create an atmosphere of excitement about our mutual
shared goals that spills over into the larger congregation we represent. Our lay leadership and ministry
team also share the critical responsibility of communicating with the congregation, to keep members
apprised of important information and decisions arising out of these meetings.
Conference or Association
Descriptive Reference
Church Name:
Location:
Conference:
Association:
Name of Staff Assisting in the Search:
Staff Comments:
_____________________________________________
Signature of Staff Assisting in the Search
________________________________
Date
Page 35 of 46
Supplemental Information
SENIOR MINISTER
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SIMSBURY, CT
JOB DUTIES
The Senior Minister will oversee all aspects of ministry at First Church and have the responsibilities outlined below.
Primary Responsibilities

Plan, lead and oversee worship services, providing strong, inspirational preaching of God’s word
o

Provide strategic leadership and vision to the congregation, Executive Council, Associate Minister and lay staff,
various Boards and Committees and other First Church ministry and service groups
o



Actively participate in Executive Council meetings (as a voting EC member), Board and Committee
meetings and meetings of the congregation
Manage and coach staff, including Associate Minister, Director of Music Ministries, Director of Children’s
Ministries and Church Administrator
o
Conduct regular staff meetings; review/evaluate staff performance and support professional development of
staff
o
Work with Board of Personnel to optimize organizational structure of First Church office
o
Address HR matters promptly and sensitively
Support existing Church ministries and programs
o
Serve as a resource for program development and delivery; involvement varies depending on nature of
ministry/program
o
Help evaluate and modify program offerings, as appropriate
Foster collaborative working relationships and open communication among all Church members and welcoming
relationships between Church members, visitors and the wider community; provides guidance to Welcoming
Church team and helps foster a culture of inclusion and care.
o

Coordinate worship leadership with Associate Minister, other staff involved in worship (e.g., Director of
Music Ministries) as well as Board of Worship and Board of Music Ministries
Use email, First Church website, weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, FaceBook and other media to inform
members and visitors of First Church activities/programs and help create a common understanding of the
strategic mission of the church
Serve as advisor to the Executive Council, Board of Worship, Board of Mission and Outreach, Board of
Personnel, Board of Finance, Nominating Committee, Board of Trustees and other Boards and Committees, as
necessary; serve as advisor on stewardship matters to help ensure the success of First Church’s annual giving and
other fundraising campaigns.
Lead/Support First Church Ministry and Mission
 In collaboration with Associate Minister, administer the sacraments of Communion and Baptism; officiate at
weddings, memorial services, funerals and interments as requested; officiate at special services as needed.
 In collaboration with Associate Minister, help maintain a regular routine of pastoral calling on potential new
members, Church members, hospitalized and homebound members; support programs to reach out to visitors and
inactive members; provide guidance to First Church Friends lay visitation ministry team.
 Support and help enhance First Church’s active involvement in community ministries and missions; identify and
leverage opportunities for community collaboration and support (e.g., MLK, Jr. Day, ecumenical Thanksgiving
Page 36 of 46




celebration; Ash Wednesday service with Metropolitan AME Zion Church); maintain ties with town officials and
foster cooperative and caring relationships among the various Simsbury faith communities.
Oversee Christian education and faith formation activities; set vison for and help enhance First Church’s adult
education ministries; lead, co-lead and/or identify lay leaders to provide opportunities for spiritual
learning/growth for members and visitors.
Provide spiritual guidance, direction, and expertise to Board of Mission and Outreach in all areas of mission,
outreach, and social justice; nurture the spiritual gifts of individuals in the congregation who have a passion for
mission, outreach, and social justice and help identify new opportunities for hands-on work in these areas.
Represent First Church in the local community with other faith organizations (e.g., Simsbury clergy) and within
the local UCC structure; take a visible role in activities of the Farmington Valley Association and Connecticut
Conference to facilitate the use of educational and service opportunities available to the congregation.
Participate in collaborative operational planning with staff and lay leadership, with a focus on addressing the
needs of adults with regard to mission, outreach, social justice, adult education, hospitality, fellowship and
visitation; engage collaboratively with staff and lay leadership in the refinement and implementation of First
Church’s strategic goals.
Desired skills/capabilities
 Strong personal Christian faith commitment; able to lead and support others in their faith journeys.
 Strong influencing skills; able to build collaborative relationships at all levels of the organization in order to get
things done.
 Training and experience in the analysis of church systems and the dynamics of multi-celled churches.
 Training and experience in identifying, assessing and resolving level 1-4 conflict.
 Significant administrative experience; solid understanding of church administrative and financial challenges and
ability to oversee and direct the functions performed by a large church staff.
 Personal and emotional maturity; authentic, compassionate and caring as a person and pastor.
 Clear, effective communication skills (speaking and writing); able to encourage, persuade and inspire.
 Strong desire for collaborative leadership; willingness to work together with clergy, lay and volunteer staff to
help sustain our many successful ministry and mission programs.
 Strong team-building skills; able to work well with all First Church constituents, including other clergy, staff, lay
leaders, members of the congregation, visitors and members of the community.
 Seasoned church leader with significant experience guiding a congregation through strategic and operational
planning processes.
 Willingness to coach and encourage the professional growth and development of the Church’s Associate Minister
as well as lay staff and leaders.
Page 37 of 46
Supplemental Information
A Brief History of the Church (addendum)
First Church of Christ in Simsbury had its beginnings with the emigration of English Separatists (“Puritans”
or “Pilgrims”) to New England in the early 17th Century. The church’s ancestors sailed from Plymouth in Devon,
England in 1630 on the ship, Mary and John. This group eventually settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, forming a
congregation which the Simsbury Church claims as its “Mother Church.” In 1635, sixty members of the Dorchester
congregation, along with their families and livestock, clawed their way through the wilderness under brutal conditions
to the area that is now Windsor, Connecticut on the west side of the Connecticut River near the mouth of the Tunxis
(later the Farmington) River. During 1637, the Windsor church purchased additional land from the native tribes along
the Farmington. The town of Farmington was settled and named in 1640. Another settlement established itself down
river from Farmington, and in May of 1670, the Act of Town Incorporation gave a charter to the Town of Simsbury.
After its incorporation, the first priority for Simsbury was to gather a church and build a Meetinghouse. In
Puritan New England, the Meetinghouse served both as a place of worship and a building for holding town meetings
and other secular functions. In 1671, the town voted to erect a Meetinghouse, but its construction was delayed until
1683. First, there was a protracted disagreement among the citizens on whether the structure should be on the east or
west side of the river. Then, the building of the Meetinghouse was further delayed by “King Philips War,” a native
uprising of the local Wampanoags in 1675-76 that resulted in the burning of the village and destruction of most of the
buildings on the west side of the river. The selection of the location of the Meetinghouse was eventually achieved by
the drawing of lots. Two slips of paper were prepared, one on which “East” was written and the other on which
“West” was written. A town dignitary drew the “West” slip, deciding for all time the location of the Meetinghouse. A
replica of this first Meetinghouse stands as part of the Simsbury Historical Society’s group of buildings in the center
of town, not far from its original site.
The church rapidly outgrew the first, tiny 1683 structure, and a second, larger, Meetinghouse was built in
1740 on Drake’s Hill, the site of the present day church which was built in 1830. Several additions and modifications
have been made to this building over the years, and major revisions to the structure were required after a serious fire
in the spring of 1965. Over the years, changes were made to reflect the increase in the size of the congregation and the
many, varied, and ever-increasing activities of the church.
The first minister of record was Samuel Stone of Hartford who was employed as a “supply preacher.” This
term was applied to part time ministers who traveled to one or more churches in the wilderness to hold Sunday
services and to officiate at weddings and funerals. For a number of years the ministers of the church continued to be
“supply preachers,” until 1695 when Dudley Woodbridge, a recent graduate of Harvard College, arrived as a teacher.
In those days it was common for the minister of a church to have a double appointment as both teacher and preacher.
Mr. Woodbridge was well liked by the citizens of Simsbury, who offered him the other half of the dual position. He
accepted the offer and became Simsbury’s first “settled” minister. The year of his acceptance, 1697, is the year
marking the establishment of the Simsbury church. It was during Mr. Woodbridge’s ordination on November 10 of
that year that the Church Covenant, still in use today during services receiving new members, was recited.
Samuel Stebbins served in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was a colorful man, successful farmer
and a shrewd judge of human nature. As a staunch Federalist, he offered a short, politically biased prayer from the
pulpit on the Sunday after the presidential inauguration of Thomas Jefferson in 1800: “Oh, Lord, bless our President
and endue him with wisdom and common sense, for thou knowest how much he needs both.”
Allen McLean, ordained in 1809, served until 1861, the longest period of service of any minister serving
First Church. The name “McLean” is still a prominent part of Simsbury and the surrounding area as a result of his
legacy and that of his descendents. It was during his ministry that the foundation, both spiritually and physically of the
church as we know it today, was established. He oversaw the building of the 1830 Meetinghouse, still in use today.
The latter half of the 19th century was a period of drastic change for the United States, and of course,
Simsbury. There was migration to the West in search of land under the Homestead Act. There was also migration
from rural areas to the cities in search of employment, fostered by the industrialization of the county. The conflict over
slavery led to the horrors of the Civil War. There were rapid improvements to transportation from the railroads and to
Page 38 of 46
communication through the telegraph. The Simsbury church was unsettled by these changes, but supported by the
long, stable ministry of Allen McLean.
From the very beginning, lay activities were an essential ingredient in the strength and perpetuation of the
church. However, the sketchy records about the church of the 17 th and 18th centuries are not able to show the nature
and impact of such activities. The more recent records from the mid to late 19th century begin to show the strength of
the congregation working in concert with its ministers. In 1844 a “Ladies Benefit Society” met for the first time. Its
primary purpose was to sew for “worthy purposes.” At about that same time, other lay organizations raised money for
furnishings in the church, promoted fellowship among the members of the congregation and sent boxes of clothing to
missionaries.
One minister, who served for 8 years near the end of the 19 th century, was Charles E. Stowe, youngest child
of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Having traveled and “seen the world,” he was more sophisticated and socially conscious
than his predecessors. The church still owns a baptismal bowl given by the Stowe family in memory of their famous
mother.
E. Knox Mitchell served for 19 years (1926-1945) that encompassed the Great Depression and the Second
World War. During the depression he created a “Welfare Committee” to allocate funds left to the church by
parishioners who had died and which would assure that such funds were received by those most in need. He organized
a youth fellowship group that met on Sunday evenings with the Methodist youth group. These young people were
encouraged by the minister to gain an understanding of people of other races and religions, and he took them on visits
to churches and neighborhoods in the Hartford area.
In 1944, and again in 1947, there was a young summer visitor to First Church who sang in the choir. He was
one of many African-American young people that came north to work in the shade-grown tobacco fields of the
Connecticut and Farmington River valleys. This was Martin Luther King, Jr., who had arrived in Simsbury with a
group that had been organized by Morehead College, an institution that King entered in the fall of 1944. He was
astounded at the freedom that he and other black students found in the Northeast. They could attend any church in
Simsbury, where they would be the only non-white people in attendance. While living in Simsbury, he led his fellow
workers in worship, and it was during this period that he began to feel the call to enter the ministry and work for equal
rights.
Kenneth L. Palmer served for 9 years (1953-1962). He came to a church of 546 members with the Church
School bursting at the seams. The church had purchased the Ensign Parish, a manse across the street from the church,
to provide space for an expanding church school, but it had proved too small to serve this purpose. A planning
committee recommended the construction of a new addition to the Ensign Parish House to include a large fellowship
hall, kitchen, stage, a chapel and classrooms. In gratitude for his service and leadership, the new fellowship hall built
in 1963, was dedicated to him.
1963 to present – please find information in this profile.
Page 39 of 46
Supplemental Information
Organizational Chart
First Church of Christ, Simsbury
(January 2015)
Rev. Dianne Arakawa
Transitional Senior Minister
Lisa Reed
Financial Assistant
(P/T)
Reports to Ron Patterson with
a dotted line to Eileen
Rev. Kevin Weikel
Assoc Minister/Youth & Young
Adults
Cindy Cole
Director Children’s
Ministries (P/T)
Eileen Kaczor
Office Manager/Church
Administrator
Joe Martinez
Facilities Manager
(P/T)
Martha Hilliemeir
Administrative
Assistant
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Mark Mercier
Director of Music Ministries
Catherine Behrens
Membership
Coordinator (P/T)
Supplemental Information
http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=2277
Churches Come Together for Ash Wednesday
by Drew Page, Sara Jane Munshower, and Eric Anderson
HARTFORD (2/23/2015) -- Last week, many churches came together for
joint services to observe Ash Wednesday. They gathered all over the state
to worship, to share in the imposition of ashes, to be reminded of our
mortality and to be invited to forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
At First Church of Christ UCC in Simsbury, Ash Wednesday was observed
jointly between Simsbury and the Metropolitan African Methodist
Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church of Hartford. The two congregations have
partnered for events for more than a decade according to Simsbury's
transitional senior pastor, the Rev. Dianne E. Arakawa. Both churches'
choirs joined forces to lead worshipers in songs of praise under the
direction of Simsbury's Mark Mercier and Metropolitan's Ingrid Faniel.
Faniel's enthusiasm was so inspiring that Ieke Skully found herself singing
louder than usual. She thanked Faniel after worship for "bringing it out of
us."
Ashes prepared for imposition
Photo by Eric Anderson
The Rev. Shirle Moone-Childs, Associate Pastor of Metropolitan AMEZ,
told a story in her sermon of a third grade boy who wet his pants in class.
The boy hid in shame, dreading the moment when he would be discovered.
Then, a classmate approached and accidentally spilled a bowl of water on
the boy, covering his pants in water. The boy was awarded sympathy, rather
than ridicule, yet that scorn was transferred to the girl for her clumsiness.
The boy later confirmed his suspicions that the girl dumped the water on
purpose.
"So here we were," continued Rev. Moone-Childs, "dead and stained in our
sins, and Jesus comes along and, on purpose, spills his blood on us to correct
our sinful souls. He lived and died for us."
Rev. Moone-Childs challenged the worshippers to never forget what Jesus
did. "In these forty days, let's think and reflect on what Christ did for us and
celebrate. Make this a memorial we keep alive forever."
Rev. Shirle Moone-Childs
Photo by Drew Page
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In Southbury, a tradition of joint Ash Wednesday services
by United Church of Christ of Southbury, the Roxbury
Congregational Church UCC, and the South Britain
Congregational Church UCC welcomed two additional
churches from the region: First Congregational Church
UCC of Woodbury and North Congregational Church
UCC of Woodbury. During the service, South Britain's
senior pastor the Rev. Shannon Wall preached about the
future and called for participants to "set our intentions
clearly in front of us," according to the Rev. David Peters,
Roxbury's senior pastor.
Peters shared an amusing anecdote of one young girl
struggling with clarity about the process of communion
who tore off a piece of bread, tossed it into the wine
chalice, and walked away.
The City of New Haven was also the site of a joint
service, this one shared by Church of the Redeemer UCC,
Center Church on the Green UCC, Shalom United Church
of Christ, and United Church on the Green UCC. Hosted
by Redeemer, worshipers abandoned traditional seating
for a large circle and sang songs a capella. According to
Redeemer's senior pastor, the Rev. Rochelle Stackhouse,
attendees remembered the grace of their baptism before
receiving ashes as a reminder of their mortality. The joint
service left a powerful impression on her.
"There is no way in words I can capture the palpable
Spirit present in that service and in our coming together,"
she said.
Rev. Dianne Arakawa and Rev. Kevin Weikel
Offer Ashes to Worshipers in Simsbury
Photo by Drew Page
Though many churches intentionally joined together for Ash Wednesday observances, others opened their doors for any and all
who wished to attend. A group of faithful members and friends gathered in the softly-lit Chapel of the First Church of Christ
Congregational UCC of West Hartford. Participating in the contemplative service were the Rev. Dr. C. Geordie Campbell and the
Rev. Nanette Pitt, with Mr. James Boratko at the organ.
Comfortable chairs were arranged in curved lines on either side of the chapel and gave a feeling of welcome to those entering. The
altar was simply adorned with a brass cross, two candles, and two small pottery cups of oil. Although there were elements of
traditional Lenten repentance in this service, the goal was to provide "Blessings for the Journey."
Those who came expecting to receive ashes may have been disappointed, but all came forward to receive an optional blessing of
anointing with oil, on forehead or the back of a hand. The haunting strains of "Just As I Am, Without One Plea" closed the service,
appropriate thoughts to carry from the evening's message and into the Lenten journey.
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On Hartford's busy Main Street, in the early afternoon, First Church of
Christ UCC ministers the Rev. Damaris Whittaker and the Rev. Joseph
Bradley braved the February cold to offer ashes and pastoral blessings to
those passing by. For some years, Rev. Whittaker said, the church had
invited people into the meetinghouse, but when they moved outside, the
numbers doubled. They anticipated that over forty souls would seek the
challenge and the solace of Ash Wednesday amidst the sound of buses
rumbling, waiting at the kiosks. That evening, members assembled to
worship at a more traditional service in the sanctuary.
At First Church of Christ Congregational UCC in Glastonbury, the
meetinghouse welcomed worshipers at noon and again in the evening, with
pastor the Rev. David Taylor summoning the congregation to a closer walk
with God for Lent and for all times. Many in the pews were members of the
Confirmation Class, both learning the changing of the church's seasons and
exploring their own faith.
"Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return," murmured Rev.
Taylor and associate pastor the Rev. Kate Vanderzee-Glidden as each soul
approached them to receive the cross-mark on their forehead or the back of
their hand: a reminder both of the power of God who created life from dust,
and of the mortality which God's grace transforms through Christ.
Rev. Damaris Whittaker and Rev. Joseph Bradley
outside Center Church in Hartford
Photo by Eric Anderson
The video from First Church in Redding was added on Feb. 24th. This story was revised on Feb. 23rd to correct the omission of
Center Church on the Green from the list of gathered New Haven churches. We regret the error.
Drew Page is Associate Editor for the Connecticut Conference UCC. The Rev. Sara Jane Munshower is a transitional pastor,
spiritual director, and member of the CTUCC Chronicler Team. The Rev. Eric S. Anderson is Associate Conference Minister for
Proclamation, Identity, and Communication for the Connecticut Conference UCC.
This page was last updated on 5/12/14.
Funded by OCWM:
This web site, and the resources available here, are made possible by the generosity of the Connecticut Conference's local
congregations expressed in Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.
This page is copyright © 2014 The Missionary Society of Connecticut.
Page 43 of 46
Supplemental Information
http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=2273
Faith Mulira Health Care Center in Masooli,
Simsbury Raises Funds for Ugandan Clinic Expansion
by Kevin Weikel
The Faith Mulira Health Care Center in Masooli, Uganda, has been
a project of love for First Church of Christ, Simsbury for the past
ten years. This year, the church youth groups have set a goal of
raising $7,500 to expand the clinic to meet the increasing demand
for more inpatient care, baby deliveries, and maternal care. If the
church reaches the goal, the congregation will celebrate with a
dance open to all on Saturday, February 28th from 7-10pm in
Palmer Hall. Folks will come together to dance because the people
of Uganda love to dance!
Here is the story of the Faith Mulira Health Care Clinic:
Faith Mulira grew up in the village of Masooli, Uganda. She was a
Image created by Emily Sjogren
single mother of five and, in her early thirties, became the director
at a home for orphans and abandoned children. When Idi Amin came to power in 1971, however, Uganda became a
dangerous place. The number of people killed as a result of his regime is estimated to range from 100,000 to
5,000,000 people. Because of this, Faith took her children and fled. Eventually, Faith landed in Connecticut where she
reinvented herself, becoming a live-in nurse, caring for the elderly and terminally ill.
As Faith worked in Connecticut, she became close with her patients and their families. It was clear to these families
that a deep love for her village of Masooli, Uganda, remained strong. Faith shared with these families about the
village, and how she still owned a piece of land there on which she hoped to build a medical clinic one day. Faith
spoke with passion, "The people of Masooli have no resources to access the much-needed medical services, and they
have very high death rates, especially for children under five." For comparison's sake, the under-five mortality rate
(the probability per 1,000 that a newborn baby will die before reaching the age of five), is around 100 in Uganda,
compared to 7 or 8 in the United States. Currently, the life span for the average Ugandan is 54 years old, while the life
span for the average person in the United States is 80 years old.
Gordon and Nancy Crouch, members of First Church of Christ and recipients of the 2014 Living Waters Award from
the Connecticut Conference for their leadership in establishing the Faith Mulira Health Care Clinic, came to know
Faith when she worked as a live-in nurse for Nancy's father during the last six years of his life. Gordon and Nancy
cannot say how many times Faith told them about her dream of building a clinic in Masool; they just remember her
passion and determination. Eventually, they began to feel a pull, a call from God they say. Gordon and Nancy just
knew they were to help her realize this dream. They had no idea how to go about it, and they were quite anxious about
the idea, but Gordon and Nancy eventually took a leap of faith and brought it to our church.
It took many years, but eventually it was the Crouch's ability to trust in God and build important relationships with
others within our church and community, that got the clinic started. After many highs and lows, the clinic began
construction in 2005. In 2008, it was complete. A group from Simsbury, including Gordon and Nancy, Simsbury
Associate Minister for Youth and Young Adults the Rev. Kevin Weikel, Kelly Weikel, Connie Keedle, Annette Lilly,
and Melinda Westbrook, traveled there in 2008 to officially dedicate the clinic. The people of Masooli were thrilled
that health care was coming to their village.
The Faith Mulira Health Care Center saw approximately 4,000 patients and immunized 4,273 children in 2014. In
addition, the number of malaria visits was down in 2014, which the Masooli Board hopes means that the preventative
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measures of the clinic are working! With a larger building, the clinic could do more, especially in the area of maternal
care.
To help First Church with their mission to expand health care in Masooli, Uganda, and to support the church's youth
in the process, visit their fundraising page and select the name of one of the youth (feel free to pick one randomly).
Clicking on their name will take you to their individual fundraising page. From there, follow the steps to donate
online. Or, feel free to mail or drop off a check off at that main church office made out to, "Faith Mulira Health Care
Center, Inc.," with "Dance for Masooli," in the memo.
The Rev. Kevin Weikel is the Associate Minister for Youth and Young Adults at First Church of Christ in Simsbury.
This page was last updated on 5/12/14.
Funded by OCWM:
This web site, and the resources available here, are made possible by the generosity of the Connecticut Conference's
local congregations expressed in Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support.
This page is copyright © 2014 The Missionary Society of Connecticut.
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