Profile St. Mark’s United Church
Community Profile
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia
2020
Mission Statement
St. Mark’s United Church accepts and welcomes all people as we grow
in acceptance, learn, love and share our Christian faith in God’s love.
We will celebrate God’s presence and advance God’s purpose within
our local community and the global village by applying Christ’s teachings to our daily lives.
Church Profile
The roots of St. Mark’s United Church stem from a Methodist and Presbyterian Church.
Property was purchased for a new building in 1959 and St. Mark’s United Church was dedicated
on June 12, 1966. St. Mark’s has a beautiful sanctuary with a fine organ and well thought out
church building. The sanctuary is very conducive to a variety of worship styles. The church is accessible, although the raised alter and the office is not. St. Mark’s is situated in Port Hawkesbury on the Strait of Canso on beautiful Cape Breton Island.
Church Population
St. Mark’s serves a congregation of one hundred and fifty families consisting mostly of seniors. St. Mark’s has a paid organist/choir director with a volunteer choir. The hymn books Voices United and More Voices are used. Lay readers participate in the service by reading scripture. In the absence of the Minister, there are individuals and groups who are capable of conducting a Sunday Service. An important aspect of worship at St. Mark’s is the coffee time/fellowship the first Sunday of the month, which is made possible by volunteers from the congregation.
Resources & Expenses
- Lectionary from the Gathering
- Choir Director/Organist
- Hymn books -Voices United/ More Voices
- Anniversary Services (with meal)
- Good Friday Service
- Secretary as required
- Monthly Services at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home
Community Resources
-draws upon a population of about 32000 residents from the surrounding Inverness, Richmond, Guysborough and Antigonish Counties
-access to employment at Port Hawkesbury Paper (pulp/paper mill)
-access to Tamarac Education Centre (French Immersion classes available)(P- 8 school)
-access to Strait Area Education Centre (French Immersion classes available) (9-12 school)
-access to Ecole Acadienne de Pomquet (French Acadian School)
-access to Nova Scotia Community College with focus on courses in Marine training
-close proximity to St .F.X. University as well as Cape Breton University
-access to Celtic Shores Coastal Trail (Trans Canada Trail), 12km Port Hawkesbury Community Trail
-access to Civic Centre which houses a fitness and sport centre, an indoor walking track, NHL regulation size ice surface ,art gallery and auditorium as well as host to Seasonal markets
-access to recreation centre which houses a library, swimming pool, gymnasium, performance space
- access to Regional Occupation Centre which provides an opportunity for clients to gain skills which will enable them to make a transition into the work force through experience in baking, recycling and retail and crafts
-R.O.C. (Regional Occupational Centre) also supports Shalom House which has 5 residential sites for independent living and respite care
-access to a Curling Rink
-access to outdoor recreation centre with tennis courts, playground, soccer field and ballfield, splash pad
-access to marine activity…beaches, sailing, kayaking, etc.
-access to outdoor performance area on the waterfront
- Volunteer Fire Department, R.C.M.P. Detachment, Rotary Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Masons, Evergreen Senior Citizen’s Club and Food Bank, Girl Guides, Air Cadets and Scouts
- access to FM Radio Station101.5, local newspapers…The Reporter, The Oran and Guysborough Journal along with provincial, National and International newspapers
- Access within 15 minutes to Strait Richmond Hospital, addiction centre and 30 minutes to St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish
- There are several dentist offices in the area as well as medical doctors and several optometrists
-access to physiotherapy and a chiropractor
-access to a Nursing Home and Seniors Complex and a Transition House for women and their family who needs shelter.
Service Highlights
- Christmas Eve Servic
- Remembrance Day Service
- White Gift Service with donations
- Lighting of the Advent Candle
- Extinguishing Lenten Triad Candles
- Longest Night Service (Ecumenical)
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday services
Congregational Structure
St. Mark’s - Congregational Board Model
Committees of the Board: (Meet monthly)
- Worship & Pastoral Care & Christian Education
- Trustees, Finance & M&S
Executive: (Meet 4 times a year)
-Chair -Vice-Chair
-Secretary - Treasurer
Committee Chairs representing each committee:
Worship and Pastoral Care & Christian Education
Trustees, Finance & M&S
Special Events Group
Men’s Club
Ministry and Personnel
Manse
We have a fifteen year old manse on the land adjacent to the church parking lot (514 Bernard St., Port Hawkesbury). Located in a quiet residential area, the manse is a modern three bedroom bungalow with 2 full baths, complete with a living room, dining area and galley style kitchen. There is a large yard and a deck at the back of the house. There is plenty of storage in the basement. It is also located within walking distance of the church, the post office and most other amenities
Position Description
The position identified by the Joint Needs Assessment Committee is for an ordained minister with a minimum A category to C category. The candidate will exhibit a personality that is conducive to working with all ages and obtaining their support for church activities and projects.
He or she must possess the ability to communicate clearly with individuals within and outside the Pastoral Charge. The candidate should possess those qualities that engender confidence in those with whom she or he may have direct contact (e.g., visitations, bereavement, and crises in individual lives). He or she should be friendly, sincere, and approachable.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Worship: 40 %
• Conduct one worship service per week
• Celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at least quarterly within the congregations and to shut-ins and nursing home residents when necessary or as requested.
• Celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism.
• Conduct weddings and funerals.
• Conduct seasonal worship and ecumenical services as arranged in consultation with worship and other clergy.
Pastoral Care: 20%
• Provide a ministry of presence within the congregations - to families in crisis, sick and shut-ins, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Christian Education: 10%
• Conduct confirmation classes.
• Provide Baptismal and marriage preparation support.
• Encourage participation in education program.
• Provide opportunities for participation in Bible study.
Mission and Outreach/Stewardship: 10%
• Provide an active and visible presence within the community.
• Assist with the education of members and adherents as they support the work of the church, locally, nationally, and globally.
Administration: 5%
• In consultation with the Official and Congregational Boards complete the annual statistical forms.
• Provide information to maintain church records and attend Congregational Board meetings.
Regional Council:15%
• Attend meetings and participate in the life of our Regional Council
Terms of Call
REMUNERATION:
• Terms of call are in accordance with United Church salary and allowance guidelines and are negotiable above the minimum requirements.
• A travel allowance ($0.42) as per United Church guide lines is provided.
• Continuing Education and Learning Resource allowance as per United Church guideline
• The pastoral charge shall fulfill its obligation in regard to pension and group insurance and payroll compliance with the government programs.
• A payment for basic telephone and internet services at the manse is provided.
• Energy cost in excess of the first $800/yr. is paid at the manse.
• The candidate is expected to pay insurance premiums on personal property, furniture etc. in the manse.
• Incoming moving expenses will be paid by the pastoral charge.
• Access to high speed internet and computer is provided in the church office.
HOLIDAYS:
• Four (4) weeks, including five Sundays is to be arranged with M&P Committee.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• Three (3) weeks per year to be arranged in consultation with the M&P Committee and respective board.
St. Mark’s Pastoral Charge Joint Needs Assessment Questionnaire 2019
1, How many years have you been a member of the congregation?
1-20 years 6
21-40 years 8
41 plus years 21
2. Which of the following expresses your view of the bible?
-Actual word of God 5
-Valuable book 2
-Inspired book 5
-Best value is achieved with 22
Good interpretation and discussion
3. What is your age group?
Under 20 1
21-45 1
46-65 7
Over 65 25
4. Do you receive enough information about Activities?
Congregation 30
Region 8 NO 13 YES
United Church 6 NO 16 YES
5. What are the important abilities or gifts for a minister (prioritize)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Ability to work with all ages 17 3 3 1 2 1 2
Communicate clearly 8 11 4 2 1 0 0
Have strong preaching ability 5 6 7 3 0 3 2
Hospital, Nursing Home and home visits 0 3 4 7 5 3 4
Participate/support church/community events 2 2 4 4 5 7 3
Ability to team with music director
and secretary 2 4 4 3 6 3 2
A good sense of humour 2 1 3 4 3 3 7
