Position Available:

Ministry with Children and Youth Position

Manor Road United Church

5 – 8 Hours/Week

$17.00/hour

Application Deadline:  August 16, 2010

Send resumes to:

Rev. Debra Schneider

240 Manor Road East

Toronto, ON

M4S 1R8

or

revdebra.manorroad@rogers.com

Purpose

·     To nurture the spiritual growth and development of the children and youth of Manor Road United Church in cooperation with their parents/guardians, and the rest of the church community by leading a teaching ministry that emphasizes relationship, spiritual practice, Christian identity, community, and learning.

Statement of Accountability 

·     Reports to and supported by the Minister.  Additional support will be given by teaching team, congregational volunteers, and the Ministry and Personnel Committee. Final accountability is to the Executive Council.

Responsibilities 

·     Grow in faith along with the children, seeing the task as a calling, rather than simply a job. 

·     Meet routinely with the minister to plan, discuss, and evaluate the Sunday School and Children’s participation in the life of the congregation. 

·     Keep current about Spiritual and Religious development of children at various ages and stages, and best practices in teaching. 

·     In consultation with minister, choose and order curriculum & supplies, and distribute to teachers. 

·     Coordinate, support, and be included in the Sunday School teaching team from September – June.

·     Integrate music into the programming

·     Organize and decorate the area of the room, or the classroom where the Sunday School group meets.

·     Become acquainted with each child, knowing such things as his or her name, spiritual experience, needs, and family relationships.

·     Connect with children after a time of absence to explore any concerns, and encourage participation and faithfulness. 

·     Build rapport with and offer pastoral support to parents and/or family members.

·     Be regular in attendance.

·     Notify the minister or other designated person well in advance of anticipated absences.

·     Attend relevant staff and committee meetings.

·     Build rapport with the congregation  by attending coffee hour following worship, taking the time to connect with family members before and after children or youth events and at congregational events so far as possible.

·     Provide support for children’s activities, as needed during congregational events. 

·     Provide a safe environment where youth feel welcome and spiritually supported.

·     Work with youth to identify and develop programming which encourages their spiritual growth and active participation in the life of the congregation.

·     Facilitate or provide leadership for youth activities either within the congregation, or in collaboration with leaders from neighbouring congregations. 

·     Co-lead, along with the minister, confirmation classes when they occur. 

·     Attend training courses, workshops, and/or engage in individual study aimed at strengthening skills and abilities. 

 Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate a lively knowledge of and commitment to the Christian faith, a strong liberal/progressive theological grounding, and be dynamic and energetic.  S/he will be a team player, with strong organizational and leadership skills.  S/he will possess self-confidence, initiative and a commitment to learning.  S/he will be experienced in designing and delivering programs and activities suitable to the children.  S/he will be enthusiastic in finding creative and relevant ways to inspire our young people to learn and live their faith.  She will demonstrate the ability to work well with other congregational leaders, motivate and support volunteers, and encourage people to share their time, energy and creativity. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate recent experience, or a willingness to develop, in the following:

·     Commitment to own personal faith journey

·     Choosing and implementing educational programming

·     Leadership and facilitation skills

·     Teamwork

·     Mobilizing volunteer networks

·     Child and youth mentoring and pastoral care

·     Willing to provide or take a police records check. 

Please note: Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.