Affirmation of Call: Pastoral Associate with a Focus on Growing Ministries

Affirmation of Call: Pastoral Associate with a focus on Growing Ministries

extended to Al Schon

by the members of Peace United Church of Christ

Having sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit and believing that God has called us to share in a mutual ministry, the people of Peace United Church of Christ on February 26, 2012, gathered to extend a call you to share in the fullness of ministry at Peace United Church of Christ as an ordained Pastoral Associate effective immediately.

We recognize ministry in a multiplicity of forms and are grateful for the particular role of Pastoral Associate as we have discerned with an emphasis on our congregational goal, “Grow”. This position has responsibility not only for preaching and teaching but also the specialized ministry with those new to our community. The Pastoral Associates are part of a team under the direction of the Senior Pastor serving the diverse pastoral needs of the congregation.

We respect that your responsibilities and duties as a Pastoral Associate shall be those outlined in the local church as well as by the customs and usage’s in the pastoral office of the United Church of Christ, which includes the right and responsibilities of participation and leadership in the mission of the United Church of Christ, the ecumenical movement and the community.

As a congregation, we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to the following terms of covenant as we call you to be our Pastoral Associate:

It is understood that the Pastoral Associate is to have freedom of the pulpit in matters of faith and ethics according to the dictates of the Word of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, the traditions of the United Church of Christ, and the realities of the world.

The ministry that is being funded in this agreement is a part of a larger called work which we are honored to share with Al and represents pastoral coverage that now needs to be an expense borne by the congregation.

The church therefore agrees to pay a cash amount to be used for housing and professional expenses (to be designated in January of each year by the Governing Body in their minutes) a pro-rated amount based on a full time salary of $48,000. With a target of funding a 1/3 time position ($48,000*1/3), we begin with funding five weekly hours ($48,000*5/40 or $4500 for April-December of 2012) with a commitment to adding at least one weekly hour each year until we reach the target.

Sick leave, personal emergency leave, death leave for members of the immediate family, and maternity or paternity leave shall be available as negotiated.

This pastoral relationship may be terminated by either the church or the Pastoral Associate by giving two months written notice. If either the church or the Pastoral Associate feels there is unfairness in the termination of this call, either party has the right to refer the matter for hearing to the Association Committee on the Ministry.

It is understood that the church will agree, through its appropriate body, to review annually this agreement and the minister’s salary and other arrangements, keeping in mind any cost-of-living increases and possible merit increase in salary.

It is understood that the Conference Minister and/or Associate Conference Minister and the Association Committee on the Ministry shall be consulted at the request of either Pastoral Associate or the congregation, should the relationship between them be strained or in jeopardy.

Upon acceptance of the terms of this Covenant, the church shall proceed with you and the Association to your ordination and formal installation as our Pastoral Associate.

Trusting that the above terms are agreeable to you as our Pastoral Associate-elect, the affixing of our signatures below indicates our acceptance to the above terms and validates this call. We look forward to a significant and fruitful ministry together.

______, Janet Rundquist, Church PresidentDate:______

______, Al Schon, Minister Date:______

Reviewed by:

______, (name) ______Date:______

Preparation for Ministry Committee

St. Louis Association, Missouri Mid South Conference,

United Church of Christ

Received by Missouri Mid South Conference

______, Jeffrey Whitman, Conference Minister Date:______