2021-2022 Open Churches

2021-2022 Open Churches

November 14, 2020

November 14, 2020
 
Dear Clergy in the Iowa Annual Conference,
 
As we have for several years, the Iowa Appointive Cabinet (Cabinet) is posting open church/charge appointments where announced, and approved retirements are known. Our intention is to invite you to prayerfully discern if you have the gifts and graces to serve in any of these communities and churches. You will note that each open church appointment will list three to five clear missional needs identified by the District Superintendent (DS) in consultation with the church/charge. It is the intent of the Cabinet to appoint clergy who are equipped to meet these expectations. Therefore, if you seek to be considered for one of the open appointments, please be sure to tell us how you believe you can meet the identified missional expectations.
 
The Cabinet has affirmed the following principles in making appointments:

  • Our priority is to make appointments that will further the mission of The United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
  • We will look at the context, the community, and the missional priorities of the congregation and the circuit in making appointments. We will then consider the needs of the clergy and her or his family.
  • Since the past performance of both clergy and congregations (through collected data and direct observation) is a strong indicator of potential, we will focus our attention on matching highly effective clergy with high potential congregations. 
  • The salary level is a consideration in appointment-making but is not the primary consideration. 
  • While the Cabinet will do our best to keep clergy family needs in mind, we expect Elders, Provisional Elders, Associate Members, and Full-Time Local Pastors to itinerate unless they choose to limit their itineracy, in which case the best fit may not be possible.
  • Clergy are appointed for one year at a time. We continue to affirm the value of long-term appointments. However, there are times when the missional needs of congregations and the Conference may necessitate a change that is not requested. 

Attached to this email is a list of all full-time church/charge appointments that will be open as of July 1, 2021, along with a synopsis of each congregation and the email of the DS for each church. Please indicate your interest in a church by sending an email by November 30, 2020, to the DS listed as the contact person for each congregation and send a copy to your current DS.
 
The Appointive Cabinet of the Iowa Annual Conference seeks to be as open and transparent as we can be in making appointments that demonstrate John Wesley’s hope that we “do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” We pray for each one of you and all of our congregations during this time of gratitude and thanksgiving, that the peace of Christ will fill you with hope and joy.
      
Blessings,
 
Bishop Laurie Haller                              
Rev. Heecheon Jeon, Dean of the Appointive Cabinet

Central District

Adel United Methodist Church, Adel
Adel is the county seat city of Dallas County, Iowa, located along the North Raccoon River. The city’s population was 5,455 at the time of the 2019 Census. With the expansion of the greater West Des Moines area, the city is growing with many new young professionals and their families who are seeking a sense of small community and a quality school system for their kids. Adel is within the Adel-De Soto-Minburn Community School District that provides quality education and other activities for students and families. However, there are some concerns over the division between “old Adel” and “new Adel” as more new residents move into the city’s outskirts. 
 
Adel United Methodist Church is located in the Main Street area near the courthouse. It is known as the communities church, whose members are strongly connected and actively engaged in community activities. The church is strongly mission-minded, both globally and locally. It is steadily growing with several efforts for outreach and evangelism: offering a contemporary service, prayer team, family ministry, and so on. But there are more significant needs and missional opportunities for children and youth ministry.
 
The missional priorities that the church will implement in the next three to five years are as follows:

  1. Develops committed Christians with prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness
  2. Increases connection with young families by offering opportunities for ministry engagement and providing meaningful worship services
  3. Strengthens local and global missions and community outreach
  4. Amplifies visibility in the community as the church lives out its mission: “Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.”

 
To fulfill those missional priorities, the church is seeking a pastoral leader who has the following attributes and passions:

  1. Is enthusiastic about reaching and being appealing to young families
  2. Has a desire to be involved in the local community
  3. Has the ability to bridge the gap between new and long-time members/residents
  4. Is talented in preaching dynamic, inspiring, relevant messages and less about biblical history 
  5. Has skills to develop small group ministries

 
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Adel United Methodist Church, in Adel, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Heecheon Jeon (heecheon.jeon@iaumc.org). Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020. 

Windsor United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Windsor Heights is a city adjacent to Windsor United Methodist Church in the Des Moines metro area. Windsor Heights is primarily a residential community surrounded by Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, and Des Moines. Windsor Heights annexed the neighboring community of Crestwood. Its unique location provides vibrant interactions with the Des Moines metro area. Des Moines is the capital city and home to 216,000 people with many diverse racial and ethnic groups. It is the most dynamic city in Iowa.
 
Windsor United Methodist Church is deeply involved in community outreach programs in the metro area: schools, ecumenical churches, mission organizations (JOPPA, Des Moines Area Religious Council, Children, and Family Urban Movement, Bidwell Riverside, etc.). They have incredibly committed lay leaders who share gifts and graces to make a difference in the world. They welcome many of the community organizations in their facilities. As their neighborhood becomes more diverse, ethnically, and racially, the church is eager to reach out to those seeking an open and welcoming community. 
 
Here are missional priorities that the church would like to implement in the next three to five years:

  1. Builds meaningful relationships with the community: neighboring churches, schools, and organizations (CFUM and JOPPA)
  2. Develops and implements a Discipleship Pathway that works for all ages
  3. Develops intentional Bible study groups for all ages
  4. Develops children and youth ministries  

Here are expectations for pastoral leadership to fulfill those missional priorities in partnership with lay leadership:

  1. Has a clear sense of vision for the church
  2. Possesses  an enthusiastic and positive spirit
  3. Has the ability to reach out to new people in the community
  4. Enthusiastic about working collaboratively with lay leadership
  5. Demonstrates convicted and humble leadership skills
  6. Has superior conflict transformation skills

 
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Windsor United Methodist Church, in Des Moines may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Heecheon Jeon (heecheon.jeon@iaumc.org). Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020.
 
First United Methodist Church, Knoxville
Knoxville is the county seat city of Marion County, located in south-central Iowa, 25 miles southeast of Des Moines. Its population at the 2019 Census was 7,168. Knoxville was originally inhabited by Native Americans of the Sac and Fox tribes. It is home to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, known for the famous Knoxville Raceway dirt track. The city’s racial makeup is 97% white, 0.88% African America, 0.83% Hispanics/Latinx, 0.31% Native American, 0.52% Asian, and others. Although the population has been decreasing, Knoxville is a thriving and welcoming community with cultural depth and educational opportunities. 
 
First United Methodist Church is a place to discover God’s love and build a church community that supports, nurtures, and challenges us for spiritual growth and discipleship. The church has grown into a welcoming and caring community for all through worship, fellowship, Bible study, and outreach. Recently, they invested in technological advancements to reach out to new people online and offline. In the midst of the pandemic crisis, First United Methodist Church has successfully adapted to those challenges.
 
Here are the missional priorities of First United Methodist Church to fulfill the mission of the church:

  1. Create a contemporary service
  2. Develop youth ministry
  3. Increase the vitality of the congregation
  4. Maintain the positive presence of the church in the community

 
The congregation expects their next pastoral leadership to fulfill those missional priorities, as follows: 

  1. Gifted in connecting to people of all ages
  2. Demonstrates servant leadership with a sense of humor
  3. Enthusiastic about learning the culture of the Knoxville community
  4. Actively engages in community activities
  5. Knowledgeable and skilled in financial management
  6. Demonstrates collaborative leadership with laity and staff 

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to First United Methodist Church in Knoxville may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Heecheon Jeon (heecheon.jeon@iaumc.org). Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020.
 
Walnut Hills United Methodist Church, Urbandale
Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Urbandale is a part of the growing metro area of Des Moines. Since the city is in both Polk and Dallas counties, young professionals move to this area for their families, children, and education. The area has expanded westward into Dallas County in recent years. The racial makeup of the city, as of the 2010 Census, was 91.1% White, 2.8% African American, 0.1% Native American, 3.5% Asian, and Hispanic/Latinx 3.1%. This area has been growing with ethnically diverse groups. It is also well known for Living History Farms, an open-air museum to demonstrate the past 300 years of Iowa’s agricultural history. The city is primarily residential, but since the 12-mile stretch of 1-35/1-80 has multiple access points to the city’s growing business parks, it continues to grow rapidly as an urban industrial complex.
 
The church has been serving the growing and diverse community for the last 31 years. From the beginning, they wanted to reach out to those who were not reached by the existing churches. Walnut Hills United Methodist Church successfully demonstrates that they are “a community moving beyond the tradition, in touch with the lifestyles, needs, and resources of people today.” The church provides a community garden for the Burmese community and other neighborhoods for food and fellowship. They also offer a more informal celebrative worship, small groups to be connected, and missional opportunities to make a difference in the world. They are recognized as a Reconciling Ministry to welcome LGBTQ communities.
 
Here are missional priorities that the church would like to implement in the next three to five years:

  1. Grows in membership and engagement that reaches out to their community
  2. Develops an intentional Discipleship Pathway for increased spiritual growth
  3. Becomes a social justice witness to the community
  4. Deepens and is more vibrant in their Christian education ministry

The congregation expects new pastoral leadership that can fulfill these missional priorities:

  1. Expert in staff management
  2. Is actively engaged in community activities
  3. Effectively connects with people of all ages
  4. Possesses a progressive theology
  5. Has the ability to preach provoking and inspiring sermons
  6. Demonstrates collaborative and humble leadership 

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Urbandale may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Heecheon Jeon (heecheon.jeon@iaumc.org). Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020.
 
West Des Moines United Methodist Church, West Des Moines
West Des Moines is a city located in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. It is the home of 67,899 people (2019 data). It is the second-largest city in the Des Moines metropolitan area and the sixth-largest city in Iowa. West Des Moines is listed as one of the “100 Best Places to Live and Launch” in the nation by CNN Money. It is the home of many major businesses: Hy-Vee, Wells Fargo, FBL Financial Group, the Iowa Foundation for Medical Care, and more. Its area used to be home to the Sac and Fox Native American tribes. The city’s racial makeup is 92.66% White, 1.87% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.76% Asian, 3.03% Hispanic/Latinx, and others. The neighborhood surrounding the church has become more diverse, racially, and economically. 
 
West Des Moines United Methodist Church has a rich history of well-equipped lay leadership. The church has been developing relationships with neighboring churches and schools in a missional way. The church is strongly mission-minded and is living out the mission of “Changing lives outside the church through service and generosity” with UMCOR, Habitat for Humanity, JOPPA, Hope Ministries, Hillside Reading Buddies, Crafts for a Cause, Des Moines Area Religious Council, Bidwell Riverside, and others. West Des Moines United Methodist Church continues to develop covenant small groups and to reach out to new people, young people, and diverse people in the community through Bar+Church, online worship, and intentional outreach programs. They welcome LGBTQ communities.
 
Here are missional priorities that the church would like to implement in the next three to five years to revitalize the ministry of the church:

  1. Develops a Discipleship Pathway that cultivates deeply committed disciples with prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness
  2. Eager to build relationships with neighbors such as Mani Church, schools, and diverse ethnic communities 
  3. Desires to continue to positively impact the community of West Des Moines through their Feeding the hungry program
  4. Lives out the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Here are some expectations for pastoral leadership to fulfill those missional priorities:

  1. Strong administrative skills and staff management experience
  2. Has a growth mindset and skilled in adaptive leadership
  3. Possesses a positive, hopeful, and enthusiastic spirit for the future
  4. Respects the rich history and traditions of the church
  5. Has exceptional listening skills with balancing points
  6. Is a skilled and dynamic preacher
  7. Has excellent communication skills in writing and speaking

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to West Des Moines United Methodist Church in West Des Moines may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Heecheon Jeon (heecheon.jeon@iaumc.org). Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020.

Northeast District

 
Kenwood Park United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids
Kenwood Park is a friendly residential neighborhood surrounded by the large business districts of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha. The members of the Kenwood Park United Methodist Church are among the leaders in the neighborhood. The church has about 246 members with an average age of 70 years old. The worship service includes a choir and a bell choir. The UMW is active, as is the Sewing Club. The average worship attendance is 70. The church has a Stephen Ministry for visitations and has held Zoom worship services during the COVID-19 pandemic. For missional priorities, the following are named:

  1. Continues Traditional Worship
  2. Strengthens the youth programs and Sunday School
  3. Continues with the Bible Study Groups
  4. Offers relevant contemporary topics in preaching on par with Cedar Rapids churches
  5. Develops ideas on fundraisings

The new pastor coming in is expected to be open-minded and moderate in theological stance. With an elderly majority congregation, the pastor must be easily understandable, be a catalyst for communication and ministry, and be deeply involved in congregational care.
 
Kenwood Park United Methodist Church is currently in the process of taking a survey-based assessment called the Congregation Assessment Tool, which will provide much more information about the needs and desires of the congregation.
 
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Kenwood Park United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Moody Colorado, moody.colorado@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020. 
 
Dike United Methodist Church, Dike
Dike is located along Interstate Highway 20, west of Waterloo. The population in 2018 was 1,280. This town is a bedroom community for the bustling malls, university, and hospitals in the business districts of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Local attractions are the recreational lake and golf course. The church has 229 members, with an average worship attendance of 91. Sunday School draws up to 60 kids, which also indicates a strong and proud school system. A pastor with children would surely enjoy it. The successful youth program is led by the energetic Christian Education staff and volunteers. Other paid staff are the Secretary, Custodian, Treasurer, and Organist. This church is passionate about global missions with their involvement in varied international programs, including World Vision. Community-related programs include the Food Pantry, Special Occasion Meals, Christmas gifts for low-income families, and others. 
 
For the incoming new pastor, the following are the priority missional expectations:

  1. Continues with their pastor-led Bible study for adults
  2. Revitalizes the worship music by including an infusion of more contemporary music to involve younger families in worship (there are large churches in Cedar Falls that are crowd-drawers)
  3. Develops Sunday messages that are engaging, relevant, and Bible-based. 
  4. Creates sermon series that are topical/scriptural and that the congregation can relate to
  5. Creates messages that are enhanced with PowerPoints and hymns in coordination with the Worship Committee and Organist

The pastor is also expected to be prayerful, approachable, enjoy the outdoor recreational fellowship with the members, and enjoys school and community involvement and leadership. 
 
Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Dike United Methodist Church, in Dike, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Moody Colorado, moody.colorado@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020. 
 
First United Methodist Church, Jesup
Jesup is located just north of Highway 20 and is only 30 minutes away from Cedar Rapids and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area. Jesup has a population of about 2,700 and has its own school district (pre-K to 12) of approximately 1,000 students. New housing developments are being established. Each year, Jesup hosts a summer celebration that brings thousands to the community. Jesup is a community that offers many opportunities for personal growth, and it is a great place to raise children. 
First United Methodist Church is a congregation with a passion for Jesus and compassion for people. They are heavily involved with mission work, both internationally and locally, and have paid 100% of their apportionments for many years. The church has a vibrant laity-run children’s Sunday School program and two sections of youth groups that meet weekly. The Sunday morning service is a blend of traditional/contemporary, and it offers an array of participation, with many sharing their musical talents. The administrative assistant works two mornings a week, handling worship preparation and other various duties. They have a newly-developed Congregational Care team. The congregation is very active in a strong Jesup Ministerial Alliance. Churches jointly provide Vacation Bible School, a summer food program, and services throughout the year.

They seek a pastor who understands his/her calling as an opportunity to serve God and others. The following are the priority missional expectations:

  1. Continues to build relationships with church members and within the community 
  2. Actively participates in the Ministerial Alliance 
  3. Intentionally grows in Christian Discipleship with church leaders and members 
  4. Develops a life-giving Visitation Ministry

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to First United Methodist Church, in Jesup, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Moody Colorado, moody.colorado@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020. 

Northwest District


Laurens United Methodist Church-Varina United Methodist Church, Laurens, and Varina
This two-point charge is located in historic Pocahontas County, close to the Iowa Lakes. Laurens is an idyllic town of 1,200 with loads of retail, quality schools, and manufacturing opportunities. A short drive will find you in Varina, a quaint bedroom community where people know their neighbors by name and celebrate small-town life.

Both churches in this charge place a great emphasis on mission support. They both have active UMWs and long-standing support for the annual Ingathering. Both churches have active Sunday School programs and confirmation classes and appreciate blended worship. The community youth group meets at Laurens UMC. Laurens celebrates with the community throughout the year with soup dinners, Trunk or Treat, and the Festival of Trees. The churches expand their ministry to youth with their support of IAUMC camping ministries.

The missional priorities of this charge are: 

  1. Integrating the church into the life of the community, especially working with the farming community
  2. Providing a culturally relevant opportunity for youth in this part of Pocahontas County
  3. Providing relevant worship and pastoral care for the communities that surround these churches

The pastoral leadership expectations include being a pastor who can connect with youth and young families, someone who will be present in the community, attend events and meetings, possesses strong pastoral care skills, and is an excellent communicator.
 

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Laurens and Varina United Methodist Churches, in Laurens and Varina, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Ron Carlson, ron.carlson@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, 
November 30, 2020. 
 
Grace United Methodist Church, Spencer
Spencer is the county seat of Clay County, located at the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers’ confluence. The Iowa Lakes and numerous parks and facilities are within immediate access. With a population of around 11,000, Spencer is filled with retail opportunities and is the home of the famous Clay County Fair, which averages more than 300,000 visitors each year. The downtown business district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a certified Downtown Cultural District. Attractions include the Spencer Community Theater, the Parker House Museum, Clay County Heritage, and various public art displays, including Arts on Grand, a cultural attraction and nonprofit organization which supports local area artists with a gallery shop, exhibits, classes, workshops, tours, fundraising events, and other activities. Education is vital in Spencer with quality public schools and college classes through Buena Vista University and Iowa Lakes College. There is excellent health care in Spencer with a regional hospital and many specialty clinics and doctors.
 
The church has an excellent campus with a newly refurbished pipe organ and a superior sound system, plenty of space to allow outside community groups such as Head Start, Scouts, and Feed Just 1 to gather. They have a strong mission emphasis on participating in the Ingathering, food pantries, VIM, and local projects. They have fostered a relationship with Hope Haven, a differently-abled facility and group home located in the area. There is an active UMW with 44 members. Worship is blended, and there is an excellent choir, bell choir, and many special music providers. Services are live-streamed and broadcast on cable television and a local radio station. Finances are solid and there is a foundation that helps to fund special projects and mission opportunities. 

The missional priorities of this church are: 

  1. Providing outreach to young families and children, leveraging relationships with organizations such as schools and Head Start
  2. Being highly engaged in the community, visible within the existing organizations and at community events
  3. Continued emphasis on missions, beyond just giving money, but being actively involved in helping others
  4. Leadership development arising from a continued emphasis on personal discipleship

Pastoral Leadership expectations include a pastor who is a servant leader, outside the box thinker, encourager, transparent, and an excellent communicator and administrator. 

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Grace United Methodist Church, in Spencer, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Ron Carlson, ron.carlson@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020. 

Southwest District 


Griswold United Methodist Church, Griswold
Griswold is a rural town of 1,036, with many commuting outside of the area for work. The consolidated public school supporting three surrounding counties is in Griswold and has a newly built elementary school in 2019, attached to the middle and high school building. Within the city limits are a care center and assisted living facility; satellite medical clinic; an active ministerial association in ministry with the community; a thriving public library; local restaurant, gas stations, and a Dollar General. For recreation, there is a new music venue that boasts both local and nationally known artists, a golf course outside of City limits, and a campground just outside City limits for both camping and fishing.
 
The Griswold United Methodist Church has many thriving discipleship groups: UMW, Women’s Circle, Tuesday Morning Prayer Group, Adult Bible Study, three strong Adult Sunday school classes, and a most recent confirmation class of five young people. This is a church of enthusiastic and capable people, with an updated, handicapped-accessible building and a part-time secretary.
 
The missional priorities of the church are:

  1. Connecting and Reconnecting as a church family
  2. Increased community outreach in both relationship building and Matthew 25 ministries 
  3. Reviving a children and youth ministry within the life of the church.

The ideal pastoral leader will:

  1. Partner with the congregation to build relationships with and do ministry in the community
  2. Energize and inspire members as they grow in their faith
  3. Partner with the congregation to build and provide congregational care ministry  

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to Griswold United Methodist Church, in Griswold, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent Melissa Drake, melissa.drake@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020. 
 
First United Methodist Church, Jefferson
Jefferson, population 4,345, is the county seat of Greene County. The town has an agricultural emphasis, a few factories, a small hospital with a 24-hour ER, an active Main Street group, and a community recreation center. The consolidated school system has a new high school building with a joint learning location with a community college/technical training school. Many doctors work in town at two clinics, and specialists come to town on a rotation. The town square is well-used and is regularly updated. 
 
There is an active county Clergy Association, and churches work together for Matthew 25 ministries (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the least of these) and helping in emergencies. 
 
First United Methodist Church hosts the Midwest Distribution center and partners with Habitat for Humanity, ACCESS (domestic violence prevention services), local police and sheriff’s departments, schools, the hospital, and nursing home. The church building houses the HSED (formerly GED) classes, provides an office for RSVP (services for folks over 55), space for WIC to provide bi-monthly services, and space for “Imagine the Possibilities,” (services for adults with disabilities). The Webb House ministry, providing love and guidance to students 5-12 grade, and the newly remodeled food pantry and clothes closet are primary ministries of First United Methodist Church and are critical supports within the community. The church serves as a location for supervised parental visits. 
 
The church building is handicapped accessible, is well maintained, and has a beautiful memory garden attached. First United Methodist Church has implemented their Discipleship Pathway, has hosted ALPHA studies, and has many formational discipleship groups, including Youth Group, Crazy for Christ group, children and youth Sunday schools, UMW, Men’s Group, a missions team, evangelism team, and a sewing club.
 
As part of their discipleship commitment to transforming the world, the congregation is full of friendly, welcoming, and committed members who believe in encouraging and supporting the community. They are a socially active and conscious congregation and regularly participate in prayer-walks around the town and organize meal trains to provide meals for families in need.  They are also a music-loving congregation and have a Sunday Morning Choir, Men’s Choir, Youth Choir, Quartet, Bell Choir, and talented soloists. 
 
The missional priorities of the church are: 

  1. Reaching new families and forming them into disciples of Jesus
  2. Continuing the work of transforming their community and loving their neighbors through Matthew 25 ministries
  3. Strengthening the congregation by identifying and celebrating the gifts and talents of disciples so that more people can be engaged in ministry

The ideal pastoral leader will be able to:

  1. Guide, equip and release leaders for ministry
  2. Be able to equip and build a Congregational Care Team to support the pastoral care needs of the congregation
  3. Will be able to equip the congregation to reach out and build relationships with younger families in the community

Pastors who prayerfully discern they have the gifts and skills to be appointed to First United Methodist Church, in Jefferson, may submit their names with a letter outlining their pastoral leadership skills and experience matching the missional priorities of the church and its community as reasons they should be considered for this appointment. Send your letter by email attachment to District Superintendent, Melissa Drake, melissa.drake@iaumc.org. Copy your current District Superintendent on the email submission. Due by Monday, November 30, 2020.