Summary:

A vibrant, progressive, and Christ centered Church seeks an enthusiastic person to direct and coordinate our Faith Formation program for children and families. The Minister of Children and Families position is an approximate 30-40 hour a week position with flexible hours and working location during the week (in person Sunday mornings!) and an option for reduced summer hours. The compensation for this position is $50,000 total package.

About Us:

The Falmouth Congregational Church, UCC, is a dedicated, open minded, welcoming, and growing Christian community that embraces both the traditional and the new. We are located in the seaside town of Falmouth, Maine, a growing suburb fifteen minutes from the city of Portland. In the last five years our church has welcomed a new minister and several new staff members, learned how to worship and gather in a variety of innovative ways and seen substantial growth in our children and family ministries. We seek someone to continue to expand our programing for young families while integrating the program into the wider life of the church.

Our congregation has an open heart for children and youth; we host one of the largest Easter egg hunts in the state each year, sponsor a large and active Boy Scout troop, and have a variety of events and programming for all ages. Once a month we host an intergenerational worship service integrating our church school children into worship and worship leadership such that our entire congregation learns, worships, and takes Holy Communion as one.

The majority of our staff are parents of young children. Our Pastor is a former preschool teacher and the mom of two under five. Therefore, we deeply understand the importance and challenge of this children and youth centered ministry.

This year the church has undertaken a substantial renovation of the Kids Church' classrooms with new flooring, large windows, additional bathrooms and a stair lift.

Job Description:

As the Minister of Children & Families you would be responsible for the overall direction and coordination of our Faith Formation program for children and families in consultation with the Pastor. You would select and shape the curriculum for our church school, support our youth confirmands, lead youth centered events, and oversee church school volunteers and nursery staff. On most Sundays you will be the lead teacher in the Sunday School classroom(s). Depending on your interests and gifts you can determine whether you will occasionally empower others to teach Sunday school so that you can provide worship leadership. Pastor Amelia is also willing and interested in doing "ministry swaps" in order to give more opportunities for you to fill the pulpit. If of interest to you, your work in this position could potentially lead to a future associate pastor position.

You would work to keep our parents/caretakers aware of the program's teachings so that they can support them at home. While this role would be focused on youth and families, we are committed to integrating our community across the generations. To this end you would participate in multigenerational Sunday worship services and could expect to be involved in worship leadership, including preaching up to once/ month if you so choose. You would also initiate creative ways for children and youth to participate and lead worship. This position includes the joy of creating and leading programs that support families with young children.

You would represent our congregation at community events and invite new families to come to our church through community presence, planning and implementing outreach events, and providing related publicity. You would continue to implement and oversee best practices and policies for the mutual safety and care of all participants, including Safe-Church (Abuse Prevention) policy. You would identify and coordinate volunteers to lead and support programs where needed and support them with training and preparation. You would work with the Pastor and Office staff to publicize Faith Formation/ Church School events and resources to the congregation by such means as emails, newsletters, and social media. As a fully engaged and highly valued member of the staff, you would attend weekly staff meetings and have regular in person meetings with the Pastor and other staff.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with children in classroom settings, such as traditional academic settings, church programs, summer camp, or similar settings

Familiarity with basic tenets and traditions of Christian faith and a curiosity and love for expansive theology

Commitment to teaching the Gospel in a way that transmits God's love for all and joy at the world (eg this should be meaningful and fun!)

Comfortable leading open and developmentally appropriate conversations with compassion across differences and diversity

First AID & CPR certified by the beginning of the church school year

Position is a mandated reporter under Maine state law and must pass state and federal background check

Rate of Pay: 50,000 total package.

Time Commitment: Approx. 30-40 hours, flexible schedule, opportunities to work remotely during the week.

Application: To apply, please contact the Search Committee electronically, C/O attaching a resume, cover letter, and two references. Must pass a background check.