Joint Needs Assessment Report
(Narrative rendering of contents of
Form MPE 403 JN dated 2001 01 15)
for
St. Andrew�s United Church
Chalk River, Ontario
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St. Andrew�s United Church, founded in 1875, is located in the rural village of Chalk River, Ontario (now part of the amalgamated municipality of the
Town of Laurentian Hills - total population approximately 2,800) in the Upper Ottawa Valley two hours NW of the nation�s capital.Historically a lumbering and railroad village, Chalk River is a quiet community of 900 with an active local Legion and Lions Club (the Lions run a popular local banquet hall). Local amenities include a newly refurbished, lighted baseball diamond which is seasonally very active, a municipal playground, Nursery School, Corry Lake Beach, direct access to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club�s trail network and is only a few miles away from world-famous Algonquin Park. There are two restaurants in town, a Butcher Shop/Grocery, Convenience Store and a locally-owned service station/laundromat, as well as several cottage industries.
The congregation is comprised of 90 families from the village and surrounding area where the principle employers are Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories) and Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, located in the adjacent town of the same name (18 km, pop. 15,000). In recent years there has been a steady influx of military families owing to recent expansions at the local Military Base which is now one of the largest in the country.
Petawawa has many retail/banking/recreational amenities including a cinema on the base.The
Town of Deep River, (10 km, pop. 4,600) is the main local source of social, educational and health agencies (North Renfrew Family Services, Deep River and District Hospital, Renfrew County and District Health Unit Sub-Office), retail stores and other businesses, three banking institutions, public schools (2) and a fully-equipped high school (including an indoor pool, theatre, two gymnasia). Deep River also has a very active association of local clubs (from Fencing to Musical Theatre) and boasts a 500-seat hockey arena, Curling/Squash Club, marina, Tennis courts, 9-hole golf course, ski hill, cross-country ski trails, among other amenities. The Ottawa River, a kilometre wide at Deep River is a very popular summer recreation area with several beaches on both shores.The
City of Pembroke (40 km, pop. 15,000) is the Valley�s �metropolis� and contains many of the usual amenities, including a multiple-screen cinema, Drive-In, two shopping malls, several golf courses, and an active downtown retail core, among other features including a full-service General Hospital. There is an Upper Ottawa Valley campus of Algonquin College with a vast offering of programs including evening courses and credit courses from Ottawa University. The local airport has daily flights to and from Toronto.The city of Ottawa is about two hours away by car, Toronto five and Montreal about four.
The Mission Statement of St.Andrew�s is to reach out as Ambassadors for Christ. There are several active groups, among them: Choir, Youth Group, Prayer Group, Bible Study, U.C.W., Sunday School and of course the Session, Board of Stewards and the Official Board and its committees. There are several social activities each year, including the Annual Turkey Dinner, Summer Picnic, Pot Lucks, Soup and Sandwich Social, and Bake Sales as well as various Community Service projects.
The resources of St.Andrew�s are in it�s many volunteers (including the Minister�s Secretary), group-leaders and participants. The Organists (currently four) receive honorariums with the Clergy and the Janitor being the only paid staff. The charge owns the property including the church proper as well as the Manse (which is located beside the church).
The profile of the position of Minister is: Leadership in Worship, Pastoral Care, Community Outreach (with the Legion and North Renfrew Family Services) as well as support in the church�s efforts to grow and develop. Attendance at Bible Study, meetings of Session, the Official Board and the Annual Congregational Meeting is expected.
The skills expected of the Minister should be centered around: communication, adaptability counselling, social service/outreach, and music.
The terms of the position are: salary and benefits as per the United Church of Canada guidelines for a � (30 hours/week) part-time position. Housing via allowance or provision.
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