Parish Profile
| parish_profile_2020.docx |
A Ministry Profile of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Florence, Oregon
“To know Christ and lead others to Him through welcome, worship, and works of service.”
The members of St. Andrew’s in Florence, Oregon, are looking for a new half-time vicar, to fill the pastoral, worship, and administrative needs of our congregation.
This vacancy occurred on March 1, 2020 when Vicar Angelito Cubillas returned to his beloved Arizona after serving St. Andrew’s for one year.
St. Andrew’s Mission Church, located in the middle of the magnificent Oregon Coast, is our spiritual home where we gather to worship using the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Our mission statement, “To know Christ and lead others to Him through welcome, worship, and works of service,” focuses us as we welcome everyone, worship prayerfully, and energetically and compassionately perform works of service.
Our History
St. Andrew's began in 1954 when a small group of Florence residents were eager to establish an Episcopal church. At first they met in the members' homes, then the American Legion Hall. A priest from St. Stephen’s in Newport, Oregon, helped them in their effort. Land was donated to the church in 1956 and construction of the present building began. Rt. Rev. Benjamin Dagwell blessed the new church building.
From 1956 until now, many changes have occurred. The church building was added on to and later a community labyrinth was created. A memorial garden is located next to the labyrinth on our church property. The demographics of our members have changed from having families with children to our present day membership of mostly retired senior citizens heavily involved in community service and activities.
A complete pictorial history of the church, prepared by a faithful and longtime member, Margaret Thorngate, is available in the church of office. Also available on our website is video showing you a glimpse of our church and this beautiful little town. www.standrewsflorence.org
Our Worship Program
We see ourselves as a community of faith that is firmly rooted in Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Episcopal Church. Our worship style is a unique balance between Rite I and Rite II.
Assisting in worship services are the retired Deacon, Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, ushers, members of the Altar Guild, communion bread bakers, musicians and flower arrangers.
Summer Sunday services in the time of COVID-19 are held at the outdoor chapel area within the Diocesan/CDC guidelines. In inclement weather, service is indoors following the same guidelines.
Florence, Oregon
“To know Christ and lead others to Him through welcome, worship, and works of service.”
The members of St. Andrew’s in Florence, Oregon, are looking for a new half-time vicar, to fill the pastoral, worship, and administrative needs of our congregation.
This vacancy occurred on March 1, 2020 when Vicar Angelito Cubillas returned to his beloved Arizona after serving St. Andrew’s for one year.
St. Andrew’s Mission Church, located in the middle of the magnificent Oregon Coast, is our spiritual home where we gather to worship using the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Our mission statement, “To know Christ and lead others to Him through welcome, worship, and works of service,” focuses us as we welcome everyone, worship prayerfully, and energetically and compassionately perform works of service.
Our History
St. Andrew's began in 1954 when a small group of Florence residents were eager to establish an Episcopal church. At first they met in the members' homes, then the American Legion Hall. A priest from St. Stephen’s in Newport, Oregon, helped them in their effort. Land was donated to the church in 1956 and construction of the present building began. Rt. Rev. Benjamin Dagwell blessed the new church building.
From 1956 until now, many changes have occurred. The church building was added on to and later a community labyrinth was created. A memorial garden is located next to the labyrinth on our church property. The demographics of our members have changed from having families with children to our present day membership of mostly retired senior citizens heavily involved in community service and activities.
A complete pictorial history of the church, prepared by a faithful and longtime member, Margaret Thorngate, is available in the church of office. Also available on our website is video showing you a glimpse of our church and this beautiful little town. www.standrewsflorence.org
Our Worship Program
We see ourselves as a community of faith that is firmly rooted in Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Episcopal Church. Our worship style is a unique balance between Rite I and Rite II.
- Sunday 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I
- Sunday 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II with music
- Breakfast or coffee hour follow these services
- A single 9:00 a.m. service is held on any 5th Sunday followed by a potluck and
- Tuesday Morning Prayer
- Wednesday 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II. The first Wednesday service of
Assisting in worship services are the retired Deacon, Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, ushers, members of the Altar Guild, communion bread bakers, musicians and flower arrangers.
Summer Sunday services in the time of COVID-19 are held at the outdoor chapel area within the Diocesan/CDC guidelines. In inclement weather, service is indoors following the same guidelines.
Additional Worship Services
Our Staff
The paid staff includes:
Vicar position, half- time (open)
Supply Priest
Church Secretary 3 mornings a week
Our Volunteers and Ministries
Our Outreach Programs
The members of St. Andrew's congregation are involved, as individuals and as a group, in missions serving the needs of the Mapleton and Florence communities. The list of local and diocesan charities served by St. Andrew's is long, but several are emphasized. These include the ministries of food for the hungry and shelter, as well as supplies for the homeless and low-income people in need of help.
Through its Outreach Committee, St. Andrew 's congregation provides financial support to Siuslaw Outreach Services and Shalom of Mapleton as well as Helping Hands, The Emergency Cold Weather Shelter and Florence Food Share, (all local charities that provide food, clothing, household and personal supplies, emergency aid and shelter). Members also participate actively in fundraising and ongoing volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, the Free Lunch program, the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund for national outreach.
Special annual programs provides Christmas gift parcels to the homeless, as well as housing· and Thanksgiving dinner in July for the Texas 4000, the University of Texas students who bicycle from Austin to Anchorage raising funds for cancer research.
Service on the Boards of local charities, city advisory and research committees, arts and entertainment charitable corporations and performance groups are standard practice for St. Andrew's members. Active participation in civic life as well as involvement in church missions and personal and professional interests makes for a well informed and lively congregation that can be counted on to respond intelligently and compassionately to church and community need.
Our Building and Property
We have done much over the past few years to the inside and outside to improve our building and site. The exterior of the building has a new roof, a new coat of paint, new windows. The parking lot was paved and appropriate lighting added.
The interior has had a lighting retrofit and a new heat pump system was installed. All areas have been decluttered and reorganized. A new audio system can extend the service to overflow crowds in the Parish Hall, and benefits the hearing impaired. The kitchen area was expanded and is certified to prepare meals for the community.
A quiet area of native plantings and trees in the NW corner of our property includes a sacred place for the interment of cremains. No ashes may be buried without a service; the use of the Burial of the Dead from the Book of Common Prayer is encouraged. The "backyard" includes a stone altar and seats for worship, and a Labyrinth for meditation that is open to all in the Florence community.
- Christmas Eve Service with lessons & carols and Christmas Day Eucharist
- Compline or evening prayer following Lenten Soup suppers - in conjunction with our neighboring ELCA church
- Ash Wednesday Service
- Palm Sunday Service
- Easter Week Services – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
- Sunrise Easter Vigil with lighting of the· Paschal .Candle and a later Easter service with flowering of the cross
- Blessing of the Animals
- Rogation Sunday
- St. Andrew's Day celebration followed by a meal
- Educational program following a simple soup supper during Lent
- A mini Bible study of the lectionary is offered to those involved in worship planning
- Adult forums are held throughout the year
- The Beacon, our monthly newsletter, offers educational articles on a variety of subjects
- The Order of the Daughters of the King® has a monthly column in The Beacon to deepen our spirituality
- The Health Ministry brings in guest speakers
- St. Andrew's website communicates to others about our congregation.
Our Staff
The paid staff includes:
Vicar position, half- time (open)
Supply Priest
Church Secretary 3 mornings a week
Our Volunteers and Ministries
- Altar Bread Guild
- Altar Flower Chairman
- Altar Guild
- Bishop's Advisory Committee
- Blessing Table
- Coffee Hour Hosts
- ECW
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Eucharistic Visitors
- Garden Committee
- Health Team Ministry
- Jam Ministry
- Lay Readers
- Liturgy Work Group
- Musicians
- Outreach Committee
- Pledge Clerk
- Prayer Chain
- Texas 4000
- The Order of the Daughters of the King®
- Treasurer
- United Thank Offering
- Ushers
- Website Manager
- Worship Committee
Our Outreach Programs
The members of St. Andrew's congregation are involved, as individuals and as a group, in missions serving the needs of the Mapleton and Florence communities. The list of local and diocesan charities served by St. Andrew's is long, but several are emphasized. These include the ministries of food for the hungry and shelter, as well as supplies for the homeless and low-income people in need of help.
Through its Outreach Committee, St. Andrew 's congregation provides financial support to Siuslaw Outreach Services and Shalom of Mapleton as well as Helping Hands, The Emergency Cold Weather Shelter and Florence Food Share, (all local charities that provide food, clothing, household and personal supplies, emergency aid and shelter). Members also participate actively in fundraising and ongoing volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, the Free Lunch program, the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund for national outreach.
Special annual programs provides Christmas gift parcels to the homeless, as well as housing· and Thanksgiving dinner in July for the Texas 4000, the University of Texas students who bicycle from Austin to Anchorage raising funds for cancer research.
Service on the Boards of local charities, city advisory and research committees, arts and entertainment charitable corporations and performance groups are standard practice for St. Andrew's members. Active participation in civic life as well as involvement in church missions and personal and professional interests makes for a well informed and lively congregation that can be counted on to respond intelligently and compassionately to church and community need.
Our Building and Property
We have done much over the past few years to the inside and outside to improve our building and site. The exterior of the building has a new roof, a new coat of paint, new windows. The parking lot was paved and appropriate lighting added.
The interior has had a lighting retrofit and a new heat pump system was installed. All areas have been decluttered and reorganized. A new audio system can extend the service to overflow crowds in the Parish Hall, and benefits the hearing impaired. The kitchen area was expanded and is certified to prepare meals for the community.
A quiet area of native plantings and trees in the NW corner of our property includes a sacred place for the interment of cremains. No ashes may be buried without a service; the use of the Burial of the Dead from the Book of Common Prayer is encouraged. The "backyard" includes a stone altar and seats for worship, and a Labyrinth for meditation that is open to all in the Florence community.
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Our Finances
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is in excellent financial condition. Our building is fully paid for, and since June of 2008 we have been paying our full Diocese Parish Assistance (DPA) each month.
In addition to a healthy checking account, we ended August, 2020 with balances forwarded in the following special accounts:
$ 5,433 Capital Reserve Fund savings account
$11,568 Memorial Fund savings account
$ 1,367 Outreach money market account
$10,000 Clergy Compensation account
$80,280 Diocesan Investment account
Also line item accounts are allocated to special needs such as altar flowers, Episcopal Church Women, Good Samaritan Fund, memorial garden and prescription co-pays.
St. Andrew's has an endowment fund invested with the State Street Bank of Boston through the Episcopal Church Foundation that generates about $2,500 interest annually. Special parish fundraising campaigns, grants, and events such as silent auctions, garage sales, special dinners and pie sales are used to pay for these special projects.
Our projected budget for 2020 is $63,748. The numbers of pledge units over the last 5 years are:
2016 32 pledges
2017 32 pledges
2018 32 pledges
2019 42 pledges
2020 32 pledges
Total pledge and plate income:
2016 Total $82,701
2017 Total $79,796
2018 Total $70,259
2019 Total $79,425
2020 Total $49,181 from Jan to August 2020
I
Copies of the church’s detailed balance sheet, as well as monthly and year-to-date budget reports are available on request.
Description of Compensation
St. Andrew's is seeking a vicar who is able to accept a half time stipend. In addition, supplemental benefits including life insurance, family medical insurance, pension, continuing education allowance, and a paid vacation will be offered and are negotiable. Use of a personal vehicle for parish business will be reimbursed at the current IRS approved rate. There is a vicar's discretionary fund, which currently has a balance of $1,200.
The Diocese of Oregon Compensation schedule is available on their website.
Our Search Process
Our profile process began in June 2020. A questionnaire was sent to the congregation asking, first, how they would describe St. Andrew’s to an applicant. The response was that we rely on both clergy and laity for direction, welcoming ideas that are provoking and challenging, in a style that is informal and spontaneous. We are interested in learning about the traditions, doctrine and scripture of our beloved Episcopal Church that will affect our understanding of and caring for contemporary issues and problems.
The congregation was asked to choose the five (5) most important characteristics in a new priest, starring the premier choice:
* 1. Build a sense of community with all in the church community.
2. Bring joy and good humor to relationships.
3. Have a strong commitment to the Episcopal Church.
4. Be an effective communicator.
5. Share leadership and work as a team with the lay members.
The congregation lastly indicated their top five (5) desired ministry tasks and chose these:
1. Preaching/worship
2. Communication
3. Ministry with seniors
4. Pastoral care and visitation
5. Teaching
Some comments returned on this questionnaire that amplify choices are:
At St. Andrews, we currently have a total of 81 members. During 2020, our average weekly attendance before Covid-19 was 66. During Covid-19, we have had services at our outdoor altar in the Labyrinth area with an average attendance of 25 people following approved protocols. Wednesday services have been held in the nave, again following protocols.
Our congregation is made up of 80% of active seniors over the age of 60. Women make up two-thirds of our congregation. Over 90% have some college education with many earning Master and/or Doctorate degrees. The congregation is 99% full of those who are happily enjoying retirement.
Our Community of Florence
Florence is located near the mouth of the Siuslaw River on the spectacular Oregon Coast. To the south is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and to the east, the heavily wooded Coastal range. Our location allows us clean air and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Once a logging and fishing center, Florence has become a prime retirement location as we have seen a shift in the use of our natural resources from commercial logging and fishing to recreation and tourism. The composition of our congregation reflects this change in our community. We are mainly retired seniors with the time and resources to be heavily involved in community service and activities.
The "old town" area of Bay Street features a riverside park and boardwalk with a vendors' market in good weather. There are specialty shops and dining choices ranging from coffee houses to gourmet dining. Fresh fish is available from the fisherman's boats during open seasons.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is in excellent financial condition. Our building is fully paid for, and since June of 2008 we have been paying our full Diocese Parish Assistance (DPA) each month.
In addition to a healthy checking account, we ended August, 2020 with balances forwarded in the following special accounts:
$ 5,433 Capital Reserve Fund savings account
$11,568 Memorial Fund savings account
$ 1,367 Outreach money market account
$10,000 Clergy Compensation account
$80,280 Diocesan Investment account
Also line item accounts are allocated to special needs such as altar flowers, Episcopal Church Women, Good Samaritan Fund, memorial garden and prescription co-pays.
St. Andrew's has an endowment fund invested with the State Street Bank of Boston through the Episcopal Church Foundation that generates about $2,500 interest annually. Special parish fundraising campaigns, grants, and events such as silent auctions, garage sales, special dinners and pie sales are used to pay for these special projects.
Our projected budget for 2020 is $63,748. The numbers of pledge units over the last 5 years are:
2016 32 pledges
2017 32 pledges
2018 32 pledges
2019 42 pledges
2020 32 pledges
Total pledge and plate income:
2016 Total $82,701
2017 Total $79,796
2018 Total $70,259
2019 Total $79,425
2020 Total $49,181 from Jan to August 2020
I
Copies of the church’s detailed balance sheet, as well as monthly and year-to-date budget reports are available on request.
Description of Compensation
St. Andrew's is seeking a vicar who is able to accept a half time stipend. In addition, supplemental benefits including life insurance, family medical insurance, pension, continuing education allowance, and a paid vacation will be offered and are negotiable. Use of a personal vehicle for parish business will be reimbursed at the current IRS approved rate. There is a vicar's discretionary fund, which currently has a balance of $1,200.
The Diocese of Oregon Compensation schedule is available on their website.
Our Search Process
Our profile process began in June 2020. A questionnaire was sent to the congregation asking, first, how they would describe St. Andrew’s to an applicant. The response was that we rely on both clergy and laity for direction, welcoming ideas that are provoking and challenging, in a style that is informal and spontaneous. We are interested in learning about the traditions, doctrine and scripture of our beloved Episcopal Church that will affect our understanding of and caring for contemporary issues and problems.
The congregation was asked to choose the five (5) most important characteristics in a new priest, starring the premier choice:
* 1. Build a sense of community with all in the church community.
2. Bring joy and good humor to relationships.
3. Have a strong commitment to the Episcopal Church.
4. Be an effective communicator.
5. Share leadership and work as a team with the lay members.
The congregation lastly indicated their top five (5) desired ministry tasks and chose these:
1. Preaching/worship
2. Communication
3. Ministry with seniors
4. Pastoral care and visitation
5. Teaching
Some comments returned on this questionnaire that amplify choices are:
- Part-time minister to become part of parish family.
- Filled with the Holy Spirit, communication skills, outgoing personality, approachable
- Compassionate and living out their faith in service to others
- Good communicator who will lead by example
- Support, empathy, caring, trust, sense of humor
- Reflects the love of God, is a good teacher and communicator in sermons and worship.
At St. Andrews, we currently have a total of 81 members. During 2020, our average weekly attendance before Covid-19 was 66. During Covid-19, we have had services at our outdoor altar in the Labyrinth area with an average attendance of 25 people following approved protocols. Wednesday services have been held in the nave, again following protocols.
Our congregation is made up of 80% of active seniors over the age of 60. Women make up two-thirds of our congregation. Over 90% have some college education with many earning Master and/or Doctorate degrees. The congregation is 99% full of those who are happily enjoying retirement.
Our Community of Florence
Florence is located near the mouth of the Siuslaw River on the spectacular Oregon Coast. To the south is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and to the east, the heavily wooded Coastal range. Our location allows us clean air and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Once a logging and fishing center, Florence has become a prime retirement location as we have seen a shift in the use of our natural resources from commercial logging and fishing to recreation and tourism. The composition of our congregation reflects this change in our community. We are mainly retired seniors with the time and resources to be heavily involved in community service and activities.
The "old town" area of Bay Street features a riverside park and boardwalk with a vendors' market in good weather. There are specialty shops and dining choices ranging from coffee houses to gourmet dining. Fresh fish is available from the fisherman's boats during open seasons.
Everyday shopping needs are met by 3 groceries, 5 pharmacies, 1 hardware store and 2 lumber yards.
Our public schools include grades K-5 at Siuslaw Elementary; grades 6-8 at the middle school; and grades 9-12 at Siuslaw High School. Florence Branch of Lane Community College offers credit and non-credit courses with both classroom and online instruction. Many local preschools are available.
Peace Harbor is the local acute care hospital with 21 beds and 24 hour emergency care. The affiliated medical clinics have primary and some specialty care providers. Full medical opportunities are available an hour away in the Eugene/Springfield area at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Riverbend campus or University District campus. Eugene also has a VA Clinic and the McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is in Springfield.
Florence Siuslaw Public Library is well stocked, provides state of the art electronic services and is open 7 days a week. A regional network, which includes two university libraries, allows access to many specialized volumes.
The Florence Events Center offers a stage for local and visiting performers and serves as a meeting place for visiting conventions and local clubs. Two private theaters and a children's repertory workshop provide further opportunities. We also have a four-plex movie theatre with first run movies and art films.
Workout opportunities include a local fitness center with swimming pool, the senior center, the community college and community recreation centers.
A few fast facts about Florence…
- 14 feet above sea level;
- Population is approximately 9,100 people within the city limits, median age 61 years; education level 89% high school or higher, 28% Bachelor’s degree or higher;
- Average annual rainfall 78";
- Average temperature range 38 to 70 degrees, temperature rarely gets below 33 or above 71.
- Average cost of houses in Florence is changing rapidly. Currently the average cost of a home is between $289,000 and $355,000 depending on location.
More information is available on the City of Florence website, www.ci.florence.or.us and the Florence Area Chamber website, www.florencechamber.com
Our Contact Information
If you wish more information concerning this position please contact:
Ron Scott, Senior Warden at kathyronscott@gmail.com
Rosemary Rebello, Search Committee Chairperson at rosemary.rebello@gmail.com
St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Florence, Oregon at www.standrewsflorence.org
October 2020
Link to St. Andrews video.
https://vimeo.com/237822700
