St. James United Church
Dartmouth
Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report
Presented to the Official Board
May __ , 2012
St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Community Profile………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………….4
Pastoral Charge Profile……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Resources Profile………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Position Profile………………………………..………………………………………………………………………….……………11
Skills Profile……………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Terms of Call……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………13
Appendix A – Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Appendix B – JNAC Members…….………..……………………………………………………………………………………14
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
Introduction
The Report which appears in the following pages is the culmination of work done by the St. James United
Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC), which was constituted by Halifax Presbytery at the
request of St. James. As is the usual practice, the JNAC consists of representatives of St. James as well as of
Presbytery.
The initial work on this Report, however, can be said to have commenced nearly two years ago, when St.
James constituted what it called a Needs Assessment Committee, or NAC. The NAC was so-called because it
was not a joint committee; it had only St. James members, as no Presbytery representatives were available
to participate at the time because of the press of a great deal of other business.
The NAC review occurred, in part, because St. James knew that its long-time minister would likely be retiring
quite soon. We decided not to wait for his departure to begin the JNAC thought process. We wanted to
start, right away, on the important, and challenging, task of asking ourselves such questions as just who are
we, and what are we thinking of becoming. The NAC was a way of doing that, in advance, and the resulting
NAC report has formed a useful starting point for the work of the present JNAC.
This JNAC report reflects, of course, lengthy discussions among the JNAC members. It also reflects
discussions by them with other members of the Congregation. Further, it reflects an extensive survey (online, and in paper format) of the Congregation, using questions originally developed by the NAC. Counting
the original NAC survey returns, and the more recent, and rather larger, number of returns received when
we re-surveyed, we have had the benefit of reviewing information found in over 100 returns completed by
members of St. James.
We hope, and believe, that this JNAC report will provide to prospective Ministers an accurate and insightful
picture of the St. James of today, and of the potential which the church of today presents for the St. James of
tomorrow.
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
1. COMMUNITY PROFILE
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, nicknamed the “City of Lakes” because there are 23 lakes located within its
boundaries, provides a range of outdoor and indoor activities that appeal to all ages and interests. In the
summer and early fall, the lakes provide opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and
waterskiing. In the winter, the lakes are used for skating, ice hockey and even ice boating. Dartmouth’s
location on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour also provides opportunities for saltwater boating, sailing
and diving (http://my-waterfront.ca/dartmouth/about-dartmouth). In addition to these outdoor
recreational advantages, Dartmouth offers all the business, retail, educational, cultural and health care
services of a large city well equipped to meet the requirements of its growing population.
Dartmouth was founded in 1750 by predominately English immigrants arriving on the “HMS Alderney”
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Dartmouth), the year following the founding of Halifax, its larger
neighbour across the harbour. Dartmouth originally developed as a residential community, providing
lumber and agricultural and commercial support to Halifax. In addition to being the provincial capital,
Halifax developed as the business and financial centre of the region.
St. James United Church has been an integral part of Dartmouth and the surrounding communities since its
establishment in 1827 ( http://www.stjameschurch.ca). The Church is located adjacent to the original
Shubenacadie Canal system (http://www.shubenacadiecanal.ca/) which was constructed (circa 1850) to
facilitate the transport of goods from Halifax to Minas Basin and the Bay of Fundy. Today, a large portion of
the Shubenacadie Canal system has been restored, providing a unique system of trails and waterways
accessible to the public. See us on Google maps: 181 Portland St
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
In 1996, the provincial government amalgamated all the municipalities within the boundaries of Halifax
County into a single-tier regional government named the “Halifax Regional Municipality” or HRM.
Dartmouth is still the geographic name used to describe the original community and is the reference used
by all levels of government for mapping, 911 emergency service, 811 health care service and municipal
planning purposes. “Dartmouth” is also recognized by the Halifax Regional Municipality as a place-name for
civic addressing. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmouth,_Nova_Scotia. The HRM is governed by a
Mayor and 23 Municipal Councillors. A complete listing of the municipal services (e.g. policing, emergency,
garbage and recycling services) is available through the HRM website: http://halifax.ca/. According to 2006
census data, the population of HRM is in the order of 372,000 which is 8.7% higher than in 1996
(http://www.gov.ns.ca/finance/communitycounts/default.asp).
Over the years, Dartmouth has developed into a fully integrated community with a complete range of retail,
commercial, educational, health, residential and recreational services. Based on 2006 census information,
the population of Dartmouth (Dartmouth East, Dartmouth North and Dartmouth South combined) is in the
order of 65,000 (http://www.gov.ns.ca/finance/communitycounts/default.asp), which represents a slight
decrease from the 2001 population. The same website provides considerable detail concerning the
demographics, income, education, households and labour force within communities of Nova Scotia.
A brief summary of the range of services and activities (with links to additional information sources) in the
vicinity of St. James United Church is provided in the following:
Retail and commercial services: Many retail and commercial services are available within walking distance
of St. James. Within the downtown core, current information concerning the location of accommodations;
arts and entertainment; clubs and organizations; fashion and shops; financial services; food and drink;
health, wellness and beauty; home and decor; information technology; insurance services; learning centres;
legal services; magazines, books, and variety; public service; real estate services; and sports and hobbies
can be found on the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission website
(http://www.downtowndartmouth.ca/).
Additional retail facilities are located within 5 kilometres of St. James at the Mic Mac Mall shopping centre
(http://www.micmacmall.com/) and at the recently developed box store complex at Dartmouth Crossing
(http://www.dartmouthcrossing.com/). The largest industrial park complex east of Montreal is located in
Burnside Industrial Park in Dartmouth (http://www.halifax.ca/business_parks/parks/burnside.html) with
over 1500 enterprises and over 15,000 employees.
Heath related services: The Capital District Health Authority (http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/) maintains a
comprehensive range of facilities and services within the HRM. Included within the suite of health care
facilities is the Dartmouth General Hospital (http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/about-us/ourfacilities/dartmouth-general-hospital), located 5 kilometres from St. James, which provides a full range of
medical services and the adjacent Nova Scotia Hospital (http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/about-us/ourfacilities/nova-scotia-hospital) which provides a broad range of mental health programs. In addition, the
IWK Health Centre in Halifax (http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca) provides quality care to women, children, youth
and families in the Maritime provinces and beyond. Several senior and long-term care facilities are also
situated in Dartmouth.
Educational services: Elementary (Primary – G6); Junior High School (G7-G9); and High School (G10-G12)
facilities operated by the Halifax Regional School Board (http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/) are located within walking
distance of St. James. The HRSB also offers a French Immersion curriculum. The ‘Conseil scolaire acadien
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
provincial’ (http://www.csap.ednet.ns.ca/) operates a network of French-language schools within the HRM.
In addition, there are many opportunities throughout HRM for private schooling.
HRM also boasts several post-secondary institutions including the Nova Scotia Community College
(http://www.nscc.ca/); Dalhousie University; St. Mary’s University; and Mount St. Vincent University.
The Alderney Gate Public Library, within a 10 minute walk of St. James, is one of fourteen libraries operated
by the Halifax Public Library system (http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/) and provides a range of learning
activities for young and old.
Transit and Transportation services: While commuting within the HRM is most frequently via private
vehicle, a comprehensive public transit system integrating bus and ferry service provides thorough
coverage of Dartmouth and the adjacent communities of Halifax, Bedford and Sackville. The service is well
subscribed by the public (http://www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/Schedules/index.asp). Also on the
greener side, a renewed public interest in cycling as a means of transport is gaining wider support within
HRM Council. A Via Rail Canada (http://www.viarail.ca/en/main) station is located in Halifax and provides
passenger service to points west. The Robert Stanfield International Airport (http://www.hiaa.ca/), located
approximately 25 kilometres from St. James, provides passenger service to domestic and international
centres through several airlines.
Recreational services: The Dartmouth Sportsplex (http://www.dartmouthsportsplex.com/) and the nearby
Cole Harbour Place (http://www.coleharbourplace.com/) both provide personal and family oriented
recreational facilities. It is worth noting that both facilities hosted sporting events during the 2011 Canada
Winter Games. The “City of Lakes” supports several canoe and paddling clubs on Lake Banook, which is
within an easy walk of St. James. Lake Banook has also been the site of recent world canoeing and kayaking
events. Past and current members of these clubs are Olympic and world class athletes. The Halifax Metro
Centre hosts both the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Halifax
Rainmen of the National Basketball League of Canada.
Cultural activities: Nearby cultural attractions include live theatre groups such as the Dartmouth Players
Community Theatre (http://www.dartmouthplayers.ns.ca) and the Dartmouth All City Music Program
(http://dacm.hrsb.ns.ca/). Across the Harbour in Halifax, attractions include the Neptune Theatre
(http://neptunetheatre.com/); the Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival (http://www.multifest.ca/); Symphony
Nova Scotia (http://www.symphonynovascotia.ca/); and the Dalhousie Arts Centre
(http://artscentre.dal.ca/). Restaurants of virtually every specialty and ethnicity can be found in Dartmouth
and Halifax.
Residential services: New residential development within the downtown core is somewhat constrained by
existing land use, however, three new apartment and condominium developments within half a kilometre
of St. James are expected to attract an estimated 5000 – 6000 residents to the Downtown Dartmouth core
over the next 10-15 years. The new developments include:
Kings Wharf (http://www.kingswharf.ca/index.php/development-overview/);
Dartmouth Cove (http://my-waterfront.ca/dartmouth/development-dartmouth); and
Irishtown Lane (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/101207ca91pres.pdf)
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
2. Pastoral Charge Profile
Mission Statement:
Christ Centred; People Friendly; Life Giving
The Church of Saint James, founded by Scottish Presbyterians in 1827, is an active congregation located in
downtown Dartmouth. Although there is some sadness in saying good-bye to our minister of over 20 years
(he is retiring) there is also excitement and anticipation as to our future with a new minister. The
congregation has been extremely supportive of our present minister; however we are ready to move
forward with new leadership.
We are predominantly middle aged and older, with a number of younger families with children. We come
from many different backgrounds and experience our spirituality in many different ways. Yet we enjoy
coming together on Sunday mornings for a worship service that is mostly traditional, but in which our many
different talents and interests find room for expression. Worship services, enhanced by impressive
stained-glass windows and a beautiful pipe organ, are held at 10 am on Sunday mornings, and prepare us
for an active weekday program.
Our members come from various parts of HRM, with the core living in central Dartmouth and others
coming great distances as a result of previous attachments with the congregation (or the minister) and a
desire to remain part of the St. James faith community. Over the past 10 years there has been a decrease
of approximately 10% in the number of families on our mailing list, along with a similar decrease in our
church membership numbers. The number of baptisms, confirmations, weddings and membership
transfers in 2011 was about the same as it was 10 years ago, with the number of deaths actually decreasing
slightly. There are approximately 150 individuals/families who contribute to the church financially and
about 400 families on our church mailing list. During its long life, the congregation has produced several
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
Candidates for Ordained ministry and for many years was a SFE placement site for 1st and 2nd year students
from the Atlantic School of Theology. We have been an 8 month internship site.
Ministry of our congregation includes:
- Sunday School (10 – 25 children on any given Sunday, with approximately 40 registered)
- Social Action (Food Bank one morning/week serving about 65 clients, Christmas Baskets for Singles, and
support for Margaret’s House that serves hot lunches)
- Pastoral Care Committee (visitation with shut-ins at home, in hospital or nursing homes)
- UCW (fellowship, funeral catering, shawl ministry)
- Music Ministry (2 handbell choirs, senior, men’s and children’s choirs)
- Educational opportunities (Mid-week Bible study, Book Club, Lenten studies)
- Sponsoring body for Scouts Canada beavers, cubs, scouts and venturers
- Worship services that are lectionary based
- Subscription to Seasons of the Spirit utilized by the minister and congregational groups
- Lending library of faith based materials
- Various sports activities in the church hall
Further details are available in the 2011 Annual Report, available upon request.
There are a variety of churches within walking distance of St. James – Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, Roman
Catholic, Salvation Army, and Wyndholme Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as Grace United
Church about 5 blocks away. During the summer vacation period St. James and Grace hold joint services.
Our congregation participates in ecumenical mid-week services during Lent and on Good Friday. Our
members provide leadership for a marriage preparation course hosted by St. James to which participants
are referred by other congregations and denominations in the area. We are represented at the “United for
Dartmouth” meetings that have been held for a few years. These explore ways in which the United
Churches in Dartmouth can co-operate and work together. Each year St. James receives a number of
funeral referrals from the nearby A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home.
Our governance structure follows the Official Board model with a Session and Board of Stewards.
Committee meetings are usually held following coffee fellowship on Sunday mornings. There are active
Stewardship, Worship and Christian Education Committees. Each year the Stewardship Committee raises
significant funds and promotes fellowship in various ways, such as a spring concert, lobster supper, flea
markets, soup luncheons, etc.
The congregation attempts to support members who request new and different initiatives. Some of these
have been short term and others have become part of our regular programming. We continue to be a
faithful, loyal Christian community that prepares its people for their individual ministries outside the church
walls.
3. RESOURCES PROFILE
HUMAN RESOURCES
St. James has the following staff:
 1 full-time ordained minister
 1 part-time choir/music director
 1 part-time secretary
 1 part-time janitor
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
Volunteers lead our various programs and organizations, including:
 Official Board
 Committee of Stewards
 Session
 Christian Education Committee (including Sunday School)
 Feed Others of Dartmouth (FOOD)
 Food Bank Committee
 Ministry and Personnel Committee
 Men’s Choir
 St. James Carillon Choir (hand bells)
 St. James Chancel Bells (hand bells)
 Senior Choir
 Stewardship (major fundraising role)
 Trustees
 United Church Women (UCW)
 Worship Committee
For a number of years St. James has maintained a website that is updated weekly by our volunteer
webmaster. We also have a Facebook page.
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
The St. James’ Property comprises three principal buildings: the main church building; the church hall; and
the former manse, which St. James now operates as a rental property. The buildings are heated with
natural gas furnaces and boilers that were installed about four years ago.
Church Building
The main Church building, “the big white church on the corner”, was erected in 1871. It suffered severe fire
damage 40 years ago, but fortunately was insured to a full replacement standard. This enabled the building
and its interior fittings to be rebuilt to a very high standard - with restored original woodwork and modern
features such as a sprinkler system. The sanctuary includes a large and well-maintained pipe organ, a grand
piano, and a sound system. The main seating area has two aisles and seats approximately 325; the balcony
can seat a further 75. The sanctuary is lined on both sides with large stained glass windows which date
from the early 1960’s.
Under the sanctuary is the “Lower Hall” that was at one time the main church hall. It is currently used for
smaller meetings, music practices, etc.
Also on this lower level are:
 the minister’s office (about 9 x 20 feet, with library shelving at each end); it is equipped with a large
desk, computer connected to the wireless Internet, and a conference table for small meetings.
 an administrative office which contains two computers, two networked printers, and storage for
various office supplies. Air quality for the offices is maintained with an air exchanger.
 a number of small rooms, formerly used as Sunday School classrooms, which are currently used by
the handbell choir and food bank
 spaces associated with the senior choir
 a small kitchen
 a cloakroom
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
 an elevator that goes to the main sanctuary level
Most spaces within the main church building and the church hall are accessible, (perhaps not up to current
accessibility standards) with ramp access from the lower level of the church building to the Church Hall.
Church Hall
The Church Hall is a two-storey, flat-roofed, brick and cinderblock structure built in the early 1950’s. The
main, or first floor, includes a full-height gymnasium/auditorium, with an elevated stage.
Also on the main floor level are a number of rooms including:
 a large, fully-equipped kitchen
 a small library
 three washrooms
 a cloakroom
 a large church parlour used for meetings, containing an electronic organ and a piano
The area above the floor of the auditorium/gymnasium rises past the level of the second-floor spaces to the
underside of the roof. The second floor of the building is, accordingly, partial, in that four classrooms, a
large toddler room, and a supply room (including storage for costumes, etc.) run along two of the outside
walls of the building.
Former Manse
The two-storey former manse, like the church building, dates from the late 19th Century. It has been
lovingly maintained by the congregation and was in continuous use by ministers at St. James until
approximately two years ago, when the incumbent minister, in anticipation of retirement, bought a house
elsewhere. It is currently rented, on a year-to-year lease, to people who have become active members of
the St. James Congregation. There is also a new two-car garage, with storage space.
Parking
In the evenings and on weekends there is ample free parking in the neighbourhood; in particular, at a large
parking lot belonging to the pharmacy directly across the street from the Church. Seven parking spaces
directly adjacent to the Church are reserved on Sundays for the Minister and those with disabled parking
permits.
FINANCIAL
Operating Budget
Management of the operating budget rests with the Committee of Stewards.
St. James has generally had a history of balancing its books and funding operating expenses from operating
revenue, and is mortgage free. The only loan in existence is one from the Church Extension Board for the
installation of the new natural gas heating plants; at the current rate of repayment, that loan will be fully
paid off by February of 2014.
The total revenue and expenses for the last three years have been:
2011
2010
Revenue
204,740
215,574
Expenses including natural gas
loan repayment
204,135
216,652
Net Revenue (or Loss)
605
(1078)
2009
210,318
210,329
(11)
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
Investments
St. James maintains, through the Committee of Trustees, investments presently valued at approximately
$250,000. The Church policy is to actively invest these funds in conservative holdings of common stock
and preferred stocks.
These particular funds are regarded as available for identified capital-related matters, but not for operating
expenses, and to date operating expenses have not been subsidized using these assets.
4. Position Profile
St. James United Church, Dartmouth, seeks an ordained or diaconal minister within the order of ministry of
the UCC to fill the position described below.
Transformation & Administration
Engage the congregation in discerning their spiritual gifts as a means to carrying out the various ministries
of the congregation. Expose us to new ways of being the church and moving forward. Build community
relationships and networks. Attend meetings of the Session, Official Board, and other committees as
required within the church. Act as mentor and facilitator to help volunteers provide the best possible
programming. Walk with us as we explore a broad range of future possibilities for our congregation.
(40%)
Worship Leadership
Prepare and lead Sunday morning worship services, as well as special seasonal and off-site services (e.g.
local nursing homes). Work closely with other members of the Worship Committee in the planning of
worship. The congregation appreciates Sunday services that are dynamic and motivating, connecting the
Word to our everyday lives.
(25%)
Pastoral Care
Attend to the needs of the congregation. This covers all ages and a variety of concerns. There is an active
pastoral care committee that supplements the minister’s visits to those sick and in hospital. Pastoral care
also includes baptisms, marriages and funerals.
(25%)
Christian Education
Support and encourage the Sunday School and other program leadership. Mentor and develop youth
group leadership. Lead discussion groups and confirmation classes, support Bible study program, and
conduct baptism and marriage preparation events as required.
(10%)
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
5. Skills Profile
The people of St. James United Church believe that the person who fills our ministerial position will find rich
challenges, rewards, and friendships.
Our new minister should have skills in the following areas:
Transformational Skills

is a self-assured and motivational leader with vision

has well-developed pastoral skills

is a good listener, with the patience to grow with us

has a healthy self-image

understands the stresses that may arise in a congregation following the departure of a long-term
minister and has the abilities to work through these with the congregation

is self-aware and has a good sense of personal and professional boundaries
Leadership

is confident and passionate about his or her role as a spiritual leader

is willing to challenge us when needed

has a proven ability to motivate, work with, and recruit for various roles, people of all ages,
including youth

is open to change, and is innovative and entrepreneurial

is a strong administrator, with the ability to train, mentor, and delegate

has strong management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively

has a basic knowledge of computer technology, and openness to the increased use of that
technology, including social networking
Worship
 delivers dynamic, energetic, and thought-provoking sermons

has the ability to relate both to larger issues and the every-day concerns of individuals and families

is an engaging story teller

encourages lay involvement in the preparation and leading of worship

is willing to experiment with us, in worship styles and different technologies.
Personal Qualities
 be a person of integrity

be approachable and welcoming, with strong inter-personal skills

be an effective communicator for those of all ages

be enthusiastic, energetic, flexible and confident

has a good sense of humour
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
6. Terms of Call
• Salary will be based on the 2012 applicable scale + 10% up to and including “Category F” of the United
Church of Canada Salary and Allowance Schedules commensurate with the skills and experience of the
individual. This position is for one full time Ordered Minister (40 hours per week). Cost of in-bound moving
as under the United Church of Canada guidelines
• Housing Allowance: St. James Pastoral Charge offers an allowance of $1,500 per month ($18,000 yearly)
• Basic telephone excluding personal long distance.
• All other compensation, benefits and allowances outlined for the Minister will conform to United Church
of Canada policy and rates, including:
- 5 weeks vacation, including (5) Sundays
- 3 weeks study leave
- Travel expense reimbursement @ $0.41 per kilometre. Minister required to submit log of
kilometres travelled on church business ($3000 budgeted)
- Continuing Education support of $1,275 per year – submitted receipts
• Administrative Support: Part-time paid Secretary Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm. Office provides
normal access to telephone, email and internet
• The Minister will be provided with a smart phone and appropriate package for conducting church
business up to a cost of $800 annually
• The church will acquire a new computer for use by the Minister. Not to exceed $1,000 (one time cost)
• Presbytery: Active participation in Halifax Presbytery is encouraged. Involvement in the higher courts of
the church should be discussed with the M & P Committee.
• All other conditions of the United Church manual will apply.
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St. James United Church – Joint Needs Assessment Report – May 2012
Appendix A
Recommendations
We recommend that:
1. The St. James’ JNAC report be received and approved by the St. James’ Official Board and by a meeting of
the congregation.
2. Halifax Presbytery receive and approve the JNAC.
3. Halifax Presbytery declare a July 1, 2012 vacancy for 1 full-time Ministry Personnel.
4. Halifax Presbytery constitute a Joint Search Committee
5. Halifax Presbytery disband the Joint Needs Assessment Committee with thanks.
Appendix B
St. James Joint Needs Assessment Committee Members
Wayne Cochrane, Chair
Bonnie Hudson
Gaby McNeill
Ian Travers
Jennifer Adams
Joanne Hodder
Joyce Wylie
Kevin McTaggart
Ralph Settle
Rena Mae MacDonald
Sarah Cluett
Shauna MacDonald
Willy Badger
Halifax Presbytery JNAC Members
Dan Wellwood (replaced Chris Binns who attended the first JNAC meeting and withdrew for health reasons)
Rev. Allison Davis
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