Job Posting

Position: Part-Time Christian Education Lead Teacher /Coordinator
Phippsburg Congregational Church, U.C.C.
Phippsburg, Maine

Summary:

A welcoming, diverse church seeks an enthusiastic educator & coordinator to revitalize our Christian Education program, with a focus on elementary and middle-school-aged children. The Lead Teacher/Coordinator position is an approximate 10 hour a week position with flexible hours and working location during the week (in person Sunday mornings) and minimal summer hours. The compensation for this position is $12,000 per year. 

About Us:

The Phippsburg Congregational Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.  We are an Open and Affirming congregation, committed to welcoming all people. We embrace both tradition and innovation. We are located in the center of Phippsburg, Maine, ten minutes from the city of Bath. Our membership is close to 100, including long-time locals, transplants, and recent immigrants from West African countries.  We currently have twelve children in our church family, including three nursery/preschool children, seven in elementary school, and one middle schooler.  Their families are supportive and willing to lend a hand to help our Christian Education programs flourish.  During the pandemic, they stayed engaged through home visits and the use of seasonal “homeschool” lesson/activity packets.  We seek someone to coordinate a return to regular in-person educational programming during the school year, with occasional participation in worship services and community events, to strengthen the role of children in the full life of the church.  

Job Description:

As Lead Teacher/Coordinator you would be responsible for the leadership and coordination of our Christian Education program in consultation with the pastor. You would make use of our current curriculum and/or select other appropriate curricula for our church school, serve as lead teacher, and oversee church school volunteers.  You would maintain regular communication with parents/caregivers to keep them aware of educational programs, topics, and resources.  

While this role is focused on youth and families we are committed to education across generations. To this end you would assist the pastor in planning educational opportunities for adults as well as youth.  (Note that you would not be expected to lead the majority of such programs.) You would also initiate creative ways for children and youth to engage and participate in worship.

You would offer a welcoming, accepting presence, in keeping with our church’s status as an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. You would continue to implement and oversee best practices and policies for the mutual safety and care of all participants, including our Safe-Church (abuse prevention) policy.  You would identify and coordinate volunteers to lead and support programs where needed, and enable them with training and preparation. You would maintain regular communication with the pastor and administrative assistant and work with them to publicize educational events and resources to the congregation.  As a fully engaged and highly valued member of the staff, you would be treated with appreciation and respect and welcomed into all aspects of the life of our church.  In support of your work, the church would provide access to resource-sharing networks and—on a limited basis—professional development opportunities such as webinars, workshops, and conferences. 

 Preferred Qualifications

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

●       Familiarity with basic teachings and traditions of Christian faith and an interest in exploring fresh theological perspectives

●       Commitment to teaching the Gospel in a way that transmits God’s love for all  

●       Comfortable leading developmentally-appropriate conversations across differences and diversity 

●       First Aid & CPR certified or willing to seek training and certification

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

Rate of Pay: $12,000 per year

Time Commitment: Approx. 10 hours/week during the school year, (2 hours in person on Sundays, plus preparation and planning time as needed.) Flexible schedule, opportunities to work remotely during the week.  Summer work limited to planning and leading one youth-oriented event per month, plus planning and preparation as needed for the upcoming school year.

Application: To apply, please contact the church office electronically, at pccoffice1@gmail.com, attaching a resume, cover letter, personal statement of commitment to inclusive values, and two references.  Applications due by August 20, 2022.  Must pass background check.

Phippsburg Congregational Church is an Open & Affirming member of the United Church of Christ. We welcome both congregants and staff of all backgrounds, races, genders, national origins, and sexual orientations.  you may learn more about our church community, mission, and ministries on the “Phippsburg UCC” Facebook page.  An archive of church service videos may be viewed on Youtube by searching for “Phippsburg UCC.”

You may contact our pastor  Holly Morrison at:

Rev. Holly S. Morrison, Pastor 
Phippsburg Congregational Church, UCC
P.O.Box 301 / 10 Church Lane
Phippsburg, ME 04562
Office: 207.389.1767 / Pastor: 207.504.0107