HDS - OMS - Field Education Handbook

Project: Hancock United Church of Christ (Congregational), on the historic green in Lexington, is one of the largest UCC churches in Massachusetts. Among its more than 800 members are many active and experienced men and women. Hancock people identify themselves as a teaching parish, and along with the church's ordained ministers also contribute to the mentoring of seminarians and have a strong personal interest in helping seminarians understand and articulate the meaning of Trinitarian Christian witness and discipleship. They welcome the seminarians' presence, appreciate their individual gifts for ministry, celebrate their growth and depend on them as partners. Our church family is enriched by the varied backgrounds and religious histories of its members. We are an Open and Affirming congregation and we welcome and encourage diversity. Our Covenant of Welcome is published on our Web site at www.hancockchurch.org. In recent years we've experience a significant growth in the number of younger families with school age children. The Children's Sermon at Sunday Worship and the children's enthusiastic involvement in our fine music and dance programs project an unmistakable vitality. Our structured teaching parish program includes continuing guidance from the lay members of the active Teaching Parish Committee that meets regularly with the seminarians in members' homes. Seminarians are encouraged in a confidential setting to reveal any issues that may arise during their supervision or activities that could benefit from discussion or TPC support. Over more than 30 years this process has proven successful at resolving conflicts and providing the support to seminarians that they have required. The TPC also maintains close contact with supervisors and coordinates learning agreements and evaluations. Hancock is deeply committed to mission with a significant portion of its annual giving going outside our church home. Many members are actively engaged in a wide variety of service opportunities.

Student Involvement: Hancock can be a valuable and exciting experience for seminarians. A lot is expected from seminarians, but a lot of help is given, too. Seminarians quickly become part of the larger Hancock family. Opportunities are offered to participate in diverse areas of the congregation's life; children's and youth programs, adult education, music, preaching, leading worship, television ministry, pastoral care and social action. Seminarians have traditionally been involved in weekend retreats and in adult work trips and the Annual Spring Work Trip for our youth. Attendance at weekly staff meetings exposes them to the coordinating and administrative challenges that must be addressed in any thriving, caring church. Seminarians are encouraged to think in terms of spending at least two years with us. Several have opted for three. Generally, at least two seminarians participate at any given time, which we view as an advantage to students who profit from the collegial experience and can trade ideas and help each other over rough spots. Hancock Church is considered a Boston Theological Institute Site in partnership with both Harvard Divinity School and Andover Newton Theological School.

Arts of Ministry Competencies: Preaching and Worship. Pastoral Care and Counseling. Religious Education and Spiritual Development. Administration and Program Development. Public Leadership, Community Organizing and Planning. Denominational Polity.

Supervision: Weekly meetings between student and supervisor based on theological reflection. Monthly meetings with the Teaching Parish Committee.

Harvard Divinity School

Ministry Studies

Field Education Handbook