ASSOCIATE RECTOR Of CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY
The Associate Rector will be a member of a creative staff excited to work together faithfully to meet the opportunities and challenges of ministry in a supportive parish. The Associate Rector will work closely with the Rector in all aspects of her ministry, which encompass liturgy and worship (including preaching), pastoral care, formation, outreach, and fellowship, as well as matters related to the stewardship of our historic building. Engagement with parishioners of all ages will be an integral part of the Associate Rector’s ministry. Excellent interpersonal and public communication skills are essential. The Associate Rector will also be invited and encouraged to help us approach all our ministries in innovative ways.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Participate regularly in planning and leading worship on Sundays, weekdays, and special occasions.
Provide pastoral care to parishioners directly and through leadership and nurturing of our lay pastoral care teams.
Work collaboratively with the Rector, staff, and ministry leaders to plan and implement formation opportunities that are aimed at deepening and extending Christian and Episcopal discipleship for all ages.
Supervise and coordinate Sunday School for children and youth.
Supervise nursery, Sunday School, and other employees working in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
Work with the outreach committee and other parish leaders to support and expand outreach ministries in ways that are engaging and meaningful for the parish and our outreach partners.
Be an active team player with the Rector, staff, and ministry leaders, including at regular staff meetings and events, and with communications and fellowship.
Develop new ministries according to your gifts and the needs of the parish.
Send regular communications to Children, Youth, and Family Ministry participants.
Project a welcoming presence to existing parishioners, newcomers, and visitors.
Maintain practices of prayer and study.
The salary is $80,000. Healthcare, retirement, and paid leave benefits will be provided according to diocesan guidelines.
Send letter of interest, resumé, links to two recent sermons, and OTM profile to Rev. Dr. Cheryl McFadden at cheryl@ascensiondenver.org. All inquiries will be confidential.
Godly Play Teachers Needed
The Church of the Ascension, Denver, is seeking two people to serve as Godly Play teachers from now - May 25, 2025. We will provide the necessary training and materials. The hours are on Sundays, 8 am – 12 pm with flexibility for planning for the lessons. The salary is $25 per hour. Please contact Sarah Dougherty at sarah@ascensiondenver.org if you are interested in the position. You will need to submit a resume and references and if employed, a background check will be conducted and you will need to complete Safe Church Training.
A Godly Play Teacher is responsible for facilitating a nurturing and imaginative learning environment for children through the Godly Play curriculum, using storytelling, tactile materials, and guided play to explore Christian faith stories and concepts, fostering a sense of wonder and spiritual development within a designated age group, while maintaining a safe and respectful classroom space. Key Responsibilities:
Storytelling: Skillfully present Godly Play stories with appropriate voice inflection, gestures, and visual aids, adhering to the scripted narrative while engaging children's imaginations.
Classroom Preparation: Set up the Godly Play classroom with designated materials, including story boxes, figures, and other props, ensuring a visually appealing and inviting learning environment.
Guided Play: Facilitate open-ended play activities related to the story theme, allowing children to explore concepts through creative expression and personal interpretation.
Child Development: Understand child development stages and tailor the Godly Play experience to the specific needs and abilities of the age group.
Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging and respect within the classroom by actively listening to children, addressing concerns, and encouraging positive interactions.
Curriculum Knowledge: Thoroughly understand the Godly Play curriculum, including the sequence of stories, themes, and related materials.
Reflection and Assessment: Observe children's engagement and responses to the lessons, reflecting on teaching practices and making adjustments as needed. Required Skills and Qualifications:
Strong Storytelling Ability: Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to captivate children through storytelling techniques.
Theological Understanding: Familiarity with basic Christian teachings and biblical stories.
Child Development Knowledge: Understanding of child development stages and appropriate learning methods for young children.
Creativity and Imagination: Ability to create a playful and engaging learning environment through creative activities and prompts.
Patience and Empathy: Ability to connect with children on their level, fostering a positive and supportive classroom atmosphere.
Commitment to Godly Play Philosophy: Alignment with the Godly Play approach to religious education, including its emphasis on wonder, discovery, and personal reflection.
Typical Work Environment:
• Dedicated classroom space for Godly Play activities
• Interactions with small groups of children within a designated age range