Toledo Presbyterian Church PCUSA

Feb.11, 2022. The new manse with the addition of a black-topped driveway, a new fence and heat pump.

Toledo Presbyterian Church, Toledo WA
Mission Study Summary
Toledo Presbyterian Church (TPC) is located in the rural community of Toledo, WA. We are situated halfway between Portland Oregon and Seattle Washington, with Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier as our breathtaking backdrops. The community of Toledo is small. The 2010 census reports a population of 725 people, 274 households, and 199 families residing in the city limits. The population is 91% white, 2.6% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 2.3% other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Our church membership mirrors the demographics for this area.

Our History
TPC was organized in 1889 with 2 elders and 12 to 16 members. Prior to that, several members had been meeting for worship and study since 1885 with the leadership of Reverend Brouilllette, who traveled to Toledo from Chehalis. The first Toledo Church was built in 1890, and a manse was added in 1922. In the early 1950's, interest was mounting in building a new church to be located on Augustus Street in Toledo. On April 20, 1953 the first shovel of dirt was turned, commencing the construction of the church, at 312 Augustus Street. The dedication of this church was March 31, 1957, with the membership around 140. The church is a beautiful stone building, located near the center of town. The church features wonderful stained-glass windows that reflect the sunshine and light the sanctuary with color. Updates over the years have included better technology, an elevator, a new heating system, and other improvements.
On the site of the older church building, a manse was planned. Clearing of the lot began in April of 1991, and the manse was ready to be occupied in July of 1992. Over time the manse became too large for our needs, so in October of 2020, the congregation unanimously voted to sell the current manse, and purchase the available lot adjacent to the church. Included in the congregational vote were plans to purchase an energy-efficient modern 1404 sq ft manufactured home and install it on the lot as a new manse.

THE TRANSITION PERIOD
In July of 2020, TPC’s pastor Joel Whiteside, was called back east. We entered a period of transition while navigating the new Covid-19 rules and regulations. With a strong leadership team of elders and other church leaders, TPC is maintaining open doors and services. Our membership is 50 but attendance during Covid-19 is about 22 so we are able to maintain social distancing rules while still having a church service. Using a technology grant from our Presbytery, we are able to offer video services to members at home. These video services are also offered through our TPC website and Facebook page. We also offer daily posts of devotional readings, music and other spiritual content. Being in transition during the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us our strength as witnesses for God. We are being led by a group of members that have welcomed the challenge before them with open arms. They work hard to ensure we are able to keep our doors open, and the praise of God in His house continuing. Our membership is very supportive of the church in their mission, worship, study, and fellowship.
During this transition, the elders sent out questionnaires to the congregation, and met on Zoom themselves, to narrow down what TPC needs, and needs to do, moving forward. The Appreciative Inquiry Summary is as follows:

APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
1- Reflecting on your entire experience at Toledo Presbyterian Church, recall a time when you felt the most engaged, alive, or motivated.
In general, the congregation feels the most engaged, alive, and motivated when they are involved. Whether it's with mission work, fellowship, Sunday school, choir, or other activity; our church congregation feels connected when they’re connected through action.
2-When you consider all your experiences at Toledo Presbyterian Church, what has contributed the most to your spiritual life? The congregation feels they get the most contribution to their spiritual life when they are experiencing the richness of church life. Good sermons, engaging Sunday school, church activities, choir, prayer time, and especially the deep sense of family this church has; these all contribute to their spiritual life.
3-What characteristic of Toledo Presbyterian Church do you feel must never change?
Our openness and friendliness. The word “welcoming” is used more often to describe our congregation than any other word. We welcome everyone, and that must never change.
4-Name two things you feel must change at Toledo Presbyterian Church.
-The average age of our congregation concerns us. We have no children, no young families, and no services to attract them. Without young families, our congregation will only shrink over time.
-More congregational involvement would mean more community involvement would be possible.
5-What two things is our church known for in our community?
Besides being the gorgeous old stone church with stained glass windows right in the middle of town; our church is known for its annual bake sale, which is well attended by the community. We are also known for our Red Cross Blood Drives, which we hold regularly in the church.
6-What two things would we like our church to be known for in our community?
-We would like to be known as a church that exemplifies God’s love first and foremost. -We would also like to be known as a church that’s involved and helping a variety of community outreach programs. As our mission statement says, “We are called by God to offer hope and new life through Jesus Christ, and to serve our community as a visible expression of God’s love.”
7-What is one of your dreams/wishes for the congregation’s future ministry?
Seeing our church grow with younger families and children is vital for this congregation’s future ministry and survival.
8-What is one of your dreams/wishes for pastoral (or staffing) leadershipJ
Our dream is to have an installed pastor called to us. One who is engaged with our community and congregation, providing us with scripturally based preaching and worship for a traditional service.
9- Name the three most important characteristics you feel Toledo Presbyterian Church needs in a pastor and/or other church ministry staff.
The most important characteristics we need in a pastor are summarized below under “Moving Towards the Future”

Our mission statement is,” We are called by God to offer hope and new life through Jesus Christ, and to serve our community as a visible expression of God’s love.”
With prayer for God’s Spirit to lead them; and keeping that mission statement as the core of who we are as a church, and who we want to be as a church in the future, the elders assembled the summary of our church and what makes us shine as witnesses to God’s Kingdom in our community, and beyond. The Presbyterian Women of the Church (PWC) have been strong witnesses of God’s love for all people. They are highly involved in the Lewis County Gospel Mission, Operation Shoebox and The Greatest Journey, as well as supporting local community needs. We are a Cents-Ability congregation that supports our local Food Bank on a monthly basis. In addition, beginning in the late 1980’s, our church has operated a coffee stop at the local I-5 rest area. Using congregational volunteers, we offer free hot coffee, cocoa, and cookies to grateful travelers. Over time we evolved from a card table, to a congregational-built food cart, to our current space, which is a lovely indoor shelter provided by the rest area. This service was provided at least once a year, until 2020 and Covid-19. We look forward to returning to this mission work as soon as we are allowed. This transition, and Covid-19, have only made us stronger and more focused on being a brighter example of God’s love.
The Appreciative Inquiry also pointed out challenges we must face head on. Attracting youth and young families to our fold is necessary for our future. The pastor called to our church will need to be ready to face that challenge with us, bringing fresh ideas and an openness to the mix.
TPC does not have a staff beyond a Pastor and a custodian. The ministry of the church has been maintained through a lot of work, commitment and love by the congregation. Regular meetings by the elders keep communication open and our church goals moving forward. This group of elders has worked like a fine-tuned machine, keeping problems to a minimum as they creatively find ways to lead our congregation during this transitional season in the life of the church.

MOVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
The needs of our congregation were heard, and the top characteristics of our future pastor are:
-Preaching scripturally based sermons. We are an older congregation and more traditional in our approach to worship. We need a pastor that can respect our history while guiding us into the future.
-Pastoral Leadership. A warm and engaging pastor that can provide guidance in community outreach, attracting youth to church, and has an eagerness for God in the community.
-Pastoral Care. A sense of humor, an ease of nature, and compassion will be needed. Hospital and home visits, as well as supporting us in our mission work, are necessary aspects of pastoral care we desire.
As a small but dedicated church family, the congregation of Toledo Presbyterian Church is poised to move in to 2021 as an example of a church thriving in spite of challenges. The pastor called to us will incorporate what we have established, while guiding us, inspiring us, challenging us, and becoming part of our church family. We look forward to welcoming our new pastor!
Compiled 11-23-2020 Diane Bassett Geister Reviewed, edited 11-23-2020 Tom Hill Approved 11-24-2020 Christine Anderson

Hat & T-shirt Day.