Residency Q and A,

Dear friends,

It is time for another question and answer session. I have gotten into the habit of doing that when I find that there appears lack of clarity on an issue for a number of you. This time I would like to address the residency program again. The questions have come to my attention because of an upcoming resident transition and because of the responses you so graciously provided on the resident evaluations.

1. Q:Aart, for how long are residents expected to stay at Parkview? A: Between three months and two years with a month notice either on the part of the congregation or on the part of the residents. 2. Q: Is it a full time job? A: Yes, but we expect about 30 hours of work per week. 3. Q: Are the residents allowed to work outside of Parkview duties? A: Yes, for up to 10 hours a week. So far none of the residents have taken advantage of that. Chakrita and Rola were not allowed to because of their visa status. Chelsea chose to take 15 hours of unpaid chaplaincy training per week at Sutter Roseville Hospital which is part of her educational requirement for ordination in the United Church of Christ. We approved that choice as her increasing knowledge about herself in a pastoral caring role would benefit her ministry at Parkview. 4. Q: What is the program’s relationship to the Presbytery? A: The Presbytery of Sacramento is very generous in supporting the program. They helped with labor in the Kansha refurbishing and provide up to $17,000 per year for resident stipends (Parkview’s regular contributions are wifi, utilities and the $7,000 which in the years before the residency would be sent away as mission contribution to the denomination but that now stays at Parkview). 5. Q: How long will the Presbytery support the program?. A: Until mid-2021, so we are almost half way there. 6. Q: Does that mean we cannot have residents after that? A: No, it does not, you would just have to be creative. For instance, this summer Chelsea is not paid, but she works 15 hours per week for the right to live in the Kansha. That building gives Parkview a rare advantage. 7. Q: When will Chelsea leave? A: At the beginning of September. 8. Q: Is another resident coming. A: Yes, her name is Veronica Gould. She should be here at the end of August. She is from New Jersey, completed her undergraduate at Williams College and graduated with honors from Princeton Theological Seminary, the Presbyterian Church USA’s largest seminary. She grew up Lutheran and is contemplating ordination in the Lutheran Church. 9. Q: shouldn’t our residents all be Presbyterian? A: No . The more denominations we get in this program, the better in my view. That means that we widen the impact of Parkview through this program. However, we have not rejected any Presbyterian applicants.. Let us not forget how many different denominations and faiths are represented in Parkview’s pews. 10. Q: Do residents have a job description? A: Yes, each resident has an individualized contract. In Rola’s case the contract has been harmonized with her Religious worker visa application which specifies that besides her work at Parkview she is also to be involved with Arabic speaking refuges and interpret that experience through worship leadership in other churches in the Presbytery. 11. Q: But since Parkview is hosting them, shouldn’t they be at Parkview the whole time? A: They are here most of the time, but we should consider it a great honor that the young leaders Parkview selected are in demand beyond our walls. Besides, since the Presbytery is generous with us, we should return that generosity. 12. Q: is the program benefitting us? A: Very much so. The residents bring new energy and ideas. In a sense they help to rewire the church both socially and spiritually for the future. What you all are doing is unique and groundbreaking. Parkview is a trendsetter and pioneer. Pat yourself on the back! May God bless our ministry. See you in Church! Aart