First-Centenary United Methodist Church seeks Director of ABIDE Community Respite Ministry. This is an interim director/ permanent director position. 

OVERVIEW: Join a thriving ministry at First-Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, as Director of the ABIDE Community Respite Ministry. This ministry is designed to provide respite for persons with dementia and their caregivers. This is a part-time position, 20 hours per week, reporting and reports to the Minister of Congregational Care.  

ABIDE Community Respite Ministry meets Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oak Street Center. Persons with dementia are provided a social model of care, including art, movement, music, brain fitness, and a meal, while their caregivers take time for themselves.  

Mission Statement: To provide an adult respite program for those with dementia modeling the companionship of Christ and the community of friends. Through joyful social interactions, participants will feel loved, connected, and valued. Through respite and a monthly caregiver support group, caregivers will feel restored, connected, and understood.

Vision Statement: To provide joy, hope, dignity, and quality care to persons with dementia, as well as their caregivers. 

ABIDE Respite Ministry is modeled after the Respite For All Foundation program: https://respiteforall.org/

See the First-Centenary UMC website for more information about ABIDE: https://firstcentenary.com/abide    

BENEFITS: 

3 weeks off annually (Vacation Bible School week, and two weeks at Christmas/New Year's).

Additional days off if holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday. 

Work with a supportive church staff and passionate, capable volunteers. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide compassionate leadership and clear direction while promoting an environment of connection, joy, and dignity for all involved.  

• Direct volunteers on a daily basis with appropriate expectations for their roles.

• Coordinate volunteer schedules with participant needs. 

• Plan an enriching and cognitive-enhancing curriculum for each session. 

• Attend to administrative needs of the program, including billing and budget needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to micro-plan and macro-plan events

• Demonstrate a heart for God’s love and justice so as to offer dignity, kindness, and compassion to others.

• Experience leading a group where connection and personal value are taught through activities and a positive environment.   

• Familiarity with grant writing and execution of grant monies preferred but not required. 

• Ability to be organized and plan forward, yet remain flexible enough to meet the needs of participants and volunteers.

• Ability to coordinate volunteer recruitment and empower participation in ministry.

• Must be computer and technology proficient. 

If you are interested in finding purpose, meaning and joy as the Director of the ABIDE Community Respite Ministry, please contact Rev. Michelle Hunter at First-Centenary UMC at 423-756-2021 or mhunter@fcumc.org.