TAWFG Apprenticeships

Thinking About Working for God Apprenticeship Program

The Thinking About Working For God (TAWFG) Apprenticeship Program is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team of the Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ. There are two levels of apprenticeships: Explorer and Seeker.

Who: Middle and high school youth, and college age young adults, with preference to youth and young adults who have attended a TAWFG retreat.

What: Part-time apprenticeship with a pastor of a local church.

Job shadow format will provide the apprentice with insight into the varied roles of a pastor-- preaching preparation, pastoral care, and administration, to name a few. Apprentice will have time for personal reflection, spiritual practice, and opportunity to lead worship. Apprentice will join the cohort of other TAWFG apprentices for online conversation with guests via zoom. Apprentices will participate in the CTUCC Youth Revival in the spring. There will be an orientation about pathways to ministry with CT Conference Staff as well as a tour of Hartford Seminary. The program will be capped with a celebration at CT Conference office in Hartford.

Sample Schedule for EXPLORER Apprentice

This is a 20 hour apprenticeship in your home congregation. Applicants must be 13 or older. Stipend for “Explorer” apprentices is $150 per person.

One on one meeting with pastor of lay leader to reflect on call- 1 hour
Prepare for and participate in three worship services- 6 hours
Attend church council or deacon's meeting- 2 hours
Assist with church or youth group service project- 2 hours
Attend CTUCC Youth Revival - 2 hours
Participate in TAWFG cohort group meetings via zoom 45 min/week x 4 weeks- 3 hours
Prepare faith story and share at TAWFG apprenticeship celebration on May 30- 3 hours
Exit interview- 1 hour

Sample Schedule for SEEKER Apprentice:

This is a 40 hour apprenticeship in a neighbor congregation. Applicants must be 16 or older and have reliable access to transportation. Stipend for "Seeker" Apprentices is $300.

First Sunday: Introduction and blessing, youth to read scripture- 2 hours
Personal study: worship prep and spiritual practice (one hour per day)- 5 hours
Church visit (job shadow) T, W, Th (example: attend Deacons mtg)- 5 hours
TAWFG cohort group via zoom (45 min/week x 4 weeks)- 3 hours
Second Sunday: share a reflection in worship- 2 hours
Personal study: worship prep and spiritual practice (one hour per day)- 5 hours
Church visit (job shadow) T, W, Th (example: attend Council mtg)- 5 hours
CTUCC orientation and Hartford Seminary tour - 2 hours
Racial Justice Introductory Training- 2 hours
Plan for and participate in CTUCC Youth Revival- 3 hours
Third Sunday: share a faith story in worship- 2 hours
Culminating presentation at Sherman Street on May 30- 3 hours
Exit interview- 1 hour

When: April - June on mutually convenient dates.

Culminating presentations and celebration will be held in late May or early June at the CT Conference Office at 125 Sherman Street in Hartford.

Qualifications:

Strong faith and sense of call
Recommendation of home pastor or a Silver Lake Dean or Chaplain
Must have driver’s license or access to reliable transportation

Application Process:

Application forms are available online. Two recommendations must be submitted with the application. The deadline for submission is February 15. Interviews will be held via skype in March. Assignments will be made in mid-April based on candidate preference, geography, and mentor time-table.

Compensation:

Stipend is $150 per "EXPLORER" Apprentice and $300 per "SEEKER" Apprentice.

For more information, contact Debby Kirk, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Connecticut Conference at 860.761.7103 or debbyk@ctucc.org

Together we are growing a Faith-Forming, Multi-Cultural, Multi-Racial, Open and Affirming, Accessible to All, Just Peace, Globally-Minded movement of Youth and Young Adults!