Hallaton Benefice Profile Autumn 2017

Transcription

1 St Peter s Horninghold St Michaels & All Angels, Hallaton St Peter s Allexton Hallaton Benefice Profile Autumn All Saints, Slawston St Thomas Becket, Tugby All Saints, East Norton

2 Tugby C of E Primary School is an academy within the Diocese of Leicester Academies Trust. As a small school of around 90 pupils it is an integral part of the local rural community and, in particular, the life of the church. The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Tugby as a Church of England school are outstanding The school s Christian values are deeply embedded in all aspects of school life and all members of the school community consistently talk about the impact that each value has on their daily lives. The school s Christian ethos nurtures all pupils, enabling them to thrive and make progress. Pupils behaviour, relationships and attitudes, which are strongly influenced by Christian values, are excellent. High quality religious education strongly impacts on children s understanding of Christian values and their social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) development. The strong partnership between the school and the local church has a very positive effect on the spiritual development and well-being of the whole school community. 2 SIAMS Inspection February 2017

3 " Our vision is to be the Christian presence at the centre of our communities across all age groups and a first port of call in times of happiness and sadness. We want to meet the spiritual needs of those within our Benefice whether they are currently of a different or no faith. This is an exciting time of change for us: above all, to discern where God is most active in helping our congregations better understand our local communities and to review and develop our mission for growth. The Benefice today: We acknowledge the urgent need to be innovative to grow; to reach out to those inourvillages not currentlypart of ourchristian worshipping communities. We agree that growth is a collective responsibility (not just for our new priest) and that for each village, church and community there may need to be different approaches to enable and support these priorities. However, where opportunities exist there is a genuine desire to plan collaboratively on issues that are common across the Benefice. During the next two years we want to see larger, revitalised and inspired congregations experiencing a variety of service formats to suit everyone s needs and more lay involvement in all services. We want to focus on the inclusion of families, children and young people. We want to support, encourage and offer pastoral care to the communities inwhichwe live. 3

4 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 4 Psalm

5 Overview The Hallaton Benefice of Churches lies in the eastern part of Leicestershire, bordering Rutland and Northamptonshire. The two nearest towns are Uppingham to the east and Market Harborough to the south. The Benefice comprises the villages of Hallaton, Tugby, East Norton, Allexton, Horninghold and Slawston. It is part of the Gartree I deanery which shares its management with the neighbouring deanery: Gartree II. We are the only Christian denomination with churches in this area. This has two effects. First, we are used to workingtogether within a broad range of church traditions. Second, many of our larger church gatherings (for example Christmas) tend to be ecumenical in nature. Our villages might be rural and, whilst farming is still significant, many households commute to Leicester, London and elsewhere, whilst a significant number workfromhome. We are looking for a Transition Priest to lead and guide us for two years as we find out how best to minister to our rural parishes in the 21 st century. Our churches have been a source of inspiration and comfort to our communities for centuries and we now need to find out how they can enable Christianity to serve the spiritual needs of our communities for today. Our Bishop has set us a clear vision to be Shaped by God in our lives and communities: Seek growth in His Kingdom in three areas: This is how we want to respond: the depth of discipleship, the number of disciples of Jesus, loving service of the world. provide opportunities for spiritual growth draw people to the Christian faith through our activities be at the centre of our communities and a first point of call in times of happiness and sadness The Transition Priest will work with members of the Benefice, with colleagues in this deanery and with the wider diocese to help us to discern the right future for our parishes This will include the Area Dean, the Warden of Launde Abbey and officers in the Diocese. Discussions will need to include how and with whom we work to further God s mission. We are ready to change and know that we will have to work in partnership with the Transition Priest to build a continuing, relevant and thriving ministry in this area. We are looking for inspirational guidance to work out how to deliver an inclusive Christian mission, which can be supported by the diocese and deanery. We believe that there are lay people who, whilst not wishing to put themselves forward, if encouraged and led by an inspirational minister, would be willing to take a much greater part in the work of the church. We will embrace innovative 21st-century initiatives that can be piloted within this rural ministry. 5

6 Around the Benefice Here s some of the ways how we work as a common benefice: Benefice Services are held when there is a fifth Sunday in the month. More recently, these services have included two neighbouring benefices. There are a number of other shared services to mark significant dates in the church calendar such as Ash Wednesday, Holy Week services, AllSouls Day and Lady Day. The Mothers Union has members from around the Benefice and meets monthly at East Norton to offer our prayers and support to families in need throughout the world. Speakers' topics mainly include religious connections and Christian outreach. Our own activities include the celebration of Lady Day within the Deanery as well as crafts for hospitals and for children visiting fathers in prison. We have also fundraised for Away From It All Holidays for around 12 needy families within the Diocese. Benefice Boots is a walking group that meets once a month to enjoy our countryside and to deepen friendships within the benefice. We encourage non-walkers to join us for a pub lunch afterwards. A Grand Day Out is an annual event when a group of around 26 predominately retired and house-bound parishioners take a trip on a fully accessible canal boat. Transport, support and a picnic lunch are provided by volunteers. Together with Neighbouring Benefices around Launde Abbey an increasing number of initiatives have been established including Advent and Lent courses; a Lay leadership in services course and Open the Book visitsto local primary schools. We value our closeness to Launde Abbey and the varied activities and opportunities available there. The Lent course has been held there and the older pupils in both schools take part in an annual retreat to Launde. 6

7 ourbenefice.btck.co.uk A benefice-wide team has been working with the Leicester Diocese Mission and Ministry team to find fresh expressions of church for our area. We organise Food for Thought evenings. Around 30 people (most of whom are not regular churchgoers) meet in one of the pubs to discuss topical issues and share a meal. Each evening has been led by a committed Christian. They present the Christian approach to the issue but all views and all religions (or no religions) are welcome. It s early days but they have been well receivedand more eveningsare scheduled. Working with Billesdon Baptist Chapel we have, together with the two schools, collected shoeboxes for Samaritans Purse, Operation Christmas Child for a number of years. We celebrate this collection with special church services and school assemblies each year. All our historic church buildings are well maintained by the villagers who take full responsibility withoutthe need for clergy leadership. We work together on many benefice administration issues. The Churchwardens and Parish Representatives meet quarterly to plan services and activities across the benefice. The Parish Treasurers also meet regularly and this meeting is chaired by a Benefice Treasurer who administers a benefice account. Hexad is the monthly magazine that goes to every house in the Benefice. In Hallaton, it is included in the parish council-run publication. 7

8 Key Challenges We want to work together with our transition priest to meet the following challenges. We expect that each PCC will work with the transition priest to set specific targets, to meet these challenges together Regular Sunday Worship Children and Young People Schools Where we are now What we need to do Where we want to be in two years Attendance is low. The services use Explore and introduce different worship styles 2 or more services and worship events that traditional formats and are designed for those and formats to suit the needs of all groups. meet the needs of different groups who already attend, who are predominantly Encourage regular weekly church attendance established. older. Some Christian families attend churches across our benefice, encouraging a larger Confident lay/congregational led services in outside the Benefice as the needs of children number of people to travel to services on each church. and young people are generally not met. One Sundays when there is not a service in their Increase in numbers attending regular Sunday church has two lay led services a month. church. and other worship services and events. Train and support more lay people to lead and There are presently few initiatives to engage children and young people. Both schools have good working relationships with their respective PCCs. Assemblies to which parents are invited are held in both churches. Benefice members Open the book in Tugby school once a month. Tugby has a weekly Drop In coffee time for parents in the church at Drop Off time. facilitate services around the benefice. Explore activities for children and young people, for example a Seven Minute Service (SMS) followed by supper and church treasure hunts. Broaden participation from around the benefice for existing services for children and young people. Increase the numbers in the Open the Book team and re-introduce Open the Book at Hallaton School. Develop opportunities to build a direct relationship between parents of school children and the churches, recognising that many live outside the benefice. Schools and other organisations actively engaged in church activities. New formats introduced that interest children and young people. Sustained regular worship opportunities for children and young people including making use of social and other digital channels. Parents feel a stronger connection with the churches and see them as integral to their children s education. Children continue to enjoy the input of the churches in their school life. 8

9 Key Challenges Community involvement & relationships Other church led activities Lay resource Where we are now What we need to do Where we want to be in two years Each community supports its church through Ensure there is an opportunity to hear the Larger proportion of those who give money fundraising. Each church has several Christian message in activities outside the and time to the upkeep of the church to join fundraising events which always draw strong traditional services. the congregations actively. community support. Volunteers help willingly Explore services designed to attract people Members of the church seen to be positively with general church and graveyard who seldom go to church. contributing to the wider community maintenance. Church members Create opportunities for activities with an end offer support and encouragement within our other than money in mind. communities but there is no organised pastoral support. Hallaton and Tugby have choirs which sing at special services. A number of church-led activities have been established and are well received. There is an opportunity to build on these successes to reach out to different groups. Lay resource is concentrated in a handful of people across the benefice. We have one (semi-retired) Lay Reader. Tugby has two lay/congregation led services a month. Members of the Benefice participate in both Diocesan and Deanery committees (Vice Lay Chair of the joint Deaneries, Member of Diocesan Board of Finance, Retired Clergy Visitors Team). Discover ways in which people can gain confidence in their faith as individuals and as a local church community. Re-introduce house groups. Consider church based Youth Groups. Establish pastoral visiting scheme to the sick and house-bound. Survey children and young people to find out what activities they would like. Enthuse lay involvement in a variety of leadership opportunities and provide training to develop lay involvement and pastoral care. Connect with and learn from the wider church. Work with and learn from neighbouring benefices and the Diocesan Office team. At least 3 monthly activities across the benefice, sustained by trained volunteer support. Robust lay teams established to fulfil all roles identified. Greater level of service to the community. 9

10 Key Challenges Buildings Parish Finances Administration Where we are now What we need to do Where we want to be in two years All five parish churches want to remain Provide welcome environment and a Christian Welcome displays for visitors coming to consecrated places of worship. witness for all who enter our churches. Extend the churches Each church building is significant to and well community use of church buildings. All churches continue to be well supported by its village community. All are well Planning for growth should increase financial maintained and on a sound financial maintained. Four of the churches are open in contributions and numbers of volunteers footing. daylight hours and are visited by passers assisting in church upkeep. Extended community use of church for a by. However, some PCCs identify challenges faced range of church and community activities. by increasing costs of maintaining church fabric within limited resources and dwindling numbers. Church buildings are underused. All parishes have reserves which vary. Parish Contribution promises are always honoured and mostly increased annually. Villagers, including those of all faiths and none, who never or rarely attend services give regular contributions. Parish representatives meet quarterly to discuss common interests, benefice services etc. Encourage each Parish to centre their giving around the Leicester Diocese Generous Giving ethos and wider charitable giving. Complete audit to identify viable creative and innovative options for the roles needed to deliver the work of the church in this area, then look at what organisation would support those needs and finally agree a structure. Work with all parishes, deanery and diocesan representatives involved to reach a decision. All Parishes giving generously to the Leicester Diocese Parish Giving Scheme and to other charitable giving Increase number of donors A new and innovative structure that enables the Church of England to flourish in our community. 10

11 About You Our prayer is to be led on a journey by a transition priest who: First and foremost, has an understanding of rural ministry and is able to demonstrate how they have worked innovatively with communities and networks to grow the church. We are looking for someone who believes wholeheartedly in the potential for village churches to be attractive, caring and growing churches at the heart of their communities. Has demonstrated that they are able to lead our community to picture a vision for the long term future of our benefice. They will know when to take decisive action and when to allow us to make those decisions. They will be a clear communicator so that people can see the vision and are enthused to work alongside to deliver it. They will have experience and a strong understanding of how people embrace change and what is required to make it happen. Really enjoys working with children and young people and has experience in using schools as a foundation for mission. Is enthusiastic by nature and gains that source of enthusiasm from working with other people, of all backgrounds, generations and depths of Christian faith. Enjoys collaborative working and is a good team player. Thinks innovatively and creatively. How can we make the most of our proximity to Launde Abbey? How can we make the most of the strong community networks that already exist? How do we bring people together when many commute long distances to work or education? 11

12 Appendix Applications and Interview The deadline for applications is midday on Thursday 23 rd November 2017 and an interview for shortlisted candidates takes place on Monday 8 th January For an informal discussion about this post please contact Alison Booker at revdaswb@mybtinternet.com. Completed application forms should be returned, preferably as e- mail attachments, to wendy.dunnington@leccofe.org or by post to: Mrs Wendy Dunnington, St Martins House, 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester, LE1 5PZ Stipend, Housing, Expenses and Removals This two year appointment is made on a full incumbent status stipend and the provison of a house (with all the usual diocesan support and maintenance). The house is within manageable travelling distance, expenses will be met by the Benefice. There is an office available in the Benefice for the exclusive use of the Transition Priest. Removal expenses are paid by the Diocese, as is a resettlement grant. ' Then Jesus went round teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve, he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God Mark 6 and Luke 8 12

13 St Peter s, Allexton At a glance 100 people, 20 under 21 Village representative sits on Hallaton & Allexton PCC 2 services per year St Peter s Church is Allexton s pride and joy, especially now that it has been rescued by the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT). The church was placed in the care of The Trust in 2000 and they have restored and refurbished the building. The Diocese and the Church Commissioners decreed in 2006 that the Parish of Allexton should be combined with that of Hallaton to form the parish of Hallaton and Allexton. Permisssion was given to hold 6 services a year. Church Services are very important to our community, as it is a chance for everyone to come together, whatever their religion. Allexton has just two services a year, Harvest and Christmas. The last three years, we have held The Great Allexton Bake-Off at our Harvest Service with residents, including many teenagers, baking cakes, which are then judged and prizes awarded. At Christmas, Leicestershire Chorale perform at our Carol Service and we have mulled wine and mince pies. A good proportion of the residents in Allexton attend our services with St Peter s Church often full to capacity. Over the last 18 months there has also been a wedding, funeral and two baptisms, with the CCT s permission. 13

14 All Saints, East Norton All Saints Church is situated on the old Uppingham Road in the village of East Norton in East Leicestershire. There are no shops in the village and the nearest are in Uppingham 5 miles away. Alternatively people use Oakham (10miles) and Market Harborough (12 miles). The church is used for Parish meetings and other community gatherings as it is the only building available for villagers to meet together. At a glance 96 people, 20 under on the Electoral Roll 7 PCC members & 1 advisor 2 services per month Currently there is one communion service a month and one evensong held on the first and third Sundays in the month respectively, using the Book of Common Prayer. Regular activities have been held for fund raising, carol services and to celebrate Harvest etc. We are delighted to host the Benefice Mothers Union. The Neighbourhood Watch group organises social events in the village. The PCC meets 4 times a year. We have a licensed lay reader who, although having retired recently, still helps out when we are short of clergy. Total financial resources as at 31st July 2017 stand at 25,750 of which 13,106 are unrestricted and 12,644 is restricted to church fabric repair and restoration. We currently pledge a parish gift of 6,000. Following expenditure on restoration of the bells and repairs to the stained glass windows, the financial position is comfortable in the short term but will need to be closely monitored in future due to falling numbers of worshippers and the average age of the congregation. 14

15 St Michael & All Angels, Hallaton Hallaton has been described by Pevsner as..one of the most enjoyable villages in the county. A fine church, St Michael and All Angels of Norman foundation with 13 th and 14 th century additions, has proven connections as a place of pilgrimage in the 16 th century with the veneration of St Morrell St Maurilius of Angers. The village is especially well known for two things. The famous Hallaton Hoard (now in the British Museum) of Iron Age and Roman coins was found here in 2000, and the Bottle Kicking on Easter Monday, a rough and tumble contest between Hallaton and the neighbouring village of Medbourne. The church service that precedes it is a lively and packed affair! We are a social community that spans the generations. Our village hall and recreation ground are owned and managed by the Hallaton and Isabella Stenning Trust which also has almshouses in the village and for which the priest has been an ex-officio Trustee. Aside from two communion services per month, we have an established teatime service. It is a short service which is followed by tea, homemade cakes and a craft-based activity for children. Thanks to the hard work of the previous priest, the PCC has a good and close working relationship with the school. The children feel at home in the church and consider it an integral part of their school. At a glance 550 people, 75 under on the electoral roll C of E controlled primary school Two pubs, village hall, allotments, museum & recreation ground 1 churchwarden plus 7 PCC members 3 services per month Support for occasional services is strong. The Carol Service, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas Day services host congregations of over 100. Easter Day and Harvest services minister to around 50. Our choir gathers to sing at these services. There is a huge amount of goodwill in the village for the Church and an eagerness to see it thrive. Our regular givers include many who do not go to church and fundraising efforts are well supported. We have increased our parish gift to the Diocese for the last few years and will do so again in We give regularly to a number of charities. The church building is in excellent condition. Improvements are funded by an independent charity, Hallaton Church Restoration Trust. Thanks to the hard work of the trust our quinquennial report this year concluded that the church had no outstanding issues. 15

16 St Peter s, Horninghold The village of Horninghold is over a thousand years old and following the Norman Conquest in 1066 the village was given to Robert de Todeni, Lord of Belvoir. In about 1076 he gave the parish to the priory of Belvoir where it remained until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. At the beginning of the 20th Century the Hardcastle family remodelled the village into what is acknowledged today as the 'Prettiest village in Leicestershire'. The Church is the only communal facility and is an integral part of the fabric of the village. The church of St Peter was built in the 12th Century and has a number of roles within the village community. It acts as a place of worship where we hold a monthly service, a place of quiet contemplation and a village meeting hall. The church is permanently open not just for the community but also for the many who visit the village. The church is family friendly and has an ethos around flexibility and diversity. The monthly service regularly draws a small loyal congregation. Our Harvest Festival is followed by a fundraising produce auction with the proceeds being donated to charity. At Christmas we hold a candlelit Carol Service in a beautifully decorated Church followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Our annual Christmas charity appeal engages the children in an evening of Carol singing around the village. At a glance 100 people, 24 under on the electoral roll 8 PCC members 1 service per month Our Parochial Church Council meets a minimum of four times a year. St Peter s Church is in constant need of repair and ongoing restoration. We receive regular contributions toward the running costs of the Church in the form of donations and covenants. This income is greatly appreciated and is used to pay the bills and keep the Church open, but unfortunately does not currently cover all of the costs. We supplement our income with a number of fundraising activities which are greatly supported by the village and wider community. These annual events ensure that we not only have enough money to meet the shortfall in our general fund, but we are also able to support our restoration programme. We always increase our annual contribution to the Diocese of Leicester. Our fast broadband allows ed communication to the majority of households. This gives us increased flexibility to innovate and promote our vision of preserving, expanding and deepening the role of the Christian commitment in the community. We willingly accept a collective responsibility and duty to keep our historic Church open and in good order for futuregenerations. 16

17 All Saints, Slawston The village of Slawston is a small village including four working farms, one of which is on the site of the former mediaeval hamlet of Othorpe at the northern end of the parish. The majority of the working population travel to employment outside the immediate area. About a fifth of the population are of retirementage. At a glance 140 people, 28 under on Electoral Roll Village Hall 1 churchwarden plus 3 PCC members 2 services per month All Saints' Church, which is Grade II*, is built of ironstone and limestone, has a spire with a handsome chiming clock, and is on rising ground on the eastern edge of the village. It dates from the 13th and 14th Centuries, with Victorian restoration in 1864, including the gold embroidered altar frontal, by the Leicestershire architect Goddard. The limestone font is considered to be 14th Century. Since 2000, major refurbishments have been carried out including new lighting, heating and redecoration, work on the clock, the weather-vane and the Taylor organ, and there is an ongoing project to work new kneelers. Our 10 am Communion has a congregation of up to ten, mostly retired, and the 5pm Evensong has a congregation of up to five. At Easter and Harvest we have larger congregations, and at the Crib Service on Christmas Eve the church is full with many from Slawston and the Benefice. The main source of income for the church is from the Covenants, or Gift Aid. We have a small PCC but many more villagers who don't regularly attend services nevertheless care for the church by mowing the churchyard, cleaning the church and brass, doing the flowers and winding the clock. A parishioner provides the flood lighting for the tower at night, all year round. Last autumn, we had a series of popular film evenings in the church, and a very well attended concert. This year the church helped with the village fete, which is held most years and is a popular event within the village and beyond, the proceeds of which were shared between the church and the village hall. In October, after our Harvest Service, the church will host a Harvest Lunch for the village which will be followed by an Auction of Harvest Gifts for a chosen charity. We would very much like to see an increase our regular congregation, the number of Covenants/Gift Aid, and members of the PCC, and hope that during the Transition period and beyond this might be possible. 17

18 St Thomas Becket, Tugby Praising God Supporting our Community Tugby is a small rural village just over 12 miles east of Leicester and two miles west of the Rutland county border on the A47 trunk road. St Thomas Becket Church is sited on the hill at the heart of the village, just opposite the Church of England primary school with the local village pub/restaurant and village green very close by. The parish includes Keythorpe Hall and its associated farms and scattered dwellings. The church has received funding and benefits from the benefactors of the Hall over the centuries, including monuments and stained glass windows. Tugby Church is welcoming and friendly. It has weekly Sunday services, two of which are lay/congregational led. Attendance at services varies between 12 and 20 people, with celebratory and Feast day services attracting in excess of 40 worshippers. At a glance 320 people, 60 under on the electoral roll C of E controlled primary school Village hall, allotments, astroturf sports pitch, children s play area, butcher s shop 2 churchwardens plus 6 PCC members Weekly Sunday services The primary school uses the church for services at least once a month and church members Open the Book regularly at school assemblies. We have a monthly Drop In and a Community Choir which meet in the church. We are in the process of developing a website tugby.org.uk. We actively support benefice services, Benefice Bootswalkinggroup, Food for Thought and the Mothers Union. We have just completed a major re-ordering project, designed to facilitate church growth and offer activities which support our community. Cafe Church, concerts and other activities are being planned. Our PCC has a full complement of officers and consists of two Churchwardens, Deanery Synod Representative, PCC Secretary, Treasurer and three additional members. Tugby has no historical or independent Friends charitable funds to draw upon. Our reserves don t normally exceed 10,000. Nevertheless, we always seek to give generously; maintaining and increasing our annual contributions to the Diocese of Leicester. Our vision is to grow our church in discipleship and be discerning of God s work among us, confident in sharing our faith with others and self-giving in service to our local community. To nurture lay leadership in worship that is spiritually relevantand inspiring especially for children and youngpeople. 18

19 Hallaton C of E Primary School is a small Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, providing education for just over 120 pupils from the surrounding villages and area. The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is good at meeting the needs of all learners. Hallaton Primary has a strong inclusive Christian ethos, which is distinguished by its commitment to nurture the whole child within the school. Christian spirituality is at its heart and is characterised by pupils good attitudes and the Christian care and concern for others within and between members of the school. Parents speak warmly of the supportive family atmosphere existing between pupils, parents, staff, the church and the wider community. The impact of collective worship on the school community is outstanding. The headteacher with the support of the staff team has been highly successful in ensuring that a strong Christian ethos is at the heart of the school. 19 SIAMS Inspection June 2017

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