Low Furness Mission Community Profile

Transcription

1 Low Furness Mission Community Profile 1 Following Jesus: Moving forward in Mission, Worship, Discipleship and Ministry: We invite you to be part of our future Contents: Pages Our Vision & Mission 2-7 The Leader we seek 8 Our Story so far 9 More about Outreach More about Worship & Ministry Our Parishes & Churches: Pages Locality, Amenities, Vicarages Aldingham 18 Bardsea and Dendron 19 Lindal and Pennington 20 Rampside and Urswick 21

2 OUR VISION: 2 A vibrant, growing Christian Community in Low Furness, whose mission and outreach include both love shown in social action and sharing the gospel to draw people to faith; inspiring them to worship Christ and make "God for All" a living reality in our part of Cumbria. "...by 2020 every person in Cumbria of all ages and backgrounds will have had an opportunity to discover more of God and God's purpose for their lives, so that they will discover more of Jesus and the Good News and become followers of Jesus within a Christian community." OUR MISSION: Following Jesus - Moving forward in * Outreach and Mission: Enabling people to experience God's saving love at work in our community, and building His Kingdom here. * Worship: Meeting with Jesus through his Spirit, and developing meaningful variety in our worship * Discipleship: Learning and growing in faith, understanding the Scriptures and applying them in our lives * Ministry: Discerning God's giftings and callings, and equipping each person to serve God in their church, community and workplace.

3 We invite you to join us in putting Vision and Mission into Action: 3 Prioritising mission and outreach, drawing people of all ages and backgrounds to Christ and seeking to grow them in faith. Enabling lay ministry - encouraging, equipping, mentoring and working closely with our existing and future lay ministers/leaders. Encouraging the diversity and depth of spiritual life and worship of the churches within the Mission Community. Developing and holding the wider vision of God for All as well as discerning the local vision, and inspiring people to make the vision happen. Teaching and growing people in their understanding of the Christian faith. Equipping disciples of Jesus, and inspiring them to serve in ministry and outreach. Building collaboration and teamwork, drawing out the insights and abilities of others. Continuing to develop our engagement with the local communities, including local organisations and the 3 primary schools. Leading us through change, seeking innovative ways forward and using the strengths of the past and present to build the future.

4 4 You wouldn't be alone! We have a good strong team of lay ministers here. Past clergy have found it enjoyable and supportive working with them: * A licensed Reader * 12 Local Lay Ministers (trained by the diocese and episcopally authorised to a variety of ministries such as outreach, leading worship, preaching, pastoral care and Holy Communion by Extension) * Eucharistic ministers and other lay worship leaders * An excellent team of Churchwardens who work together across the churches * Investment in "I know Church" web based Church administration system * Teams experienced in working with children, from Toddler Groups, to after school clubs, and leading worship at assemblies.

5 5 Some examples of what we are doing in Mission, Worship, Discipleship and Ministry: Mission and Outreach: Outreach in the Low Furness Mission Community (LFMC) takes a great variety of forms: - extending Christian love through our villages by social action - bringing people of all ages to Christ through opportunities to learn about the love of Christ and the Good News of the Gospel For example: * Presenting open exhibitions in our churches to portray key festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. * A Holiday Club run by a Benefice Team during the summer holidays for local primary school children has been oversubscribed and has a very significant Christian content * Introducing opportunities for people to develop new social contacts and meet people in our churches through coffee mornings, film and lunch clubs * A Gazebo staffed by Church members at the local agricultural show (which is held in Urswick) to allow visitors to come in and chat, enjoy a coffee and even join in hymn singing if they wish * Holding events in our Churches for community groups Worship: * Taking worship into our schools (assemblies) and bringing our schools into our churches; with special services and an attempt at "Messy Church".

6 6 Worship: continued * Around a half of our services are lay led, with many people committed to putting time and creativity into this * Weekday worship with Holy Communion has been established in different locations, and is led occasionally by clergy, but predominantly by Local Lay Ministers with appropriate authorisation for Holy Communion by extension * Holy Communion by extension may also be provided in the homes of the housebound who request it, by authorised Lay Ministers at the direction of the clergy Discipleship: * Home Groups meet regularly to study and discuss the scriptures and their significance in our lives * An after school Christianity Club is run by an appropriately skilled lay team (Low Furness CE Primary School) * Advent and Lent groups meet regularly and are frequently ecumenical Ministry: * Some of our lay ministers have training and authorisation in pastoral care, mission and youth work * Many people take part in leadership and ministry training locally and at diocesan level * We have a strong committed team and much valued experience of growing lay ministry

7 7 Reflection: We are willing to take risks, so of course not everything is a success. For instance, "Messy Church" was a challenge which didn't achieve the support and momentum to sustain it. We have also found it difficult to to bring those on the fringes into regular worship. We are aware of "gaps", but we are keen to learn and to try different approaches as a Mission Community and grow through our faith and experience. Challenges and Opportunities: The Low Furness Mission Community (LFMC) needs an influx of new ideas, galvanising a team around new leadership. There is a strong supportive community ethos for maintaining our churches and valuing our Christian heritage, which are assets that requires nurturing and developing. Other exciting opportunities include developing an ecumenical model, and working across traditional parish boundaries to take our Mission Community to the next level. LOW FURNESS MISSION COMMUNITY

8 8 The leader we seek... is this you? The post is for a Priest-in-Charge, with responsibility for the 7 Anglican parishes within the Low Furness Mission Community (the Mission Community also includes one Methodist congregation and one United Reformed Church). The person appointed must have the potential and willingness to become the Mission Community Leader, enabling mission ecumenically. Low Furness Mission Community is at a crucial stage of its journey, having been launched over 12 months ago in May (We are building on a very positive history of collaborating together in mission and worship events for several years before that - see more on this history later in the Profile). We now need to develop further in order to complete the process of being fully commissioned as a Mission Community. We ve been reflecting together on how each of our communities already supports the others for the benefit of all, and how we could extend and develop this. We have already started to deliver some of that in exciting ways, and are very open to new ideas. Are you the right person to lead us on? We are looking for someone who: Has a deep reliance on the empowering love and grace of God, personal prayerfulness and grounding in the Scriptures Is passionate about mission and outreach to people of all ages and backgrounds Has led teams, and is a natural team worker and leader who values and respects the ideas, insights and abilities of others Shows evidence of ability to draw people closer to God, and to grow disciples Enjoys a variety of styles of worship and church traditions Loves and understands people, and is an excellent communicator, preacher and teacher Listens to the Holy Spirit, and will help us to discern the vision and way forward Will think strategically with us in setting priorities and implementing them Is able to discern gifts and vocations, and has experience of encouraging, equipping and mentoring lay ministers Is committed to engaging with local communities, organisations and schools. Works creatively with children and young people Is committed to working ecumenically and has experience of collaborating fruitfully with ecumenical partners Will continue his/her own learning and growth, and participate in ongoing training and support

9 Our story so far: 9 Begins at least 21 years ago with the Group of Seven Parishes, coming together in a communal service and meal on a fine summer's day in 1996 on Birkrigg (Urswick Common). Each parish attended with its own banner made for the occasion and their choir. Children were especially welcome and there were many of them. The service was led by the late Rt Rev. John Harland, Bishop of Carlisle. We recognised then that we needed to work together to fulfil many aspects of our mission. This need was largely driven by the fact that our parish populations were small, and by coming together into larger groups the task would be more manageable and the output more effective. That process has been proven to be effective so far, albeit within groupings based predominantly on the two benefices of ADRU (Aldingham, Dendron, Rampside & Urswick) and PLB (Pennington, Lindal & Bardsea). The extent to which those groupings have merged has been driven by need, and we have come together from time to time for worship and both Advent and Lent courses. The original impetus for Mission Communities grew as the Bishop began to meet and pray regularly with the church leaders of other denominations. Together they sensed a calling to build God's Kingdom in Cumbria by pioneering radical ecumenical sharing in mission and ministry. The Low Furness Mission Community was launched in May 2016 by the leaders of three denominations in Cumbria; Rev Richard Teal (Methodist), Rt Rev James Newcome (Bishop of Carlisle), and Rev. Sarah Moore (URC).

10 10 More about Outreach Mission and Outreach Christian Care and love through social action * Family Fun Days * Coffee Mornings * Film & Lunch Clubs * Toddler Groups * Harvest Suppers, Men's Clubs, Fitness Classes, WI etc * Supporting Food & Clothes Banks * Tarn News - community newsletter about all local events Discipleship * Lent & Advent Courses * Home Groups * Open Exhibitions in Church * Benefice News - monthly newsletters with a focus on Scripture and its meaning for today Young People * Leading School Assemblies * Special services for Schools and in Schools * Sunday Schools * Youth Groups * Christianity Club

11 11 Sharing our resources: Replicating all the outreach with relatively small teams across each parish would put a lot of pressure on them, whereas sharing some of that work across a wider group enables us both to do more, and to do it more effectively. Many events such as Harvest Suppers are still organised and delivered by the local parish, whereas some large events are more easily delivered by everyone coming together to help. No parish has all the facilities for outreach that are suitable for every purpose because of location,and varying requirements etc. However our experience has shown that where we can and do deliver these activities together our Christian Communities are sustained and can grow. We have also found that they are powerful magnets that attract people back even after moving from a rural to a more urban location on account of their changing needs. Delivering these activities across a wider footprint also brings people together within our communities who otherwise might not meet each other. LOW FURNESS MISSION COMMUNITY Our young people: There are 2 Church of England Primary Schools within our footprint in Pennington and Urswick, Lindal and Marton primary school is non denominational. Low Furness Mission Community has developed a programme of inreach to its schools At Low Furness School in Urswick, both clergy and the Lay Ministry Team lead assemblies for KS1 and KS2. The School are involved in services for major festivals such as Christingle and Pentecost, there is a Christianity Club after School during term time. In the summer a Holiday Club, run by the Bernefice, has proved very popular and is often oversubscribed. Its venue is usually at Low Furness School but sometimes at Croftlands in Ulverston. At Pennington School which is the largest of the 3 schools (roll 194) there six church services during the year involving the school children, including leavers, Christmas, Easter and Harvest. These services are seen as an opportunity for outreach to the whole community and include families as well as the children and staff. More about each of the schools can be seen from their websites. For the older youngsters (year 6 and above) there is a youth group which meets monthly, and there is access to Cafe Church

12 12 in Ulverston on a Sunday evening. On the first 3 Sundays each month there is a Sunday School, during the church services at Rampside and Urswick. Involving children in worship and events such as the Palm Sunday processions is very popular and we shall continue those, but also look at other ways of engaging with the needs of young people. Messy Church was run in a Village Hall with initial success but attendance and support began to wane in spite of very hard work from the team. This is clearly something that we need to look at again and try to learn from others with experience in providing this in a rural setting. Discipleship: In addition to Home Groups, for Bible Study we have looked at ways in which we might begin to ignite a spark of interest in those people who are interested to know more about finding Jesus, but aren't quite ready to take the next steps, for whatever reasons. Measuring success and knowing what works well can be difficult, but we are always open to fresh ideas, here are ours: Church Exhibitions - opened to the general public daily for a fortnight A recent initiative which attracted a lot of positive feedback was the development of themes that one of our churches had used previously in respect of exhibitions in Church to illustrate Christmas and Easter festivals. In 2017 a different festival was chosen; Pentecost, and themed exhibits looked at the power of the Holy Spirit - and feedback was enthusiastic with comments from visitors and contributions of prayer flags. Newsletters For many years there has been a local newsletter which published all events within the parishes, both sacred and secular. But just over 10 years ago a Benefice newsletter was developed which was published monthly and distributed at no charge within each parish. The themes in the articles include Mission, Reflection on the Scriptures, relating the word to topical issues, and other aspects of Christian life. This has proved popular as well and we would like to think that it serves as another opportunity to enhance discipleship.

13 More about our Worship and Ministry: 13 Sunday Worship Most of our churches hold services on at least 3 of the first 4 Sundays each month, and arrangements exist for worshippers to attend another local church when there is no service in their own parish. On fifth Sundays there is a single Benefice Service with each parish hosting a similar number of Benefice Services in the course of 1-2 years. Nearly half our services are lay led and we envisage that is likely to increase in the future. With that in mind we are keen to recruit to the lay ministry team and to use the "Know How" of the seasoned lay ministers to help develop that resource, together with external training provision within the diocese. The format of our worship services is wide with both Holy Communion and Morning Prayer, but also Family Services, Modern Worship, and other service patterns from time to time. Developing our liturgy has been encouraged. Weekday Worship Each Wednesday morning in Urswick there is a Holy Communion by Extension in the Parish Room. This service is led by a team of one ordained and six lay ministers, a depth that ensures that absences are covered. It has proved very popular and includes hymns, a talk or sermon, and coffee and chat afterwards. It attracts a regular congregation which nearly always numbers over 20 and sometimes over 30. It has proved particularly popular with some of our worshippers with health or mobility restrictions. A similar service is held in Rampside Village Hall on the 4th Tuesday of every month. On the first and third Tuesdays of most months a lay and an ordained minister lead a Holy Communion at a Nursing Home in Aldingham. There is also a Benefice prayer meeting on the second Monday of each month held in the early evening and led by a local lay minister.

14 14 Special Worship Services Over the course of the year there are a number of services which reflect both Christian Festivals, local traditions and the work done in our own community. Some of those services are listed below, together with any particular features. We think that worship that is visible and outdoor, whether in a school playground to celebrate Holiday Club, or a Remembrance at a war memorial, reaches out to people who might not be regular worship attenders. The range of special service is in part reflected in the photographs. Christingle and Nativity Services An annual Service for School Leavers Pentecost Service at Low Furness School (held in the playground when weather permits) Easter Sunrise Service on Urswick Common (Birkrigg) An ecumenical service with Churches Together in Ulverston Church Parades for children in uniform (Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers, Cubs) Harvest Festivals (well supported by the farming community) Mothering Sunday Services Special Services for Holy Week Carol Services

15 Our Locality 15 Bardsea & Morecambe Bay from Urswick Common Carlisle Diocese: The Diocese has 3 Archdeaconries, and we are served by the Archdeaconry of Westmorland and Furness, which is subdivided into four Deaneries of which LFMC is in the Furness Deanery; the other three being Barrow, Windermere and Kendal. The Diocesan administrative headquarters are situated in Penrith. The Diocese has visible, active and supportive leaders with a lot of opportunities for lay training at various centres including Rydal Hall north of Ambleside as well as in Kendal, Windermere and Barrow. Environment: The two Benefices within the Low Furness Mission Community are indicated by yellow (PLB) and blue crosses (ADRU) on the Furness Deanery map. It is a community that straddles the main road (A590) between the two major towns of Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston, and links the peninsula to the M6. It is a scenic, rural, upland farming area between the two urban centres. It is in the middle of a peninsula with the Irish Sea to the west and Morecambe Bay to the east, and as a consequence its climate is relatively mild reflecting the proximity of the sea. The highest point on the peninsula is Birkrigg on Urswick Common, which is open to the public to walk on year round and has extensive views eastwards to Ingleborough and the Yorkshire Dales, north to the mountains of the Lake District, south to the Fylde coast and the mountains of North Wales on a clear day, and west to Black Coombe and the Isle of Man. Farming is now mainly sheep and dairy, with a well maintained upland landscape. The villages of Urswick and Leece have their own Tarns. It is on the edge of the Lake District National Park, recently recognised as a World Heritage Site. Langdale, Coniston, Windermere and Kendal can all be reached within an hour by car. Coniston Fells from Birkrigg in Winter

16 16 History: Furness has a long history of development, initially around Furness Abbey as a farming community which then had a strong arable component. The Church foundations at Urswick go back over a 1000 years - and evidence of worship in a pre-christian era is provided by stone circles on Urswick Common. Swarthmoor Hall is an important location in the early development of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and as well as being preserved for visitors has a co-located conference centre. The industrial centre of Barrow-in-Furness was no more than a small hamlet on Walney Channel prior to It was developed as a new town and industrial centre on the basis of growing demand for iron and steel consequent to the emergence of the railways. It was not until the end of the 19th century that its focus on shipbuilding began, with a particular expertise in relation to submarines. Ulverston is much older, and for many years was the principal town. In the modern era both towns are home to "Hi-Tech" industries from nuclear submarines at BAE Systems to a pharmaceutical complex in Ulverston, with many other light engineering firms and a large Paper Mill in Barrow. Shore near Aldingham The People The area of the Low Furness Mission Community is home to just over 6000 people, the largest parish being Pennington, which includes Swarthmoor, with a population of 2048, followed by Urswick with The two smallest are Dendron (312) and Rampside (391). Employment is predominantly in the larger towns of Ulverston and Barrow, but there is a factory in Lindal which manufactures and exports candles. A significant but relatively small percentage of the population are employed in farming, and a much larger percentage are retired (>20%), a proportion which in parts of the community outnumbers those under 18. Schools There are three primary schools within the Mission Community area, Low Furness (CE), Pennington (CE) and Lindal with Marton (non denominational). These are good schools and feed into secondary schools predominantly in Ulverston (UVH: Ulverston Victoria High School which has its own sixth form) and Dalton in Furness (Dowdales School). Apart from the sixth form at UVH, Barrow has a sixth form college, and both have a good reputation with respect to academic attainment. Health Both Ulverston and Dalton in Furness have large well equipped General Practices, and the Health Centre in Ulverston also offers Out-Patient facilities to the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Foundation Trust. The Trust has recent overall CQC rating of Good, and has facilities at Furness General Hospital in Barrow (emergency and elective), Royal Lancaster Infirmary (emergency and elective), and in Kendal

17 17 Early morning reflection Aldingham Furness Abbey at Westmorland General Hospital (elective only). It serves the new Lancaster Medical School, at Lancaster University. Shops There are food supermarkets of varying size in Ulverston, Dalton and Barrow-in-Furness. Barrow also hosts furniture stores, hardware and electrical stores as well as some well known retail clothing names. Transport The main road link from the Furness Peninsula is the A590 which connects directly with the M6 and east of Ulverston has undergone significant upgrading recently. Travelling times to Kendal are about 45 minutes, Lancaster 1 hour, Manchester 2 hours, Penrith 90 minutes, Carlisle 2 hours. There is a regular train service from Barrow and Ulverston to Lancaster and Preston, with occasional through trains to Manchester. Changing at Lancaster or Preston for a west coast main line train, the total journey time to London Euston is under 4 hours. Vicarages: It is the intention of the Carlisle Diocese to retain both the vicarages that are currently within the Low Furness Mission Community, and to allow the person appointed to choose between them. Trinkeld Vicarage Main Road Swarthmoor Ulverston, LA12 0RZ Cumbria This vicarage has in the recent past served the incumbent of the parishes of Pennington, Lindal and Bardsea. The accommodation comprises: Ground floor: A separate study, living room, dining room, kitchen with breakfast area, toilet, utility room, garage and storage area for garden equipment. First floor: 4 bedrooms, Bathroom, bath & shower, toilet with washbasin.

18 18 Urswick Vicarage Church Road Great Urswick Ulverston, LA12 0TA Cumbria This vicarage has most recently served the incumbents of the Benefice of Aldingham, Dendron, Rampside and Urswick. The accommodation comprises, ground floor: 3 large reception rooms on the ground floor, as well as a kitchen/breakfast room, and toilet. First floor: 4 bedrooms and a bathroom. There is a garden to the rear and a detached garage. The vicarage is next door to Urswick Church and the parish room in one direction and a short walk from Low Furness Church of England Primary School in the other. St Cuthberts Church, Aldingham, LA12 9RT: The parish comprises 3 villages; Baycliff, Newbiggin and Scales, in addition to the hamlet of Aldingham (which includes a Nursing Home). The church dates back to 1147, and has undergone extensive restoration in the past 10 years (generously supported by "Friends of Aldingham Church") and its condition is sound. The parish hall is in Scales and is used both by the Church and local community. The church holds a service on the first 4 Sundays in every month, with 2 lay led services, one evensong and one communion. The average attendance on the first 3 Sundays is 10-15, with attending the 4th Sunday communion. There are 64 persons on the electoral roll, and the average age is over 70. Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals each average about 6 per year. The local community are very proud of their church building and have demonstrated an ability to raise funds when required to ensure its upkeep. Traditional formats of worship have proved most popular, and many who have moved away return from time to time, especially for weddings.

19 19 Holy Trinity Church, Bardsea, LA12 9QT: Bardsea is a picturesque village with a population of about 650. Holy Trinity, consecrated in 1853, is in an elevated position overlooking the bay, Grade II listed and in good overall condition following major repairs 20 years ago. The church meets its parish offer to the Diocese. There are services on the first 4 Sundays each month, 2 lay led and 2 clergy led with communion. On a 5th Sunday there is a Benefice Communion Service. Average Sunday attendance is 20 and there are 45 on the electoral roll. The congregation participate in the services and there is a fellowship after each service with refreshments. A well attended Prayer and Bible study Group meets each month. Special services are held for major festivals and Remembrance with input from the Rainbows in the Nativity and Christingle service. "Our Church, which can be seen for miles proclaiming God's presence, evokes a sense of stillness for prayer and contemplative reflection, keeps Christ alive in our community with a committed friendly body of Christians." St Matthew's Church, Dendron, LA12 0QN: the parish comprises the small hamlet of Dendron and the main villages; Gleaston and Leece. The population of the parish is 312. The Church dates back to Routine repairs on the building have been carried out and it passed its last review in Services are held on the first 3 Sundays of the month with lay led Morning Prayer (first & third), and Holy Communion on the second Sunday. Attendance averages with little variation between lay led morning prayer and Holy Communion. There are 58 persons on the electoral roll, which for bona fide reasons requires review. The old school room opposite the church is used for coffee after services, and occasional meetings. There are two local lay ministers, who are covered by colleagues when away. An experiment with holding a lay led service in Gleaston Village Hall on the third Sunday in the month did not attract new worshippers and was stopped after 6 months. The PCC and the congregation put in much hard work and give all they can, it is a loyal and committed band of worshippers, that recognises the need for wider community support to help achieve the vision of God for All.

20 20 St Peter's Church, The Green, Lindal with Marton, LA12 OLX: The parish church was established in 1872 in response to a rising population working in the local iron ore mines. It was consecrated in 1886, it is in good repair and Grade II listed.the population of Lindal and Marton is 665, and the electoral roll is 31. There are services each Sunday with 2 lay led and 2 communion services that are clergy led each month. The worship is contemplative and traditional. On a fifth Sunday there is a Benefice wide communion service. Both Church and community use the Buccleuch Hall for events and outreach. The whole community joins with the Church for community events: the Christmas Fair and Summer Gala. There is a community magazine, Aspects, circulated free that contains information about the church and its activities. The ethos of the Church is one of outreach through community events and working with the local School. It is particularly focused on trying to bring those on the fringes into a full life with Christ. St Michael & The Holy Angels Church, Pennington, LA12 7NY: Our ancient church, with Saxon/ Viking Tympanum stands on a promontory overlooking the Furness Peninsula with far reaching views to Morecambe Bay, and beyond. The parish encompasses scattered dwellings in the farming community and the villages of Pennington, Swarthmoor and Loppergarth. It is expected that 200 new houses will be built in the parish in order to meet demand for new properties as the defence industry in Barrow expands. There are 20 on the electoral roll. Our finances and buildings are in good order at present. Community Matters, a newsletter, continues to be produced with a church content. The priest in charge traditionally maintains a close link with Pennington CE Primary School, and is a trustee of the Swarthmoor Reading Room In common with our sister churches in the benefice we have two lay led services per month. We look forward to experience and participate in new forms of worship in the future. We support God for All, and look to use Jesus' life to draw us all closer to God.

21 21 St Michael's Church, Rampside: the parish comprises the villages of Rampside and Roa Island, and falls within the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness where some members reside. The parish population is 391, with an electoral roll of 38. Services are held in the Village Hall ( 1st & 2nd Sundays) and Church (3rd & 4th Sundays), and on the 4th Tuesday (Communion) in the Village Hall. One service at each venue is lay led and one clergy led. The Church is remote from the village and attendance is greater at the Village Hall. As the Church requires major, unaffordable, repairs; an application is being made to close it. Worship will continue in the Village Hall - for which the Church holds the lease and statutory rights to worship. The two churchwardens are local lay ministers, and 2 other local lay ministers are authorised in relation to young people's ministry. We are aiming to build our Church in our community. St Mary the Virgin and St Michael's Church, Urswick: the parish comprises the villages of Urswick and Stainton, with a population of 1200 and an electoral role of 54. The church foundation goes back more than a thousand years. Services are held in church on the 1st 3 Sundays each month, and at the United Reform Church in the village on the 4th Sunday. The second Sunday service is lay led. On Wednesdays there is a Benefice Holy Communion by extension in the Parish Room, that is well attended and provided by a rota of 5 local lay ministers, a URC lay minister and one retired clergy. The Parish Room next to the church is an outreach resource for the Benefice and is used for weekly coffee mornings, toddler groups and monthly Lunch Clubs, Film Clubs and exercise classes, as well as by WI, Brownies and other groups. There are 4 churchwardens and 5 local lay ministers 2 of whom have a primary responsibility for pastoral care. There is a strong theme of Mission and outreach to promote Christian love and discipleship within the community.

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