Elmley Lovett w Hampton Lovett, Elmbridge w Rushock, Hartlebury and Ombersley w Doverdale Associate Priest (House for Duty)

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Elmley Lovett w Hampton Lovett, Elmbridge w Rushock, Hartlebury and Ombersley w Doverdale Associate Priest (House for Duty)"

Transcription

1 Diocese of Worcester Elmley Lovett w Hampton Lovett, Elmbridge w Rushock, Hartlebury and Ombersley w Doverdale Associate Priest (House for Duty) T he seven parishes of these three benefices are set in a beautiful area of rural Worcestershire between Droitwich and Kidderminster, close to excellent facilities, transport links and with easy access to regional centres. For the past four years the Seven Parishes have been working together to form a new group within one benefice. In 2009 the deanery plan grouped the 17 separate parishes of the deanery into three ministry areas, each served by a number of clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers). The aim is to work collaboratively within and across all these areas of the deanery whenever possible in order to share wisdom, expertise and resources, as well as for people to offer support to one another as those engaged in a common purpose. Within this plan the parishes of Elmley Lovett w Hampton Lovett & Elmbridge w Rushock, Hartlebury, and Ombersley w Doverdale have come together to be served by one full time priest. Previously, each benefice was served by a half-time priest who held also a diocesan role. This is therefore a significant time of change and development for each parish, as well as for the group of parishes together. Elmley Lovett w Hampton Lovett & Elmbridge w Rushock have been a united benefice since the 1970s and are known informally as the Four Square parishes. They have retained their own parish identities but share a rota for monthly 9.00am communion services on Sundays. Ombersley & Doverdale have an even longer history as separate parishes with one incumbent, dating back to the 1930s, whilst Hartlebury has most recently been a single parish, although linked with neighbouring parishes in the past. There are three community-oriented magazines. As part of their approach to growing into new relationships the parishes are working together in two clusters. As already mentioned, one is made up of the Four Square parishes, which gather around the village of Cutnall Green and where all the parishes support the village First School. The second cluster comprises the parishes of Ombersley, Doverdale and Hartlebury, which are linked geographically by their proximity to the A449 Worcester to Kidderminster road. Together the PCCs of all the parishes have produced a shared statement about their churches, their new priest and their hopes and plans for the future, and this is included below. It highlights a sense of purpose and optimism in parishes which are richly and sometimes surprisingly diverse in both their church and community life, with a range of views and traditions which the parishes are enjoying discovering and respecting in one another. We offer you our prayerful support as you read this profile and consider this post. If there is anything else you would like to know or if you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Priest-in- Charge: The Revd Derek Arnold The Rectory Main Road Droitwich WR9 0EW darnold.7parishes@gmail.com June 2015

2 The Seven Parishes shared statement The church communities he churches are keen to reach out into the wider community to be a visible and engaged Christian presence: T To build on links made through baptisms, weddings and funerals; To find more ways of engaging with younger people and families ; By encouraging greater involvement in the life of the church; By maintaining and growing our congregations. There is a strong desire to strengthen the pastoral care available to members of the community, including through home visiting and home communions, understanding that this has to be a shared role between equipped lay and ordained people. There is a similar desire to strengthen existing congregations, to encourage spiritual growth, practical involvement and shared responsibility. We recognise that we are in the early stages of growing together as a group of seven parishes. We would welcome help in our development that values the individuality of each local community and the different traditions of the churches, yet encourages us in our shared aim of engaging more fully in mission by helping us to grow the church, to care for people around us and to explore new possibilities appropriate to each place. The Associate Priest This is a part-time post held under Common Tenure for an initial period of 5 years, which will be funded by a long established charitable trust whose aim is to benefit the inhabitants of the small parish of Elmley Lovett. We are seeking a priest who, first and foremost, has a strong calling and desire to know, and be known in all the parishes of the newly formed benefice. However, the purpose of the trust s sponsorship is to enable the availability of clergy for pastoral needs in the village of Elmley Lovett akin to what an incumbent based only in the village would have offered. Achieving this balance of the post will form part of the normal Ministerial Development Review. The successful candidate will therefore reside in the parish of Elmley Lovett (please see details below) and will spend 1.5 days per week ministering in the parish. Whilst resident the successful candidate will be on call for the parishioners of the parish at all times, as would have been the case had he/she been the incumbent when the parish had its own priest. In addition, the successful applicant will be required to devote 1.5 days a week ministering in the other six parishes in the new Benefice, as allocated and agreed with the Priest in Charge of the benefice. Together with the Priest-in-Charge he/she will seek ways to communicate the love of God across all the communities of the benefice, including the relatively un-churched areas. The priest will need an understanding of rural communities, with a particular appreciation Of the challenges and the joys of rural life; Of the wealth of goodwill towards churches, which sometimes doesn t always translate into church attendance; That people involved in church life are often, and usually heavily, involved in other areas of village life. They should also be willing to engage with the whole life of the communities and with people where they are, and have strength of character to discuss and explore issues or to engage with real life, to help congregations move from a strong church life focus, to one that embraces the whole life. Conducting occasional offices across the benefice, with a particular emphasis in the in the parish of Elmley Lovett, will be a part of the role. The successful candidate will have shown a readiness and desire to regularly spend time at the local school, Cutnall Green Church of England School, which is part of the Rivers Academy, helping to encourage and extend existing work going on in the school, including Open the Book. 2

3 There is an expectation that the successful candidate will be keen to get involved and work alongside local organisations, where appropriate, such as the Parish Council etc. He/she will also need to come alongside the older members of the parishes and congregations, and empathising with their experiences and concerns. We would welcome someone open to a variety of theological views and committed to deepening the spiritual development of the congregations with well thought-out sermons, and offering ways of deepening our understanding of the bible; by sharing and working with others across the faith traditions as opportunities arise; in bringing innovative ideas where congregations are looking to develop their worship; by supporting, encouraging, and inspiring lay and ordained people to use their skills and gifts for self-development and to benefit the life of the benefice in their various roles in the community. The successful candidate will: be able to balance and respect the diverse worship traditions of the distinct parishes, whilst helping us work together to further the Kingdom of God in the benefice. have the skills to manage their time, their public visibility and the multiplicity of roles across seven very different parishes and their communities, with that particular emphasis on the parish of Elmley Lovett. be able to work in a team, alongside lay and ordained colleagues, and see the life of the deanery as an important part of their ministry. have a sense of humour and be able to live with imperfection both their own and that of others. Other information Ministry and worship s well as the stipendiary parish priest, there are retired and other clergy as well as Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) from neighbouring parishes who are also able to help on Sundays or for occasional offices. A There are two Licensed Lay Minister in the Seven Parishes and one is still in training to be able to take funeral and develop bereavement ministry. Two people have taken the diocesan Authorised Lay Ministry course in pastoral work (one being the Reader) and one other in evangelism. All the parishes have assistance from lay Eucharistic Ministers and, as noted in the parish descriptions that follow, several places lay people lead worship. A good number of people are involved in a wide variety of pastoral and other ministries across the parishes. The churchwardens of all the parishes meet together regularly with the clergy and the administrator to consider matters of common interest and concern. All seven churches meet to worship together on fifth Sundays throughout the newly formed benefice. Administrative support Support for the clergy, churchwardens and others is provided by a paid, part-time administrator working partly from the Seven Parishes office base in Ombersley Church and partly from home. The benefice office provides easier access for the parish priest and is a more central location for all the parishes. The Accommodation Church Cottage comprises of a sitting room, reception room, a kitchen and entrance hall on the ground floor and 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and landing on the 1 st floor. The cottage is located beside Elmley Lovett Church and has views on all sides over wonderful countryside. 3

4 The Diocese of Worcester T he Diocese of Worcester covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south-east Wolverhampton and Sandwell. Founded about 679 by Theodore of Canterbury, today it has 190 parishes, 281 churches, around 120 stipendiary and 30 non-stipendiary clergy and 170 Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers). There is also a growing number of Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) being trained to support and resource ministry in their own localities. There are 100 church schools, 97 primary and 3 secondary. The diocese is divided into the Archdeaconry of Worcester, with six deaneries, and the Archdeaconry of Dudley, with seven deaneries. The County of Worcestershire Worcestershire comprises six districts: Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester City, Wychavon and Wyre Forest. It has a combined population of 557,400, with a larger number of older people than the regional and national average. The county has an outstanding and rich natural environment and is home to spectacular features such as the Malvern Hills. A large part of the county consists of a combination of fields, orchards, woodlands, meadow, ancient forest and rivers. Agricultural land and open countryside dominate the landscape, but 64% of the total population live in urban areas. Agriculture, horticulture and food processing are still significant elements of the local economy, but manufacturing, local government services, financial services and tourism are important factors, providing employment and income. Worcester University is one of the fastest growing of the new universities in the country. The county is adjacent to the West Midlands conurbation and has generally good road access to and from the national transport network. Many who live in rural areas experience difficulty accessing services. The perception of Worcestershire is that it is affluent, free from social disadvantage and an attractive place in which to live. In reality there are pockets of deprivation and some very specific, and sometimes conflicting, challenges that the diverse nature of the county poses. The 2007 Indices of Deprivation highlights seven areas that are in the top 10% most deprived areas in England and Wales, with education deprivation, income deprivation and crime of particular concern. The Metropolitan Borough of Dudley Dudley metropolitan borough was created in 1974 after a merger of the Dudley County Borough with the municipal boroughs of Stourbridge and Halesowen. It is effectively a unitary authority, except for public transport, fire and police services, which are jointly run by the seven metropolitan boroughs of the West Midlands County. Traditional metal-bashing industries, long associated with the Black Country, have been reduced over the last few decades, but the borough is still a major centre for manufacturing. There are good rail and road links with the rest of the Midlands and other regions. The leisure, retail and tourism sectors are major providers of employment. Some areas of the borough, particularly in the Dudley town area, suffer considerable deprivation. Diocesan ministry and mission As a diocese we are committed to mission in every aspect, seeking to bring the good news of God's love in Jesus to all who live in our cities, towns and villages, and to make the gospel relevant to their everyday lives. We are developing creative new patterns of ministry in these changing times: though there are fewer stipendiary clergy than in the recent past, there are now more people offering licensed and authorised lay ministry than ever before. Differences in churchmanship are not divisive in this diocese which has a genuine family feel to it. We are implementing, after much reflection and consultation, an imaginative Kingdom People vision and resource which seeks to help churches become better at their core task of proclaiming the Kingdom. 4

5 As Kingdom People, our vision is for a Church which enables its people to be: deeply rooted in prayer and study of the scriptures. renewed and transformed by regular worship. equipped to witness to the gospel of love, compassion, justice and freedom. dedicated to helping children, young people and young adults to belong and be nurtured in faith. devoted to growing deeply in discipleship, offering our time and talents and money to God. resourced and released to minister to others. ready to engage with and serve our community. committed to making our buildings fit for purpose as a spiritual and community resource. The Bishop looks to appoint those who will work collegially with clergy and lay people in the deanery to encourage and sustain the wider mission and ministry of the church. It is normal for a priest to have a ministerial interest wider than the benefice itself that takes something in the region of 10% of their working time. Except where required under the terms of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure we are committed to ensuring that the diocese does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of criteria unrelated to their ability to function as a priest in the benefice. Droitwich Deanery D roitwich deanery is the southernmost of the seven deaneries in Dudley Archdeaconry. It is an attractively varied area set between Worcester, Bromsgrove, Stourport and Redditch. The deanery is largely rural in character, comprising individual village communities and the ancient salt town of Droitwich Spa, which has a population of about 28,000 and is at the geographical centre of the diocese. It offers a range of facilities for shopping, banking and recreation, including the recently restored Droitwich Canal and a new marina. There is a station on the Hereford Worcester Birmingham line and good local and long-distance bus services. The town population is generally mixed in age. There are three first schools, two middle schools, a Roman Catholic primary school, a large high school which serves surrounding communities as well as the town itself, and a private school with a mixed prep department and a girls senior department. There are several pre-schools and nurseries and a number of retirement and nursing homes. Mission and ministry in the deanery The deanery has an allocation of six full time stipendiary clergy who exercise oversight in their parishes or roles. As part of the deanery plan, one of these clergy has been released from parish responsibility to serve as full time rural dean. This post carries a brief for supporting ministers and parish officers, developing collaborative relationships, resourcing ministry and enabling mission through the nurture of training and vocations work. In addition to the stipendiary clergy, there are in the deanery two part-time non-stipendiary associate priests, two part-time non-stipendiary curates in training, one of whom works across the whole deanery, seven Licensed Lay Ministers and a large number of lay people involved in ministry of many kinds. These include several who have trained on the diocesan Authorised Lay Ministry (ALM) scheme as worship leaders, pastoral workers or evangelists. There is an ordinand in training and a number of people are exploring various vocations. We greatly value the support of retired and diocesan colleagues where it is available. The deanery clergy meet together regularly and also once a term with their lay colleagues in ministry. These are important occasions for mutual support, reflection and planning. We laugh a lot too! We also arrange occasional outings, away days or residential meetings. Deanery Synod meets three times a year and is an important forum for discussing matters to do with mission and ministry and for sharing good practice. There is an annual service to celebrate Lay Ministry and a Confirmation in the deanery. 5

6 The Parishes Elmley Lovett The local area The parish lies 5 miles north of Droitwich Spa and includes the rural hamlets of Sneads Green, Ryelands and a part of Cutnall Green. The majority of the parish comprises farmland; however, business units can be found at Ryelands Farm and the converted RAF storage units at Hartlebury Trading Estate. There is a large incinerator potentially included in future development. The current population of Elmley Lovett is 250, comprising approximately 150 owner occupier homes with a few housing association homes in Cutnall Green. There have been several new developments in Cutnall Green in recent years. The existing population comprises the independent elderly, young families and working couples. Farming families are on the decline, although livestock and arable farming exists within the parish. Road transport links are good, with Elmley Lovett fast becoming a commuter community due to the close proximity of the M5 at junction 5. There are also good road links to Kidderminster, Worcester and Bromsgrove. Public transport is limited to an irregular bus service which is used by school children and shoppers for nearby Droitwich and Kidderminster. The nearest rail links can be found in Droitwich or in nearby Hartlebury. Facilities in Cutnall Green include a thriving post office and tea rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 public houses, a village hall, a farm shop and a primary school, Cutnall Green CofE VA school, which is part of the Rivers Academy. The parish church (Postcode WR9 0PU) St Michael s church is located almost in the centre of the parish of Elmley Lovett. It is Grade 2* listed, as is a nearby tomb. The church itself is isolated, the original settlement being destroyed in the medieval plague. It has historical links to the Doomsday Book, Edward the Confessor and Spencer Percival. Various additions and alterations are recorded as having taken place as early as 1200 when the tower was built. The church now has a fine Bird organ and a set of bells restored in 1990, the originals having been cast in The hatchments above the porch and vestry doors are the royal arms of George III and those of George Forester, Squire, The registers go back to 1538 and are deposited in the County Records Office. Details of the altar furnishings and the processional cross can be found on a wall by the pulpit. The preaching cross in the churchyard south of the nave dates back to the 15th century. The lychgate was erected in 1924, and the 16 th century school house at the lychgate served as the village school until The church and churchyard are in good order and the recent quinquennial inspection showed no urgent or major work is required. The church is not locked and attracts visitors in the summer months. Worship The worship is traditional Book of Common Prayer, although we are exploring new formats and using preprepared service sheets. A more modern hymn book is occasionally used. Celebrations are westward facing. The sacrament is not reserved and incense is not used. The 10.30am service is usually led by the Reader in training. Members of the congregation read and act as sidesmen. The gospel is read by the priest. There is one lay communion assistant. 6

7 Occasional services are well attended e.g. Remembrance, (30) and the Carol Service (150). The annual Rogation Service is rotated between the Four Square churches, as is the 5 th Sunday service for the Seven Parishes. Cutnall Green School holds their Easter and Leavers Services at Elmley. Usual pattern of services 1 st Sunday No service 2 nd Sunday 10.30am Morning Prayer (attendance approximately 6) 3 rd Sunday No service 4 th Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion (attendance approximately 15) (2012) Easter communicants 23 Christmas communicants 14 Christmas and Easter communion services arranged in conjunction with Rushock. Occasional offices (2012) Baptisms 3 Funerals in church 3 Weddings 0 Cremation services 0 The congregation There are 22 people on our Electoral Roll. Overall we are an aging congregation with the recent addition of a few young families. The congregation is welcoming and everyone is encouraged to stay for coffee after our services where conversation is bright and cheery. Elmley, whilst sometimes being described as formal, also creates a sense of warmth and friendship. Refreshments are also served at our Christmas Carol and Harvest services. Members of our congregation regularly attend services in sister churches and are very inclusive in their support outside of Elmley. Some pastoral work is done by members of the congregation. We currently have one churchwarden. Finance Parish share and clergy expenses are paid in full and we currently have a healthy financial position. Church collections reflect the size of congregation, and there are few monthly givers. Gift Aid is collected. There is a substantial Trust in the parish which provides funds to the School, the church and the poor and necessitous. This amount has increased substantially in recent years, and ensures that we are adequately funded. There is no chancel repair liability and no large expenditure proposed. The Parish Council makes a donation towards the maintenance of the churchyard. We have a few restricted funds for the maintenance of the churchyard and one large fund for the maintenance of the organ. The recent repairs to the tower were primarily funded by donations from the parish and English Heritage. Recent developments in church life There have been substantial repairs to the tower and lychgate which were completed in We are fortunate to have a Reader who has supported Elmley Lovett in this transitional period during the clergy vacancy. Where are we going? The PCC members are very loyal, committed and dedicated to Elmley Lovett. We have a young treasurer and secretary, some retired members and some in full time employment, including a local farmer. The PCC has in recent years been focused on the repair and maintenance of the church and now wishes to focus on attracting worshipers and young families. Recent social events have been successful and the popularity of the carol service demonstrates that the potential is there for Elmley to evolve into a lively and vibrant congregation. The formation of a trainee bell ringing group has proved popular and has created a marvellous addition to church life. The formation of a choir is also being explored. 7

8 The church will always be maintained, cleaned and presented well by the current band of helpers, but we lack the core of younger helpers that we need to move forward. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find willing volunteers with the demands of modern living and family life. Priority needs to be given to attracting new volunteers to initially assist, and then take over from, our current reliable supporters who cover more than one of the main roles. We have found the flux in clergy over recent years unsettling, but now enjoy some stability and support to ensure our congregation moves forward and become more self supporting. There is a strong desire to remain with the Book of Common Prayer and the Authorised Version of the Bible, but there is also a willingness to explore adding something more modern if this attracts younger members. Hampton Lovett The local area The parish covers a large rural area to the north of the town of Droitwich Spa. The two parts of the parish Hampton Lovett (population of 289) and Westwood (57) are geographically separate and about 2.5 miles apart. The village of Cutnall Green is about 2 miles away, as is Droitwich. The main population of Hampton centres around the Doverdale Park Homes, a residential park for the retired. There is also a large industrial estate/business park which is part of Hampton Lovett. The predominant age group in the area is 60+ and most employment is found in agriculture, at the Muller/Wiseman dairy or in other service and manufacturing industries. The road network is good, with the A442 cutting through the hamlet of Hampton Lovett. Buses run Monday to Friday 3 times a day between Droitwich to Hampton Lovett and 3 times day between Droitwich to Kidderminster. Junction 5 of the M5 is approximately 3 miles away. Most parishioners have a car but ownership/use is lower on Doverdale Park Homes. The parish rooms, close to the church, are now run by the Parish Council, but are available to hire for church functions. There are actually no schools in the parish, the nearest First School is 2 miles away in Cutnall Green and is in the parish of Elmley Lovett. It is part of the Rivers Academy. At present there are 86 pupils aged 4-9 on roll. The incumbent is an ex officio member of the governing body. Historically, the parish has been well represented in staffing and/or governance of the school and most local children attend the school as it has a good reputation for high academic achievements and for being a caring and happy school. A number of the parish members are part of the Open the Book team who deliver assemblies on a rota each Thursday at the school. The school also holds at least one service a year at our church, usually at Christmas. The parish church (Postcode WR9 0LU) The church of St Mary and All Saints dates from the 12 th century (nave and chancel only) and is Grade 1 listed. Portions of the original 12 th century side walls of the nave and chancel remain and the tower was added in 14 th century. It seats people and is open daily between at least 10am-4pm. The church was re-roofed during 2009/10. Future work includes replacing the heating boiler, radiators and some flooring. Due to a legacy, the PCC has plans to make other improvements to the church facilities such as a toilet, cleaning the memorials, replacing the organ and possible alterations to the Westwood Chapel. The church is also used as a venue for concerts, flower festivals, art exhibitions etc. 8

9 Worship Worship is central in tradition. Common Worship and BCP are used. The priest s dress for Holy Communion is alb and coloured stole. Surplice and scarf would be worn on occasion. Celebrations are westward facing. The sacrament is not reserved and incense in never used. There are additional services at Christmas, during Holy week, for Advent and for the school. At Christmas there is a special choir made up of representatives from all the Four Square parishes. Also, hand bell ringers from the Four Square churches are invited to attend services at Christmas, Harvest, etc. Evensong is led by a visiting Reader who has been an important contributor to worship for many years. Usual pattern of services 1 st Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion (attendance 20) 2 nd Sunday No service 3 rd Sunday 6.30pm Evensong (attendance 15) 4 th Sunday No service (2012) Christmas communicants - 26 Occasional offices (2012) Baptisms 6 Funerals in church 6 Weddings 2 Cremation services 1 The congregation We are a church that believes it is important to welcomes people and make them feel comfortable. Our congregation is small and members are in the main aged 60+. Hampton Lovett is an aging community and to encourage the few younger people who do not live permanently within the community, to attend or participate is difficult. We also experience the opposite, with parishioners migrating to visit relatives, leaving us short on the ground on occasions. Our priority is to keep our church active in the community and encourage others to join this Christian mission. About 50% of worshippers live outside the parish and there are 76 people on the Electoral Roll. Members of the congregation read lessons, lead prayers and we have a new volunteer to be trained to help with distributing communion. There is a churchyard officer who maintains the churchyard. The PCC meets 4 times per year. Finance The Parish Share is normally paid in full, as are clergy expenses. Gift Aided giving is encouraged, but our expenditure in keeping our church open exceeds our income, largely due to paying our Parish Share in full. Recent developments in church life In 2010 a generous bequest enabled the PCC to begin to look at priorities for church maintenance and development of the church building. In 2013 the work of the PCC has been affected by the serious illness and subsequent death of our lay chair/treasurer. Where are we going? The recent update of our Electoral Roll has resulted in an increase from 32 to 76 and we will be encouraging new members to attend services and church functions. With few regular attendees we are keen to sustain our services and encourage the growth of our congregation from within the community and beyond. We have a new incumbent who is committed to supporting us with this challenging mission and who is in regular communication with the churchwardens. 9

10 Elmbridge The local area Elmbridge is a tranquil rural village in the greenbelt between Birmingham (20 miles to north) and Worcester (9 miles to south). Droitwich is the closest town (2 miles). It is an area of rural lanes, ploughed fields, horse riders, cyclists and tractors. Elmbridge is known as a friendly, and caring community, with the church and village hall at its centre. The village hall is regularly used for both church and secular social events, many people belong to the same groups. The secular Friends of Elmbridge raises money for local charities with capacity attended lunches and suppers. The hall is used for church-run functions. The parish magazine enables people to know people for miles around. Many have lived here for years and brought up their families here; their children return. The current population of Elmbridge is 450 and most of the roughly 200 houses are owner-occupied. In 2002, a new development of 46 houses was added to the parish at Cutnall Green however only a small number of these residents attend services. Many of our worshippers grew up or once lived in Elmbridge, moved away and now return to worship. The predominant age range of the population is Employment is both farming (livestock and arable) and business, with low levels of unemployment. Commuters using the excellent M5 motorway; junction 5 is two miles away. Unemployment is low. Commuters use the M5 for easy access to Coventry, Birmingham, Cheltenham, and Bristol and the M42 and M40 to London (125 miles). High speed trains from Birmingham International station (30 minute drive) get to London s Euston station in 1 hour 10 minutes. The adjoining Birmingham International Airport provides easy links to the continent and, increasingly, the USA. Road structure is very good; however a private car is necessary as there is only one local bus. The 144 bus runs frequently along the A38 between Birmingham, Bromsgrove and Worcester, while the 133 runs three times a day between Kidderminster, Cutnall Green and Droitwich. Facilities in Elmbridge include an equestrian centre, tennis and cricket clubs with frequent competitions, interior design studios and a modern village hall. The hall has been used for a church-run toddler group (now moved to the larger village hall in Cutnall Green), hosted a deanery Alpha Course and is the regular meeting place for two art groups, bridge club, the hand bell ringers, Friends of Elmbridge, Village Hall Committee, PCC, Deanery Synod and Young Farmers. In Cutnall Green, there is a very enterprising village shop which houses the Post Office, local tea room and restaurant. There is also an Indian restaurant, the ever-popular Chequers Pub and the flourishing church First School with its playing fields and playground for 82 children where the Four Square churches run weekly Open the Book sessions during term time. The parish priest is an ex-officio governor at the school. Main shopping is done in Droitwich (2 miles away) where there is a Waitrose, Morrison s, many shops, 4 banks, 3 NHS surgeries, dentists, outdoor summer lido, 18 hole golf club, a main line station (Birmingham to Worcester) and a private hospital, linked with London Bridge Hospital, known for its orthopaedic surgery and physiotherapy. The parish church (Postcode WR9 0DA) The Grade 2 listed parish church has been a place of worship since the late 12 th century. Now all that remains are two late Norman round piers with plain capitals, a Norman arch doorway, an ancient worn stone font that leans against the present font and a Normandesign bell tower with 2 bells. The church seats 80 and is always open. St. Mary s stands on high ground overlooking farmland with a commanding view towards the Malvern Hills. During the Reformation 10

11 the 7 th century communion rail and altar in the Purshall Lady Chapel were removed to Purshall Hall, a secret place for persecuted Catholics, for safe keeping and stayed there for 400 years before being returned. A 1650 tablet to Edmund Purshall hangs on the north wall; he is buried in the vault under the altar. Under the Victorians, , the whole church was rebuilt and St Mary s was a chapelry attached to Droitwich until Worship Worship is central in tradition and Common Worship is used, with BCP occasionally. The priest s dress for Holy Communion is alb and coloured stole. Surplice and scarf would be worn on occasion. Celebrations are westward facing. The sacrament is not reserved and incense in never used. The church has an organ and the organist plays for all services. Currently we are encouraging everyone to learn some more modern hymns and choruses. A youngsters hand bell group practices year round and plays for Christmas, Christmas Carolling and special events. Special services are packed, with standing room only, and herein lies our strength. These are Palm Sunday (children s procession with donkey), Easter (with eggs), Mothering Sunday (with posies for all) and Christmas Day (hand bell ringers). We visit a local farm on Rogation Sunday. Harvest is celebrated with a Family Service followed by a (dog) walk on a local farm and a packed lunch in the village hall. A good natured auction of local produce which adorned the church is then held with proceeds going to a Worcester charity. The week before Christmas the hand bell ringers lead us in carol singing to elderly and housebound parishioners and to homes throughout the lanes. The event begins in the village hall for a practice session with homemade mince pies and mulled wine. Lay people read both lessons, lead the intercessions and we have a number of lay communion assistants. We support Rushock s monthly service at 9.00am on the second Sunday. On the fifth Sunday, a joint service for the seven churches is held around the Seven Parishes. Our church has become a popular wedding venue. We exert a lot of energy into welcoming couples and preparing them for marriage and enjoy the subsequent baptisms. Usual pattern of services 1 st Sunday 10.30am Family Service (attendance about 25) 2 nd Sunday No service encouraged to attend at Rushock 3 rd Sunday 9.00am CW Holy Communion (attendance about 20) 4 th Sunday 10.30am CW Holy Communion (attendance about 20) (2012) Christmas communicants 180 (see above re Family Services) Occasional offices (2012) Baptisms 6 Funerals in church 3 Weddings 6 Cremation services 1 The Congregation There are 34 people on our Electoral Roll. Special service attendance is over-subscribed, while regular attendance is about Lay participation is high with readings, intercessions and sidesperson duties done by parishioners. About 1/3 of the congregation come from outside the parish. On a rota basis 27 women provide fresh flowers for the church year round. Floral displays for special occasions can be magnificent. The Parish Councillors of Elmbridge, Dodderhill and Rushock Parish Councils attend the church. 11

12 Finance We always pay Parish Share and clergy expenses in full. The church and churchyard are in excellent shape, always open and well maintained due to the regular enthusiastic work parties and active volunteerism of parishioners. A few times each year working parties tackle the churchyard so to increase our chances in the Best Kept Churchyard competition. Bells have been rehung, the roof retiled, the roadside wall rebuilt and the interior periodically repainted. The costs of church, churchyard, clergy expenses and Seven Parishes Administrative Centre are all met by plate giving. Parish Share is met by fundraising, investments, Gift Aid, village hall and donations. Plate collection is down from last year, although 87% of donations were Gift Aided. Recent developments in church life Continued successful attendance at 6 special services 180 people on Christmas day. Continued successful fundraising the Victorian Watercolour and flower exhibition held last summer was a great success both in attendance and financial terms. The Grand Raffle raised The well-supported Harvest service, walk and lunch helped us achieve our human need objective and raised 247 and many sacks of clothing for The Maggs Centre in Worcester. Christmas post involved groups of volunteers who delivered Christmas cards and raised 225 for Acorns Hospice. We achieved income sufficient to defray 95% of expenses. An increasing numbers of parishioners are volunteering to support Open the Book at Cutnall Green School. The handbell ringers are involving youngsters in church services Where are we going? Our objectives are to hold services that proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God; to respond to human needs by holding loving services; and to teach, baptise and nurture new believers. We are a happy, positive, welcoming, inclusive church, which explains our popularity. We are very good at organising our own affairs. The notable exception is increasing attendance at our Family Service. Logistically younger parishioners are busy juggling commuting, the demands of work, working wives, children s Sunday sport matches and family commitments. This leaves us dependent on a sprightly group of 50+ year old members from a reliable group of 20 families to carry out the ongoing duties. However on special occasions (Christmas, Easter, Palm Sunday, Mothering Sunday and Harvest) families return in droves. Christmas service is a come early, standing room only, not to be missed occasion to celebrate the birth of Christ and to see old friends. As a congregation we particularly wish to: encourage families to attend Family Service, especially those who attend Cutnall Green School and partake in Open the Book; encourage attendance in the younger age groups; provide more pastoral care for the sick, dying and bereaved and also those going through other difficult times such as redundancy, family problems, etc. Rushock The local area This is a rural community made up of family farms, people who work in local businesses and those that commute further afield. In addition there is a small number of retired people. We are the smallest parish in the group of seven, with a Census population of 138 of which 111 are adults on the register of electors. We have 57 households and the parish is about 1.5 x 1.5 miles in size. 12

13 It is a wonderful place in which to live, with splendid views particularly from the church, and with good road links to the motorway network and to the shopping areas of Kidderminster and Droitwich. The church has good links with the Parish Council with a degree of common membership of the PCC and PC. We use a website which is hosted by the Parish Council. We maintain good communications with local residents through an excellent monthly Parish Magazine jointly with the three other Four Square parishes. Police reports give a very low rate of crime in the area. The parish church (Postcode WR9 0NR) St Michael and All Angels was originally consecrated by Bishop Gifford in 1285 so has been on this site for 728 years. The present church building has been here for 255 years having been rebuilt in 1758 and then considerably altered in the second half of the 19 th century. It is Grade 2 listed. We have pews for 70 people and with additional chairs can seat about 110. The church is not locked as we are anxious to be welcoming and keep it open all the time. It is next to the attractive Village Hall which has a toilet available and a kitchen. The building is in generally good condition and we try to keep up with the quinquennial report requirements. Worship Our worship tradition is central and we use Common Worship. We do not use incense and have no provision for reserved sacrament. Our priest would normally wear an alb and coloured stole. Celebrations are eastward facing because of the constraints of space (but see below). We normally have one service a month and an average attendance of 22; several are visitors from neighbouring parishes. At the Christmas Eve Crib service we had over 100 and in 2012 we had a children-oriented Easter Eve service. We have a very good and flexible organist. We have been progressively introducing some modern hymns. We encourage people to stay for coffee and biscuits in the church after the monthly services and there is always a good level of chat. Usual pattern of services 1 st Sunday No service 2 nd Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion (attendance 22) 3 rd Sunday No service 4 th Sunday No service (2012) Christmas communicants 20 (total attendance 36) See above re other services. Christmas and Easter communion services arranged in conjunction with Elmley Lovett. Occasional offices (2012) Baptisms 2 Funerals in church 0 Weddings 2 Cremation services 0 13

14 The congregation There are 30 people on the Electoral Roll, but several live outside the parish and this is being reviewed. The proportion of worshippers living outside the parish is about 30%. We have occasional pastoral help from local clergy. We also have two lay Eucharistic Ministers and have introduced members of the congregation to lead the Intercessions. We have a good PCC with some new members and rate the team- working of this as being very important. We bible study group and members of the parish attend the Lent meetings organised for the group of parishes. We have a representative on the governing body of the local First School in the neighbouring village of Cutnall Green. Finance Our Parish Share is not paid in full as we do not have the finance available. We are expected to pay about 100 per head of population in the village which is above other parishes, due to the deanery Share formula not being appropriate for a very small village with only one service a month. We have steadily increased our payments over the last few years to a level which is more in line with our population. Clergy expenses are paid in full. We have a number of regular donors and operate a well-run Gift Aid recovery. In we visited every household with a letter encouraging them to give or give more and had a reasonable result. We have no major expenditure in the pipeline. Recent developments in church life We continue to encourage local events to bring the community together, such as the Golden Jubilee events and the recent Festival of Churches, and lectures given by Professor Edwards a retired historian with an interest in the area. This is in addition to special services such as Harvest, Christmas Crib service and others. We have a small group thinking out proposals for how we might develop certain services to have more appeal and meaning to people who do not normally attend the usual services. We contribute to the Open the Book arrangements in our local school which we hope will develop further. We plan to rearrange our altar arrangements to provide more space for the president to face westward. We recently installed a sound system and loop. Where are we going? We feel our main mission is to maintain and develop a strong Christian presence in our local community. Welcoming people is important to us. We would like to think we are going Onward and Upward. We should also like to further develop our team in the community to find strength and inspiration from existing services and build further on existing pastoral visiting; encourage more people to be involved with the main roles, including the PCC and support rotas; make greater use of magazine delivery to meet people. 14

15 Hartlebury The local area Hartlebury is a commuter village with a population of 2714, predominantly middle-aged, and it encompasses 15 separate hamlets set over a wide rural area. There is no recognizable centre to the village, although there are some local services, shops and pubs in the district. The nearest shopping centres are Kidderminster (4 miles), Stourport (2 miles), Droitwich (6 miles) and Worcester (9 miles). Local employment centres around farming and a large trading estate with a diversity of industries. Unemployment is low. There is a train station at Hartlebury with infrequent services to Kidderminster, Worcester and beyond. Buses also run to Kidderminster, Worcester and beyond, serving local hospitals. The closest motorway is the M5 and the A449 Worcester to Kidderminster road runs through the parish. Most people have their own transport. There are two schools in the parish - Hartlebury CE VC Primary School, where the incumbent is an ex officio governor, and the New Elizabethan School, a small independent school for children with SEN (Autism). The church runs Open the Book and the Incumbent takes assemblies at Hartlebury. The parish church (Postcode DY11 7TE) A priest was recorded at Hartlebury in the Domesday Book and a church building existed in the following century. There was considerable rebuilding in the 13 th century and in 1375 the church was closed following a murder in the church, for which a payment of 100 shillings was demanded by way of reconciliation. The present church of St James was consecrated in 1837 after more extensive rebuilding, but dates back in part to the 16 th century. It is Grade 2* listed, seats approximately 200 and is always open. There is a fine peal of eight bells, all with inscriptions, the earliest of which dates back to the reign of Edward III, and the bells are rung regularly for services. The Lindsay Room, built into the first floor of tower and separated from the church by a glass screen, was opened in 1995 and provides useful meeting space. There has been a long connection between the church and Hartlebury castle, home of the bishops of Worcester until 2007, and the churchyard contains the tombs of five of them. In 1882 Bishop Henry Philpott built the mission church of St Mary s within the parish at Bishop s Wood, about a mile from St James, and chose to be buried there. Services continue to be held regularly at St Mary s. We have recently completed work on the roof of the nave, still to do is the stonework on the parapets and repair of the ceiling to the north side of the nave. The estimated cost of the work was 160k and the work is well underway. On-going work will be required to deal with crumbling sandstone. Worship Worship is central in tradition and Common Worship is used. The priest s dress for Holy Communion is alb and coloured stole. Surplice and scarf would be worn on occasion. Celebrations are westward facing. The sacrament is not reserved and incense in never used. There is a choir of 12 adults and an organist, with a music group at the Sunday First family worship service. Members of the congregation read the lessons, lead intercessions and two lead the Sunday First service. We also 15

16 have 7 people who assist with the chalice. The bell ringers 8 adults and 2 young people meet on Tuesday evenings. Usual pattern of services 1 st Sunday 09.30am Sunday First (attendance 25) 2 nd Sunday 11.00am Holy Communion (attendance 35) 3 rd Sunday 09.30am Morning Prayer (attendance 25) 4 th Sunday 11.00am Joint Holy Communion with Ombersley and Doverdale (2012) Christmas communicants 55 Easter communicants 54 Occasional offices (2012) Baptisms 8 Funerals in church 3 Weddings 7 Cremation services 3 The congregation There are 71 people on the Electoral Roll and the age of the congregation is mainly 55+, approximately 20% of whom live outside the parish. The church has connections with the Food Bank at Kidderminster and also takes Open the Book into Hartlebury School. We support Christian Aid and three other charities local, national, international each year. The Friends of St James was formed recently a group of local people who have taken on the responsibility of raising funds for the maintenance of the church building. Finance The Parish Share and clergy expenses are all paid in full. We run a planned giving and Gift Aid scheme. We have no capital projects in view, just on-going repairs and maintenance as described above. Recent developments in church life Open the Book in the school; Involvement of the school in special services eg Harvest, Christmas, Remembrance, Mothering Sunday, Easter doing readings, intercessions, and the school choir; Involving young people in our services eg Sunday First; Increasing number in the church choir / bell ringing (supporting other churches; going into other communities to teach bell ringing); Monthly coffee mornings in church involving more people than just the congregation; Establishment of Friends of St James raising awareness of the need to maintain the building in good repair involving the community in major fund raising; Vestry Hour on Saturday mornings; Church open every day; Financially viable; Joining with other parishes for worship on the 4 th and 5 th Sundays; Support for the local Food Bank; Church leaflets; Parish Magazine; Discipleship Course. Where are we going? Making the church relevant to today s society; Reaching out into the wider community / integrating with members of our community: community use of the church, pastoral care, home communion; 16

17 Continuing support for Christian Aid, the Children s Society and other charities; Continuing development of the church s contribution to the parish website; Fairtrade; Working with the other parishes in our cluster and the Seven Parishes as a group; Parish magazine; Continuing spiritual growth of us as a congregation; Hearing the written word and the diversity of interpretation in sermons / talks leading to a deeper understanding of our own faith; Trying to live out the values of the Kingdom; We would wish our church to continue to have a whole life rather than just a church life concern. Ombersley The local area The parish of Ombersley covers a large but relatively thinly populated area of rural mid-worcestershire. The attractive Ombersley village is the principal residential centre, but the parish encompasses a number of outlying hamlets. The parish area is 2817 hectares (6,962 acres) and its total population is about 2,400. The village of Ombersley lies mid-way between Worcester (to the south) and Kidderminster (to the north), with the small town of Droitwich Spa about 4 miles to the east. The busy A449 main road between Worcester and Kidderminster by-passes the village centre. The housing stock is mixed, with traditional black-and-white buildings dating from the 14 th century as well as modern dwellings. Buildings from most centuries are represented. There is a small housing estate towards the north end of the village containing a number of middle-range and affordable homes, and also a small block of flats. There is sheltered accommodation, The Hamptons, for the elderly in the village. The village has close connections with the Ombersley Conservation Trust (the successor to the Sandys estate), and a significant proportion of the housing is rented from the Trust. On a smaller scale the church is responsible for the management of, currently, nine houses under a Will Trust established in 1590 and now known as the Church Houses Trust. The church, conventionally, receives a regular donation from the Trust and the PCC appoints the Trustees. Our new incumbent is a Trustee. There is a good bus service through the village linking Kidderminster and Worcester. The nearest railway station is in Droitwich, and access to the M5 is about 6 miles away. Communications with the outlying hamlets is more difficult. They are picturesque and quiet, but there are no local services, the country lanes are very narrow, and they can be difficult to navigate in winter snow. The character of the village is heavily influenced by its rural surroundings. On the Church Urban Fund national scale of deprivation, Ombersley parish is rated as average (and it is rather more deprived than the average for Worcester diocese). Most of the social indicators and age profiles are close to national averages, but there are notably fewer single parent families than average, and a very low score for ethnic diversity (the population is overwhelmingly British White). There is also rather less working age poverty than average and unemployment is low. Ombersley has a village bakery and general store, a delicatessen and butcher (with a national reputation), a hairdresser, a petrol station plus garage and a number of professional businesses. There is a dentist, and a modern medical centre (with a pharmacy) which provides accommodation for village GPs and associated services. There are several pubs in the immediate area, many of them providing rather good food. In addition there is a number of other restaurants close by, earning the village the jocular title The Food Capital of the West Midlands. The parish has two Voluntary Aided first schools (5-9) both endowed by the Lloyd s Educational Foundation. This foundation dates from the 17 th century and, technically, it owns the buildings and land at both schools. Its main 17

18 income comes from rents but it is also able to accept donations. It also provides grants to residents of the parish for educational and vocational training. Ombersley First School has close links with the church, holding regular services (for example, Easter, Harvest, Christmas, Leavers) in church and welcoming the newly established Open the Book team into school. The church is well represented on the governing body by various lay members. There is also pre-school provision behind Ombersley First School and close to Sytchampton First School. All provisions are rated as good or better by Ofsted. Additionally, King s Hawford, the preparatory school for King s Worcester, is located at the southern end of the parish and has links with the church. There are several well-supported sports clubs organised within the parish, plus other groups and societies catering for a wide range of talents and social interests. Two village halls (Ombersley Memorial Hall and Sytchampton village Hall) provide high quality accommodation for many activities. Much more information can be found by visiting the web site The parish church (Postcode WR9 0EW) St Andrew s church is Grade 2* listed and was completed in 1829 to the design of the architect Thomas Rickman. It replaces an earlier 13 th century building, a fragment of which remains (and which has been converted to the Sandys family mausoleum). The style is Georgian gothic, and the light and airy building is regarded as one of Rickman s finest achievements. Many of the original features survive, including the gallery and numbered box pews. The original Gray organ is present, but requires restoration to make it playable. An area at the west end of the church has been converted into a space separated from the nave by a glazed screen. It is be used for meetings and church social functions. The church can seat up to 500 people, and is a favoured venue for concerts. The interior and exterior of the church are currently in a sound state. However, the building material is sandstone, and its rather poor weathering properties have necessitated significant repairs over past decades. We have recently completed a major restoration of the church tower costing 250,000; undoubtedly more work will be required over the coming years. Raising significant capital sums for the church has always been possible in the past through the generosity of English Heritage, the Ombersley Conservation Trust, local charities and Ombersley residents. Maintenance of the Parish Clock (in the church tower) and the grass mowing machines for the Parish Burial Ground is paid for by the Parish Council. Worship The style of worship is very much middle of the road, neither overtly catholic nor evangelical and uses Common Worship, except once a month at 8am. There is a small robed choir and also a fine ring of six bells together with an active and dedicated band of local ringers who ring for all Sunday services. The music tends to be traditional (Hymns Ancient and Modern), but with more modern settings at the family services. During services the congregation is often conservative and passive. However, outside the box pews, liberal views dominate, with the congregation highly supportive of women priests and bishops, and many take a progressive and open-minded stance on currently divisive issues such re-marriage of divorced persons, relationships, sexuality and same-sex marriage. 18

19 There is a high degree of lay involvement in the services, with members of the congregation reading lessons, carrying out intercessions, assisting with the chalice at Communion, and sharing thoughts, ideas and reflections when leading non-eucharistic services. Usual pattern of services 1 st Sunday 11.00am Parish Communion (attendance 32) 2 nd Sunday 9.30am Family service, lay led. (attendance 32) 3 rd Sunday 9.30am M (attendance 32) 4 th Sunday 8am Holy Communion, Book of Common Prayer 9.30am Morning Prayer, essentially Common Worship, lay led but usually with a visiting preacher (attendance 32) (2012) Christmas communicants 120 Easter communicants 107 Occasional offices (2012) Baptisms 7 Funerals in church 6 Weddings 8 Cremation services 5 There is also a monthly week-day service at The Hamptons residential home. The congregation Church membership tends to be drawn from the older section of the community; professional (or retired professional) with the benefit of tertiary education are well represented. The proportion of the village community attending services is rather higher than often encountered in urban situations, and, as well as the church s spiritual purpose, its social function is seen as important. There is a considerable fund of goodwill towards the church within the village, even amongst those who rarely attend. This is particularly evident at major village events sponsored by the church such as the annual church fête and Harvest Supper, when large numbers of the community attend or are involved in some way. The locally traditional celebration of Easter, with a dawn bonfire and breakfast in the church is especially distinctive. There are 104 people on the Electoral Roll. The Parochial Church Council for St Andrew s has 16 members (including ex officio members), and normally meets quarterly. There are two churchwardens currently in post and a Verger and Sexton who carries out many of the physical duties around the church, including preparations for services, and opening and closing the building (it is normally open during daylight hours). He plays a major role in the organisation of occasional services such as weddings and funerals, and he is responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard. Communications and publicity for St Andrew s are looked after by a former churchwarden and there are many additional church members helping with day-to-day running of the church, catering and social events. In the past much of the clerical and administrative work has been carried out locally. These arrangements are currently under review, and we anticipate that these functions will be increasingly moved into the Seven Parishes administration system. Finance St Andrew s currently pays its Parish Share and clergy expenses in full. The recent accounts give a rather distorted view of the state of the finances because of the recent major capital work undertaken. However, the broad picture is as follows: Approximate recurring annual income: 45,000 Approximate recurring annual expenditure: of which the Parish Share is: 31,315 19

20 There is an underlying shortfall of around 5,000 which we are currently meeting from our reserves. The Parish Share has risen by over 80% in the past 6 years and amounted to around 64% of our total income in Clearly this position is not sustainable in the medium term, and we are undertaking a project to increase financial support for day-to-day running expenses of the church. The next anticipated major capital expenditure will be the restoration of the east window. In the past, capital expenditure has proved less problematical than meeting routine daily outgoings. Recent developments in church life The PCC has become increasingly conscious that within the Ombersley community there is a far-reaching sense of goodwill towards the church. This is even though the majority of the people living in the village are not regular worshippers and rarely set foot in the building. Evidence of this goodwill can be found in the extensive and enthusiastic involvement in the organisation of the annual church fête, the recent and widespread generosity of the village in supporting expensive church repairs, and the widespread appeal of events like harvest suppers, exhibitions and festivals related to the church, as well as high attendances at the major Christian celebrations during the year. Where are we going? The PCC is exploring ways of capitalising on the village goodwill by bringing more people into contact with the church, both as a community and a building. For example: looking for more innovative ideas for festivals and exhibitions within the church and which appeal to a wide group of village residents; using the church building more often for secular events (such as concerts, recitals and exhibitions); maintaining an outward looking and ecumenical stance, involving other churches and neighbouring parishes; fostering the notion that the church fulfils a social and support function in addition to its role in Christian worship and prayer; taking the church into the community with events that are organised by the church but take place away from the building (for example, carol singing, Harvest Supper, St Andrew s Day celebration and in the past Pet service). Doverdale The local area Doverdale lies in a network of country lanes between the parishes of Ombersley and Hampton Lovett. It is an entirely rural area, made up of scattered dwellings and with a total population of less than 200 people. The predominant age group is 45+ and whilst agriculture still provides some employment, 40-50% of the working population are commuters. To the west is the A449 Worcester to Kidderminster road and 4 miles to the south-east is the town of Droitwich Spa, with its varied shopping, banking and leisure facilities, railway station and bus links. Other bus links and local services are found in Ombersley village, whilst there are a number of pubs, restaurants and convenience stores in the area. Junctions 5 and 6 of the M5 are within easy reach, but independent transport is generally essential. The parish church (Postcode WR9 0QB) The church of St Mary dates from the 12 th century, with later 20

THE WORCESTERSHIRE SEVERN PARISHES Profile for the Benefice of Elmley Lovett with Hampton Lovett and Elmbridge with Rushock and Hartlebury and

THE WORCESTERSHIRE SEVERN PARISHES Profile for the Benefice of Elmley Lovett with Hampton Lovett and Elmbridge with Rushock and Hartlebury and THE WORCESTERSHIRE SEVERN PARISHES Profile for the Benefice of Elmley Lovett with Hampton Lovett and Elmbridge with Rushock and Hartlebury and Ombersley with Doverdale A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISHES Generous

More information

The Benefice of Lowton and Golborne

The Benefice of Lowton and Golborne The Benefice of Lowton and Golborne Lowton St Mary s Lowton St. Luke s Golborne St. Thomas s Parish Profile Lowton and Golborne Team Ministry Contents Section 1: Summary of the Profile page 2 Section 2:

More information

Kerry Group Profile. Ministry

Kerry Group Profile. Ministry Kerry Group Profile The parishes of St Paul, Dolfor, St Michael and All Angels, Kerry, St Llwchaiarn, Llanmerewig, and All Saints, Mochdre, comprise the Kerry Group, the southernmost grouping of parishes

More information

COMBINED PARISH PROFILES

COMBINED PARISH PROFILES The Parish of St Michael with St Anne, Sutton Bonington COMBINED PARISH PROFILES St Michael with St Anne Sutton Bonington St. James Normanton on Soar 2014 1 The Archdeacon of Nottingham writes: Potential

More information

PARISH PROFILE JULY 2018

PARISH PROFILE JULY 2018 PARISH PROFILE JULY 2018 St Mary s Berkeley Berkeley Benefice All Saints Stone St Michael s Hill 'joyfully sharing the love of Christ for the common good 18/07/2018 1 WELCOME Welcome to the parish profile

More information

PARISH PROFILE Keston Parish Church, London Borough of Bromley, Diocese of Rochester

PARISH PROFILE Keston Parish Church, London Borough of Bromley, Diocese of Rochester PARISH PROFILE 2017 Keston Parish Church, London Borough of Bromley, Diocese of Rochester Church Road, Keston, BR2 6HT http://www.kestonparishchurch.org.uk/ KESTON PARISH CHURCH is looking for a new incumbent

More information

St. John s Alvanley and Manley : Parish Profile

St. John s Alvanley and Manley : Parish Profile St. John s Alvanley and Manley : Parish Profile Alvanley and Manley are two small Cheshire villages near to Helsby and Frodsham, easily accessible from the M56 motorway. The parish of St. John s has two

More information

All Saints' Church, Turvey Parish Profile November 2014

All Saints' Church, Turvey Parish Profile November 2014 Contents Turvey... 3 Location... 3 Village Description... 3 Education... 4 Community Life... 4 All Saints Church... 4 Worship and Tradition... 4 Attendance Details... 5 Pastoral and Ecumenical Activity...

More information

St Chad s, Hopwas HOUSE FOR DUTY ASSOCIATE PRIEST. Parish of Tamworth, Staffordshire Diocese of Lichfield. Enquiries to:

St Chad s, Hopwas HOUSE FOR DUTY ASSOCIATE PRIEST. Parish of Tamworth, Staffordshire Diocese of Lichfield. Enquiries to: St Chad s, Hopwas HOUSE FOR DUTY ASSOCIATE PRIEST Parish of Tamworth, Staffordshire Diocese of Lichfield Enquiries to: Revd. Alan Gordon The Vicarage, Hospital Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B19 7EE.

More information

PROFILE. for. the parishes. Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch

PROFILE. for. the parishes. Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch PROFILE for the parishes of Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch Ministerial background From 2013 to 2016, these three parishes of Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch were part of a trial of six parishes aiming to

More information

Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester!

Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester! Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester! Title Parishes 2018 The United Benefice of the East Vale & Avon Villages Badsey with Aldington, Bretforton, Cleeve Prior, North & Middle Littleton, Offenham and South

More information

The Parish of Harpenden. Appointment of Associate Vicar in Charge of St Mary s

The Parish of Harpenden. Appointment of Associate Vicar in Charge of St Mary s The Parish of Harpenden Appointment of Associate Vicar in Charge of St Mary s Electoral Roll: Parish 661, of which St Mary s District 132 Parish Population: 21,400 Parish Web Site: www.parishofharpenden.org

More information

GOING FOR GROWTH ST. PETER S CHURCH RICKERSCOTE, STAFFORD. PARISH PROFILE 2014

GOING FOR GROWTH ST. PETER S CHURCH RICKERSCOTE, STAFFORD. PARISH PROFILE 2014 SEE OF EBBSFLEET. DIOCESE OF LICHFIELD GOING FOR GROWTH ST. PETER S CHURCH RICKERSCOTE, STAFFORD. PARISH PROFILE 2014 OUR NEW PRIEST. Will be able to communicate easily with all age groups and especially

More information

Holy Trinity & St Mary the Virgin, Old Clee, with Christ Church and St Aidan s. Serving God and looking to the future together

Holy Trinity & St Mary the Virgin, Old Clee, with Christ Church and St Aidan s. Serving God and looking to the future together Holy Trinity & St Mary the Virgin, Old Clee, with Christ Church and St Aidan s Serving God and looking to the future together Welcome... The Rt Revd Dr David Court, the Bishop of Grimsby, writes... Thank

More information

The Parishes of Brant Broughton with Stragglethorpe & Beckingham, Leadenham and Welbourn

The Parishes of Brant Broughton with Stragglethorpe & Beckingham, Leadenham and Welbourn The Parishes of Brant Broughton with Stragglethorpe & Beckingham, Leadenham and Welbourn St. Michael & All Angels, Stragglethorpe St. Helen s, Brant Broughton At one of the Group Lent Lunches 2018 All

More information

St. John the Evangelist Churt and Rushmoor

St. John the Evangelist Churt and Rushmoor St. John the Evangelist Churt and Rushmoor stjohnchurt.org.uk 1 St John s is a friendly, strong and growing church situated in the village of Churt in Surrey, near the Hampshire and West Sussex border.

More information

The Polden Wheel Parish Profile

The Polden Wheel Parish Profile The Polden Wheel Parish Profile Welcome This profile has been written and prepared by members of the PCC and church members of The Polden Wheel who share the excitement and anticipation of appointing a

More information

St Leonard s Church, Turners Hill. Parish Profile 2012

St Leonard s Church, Turners Hill. Parish Profile 2012 St Leonard s Church, Turners Hill Parish Profile 2012 OUR VILLAGE The village is a lively community surrounded by farmland. Turners Hill is in the county of West Sussex and the district council area of

More information

Parish Profile of the Church of St Mary and St Gabriel Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon

Parish Profile of the Church of St Mary and St Gabriel Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon Parish Profile of the Church of St Mary and St Gabriel Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon Parish Background The parish of Stoke Gabriel is a predominantly rural community situated in beautiful countryside on

More information

St Peter s Church, Tollerton

St Peter s Church, Tollerton St Peter s Church, Tollerton Statement of THE PARISH OF ST PETER S TOLLERTON Patron Lord Chancellor Deanery East Bingham Population 2,000 approx Number on electoral roll 38 1. Are you called to be our

More information

Parish Profile Diocese of St Albans. Page 1

Parish Profile Diocese of St Albans. Page 1 Parish Profile 2015 Diocese of St Albans Page 1 From the Churchwardens. Thank you for taking time to investigate if you could be our next Vicar! We hope that this profile helps you to build an accurate

More information

The Benefice of Llansantffraid, Bettws and Aberkenfig

The Benefice of Llansantffraid, Bettws and Aberkenfig The Church in Wales Yr Eglwys Yng Nghymru The Benefice of Llansantffraid, Bettws and Aberkenfig Benefice Profile - 2019 Seeking to share the Love of God in deed and word 0 The people of Llansantffraid,

More information

The Diocese of Chelmsford

The Diocese of Chelmsford The Diocese of Chelmsford Role Description Role description signed off on behalf of: The Bishop of Bradwell Signature, name and title: Date: Autumn 2016 SECTION 1 Role Details The information here must

More information

The Diocese of Chelmsford

The Diocese of Chelmsford The Diocese of Chelmsford Role Description Role description signed off on behalf of: The Bishop of Bradwell Signature, name and title: Date: Autumn 2016 SECTION 1 Role Details The information here must

More information

Bolsterstone and Deepcar with Stocksbridge

Bolsterstone and Deepcar with Stocksbridge Bolsterstone and Deepcar with Stocksbridge Cornerstone Mission Statement A diverse group of Anglican churches with a shared aim to worship God and fulfil his mission in the community Cornerstone Mission

More information

We welcome you to our Parish Profile

We welcome you to our Parish Profile THE PARISH OF ST AIDAN AND ST CHAD CHADSMOOR We welcome you to our Parish Profile St Aidans St Chads Our Parish and The Area The Parish of St Aidan & St Chad, Chadsmoor consists of 2 Parish Churches in

More information

Our Mission Action Plan 2015

Our Mission Action Plan 2015 FULL VERSION Parish of Langley Marish Districts of St Mary, St Francis, Christ the Worker Our Mission Action Plan 2015 CONTEXT Over the past several months, the Clergy and PCC of the Langley Team Ministry,

More information

CONGREGATIONAL PROFILE. St ******** Scottish Episcopal Church. [date]

CONGREGATIONAL PROFILE. St ******** Scottish Episcopal Church. [date] CONGREGATIONAL PROFILE St *** Scottish Episcopal Church [date] [photo of Church] CONTENTS Description of Area and Overview of the Congregation 2 Worship 3 Finance 5 The Church Plan and the Vestry 6 Buildings

More information

PARISH: DATE: DEANERY:

PARISH: DATE: DEANERY: DIOCESE OF CHESTER PARISH FACT SHEET This form is designed to give an overview of a parish to be used in a vacancy to help it find an appropriate incumbent. It will be accepted as the statement describing

More information

A PROFILE OF THE GROUPED PARISHES OF GUILSFIELD, BUTTINGTON AND POOL QUAY DATGLOI EIN POTENSIAL - UNLOCKING OUR POTENTIAL. What is Pool Mission Area?

A PROFILE OF THE GROUPED PARISHES OF GUILSFIELD, BUTTINGTON AND POOL QUAY DATGLOI EIN POTENSIAL - UNLOCKING OUR POTENTIAL. What is Pool Mission Area? A PROFILE OF THE GROUPED PARISHES OF GUILSFIELD, BUTTINGTON AND POOL QUAY What is Pool Mission Area? Our advertisement for this post, and the three individual profiles below, mention that the successful

More information

Title Parishes 2019 St Nicholas & All Saints with St. Helen s, Worcester Profile pack

Title Parishes 2019 St Nicholas & All Saints with St. Helen s, Worcester Profile pack Keywords: Urban, City, Charismatic, Open evangelical, Resourcing Church, New Wine Title Parishes 2019 St Nicholas & All Saints with St. Helen s, Worcester Profile pack Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester!

More information

THE PARISH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST LEMSFORD

THE PARISH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST LEMSFORD THE PARISH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST LEMSFORD Parish Profile (March 2015) www.lemsfordchurch.org.uk INTRODUCTION St John s Church is situated in Lemsford Village. It borders Welwyn Garden City along the

More information

CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTHWARK

CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTHWARK DIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK CHRIST CHURCH, SOUTHWARK PARISH PROFILE JANUARY 2014 Introduction We are a small faithful congregation seeking a leader who will help us to grow the ministry and mission of the church.

More information

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LAWTON MOOR

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LAWTON MOOR The Diocese of Manchester ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS LAWTON MOOR The People of St Michael s are here to praise God in our worship, in our lives and in our relationship with our community. INTRODUCTION St

More information

Parish Profiles Avening & Cherington

Parish Profiles Avening & Cherington Parish Profiles Avening & Cherington The villages of Avening and Cherington are situated approximately one mile apart in the beautiful rural area of the Cotswolds, yet within easy distance of the larger

More information

Names and locations of churches, and distance in miles of each church from the parsonage.

Names and locations of churches, and distance in miles of each church from the parsonage. Parish Profile St Llawddog, Cilgerran St Cristiolus, Eglwyswrw St Davids, Bridell St Llawddog St Cristiolus St Davids Web site http://parish.churchinwales.org.uk/d855/ Name of Benefice Cilgerran with Bridell

More information

THE NEWTON ABBOT TEAM MINISTRY

THE NEWTON ABBOT TEAM MINISTRY THE NEWTON ABBOT TEAM MINISTRY Newton Abbot is a bustling and rapidly expanding market town with strong connections to the agricultural and manufacturing industries, set within the beautiful countryside

More information

Children & Families Leader Job Description

Children & Families Leader Job Description Children & Families Leader Job Description Title: Employer: Line Manager: Work Base: Work Area: Hours: Remuneration: Training: Holidays: Children & Families Leader St James and St Luke s Church, Glossop

More information

Youth Leader Job Description

Youth Leader Job Description Youth Leader Job Description Title: Employer: Line Manager: Work Base: Work Area: Hours: Remuneration: Training: Holidays: Youth Leader St James and St Luke s Church, Glossop The PCC of Whitfield Parish

More information

Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester!

Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester! Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester! Title Parishes 2019 The Parish of CHRIST CHURCH LYE and STAMBERMILL Parish Profile Keywords: Evangelical; Missional; Urban; Black Country; Expository Preaching; Fresh

More information

The Parish of St Peter & St Paul with All Saints, Chingford

The Parish of St Peter & St Paul with All Saints, Chingford The Parish of St Peter & St Paul with All Saints, Chingford 2018 PARISH PROFILE Welcome to the Diocese A message from Bishop Stephen In the Chelmsford Diocese we believe that God is calling his church

More information

Diocese of Worcester Stewardship Officer Application pack

Diocese of Worcester Stewardship Officer Application pack Diocese of Worcester Stewardship Officer Application pack Welcome to the Diocese Jonathan Kimber, Director of Ministry and Discipleship: Bishop John: Thank you for showing interest in this post. I believe

More information

Father Mark Owen is our Ministry Area Leader, Rev d Jane Butler joined the team as an Assistant Curate in 2015 and will

Father Mark Owen is our Ministry Area Leader, Rev d Jane Butler joined the team as an Assistant Curate in 2015 and will Introduction The developing Ministry Area of Upper Islwyn serves ten churches in the South Wales Valleys from Ynysddu in the South, to New Tredegar in the North. Our churches are a living and active presence

More information

THE RODINGS, EASTERS and GREAT CANFIELD

THE RODINGS, EASTERS and GREAT CANFIELD THE RODINGS, EASTERS and GREAT CANFIELD serving our communities St Edmund, Abbess Roding - St Mary the Virgin, Aythorpe Roding - St Botolph, Beauchamp Roding - St Andrew, Good Easter - St Mary the Virgin,

More information

Archdeacon for Rural Mission. Role Information Pack

Archdeacon for Rural Mission. Role Information Pack Archdeacon for Rural Mission (Growing in God in the Countryside Project Director) Role Information Pack A message from Bishop Martin Thank you for your interest in this post. With the whole Church of England,

More information

St Jude s Church Southsea Parish Profile 2015

St Jude s Church Southsea Parish Profile 2015 St Jude s Church Southsea Parish Profile 2015 Introduction St Jude s parish church in Southsea, Portsmouth, is a lively evangelical church in an urban setting. We seek to make Christ known in our community

More information

HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHURCH WAVERTREE, LIVERPOOL

HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHURCH WAVERTREE, LIVERPOOL HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHURCH WAVERTREE, LIVERPOOL Weaving Christian beliefs into the fabric of our lives, we strive to have God s spirit with us here in all we think, say and do Church Road Wavertree Liverpool

More information

giles THANK YOU for your PARISH PROFILE 2019 Our aims are to learn about God; to demonstrate his love for us; to share our faith with others.

giles THANK YOU for your PARISH PROFILE 2019 Our aims are to learn about God; to demonstrate his love for us; to share our faith with others. s PARISH PROFILE 2019 giles NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME with ST THOMAS, BUTTERTON Our aims are to learn about God; to demonstrate his love for us; to share our faith with others. THANK YOU for your interest in

More information

The Parish of Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden. Parish Profile

The Parish of Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden. Parish Profile The Parish of Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden Parish Profile CONTENTS Introduction 3 Mission and Vision 4 Description of the Parish and Surrounding Area 5 Person Specification 6 The Team 7 Information

More information

Bromham, Oakley and Stagsden

Bromham, Oakley and Stagsden Diocese of St. Albans The Profile of The Benefice of Bromham, Oakley and Stagsden (In the Deanery of Sharnbrook) The Benefice is part of the Sharnbrook Deanery in Bedfordshire and is situated to the west

More information

St Mark and All Saints. Role Description

St Mark and All Saints. Role Description Appendix 1 SECTION ONE: DETAILS OF POST St Mark and All Saints, Reading Role Description Role Title: Type of Role: Name of benefice: Episcopal area: Deanery: Archdeaconry: Conditions of Service: Vicar

More information

Barlavington, Burton with Coates, and Sutton with Bignor

Barlavington, Burton with Coates, and Sutton with Bignor Parish Profile The United Benefice of: Barlavington, Burton with Coates, and Sutton with Bignor Burton Church Overview Page 2 The churches and ministry Page 3 The local area and amenities Page 7 The rectory

More information

Parson Cross Interim Pioneer Minister

Parson Cross Interim Pioneer Minister The geographical area Parson Cross Interim Pioneer Minister The interim minister will work in the area encompassed by the geographical parishes of: St Cecilia & St Bernard, Parson Cross St Leonard, Norwood

More information

Curacy Profile. St Bede with St Clement Toxteth Diocese of Liverpool

Curacy Profile. St Bede with St Clement Toxteth Diocese of Liverpool Curacy Profile St Bede with St Clement Toxteth Diocese of Liverpool Summary The Diocese of Liverpool is committed to nurturing and sustaining growing churches able to serve their wider community. We are

More information

PARISH PROFILE ALL SAINTS FOOTS CRAY THE LIVING CHURCH ON THE MEADOWS

PARISH PROFILE ALL SAINTS FOOTS CRAY THE LIVING CHURCH ON THE MEADOWS PARISH PROFILE ALL SAINTS FOOTS CRAY THE LIVING CHURCH ON THE MEADOWS CONTENTS TITLE PAGE WHO WE ARE AND OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE 3 OUR FUTURE 4 WHAT WE SEEK IN OUR NEW VICAR 5 OUR BUILDING 6 WHAT WE

More information

Parish of Greenstead with Colchester, St Anne. Team Vicar (Pioneer) Information Pack

Parish of Greenstead with Colchester, St Anne. Team Vicar (Pioneer) Information Pack Parish of Greenstead with Colchester, St Anne Team Vicar (Pioneer) Information Pack St Anne s Nativity 2015 1 We are looking for someone to join us as a Team Vicar (Pioneer) within our Team. Could this

More information

PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you for our Church family, for the love, care, growth, support and leadership we have known over the years.

PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you for our Church family, for the love, care, growth, support and leadership we have known over the years. PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you for our Church family, for the love, care, growth, support and leadership we have known over the years. We pray that, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you will

More information

ALL SAINTS CHURCH - KIRK HALLAM

ALL SAINTS CHURCH - KIRK HALLAM ALL SAINTS CHURCH - KIRK HALLAM Parish Profile March 2014 Kirk Hallam - Local Information Kirk Hallam is a self contained part of Ilkeston with its own strong identity. We are part of the Derby Diocese

More information

We are a group of people with a common faith and strong sense of fellowship.

We are a group of people with a common faith and strong sense of fellowship. All Saints Church, Lockerbie A Profile Introduction We are a group of people with a common faith and strong sense of fellowship. Priorities for our approach to church come from our personal experience

More information

ARCHDEACONRY OF BEDFORD LUTON DEANERY PROFILE FOR THE PARISH OF HOLY CROSS, MARSH FARM

ARCHDEACONRY OF BEDFORD LUTON DEANERY PROFILE FOR THE PARISH OF HOLY CROSS, MARSH FARM ARCHDEACONRY OF BEDFORD LUTON DEANERY PROFILE FOR THE PARISH OF HOLY CROSS, MARSH FARM Purway Close Luton LU3 3RT www.holycrossmarshfarm.org 1 INTRODUCTION 2017 will mark the fortieth anniversary of the

More information

We are a diverse and engaged community

We are a diverse and engaged community We are a diverse and engaged community Christ Church Pitsmoor s congregation is made up of people from many different age groups, backgrounds and nationalities. We meet together to worship God, learn about

More information

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AND LIFE OF ST PAUL S PARISH BURY

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AND LIFE OF ST PAUL S PARISH BURY WHO WE ARE AND WHO WE RE LOOKING FOR A good lively communicator with young and old parishioners, the ability to forward the churches work through Home Visits. To take an active role in the Day Schools

More information

Workplace Chaplain. Nottingham South Deanery

Workplace Chaplain. Nottingham South Deanery Workplace Chaplain Nottingham South Deanery The Workplace Chaplain holds relationships with several of major companies and other organisations which are situated within Nottingham city centre and beyond.

More information

PROFILE THE PARISH OF BODFARI AND THE PARISH OF CAERWYS

PROFILE THE PARISH OF BODFARI AND THE PARISH OF CAERWYS PROFILE THE PARISH OF BODFARI AND THE PARISH OF CAERWYS St Stephen s Church, Bodfari St Michael s Church, Caerwys Introduction Caerwys and Bodfari are two separate rural parishes situated about five miles

More information

ANGLO-CATHOLIC TRADITION

ANGLO-CATHOLIC TRADITION The Benefice of Worcester, St. Martin in the Cornmarket with St. Swithun and St. Paul was created in April 2014 as one of three new benefices following the dissolution of the benefice of Worcester City.

More information

St Mary s West Chiltington

St Mary s West Chiltington St Mary s West Chiltington Parish Profile 2016 The Village West Chiltington is a large village with a population of around 3,600. The parish area is almost wholly residential. There is a very small traditional

More information

Archdeaconry of Hertford. Barnet Deanery. Profile for the Joint Benefice of South Mymms and Ridge

Archdeaconry of Hertford. Barnet Deanery. Profile for the Joint Benefice of South Mymms and Ridge Archdeaconry of Hertford Barnet Deanery Profile for the Joint Benefice of South Mymms and Ridge www.stgiles-stmargarets.co.uk St. Giles Church South Mymms EN6 3PE St. Margaret s Church Ridge EN6 3LH A

More information

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Shenfield, Essex. The Parish Profile

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Shenfield, Essex. The Parish Profile The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Shenfield, Essex The Parish Profile Welcome to St Mary the Virgin, where Christians have learnt to love and worship God for hundreds of years 1 GREETINGS FROM THE

More information

Parish Church of. St Mary Magdalene. Sutton in Ashfield. serving God, serving Sutton. Parish Profile. Registered Charity No.

Parish Church of. St Mary Magdalene. Sutton in Ashfield. serving God, serving Sutton. Parish Profile. Registered Charity No. Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene Sutton in Ashfield serving God, serving Sutton Parish Profile 1 Registered Charity No. 1134798 CONTENTS 2 Welcome 3 Mission 4 The Deanery 5 The Parish 5 The Church School

More information

Team Vicar for the Uttoxeter Area of Parishes

Team Vicar for the Uttoxeter Area of Parishes Team Vicar for the Uttoxeter Area of Parishes We are looking for a Team Vicar for Marchington, Marchington Woodlands, Stramshall & Kingstone in the Uttoxeter Area of Parishes. Living in the Uttoxeter Area

More information

Canon Precentor - background information

Canon Precentor - background information Canon Precentor - background information Introduction Exeter Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter, and a place of prayer, worship and welcome for the people of the city, diocese, county of Devon

More information

Parish Profile for St Peter & St Paul, Temple Ewell with St Mary the Virgin, Lydden, Dover

Parish Profile for St Peter & St Paul, Temple Ewell with St Mary the Virgin, Lydden, Dover Parish Profile for St Peter & St Paul, Temple Ewell with St Mary the Virgin, Lydden, Dover St Peter and St Paul, Temple Ewell St Mary s, Lydden 1 1. The religious and spiritual challenges in the 21 st

More information

St Peter s Church PARISH PROFILE. Old Church Road, Harborne Birmingham B17 0BB

St Peter s Church PARISH PROFILE. Old Church Road, Harborne Birmingham B17 0BB PARISH PROFILE Old Church Road, Harborne Birmingham B17 0BB www.stpeterharborne.co.uk St Peter s Our beautiful and historic church stands in an old village setting with the pub, primary school, cricket

More information

St Mary s Church Apsley End Hemel Hempstead

St Mary s Church Apsley End Hemel Hempstead Benefice of Langelei St Mary s Church Apsley End Hemel Hempstead Parish Profile for Team Vicar Page 1 Contents Our Church is good at... 3 Strengths... 4 Weaknesses... 4 New Team Vicar... 5 Living God s

More information

Parish Profile St Michael s, Woburn Sands

Parish Profile St Michael s, Woburn Sands Parish Profile St Michael s, Woburn Sands St Michael s (www.stmichaelsws.org.uk) is a vibrant parish in Woburn Sands, a small but busy town on the southern edge of Milton Keynes. We are now looking for

More information

Profile for the Benefice of Great St Mary s, Sawbridgeworth. June 2012 Updated September 2015

Profile for the Benefice of Great St Mary s, Sawbridgeworth. June 2012 Updated September 2015 Profile for the Benefice of Great St Mary s, Sawbridgeworth June 2012 Updated September 2015 Welcome to Great St Mary s Sawbridgeworth is a thriving small town in rural East Herts, and Great St Mary s

More information

St Benedict Biscop and the Venerable Bede. Wombourne. South Staffordshire.

St Benedict Biscop and the Venerable Bede. Wombourne. South Staffordshire. 1 St Benedict Biscop and the Venerable Bede. Wombourne. South Staffordshire. Our Village. Wombourne is sited just outside the city of Wolverhampton in beautiful countryside of South Staffordshire. It is

More information

St. Robert s Church, Pannal and St. Michael & All Angels, Beckwithshaw

St. Robert s Church, Pannal and St. Michael & All Angels, Beckwithshaw St. Robert s Church, Pannal and St. Michael & All Angels, Beckwithshaw Are you called to lead us in our recently expanded Parishes in a beautiful part of Yorkshire? www.strobertschurch.co.uk Contents Introduction..

More information

Scottish Charity No. SCO17535

Scottish Charity No. SCO17535 Shetland Scottish Charity No. SCO17535 The town of Lerwick, which lies at the heart of the parish, is the main town in the Shetland Islands and has a population of around 7,000. Sheltered by the island

More information

TILEHURST ST MICHAEL PARISH PROFILE 2018

TILEHURST ST MICHAEL PARISH PROFILE 2018 TILEHURST ST MICHAEL PARISH PROFILE 2018 Contents A message from Bishop Andrew... 3 Summary... 4 Aspirations... 4 Where we are now... 4 Ministry Team... 5 Our Strengths... 6 Our Challenges... 8 Our next

More information

5. PCC ordinary income (i.e. total of voluntary income and other ordinary income taken from last annual

5. PCC ordinary income (i.e. total of voluntary income and other ordinary income taken from last annual DIOCESE OF CHESTER PARISH FACT SHEET This form is designed to give an overview of a parish to be used in a vacancy to help it find an appropriate incumbent. It will be accepted as the statement describing

More information

Let Us Talk The response from St Mark s Church, Herston, Swanage Introduction A Recent Survey Appendix One. Let Us Talk Appendix Two

Let Us Talk The response from St Mark s Church, Herston, Swanage Introduction A Recent Survey Appendix One. Let Us Talk Appendix Two Let Us Talk The response from St Mark s Church, Herston, Swanage Introduction St Mark s Church has always been a church that is willing to talk about its history, its spirituality, its mission. It cares

More information

CASTLEFORD TEAM PARISH

CASTLEFORD TEAM PARISH CASTLEFORD TEAM PARISH Parish Profile About the Location and the Town Castleford stands approximately 10 miles south of Leeds and close to junctions 31 & 32 of the M62 motorway. It also stands at the confluence

More information

PARISH CHURCHES OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS

PARISH CHURCHES OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS PARISH CHURCHES OF ALL SAINTS SPARKWELL ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS CORNWOOD We are two rural parishes with an overall population of about 2,500 comprising a wide social mix and with an average age around

More information

Uplands Group of Parishes

Uplands Group of Parishes Uplands Group of Parishes The Uplands Group of Parishes form a Benefice comprising eight rural or semirural parishes all within the Deanery of Brixworth. These parishes cover the 10 villages of Cold Ashby,

More information

St Mary the Virgin, Ardleigh, Essex

St Mary the Virgin, Ardleigh, Essex St Mary the Virgin, Ardleigh, Essex PARISH OF ST MARY'S THE PARISH CHURCH St Mary s is a prominent part medieval building at the crossroads. Situated at the village centre it is open daily for prayer and

More information

Parish Profile St. Mary the Virgin Marston Moreteyne

Parish Profile St. Mary the Virgin Marston Moreteyne Parish Profile St. Mary the Virgin Marston Moreteyne www.stmarysmarston.co.uk Church Walk, Marston Moreteyne, Bedford, MK43 0NE Bedford Deanery Contents Page Introduction 1 Who are we? 1 Can you help us?

More information

PARISH OF OUTWOOD S.MARY MAGDALENE PARISH BROCHURE

PARISH OF OUTWOOD S.MARY MAGDALENE PARISH BROCHURE PARISH OF OUTWOOD S.MARY MAGDALENE PARISH BROCHURE August 2018 Brief history of the church Parish of Outwood S. Mary Magdalene. The Church of S. Mary Magdalene has been the Parish Church of Outwood for

More information

Parish Profile St Paul s Church, Woodford Bridge, Essex Our strengths:... 3 Our challenges:... 3 We see opportunities in:...

Parish Profile St Paul s Church, Woodford Bridge, Essex Our strengths:... 3 Our challenges:... 3 We see opportunities in:... The Parish of St Paul Woodford Bridge Parish Profile 2014 St Paul s Church, Woodford Bridge, Essex. CONTENTS ST PAUL S, WOODFORD BRIDGE....3 Our strengths:... 3 Our challenges:... 3 We see opportunities

More information

Rainhill St Ann. Rainhill St Ann

Rainhill St Ann. Rainhill St Ann Rainhill St Ann Rainhill St Ann Parish Profile 2014 Parish Profile 2014 1 WHERE ARE WE HEADING? Our vision for the future: To keep Christ at the centre of all we do. To become a church which is truly for

More information

Archdeaconry of Bedford. Deanery Profile for the Benefice of All Saints, Renhold. A growing Parish where town meets country

Archdeaconry of Bedford. Deanery Profile for the Benefice of All Saints, Renhold. A growing Parish where town meets country Archdeaconry of Bedford Deanery Profile for the Benefice of All Saints, Renhold A growing Parish where town meets country We aspire and pray that we will be... A welcoming, open, inclusive and growing

More information

Cumbria District DISTRICT CHAIR S PROFILE

Cumbria District DISTRICT CHAIR S PROFILE Cumbria District DISTRICT CHAIR S PROFILE The District has seen a period of considerable stability and during this time tremendous strides have been made ecumenically through the Covenant Partnership and

More information

Diocese of Gloucester North Cotswold Deanery Vale & Cotswold Edge Team Ministry

Diocese of Gloucester North Cotswold Deanery Vale & Cotswold Edge Team Ministry Diocese of Gloucester North Cotswold Deanery Vale & Cotswold Edge Team Ministry The Parishes of Pebworth, Dorsington, Honeybourne, Willersey with Saintbury, Weston sub Edge and Aston sub Edge Contents

More information

PARISH OF PENARTH AND LLANDOUGH PARISH PROFILE

PARISH OF PENARTH AND LLANDOUGH PARISH PROFILE PARISH OF PENARTH AND LLANDOUGH PARISH PROFILE St Augustine s St Dochdwy s Holy Nativity WELCOME Welcome to our Parish Profile. Our aim is to give you an understanding of the parish, an idea of what it

More information

Hayling Anglicans Parish Profile October 2018

Hayling Anglicans Parish Profile October 2018 1 Hayling Anglicans Parish Profile October 2018 Photo courtesy of Vince Lavendar. St Andrew St Mary St Peter Welcome to Hayling Island! 1 2 All I longed for I have found by the water. At your side I will

More information

Parish Profile. Fodderty and Strathpeffer Parish Church

Parish Profile. Fodderty and Strathpeffer Parish Church Parish Profile Fodderty and Strathpeffer Parish Church (www.strathpefferchurchofscotland.org) linked with the parish of Contin (May 2011) We seek to be a caring and lively Church, contributing to the life

More information

Vicar Aughton Christ Church

Vicar Aughton Christ Church Vicar Aughton Christ Church Dear applicant, We warmly welcome your interest in this exciting post and commend our diocese and the parish of Aughton Christ Church to your prayerful consideration and discernment.

More information

Archdeacon of Birmingham

Archdeacon of Birmingham ROLE DESCRIPTION Archdeacon of Birmingham We are looking for an Archdeacon of Birmingham who can help direct, shape and enable the priests and people of the archdeaconry to grow the church at the heart

More information

St John the Evangelist, Redhill, RH1 6QA Parish Profile March 2015

St John the Evangelist, Redhill, RH1 6QA Parish Profile March 2015 St John the Evangelist, Redhill, RH1 6QA Parish Profile March 2015 www.stjohnsredhill.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1135368 Our mission is: to affirm the dignity and respect of every person to spread the

More information

St Nicholas, Frankton Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council

St Nicholas, Frankton Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council St Nicholas, Frankton Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2016 Rector Revd Alison Massey (from 19 th September 2016) Main Bank Lloyds Bank plc 14 Church Street

More information