Proposed United Benefice of Benson with Ewelme Profile of the proposed benefice and its parishes

Transcription

1 Proposed United Benefice of Benson with Ewelme Profile of the proposed benefice and its parishes 1

2 Proposed United Benefice of Benson with Ewelme Profile of the proposed benefice and its parishes Contents Pages WELCOME 3 BACKGROUND 3 WHAT WE CAN OFFER 4 WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 5-6 LOCATION Overview of Benson Parish and Ewelme Benefice 7-11 THE PARISHES IN DETAIL: BENSON BRIGHTWELL BALDWIN 17 CUXHAM WITH EASINGTON EWELME THE VICARAGE 22 BEYOND THE PARISH: Area Dean s Statement 23 Message from the Bishop of Dorchester and the Archdeacon of Dorchester 24 APPENDIX 1 Current schedule of services 25 APPENDIX 2 Role Description

3 WELCOME St Helen s Church is in Benson, a thriving village in the heart of the Thames Valley, positioned on the River Thames, close to Oxford and Reading with easy access to London and the Midlands. The Ewelme Benefice includes three rural parishes (four churches) at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. We are now recruiting for a Priest in Charge of St Helen s in Benson who will become the Rector of the proposed Benefice of Benson with Ewelme in due course. We all very much look forward to meeting a new colleague and hope that they will find the post rewarding, enjoy living amongst us and leading us in our spiritual lives. BACKGROUND The Deanery Plan for Pastoral Re-Organisation proposed that on the retirement from, or relinquishment of, either the House for Duty Post in the Ewelme Benefice or the position as Vicar of Benson, these neighbouring parishes should work together and create a new United Benefice ( the proposed Benefice ) for the benefit of both the clergy and their congregations in the future. Following the sudden death in May 2015 of the Vicar of Benson, there is now such a vacancy and it is proposed that a new United Benefice of Benson with Ewelme be formed. A draft scheme has been prepared. Following approval of the proposed Scheme, the new Rector will minister in all four parishes (five churches) in the proposed Benefice. (Benson, Brightwell Baldwin, Cuxham with Easington, Ewelme) They will be assisted by the Reverend Jonathan Meyer, the current House for Duty Priest of the Ewelme Benefice, who lives in the Rectory in Ewelme and has been in post since it was created in This new and rural Benefice is in the central region of the Aston and Cuddesdon Deanery within the Diocese of Diocese. Patrons Among the patrons of the living are the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church, Oxford. Christ Church is in the happy position of being able to support the incumbents of its ninety livings through the revenues of the Dr South Trust, which is able to assist with grants for study, administration and holidays, as well as offering a biennial conference and loans for the purchase of a car. Other patrons of the living are: HM The Queen (exercised by the Prime Minister), Brigadier JNB Mogg DL and The Warden of Merton College, Oxford. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6: 24-26) 3

4 WHAT WE CAN OFFER This is an exciting time of change for our parishes. The Priest in Charge of St Helen s Church in Benson will have the opportunity to lead five churches (four parishes) into the proposed Benefice following due legal process. After a challenging year in Benson, we are ready to welcome a new Minister to St Helen s who has the energy, enthusiasm and vision to work with us through this time of change. The churchwardens of the four parishes have already been working together for several months and are engaged with the process of being united. As well as being supported by a part time House for Duty priest, in each parish there are supportive churchwardens and effective and experienced PCCs. The proposed Benefice includes five well maintained and supported churches, which are financially stable and have loyal congregations. Our churches have varied sizes and styles; some are historically significant and one has featured in the award-winning film Les Misérables. We are proud of the diverse pattern of worship across the five churches which includes the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship. This diversity enables us to appeal to a wide congregation, which we greatly value. In Benson we have been pro-actively looking at different forms of worship in order to engage effectively with the wider community across all ages including a Fresh Expression. Messy Church runs several times a year and is well supported by many families who do not attend our traditional Sunday services. Music plays an important part in our worship, to accompany the diverse liturgy and includes robed choirs and an orchestra, alongside the traditional organ music. There are two Church of England primary schools, in Benson and Ewelme. There will be the opportunity to continue to strengthen our links with these schools, with weekly assemblies in school or church, pastoral support to school staff and end of term services. The accommodation is a spacious four bedroomed detached vicarage next to the church in Benson, which is a lively village with excellent amenities (see page 22 for more details of the vicarage). The proposed Benefice is a desirable location in which to work and encompasses a larger growing village as well as attractive rural Oxfordshire villages steeped in history. It is in the heart of the Thames Valley and at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, with easy access to Oxford, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, the Midlands and London. 4

5 WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Our four parishes have been working together for a number of months to think about what we are looking for in our new Rector. In November 2015, we held a combined meeting including members of all five congregations, facilitated by the Parish Development Adviser, to understand what is important to each parish individually and for the proposed Benefice as a whole and to consider our strengths and the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. We have already held joint Lent and Advent courses and joint services. Added to this has been the extensive work done by the churchwardens to liaise with the Area Dean and Archdeacon to drive forward the proposed Scheme. In addition to continuing this important process of combining our four parishes, we have agreed the following essential abilities of our new incumbent: To actively participate in the life of the whole community; we have thriving villages in our proposed Benefice and it is important to be outward looking and to be fully involved within these communities and not to only focus on the existing congregations. To take the lead in ensuring the provision of sensitive and consistent pastoral care for the congregations and the wider community and by by taking the Church to where people gather. To be a prayerful and God-centred individual, with a deep regard for the sacraments and a sense of occasion when taking services. To understand the importance of recognising and developing God-given gifts and skills and encourage people to use them to further the ministry and mission of our churches. To be sensitive to the traditional and diverse liturgy for each individual church, with a real desire to lead these services whilst also, where appropriate, developing new ideas and Fresh Expressions of church and to allow our congregations to flourish and grow. To be wholly appreciative of the importance of music in our worship. To further develop our ministry for children and young people. To be a challenging and succinct preacher whose sermons illustrate how the Bible is relevant to the problems of today s world. To maintain and increase the close relationship with the two Church of England Primary Schools within the proposed Benefice. In addition to the essential abilities above, we have agreed that the following qualities are desirable: An enthusiastic pastor with good interpersonal skills who will have a high profile in all the parishes in the proposed Benefice and be willing to take services in each church. Be respectful of the history and ethos of these traditional communities, and with an understanding of country life and the needs and challenges this brings to a scattered rural benefice. A person who will encourage and work with Churchwardens, PCCs and all those who serve the churches in the proposed Benefice. Someone who has experience of working with children who can continue to take an active part in the religious education of young people in the congregations. A good organiser and leader. Someone who is willing to work closely with the House for Duty Priest and with him ensure a good pattern of worship and regular services in each church on Sundays throughout the year, especially at major festivals, and to arrange for clergy cover for holidays. 5

6 Some of the school children were invited to specify their requirements for the new priest. They would be keen to have someone who: Tells Bible stories in a memorable way Is kind Is gentle Teaches about God Teaches about prayer Is funny We warmly invite you to learn more about our beautiful churches and thriving, busy parishes Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you (Matthew 7:7) 6

7 LOCATION OVERVIEW OF PARISHES The proposed Benefice will comprise the parishes of Benson, Ewelme, Brightwell Baldwin and Cuxham with Easington (combined population is approximately 3,900, excluding the RAF base.) Parishioners involvement all churches There are four PCCs which meet regularly and have standing committees to undertake all repairs and maintenance of the churches. One of the Joint Patrons of the Living of the Ewelme Benefice lives locally. All the churches have Churchwardens, Sidesmen and a Treasurer who ensure the smooth running of the business of the churches. All parishes have representatives on the Deanery Synod and parishioners from Brightwell Baldwin and from Benson are representatives on the Deanery Pastoral Committee. Talented and dedicated organists, a Director of Music and a choir leader play key roles in worship in the proposed Benefice, and there are choirs in Benson, Brightwell Baldwin and Ewelme. Bells are rung in all the churches and weekly practices for choirs and bell-ringers take place. Lay people read lessons at all services. There are teams of church cleaners, flower arrangers and sacristans who take care of the linen and the brass. Church doors are unlocked every morning and locked each evening 365 days a year and clocks are wound. Churchyards are mown, fêtes, festivals and fundraising events are organised throughout each year. There are also concerts, lectures, BBQs, suppers, breakfasts and more! There are currently no Lay Readers in the proposed Benefice. All the churches are in a good state of repair and the Parish Shares are paid in full. RAF Benson Although the base does not form part of the proposed Benefice, there are strong links between the RAF base and the surrounding villages. RAF Benson is a front line support helicopter base working within the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC). There are c.2000 people attached to the base, many living there, whilst others live in nearby towns and villages including the proposed Benefice, with some attending the churches. Relationships between the base and the local community are very good and you quickly get used to the sight and sound of helicopters deploying on training flights. As well as the military aircraft, the base also hosts the local Air Ambulance and National Police Air Service helicopters. The base is important to the local economy, and its future now seems more assured after some years of uncertainty. The strongest demonstration of the warm relationship between the villages and the RAF base is seen on Remembrance Sunday. A contingent from the RAF attend the wreath laying at the war memorial in Benson with the Station Commander; there is a helicopter fly past. The village turns out in strength for this solemn occasion and afterwards the church is full for the service of Remembrance. The Chaplain from the base often takes part in this service. Remembrance Day remains as poignant today as ever, with many RAF personnel currently serving in war zones around the world. In the last year, two service personnel from the base lost their lives in Afghanistan. Apart from the Remembrance Day Service, St Helen s has been involved with the base in a number of other ways. The RAF provided assistance in transporting the church bells during their renovation a few years ago. In recognition of our links with the RAF, we also have installed in the church an RAF ensign on the south wall. For further information about the RAF base see their website: 7

8 Benson Parish Benson is situated on the east bank of the River Thames just north of Wallingford in South Oxfordshire, about 12 miles from Oxford and 15 miles from Reading. The Church and Vicarage are situated on Church Road which is off the A4074, Reading to Oxford Road. Benson benefits from regular direct bus services to Reading, Oxford and Henley. The closest train station is Cholsey, just under 6 miles away, which is on the Oxford to London Paddington line. Oxford to London coach services can be boarded at nearby Lewknor or in Oxford. The M40 motorway (junction 6) is about 15 minutes away by car. Benson is surrounded by fertile land and farming was the main source of employment until the 20 th Century. There is still much farming in the area and a small village centre supports the local economy. However, the majority of inhabitants now work outside the village, many within the local centres of Wallingford, Oxford and Reading. Local employers include the RAF base, the BMW factory at Cowley, the Environment Agency at Howbery Park in Crowmarsh Gifford, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory at Harwell and the Science Parks at Culham and Oxford. Benson could now be considered a commuter village, with a mixed population of local people and more recent inhabitants. At the time of the 2011 census, the population of the civil parish of Benson was 2754 consisting of 1581 households. In addition, there are about 2000 people who live on the RAF Base. Benson is a popular village with a low turnover of housing. There are several areas of proposed development of new houses on the outskirts of the village. In response to this, Benson is developing a Neighbourhood Plan to ensure that the village can exert some influence on future housing plans. For its size, Benson has a remarkable range of amenities. There is a supermarket, greengrocer, butcher, pharmacy, gift shop, two hair salons, a garage and service station, doctors surgery, dental surgery, veterinary surgery, estate agent, an Indian takeaway, a fish and chip shop and two pubs. The Waterfront Café offers an excellent restaurant and boat hire for powered and unpowered craft. The village has its own library located off Castle Square; this is successfully run by volunteers since the withdrawal of council funding a few years ago. For sport there is the Benson Tennis Club, Benson Football Club, Badminton and Bowls at the Parish Hall, boating and angling on the Thames and nearby Dorchester lakes, sailing at Dorchester, and table tennis at the Youth Hall. Cricket is played in the neighbouring villages of Ewelme and Warborough. There are further sporting opportunities available in Wallingford at the Hithercroft Sports Club. The location of Benson on the Thames and close to the Chilterns offers good opportunities for walking, particularly on the Thames Path and the Ridgeway. There are active Scouting and Girl Guiding groups within the village, and residents have the opportunity to join one of the many village clubs and societies, such as the Evergreens and the Bensington Society. For the keen gardener there are allotments and a gardening club. For children there are three play grounds as well as the wide open space of Sunnyside recreation field. Benson Parish - Current Mission We recognise that there is significant scope to increase the Church community in Benson. In September 2014 the PCC adopted a Mission Action Plan for the following five years. At its heart is our vision, which is to be: A welcoming and attractive church open to all. A place of inspiring worship inclusive of all ages where people learn to be disciples of Jesus Christ. An outward looking community where people are committed to serving, loving and caring for others locally and in the wider world. We identified three priorities: Reaching more young families and teenagers. Helping people identify God-given gifts, skills and abilities and encouraging them to use them in the ministry and mission of the Church. Deepening our Christian spirituality through prayer and responding to and meeting the practical needs in our community. 8

9 We set ourselves five goals: 1. Nurturing the faith of young people through all the different stages and providing parenting courses and parenting teenagers courses. 2. Strengthening small groups Men s breakfast, women s group, study group, Millstream monthly Communion, etc - and providing seasonal courses to deepen our faith and understanding of what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ. 3. Strengthening the rotas (which involve thanking people for what they do) to ensure that there is ownership of the running of the church and that it is done well. This is an expression of the Church as the Body of Christ. 4. Broadening and strengthening the base of outreach events i.e. Janaway lectures, concerts, etc. 5. Continue to build financial stability through our own example, outreach, teaching and providing information. 9

10 Ewelme Benefice The present Ewelme Benefice was created in 1979 and comprises the three parishes of Ewelme, Brightwell Baldwin and Cuxham with Easington (four churches). These parishes lie at the foot of the Chiltern Hills in Oxfordshire, in totally unspoilt countryside, between the small market towns of Wallingford and Watlington. Good shops are found in both these towns and in the village of Benson. A bus service links all the villages in the Benefice to these facilities. The parishes in the Ewelme Benefice are not expected to grow very much in the foreseeable future. There is a flourishing pre-school in Ewelme and about 80 children attend Ewelme's thriving Church of England Primary School, which also attracts children from the other parishes in the Benefice, RAF Benson and surrounding villages. The House for Duty Priest plays an active part in the schools. The children attend a service every week in term time in the Church. These schools have had extremely good results. Older children travel to secondary schools nearby in Watlington, Wallingford or Henleyon-Thames. The nearest hospitals or nursing homes that parishioners attend are in Oxford, Wallingford and Watlington. There is also a day centre in Benson. Doctors surgeries and dentists are found nearby in Watlington, Wallingford and Benson. Communications are also good. Mobile phone reception is good, but patchy, and access to the internet is also good. It is essential that the Rector Designate has transport to enable visits to all the parishes in the Benefice. Ewelme Benefice - Mission The current House for Duty Priest will continue to serve the parishes of Brightwell Baldwin, Cuxham with Easington and Ewelme. Due to time constraints, it has been a challenge for him to give as much pastoral care as he would have liked. The churchwardens help as much as possible but it is not the same as having the experience of a member of the clergy, especially when visiting newcomers to the Benefice or making home visits to those in need. The House for Duty Priest would wish to work closely with the new Rector Designate to formulate a sustainable and enjoyable pattern of ministry and pastoral care in these beautiful and historic rural parishes across the whole of the proposed Benefice and give spiritual leadership and an example of Christian values. It is hoped that a new Rector will have a high profile in all parishes in this new Benefice. There are Lenten Lunches, fêtes, horticultural shows, lectures, art and music classes and flower festivals which take place across the Ewelme Benefice. Lay village events also take place from time to time, often for fundraising following an international disaster. Three of the four villages have good pubs. The Village Shop in Ewelme is also a place where people gather. All these will give the Rector the chance to meet the wider community. Strengthen links with children and teenagers Through the Family Services, Pram Service and Primary School there is close involvement and good links with younger children and their families. We would like to develop these links in all the parishes and also to continue to cater more for older children. As well as the St Helen s Youth Group, there is an excellent secular Youth Club in Benson; these could be enjoyed by all teenagers from across the proposed Benefice. Tap our buildings' spiritual and community potential We see the Benefice's ancient and beautiful buildings as spiritual and community resources to be shared with as many parishioners and visitors as possible and draw people closer to God. The size of the church in Ewelme particularly lends itself to the hosting of concerts, lectures and other community events. Worship in the Ewelme Benefice A balance between old and new worship has been tried and achieved but it has also shown that people here do not like change. In three of the four churches the customary style of worship has been low church and traditional. The BCP is used at services of Holy Communion, Morning and Evening Prayer. Many people come from the surrounding areas to hear and repeat the familiar old English used at these services, and to chant the Psalms and Canticles. These traditional services are precious to many and not widely offered in other churches in the area. Some younger people prefer CW which is used at the monthly Parish Communion in Cuxham and Ewelme and at the Family Services in Brightwell Baldwin and Ewelme. 10

11 During Lent and Advent in 2015 and 2016, meetings for prayer and discussion were held with Benson. Most years, candidates from the parishes have been prepared for Confirmation. All churches in the Ewelme Benefice have been especially well attended at Christmas services. The Ewelme Trust This ancient Trust, founded in 1437 by the Earl and Countess (later Duke and Duchess) of Suffolk, owns considerable properties and large amounts of land in Ewelme, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire. The Trust Statutes provided almshouses for thirteen Poor Men. In recent years the original 13 almshouses, grouped around the cloister between church and school, were enlarged and updated to become eight. An additional five almshouses were then built at Suffolk House in the village centre, thus restoring the total number of almshouses in the village to 13. Previously the Rector was, and now the Priest in Charge is, Chaplain to the Trust. Since 1601 the Master of the Almshouses has been the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford. Government of the almshouses is in the hands of the Trustees under a scheme made in 1953 by the Charity Commission. The well-being of the residents of the almshouses is cared for by a Warden who lives in a cottage provided by the Trust. The church does not receive any financial benefit from The Ewelme Trust. The Post of Chaplain to the Ewelme Trust is a private arrangement with the Trust and does not fall under the Deanery Plan. At the present time it is held by the House for Duty Priest. The foundation of Ewelme School in 1437 makes it the Primary School with the oldest buildings in the country. The school buildings, which have been modernised internally without changing their external appearance, have been used as a school more or less continuously since

12 THE PARISHES IN DETAIL BENSON Church Life and Worship St. Helen s is the only church in Benson. It has always sought to be the church for all the people of Benson. In welcoming visitors and new members, the Church has always tried to be inclusive. As a result there is diversity within the church membership, extending across the whole range of Anglican experience, and encompassing those from Roman Catholic and Free Church evangelical backgrounds. All have been welcomed equally and the services reflect, to some extent, this diversity. All who receive communion in their own church and are baptised are welcome to receive communion. The position of the church may be summed up as broadly central, with a strong sacramental tradition. Vestments are worn by the priest. As well as regular services, there are a number of other services throughout the year and these provide opportunities to welcome newcomers. The Advent season opens with a Carol Service on the evening of Advent Sunday. This is a more reflective service than the Christmas Carol Service which follows a few weeks later, but has become more popular in recent years. The Christmas season opens with a traditional Carol Service on the fourth Sunday of Advent which is well supported by the wider village community. On Christmas Eve there is a Christingle Service in the afternoon which has become very popular. All the children leave with a Christingle and a collection is taken for the Children s Society. A traditional midnight communion follows at 11.15pm and on Christmas Day there is an 8.30am Holy Communion and 10am Parish Communion. We mark Candlemas at the Parish Communion with a blaze of candlelight and the Nunc Dimittis is sung by the Choir. There is an evening sung communion service on Ash Wednesday with imposition of ashes. On Palm Sunday we have a tradition of opening our Parish Communion with a gathering in the village centre and walk to church singing hymns and waving palms accompanied by a donkey from the local donkey sanctuary. The main service includes the dramatized Passion Narrative with a cast drawn from the congregation. In Holy Week we have evening prayer on the first three days and then mark Maundy Thursday with an evening sung communion which ends in silence and darkness with the stripping of the altars. On Good Friday the act of worship follows an Hour at the Cross with readings, meditations, hymns and choir anthems. Easter is welcomed on the Saturday Evening with a Vigil Service at dusk during which the Easter fire is brought into church. Easter Day is marked with our customary Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship services. In May we mark our patronal festival at the Parish Communion service. In the early autumn of last year we held a Pets Service in the churchyard for the first time. The Village Memorial Service held at All Souls-tide commemorates parishioners who have died during the year. The families of those who have lost loved ones during the year receive personal invitations and there are refreshments served after the service in the Canons Room. Remembrance Sunday is an important day for a community with such strong links to the RAF. A uniformed contingent from the RAF join the ceremony at the War Memorial which is well supported by the village and a host of local organisations. Following the laying of wreaths there is a Service of Remembrance in the church. On the first Wednesday of each month, Holy Communion is celebrated at the Millstream Centre (sheltered accommodation) in the village. The Primary School marks the end of each term with a service in church. On balance our numbers have remained fairly static over recent years. To fulfil our mission, the Church needs to be innovative in our outreach to the local community. Benson, like all villages, is undergoing social change. 12

13 Sundays are the day for sport, meeting friends and families and other social gatherings. Some parishioners work shifts and others commute long distances sometimes staying away from home, an increasingly common lifestyle. We need to look carefully at the opportunities that might exist to reach more people through different services on different days and times. Messy Church is held several times a year on a Saturday afternoon. This Fresh Expression has proved to be very popular with approximately 40 children and their families attending the last few sessions. As the number of families with young children attending traditional Sunday services is dwindling, we see this as an area for significant development. In order to increase the overall community of St Helen s, we are keen to explore other Fresh Expressions so that we can appeal to a wider audience and engage with more parishioners of all ages. Benson PCC The PCC meets about times a year. Members of the PCC are involved in a number of sub committees that take responsibility for key areas of church life. These committees sometimes include members from outside the PCC: Finance Fabric and Canons Room Churchyard Children and Young People (including Safeguarding) Events and Fundraising Health and Safety Meetings include reports from these sub committees as well as from the Chair, Youth Group and Deanery Synod Representative. Information is generally circulated electronically in advance of all meetings in order to make the most of the time spent together. At the time of writing (May 2016) PCC Membership consists of the ex-officio posts of two churchwardens and Deanery Synod representative (who is the lay Chair) and a treasurer, secretary and five other lay members. Other groups and volunteers Welcomers for the Parish Communion Coffee rota Holy Dusters (church cleaning) Flower arrangers FROGS leaders (Friends of God) Youth Group leaders Bell ringers Prayer group Messy Church leaders Lawn mowers Fellowship Events St Helen s has a strong tradition of events with a focus on fellowship, fundraising or both, including: The Patronal Tea in May Parish BBQ in July Ride and Stride event in September Congregation breakfasts Regular Whist evenings in the winter months Progressive Supper in September Parenting Courses, Parenting Teenagers Courses Ladies Supper Evenings Quiz Evening Men s Breakfasts Janaway Lectures Musical events Bell Ringing The bells are rung regularly on Wednesday evening practice nights and on Sundays from 9.20am for the 10.00am service. There are twelve ringers in the band ranging in age from 11 to 70 and over. All are members of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers. In addition, three youngsters have 13

14 recently started to learn. The bells are also rung for weddings and on other special occasions and are regularly rung by visiting bands of ringers. Occasionally during the year Quarter Peals are rung, usually to celebrate a local or national event. The PCC has agreed to allow a maximum of two full peals in any one year. Community Engagement At St Helen s we recognise that the church is more than just a meeting place for services on a Sunday and so have sought to make it available to all who would visit in whatever circumstances. It is open during daylight hours every day and the visitors book testifies to the pleasure given to many who drop in. In recent years it has hosted exhibitions of the Gethsemane Garments and Bald Statements. In May 2016, we created static prayer stations as part of our involvement in Thy Kingdom Come which were available for all to enjoy whilst the church was open. A number of concerts are held in the church, where the acoustics are very good. These have included the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Big Band, the Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir, the Thames Valley Chorus singing Barber Shop, the Moonrakers, an Oxford based folk group, a local group of singers performing Autumn Fancies and concerts involving the church s own choirs and orchestra. We have also introduced a series of evening talks entitled Janaway Lectures (named after the Bell Foundry) delivered by a wide range of speakers from different faiths and denominations. Outside of the church building, we aim to draw people into fellowship through shared meals including Ladies Supper Evenings, Men s Breakfasts and the annual Progressive Supper. Several members of the congregation have expressed an interest in running or helping with other regular events to engage with the wider community, such as coffee and a chat and a baby and toddler group. The profile of the church in the community is maintained through the Benson Bulletin, the monthly parish magazine. The Vicar has traditionally been a member of the Bulletin committee and writes articles about the church during the year. Benson Church of England Primary School Benson C of E Primary School in Oxford Road is the only school in the village. The school provides education for children aged 4-11, with Early Years and nursery provision as well, and serves Benson and the smaller surrounding villages such as Roke and Berrick Salome. Additionally, a number of children from RAF Benson attend the school. The school is of average size with around 180 children (including Early Years) on the roll. The school enjoys strong links with St. Helen s Church. Children go on to secondary schools in Wallingford, Watlington and Woodcote. It has recently received a Good OFSTED rating. The church is active in supporting the work of the school. Two church members are Foundation Governors. Weekly assemblies have been conducted by the Vicar. Members of the congregation have previously supported a Prayer Space initiative and another is planned for June Recently, the Director of Music has started a new singing group at the school, some of whom joined the Junior choir for the Christmas Carol Service. At the end of each term a service is held in the church. Buildings and Churchyard Although there is evidence of a previous Saxon church the oldest part of the present church of St Helen is the nave which was constructed in the 12 th century with the two aisles being added in the 13 th century. The tower was completed in 1781 and houses 8 bells. The chancel was rebuilt in flint and stone in Externally the body of the church is rendered whilst the tower is in ashlar stone and the chancel and vestry in flint and stone. The interior of the church was remodelled in the 1970s with the altar brought forward to a new platform just in front of the chancel arch and the font moved to a focal point at the east end of the north aisle. At the same time a new 1 st floor ringing chamber was built in the tower to provide a choir vestry beneath. 14

15 The building is listed Grade II*. It is opened during daylight hours and there is a visitors book available for people to sign and copies of the history of the church to refer to which can also be found on the website. Recent Work In the last twenty years, much work has been carried out on the church building under the guidance of the church architect and includes: New roof to the nave New lighting and sound system Restoration of stonework on several windows New heating system Redecoration of the interior of the church Bells re-hung in a new cast iron and steel frame Oak Memorial Screen installed behind the font The church fabric group meet regularly with the church architect and all the urgent work identified in the 2013 Quinquennial Report has been completed. The Canons Room There is a meeting room linked to the north west corner of the church which was constructed in 1999 and named The Canons Room after two previous vicars. Access to the Canons Room is via the church or externally behind the tower via the path which enables access for wheelchair users. This allows the facilities to be used with or without access to the church. There are also double doors leading out into the north side of the churchyard. The room has folding tables and chairs that allow seating (at tables) for up to sixty people. There are speakers in the room which enable people to follow the service. Its main uses include FROGS, the Youth Group, coffee and socialising after church, and meetings. The hall is hired out to the local community for Guides, exercise classes and private parties. This extension includes a kitchen, toilets and a store room. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, fridge, microwave oven, dishwasher, coffee machines and kettles. There is a supply of crockery including mugs, wine glasses and cutlery to provide for meals in the room. Churchyards In addition to the land around the church there is also a new churchyard on the opposite side of Church Road, which is now full. The new churchyard contains monuments for fallen service personnel from the World Wars which are maintained by the War Graves Commission. The rest of this churchyard is maintained by a contractor who is funded by the Parish Council. Burials have recently begun again in the main ( old ) churchyard. We have estimated there is room for about fifty new burials before this churchyard will be full and subject to closure. There is also a garden of remembrance in the south east corner for the interment of ashes. The main churchyard is maintained by volunteers from the church and community using machinery owned by the church. Close attention is paid to the trees to ensure that they are properly maintained, in particular the line of lime trees that border the north side of the churchyard. Every spring and autumn there is a churchyard tidy up. The churchyard is used to host the parish barbecue in the summer and it is regularly used by Guides and the Youth Group for outdoor games and activities. Information about both churchyards is available on the church website including plans to help visitors locate memorials. Our ministry to children and young people On all but Family Eucharist Sundays, children meet in the Canons Room during the Parish Eucharist as the FROGS group (Friends of God). Once a month, a Godly Play session is held. The children join the main service at the Eucharist. The children are encouraged to assist in preparation for special services such as posies for Mothering Sunday and making Christingles for the service at Christmas. At the family Eucharist children help to write and then read the Intercessions and take turns reading. Several members of the congregation take it in turns to run these sessions. The children are invited to share what they have done in FROGS at the end of each service. We have a new group for children aged 9-12 years old, with the first meeting held in May Many of these children have played an active part in FROGS and Messy Church but are often involved in 15

16 sport and other activities which take place on a Sunday morning. Many have older siblings in the Youth Group. In the past year they have been invited to take part in some Youth Group sessions. In April 2015, a group was formed for young people aged This is now a thriving group of approximately 14 teenagers, led by three members of the congregation. The group meets twice each month on Sunday evenings and the teenagers take an active role in choosing and planning the activities. Each session includes a main activity, with plans which range from pizza making to a camp out in the churchyard. In response to the refugee crisis in Calais, they committed to a sponsored sleep-out in the Canons Room (with the doors open) just before last Christmas in makeshift shelters and bedding. They raised around 500 for the refugees. The sessions always include circle time which usually involves an ethical, moral or philosophical topic or theme, with links to the Bible and Christian thinking, which usually leads to lively discussions including the entire group or in smaller groups. Last year the teenagers suggested that they could cook breakfast for the congregations between Sunday services after their first summer camp-out. The congregation breakfast has now become a regular fellowship event which also raises funds for the group. The Youth Group members sometimes take an active part in other fundraising events such as the Progressive Supper and Quiz Night as well as becoming involved in worship at family services and other special services. In February 2016, we organised a weekend away for children aged 10 and older, staying in a Youth Centre near Hereford. This highly successful and entertaining initiative is set to be repeated in September and we hope it will become a regular feature for the young people in our community. 16

17 BRIGHTWELL BALDWIN The parish Church of Saint Bartholomew is mainly 14th century, and incorporates parts of an earlier 13th century church. The Stone Chapel on the north side of the Church contains many memorials to the Lowndes-Stone-Norton family of which the Patron is a descendant. The Church is in good repair for one of its age and substantial repairs have been carried out in recent years under the recommendations in the Quinquennial Report. In the last year these include minor repairs to all the roofs and the installation of better drainage around the church walls, especially on the north and east sides. This has resulted in a dryer Vestry, which was refurbished last year. A major appeal was launched in early 2015 which raised over 50, for the restoration of important medieval stained glass windows. A Flower Festival held in the Church and a Village Progressive Supper contributed to this and the PCC were very grateful for grants received from the OHCT, many individuals and other Charitable Trusts. Restoration is now well underway and expected to be completed in the summer. In October 2015 the CBC visited the church as part of their National Conference which was being hosted this year by the Oxford DAC. They wished to see an example of a small unaltered rural church where restoration was taking place. There is running water at the church and refreshments are served there after some Benefice Services but Parishioners regularly use the Village Hall, which is fifty yards away, for coffee once a month after the Family Service and for PCC meetings. Some of the strengths are that a village fete, where fifty per cent of the proceeds go to the church, has been held every year, bar two, since the end of the war on the last Saturday in June and is an event in which almost all villagers take part. The main organ, which is large for a country Church, came from the Bishop s Palace in Cuddesdon. It was given by the Rector in memory of his wife in There is also a rare Barrel Organ which is played once or twice a year. A team of bell-ringers call the congregation to some services and a choir leader leads some experienced singers, who don t sing at every service but at festivals. They all practise most weeks. Congregations at Christmas and other Festivals compare favourably with numbers in other churches in the deanery. The church interior is cleaned and decorated for services regularly and the churchyard cared for. Many parishioners have business interests in either agriculture or horticulture. Some work from home and others commute to larger towns. The community is small, lively and cohesive. Most people know each other. It is only 46 miles from London but is quiet and has the feeling of being in the heart of the countryside. The Lord Nelson pub brings many visitors to the Church and the owners are interested in and participate in village life. The village of Brightwell Baldwin has two parts, the original village which lies around the Church and is mostly in a conservation area, and Upperton which is on higher ground several hundred yards away and is the larger part of the Village. More housing resulting in a growing population is not expected in the near future. One of the challenges is to unite the two parts of the village in the church and to encourage families with children to come to services. There are now many more sporting events at weekends for children which have made a difference to congregation sizes and it is also more difficult to find volunteers than it used to be. Village events which are organised by the Parish Meeting, where church people also participate, usually take place during the year. Last year there was a guided walk and breakfast held in May in aid of the Nepal Earthquake Victims and sometimes village street parties are held to celebrate national events such as the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. A newsletter called the Bugle is published quarterly. There has only been one churchwarden during the past 7 years but she is well supported by the PCC, treasurer and sidesmen and they all assist the House for Duty Priest. 17

18 CUXHAM The Manor of Cuxham has a long and recorded history starting in 880AD when it was a Saxon holding. Recent finds of Roman coins and pottery have taken us back before early medieval times. Merton College has owned the Manor since 1271 and still retains the Manor Farm. All the agricultural land has been in the tenancy of the Nixey family since the 1920s and is currently farmed by the grandson of the first tenant. Most of the village houses are now privately owned, with some social housing built after the two World Wars. There are fifty one houses containing a population of one hundred and thirty three. This is therefore a close knit rural community, supporting each other and all village activities. The Church of the Holy Rood stands by Manor Farm in the village centre. The tower has 12th and 14th century features, whilst the nave and chancel were rebuilt in It remains in good condition and is cleaned weekly with a supportive flower rota, and attracts many visitors, mindful of its charming simplicity. The monthly congregation averages twenty two with eight children, but the special services of Mothering Sunday ( ), Rogation ( ) and Remembrance Sunday (40 + 8) attract more and Harvest Festival and the annual Carol Service can fill the Church. The less regular attenders particularly find the latter two gatherings an important community event. Common Worship is used at all the second Sunday services, and this is followed by 100% attendance at coffee and cakes at the adjacent Village Hall. This was the old school building, and now, having been completely refurbished, and regularly maintained, is gaining increasing use for children s parties, a lively ukulele club, coffee morning and many other activities. Each year the community holds one or two Village Clean Up days to paint the roadside posts, to keep the Marlbrook Stream flowing and attend to the conservation of the Recreation Ground and the recently planted fruit and native trees. All such functions tend to finish up in the Half Moon Public House, which serves excellent Pizzas and Real Ale. This has been under new ownership since last year and caters for many local functions including the Book Club. The Village also boasts an excellent Cricket Ground with a local team and full fixtures list throughout the summer. Cuxham with Easington PCC is financially stable and able to meet the regular annual outgoings associated with both churches in the Parish. Recent valuations and reviews of insurance cover have been conducted in both the Church of the Holy Rood and St Peters and have good levels of insurance protection. There are investments funds for each church. 18

19 EASINGTON St Peter s Church lies in the depths of the Oxfordshire countryside and is situated at the base of the Chilterns. It is approached by a single track public road off an unclassified road! The Church is in a very rural setting bordered by a farmyard, the Old Rectory and the public road. The village consists of four houses, three of them owned by the farming family who have lived here since the 1920s. Although the Church is quite remote, the towns of Thame, Watlington, and Wallingford are all within six miles radius. St Peter s, a grade II* listed building, constructed of stone, was built in the 14th Century and the roof construction closely follows the style of local barns. The Chancel Windows are Perpendicular Gothic and the East window has ogee tracery and includes 14th Century stained glass. The piscine is also ogeed. The 12th Century Norman doorway was re-used from an earlier church on the same site. The Nave and Chancel are continuous with no Chancel Arch between them. The pulpit and reading desk are Jacobean items carved in the 17th Century. There is a Norman font and one bell. Some medieval wall paintings are still evident. There are twelve pews seating 36 people but at a recent baptism there were over 60 people present. In use is the silver Chalice and Paten cover bearing the hallmark The churchyard dates back to 1770 whilst the list of Rectors dates from In the last five years, there have been 3 family burials and 6 baptisms. John Piper painted a picture of the church some 40 years ago and the postcards are available in the Church which is open all hours! There is a monthly 9am service throughout the summer months. The first service starts at 6.30am open sunrise service on Easter Sunday and continues through to the Harvest Festival in September and finally a Christmas Carol Service. After all the services, refreshments are served and at the Harvest Festival, it is afternoon tea. The average attendance for 2015, including one Baptism is 20.5 people! The Parish Share for St Peter s is paid by the Church of the Holy Rood at Cuxham. The Easington farming family pay for the Insurance Premium and any other incidental expenses. The collections are put in a deposit account that was initiated many years ago. The Church has recently been internally re-decorated and the beautiful old door oiled. Some Altar kneelers have recently been purchased and an Altar frontal and linen are currently being discussed. We have recently been granted a faculty for the installation of a biomass heating system together with electricity. This welcome facility will enable us to have winter services and move into the 21st Century! This small simplistic Church has much scope for the future. 19

20 EWELME The Church of St. Mary the Virgin was built in by William and Alice de la Pole, Earl and Countess of Suffolk, and later Duke and Duchess of Suffolk. It is a Grade 1 listed building, surrounded by its ancient Churchyard, and enjoys a beautiful setting at the top of a small hill, with God s House in Ewelme (the original Almshouse cloister) and the Church of England Primary School nestling below. There are many striking features to the fabric, and little has changed over the centuries. The ornate and beautifully preserved alabaster tomb of Alice lies between the Sanctuary and the adjacent Chapel of St John the Baptist and is recognised as the finest surviving example of medieval carving in alabaster. Alice was the grand-daughter of Thomas (son of Geoffrey Chaucer, the poet), and his wife Matilda. The chest tomb of Thomas and Matilda lies nearby in the chapel. The effigy of Alice shows her wearing widows clothing, a ducal coronet and the Order of the Garter on her left wrist. Below the tomb chest can be seen a carved cadaver of Alice s body in death, looking up towards two frescoes painted on the underside of the tomb chest. This fresco is reproduced in a frame above her parents tomb which bears one of the largest displays of medieval arms in England. The wooden ceiling of the chapel is decorated with carved angels, and the chapel dimensions have been found to be the same as those of the Tabernacle cited in Exodus. The C14th tower of the original church, dedicated to All Saints, houses a peal of six bells, plus a calling bell. Acoustics in the church are excellent, and a hearing loop is installed. The very old and inefficient heating system was replaced in 2013 with a computer controlled hot water circulation system. In 2014 a beautifully hand crafted Servery made in Oxfordshire Oak was installed with the approval of English Heritage. The William Hill organ built for Ewelme in 1841 has been given national certification as an historic instrument. There is a small choir. The Church is large for the size of village, which today has an ecclesiastical population of about 460 residents. The Church has early Victorian pews dating to 1832, for 160, plus seating in the chancel. A covered walkway and stone steps lead from the West door down to the Almshouse Cloister. Although most Ewelme residents no longer make their living from agriculture, large farms surround the area. Whilst there are still many residents who were born in the village, others who have moved into it over the years wish to stay. The community run, and award winning Village Store provides a wide range of groceries, consumables, including locally produced products. King s Pool, the village pond, is so named due to the historic links which Ewelme has to the frequent visits it had from Henry VIII. A large brass in the nave marks the resting place of his Sergeant at Arms and his wife. The Church escaped the adverse effects of the Reformation, and was not damaged during the Civil War. The watercress beds, which run through the village were in commercial use until the 1980s, and are owned by the Chiltern Society who have restored and now manage them and the wildlife they attract. At the Eastern end of Ewelme is Cow Common and the spacious recreation ground and children s play area. The Common is enclosed and grazed. The recreation ground and play area are well maintained, and planning of a new pavilion is well advanced. At the west end of the Village is the much-loved pub the Shepherd s Hut. Ewelme has numerous societies, many of which meet in the Village Hall and the adjoining thatched Reading Room, both of which are in strong demand for events including a thriving pre-school. The Horticultural Society, of which all residents are automatically members, organises an annual Horticultural Show. The Church 20

21 organises an annual Summer Fete. There is an enthusiastic and strong Quiz Team, a Tapestry Group, and a wellestablished twinning link with Nolay in Burgundy. The Ewelme News, the very professionally published and widely read bimonthly magazine, is delivered to every household in the village. There is also a published Village Plan. The newest society is the Friends of Ewelme Church Charity, formed to raise funds in support of the maintenance of the Church fabric, and to contribute towards the enhancements of the building for the benefit of future generations. The Friends organise fund-raising events such as concerts, talks and lectures, most of which are evening events held in the Church. Through various events they have raised enough funds to install a new heating system, to renovate the organ and build a servery in the south east west corner at the back of the church which is skilfully incorporated behind the oak pews fronts and has been used extensively. The Church has a Visits and Events Co-ordinator to ensure visiting groups are provided with guided tours and refreshments, and dates of visits and events are compatible with Church services. The latest quinquennial inspection and report by our retained architect was conducted at the end of 2015 with no major repairs noted. The lifting system of our 15th century, and elaborately carved wooden font cover has been inspected and certified in The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps (Proverbs 16:9) 21

22 THE VICARAGE IN BENSON The Vicarage is a modern four bedroomed detached house which is located in Church Road in Benson next to the church. There is a connecting door from the garden into the churchyard. The house includes a good sized study which accommodates the photocopier that is used for all parish printing. There is a detached garage and space to park up to four cars on the drive and an outhouse at the rear. There is garden to the front and rear. On the ground floor, as well as the office, which is set slightly apart from the rest of the accommodation, there is a WC, a large kitchen and utility area with access to the back garden. There is a dining room with French doors to the rear garden and a very large living room with two sets of sliding doors to the front garden. On the first floor, there are four large double bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom. 22

23 BEYOND THE PARISH Area Dean s Statement Aston and Cuddesdon is a large Deanery to the south and east of Oxford. There are two Team Ministries within the Deanery, including the Dorchester Team, and a number of smaller benefices. The largest town is the market town of Thame towards the north of the Deanery. The Deanery is responsible for pastoral planning and deployment in collaboration with the Bishop of Dorchester, and is currently renewing its mission plan which sets out key themes for the next few years. It is not envisaged that there will be any reduction in staffing levels across the Deanery in the foreseeable future; our focus is on growth and with this in mind we are making mission, in its widest sense, our main priority. The Diocese sets a level of quota for each Deanery, which then has the unenviable task of apportioning this to the parishes. The Deanery Chapter meets regularly, either as a whole or in smaller clusters, for prayer, fellowship and social time. On occasions we have visiting speakers who help us consider a particular topic. We hope that new members of the Chapter will want to be actively involved in our common life and be committed to furthering the effectiveness of mission at a Deanery level, as well as in the parishes. We can offer a warm welcome and firm support and pray that the new Priest in Charge will find our gathering a place of encouragement, support and friendship. Alan Garratt Area Dean, Aston and Cuddesdon Deanery 23

24 BEYOND THE PARISH Message from the Bishop of Dorchester and the Archdeacon of Dorchester Over the last year, the people of these two benefices have worked hard to discover the benefits of mutual co-operation and eventual union. As you will have seen in this profile they are keen to find a priest who can lead them into a new chapter of their faith journey together. This is an exciting opportunity to offer ministry and leadership at a key moment in the life of these parishes. At this stage, the successful candidate will be appointed as Priest in Charge with a view to becoming Rector designate of the new United Benefice. The Diocese of Oxford encourages all parishes to engage with the Living Faith vision in their own context, in their own way, and we d want to continue to encourage that here. The recent appointment of the Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft as the new Bishop of Oxford has come at a key juncture as we consider the next stage of our mission across the diocese and how we resource parishes locally. Bishop Steven has let us know that his personal priorities will be children and young people, serving the poorest in our communities, and encouraging lay discipleship. He begins his ministry among us in the Autumn, and we continue to pray for him, for the diocese and for these parishes as we move into the next stage of our faith journey together. In common with all the Archdeaconries in the Diocese, the Archdeaconry of Dorchester has produced a Mission Action Plan that aims to support, encourage and resource deaneries and parishes. Our priorities have grown out of the mission action planning in parishes and deaneries and is rooted in the Living Faith purpose to join with God in creating a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford, enabling every Christian and every Christian community to live and share the love of God, seen in the life of Jesus Christ. There is plenty of information in this profile to help you think through prayerfully whether this is the place for the next stage of your ministry. Do get in touch if you d like a conversation (contact details can be found on the diocesan website). We warmly commend this post and profile to you, as you seek to discern where God is calling you to serve his church in the next stage of your ministry. 24