The Parish of Oxenhope St Mary the Virgin

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1 The Parish of Oxenhope St Mary the Virgin To show the love of God To serve the village in spirit and truth To journey together as a community of believers in our daily lives

2 Bishop s Statement St Mary s Oxenhope is an important and growing church within the Bradford Episcopal Area and the Diocese of Leeds, and is a significant focal point in its local community. There has been considerable progress in recent years in growing the congregation, particularly among younger people, and in developing lay ministry. We are looking for an enabling leader who can work with the congregation of St Mary s to keep growing the church, developing discipleship, and nurturing relationships within the village and local community in creative ways. Our vision as the Diocese is about confident clergy equipping confident Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. In appointing to this post, we are looking for someone who has a joyful and confident faith which has inspired a track record of church growth. This role demands excellent communication skills. There is a particular need to sustain the development of discipleship and lay leadership and growth among families, building on the work of the previous incumbent and the excellent relationship with the local church primary academy and uniformed organisations. The church has a unique role within the village and local community, and has earned a voice in Oxenhope s life from its record of trusted presence and strong engagement with the life of the village. The church remains the place that people look to when they mark the seasons and key events in their lives and the life of the village. The vicar will be welcomed in the village, and needs to be able to engage strategically with the local community to develop a vision for the prospering of the village and for the place of the church in the village. In combining this part-time role as vicar with the part-time role of Continuing Ministerial Development Advisor for the Episcopal Area, we are seeking someone who is able to keep growing in their own understanding and practice of ministry and mission, while also facilitating and enabling appropriate growth within the other clergy of the Episcopal Area. (S)he will need to work with a spirit of generosity in sharing wisdom and insights about ministry across the Episcopal Area, as well as locally in the parish and new Deanery of Aire and Worth. There is also a need for personal resilience and excellent personal organisational skills in working the two roles, and creativity in order to maximise the potential synergy between them. +Toby Bradford 4 December

3 The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Oxenhope Our village of Oxenhope is nestled in the top end of the Bridgehouse Beck in its own very distinct and stunning location. The hillsides and moorlands surround the village and its numerous hamlets. Together they create a special place benefiting from the splendour of standing alone whilst within easy reach of local towns and villages. It is an ever changing place moving with the seasons. Snow-capped hillsides in the winter, the calling of curlews and lapwings as spring starts, bilberry picking in the summer and as autumn approaches the heather clad hillsides becoming a deep purple. With the main village at a height of 600 feet and the high edges at 1400 feet the weather is known as being an overcoat colder, especially when our valley is white with snow. Approximately 2700 people live in Oxenhope but over the past years there has been an increasing proportion of commuters residing in the village and, like all people who are not born and bred in Oxenhope, they are colloquially known as off cumd uns. This doesn t stop the parish from being very much a community, everybody is greeted in the streets and neighbours support one another. Around 15% of residents are over the age of 75 years and under 18s represent a quarter of the population. The majority of houses are owner occupied with around 20% being rented properties. There is a very small representation of ethnic minorities. The village is well provided for by local businesses. The main shop in the village is the Coop which incorporates the Post Office in it with the same opening hours as the shop. There is a village pharmacy, a fish and chip shop, a hairdressers and beauty parlour and also four pubs and a social club. Other services include a children s nursery, bed and breakfast, a small hotel and a holiday park. The village health needs are served by the General Practice in nearby Haworth and Airedale General Hospital near Keighley. Manorlands, the hospice for the area, is sited in the village. Many of its volunteers come from within the community and Oxenhope is proud to have this provision, supporting it in many varied ways. Mercy Missionaries is also based in the village. The church school is a very important part of village life and as such warrants its own page later on. There is nursery school provision with Oxenhope Pre-school, its most recent OFSTED achieving Good. For older children there are secondary, selective and independent schools, all within easy reach of the village. 3

4 The village cohesion is seen in many ways and is especially evident during the busy month of July. This starts with the annual Straw Race and is followed a week later by the Manorlands Garden Party. Finally, there is the village Millennium Green Fete, with stalls, children s races and activities, brass band and of course The Duck Race along the Leeming Beck. At each of these events the community is present in great numbers, organising, supporting or taking part. They are good times to catch up with people and pass a few enjoyable hours, especially when the weather is favourable. July is not the only time people meet though. There are numerous active groups and societies from gardening to antiques, football to bowling, youth club to pensioner s chat and company. There are also Library Links housed in St Mary s and the Methodist Church and these are complimented by the monthly Book Group hosted at St Mary s. There is an active Parish Council, a group developing the village plan and those who manage and develop the village website, Oxenhope Online. The latter had an active part in us understanding the values and requirements that the people of the parish desired within church life itself and in the future priest. An online survey was developed for us and we were pleased to receive 15 responses from people within the community whose views otherwise would have been unknown. Key facilities within the village include the Community Centre, tennis courts, purpose built football pitch, cricket pitch, bowling green, an all-weather multi-purpose court and a well-equipped playground. The Millennium Green, with its open area and picnic tables, not only hosts its fete but is also used by the village school, the uniformed groups, tourists from the railway and villagers themselves, especially dog walkers who catch up daily with each other. On 6 July 2014, Stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France, from York to Sheffield, passed through the village. The streets were quite literally lined with people and, with glorious weather, a good day was had by all in the village and those people it welcomed. The church played its part too with provision of drinks, snacks and other refreshment facilities. Oxenhope Outreach magazine (edited by members of the congregation) is delivered thrice yearly to all houses in the parish by members of St Mary s, West Drive Methodist Church, and other people within the parish. As its name suggests, it is a means of outreach to the parish allowing all villagers, including the housebound, to keep in touch with all the activities in the parish and forthcoming events. 4

5 The main tourist attraction within the village is the Keighley and Worth Valley steam railway which has its terminus within the village along with a small cafe that serves snacks and drinks. The line is more well recognised for being the setting for the original The Railway Children film along with local Oxenhope landmarks. Members of the congregation volunteer on the railway and the members of St Mary s choir are a key part of the Christmas Carol Train where carols and readings take place in each station. As a village resident there is a generous discount available on ticket purchases. St Mary the Virgin Church We are a congregation that is welcoming, inclusive, committed and generous, reaching out to all others who attend church and beyond. It is friendly and welcoming, kids are welcome and it has a young modern vibe. (Online survey) It is welcoming and there is always someone to talk to, greeted by friendly faces. Our congregation has practical skills as well as professional experience and is willing to share these talents with others. Our church has congregants from a diverse background including Non-conformists, Catholics, Quakers and Cradle Anglicans, but the clear emphasis is not on where we have come from but how we are one in worshipping God through Jesus Christ. We have a child friendly approach within Sunday Worship and outside it too. Our Building Our church is an early Victorian church having its foundation stone laid in It was founded by the Reverend Joseph Brett Grant at the behest of the Reverend Patrick Brontë of Haworth. The church is of Romanesque style and is a grade II listed building. It is well maintained (inside and out), clearly loved and about the right size for its congregation and ongoing growth. Unusual, these days, is its open door policy during daylight hours. This supports the church in being a place for people to seek peace be they of Christian 5 Our church is beautiful, cosy and small but special in every way. (St Mary s congregants)

6 belief, other faith or none. It is able to meet the needs of those with hearing impairment through its induction loop and it has provision for the visually impaired. There is also level access from the carpark to the church, lower tower room and downstairs toilet, all supporting those with mobility problems. The car park is of a good size and has overflow provision into its adjacent field which is also used for the church bonfire in November and other social activities throughout the year. The church had extensive work undertaken in 1991, as part of the 150 th anniversary refurbishments, resulting in improved and more modern facilities. There is a purpose built fitted kitchen and toilets upstairs and down, the latter including baby changing facilities. The downstairs and upstairs tower rooms were formed with glass frontage between them and the main body of the church. Downstairs this takes the form of sliding doors allowing flexibility in space and hence usage. In addition to use by the church, the rooms are regularly used by the uniformed organisations, Tiny Tots, baby massage and Book Group. A significant undertaking in the recent past was the repair to the West Wall of the church and tower, through , as there had been significant problems with water ingress over many years. The project received the support of the congregation financially in conjunction with grants principally from Heritage Lottery Fund, National Churches Trust and Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust. Multiple congregants also contributed their skills and time in helping the project come to fruition. In response to the undertaking of the work a series of Heritage Lectures were delivered during the winter months. These brought many people into the church and proved popular with the opportunity to meet and share hospitality much appreciated. The church s last Quinquennial Inspection in November 2015 cited the PCC take a proactive approach to repairs to the church, the fabric of the church is generally in good repair. 6

7 Our People and Our Worship Our congregation is a mix of all ages with a good number of young families and children. Around a third of the people are over 75 years and a similar number of them are male. Around 6-8% of regular adult worshippers come from outside the parish. The church can be described as middle church with a strong emphasis on the Eucharist alongside well preached sermons. All are invited to share in Christ s meal if they already do so but, as importantly, those who are unable to receive communion are specifically welcomed to the altar for a blessing. There is a preference for well-structured services whilst recognising that on occasion there is a need to be flexible within services. Traditionally the priests have worn alb or cassock and surplice with stole. There have been some who have also worn chasuble. The choir is robed. Our lay reader is an active member of the ministry team who regularly preaches during the Sunday services as well as providing significant pastoral support to people of the parish. He is recognised to be strongly faithful and spiritual. There is a team of Licensed Lay Eucharistic Assistants who serve at St Mary s and some take communion to the sick and housebound. Book of Common Prayer services occur in a regular pattern as follows: First Sunday of the month, 8.30am, said service of Holy Communion; Morning Prayer, 9. 00am on Tuesdays, lay led; Compline, 8.00pm on Thursdays, lay led. The congregations for these services are small, but committed, with around 3-6 people attending each service. Sunday Parish Communion is the most attended service, around 50 adults and 12 children, and this takes place at 10am with liturgy from Common Worship varying with the church seasons. The hymnals used are Common Praise and Mission Praise. Easter, Harvest, Carols by Candlelight, the Crib Service, Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Service are all well attended and are all necessities as they meet the various spiritual needs of the parish. Ash Wednesday, Ascension Day and Holy Week Services are also important as the seasonal liturgy is appreciated by many in the congregation. 7

8 The Remembrance Day Service is held at the church where the village memorials to both World Wars are found. There is a high attendance with representatives from current and past members of the forces, children s uniformed organisations, the school, local councillors and an officer of The Lieutenancy. The church is supported in many and varied ways by all members of the congregation be it the day to day care of the physical body of the church, involvement with the services, I like the way that everyone has a role in worship and the maintenance of the church environment. There are lots of busy people doing lots to run the church. (Online survey) serving on the PCC or pastoral care. The strong and effective churchwardens should not be overlooked. There are house groups held during Advent and Lent which are lay or clergy led. The lay leadership across all aspects of church life is very strong and much appreciated. This strength is attributable to the faith of the individuals leading the groups and their humility in sharing it; the interest given to each individual with the gentle encouragement of that person s spiritual growth at a pace appropriate for them; and the commitment of leaders allowing relationships to flourish. Other Links and Outreach Although the church doesn t have any formal covenant with another church, there is a strong and long standing link with our friends from West Drive Methodist Church. Services are shared every fifth Sunday, alternating between St Mary s and West Drive, with shared lectionary reading and preaching. Additional informal ecumenical contacts also take place. West Lane Baptist Church, Haworth, hosts an annual men s weekend away to Hag Dyke House, a remote location in the Yorkshire Dales without any mains services but with its own small chapel. There is ample opportunity for fellowship through walking, sitting by the fire, prayer or even a pint. Hall Green Baptist Church, Haworth, invites all Year 5 Children from the village school for a morning on an annual basis to share the Word with them. Children from the church are involved with the local Scripture Union worship groups and the village school children attend events with them throughout the year including Rewind to Christmas and Fast Forward to Easter. Those events are also supported by congregation members both in Keighley and Skipton. The Salvation Army is the recipient of our foodbank collection and some church members volunteer to help monthly with their meal provision on a Tuesday night. St Mary s supports many charities through regular giving and the dedication of specific services to nominated charities, particularly at Christmas time. The charities for the Christmas services are chosen by the PCC with one being a local charity and the other 8

9 national. In recent years, charities supported in this way include The Children s Society, USPG, Keighley Women s Refuge, Church Urban Fund and Bradford Action for Refugees. Congregation members organise regular giving for The Children s Society and The Leprosy Mission, England and Wales. Although these are not exclusive to the congregation, donors in the main are from congregation members. The Christian Aid collection is led by a church member but engages with the whole community, both in terms of all households being reached and with collectors representing all churches and none. Operation Christmas Child is supported by the congregation with members giving contributions towards buying gifts or donating them. The children at Breakfast with God are responsible for packing the shoeboxes as a regular November slot. The church is a Fair Trade church and additionally a Traidcraft stall is held monthly. Music and Ringing St Mary s has a long standing musical tradition with an active choir and bell ringing band. The choir has over 15 members and is conducted by a well-qualified choir mistress. They practice weekly and regularly sing anthems alongside the more usual hymns during services. The choir has three organists in it which gives flexibility for services, weddings and funerals. The tower has a good ring of 8 bells and with them an active bell ringing band which includes several children. The ringing master is the chair of the Western Branch of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers. The bells are rung before all services and at weddings as required. They have a simulator which, with the bells silenced, increases the opportunity for ringing practice and training sessions for other groups. Unusually for many bell ringing bands, almost all regular ringers are members of the congregation or choir and several are on the PCC. Our Children Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, Mark 9:37. St Mary s has a child friendly I like the stories and making things. approach within Sunday Worship (Beatrice, aged 4, talking with an average of 12 children about Junior Church) regularly attending. The second Sunday of the month is a family service, with parade and communion, which is delivered with 9

10 a more family orientated liturgy and preaching. Junior Church accompanies each of the church services except the family service. It provides bible stories and crafts for all ages, based on the lectionary, and takes place in the Lower Tower Room. During parade services there is provision for pre-school aged children at the rear of the church. In addition to the church services, there are two other children s worship activities: Breakfast with God takes place on the first Saturday of the month and is for primary school aged children and their families. There is a hearty breakfast for everybody followed by crafts, songs, stories and prayers, all linked to a biblical theme. On the third Saturday of the month there is Toddler Praise for pre-school aged children and their families. This includes songs, a Bible story, crafts, snacks and plenty of playing. We learn about Jesus and we hear stories. The crafts are fun. We get strawberries and croissants, I love them. (Jacob, aged 9, talking about Breakfast with God ) Craft Sessions are held for all primary school aged children and their siblings with around 50 attendees at each. They are full of fun, joy, glue and glitter alongside fellowship for the parents and grandparents. There are also links with the Young Farmers and they hold I wanted to say thank you so much for the efforts that you have put into the Teddy Bears Picnics this summer. My girls have loved it and we really appreciate everything you have done. (Text from a member of the village community) The fellowship provided for the families accompanying the children to both these events is greatly valued. The groups are lay led and the number of attendees varies but is in the region of 6-12 children with their families. The church supports work with young people in many other ways. It hosts the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides each week and they take part in the monthly family service with parade. Easter and Christmas their Christmas Carol Service at St Mary s. The church bonfire, with pie and peas, attracts many people from the village and is especially appreciated by those seeking a family atmosphere. The following are also undertaken, by the church and its members, for the whole community: Ox nop Tiny Tots, Teddy Bears Picnics, Baby Massage and Yoga, and St Mary s Library Link. They all provide support and fellowship for young families. 10 I like the Children s craft groups in and out of Sunday services. (Online survey) Breakfast with God is such a supportive, caring time. Lovely to meet with other families and share a meal together. It s a real privilege to watch the children growing in faith.

11 Our School Oxenhope Church of England Academy is a single form entry school which is currently oversubscribed. The admission policy prioritises children who attend church regularly. It received a Good OFSTED report in December 2014 and an Outstanding SIAMS inspection in February The children are happy and develop not only educationally but also in confidence and spirituality whilst there. Their motto Believe and Achieve is one that is lived up to. The church is an integral part of the school s life with some teaching taking place there as well as celebration of the major church festivals and the leavers service. More recently, the bell ringers have begun to teach a group of children as a free after school club. The aim is for this group to ring for the end of year school service. A number of the staff and governing body are regular members of the church congregation and two of the governors serve on the PCC. Many members of the congregation volunteer at the school especially as Reading Partners. The last incumbent fulfilled his duty to the school through a chaplaincy role. The school hopes this role will continue with the new appointment. It was widely appreciated by all members of staff and the children, especially with its strong pastoral support. The school welcomes ongoing guidance in the planning and delivery of religious education. The Acting Head Teacher has expressed the importance of the incumbent getting to know all the children, through contact during Reflection Time, Ask the Reverend sessions or playtime, nurturing trust and confidence especially in those in particular need. The opportunity to help support Year I like school because the teachers are kind and helpful. They organise really fun trips like when we stayed at Elterwater. My best bit was the tree top trek. (Annie, aged 10) 6, by offering reassurance, prayer and presence, in their build up to and during SATs and their transition to secondary school, was particularly valued and was noted to have a clear impact. There is before and after school provision within the school led by a vibrant and committed team. 11 I enjoy school because it is a happy and safe place and the learning is fun and exciting. I like the football days and that we have a different playtime to Key Stage 1 at lunchtime so we don t knock the little ones over. (Archie, aged 9)

12 Challenges for the New Incumbent The congregation of St Mary s and the community were asked to identify priority areas for the new incumbent s attention. While various opinions were expressed, the following is the PCC s considered collective view in the light of this consultation. a) Help us keep growing as a church in a way that embraces people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly making use of the opportunities that come from baptisms, weddings, funerals and other special occasions. b) Ensure provision of varied opportunities to explore, nurture and strengthen faith, individually as well as in groups, including those not currently attending regular formal worship. e) Build on the highly valued chaplaincy role at the church school to help bring the church out to the community and strengthen church-school links. f) Address the current drop out of children as they reach secondary school age and help support them in their faith journey, whilst also being mindful of the needs of other groups. g) Help develop the next generation of leaders, and facilitate a planned passing of the baton to them from more mature members of the congregation who are holding key roles in the life of the church. c) Help us take our outreach in our parish to the next level, including the community more in the church s day to day life, and building on good work already in place such as the annual church bonfire, the winter Heritage Talks and the Young Farmer s Carol Service. d) Ensuring that the vicar is a visible presence, through such simple things as walking through the parish, shopping in the village shop, and attending whole community events. 12

13 Qualities We Hope to Find in the New Incumbent Responses to our consultation produced many different desirable qualities for the new incumbent, but the key themes are: a confident Christian honest enough to own and explore uncertainties and doubt responsive, compassionate, thoughtful and reflective; sympathetic to all pastoral needs an excellent communicator; able to engage and reach out to all people dynamic, innovative, creative, enthusiastic and inspiring open to and valuing of new ideas; collaborative and supportive a wise enabling leader who is able to walk firmly yet sensitively recognising our heritage committed to ecumenical working open to and valuing of a variety of forms of worship from the Book of Common Prayer and onwards We Said Our New Vicar Should Be: Taking an active interest in everything and encouraging. Friendly, non-judgmental and supportive to people of all religions and none. (Online survey) Welcoming of all traditions of the Church of England and all Christian denominations. Kind, approachable, faithful, able to get alongside people wherever they are in life. Prepared to get stuck in. (Online survey) Human, understanding and inclusive. (Online survey) Approachable, honest, sincere, smiley. (Online survey) Open to all, friendly, happy and optimistic! Kind, warm, open to new ideas to bring new people and younger generation to the church. IT wise. Passionate about their faith and very positive about nurturing faith in others. Optimistic and confident with a good background knowledge of the Church of England. Listening. Be of action not just sermons. (Online survey) Spiritual, reflective. 13

14 The Vicarage The vicarage is a well-proportioned detached property set in a quiet residential area approximately minutes walk from the church and within the main village. From all windows there are views of the village and open moors. There is a garage and parking for two cars. Downstairs, there is ample office and family space. The kitchen was refurbished in 2010 and the house has had all its windows replaced over the last few years. Upstairs there are four well-proportioned bedrooms. Opening from the dining room is a small patio with steps down to the garden. The garden is mainly grassed but does include flower and fruit beds and a small vegetable plot. It is a very private area and backs onto mature trees and fields. The train station is just a few hundred yards below the house and the sounds of steam and whistles is commonplace during the summer months. Terms of Appointment and Accommodation The role of part-time incumbent of Oxenhope is being combined with that of part-time Clergy Development Officer for the Bradford Episcopal Area to make a full-time appointment. The incumbency part of the appointment will be made under Common Tenure. Provision of the house includes water rates and Council Tax. All expenses are paid. Removal costs and a resettlement grant are available. There are six weeks holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays (or time in lieu) and a full day off each week. Participation in annual Ministerial Development Review and in-service training is required and an annual retreat is strongly encouraged. A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS will be required. 14

15 Is God Calling You to This Post? To arrange a visit or conversation, contact: Archdeacon of Bradford: Ven Dr Andy Jolley, andy.jolley@leeds.anglican.org, or or Parish Representatives: Fiona Tiley, ftiley@googl .com, Sam Mawer, sam@swallowbarn.me.uk, Application packs are available from Carmel Dylak: carmel.dylak@leeds.anglican.org, or Closing Date: Send completed application forms to carmel.dylak@leeds.anglican.org by noon on Monday 15 th May Interviews will be held on Thursday 25 th May and Friday 26 th May followed by a further meeting with the Diocesan Bishop prior to a final offer of the post. An enhanced DBS will be required. The Diocese of Leeds In this new diocese, less than three years old, we are working with three core objectives: Confident Christians: Encouraging personal spiritual renewal with the aim of producing clergy and laity who are confident in God and in the Gospel. Growing Churches: Numerically, spiritually and in their mission to the wider world. Changing communities: For the better, through our partnership with other churches and faith communities, as well as government and third sector agencies. The Diocese came into being at Easter 2014 following the dissolution of the historic dioceses of Bradford, Ripon & Leeds and Wakefield. This followed a three-year process of debate and consultation driven by the Diocese's Commission. It covers a region whose economy is greater than that of Wales. Background papers to the reorganisation process can be read at The Diocese comprises five Episcopal Areas, each coterminous with an Archdeaconry. This is now one of the largest dioceses in the country and its creation is unprecedented in the history of the Church of England. It covers an area of around 2,425 square miles, and a population of around 2,642,400 people. 15

16 The three former dioceses were created in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to cater for massive population changes brought about by industrialisation and, later, mass immigration. The diocese comprises major cities (Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield), large industrial and post-industrial towns (Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury), market towns (Harrogate, Skipton, Ripon, Richmond and Wetherby), and deeply rural areas (the Dales). The whole of life is here, along with all the richness, diversity and complexities of a changing world. The diocese is dissected by major motorways (M1, A1M, M62) and major trunk roads (such as the A650, A59), making road and rail communications good. Access to airports is also good, with Leeds-Bradford in easy reach and Manchester only an hour away. The Diocesan Bishop is assisted by four Area Bishops (Bradford, Huddersfield, Ripon and Wakefield) and five archdeacons (Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Pontefract, Richmond & Craven). In addition, the dormant See of Richmond has been revived and the new Suffragan Bishop is now taking responsibility for the Leeds Episcopal Area on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop who remains the Area Bishop for Leeds. There are 323 stipendiary clergy, 165 self-supporting clergy and 398 clergy with PTO along with 408 Readers, 125 lay pastoral ministers and 52 chaplains in 656 churches with 256 church schools. In the Bradford Episcopal Area there are 57.7 stipendiary posts serving 68 parishes with an average weekly attendance of 5,949 from a population of over half a million. The Diocese is unique in having three cathedrals: Bradford, Ripon and Wakefield and over the past year the cathedrals have begun to work together on the key Diocesan services as well as developing three strands that they will offer to the diocese pilgrimage, civic engagement and apologetics. This new diocese, led by the bishops, is working out how best to create a diocese with more than one cathedral, and to develop the ministry and outreach of these cathedrals in a way that secures their future and recognises their distinctiveness. The diocese has inherited strong partnership links with Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Southwest Virginia, Skara (Sweden) and Erfurt (Germany). 16