HOLY TRINITY AYLESBURY

Transcription

1 HOLY TRINITY AYLESBURY Parish Profile 2017 a passion fo r life

2 With a great mix of people of different ages and backgrounds, our passion is to get to know and love the God who made us

3 Welcome to Holy Trinity Aylesbury Thank you for taking the time to read our parish profile and for prayerfully considering if God is calling you to help write the next chapter in the life of Holy Trinity. It is our prayer that, as you read this profile, you will get a sense of who we are, where we believe God is leading us, and whether you might be the next person to join us on our journey. In this profile, you will read about our vision and mission priorities. We trust that our next leader will share these and will help us: pray more; discern God s vision; lead us collaboratively as we serve; and seek to advance God s Kingdom in our town and beyond. HT is a lively and growing church located near the centre of the town. It has a great mix of people of different ages and backgrounds, and with a broad range of worship styles, who share a passion to get to know and love the God who made us. We have around 300 adults and 100 children & young people as members of the church family. In addition, each week we welcome around 400 people from our community old and young, men and women, some of faith, some of no faith, some inquiring - through our doors to share in our activities. Through our services and activities we want to glorify God by worshipping Him in our different styles, so we can learn about all that He offers. In our small groups, we aim to find friendship and personal support, as well as love and guidance, to apply the Bible, and live faithfully, in our daily lives. We seek to work with churches and other partners to serve the town, and we aim to extend these relationships further as we grasp all the opportunities there are to serve our town especially as it expands. Please do not hesitate to call if you want to find out more through an informal conversation... tel:

4 Contents Welcome to Holy Trinity Aylesbury Background and Context to the Church Purpose, Vision, Values & Culture Mission Action Priorities About You Staff Team & Ministry Leadership Key Areas of Current Ministry External Partnerships & Links Holy Trinity Finances What We Can Offer You About Aylesbury Further Information Person Specification Role Description Aylesbury and the Diocese Useful Links

5 Background & Context to the Church The original Holy Trinity building dates to It was built as an expansion of the congregation at St Mary s, the ancient town centre church, to serve new housing areas and their poorer communities not being served by the Parish church. As a result, we regard mission, resourcing and evangelism as central to the DNA of the church. In the last 75 years the churches that now form our three adjoining parishes were all planted from Holy Trinity and we enjoy good relationships with them through the Aylesbury Church Network. We continue this work today through our links with the developing church on the new Berryfields housing estate. People come to Holy Trinity for a very wide variety of reasons, with personal relationships often a key factor. However, we are also conscious of people joining us for a distinctively evangelical and charismatic worship and teaching style, perceived strengths in ministry with children, youth and families, through Alpha, and as a result of our involvement in community mission projects. Our last vicar, Andrew Blyth, came to lead the church in We undertook a major physical redevelopment of the building, to include a foyer space, used during the week as a coffee shop, providing a welcoming and flexible space to connect with the local community. 5

6 Purpose, Vision, Values & Culture OUR PURPOSE Responding to God s love, led by the Holy Spirit, we are called to worship, grow as disciples and share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed wherever we go. OUR VISION To be an open and welcoming community drawing people of different ages, backgrounds and circumstances together and towards Jesus, each person being encouraged and helped to share in growing relationship with God, in worship and service in Aylesbury and beyond. OUR VALUES ALL INVOLVED: Every member of our community has gifts and talents given to them by the Holy Spirit to serve and further God s mission in the world. BECOMING DISCIPLES: Guided by the Bible, we believe we are all called on a journey to discover more about God s love and purposes for our lives. CREATING COMMUNITY: Jesus life and teaching are the inspiration and model for our living together. DOING EVANGELISM: We are all called to share in God s mission in the world and we all give a witness to Jesus by what we do and what we say. ENCOUNTERING GOD: Everything we are and do depends on being open to encounter with the transforming power of God in worship, prayer and service. OUR CULTURE We believe there are a number of givens, characteristic of who we are as a church family, that any minister serving here would need to feel completely comfortable with. BIBLE: We believe that all scripture is inspired by God, and forms the basis of all our teaching. It is our ultimate authority and guide for all our decisions, spiritual life, discernment and witness. PRAYER: We believe that prayer, both individual and corporate, should underpin all we do as a church family. We believe that prayer is fundamental to building a relationship with God and allowing Him to guide our lives. MINISTRY: We create space for prayer ministry and inviting the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, as salvation, restoration and transformation flow. We look for signs and gifts of the Holy Spirit, and encourage people to share these in church life. COMMUNITY: We are committed to sharing life as God s family and seek to create smaller gatherings across a variety of ages and contexts, so that all can belong, grow and serve as we draw closer to God. 6 RESOURCE: We believe we are called to have a town-wide vision; supporting mission, discipleship and training throughout our town, deanery and beyond. We believe we are called to give away to others as generously as we can in all circumstances. OUTREACH: We look for opportunities to connect and serve our community, including the poor and vulnerable, through, for example, social action and fighting for justice, motivated by a love and desire to see Jesus kingdom come. RELEVANT: We believe church needs to be culturally relevant to today s generation, creating an accessible and welcoming environment for the un-churched and de-churched. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: We believe that children are a central part of the church of today and encourage them to play their full part in the ministry and life of the church, creating opportunities for them to serve, learn and grow. WELCOME: We believe we are called to welcome all in a genuine and humble way, knowing we have much to learn from each other. We are called to be open, forgiving and accepting in God s power.

7 We believe that He gives true life, belonging and purpose so wherever He leads through His Holy Spirit and the Bible we aim to follow

8 Mission Action Priorities Pursue the presence of God in worship and prayer for transformation and growth Worship: Preaching God s Word and seeking the Holy Spirit with expectancy in all our times together Prayer: Being encouraged through every aspect of HT life in community and individually so it weaves through all we are and do together Practical: Ministering in and inviting all to be open to the gifts of the Spirit, expecting to see signs and wonders of the Kingdom Develop and serve as Resource Church for our town, deanery and beyond Having a town-wide vision for our mission calling Sharing our resources to support mission initiatives people, money and material items Acting as a learning hub for discipleship resources and training Sending teams to support mission initiatives Developing leaderships gifts and skills throughout our church family Actively partnering in church planting initiatives Develop our HR, Operations, Premises and Facilities resources to support current ministry and serve our mission priorities A new church operations team in place Coffee shop operating with a refreshed and sustainable vision Meeting a challenging income budget, with a reasonable reserve and cash-flow, sufficient to support these mission plans Grow as a community of small communities led by lay leadership teams, for discipleship and evangelism Clusters being helped to grow and support a variety of traditional and mission focussed small groups A mix of resources and means to encourage personal discipleship preaching, mentoring, prayer triplets etc 8

9 About You In the light of our vision and mission priorities, we have some hopes for our vicar, which are expanded on in the Further Information section (p24). YOUR CALLING You believe that God may be calling you to serve as our vicar at Holy Trinity and you wish to explore this. You have a strong desire to develop and resource people and ministries for the growth of the kingdom of God. You seek to serve God s call in humility, wherever that takes you, led by His Spirit. YOUR CHARACTER You have a strong and growing personal faith in Jesus. As a lay enabler, you naturally develop, inspire and give opportunities for others to serve and to shine. You encourage, equip and empower. Recognised for your pastoral heart, you are warm and approachable with a sense of humour. Strong when you need to be but always humble and gentle. A shepherd. You show courage and resilience when needed. YOUR GIFTING Led by the Word, Empowered by the Spirit A strong bible teacher you are keen to help us strengthen our roots and go deeper. You are open to the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts in your own life and in the life of the church. You have a passion for the lost, you empower others to share their faith. YOUR KEY COMPETENCIES LEADERSHIP A respected leader capable of inspiring a wide range of people to worship and work together for the kingdom. Management Skilled in effectively managing resources, delegating, communicating and serving. CREATIVITY An ideas person willing to listen to and inspire others, generate and embrace new possibilities. DEVELOPMENT Seeks to see others develop and looks to resource widely. TEACHING Gifted Bible teacher. AN ALL-ROUNDER! As a varied church we are looking for someone who enjoys serving in many and varied forms of worship and ministry. 9

10 Our Staff Team The work of our PCC is focussed on four strategy groups, with each PCC member assigned to one of these. They cover: Resources; Worship & Discipleship; Outreach & Mission Partnerships; and Children & Youth (see p12). As the Standing Committee of our PCC, our Leadership Team provides strategic oversight of our work, overseeing implementation of PCC objectives and supervising staff and ministry leaders. We have a busy church office which employs an Operations Manager and Operations Assistant, together with a Ministry Team Administrator and Finance Administrator. We also employ a Youth Worker, a Children s Worker, and a Manager and Assistant to lead our coffee shop ministry. Over many years we have been blessed with a number of curates developing their ministry with us, which is something we are keen to continue going forward. There is also a strong tradition of volunteering in our congregation covering a broad range of activities and church life. We have almost 30 members of our Ministry Coordination Group, each of whom leads in a particular area of our church life. We have two Associate Ministers (one a retired vicar and the other the Town Centre Chaplain) as well as a Licensed Lay Minister and a Lay Pastor. We are also blessed with a great deal of help and support from our laity who are happy to lead our services, preach and serve in many ways. More generally, we have a large number of small groups, each of which is part of a small group cluster which is led by a lay cluster pastor. Living out our values, we encourage lay leadership and involvement to enable our members to develop their gifts and ministry areas. 10

11 Staff Team Operations Manager PT Operations Assistant PT Youth Worker FT Children s Worker PT Coffee Shop Manager PT Coffee Shop Assistant PT VICAR Vacancy CURATE Vacancy Ministry Team Administrator PT Communications Contractor x5 Cleaners PT Finance Administrator PT Verger PT 11

12 Ministry Leadership LEADERSHIP TEAM RESOURCES STRATEGY GROUP WORSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY GROUP OUTREACH & MISSION PARTNERSHIPS STRATEGY GROUP CHILDREN & YOUTH STRATEGY GROUP CHURCH WARDENS PCC MINISTERS Vicar - Vacancy Curate - Vacancy Lay Minister Retired Minister ASSOCIATE MINISTER (TOWN CHAPLAINCY) ADVENTURERS ASSOCIATE MINISTER A/V CHILDREN S CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS CRECHE DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERERS ELECTORAL ROLL MINISTRY LEADERS & CO-ORDINATORS FABRIC EXPLORERS FLOWERS FUEL CAFE NETWORK IT LIGHTHOUSE MEN S MINISTRY PATHFINDERS & CHILL (YOUTH) MISSION PARTNERSHIPS 925 GROUP WORSHIP TEAMS WOMEN S MINISTRY WALTON WOBBLERS SOLO LUNCHES SMALL GROUP CLUSTER PASTORS SENIORS MINISTRY SCRAMBLERS SCHOOLS SAFEGUARDING PLANNED GIVING PRAYER MINISTRY & PASTORAL 12

13 Led by the Word, empowered by the Spirit 13

14 Key Areas of Current Ministry At Holy Trinity we aim to provide a broad range of opportunities for people from all generations, background and circumstances to worship and meet with God, and grow in faith. We have developed a pathway of ministry from infant to adult and seek to support people s spiritual care at all stages of their journey. SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS We hold two Sunday services of varying styles which are widely attended by a broad mix of people of different ages and stages. The 9.15 service has a mix of traditional and newer style music and prayers, and children s church for 3-11s. The service is a more contemporary informal service with children s church for 0-11s and a youth group for 11-14s. There is usually time made for personal testimony and prayer ministry available. Average weekly attendance is about 200 adults and 75 children and young people. Between the two services there is a chance for the congregations to meet and chat over refreshments. First Sundays of each month are a little different. We have adopted a programme of activities running through the morning including some worship and prayer times, different learning opportunities and a café space serving bacon rolls and drinks for all ages to gather or read the day s papers. 14

15 Lay people are a large part of making Sunday celebrations happen. We have a numerous range of people currently involved in leading services, preaching, leading worship, offering prayer ministry, amongst many other things. A group of musicians sensitively and confidently lead sung worship in the services. We encourage our church members to think about how they live out and share their faith in their daily lives, be this at work, at the school gate, or wherever they find themselves. ADULTS At the heart of Holy Trinity s life are our Small Groups meeting in people s homes throughout the week. They offer opportunities to deepen faith, build close relationship and receive prayer and practical support. We currently have 17 adult small groups that meet most weeks in different locations all around Aylesbury and beyond. Each small group is connected with others in a larger cluster who gather and share in mission opportunities together. There are just under 200 people engaging with our small groups or cluster groups regularly. There is a mid-week communion service twice a month. This is traditional using liturgy and is regularly attended by some of the older members of our church family. Spiritual care of older people is an area of ministry that we are developing and is important to us. Staff and volunteers offer a very wide range of pastoral care to church members and to others across the town. The pastoral care team meet regularly to co-ordinate care and offer support. Currently we have an informal mentoring network operating, which has had great success with a few of our church family. This is something we d like to build on as we look to the future. We have active men s and women s ministries offering events and opportunities to encourage strong relationships and build faith. For those not busy with work during the week, there are a range of daytime groups which gathers both people from within the church family, but also from the local community. FUEL NETWORK At Holy Trinity we are passionate about supporting young adults growing in their relationships, gifts and faith. As a resource church for the area we host a monthly Fuel Network event aimed at gathering and connecting young adults from across the Deanery. Run by a team of young adults it is an informal cafe style service with a contemporary feel. It often attracts a diverse range of people who might not otherwise connect with church. We have been a large part of the setting up of the Fuel Network which is a new venture working with the Deanery to support young adults in developing and exploring new ways of doing church and growing in faith together. 15

16 YOUTH We have a vibrant Youth group who share the same values as the rest of the church - space for everyone to be involved, learn about following Jesus, make friends, share with others, meet God, pray and grow. We also offer social outreach events including our regular Youth Café and work with Aylesbury Vale Youth for Christ to host a United service of Youth from the area. There are several different meetings for our Youth throughout the week to encourage relationship building, including their own small groups. The young people have the opportunity to go on residential visits each year, with our older teenagers going to Soul Survivor. CHILDREN Ministry with our children is an essential part of the life of Holy Trinity and we try to make our children s groups places where children are loved, have opportunities to worship and learn about the nature of God, build friendships and have fun. We deliver a wide range of children s activities both on Sundays during our celebrations at 9.15 and 11am and throughout the week for all school age children by a committed team of DBS checked adults. We run a summer holiday club (Daily Download) which is very well attended by a mix of children who regularly attend church and those from the local community. To maintain this contact all year round we hold special follow up events aimed at children and families, which are often held for Easter, Halloween and Christmas. PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN Our pre-school children and their families are also well catered for with a wide range of activities aimed at supporting them in their stage in life. There is a weekly toddler group which meets in our Walton Hall and is often attended by over 100 people. There is also a crèche at the 11am Sunday celebration and group for 3-5 year olds. 16

17 TRINITY COFFEE SHOP The coffee shop in our church foyer was established as part of the redevelopment of the church building around 8 years ago. It is focused on mission and has brought many people into the church family. It is mostly staffed by volunteers, with two members of part-time staff employed. We have found it is a natural point of entry for those on the fringe of church life and others passing by. PRAYER Prayer is central to all our church life and is an area we want to develop further. We look to utilise a range of ways of informing and encouraging prayer throughout the church family. We use Sunday meetings, small groups and printed bulletins regularly alongside special events such as creative prayer stations at points throughout the year. 17

18 External Partnerships & Links Creating and developing links with partners local, national and international is a key part of the ministry of Holy Trinity and something we are committed to build on. Some are described below but links to the agencies concerned are available on our church website. LOCAL The Aylesbury Town Chaplaincy is a real expression of the church of the town meeting people where they re at, taking God s love out on the streets. It uses office space at Holy Trinity and several members of the church serve as chaplains, street angels and staff. The church was instrumental in setting up the Aylesbury Foodbank, volunteers from the church also help with collection, packing and distribution. The Aylesbury Homeless Action Group operates from Walton Hall, attached to the church and the former incumbent was a founding trustee. Good relationships exist with local primary schools and, in a number of them, Lay church members provide assemblies and It s Your Move at the end of Year 6. Firm and growing ministry in the form of provision of worship services are regularly held in two local Homes for Elderly. The church Spiritual Care of Older People (SCOP) team are working to develop and extend these. NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL Holy Trinity is a member of the New Wine network of churches. Holy Trinity tithes income and the Mission & Outreach Strategy Group allocate significant amounts to Mission partners. The PCC decided some years ago to allocate funds only if there was a personal ongoing partnership and these are regularly being reviewed. In recent years small groups have visited the diocese of Kajo Keji in South Sudan and Holy Trinity, from our own building fund, tithed giving helping to provide a new cathedral. We want to build on these links and are looking for the new incumbent to join us in this. 18

19 I have learned so much about God s provision and care while I have been here. From the people I have met I have been overwhelmed by their joy, faith, hope, generosity and gratitude despite desperate poverty and real suffering... I have learned what I am able to do with God s help. I have been used in amazing ways and I know that in God, the impossible is made possible. 19

20 Holy Trinity Finances Our PCC and Resources team aim to manage income and expenditure to support our church ministry. A full set of accounts (for 2016) is provided along with this profile but a general breakdown of Income and Expenses is highlighted here. These figures show expenditure of 14,271 over the income we received. Our accounting includes a depreciation cost of 39,202 which is mostly for the New Build project undertaken a few years ago. INCOME Income of 302,448 consists mainly of planned giving and other voluntary donations. Planned Giving & Gift Aid Collection & Sundary Income Other Voluntary Income Mission Visit Donations Interest Fees Coffee Shop Other Income EXPENDITURE Expenditure of 316,719 consists mainly of Parish Share, Staffing costs, Running Costs and the Coffee Shop costs. Our Coffee Shop is a great Mission and Outreach resource and our plan is for it to break-even each year. In 2016 the Coffee Shop produced a modest profit of 3,215. Missionary Grants Parish Share Staffing Running Costs Coffee Shop Staff & Running Costs Other Costs Mission Visit Payments Depreciation Church Management 20

21 What We Can Offer You There is a great deal of support available to help you in leading this busy church. Our experienced and friendly staff team lead and enable key areas and are the glue that hold us all together. The office is staffed five days a week, with other staff supporting our youth & children s, and coffee shop ministries. We have a wide range of active and supportive laity and volunteers involved in virtually every area of church life; from leading and preaching to technical support, from pastoral ministry to flower ministry and from Coffee Shop to toddlers. We have a supportive PCC, which tries to come to a common mind rather than voting on challenging issues and a Leadership Team Standing Committee working closely with you to support the implementation of our strategy. Your personal development is important to us and we want to help you to be effective and feel empowered. So we will do all we can to help your wellbeing and support you. In this regard we encourage you to take regular time off and to find time for your own spiritual wellbeing by going on retreat. THE VICARAGE Our vicarage is located at 42 Redwood Drive, Aylesbury, HP21 7TN. It is in the community, but in a quiet cul de sac, only a few minutes walk from the church and a short walk from the town centre, with great access to local amenities. It is also a short walk from two local grammar schools, a comprehensive school and is within the catchment of an excellent infant and junior school. The detached vicarage was built in the 1990s,. It has an enclosed rear garden, off road parking and a garage at the front. Inside, there is a kitchen, dining room, lounge, study, utility room and cloakroom, 4 bedrooms (one with ensuite) and a bathroom. The vicarage is due to undergo re-decorating ahead of the new incumbent s arrival, and will be available to view for shortlisted candidates. 21

22 About Aylesbury Aylesbury, rather than Buckingham, is the County town of Buckinghamshire, so is a really good pub quiz answer! It is at the heart of the rolling countryside in the Vale of Aylesbury, near the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which lies only a few short miles to the South. Aylesbury is a growing town, a relatively affluent town (although that bold statement masks local pockets of poverty and homelessness), and a diverse town, with a significant BAME and Eastern European population. At the time of 2011 census, its population stood at However, an extra homes are due to be built in and around Aylesbury Vale by This is a cause of both excitement and concern locally. Holy Trinity, as a resource church, is working with other churches in the Deanery to determine how best to rise to meet these challenges and minister to a growing town. In terms of infrastructure, Aylesbury has good road, rail and bus transport links to much of the South East, including London, and beyond. There is ongoing investment in the amenities in the town centre to help us prepare for expected population growth. Much of this is ongoing within a few hundred yards of the church, around the canal basin. Aylesbury is also adjacent to Stoke Mandeville which has a large, well regarded, hospital, which is the home of the National Spinal Injuries Centre, as well as the birth place of the Paralympic movement. 22

23 Thank you for taking the time to read our Parish Profile. We pray that you will be able to discern if God may be calling you to HT Aylesbury. Please contact us with any questions. Holy Trinity Parish Church, Walton Street, Aylesbury. HP21 7QX 23 Website: Tel:

24 FURTHER INFORMATION

25 Person Specification Following on from the About You section we seek someone who has the following abilities. However, we are very interested in what you might bring to the role that isn t mentioned here; we are open to the person God is calling. LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATIVE WORKING You have a calling to lead leaders, inspire others and to create and sustain teams thereby empowering the lay leadership within our family to fulfil their gifts and contribute to the life of the church to resource others. You will work closely with the lay leadership team, to provide direction and guidance to all who exercise a leadership role within the church. You have a passion to network and can demonstrate the ability to engage with others in the church and beyond, creating strategic partnerships for sharing the Gospel and social action to transform communities. GIFTING SPIRIT LED You are a leader who has proven experience and is committed to the use of spiritual gifts in their own life, the local church and its mission in the community, with the ability to teach others how to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. Bible teacher You are an individual with sound biblical knowledge; a leader who observes contemporary culture and who can equip and empower the church through relevant biblical teaching that engages with this culture. You have the ability to preach in a variety of styles and formats to a broad range of listeners with varying outlooks, ages and depth of understanding. Apostolic You are a leader who is pioneering in nature and is prepared to take risks, be adventurous, innovative and entrepreneurial for the Kingdom. You inspire creative ideas, cast vision and bring new thinking to ministry and mission. Good communicator You are someone who has the ability to think strategically and translate this in to messages that the church family can get behind in order to further the kingdom; taking people with you on this journey. 25 Further Information

26 Person Specification Cont d CHARACTER You have energy and drive. You are humble and highly personable, being multi-relational within a diverse setting. You are servant hearted, with a focus on serving others and helping others to develop their gifts to their full potential. Affirmation and delegation to individuals and teams is intuitive and natural for you. You inspire and encourage them to thrive in their own areas of ministry and leadership. VOCATION, FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY You demonstrate in your personal life and ministry a secure strength of identity in Jesus and have a prayerful nature renewing your faith daily. You are able to demonstrate a clear sense of calling to serve God in mission and evangelism, particularly within our local community. You are in a number of accountability relationships with others. You are an ordained priest within the Church of England 26 Further Information

27 Role Description The Role - Serving Our Vision & Mission MISSION AND OUTREACH Build on the vision we have for being an open and welcoming community, drawing people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances together for the furtherance of the Kingdom here in Aylesbury Lead on developing a strategy for being a Resource Church for our town, deanery and beyond, making sure we continually look outward to serve God in our community Further develop the vision for our coffee shop so that this continues to remain a relevant outreach opportunity to our community Continue to encourage the use of the gifts within our church by leading all to be involved in serving within the church, community and where God may be calling them LEADERSHIP AND WORKING COLLABORATIVELY Lead the strong lay teams within our church so that we effectively utilise our resources and support all areas of church life Delegate appropriately to the leaders of the groups whilst maintaining an overview and providing support and guidance where needed WORSHIP AND PREACHING Maintain our diverse patterns and styles of worship so that we minister to all the church family and look to develop and build on these so that we continue to remain relevant Train, encourage and support all preachers, service leaders and sung worship leaders in developing their gifts. Identify and enable new leaders Further Information 27

28 Role Description The Role - Serving Our Vision & Mission cont d PASTORAL CARE Develop and grow our community of Small Groups and Clusters Build on and develop our Mentoring Programme Lead the pastoral care group. Build on and further develop the strategy for pastoral care, with particular emphasis at present for care of the elderly within our church family and the wider community Be ready to address any issues that arise so that the wellbeing of the person and church is maintained ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANISATION Lead the staff team so that the church functions efficiently and is able to serve the church family effectively Work with the leadership team and PCC to set strategic priorities and make decisions to keep the church moving forward in delivering our vision and mission Working with the Resources Group, Operations Manager and Finance Assistant, have oversight of the church finance Further Information 28

29 Role Description Role Purpose & Key Responsibilities GENERAL A. To exercise the cure of souls shared with the bishop in this benefice in collaboration with colleagues including the praying of the Daily Office, the administration of the sacraments and preaching. B. To have regard to the calling and responsibilities of the clergy (as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy) and other relevant legislation including: bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and making him known to those in your care instructing the parishioners in the Christian faith preparing candidates for confirmation diligently visiting the parishioners of the benefice, particularly those who are sick and infirm providing spiritual counsel and advice consulting with the parochial church council on matters of general concern and importance to the benefice bringing the needs of the world before God in intercession calling your hearers to repentance and declaring in Christ s name the absolution and forgiveness of their sins blessing people in God s name preparing people for their death discerning and fostering the gifts of all God s people being faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God s presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us C. To share in the wider work of the deanery and diocese as appropriate, for the building up of the whole Body of Christ. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Participate in the Bishop s Ministerial Development Review scheme and engage in Con-tinuing Ministerial Development Carry out any other duties and responsibilities as required in line with the benefice needs. Take care for their wellbeing including health and safety and building a good repertoire of spiritual and psychological strategies 29

30 Aylesbury and the Diocese The Diocese of Oxford serves the mission of the Church in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The Diocese comprises more than 600 parishes, with over 800 churches, serving a diverse population of more than 2 million people located in all types of settings. Due to the size and complexity of the Diocese, we have three Area Bishops who exercise considerable strategic & pastoral oversight for their Archdeaconries. The Bishop of Buckingham is the Rt Rev d Alan Wilson who has been the Area Bishop since With the appointment of the new Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, a new common vision is emerging for the Diocese of Oxford.. The vision addresses what kind of church we are called to be - A Christ-like Church. What are the marks of a Christ-like Church? To be the Church of the Beatitudes: Contemplative Compassionate Courageous It also asks what we are therefore called to do together. This is currently a work in progress, but is likely to cover some of the following strategic priorities: Make a difference in the world Support and grow the local church Establish new churches and congregations Serve our schools Renew discipleship and ministry These priorities will be supported centrally by resources, training, conferences, workshops, and much more. The diocese is inviting benefices and their priests to share a vision rather than demanding a response. It wants all its priests to flourish in ministry and to deepen their enjoyment of God. Alongside the emerging diocesan vision, the priorities and principles for the Buckingham Archdeaconry are set out in our Buckingham Mission Action Plan (see Archdeaconry-Plan-0515.pdf) It is expected that all clergy appointed into the Archdeaconry of Buckingham will want to commit themselves to the Diocesan vision and Archdeaconry MAP and their strategic directions. Further Information 30

31 Useful Links Clerical links Aylesbury Church Network Buckingham Archdeaconry Diocese of Oxford Local council key links Aylesbury Council Housing Expansion Plan Buckinghamshire County Council Local church partner links Aylesbury Homeless Action Group Town Centre Chaplaincy Schools within the parish / linked Turnfurlong Infant School Turnfurlong Junior School Aylesbury Grammar School Aylesbury High School The Grange School 31 Further Information

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