ST MICHAEL S CHURCH BRAY in THE PARISH OF BRAY WITH BRAYWOOD

Transcription

1 ST MICHAEL S CHURCH BRAY in THE PARISH OF BRAY WITH BRAYWOOD 1

2 FOREWORD FROM THE ARCHDEACON OF BERKSHIRE The parish of Bray is a delightful Thames-side settlement which has enjoyed a long period of stable ministry and gentle growth, and is now looking to the future. The parish church is beautifully looked after; the central worship is supported by enthusiastic and talented musicians; the ministry to schools and nursing homes is well established; the gifted Lay Funeral Minister has a much appreciated ministry; there is much to enjoy and celebrate. However, the PCC recognises that there are challenges ahead. A large increase in population brought about by new housing is a reality in the next few years. The church has many activities designed to reach out to people, but needs help with looking strategically at how its energy can be used more intentionally for missional effect. There is a need to encourage and enable the congregation in using their giftedness for the Kingdom. Lay involvement in many aspects of the church s ministry will be enhanced and developed through good, relational leadership. The PCC is keen to welcome a vicar who will work with them to build teams and develop the laity. The current service pattern and provision may need to change; establishment of a pastoral team would enhance the church s offering to the community; setting up a church office would enable smoother administration. There is a clear job to do here, in a parish where the pace of change will need a sensitive and deft approach. Bishop Steven is calling the Diocese to consider deeply what is means to be a more Christ-like Church, a Church characterised by being more contemplative, compassionate and courageous. As Bray looks to its future, we are seeking a priest who will joyfully seek to embody these qualities and work with a generous and enthusiastic PCC to sharpen the focus of mission and ministry in this beautiful part of Berkshire. The Venerable Olivia Graham SUMMARY Our previous incumbent, the Rev. Richard Cowles, retired in September 2017 after 9 years ministry in the parish. We now look forward to the next chapter in the life of Bray Parish, and pray that you will know God s guidance as you read this profile. St Michael s is a friendly and welcoming church, offering strong liturgical worship supported by a robed choir singing more traditional music. There is a very healthy degree of Congregational involvement and teamwork, and study groups are well-attended. The church plays a full part in Maidenhead and Windsor Deanery and in the local community, enjoying close links with the Parish Council. The present congregation tends towards older people, but with closer links to the church schools being forged as part of our Mission Action Plan, we are addressing the age range. The parish is geographically large, consisting mainly of residential and semi-rural areas. In common with other parts of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bray, Holyport and Fifield are under increasing pressure to find space for additional housing. St. Michael s is coping financially and always pays its Parish Share in full. There will be opportunities to take a financially supported retreat. The community is very supportive when fund raising for the church building. The PCC is well aware of the shortcomings of the church s location on the edge of the parish and the competition for the time of young and old parishioners alike. We are convinced that a wider range of services and venues, and continued adherence to the Mission Action Plan, will see St Michael s reach many of its goals. We recognise the need to work with you to set up a Parish Office to cope with the tasks at present taken on by volunteers. 2

3 2. ABOUT OUR PARISH Bray and its parish are mentioned in Domesday (1086) as belonging to the crown. Together with the adjoining parish of Cookham it originally covered the whole area of modern Maidenhead, which only emerged as a settlement in the middle ages. Bray Parish was the reputed home of the renowned Vicar of Bray who clung to his living through all the upheavals of the reformation. Today s parish of Bray with Braywood includes the south-eastern part of Maidenhead and adjoins Windsor to the east, extending about four miles east to west and north to south. It contains the villages of Bray and Holyport, several smaller settlements, much open country, and three miles of the south bank of the Thames. The parish contains five schools, including two Church of England primary schools. There is a good choice of schooling in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and in neighbouring South Bucks. Population is about 10,400, with 4,150 households. The parish electoral roll is 134, or 1.3% of the population. There are several housing developments planned which could significantly increase this populational and some pastoral reorganisation may be needed. Overall the parish rates in the upper 30% nationally for economic prosperity, but there is a wide social mix. Housing includes three social housing developments and some riverside homes worth millions. There are four care homes, and in Bray village the historic Jesus Hospital alms houses. Most people travel to work beyond the parish. Many commute to Reading, Slough, Heathrow or London. Access to London by M4 motorway or rail is fairly easy and will improve when Crossrail opens. Unemployment is low and mobility is high. There are also many retired people. Social pressures include those experienced by busy commuters, and the difficulties created by very high housing costs especially for young people and key workers on modest incomes. Loneliness can occur in the 24% of households which contain only one person, often a retired person. As in the rest of Britain the secular trend away from Christianity towards no religion presents a challenge. Demographics from the 2011 census for Bray Parish include:- % Over 65s 18.3 Under 30s 35.0 Born outside the UK 17.0 Social Housing 8.4 Managerial/Professional Occupation 48.5 Unemployment VISION To welcome all in Faith, Hope and Love This vision was agreed when we began work on our Mission Action Plan (MAP) in Since then there have been two away days with the Parish Development Adviser, attendance by the Vicar and three lay leaders at a Leading Your Church into Growth course, and a workshop with the congregation. The cover of the MAP was designed by the Sunday School. It has been reviewed regularly by the PCC, and several developments referred to in this profile stem directly from it. The Mission Action Plan is included in Appendix 2. 3

4 4. ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR VICAR Mission and Outreach Work with us to increase church membership in all age groups. Be a convincing advocate for Christianity to everybody, including non-churchgoers. Play a visible and active part in the community. Develop and foster church links with schools to bring in younger families. Get more children involved in all-age services. Provide opportunities for other forms of worship in other locations in the Parish. Use opportunities provided by music to bring more people into church life. Ensure welcome for new arrivals is sustained. Use suitable courses to attract doubters, agnostics and non-believers. Leadership and Working Collaboratively Further develop the involvement of the congregation in running the church. Working with us to develop the role of lay people in Ministry. Review, lead and develop the parish s mission action plan. Worship and Preaching Help us to develop a wider range of services to attract a wider range of worshippers whilst enabling the pace of change to encompass the practices of the current congregation. Maintain elements of current practice which are valued by the existing congregation. Work with the group running courses and study groups to develop the range available. Pastoral Care Continue to provide, with others, the church s comfort and support to the sick, bereaved and those in need, and visits to residential homes. Recognise and encourage and further develop the existing support network provided by lay people. Seek opportunities to mix younger and older age groups. Stewardship and Organisation Maintain the parish s good relationships within the Maidenhead and Windsor deanery. Encourage the parish to continue paying its parish share in full. Maintain good relationships with other community organisations. Arrange services in other locations in the Parish. 5. PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualifications/Training Essential Ordained priest within the Church of England, or a church in communion with it, or a church whose orders it recognises. Have satisfactorily completed Initial Ministerial Education. Experience Essential Parish Ministry. 4

5 Engagement with and pastoral support for people of all backgrounds and ages. Active engagement with schools. Practice of traditional forms of worship. Desirable Vision setting and team development. Varied life experience. Knowledge/Skills and Competences Essential Good preacher and effective communicator. Good inter-personal skills. Able to engage with people of all generations and backgrounds, especially children, both within and outside the church. Desirable Skilled at organisation and delegation. General Attributes Essential Ability to inspire. Energy. Appreciation of the value of music in enhancing worship and drawing people into church. Collaborative approach to other churches, faith groups and secular organisations. Desirable Wide interests. Other Essential Ability to work to a safeguarding policy. 6. PATTERN OF WORSHIP (This is the current practice and we would be open to discussion about change.) Every Sunday 8 a.m: Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 10 a.m: Parish Communion (Common Worship Order One) An All-Age Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month. The choir leads the congregation at these services and other special services, usually performing an anthem. 6:30 p.m: Evensong (Book of Common Prayer) and Holy Communion on the second Sunday in each month. All services are conducted by the incumbent except in holiday times. The Sacristan takes occasional Evensong services and retired priests are invited to preach at occasional Parish Communion Services. In its desire to grow the parish, the PCC understands that some variation in this pattern may be called for. 5

6 Sung choral evensong services are held occasionally in consultation between the Vicar and the Director of Music and there is an All Souls Day service in November. On Remembrance Sunday there is a special service at 10:45 a.m. when members of the local Royal British Legion and youth uniformed organisations are present. Services follow at the Memorials in Bray and Holyport with a further service at the Braywood Memorial in the afternoon. Holy Baptism Holy Baptism is normally administered at a special service on the first Sunday in each month and when necessary subsequent Sundays. Assistance A rota is prepared a few months in advance for Holy Communion, Parish Communion and Evensong for Readers, Sidespeople, and those preparing and leading Intercessions. 8 a.m: Holy Communion service - 4 members of the congregation are Sidespeople and take turns to read the Epistle. 10 a.m: Parish Communion Service: The Sacristan is server; 11 members of the congregation take turns to assist during the Administration of Holy Communion; 16 members take turns as Sidespeople; 18 members of the congregation take turns to read set readings from the New Revised Standard Version (Anglicised edition) of the Bible. A large print copy of the Epistle and Gospel Readings, with the standard introduction, is placed on the Lectern ready for the Readers. Lay people prepare and read Intercession prayers. Rotas are prepared by the Church Wardens. Evensong: Lessons are read by members of the congregation. Service Statistics Average attendance at Parish Communion is and total Sunday attendance about 100. The age range is mixed, mainly from the older generation, but several young families are represented. Permission was granted by the Bishop in 2014 to allow children to receive Holy Communion before confirmation. Services Baptisms Thanksgiving for the gift of a child Confirmations Marriages Blessings of Marriage

7 Funerals of parishioners in church* Funerals of parishioners in crematorium* Memorial services in church* Burial and interment in Touchen End churchyard* Burial and interment in Braywood churchyard* Interment of cremated remains in St. Michael s churchyard* * The Lay Funeral Minister takes about half of these services. For more detailed information go to:- Windsor_270369_Bray-w-Braywood.pdf 7. CHURCH SCHOOLS These schools represent an excellent opportunity for the incumbent and laity of St Michael s to reach younger families. The Vicar is a governor at both schools and takes collective worship in these schools each week, and the schools come to St Michael s with their families for special Christmas and Easter Services. Choirs from both schools sing at All-Age Eucharist Services on a regular basis. Braywood First School Braywood First School is a Windsor Church of England Controlled school near the village of Fifield with 147 pupils. The school was judged and Outstanding by OFSTED in 2011 and Outstanding by SIAMS in 2011 and Braywood uses as its hall 'Church House' a former church building for 7

8 which it pays an annual rent to the church. There is also a graveyard adjacent to the school which is maintained by the PCC and the school. The head teacher is Mrs Susan Calvert. Holyport CE Primary School Holyport CE Primary School became part of an Academy Trust - the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST) on 1st June The school is situated in the village of Holyport with 383 pupils. The school s current OFSTED rating is requires improvement and the new Headteacher, (appointed as from September 2016) Mrs Amanda Featherstone, is working with ODST and governors to prepare for a successful next OFSTED review. The last SIAMS review in 2014 was rated as good. Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Ltd owns the site on which the school is built. There is one ex-officio trustee, namely the Vicar, and two nominated trustees; the Sacristan, who is a governor of the school, and a churchwarden. 8. OUTREACH Jesus Hospital Donnington Hospital Trust assumed responsibility for these almshouses with effect from 31st March 2010 from the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. The Vicar is Honorary Chaplain to Jesus Hospital and conducts regular Holy Communion and Evensong (afternoon) services in the on-site chapel and a Christmas carol service is held in December with the choir of St. Michael s. Pastoral Visiting and Ministry to Residential Homes The recently retired Incumbent has a deserved reputation for the thoroughness of his pastoral visiting: to the sick, the bereaved, those otherwise in need. He is assisted by a Lay Funeral Minister (who is also the Sacristan) and one of the current Church wardens who conducts baptism visits and, with the Vicar, arranges a Pre-marriage course. A monthly prayer and praise service is held at Holyport Lodge (BUPA Nursing Home) and the Sacristan takes monthly Holy Communion services at Foxleigh Grove Nursing Home and Meadowbank Residential Home. Christian Aid The PCC takes responsibility for supporting Christian Aid in the parish. In 2017, for the first time, door-to-door collection was replaced with a Christian Aid Coffee Morning in the Church Hall and donation envelopes in church. The amount raised was 1,500. Christmas and Easter Cards Before Christmas and Easter each year a card is prepared by a member of the congregation and delivered to as many homes in the parish as possible, bringing Christian greetings to the residents, and providing details of forthcoming Services. Street-by-street packs are left at the back of the church and are distributed by volunteers from the congregation. Study Group A group of lay people run a very successful study group for around 20 members of the congregation takes place during Lent following the Pilgrim courses. The vicar is actively involved with the planning of the courses and attends as many as possible. Other courses have been held during different times of the year and all have been well attended. The intention is to continue and expand the numbers attending the study groups and courses through outreach. For Lent 2018 we are studying the Beatitudes, following the call to discipleship from the Bishop of Oxford. Online Presence 8

9 3 years ago, the Incumbent, both Wardens and Sacristan/Lay Funeral Minister attended a 4-day residential course Leading Your Church Into Growth. As a result it was decided (with people s permission) to put together a mailing list of everyone who had occasional contact with our church, including wedding couples and baptism families together with existing regular members of the congregation. This has resulted in a list of over 200 people who regularly receive updates on all activities taking place within St Michael s such as social events, special services, concerts etc. and has proved to be a very effective way of communicating with the wider community. The website ( is maintained by a member of the congregation, and gives a full range of information about the parish. The direct contact link is regularly used to arrange weddings, baptisms and funerals and to enquire about times of Services and visits to the church. Much of this work can be taken by the Parish Office once this is in place. A member of the congregation has set up a St Michael s Facebook page which has proved helpful in sharing information about services and events and displaying photographs. 9. PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS PCC: The Parochial Church Council has 15 members from across congregation and meets bi-monthly in St Michael s Hall. The standing committee - the incumbent and officers - meets between those to set the agenda and deal with urgent issues. Parish Administration: A dedicated phone line takes voice mails from callers and s them to a member of the team for forwarding to the appropriate person. Sunday School: Sunday school is held during the 10 a.m. service in St Michael s Church Hall and the children come into church before Holy Communion. Numbers have dwindled somewhat of late, but we have a professional teacher, with helpers on hand, so there is plenty of opportunity for growth. Choir: Music plays an integral part in the worship at St Michael s. The choir, numbering around a dozen, leads the congregation at Parish Communion and special services, usually performing an anthem. They also take part in sacred and other works under the aegis of Music at Bray. The Director of Music is a professional conductor with a burgeoning reputation. Music at Bray: Music at Bray is a group run by the Director of Music and members of the choir. It runs monthly Sunday afternoon recitals by young musicians, concerts with professionals and amateurs at different times of the year, and bi-annually an opera for children and young people. Bellringers: St Michael s has a peal of eight bells, in a well-kept tower and ringing chamber. The bells are always rung for Parish Communion and special occasions, and for Evensong whenever possible. Social Committee: Two members of the congregation organise regular coach trips to cathedrals and other places of interest. This group also helps with refreshments at occasions such as the Carol Service. Friends of St Michael s: The Friends of St Michael s is a registered charity which raises funds to provide additions or renovations to the fabric and equipment of St Michael s Church and Church Hall. Funds are raised by annual subscriptions and social events. Parish Magazine: St Michael s News is published 10 times a year, is either delivered by volunteers or collected in church. The magazine also appears on the St Michael s website. It is edited and printed by two member of the congregation and collated by a small team of volunteers. There is no advertising and a small charge is made. Other Volunteer Activity A small team of flower arrangers decorate the church each week. 9

10 Refreshments are served in the hall by a team of volunteers after Parish Communion on Sundays. Cleaning is undertaken on a weekly basis by a team of members of the congregation. During the summer a team of church watchers take turns to be in church. Summer Teas are offered in the hall on Sunday afternoons during the summer months 10. FINANCE Support for Managing Finances The finance team comprises of a PCC Treasurer, Fees Treasurer and a Giving Secretary. In addition, there are a number of volunteers who count and bank the collections each week. Annual accounts are produced on an Income & Expenditure basis and the PCC has appointed an Independent Examiner. Sound Finances St Michael s has a sound financial record and although action is necessary from time to time to boost income, the congregation has always been very generous with respect to giving, both regularly and to major appeals, charities and fund raising. The budget for 2018 includes provision for the setting up of a Parish Office. Reserves & Designated Funds The parish also enjoys the benefit of a number of trust funds administered on our behalf by the Oxford Diocese, which generate modest incomes. Stewardship & Planned Giving There are currently 69 members who support the church financially through the committed giving scheme, administered by the Giving Secretary, either by standing order or utilizing the pew envelopes. Parish Share The Parish Share of 55,752 for 2016 was paid in full and it is the objective of the PCC that this is paid as a priority. Missionary Giving & Charities Members of the congregation support the Children s Society Box Scheme and the PCC give an annual donation to the Church Mission Society for a couple who work with the street children in Guatemala. Previously, the church fund-raised to support a local children s hospice and it is anticipated that it will help fund the new building project for the local hospice. The Annual Accounts for the year ending December 2016 are available on request. 10

11 Receipts 2016 Planned Giving Collections & Other Giving Income Tax Recovered Fees School Rent Fund Raising Donations Bank Interest + Dividends Expenditure 2016 Parish Share Church Running Expenses Building Maintenance Organist & Music Clergy Expenses 11. Buildings The Church The most prominent feature is the 80 foot bell tower that stands over the main entrance and porch to the south side of the church. As with the rest of the building, the construction material is clunch (hard chalk) with flint facing. On opening the large west doors there is a view along the centre aisle, through the chancel arch and on to the sanctuary and high altar. Above the altar stands the east window, designed by G.E.Street. 11

12 Seating is in pews, with capacity for about 350 in the main body of the church. A further 20 can be accommodated in each of the side chapels. Wheelchair access is good, the chairs being positioned in the north and south aisles against the pew ends. The choir stalls, immediately to the east of the chancel arch, can accommodate 30 choristers. The three manual Peter Collins organ, installed in 2013, is constructed from a combination of new and refurbished sections. The sound system consists of lectern microphones with an induction loop for the hard of hearing. Heating is by a gas boiler supplying a number of large sectional radiators around the church. This year, 2017, is St Michael s quinquennial inspection year. The Church has a good relationship with the visiting architect and it is intended to continue a system of rolling maintenance to a prioritised plan. We have just completed the building of a new toilet block adjacent to St Michael s Hall having raised 135,000 to do so. St Michael s Hall On the north boundary of the churchyard lies the Chantry Chapel of our Lady, which now serves as the church hall. The building comprises a hall, kitchen, meeting room and 2 first floor rooms, one of which serves as the parish office. The Vicarage Access is from the north-east corner of the churchyard and leads via a gravel drive to a large four bedroom house with a single garage. The detached house provides generous accommodation and sits in grounds of about two-thirds of an acre with over 180 feet of Thames river frontage. Refurbished in 2008, it remains in very good condition. The Churchyard The churchyard is closed and maintained by the Parish Council. However the wardens accept responsibility for the upkeep and safety of the memorials where relatives of the deceased are no longer contactable. The interment of ashes in the churchyard in an area set aside for this purpose by faculty is in current practice. 12. The Diocese of Oxford The Diocese of Oxford serves the mission of the Church in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. It is a large and complex Diocese, with more than 600 parishes, over 800 churches, and a diverse population of more than 2 million people located in all types of settings. The Bishop of Oxford is the Right Revd Steven Croft who began his ministry in the Diocese in September There are also three Area Bishops who exercise strategic oversight for their Episcopal areas. The Episcopal Area of Reading is the same as the Archdeaconry of Berkshire and is made up of 79 benefices in 6 Deaneries, with over 200 churches and nearly 150 licensed clergy. The Bishop of Reading is the Right Revd Andrew Proud who has been the Area Bishop since April 2011 and the Venerable Olivia Graham has been Archdeacon of Berkshire since October The Berkshire Archdeaconry Plan seeks to encourage and promote the flourishing of a mixed economy of traditional and new forms of church, and a desire to experiment and be open to the movement of God s Spirit as we both imagine and plan for the next 10 years. 12

13 We are at an exciting time in the life of the Diocese as Bishop Steven leads us in the process of discerning our Diocesan vision for the next few years. He has recently completed a series of daylong visits to each of the 29 deaneries; he has listened to many individuals and groups around the Diocese and has been reflecting back what he is hearing. In May there was a three day gathering of leaders from across the Diocese: Bishop s staff, Bishop s Council, Area Deans, Lay Chairs, Diocesan staff and several others. We expect to see the launch of a new Diocesan vision within the next few months. Energy is rising as we work together on this and the sense of excitement is almost tangible. The Diocese of Oxford would be delighted if you were to partner with us in following God s call. 13. The Deanery of Maidenhead and Windsor The Parish of Bray is in the Deanery of Maidenhead and Windsor, one of 6 deaneries in the Reading episcopal area. Other parishes in the Deanery can be seen at: The Parish has played an active role in the life of the Deanery under the previous incumbent who undertook the role of Assistant Area Dean for a period of time, and the current Deanery Treasurer is from the parish. The parish has developed a reputation for common sense, pragmatism and reliability, and is one of the key components of the Deanery. The Deanery has recognised for some years that the parish has an important contribution to make to mission both within its boundaries and wider. The Deanery Plan envisages a continued role for the Parish of Bray under the current pastoral arrangements and there are no plans to make any changes to these. 13

14 APPENDIX 1 ROLE DESCRIPTION SECTION 1: Role Title: Type of Role: Name of benefice: Episcopal area: Deanery: Archdeaconry: Conditions of service: Key contact for Clergy Terms of Service: Accountability: DETAILS OF POST Vicar of Bray with Braywood Full time stipendiary Bray with Braywood Reading Maidenhead & Windsor Berkshire Please refer to Statements of Particulars document issued in conjunction with this role description Archdeacon of Berkshire This role falls within the Clergy Terms of Service formally known as Common Tenure. The Archdeacon of Berkshire is the designated person by the Bishop of Oxford to issue the Statement of Particulars for the post holder. Priests share with the Bishop in the oversight of the church. Whilst, as an office holder, the individual is expected to lead and prioritise work in line with the purpose of the role, they are encouraged to inform the Archdeacon and Churchwardens about any issue exceptional or otherwise that have the potential to affect ongoing delivery of ministry. SECTION 2: THE WIDER CONTEXT 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 14

15 SECTION 3: ROLE PURPOSE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES General: A. To exercise the cure of souls shared with the bishop 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 baptism and 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. Key Responsibilities specific to the local situation Mission and Outreach Work with us to increase church membership in all age groups. Be a convincing advocate for Christianity to everybody, including non-churchgoers. Play a visible and active part in the community. Develop and foster church links with schools to bring in younger families. Get more children involved in all-age services. Provide opportunities for other forms of worship in other locations in the parish. Use opportunities provided by music to bring more people into church life. Ensure welcome for new arrivals is sustained. Use suitable courses to attract doubters, agnostics and non-believers. Leadership and Working Collaboratively Further develop the involvement of the congregation in running the church. Work with us to develop the role of lay people in the ministry. Review, lead and develop the parish s mission action plan. Worship and Preaching 15

16 Help us to develop a wider range of services to attract a wider range of worshippers, whilst enabling the pace of change to encompass the practices of the current congregation. Maintain elements of current practice which are valued by the existing congregation. Work with the group running courses and study groups to develop the range available. Pastoral Care Continue to provide the church s comfort and support to the sick, bereaved and those in need, and visits to residential homes. Recognise and encourage the existing support network provided by lay people. Seek opportunities to mix younger and older age groups. Stewardship and Organisation Maintain the parish s good relationships within the Maidenhead and Windsor deanery. Encourage the parish to continue to pay the parish share in full. Maintain good relationships with other community organisations. Arrange services in other locations in the Parish. SECTION 4: Benefice: Patron: PCC: Churchwardens: Paid staff: BENEFICE SUMMARY Bray with Braywood Bishop of Oxford Bray, 15 members Linda Shepherd and Penny Murray None Unpaid staff/volunteers: 5 Churchyards: Church tradition: Bray (closed), Touchen End, Braywood Traditional SECTION 5: Groups and Committees KEY CONTACTS FOR THE ROLE The PCC Lesley Burch, PCC Secretary, lesley.burch@btinternet.com Deanery Chapter Revd Joan Hicks, Chapter Clerk, revjrhicks@gmail.com Deanery Synod John Sykes, Lay Chair, j.n.sykes@btopenworld.com Deanery Standing & Pastoral Committee John Sykes, Lay Chair, j.n.sykes@btopenworld.com In the Benefice 16

17 Churchwardens Linda Shepherd, , Penny Murray, Ministerial Colleagues Lynda Jones, Lay Funeral Minister, Head Teachers Holyport C of E Primary School: Amanda Featherstone, amanda.featherstone@rbwm.org.uk Braywood C of E First School Susan Calvert susan.calvert@rbwm.org.uk Support Structures Area Dean Revd Margaret Bird, margaret.bird@talktalk.net Area Bishop Rt Revd Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading, bishopreading@oxford.anglican.org Archdeacon The Venerable Olivia Graham, Archdeacon of Berkshire, , archdber@oxford.anglican.org 17

18 APPENDIX 2 St Michael s Church Bray Mission Plan (reviewed and amended every six months) Welcoming all in Faith Hope and Love Going for Growth Within three years we would like to see: Increased church membership across all age groups with the focus on the 10 a.m. service of Parish Communion/All age Eucharist Growth in provision of courses for people to explore faith/spiritual development A range of activities for all and particularly activities which challenge young people Mission Priority: Within three years we would like to see... What do we want to achieve in one year? Immediate Actions Going for Growth Actions Nurture & Discipleship Courses Lead: Jim Tucker A team of people involved in working on this area Identify and train people to lead courses Advertise outside the church Improve the facilities Advent Course in 2016 Lent course 2017 Start and completion of new toilets Appeal letter to parishioners to contribute financially to the toilet project. Construction and completion of new toilet block in Once new toilets achieved consider new opportunities for use of hall. Children and Young People Lead: Penny Murray Increase number of young people involved in music of the church. Use the planned opera to have children from our church schools involved. Children s choir for All Age services. An idea to speak with Ollie Gooch about as spin off from opera. More children at the All Age service on the first Sunday of each month. Continue to invite choirs from Holyport and Braywood schools to sing at All Age Services. Holyport have expressed a commitment to one Sunday each term Speak to Natasha Teeder for a push at term start for All age service and Sunday School children. A come and sing afternoon in Holyport School open to parent/grandparent and child. An idea to discuss with Ollie Gooch. An event to include church schools and other schools in the Parish. Contact and invitations to parents of children baptised recently for All Age services. Cards with details of all age services to be given to Toddler groups, Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies in Holyport. Also to both Church schools in the Parish. Repeat this at term start. 18 Pastoral Care Lead: Linda Shepherd & Lynda Jones Regular contact with all mailing list contacts and extending communication as and when possible. Range of activities for all age groups e.g. jumble sales, coffee mornings, etc. Regular newsletter to mailing list advising of special services, church notices, social committee outings, Music at Bray concerts, Lent and other courses Jumble Sale 2017 Back to Church Sunday date tbc Summer Teas in 2017 Mission Prayer regularly used at services especially Intercessions Continue to give Welcome cards to new attendees and encourage use of these amongst sides people and summer church watch group) Newsletter updating about Mission Plan etc. Continue invitations to mailing list to special services, e.g. Harvest, Christmas, Easter, Candlemas, All Souls. Christmas and Easter cards. Facebook page updates on church activities. Continue to seek ways to involve members of the congregation e.g. baptism services, welcome course, help at special events, summer teas.

19 APPENDIX 3 (Map of the Parish) 19