A Profile of the Berrynarbor and Combe Martin Parishes with a Role Description and Specification for a House-for-Duty Priest Barnstaple Archdeaconry The Diocese of Exeter
Contents Archdeacon s Foreword pg 3 Role Description pg 4 Person Specification pg 5 The Parishes our life in 2015 Combe Martin, St Peter ad Vincula pg 6 St Peter s, Berrynarbor pg 10 Appendices pg 12 2
Thank you for your interest in this post. Archdeacon s Foreword The parishes of Combe Martin and Berrynarbor serve an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Devon coast, just to the east of Ilfracombe. They are within easy reach of Barnstaple and just over an hour from the M5. The area is an attractive place to live and popular with holidaymakers. Both parishes are thriving communities, with a wide range of activities and organisations, including two primary schools. The churches are on the cusp of an exciting future. Over the last year considerable prayer and reflection has gone into a pastoral re-organisation, in which Combe Martin and Berrynarbor (previously linked with Lynton) will now be linked to St Philip and St James Church in Ilfracombe. The Rector there, the Revd Michael Rogers, will become Priest-in- Charge of Combe Martin and Berrynarbor as well. This pastoral re-organisation has been welcomed by all the parishes, and we are now looking for a House for Duty priest to assist Michael in leading the mission and ministry of the churches. The prime responsibility of the priest appointed will be worship and pastoral care in Combe Martin and Berrynarbor. But s/he will also play a key role in supporting joint work across the three parishes and developing lay ministry within the churches. We seek someone who will enjoy immersing themselves in the wider community life of Combe Martin and Berrynarbor. S/he will need to be flexible in leading worship, open to a range of church tradition, and committed to collaborative working there will be good support from clergy colleagues in the wider Coast and Combe Mission Community and from churchwardens and PCC members. The overall vision of the Diocese has three priorities: Growing in Prayer; Making New Disciples; and Serving the People of Devon with Joy. Mission Communities are central to the strategy to implement this vision and foster mission and growth. You can find more information about Mission Communities on the diocesan website in the documents, Moving on in Mission and Ministry (2003) and Towards a Diocesan Mission Action Plan (2012). Any candidate for this post must show awareness of and commitment to both the diocesan vision and the Mission Communities strategy. I commend this Parish Profile to you for your prayerful consideration. The Ven Dr Mark Butchers Archdeacon of Barnstaple 3
Role Description The parishes of Berrynarbor and Combe Martin have been vacant since the departure of the last incumbent, who moved to a new post in January 2015. A new grouping of parishes has now been agreed and warmly accepted, under which the incumbent of the parish of St Philip & St James, Ilfracombe (commonly known as Pip & Jim s), the Rev d Canon Michael Rogers, will also be licensed as priest-in-charge of these two parishes after the House-for Duty appointment has been made. To assist him in establishing this new group, we are looking for a House-for-Duty Priest to live in Combe Martin Rectory. There is no stipend attached to this post. The remuneration is accommodation only, although working expenses will be reimbursed in full at the rates specified by the Diocese of Exeter. The person appointed will be asked to assist the incumbent in: building bridges between Combe Martin, Berrynarbor and Pip & Jim s leading worship and preaching providing pastoral care in Combe Martin and Berrynarbor supporting the incumbent in growing the life and vision of the churches He or she will be encouraged to use their own gifts, and it is hoped will encourage others to do the same. 4
Person Specification We are praying for a person who: Is prayerful and Spirit-led, with a love for Jesus, who moves actively in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Is comfortable in a pastoral role. Is comfortable leading a variety of forms of worship (BCP, CW, informal). Has a vision for and experience of growing churches, particularly in a rural setting Has experience of developing lay ministry. Is able to relate to unchurched people of all ages. Is willing to "get out of the boat" and help to lead us in new directions. In this rural area the ability to drive is essential. 5
THE PARISHES - OUR LIFE IN 2015 COMBE MARTIN, ST PETER AD VINCULA Combe Martin is a rural parish with a population of about 2700 people. It is built along a valley that runs down to a small harbour. The village is a mini seaside resort, popular with people seeking a simple holiday amid spectacular coastal and moorland scenery. Geology and Topography South facing slopes are steep but fertile and used to be significant for the growing of strawberries. Combe Martin was also famous for its silver mines and the surface workings of one these are being carefully restored. The lack of flat land has an impact upon the availability of the number and variety of housing. Demography In summer, the population numbers can grow significantly with the influx of holidaymakers. Employment therefore tends to be very seasonal. Permanent employment is based upon farming, some light industry, and commuting to Barnstaple. Often young people have to leave the area if they wish to find betterment. It is an area with a significant number of people coming to retire. This, together with the growth of holiday and second homes, has distorted the housing market. There is one primary school. Secondary and Further education takes place in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. Economy Income from full time and seasonal employment and from pensions tends to be less compared with regional and national averages. There are three general stores distributed through the village, also a bakery, butchers and a pharmacy. There are 4 public houses. Food outlets are varied and tend to rely on the tourist market, though a number hold their own throughout the year. Public transport is limited, although there are regular bus services to Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, the major town in North Devon. There are also weekly free services by Tesco to its Barnstaple store. The lack of private transport is a serious limitation. Fuel prices are higher than in urban areas. There are two garages with fuel pumps, one undertakes car servicing and deals in second hand cars. 6
Activities Combe Martin has a lively and flourishing range of activities and clubs for all ages. They include Judo, Boxing, Badminton, Football, Lawn Bowls, Darts and Skittle leagues, Gardening, Sports Field and Public Parks. The provision of a Village Youth club is currently under consideration. The Village Hall is the main indoor public space, where a monthly Farmers Market is held. The Parish Church Hall has car parking for about 30 cars. The Museum is run by volunteers from the village and offers a range of activities throughout the year. It also incorporates the Tourist Information Centre. The Hunting of the Earl of Rone draws in a lot of people at the Late Spring Bank Holiday weekend; a Strawberry Fair is held in June; there is a thriving Carnival during the second week of August. The Shammick Acoustic Folk Group meets monthly and involves many people, and there is a Music Festival during July. The Church The prominently placed medieval church of St Peter Ad Vincula is specially noted for its lofty tower and for its Rood Screen. The latter is of national importance and was restored and conserved in 2012. The building is in a good state of repair and, we have been able to deal with the major items identified in recent Quinquennial Inspections. The central heating system has been renewed to the benefit of both the church and congregation. We have also made some limited but important changes to the layout and hence flexibility of use in the front nave. Church tradition We use vestments and choral music for some communion services. There is a Lay worship team that has the responsibility for the two Services of the Word each month during the vacancy. This group previously worked with the Rector in planning and leading services. 7
Services (during the vacancy) Sunday: 9.30am 1 st : Parish Worship (Lay-led) 2 nd : Holy Communion (CW), 3 rd : Parish Worship (Lay-led) 4 th : Holy Communion (CW), 5 th Shared-alternating with Berrynarbor 6.30pm Christians together shared between the Anglican, Methodist and Baptist churches in the village Wednesday: 9.30 Prayers in the Lady Chapel. 10.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Special services include Celtic style, Agape, Service in Memory of Loved Ones (at All Souls/All Saints), village services at Carnival and Christmas and on Remembrance Sunday. There is a small active choir. We are currently seeking a Musical Director/Organist. Currently we have two volunteers who provide music for our services. Our hymn book is the New Anglican version of Hymns Old and New. Worship Groups: Combe Martin has built up a good team of lay people with a growing confidence and ability both to conduct and to develop Services of the Word. A group plans the Hymns for the Communion services and other services as needed. House Groups take place during Lent and continue in sets of 6 weeks throughout the year. We already work closely with Berrynarbor. Messy Church meets on the second Saturday morning each month with breakfast, bacon baps and activities for all the family based on a theme, concluding with a short service of songs and story. This is well attended by families within the village. Ecumenical activities: Women s World Day of Prayer, Good Friday Walks of Witness, Beating the Bounds, Christian Aid lunches and Carol singing. Facilities: There is a Church Hall with parking for about 30 cars and is available for community use. Talents: There are currently 58 people on the Electoral Roll (primarily of the actively fit elderly), and the average Sunday attendance is c32. Church members are involved in the community such as reading at the school, Street Pastors and School Pastors, Farmers Market refreshments, Open Gardens. There is a proficient band of bell ringers. The Friends of St Peter s was formed some eight years ago to help maintain the fabric of the church and churchyard. This has enabled repairs and improvements to the church and church hall. There is also a Christians Together organization in Combe Martin, which is struggling to revise its purpose at the moment, but could be a fundamental part of the future ministry. The other churches are the Methodist and Baptist The Primary School whilst not a Church Aided or Church Voluntary, is encouraged to use the church and ministers are welcomed into the school. The Rector has been taking a weekly assembly at the school. 8
Finance We have a regular weekly Stewardship Scheme and every year we have just been able to pay our Diocesan Share in full. A sale of the former Glebe property has realized a sum for the work of the Church in the village and the Church overseas (as a result of the terms of the Will of the original owners). The Friends of St Peter s have already assisted with a number of projects. The work on the Medieval Rood Screen was financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund (80%) grants and the village community, and there is a binding commitment to undertake educational and other activities in response. The Rectory, Rectory Road, Combe Martin EX34 0NS The Rectory is situated on the South side of the valley and looks down towards the coast. It was built in the late sixties and stands in its own grounds with a private drive. The accommodation consists of: Ground floor- lounge-dining room combined with dividing doors, study, kitchen with larder, porch, large hallway, cloakroom, back porch. First Floor- Four double bedrooms, bathroom, storage cupboards. Outside- garage, car port, ample parking for cars, garden with greenhouse. It has oil fired central heating with its own water supplied from a spring. 9
ST. PETER S, BERRYNARBOR St. Peter s is the only religious building in this rural parish of approximately 750 souls. The Church is a Grade 2* listed building in the centre of the Conservation Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The north transept arch dates from the 11 th century, other parts are from the 15 th and 16 th centuries with restoration from 1862, 1880 and 1889. The stained glass windows are 19 th century. The bell tower (regularly used) was restored in 2001. There is a core indigenous population mostly engaged in agriculture or tourism. Residents who have moved to live here in the main commute to towns or are retired Housing is privately owned (Bands D and above) There is a community run post office and shop. There are two part time salaried managers and local volunteers who run the shop most satisfactorily. A primary voluntary controlled school serves a wider catchment area. The Rector, until his recent move, has been an ex-officio governor and the PCC appoints two foundation governors and the Parish Council appoints one. The Rector has been taking a weekly Assembly. In summer, tenting and caravan sites increase the population by several thousands. There are hotels (Sandy Cove, Bessemer Thatch and The Lodge), two inns (Ye Olde Globe and Sawmills) accommodation to rent and second homes. A café (Miss Muffet) has summer opening. The village regularly wins awards for Best Kept Village and Britain in Bloom. The parish includes National Trust coastal footpaths and beaches with views across to Wales from the cliffs. As the bus service is irregular, most households have a car and those no longer able to drive are increasingly isolated. There is a strong independent community identity and a tradition of supporting neighbours in need. There are a number of local organisations which strengthen the life of the community. 10
A bimonthly village newsletter is published on this website www.berrynarbor-news.co.uk The PCC has been chaired by the Rector. There are two Churchwardens, three Deputy Wardens, two Deanery Synod members and six members. Meetings are held at six weekly intervals for administration and financial matters. There is a worship planning group. Payment of the Common Fund is achieved by a stewardship scheme, collections in church, income from dividends and a summer fete. Worship is at 11.a.m on Sundays. Sung Eucharist is on 1 st and 3 rd Sunday in the month, Village Service on 2 nd and 4 th Sunday in the month and usually Sung Eucharist on the 5 th Sunday. On some Sundays, the intercessions are led by a member of the congregation. Worship is spiritual but informal with gentle humour. There is an unrobed village choir which is affiliated to the Royal School of Music. Tea and Coffee is served at the end of services for fellowship and is much appreciated. In 2014 the attendance at Easter was 111 (5l communicants and 25 children), the Church was full for the Carol Service (160 plus) and 88 at Christmas including children (44 communicants). The Christians Together Ecumenical Covenant in Combe Martin and Berrynarbor has an annual Evening Service in the Church, Our strength in Berrynarbor is the friendship that exists between members of the congregation and the willingness to help one another when necessary. The weaknesses will become more apparent in the immediate future as the vacancy unfolds! 11
Appendices 1. Housing Please see attached pdf file 2. Map of area 12