SAINT MARY & ALL SAINTS Bingham Parish Church PARISH PROFILE
CONTENTS Summary... 2 Saint Mary and All Saints Parish Church Building and History... 2 Bingham... 3 Parish and Benefice... 4 Rectory... 5 Services... 5 Festivals and Special Services... 6 Congregations... 8 PCC and Church Officers... 9 Choir and Organ... 9 Bell Ringers and Tower... 9 Ministry Team... 10 Staff... 10 Parish Relationships... 10 Communications... 11 Finance... 12 Ecumenical Relations... 12 Other Churches and Faiths... 13 Vision for the Future... 14 Our Needs and Vision... 15 Our New Rector... 15 Appendix 1: Church Attendance... 16 Appendix 2: Demographics... 18 Appendix 3: Financial Accounts... 19 Appendix 4: Funding Campaign History... 20 1
Summary The single parish benefice is in the East Bingham Deanery in the Archdeaconry of Nottingham of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Bingham is a very desirable place in which to work and live, and to bring up a family. It has grown rapidly over the past 50 years and will continue to grow. There are outstanding schools and transport links. The church enjoys excellent relations with the local Methodists. Well-attended special services and well-supported social initiatives indicate good relations with the town as a whole. The church is regarded as friendly and secure, but knows it needs to change to meet the needs of the growing town. The new Incumbent will find many challenges, but a strong base from which to start and a body of willing fellow workers. Saint Mary and All Saints Parish Church Building and History The church is a listed Grade I building dating from the early 13th century, noted for its distinctive tower with its clock and spire that is a local landmark. It is thought very likely that there was a wooden Saxon church on the site, but no trace of it has yet been found. The mid-19th century, during the time of Rev d Robert Miles, was a time of significant restoration and improvement under George Gilbert Scott. 2
Around this time, a church school was built close by. This building called Old Church House is a Grade II listed building. When it ceased to be used as a school, it became the church rooms. The modern rectory is adjacent to Old Church House. After the First World War, the Chancel screen was adapted to become the War Memorial. Works in modern times have included the Nave platform, a sound system with hearing loop, refurbishment of the Rector s and Choir Vestries, toilets (including one for disabled people) and a kitchen. Outside the church, the historic Lychgate has been restored. Essential repairs in recent years have included extensive work on the coping stones and flashing. The Churchyard was closed for burials in the late 19th century and is now maintained by the local authority. The Memorial Garden, which is open for interment of ashes, has recently been much improved with the installation of a central cross, planting of yew borders and the addition of two benches. Bingham Bingham is a small market town in the Rushcliffe Borough of Nottinghamshire, with a population of approximately 10,000, adjacent to the intersection of the A46 (Fosse Way) and the A52 between Nottingham and Grantham. The location is rural, a short distance from the scenic Vale of Belvoir, but equally close to Nottingham. Nottingham exerts a considerable pull, so that many population centres, near to the city, are dormitory towns and villages. However, Bingham retains a life of its own, given its location and increasing population. There is an industrial estate approximately 20 acres in size north of the railway. Further development will occur north of the railway. In 2014, the Crown Estate, which is the major landowner in Bingham, published proposals for over 1,000 new homes, employment space for 1,000 new jobs, a new primary school and leisure facilities including a Country Park with lakes. Bingham has an attractive centre around the large market square and Buttercross, the second most iconic feature in the town after the church. There is a diverse mixture of retail outlets, from national supermarkets to small local businesses including specialist outlets. There are five public houses, of which 2 are under redevelopment, several restaurants, coffee shops and a hotel. In recent years a café culture has evolved in the Market Square. A thriving market is held in the square on Thursdays. A Farmers Market is held every third Saturday and other markets are held occasionally. Sports and leisure facilities include Bingham Leisure Centre and Bingham Linear Park, running along the track bed of an old railway line. In 2013, Bingham was named as the best place in England and Wales to bring up a family. The study examined factors including quality of schools, childcare provision, affordability of living and crime levels. 3
There are 4 schools: Toot Hill School (year 7 12/13), which has academy status (Ofsted rating: Outstanding), Robert Miles Junior School (Good), Bingham Robert Miles Infant School (Good) and Carnarvon Primary School (Outstanding). There are no church schools. There is one other church building in Bingham. In a major development, the Bingham Methodist Centre has been rebuilt and reopened April 2016. Healthcare is provided by the newly built Bingham Medical Centre. There are two pharmacies. The town has good public transport links. Buses run every 10 minutes to Nottingham and trains run hourly between Nottingham and Grantham and beyond via Bingham. There are buses, also, to Newark, Melton Mowbray and some outlying villages. The main East Coast and East Midlands rail lines, M1 and A1 are easily accessible. East Midlands Airport is 23 miles away. Bingham is twinned with Wallenfels, Bavaria. See Appendix 2 for Bingham demographics based on 2011 census. Parish and Benefice The Parish is in the East Bingham Deanery in the Archdeaconry of Nottingham of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Parish and town are geographically the same. Bingham is a single parish benefice. 4
Rectory Built 1990, in the Bingham conservation area, and in good condition: 4 bedrooms (master bedroom with washbasin and two walk-in storage cupboards, one small double, two single, all with fitted wardrobes), 2 south-facing reception (one with open fireplace and grate), study, semi-fitted breakfast kitchen and utility room, upstairs bathroom and separate toilet, downstairs toilet; single garage, parking for several cars on frontage; gas central heating. Medium sized back garden, patio and mature trees including a historic Bramley apple. Services Eucharistic worship is at the heart of our church community. Our usual pattern of services has been: Sunday 8:15am 10:00am 4:00pm 6:30pm Holy Communion (said) Book of Common Prayer, brief sermon. Parish Communion Common Worship (sung) 3rd Sunday: Morning Worship not always eucharistic The choir sings at Common Worship services, and, at an appropriate point in the service, sings an anthem. Time Together in Church (3rd Sunday) This service is to encourage families into church for a relaxed and fun hour and to help them feel at home in church. Other churches have Messy Church with similar objectives. Evensong Book of Common Prayer in Chancel, sermon. On occasions Evensong is replaced by a contemplative Taizé service. 5
The High Altar is used for 8:15am Holy Communion every Sunday and 10:00am Parish Communion on the 4th Sunday. A moveable Nave Altar is used at Parish Communion on all other Sundays and on Thursdays. For the last year during rebuilding, the Methodist Church has joined us on the 2nd Sunday at 10:00 am. Now that their church has reopened, this ecumenical arrangement will continue with services alternating between the churches. Thursday (Bingham Market Day) 10:00am Parish Communion (said) Common Worship short sermon. Nick Harding, Diocesan Children's Ministry Advisor, launch of Time Together in Church Festivals and Special Services The popularity of the these services shows that the non-church-going people of Bingham have a spirituality that does not seem to draw them to our regular services, but does draw them to church on special occasions. Christmas Several schools hold their Carol Service in the Church and the Rector is always involved. Carols by Candlelight The Church is candlelit for our traditional Lessons and Carols Service. It is a much loved and eagerly anticipated service for both town and congregation, held on the last Sunday before Christmas. 6
Crib Service on Christmas Eve This recent innovation has proved very successful. It has been popular to the point of embarrassment as the number of children has been in danger of exceeding the capacity of our facilities! Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve Our congregation is committed to this important and popular service. Christingle on Christmas Day This service is now well established and it remains well-attended. Initially, there were many young children. Lately, the number of small children has dropped considerably, but the service is still well attended by families. Christmas Tree Festival, Bishop Inwood on left, photo by Jane Wyles, Diocesan Media Officer Lent & Easter Holy Communion (Common Worship) with Imposition of Ashes is sung on the evening of Ash Wednesday. A short ecumenical Stations of the Cross service is held on Fridays during Lent led by members of different churches each week. Holy Communion (Common Worship) is sung on the evening of Maundy Thursday. Good Friday is marked by two Processions of Witness meeting in the Market Place and followed by an ecumenical service, alternately at the Methodist Church and the Parish Church. A joint evening service of Tenebrae is held in the Parish Church. 7
In recent years, a Sunrise Holy Communion on Easter morning, supplemental to normal Sunday services, has been customary. This year, we had a Service of Light on Easter Saturday evening instead. Harvest Festival We always celebrate Harvest Festival. In addition, a local school holds its own Harvest Festival in our church during school time. All Souls Day We remember and commemorate our deceased loved ones with a special service in the evening. Again this is very well supported. Remembrance Sunday The church is filled somewhat beyond capacity. Apart from the Royal British Legion, the service is supported by local uniformed organisations (adults and youngsters). A parallel children s service is held. This has outgrown the capacity of Old Church House and so now meets in a local school. We take it in turns with the Methodists to host the annual Town Civic Service. Other Services Special services are usually held if there is any public event, such as the town fair, and also as part of any flower or Christmas Tree festival we might hold. These are also popular and well attended. Congregations We are an ageing congregation and most members are no longer in paid work, so can give generously of their time, but increasing age and frailty means there is a limit to what they can do. Average attendance on Sundays is about 15 20 at 8:15am, 60 70 at 10:00am and 12 at 6:30pm Evensong. Thursday 10:00am varies from 15 25. Mission Return figures for the last 4 years are shown in Appendix 1. The 8:15am congregation rarely attends other services. There is considerable overlap between 10:00am and Evensong congregations and also with Thursday 10:00am, but that service is popular with worshippers, who find Sunday services too long, or who prefer Thursday because they can also shop at the Market. A good number of members of the congregation are rostered to serve the Altar, to read lessons and lead intercessions. Members of the congregation are involved with Deanery and Diocesan affairs and other faith-based organisations. Our Mothers Union branch meets regularly with a varied programme, which majors on subjects relevant to our faith. All meetings start with a short service. 8
There are two Friendly Circle groups for widowed and single people, who very much enjoy their monthly lunches at various venues chosen by the members. We have a Lay Minister in Children's Work, who has been a member of the Time Travelling Team at Southwell Minster for over 20 years. Two other members of the church help in organising and running these award-winning educational events, which attract over 3,000 Nottinghamshire schoolchildren to the Minster every year and is a major shared work with many of the parishes in the Diocese. Two members of the congregation have received dementia awareness training. We aim to be inclusive. We try to ensure that people, who are incapacitated in any way, feel welcome and can fully participate in our services, as far as they are able and feel comfortable. PCC and Church Officers There are currently 15 members on the PCC. Together the lay leadership can offer a great deal in life experience, in and outside the church, and expertise to assist the incoming incumbent. Choir and Organ We have a long and strong choral tradition, which we wish to maintain and promote. The Choir, which is affiliated to the RSCM, sings at all Parish Communions and at special services. It is led by our experienced Organist and Choirmaster, who has been with us for over 3 years Currently there are 15 people in the Choir: 3 trebles (2 boys, 1 girl), 5 sopranos, 3 altos, 1 tenor, 3 basses. Training and preparation for RSCM examinations for junior members of the Choir is offered by our experienced Assistant Organist and Choirmaster. The organ is an Eminent Digital Computing System organ. Bell Ringers and Tower There are 11 regular bell ringers, including Tower Captain, in the team. One member also maintains the clock and tower as Steeple Keeper. We have been ringing a quarter peal, usually on the first Sunday of the month in remembrance of those from Bingham who fell in the Great War in that month 100 years ago. This commitment will see us ringing 23 quarter peals over the four years. Because Bingham is one of the few churches locally to have a full set of 8 bells, it frequently attracts visiting bell ringers. 9
Ministry Team Currently we have two retired priests, one of whom has accepted responsibility for most of the priestly roles in the parish during the interregnum. We are uncommonly well served in this regard. We have a Church Army Captain who holds the Bishop s license as a Lay Minister. Owing to disability, he is less able to do as much as he used to. We also have two Readers and a Pastoral Assistant in training. Staff We have several paid staff who work part time. As noted in the section on the Choir, we have two very experienced people leading our music: the Organist and Choirmaster, and the Assistant Organist and Choirmaster. A recent innovation by local churches is the employment of a Youth and Children s Worker, who is contracted from the Grace Organisation. His appointment is funded half by the Methodists and a quarter by us and by East Bridgford parish. His role is to be involved with all aspects of work with children, including schools, and, wherever possible, to introduce new initiatives. We have a Verger, who does far more than he is paid to do. We employ both a handyman and cleaner to maintain Old Church House. They are supervised by our voluntary Manager. A large number of volunteers help keep the church and Old Church House running. There are teams and rotas that cover cleaning, flower arranging, linen laundering and refreshments. Parish Relationships Special Events Judging by the attendance at special services, we are well regarded in the town and our presence is appreciated. These services see a doubling or quadrupling of our normal congregation. Our first Christmas Tree festival was a great occasion and blessing. Shops, societies and businesses were all enthusiastic to contribute and dress a tree. The Festival is held on average every two years, although the demand is for a greater frequency. Our yearly Teddy Bear Parachute Jump from the tower is also very popular with children and parents. 10
The church is used for community events: principally concerts, promoted by several different organisations (including ourselves). Old Church House The former church school serves as our Parish Rooms. It has a good-sized hall, a smaller room, kitchen and modern toilets. The building and facilities were extensively refurbished 10 years ago. The work included an extension to house a toilet for disabled people. The adjoining head teacher s cottage now houses the Church Office, with a modern leased colour copier, on the ground floor, and the Upper Room, suitable for smaller meetings, on the first floor. Old Church House is a great asset to the community used by around 700 people each week (mainly children). It is used by a dancing school on four days each week, five scout/guide groups, four groups for young children and mothers, two educational groups, a ballroom dancing class, an art class, three U3A groups and a yoga class. Communications Old Church House Mustard Seed A comprehensive newsletter keeps all congregations abreast of the news and future events on a weekly or fortnightly basis. 11
The Butter Cross Our monthly Parish magazine, The Butter Cross, is distributed free to all 4,500 houses in Bingham. This involves over a hundred volunteers to help insert leaflets, distribute to street level and deliver door to door. Butter Cross is profitable, from advertising revenue. The magazine is notable for the Rector s letter or article on the front page. It contains church news, service details and essential contacts for the church, Methodists and Roman Catholics. It is not typical of parish magazines. Most who receive it will see its function as secular, with contributions from all the local societies and public bodies who want an entry. Currently, over 100 groups, clubs and charities provide information about themselves for inclusion in Butter Cross. 130 local businesses advertise in the magazine because of its large circulation Friends of Bingham Parish Church This is a separate charity. It exists for anyone to contribute to the fabric and offers an opportunity for those who want the church to be there, but do not want to express any particular commitment to its faith life. The Friends funded the complete renovation of the Lychgate and gave 1,000 to the church for recent work on coping stones and flashing. The Rector and churchwardens sit on its committee as church representatives. There is the opportunity for this charity to cultivate links with the town, especially as Bingham is notable for the Bingham Heritage Trails Association, a group of highly motivated people, who are interested in the history of Bingham and have carried out a number of professional historical surveys. Finance The Parish Share, as for the last four years, will be paid in full this year. Appendix 3 contains the Financial Accounts for 2015. Our last Funding Campaign was held in 2015. It resulted in a 14% increase in giving to 50,925 by 133 givers, at an average of 383 gross, per annum. Funding Campaigns have been conducted regularly since 1986 see Appendix 4. Ecumenical Relations We have been in a Covenant for Unity with local Methodists and Roman Catholics since the 1980s. Churches Together in Bingham (CTB) specifically involves the Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches, but it does work with other churches. CTB mounts some events during the year, mainly as fundraisers for a specific project that changes from time to time. It also offers bereavement counselling. 12
The Bingham Churches Walking Group, which has been organized since its inception by a member of our congregation, comes under the umbrella of the CTB. To some extent, relations between the churches operate independently of CTB. Relations with the Methodists have always been excellent. They have just moved into their new building. While it was under construction, they met in Old Church House, but joined us for a combined service once a month. Now that they have their new building, it has been agreed that we continue these monthly joint services. We join together for their annual Covenant service in January. Such events as Lent Courses have normally been run as a joint effort. Relations with the Roman Catholics (St Anne s, Radcliffe-on-Trent) are less formal, but friendly. At one time they held Mass in our church on Sunday afternoons. This became an inconvenient time for them and they moved to the Methodist Centre on Sunday morning before the Methodist service. While the Methodist Centre was being rebuilt, they, too, used Old Church House, but have now moved back to the Methodists. Usually a small number of their members come to ecumenical or CTB events. Other Churches and Faiths Riverside Church (Evangelical Alliance) has two fellowship groups in Bingham and some of their congregation are occasional worshippers in our church. The Society of Friends meet for worship in each other s homes. The Spiritual Foundation of Light has a meeting room in Bingham. 13
Vision for the Future We met recently to identify our strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities that we have to grow spiritually and numerically. The results are shown in the table below. This helped us to formulate our needs as a church, when envisioning our future, and to inform what we are hoping our next Rector can give us and help us with. These we have outlined in the following two sections. Strengths Welcoming Fellowship Helpful Caring Adaptable Generous Loyal Committed Experienced Thoughtful Good leadership Finance secure Buildings in good condition Weaknesses Majority of congregation, over 60 Not enough young adults Not enough children or teenagers Lacking effective outreach Opportunities identifying Open Doors Youth and Children s Worker Schools Children s / youth groups Support for grandparents / child minders Adult groups U3A, etc. Users of church facilities Weddings Baptisms Special events civic, concerts, Christmas Tree Festival Parish magazine Open church (not locked) Meeting people where they are - cafés 14
Our Needs and Vision developing opportunities for everyone to grow in their faith and love of God; engagement with the wider community, sharing our faith with those outside the church, especially younger people and families; taking further steps with people who have approached the church for baptism, weddings and funerals; recognising and developing our role in civic events; building on the strength of our relationships with the community and their support of our events. Our New Rector prayerful, caring and people-centred; can communicate effectively with old and young, both those in the church and beyond; has a strong preaching ministry: a teacher who will inspire us to live out the word of God in our daily lives; experienced, able to inspire, encourage and train lay people; respects and welcomes the musical traditions of the church, yet also has the skills to transform patterns of worship to meet future needs; will help us to manage change sensitively and effectively; will be visible and involved / active in the wider community; will embrace the opportunities provided by a civic church and our ecumenical partners. Time Together in Church: Picnic on the Parachute 15
Appendix 1: Church Attendance All data from 2015 Mission Return. 120 100 80 60 40 20 Usual Sunday Attendance & Electoral Roll 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 Adult Child Electoral Roll October: All Age Attendance 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 Weekly Min Weekly Max Weekly Average Harvest Festivals in October 2014 and October 2015 mask the overall trend. However, an upward trend is shown by rise in Weekly Minimum since 2012. 16
Advent Christmas Easter Advent Christmas Easter Advent Christmas Easter Advent Christmas Easter Festivals 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Other Communicants 2012 2013 2014 2015 Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 Baptisms Marriages Funerals 17
Appendix 2: Demographics Data from 2015 Mission Return, and the 2011 and 2001 censuses. Age Profile Congregation Town 0 10 11 17 18 69 70+ 0 14 15 29 30 44 45 59 60 74 75 89 90+ Observations and Trends 1 In the ten years, 2001 2011, there has been an increase of 6% in over 60s living in Bingham and a corresponding reduction in under 45s. 2 The percentage of non-white people is low at 3% compared to 11% for the Diocese. However, 3% represents a significant increase since the 2001 census when the percentage was about half that. 3 The 2011 census recorded 61% as Christian (5,550) compared with 74% (6,450) in 2001. 4 33% of the population have Level 4 qualifications (Bachelors degree or higher) compared with 27% nationally. The percentage with no qualifications is 17% compared with 22% nationally. 5 15% of the population have higher managerial occupations and 26% are in lower managerial positions. 12% work on their own account, or for a small employer. 8% have routine occupations. Long-term unemployment is between 2% and 3%. Around 6% are fulltime students or unclassified. 6 11% of over 60s receive the Guaranteed part of Pension Credit. 6% of working age population receive a key out-of-work benefit. 7 One-person households comprise 28%, one-family households comprise 69%. 8 77% of households are owner occupied, 11.5% are private rental and 11.5% are social rental. 9 54% are married, 17% cohabiting and 29% single (19% never married). 18
Appendix 3: Financial Accounts FINANCIAL STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2015 CURRENT ACCOUNT 2015 2014 RECEIPTS Planned Giving 36,758.08 35,051.58 Collections & Other Giving 3,089.63 7,781.95 Donations 15,315.55 42,556.00 Special Events 2,132.00 8,718.33 Parochial Fees 4,148.00 2,205.00 Butter Cross Magazine 33,652.19 38,958.95 Old Church House 25,053.81 27,017.85 Charitable Giving 271.79 0.00 Candle stand 161.56 220.29 TOTAL RECEIPTS 120,582.61 162,509.95 PAYMENTS Parish Share 63,876.00 61,560.00 Ministry Expenses 1,393.67 1,659.18 Services: Wine, Bread, Candles 388.09 262.40 Choir 2,170.99 3,516.33 Church Running 48,303.99 16,329.26 Old Church House 11,726.53 16,107.46 Butter Cross Magazine 23,607.81 20,596.95 Admin. & Photocopying 4,494.57 2,118.68 Charitable Giving 271.79 0.00 Special Events 1,169.47 1,806.51 TOTAL PAYMENTS 157,402.91 123,956.77 MONETARY ASSETS Notes to the accounts 2015 Current Account 25,372.05 General Reserve 8,399.73 Reserve Fabric Fund 26,568.88 Reserve Bells Fund 4,551.43 Reserve Choir & Music Fund 2,572.00 CCLA Special Fund 13,850.31 Flower Group 375.13 TOTAL 81,689.53 There were two exceptional items in the years 2014 2015. 2014 A bequest of 30,000 was received included under Donations. 2015 Church Running includes repairs to coping stones and flashing, cost 30,000 approx. 19
Appendix 4: Funding Campaign History Since 2003, we have tried to maintain our giving between Funding Campaigns, by asking new members of the congregation, once settled in, to join the scheme. This has mitigated falls in giving, resulting from deaths, or people moving away. As a result, fluctuations in income from year to year have been reduced. 60,000 Funding Campaigns 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 1986 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2015 Before After 20