PROFILE FOR THE UNITED BENEFICE OF ASHINGTON, WASHINGTON AND WISTON WITH BUNCTON St Michael over Chanctonbury Ring, Ashington church Joint Easter morning service on Chanctonbury Ring ]
Welcome Welcome to the united Benefice of Ashington, Washington and Wiston with Buncton where we have been on a continuous path of development over the past 12 years. We invite applicants for the current vacancy who will continue to lead us along the path God intends us to follow. We offer encouragement, prayer and practical help to the person God has chosen. Our Mission Our Vision for the Future We believe that God has placed the following imperatives on our heart: His purposes for the Benefice will only be met by our churches working together greater unity with our neighbouring parishes to a greater sense of care and love for our neighbours, in particular the growing needs of the young people of our communities to keep prayer at the heart of the church s communal life and the personal lives of its members 1
The Person we seek The incumbent will have responsibility for the three churches. He or she will also be a governor of each of the two church schools in the Benefice, and may possibly assist at Windlesham House School and at Wilton Park. The current curate will leave by June 2014 and the incumbent may wish to consider asking the Bishop for another curate. We would like our new incumbent to be: Spirit filled and open to renewal, strong in faith and prayer, committed to discerning and obeying God s will evangelical in doctrine and teaching, able to make Scripture relevant to everyday life, and a pastor committed to evangelism, and to releasing others in evangelism in our communities able to appreciate and enjoy the different style of worship in each Parish committed to the needs of the youth of the communities, their growth as Christians and their integration into church life, and willing to engage with work among them committed to developing, motivating and encouraging every-member ministry committed to instilling across the Benefice a common purpose under Jesus and making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace committed to our mission partners a good listener with a sense of fun and an ability to appreciate and enjoy the different style of worship in each parish work with and encourage a curate The Benefice God has been clearly at work transforming the parishes over the past twelve years. They are now almost unrecognisable from how they were at the start of the Millennium. The 2
transformation seems to have come about in stages - each stage under a new incumbent - and the process is continuing. First, ground was broken as the Holy Spirit was allowed increasing access. Then, gradually over the period, the churches were built up and strengthened in purpose, belief and confidence, including a growing conviction of God s desire for Christian unity across the Benefice. The Benefice was suspended in 2005 following which Wiston with Buncton was cared for by the then Bishop s Chaplain for approximately 3 years and thereafter by a semiretired priest until early 2011. After considerable prayer for unity by the church in the local area, the Benefice was re-united as the body of Christ in June 2011, when Wiston with Buncton rejoined the other two parishes in a united Benefice. The desire for unity was further underlined at a recent Benefice Away-Day and all three parishes are together looking forward to making unity a practical and spiritual reality. We also believe that God has been preparing us to enter a new and exciting phase to step out from behind the walls of our churches and to serve and make a Christian difference in our communities. In fact this is already happening. The Benefice is cared for by the Rector and a full time curate, the Revd. Julie Sear. David Prior, a retired priest who lives locally for the six summer months assists from time to time during that period. There is also a part-time administrator who assists in the church office. Location The parishes of Ashington and Washington and Wiston with Buncton are geographically placed in a triangle approximately halfway between Worthing to the south and Horsham to the north (see map on next page), just off the A24, with Ashington being the most northerly. All three parishes are north of the South Downs, but consider the Downs as part of the patch. Besides the towns of Worthing and Horsham there are the thriving nearby larger villages/towns of Steyning to the east, Storrington and Pulborough to the west and Billingshurst to the northwest. 3
Buncton The Communities The communities of the three parishes are mixed. Whilst all three are rural, the populations of each do not just consist of farming and agricultural workers. Ashington in particular has expanded hugely within the last 10-12 years, and the population is now approximately 2600 (there are 1976 on the electoral register). Whilst there are a number of older residents who have lived in the village for many years, the majority of residents live in houses built in the last 12 years and would be considered new to the village, and so, perhaps do not have an old village mentality. Many are families with young children and a significant number of working adults are commuters to London and Gatwick. There is some social housing but few starter homes and no sheltered accommodation. A new 35- unit development at Meiros Farm to the northwest of the village will have 13 affordable homes. Ashington village has various amenities including, a modern Church of England First School for up to 180 pupils, a purpose built community centre (opened in 2003), a scout hall, a recently refurbished pub/restaurant and a mobile library service. Local businesses include a pharmacy, post office, Indian restaurant, fish and chip shop, hairdressers and local store. The parish church is the only church, the Methodist church having closed in 2010 due to a shrinking congregation. Access to doctors is in Storrington and Southwater. There are three 4
bus routes through the parish to Horsham, Worthing, Steyning, Storrington and Shoreham, some of limited service. There are numerous clubs and organisations which cater well for families and the newly retired, and the community also benefits from Neighbourhood Wardens who try to keep tabs on youth and the aged. Washington, population approximately 2200, is more of a traditional village. It was cut in half by the A24 many years ago, so there is a small, tightly- knit village to the east of the A24 with its church, village hall, recreation ground (used by several local and outside organisations and clubs), allotments, a Church of England First School of 90 children, and a pub. The other part of the village north of the A24 blends with Heath Common/Sullington. Many residents have lived in the village for a long time. As in Ashington, the population consists mainly of young families, the retired and commuters. There is a mixture of housing ranging from social housing to the very expensive and the village also contains a number of houses owned by the Wiston Estate. A picture framer, a couple of small businesses and a campsite are within walking distance to the north and several larger businesses are strung out north along the A24, including a garden centre, cake factory, auction house, caravan centre and car body repair shop, access to all of which is only easily obtained by car. There is also a residential centre for adults with severe learning and other difficulties. The village is served by buses as in Ashington. There are strong church links with the Ashington and Washington First Schools. Older children generally attend Rydon Community College in Storrington followed by Steyning Grammar School or The Weald in Billingshurst. All the local schools have been ranked as Good or better at recent OFSTED inspections. The opportunity exists to continue with the gently developing relationship with Windlesham House School (a preparatory school in the parish which does not have a chaplain). The Rector has spoken about twice a term at morning chapel. He has also spoken at a Sunday Chapel and has been able to encourage staff in their work. Wiston and Buncton is the most rural and traditional of the parishes, with a population of about 180. Housing consists mainly of rented houses owned by the Wiston Estate, so, in addition to long term residents, many of whom are engaged in agriculture, there is a flow of new people coming to live in the village. There is an active Sports and Social club, which organises the village fete and hosts the Harvest Supper in the village hall, and a thriving Post Office and tea room which hosts the carols at Christmas. 5
The Churches Ashington The Parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul is of flint and stone, possibly of 15 th C. origin. The church building was greatly enlarged in 1871 when the Episcopal parish boundaries were extended to cover the eastern side, till then known as North Washington. Recent development in the village has really benefited the church as it has now become encircled by new buildings and hence appears more a part of the village. In 2009/10 major renovation works were carried out which have transformed the church from a worn, out of repair and gloomy building into a bright and welcoming one with more flexibility and therefore more opportunities for use by the village for a number of events. Feedback on the improvements, even from those who do not come to church has been very positive. The congregation is described as open evangelical, embracing the core values of Discipleship and Contagious Living, with a lively and informal style of worship. It is more of a gathered congregation, with the majority coming from outside the village. There is a lay reader, Jimmy Girling, and lay involvement in the daily business of the church is considerable and 6
actively encouraged. In fact 70% are involved in at least one activity (most likely to be a small group or a member of a set-up team). The church s vision is to be and become an Acts 2 church - loving brothers and sisters to each other knowing and attending to each other s needs, allowing each other to use their special God-given gifts, developing those gifts in parallel with evangelism so that many more people will come to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and know the power of God working in their lives. The church is growing in the use of gifts of the Holy Spirit and needs experienced authoritative leadership as it seeks to use them wisely for the glory of God. Overall numbers have grown over recent years. In 2000 the congregation numbered approximately 10. Today, there are 132 on the electoral roll, with an average Sunday attendance of approximately 100 adults and 34 children. The village could be described generally as asset rich, spiritually poor and restoring the Christian faith within the village to the level of 150 years ago (more than 50%) remains an important part of Ashington church s vision. There is a prayer meeting on the first Saturday of each month. A joint monthly prayer meeting with the other parishes is also held on a Wednesday alternately at Ashington and Washington. 7
Each Tuesday the church is turned into a café which is well attended and appreciated by villagers of all ages. The church has active children s work, starting with a crèche and then providing for children and young people from 3 years old upwards. Generally, whilst on an annual basis there may be less than 10 each of baptisms and weddings and only one or two funerals (although a number of cremations), Ashington is an active church with a wide range of groups and ministries, including eight home groups. The ministries come under the Barnabas Team, a group of mature Christians who assist the vicar with overseeing these important areas. The most recent report of these activities and teams (which was produced for the last APCM) can be seen on the Benefice website. 8
Washington In Washington there has been a church on the site since at least 1174. The present church was rebuilt in 1866, although the Tudor Tower is original. It is grade 2* listed. The congregation at Washington is nearly all drawn from the local community. It is smaller and more communal than Ashington with 35-45 adults and 6-12 children (who meet weekly in Sunday school during term-time). There is an active children s work and the monthly Family Service caters for all ages. Congregation numbers are increasing steadily, including a growing crèche. Whilst the style of worship is more formal and traditional than at Ashington, Washington shares the core values of Discipleship and Contagious Living, and like the other two parishes is working to put the church at the centre of the community. For example, church members have been instrumental in starting a café recently in the village hall on Wednesday afternoons during term-time. Its success (60 to 70 each week) has been as gratifying as it has been surprising. There is a prayer meeting on Thursday evening each week and Washington takes its turn in hosting the joint monthly prayer meeting with the other parishes which is held alternately at Ashington and Washington. There are two home groups in the parish. Each year the church has 6-8 weddings, a small number of baptisms and around 10 funerals. The number on the electoral roll is 71. The church is open all day, and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. At the time of writing, the church is in the process of considerable re-ordering to provide toilet and kitchen facilities, an improved heating system, better space for children, level flooring throughout the church for the benefit of disabled visitors and more adaptable seating arrangements. 9
God s guiding hand is being experienced strongly during this process and the church will become significantly more flexible and fit for purpose. Both Ashington and Washington regard their re-ordering programmes as part of their outreach, and physical evidence of God s plan for the Benefice. Washington church before re-ordering 10
Wiston with Buncton Until a few years ago, the Parish church of Wiston with Buncton was St. Mary s Wiston, situated at Wiston House on the Wiston Estate. The church then became redundant and was leased to the Wiston Estate, its role being assumed by All Saints Buncton. All Saints is of Saxon origin but, despite being about a thousand years old, it is in good condition and is grade 1 listed. Its situation is elevated above the surrounding countryside and it is approached by a path from the road over a stream and through woods to the large, still open, churchyard, which surrounds the small church - a quintessential English country setting. Average attendance at the monthly service is 14-18 and the electoral roll stands at 25. The congregation is mainly elderly but young people and children are always very welcome. Although many people in the parish hold strong opinions about the church, only a handful attend regularly. The rest of the congregation comes from outside the village. It is to be hoped that more can be attracted; especially now the parishes are making a concerted effort to become a unified benefice. The church is open all the time and is visited by people from all over the country. Plans for growth are welcomed and the church community would also welcome the opportunity to become more the centre of village life and to work more closely with other organisations, especially the Sports and social Club. Some have expressed the wish for more opportunities for prayer within the parish. Wiston House itself is rented to Wilton Park, a conference venue for leading opinion formers which has recently appointed an Honorary Chaplain, the Revd. Gary Wilton. As an institution Wilton Park would like to contribute more to the local community and this offers an opportunity for growth and understanding. 11
Once a year the Wiston Estate hosts The Big-Church-Day-Out, a summer gathering which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the UK and beyond. It offers worship, activities and music for all ages, so church members can come along with their friends and be part of something inspiring and powerful. 12
Sunday Service times Ashington: Services are at 10.45am 1 st Sunday Family Service 2 nd /4 th Sunday Common Worship Holy Communion 3 rd Sunday Morning Worship. Washington: Services are at 9.30am 1 st Sunday Holy Communion BCP 2 nd Sunday Morning Worship 3 rd Sunday Common Worship Holy Communion 4 th Sunday Family Service A Healing Service is held with the Communion service three times a year. Wiston with Buncton: Services are at 11.00am 3rd Sunday Common Worship Holy Communion in traditional words Monthly combined service On the 5 th Sunday of each month a combined Common Worship Communion service at 10.45am is hosted by Ashington and Washington in turn and potentially with Wiston with Buncton. These times are not set in concrete and are open for discussion. Music and Worship Ashington is very well served with musicians who play a variety of instruments and worship is enthusiastic. The services have more sung worship than the other two churches. Washington has an organ but no organist, although it is played at weddings by an organist from Ashington. There is a digital hymnal which serves well enough. Very occasionally this 13
fails and when it does the worship becomes more enthusiastic! A small group from Ashington leads worship at the Family service and at the Morning Worship service, which is greatly appreciated. Wiston with Buncton has no instrumental accompaniment for worship, so good singers and a strong leader are appreciated. Benefice website More information on the churches can be found on the Benefice website www.chanctonburychurches.org.uk Youth An important contributor to the needs of children and young people in West Sussex is Splash!, a Christian charity all of whose staff and volunteers are drawn from churches within the deanery. They lead assemblies, lunch hour clubs and after-school and holiday activities in up to 20 schools in the area. In addition, over the past couple of years a small group of people (who also wear a variety of other hats) from Ashington and Washington churches have been meeting to pray and consider how the churches can become more involved in our communities. In particular, they feel that, given the withdrawal of County Council funding for local open youth clubs and activities, the time is now right for the Christian community to step up and take a greater lead on meeting the social, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our young people. Amongst the key issues are: the number of children living in low income households has increased throughout West Sussex in recent years and consequently the number of young people living in poverty will have increased during the recession Horsham District has the joint highest percentage of young people (11%) who binge drink regularly/occasionally, across West Sussex 14
there is currently considerable concern amongst professionals about young people in the Ashington area involved in drink, drugs and/or sexual promiscuity. Mission and Evangelism The Ashington and Washington churches commit 10% of their annual income to mission and outreach, including support of the Worthing Churches Homeless Project; CARE, a Christian parliamentary lobbying group; and Barnabas, supporting persecuted Christians. They also support mission partners in India, Tanzania, and Kenya and, until recently, Togo. Two of our mission partners are daughters of church members. Within the Parishes there are regular Alpha and Y courses, prayer groups, small groups, monthly men s breakfast and a quarterly women s breakfast. From time to time a marriage course is held. The evenings are designed for any couple wishing to build a strong and lasting relationship in marriage. Prayer We seek to emphasise the importance of prayer. We therefore encourage and provide opportunity for the development of prayer in the communal life of the church and in each member s personal life. We wish to grow nearer to God in our prayer life. Finance All income is received from members of the three congregations and finances have generally been sound. Prayerful planned giving is encouraged and a good proportion of members give by monthly standing order. Copies of the parishes latest Annual Accounts can be viewed on the Benefice website at http://www.chanctonburychurches.org.uk/churchaccounts/index.html 15
The Rectory The Rectory is a red brick building with 4/5 bedrooms (the previous Rector having divided one room for his children. Downstairs there is a good sized kitchen, a utility room, large sitting room, dining room and an office by the front door. There is a sizable garden and an old sit-on mower comes as a gift with the house! 16
Questions Questions are invited of the Churchwardens: Ashington: Gill Lewis 01798 817516 gilllewispost@yahoo.co.uk Anthony Ray 01903 813964 adjray@hotmail.com Washington: Nigel Baker 01903 892193 jacqueline.baker2@virgin.net Andy Muddle 01903 892578 andymuddle@hotmail.co.uk Wiston with Buncton: Anne Gordon-Johnson 01903 879909 avgj@btinternet.com Harry Goring 01903 873321 rhgoring@wistonestate.co.uk 17