The Parish of Frindsbury with Upnor and Chattenden Parish Profile
CONTENTS Introduction 3 Mission and Vision 4 Description of the Parish and Surrounding Area 5 Person Specification 6 The Team 7 Information and Statistics 8 Outreach 9 The Buildings 10 The Diocese and Deanery 11 Finances 11 Useful Links 13 2
INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Parish Profile. We are delighted you are interested in this exciting ministry. We feel we have strengths to offer the new vicar, but warmly welcome someone keen to move us forward; full of ideas, energy and vision for reaching out to our community and congregation. We are an open and tolerant church aiming to welcome all who will step over our threshold, while seeking to reach those who find this too hard to do, finding other ways for them to meet Jesus. 3
MISSION AND VISION VISION Our current Vision, that we hope our new vicar will influence, is: To experience God s presence loving as the Father loves serving as the Son serves living by the guiding power of the Holy Spirit and bringing others into the liberating freedom of the kingdom of God CHALLENGES AND STRENGTHS Our current challenges include: Reaching out to our local community and growing our church membership Developing our mission to children and young people Our current strengths include: A welcoming congregation Different patterns of worship and music Our strong team of men and women including o A woman priested pioneer curate, and a priested curate shared with two other parishes o A parish administrator o 2 Readers, 3 Evangelists, a pastoral assistant and bereavement team, and an engaged PCC and churchwardens o Many others who contribute Our outreach supported by this team includes o A Drop-In Café o Presence at local boot fair o Kids church and Sunday@4 at Chattenden o Baptism and marriage preparation and links with schools o A series of events: Cre8tive Easter, Christmas Fair etc. Three well-equipped churches and a parish hall OUR AIMS FOR 2015-16 Reach out to Youth and the 20s to 40s Develop our outreach in Chattenden, building on Kids church and Sunday @4 Build on our outreach to new housing Create new communication links within our parish Re-establish men s fellowship Refresh our 4 th Sunday worship to be more contemporary 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH AND AREA The parish (population 10,800) is on the outskirts of Strood (between the Thames and Medway estuaries), and forms part of Medway council (population 270,000). The main church of All Saints has breath-taking views of the river Medway, Rochester Cathedral and the surrounding area. All Saints Frindsbury draws its congregation from Frindsbury and Wainscott, which are predominantly residential neighbourhoods. There has been growth of housing in the last 15 years. St. Philip and St James is in Upnor village which is mostly residential with a castle, pubs, sailing, and sports clubs. Bishop Gundulph church at Chattenden, is in an exmilitary area where plans to develop 5,000 new homes are under consideration. OUR MAKE-UP 45% of residents are between 30 and 59; while our typical congregations have a higher proportion of older people. There has been a reduction in the number of young people involved in church life, and this is a key group of people we wish to welcome back. There has been slight growth in the number of ethnic minority groups represented in the parish and congregations, which together total 8% of the local population. There are few people in the parish who do not speak English well. The parish is mixed in economic terms, with some affluent areas, but when taken as a whole the parish falls in the lower half of deprived areas. People with no formal qualifications are similar to the national average, but those with a degree or higher are fewer. 75% of homes are owner-occupied, 11% privately rented and 14% social rented. TRANSPORT AND EDUCATION Access to London and elsewhere is excellent. Strood station is in walking distance; trains to St. Pancras via High Speed take 34 minutes. The M25 can be reached in 15 minutes as can Ebbsfleet International Station, giving links to the continent. Dover is an hour s drive away. The stunningly beautiful Kent countryside is within easy reach, including the North Downs. There is a wide range of good primary and secondary schools. In terms of secondary schools Medway operates a selective system, and there are single-sex and mixed grammar schools, a variety of high schools and some comprehensive options. The Universities at Medway campus (Kent, Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church universities) is close by, as is the newly built Mid-Kent College, offering further education. There are five primary schools within the parish. (See Useful Information for website links) SHOPS AND LEISURE The parish is well-served. In addition to high streets in Strood and Chatham, the major retail and entertainment complex at Bluewater is approximately 15 minutes drive away. A cinema, retail outlet centre and variety of inexpensive restaurants lie close to the Universities campus. The historic town of Rochester, a significant tourist attraction and site of regular festivals, with further quality restaurants is two miles away. There are high-quality municipal and private golf courses, and other sports facilities, close by. A map showing parish boundaries can be found here:- 5
http://www.achurchnearyou.com/parishfinder.php?frindsbury 3. Person Specification We are looking for a man or woman: Who has a heart and energy for mission; able to reach, encourage and enable those who have not yet started their journey, as well as those who did so a long time ago Who is able to demonstrate strategic thinking and planning and lead the church forward in worship and mission Who is a good team leader, harnessing the gifts of paid and unpaid workers Who is confident in their personal relationship with God Whose biblically based preaching has sound application to the world, that challenges our thinking; Who has strong pastoral skills, and working with others, can relate to people of all backgrounds Who has strong and effective communication skills, particularly with younger people Who is comfortable with a wide range of worship styles Who leads by example In return we can offer: A welcoming fellowship with diverse gifts, open to change and ready to move forward A supportive and gifted staff team and parochial church council A strong culture of lay ministry An ecumenical support group from within the local area churches Proximity to the Cathedral and Diocesan office 6
THE TEAM The Staff Team comprises the Vicar, Pioneer Curate, two Churchwardens, two Readers, a Pastoral Assistant, three Evangelists and two parishioners who have permission to lead and preach within the parish. The Staff Team meets bi-monthly for planning and support, and from time to time for social events. We are mutually accountable. PIONEER AND SHARED CURATES Pioneer Curate Over the last three years the Parish has had the benefit of a woman Pioneer Curate. This post covers the whole of the Strood Deanery and centres on outreach work. This is a unique position within the diocese. She will continue for at least another year. Strood Cluster Curate The three churches that cover Strood (All Saints, St. Nicholas and St. Francis) are developing a cluster that enables mission and ministry to be shaped more effectively. They share a man priested curate. ADMINISTRATOR AND LAY MINISTERS The Parish Administrator works Tuesday to Friday mornings based in the parish office. Two Readers assist with preaching, teaching and leading worship. There are two additional members of the congregation who have permission to lead and preach within the parish. The Pastoral Assistant leads the Team who visit the sick and elderly, offer bereavement support, take home communion visits and have regular contact with residential homes. The three Evangelists work together on projects with the Mission and Outreach Team. Parish Church Council (PCC) The PCC draws members from all three churches. There are a number of working groups including Finance and Stewardship; Mission; and Buildings and Churchyard. 7
INFORMATION AND STATISTICS Worship and Music A range of worship styles take place across the three churches. Themes for these are taken from the lectionary, or a sermon series decided by the vicar. Music fits the style of service and is provided by a range of musicians, including organists, singers and bands. Sunday Services Church 1 st Sunday 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th All Saints 8:00 am Holy Communion BCP - average congregation 16 people St Philip & St James 9:00 am Holy communion or Morning Worship. Average congregation 18 All Saints 10:30am Average congregati on-70 Holy Communion (CW) Organ music All Age Worship Music by a band Holy Communion (CW) Organ music 4 th Sunday Worship (informal style) Music by a band Holy Communion (CW) Organ music Other Services In addition there are occasional services such as an annual service for the bereaved, Easter sunrise service followed by breakfast, carol services etc. Electoral Roll 166 Funerals 7 church 36 crematorium Weddings 8 Baptisms 21 Confirmations 3 Easter Attendance 222 Christmas Attendance 492 Average Sunday Attendance 105 adults 12 children 8
DISCIPLESHIP Home Groups Six home groups meet fortnightly for fellowship and bible study led by members of the congregation or staff team OUTREACH The following sets out a selection of our outreach activities Meeting Point Drop in Café The Drop in Café is open on a Wednesday morning in the Parish Hall and provides a place for people to meet and have a chat over coffee and cake, soup or bacon roll. Baptism Preparation Baptisms take place during All Age or Fourth Sunday. The Baptism Preparation Team invites parents and Godparents to an evening of preparation. Marriage Preparation The Marriage Preparation Team meets with couples to be married for 5 sessions of preparation using the HTB Marriage Preparation Course. Kids Church Chattenden Kids Church is held on Saturday morning at Bishop Gundulph church in Chattenden. 25 children aged between 5 and 11, together with some teenage helpers, learn about God in a lively and interactive style. Sunday@4 This is a relaxed service for families and consists of a number of ways to engage those not wanting a traditional service or used to church. Boot Fair A boot fair is held on Sundays during the summer. For two years a group from All Saints have run a stall there.. Cre8ive Cre8ive takes place on Good Friday and occasional other times. It is a chance for families to come and be creative together whilst learning about the true meaning of Easter. 9
THE CHURCH BUILDINGS All Saints Parish Church a building dating from Saxon times capable of holding 200 seated worshippers. It has a new toilet and kitchen area and improved west entrance. A high quality electronic organ has been installed. There is a bell tower housing eight restored bells which are rung every Sunday. The Church is in good repair. There is easy yet secure access to the Vicarage from the Churchyard St Philip and St James, Upnor this is a small, picturesque mid-victorian church in good condition. It has an electronic organ, PA system, toilet and movable tea/coffee bar. A small area of graveyard surrounds the Church. Bishop Gundulph Church, Chattenden until 1998 this was the Garrison Church of the Royal Engineers. It was gifted to Rochester Diocese, and the parish became partly responsible. Built in the 1960 s it has fixed pews, a small hall, two toilets, two small rooms and an organ. Parish Hall The Parish Hall was rebuilt in 1993. It includes a large wellequipped hall (including kitchen) which can hold up to 140 people seated. The Upper Room is suitable for smaller meetings. The Parish Office is located at the hall and is the base for the Parish Administrator. Vicarage The vicar is able to live in a good sized 1950 s built vicarage close to All Saints. It has gas fired central heating (new boiler fitted January 2014) and double glazing. It comprises two reception rooms, a study, a well fitted kitchen and utility room, downstairs cloakroom, 6 bedrooms (3 doubles and 3 singles) and a large family bathroom. There is an integral garage and driveway with parking for several cars. The Vicarage is surrounded by gardens, with pedestrian access through the graveyard to All Saints Church. 10
THE DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER, AND STROOD DEANERY The Diocese of Rochester is served by two Bishops, the Rt. Rev. James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester and the Suffragan Bishop of Tonbridge the Rt. Rev. Dr Brian Castle. Rochester Diocese is split into three Archdeaconries. Bromley & Bexley, Rochester and Tonbridge and the parish is within the Rochester archdeacontry. The Diocesan office is situated 2 miles from Frindsbury, within the Cathedral Precinct, and provides advice, support and training to Clergy and laity. The Archdeaconry of Rochester stretches from Dartford to Medway, encompassing the area north of the A2 and some of the area south of it. A large part of the long planned Thames Gateway development will happen in this region and there are important challenges in shaping the Church of England s historic commitment to the people as new communities emerge. Strood Deanery is the largest deanery within the Diocese, and includes parishes from Cuxton and Halling in the south, to the Hoo peninsula and Isle of Grain in the North. The Strood Clergy have regular contact with ecumenical colleagues and there is a mutual support group. PARISH FINANCES OUTTURN FOR 2013 ITEM ACTUAL FOR 2013 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income 88,150 Activities for Generating Funds 2,537 Income from Investments 3,172 Income from activities 28,254 Other Incoming Resources 1,500 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 123,613 RESOURCES EXPENDED Church Activities 106,861 Generation of Voluntary Income 664 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 107,525 Net Incoming Resources before other Recognised gains and losses 16,088 Revaluation 250 Gains on Investment Assets 6,008 SURPLUS 22,346 11
BUDGET FOR 2014 ITEM BUDGET FOR 2014 INCOME Planned Giving (not Gift Aided) 778 Planned Giving (Gift Aided) 40,448 Tax Refund (Gift Aid) 10,112 Give As You Earn 4,000 Collections 7,003 Fees Receivable 15,736 Investment Income 2,473 Magazine Income 1,408 Other Income, fund raising 2,177 Other Income, Donations, Appeals 3,632 Other Parish Income 1,067 Other Income, Parish Hall 13,725 TOTAL INCOME 102,558 EXPENDITURE Clergy Expenses 17,752 Parish Share 21,200 Church Running Costs 13,441 Parish Administration Support Costs 3,331 Parish Administrator 6,987 Service Expenses 1,500 Outreach, Mission 880 Outreach Emmaus 816 Youth Work 915 Training 250 Communications, (Magazine etc) 1,100 Pastoral Care 244 Repairs & Maintenance 4,000 Churchyards 4,310 Charitable Giving 844 Church Hall Costs 13,725 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 91,295 BUDGETTED SURPLUS FOR 2014 11,264 12
8. Useful Links Parish website http://www.allsaintsfrindsbury.co.uk/ Rochester Diocese http://www.rochester.anglican.org/ Medway Local Authority http://www.medway.gov.uk/ Schools in the Parish:- Chattenden Primary School http://www.chattenden.medway.sch.uk/ English Martyrs Catholic Primary School http://www.thelifecloud.net/schools/englishmartyrscatholicprimaryschool Hilltop Primary School http://www.hilltop.medway.sch.uk/ Temple Mill Primary School http://www.templemillprimary.co.uk/ Wainscott Primary School http://www.school-portal.co.uk/grouphomepage.asp?groupid=382817 13