Diocese of Sheffield Ecclesfield Deanery Parish of Ecclesfield Vicar of Ecclesfield Information Pack St. Mary the Virgin, Ecclesfield Parish Profile and PCC Statement (Benefices Measure)
1. Sheffield and Ecclesfield Sheffield is located in the County of South Yorkshire and is the 4 th largest city in England by population but is possibly the least well known of all the major UK cities. To those who do not know Sheffield, the image is of a faded and grimy industrial steel centre, famous mainly for the Full Monty. Those who live in the city see Sheffield as a secret gem, with the greatest number of green spaces in a major city outside London and surrounded by spectacular Yorkshire countryside to the North and East and the Derbyshire Peak District National Park to the South. It is therefore not surprising that many who come to work or study in Sheffield from all over the country and beyond often choose to settle and stay, but keep the treasure of Sheffield a secret! Situated close to the heart of the UK, Sheffield has 4 major airports within 1 hours travelling time, has close links to the M1 motorway and has a regular rail service to London taking just over 2 hours. The city boasts two first class universities Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam - some magnificent parks and the renowned Botanical Gardens. A re-vitalised city centre features a major library, art galleries, several museums and two famous theatres The Crucible and The Lyceum. The city also has two world-class concert venues in the City Hall and Sheffield Arena, top class sporting venues in the UK Institute for Sport and first class football, rugby and ice hockey teams. There are thriving local clubs for football and cricket which welcome children and adults. The Meadowhall shopping centre matches the best in the UK. Ecclesfield Old Hall and Priory Ecclesfield is an ancient semi-rural village on the northern edge of Sheffield, now part of the Sheffield commuter belt. The remains of the 12 th century Benedictine Priory are adjacent to the church. Ecclesfield is about 6 miles from the city centre with easy access to the M1 motorway about 2 miles away. The village offers countryside to the North and West which is ideal for those who love walking and cycling. The population is of mixed ages and social groups, approximately 98% white English with limited ethnic minorities. Unemployment is slightly below the local average of 8%. The Church from Ecclesfield Park 2. Sheffield Diocese and Ecclesfield Deanery Ecclesfield Parish is part of Ecclesfield Deanery within the Sheffield Diocese. The Diocese has two Archdeaconries with Ecclesfield falling under the Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham. 2.1 The Deanery and St. Mary s (Statement from the Area Dean) The Ecclesfield Deanery exists to support and resource parishes in their mission and ministry and to build relationships that enable cooperation between parishes. In particular, the Deanery looks to do this by encouraging working in clusters, developing leadership skills, and resourcing mission. Towards this, there is in post a Deanery Leadership Development Worker and a - 2 -
Deanery Missioner, each a part-time post there is an allocation of one day a week for each of the roles. The Deanery will be keen to continue work with St. Mary s. St. Mary s has for some years worked with a local cluster of parishes consisting of St. Mary s, St. John s Chapeltown, St. Mark s Grenoside and St. Saviour s High Green. The clergy of the four parishes have met regularly for support and prayer, and the four parishes have organised occasional shared mission events and worship. They are keen to continue this friendship and partnership. 2.2 The Diocese and St. Mary s (Statement from the Bishop of Sheffield) The appointment of a new vicar at St Mary s Ecclesfield is a strategic priority for the Diocese of Sheffield. The ancient parish of Ecclesfield once covered a vast area and we are hoping that the church will once again become a major resource for Christian mission in Sheffield. The previous incumbent held a senior position in the Diocese and led the church in some very imaginative approaches to mission. They ensured that the Grade 1 listed building was well cared for and the finances were well managed. In line with Diocesan strategy on the deployment of stipendiary clergy, the Deanery has proposed a full time post at St Mary s but with a clear agenda for clustering with neighbouring parishes. The next vicar will therefore need to be willing to work across parish boundaries in close partnership with colleagues. The priest will need to prioritise the work of enabling lay people in ministry and working collaboratively. They will need plenty of energy for a challenging and hugely significant role. 3. The Parish of Ecclesfield and the Church of St. Mary The parish of Ecclesfield consists of approximately 5 square miles with a population of 7,000 people. It has a single church building which was built in 1470-1500 but with some parts dating back to 1200. The building acquired the nickname of Minster of the Moors in the 17 th century and this is still used to this day. A church is believed to have stood in the village on the same site for well over 1,000 years. Although old, facilities have been improved over the years and the building has a kitchen, toilet and office, a recent sound re-enforcement system with hearing loop, an efficient gas central heating boiler and was re-wired in 2003 when high efficiency metal halide lighting was installed. The building is Grade 1 listed one of only three such churches in Sheffield. It can seat a maximum of around 400 people using chairs to supplement the pews. The only other church, the Methodist Church, closed in 2009. Unusually, the PCC is the Patron of the parish. Some facts and figures: Number on Electoral Roll 203 Baptisms annually 61 Confirmation candidates annually 5 Weddings annually 30 plus some blessings The neighbouring parish of Chapeltown also uses our building for weddings. - 3 -
Funeral services annually 40 plus 35 at the crematorium Copies of Parish Magazine per month 220 Typical Sunday communicants 65 80 4. The Tradition of Services at St. Mary s Sunday Services 8.00 am (2 nd and 4 th Sunday in month) Holy Communion. Cassock and surplice or cassock alb worn 9.30 am Family Communion (except 2 nd Sunday in the month Morning Prayer) Cassock and surplice or cassock alb worn with robed choir and organ and bells rung before service 11.15 am Informal Family Worship (with Holy Communion 2 nd Sunday in the month) More informal dress with Music group 6.30 pm Informal evening service held in the chancel with unaccompanied singing. Baptisms are held as part of the 11.15 Sunday services and also as separate services. Typical attendance over these services is a minimum of 100 each Sunday but this can vary widely with high attendance at baptisms and attendance at the main service of 200 on festival days. The highest annual attendance is normally Lessons and Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve which attracts between 300 and 400. Other Services 8.15 am every weekday Morning Prayer 9.30 am every Thursday Holy Communion 4 th Monday of each month Ignatian Service Twice yearly Healing Services and Memorial Services to which all bereaved families are invited. Special services include: Ash Wednesday, every Wednesday in Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Three Hours at the Cross on Good Friday, Easter Day, Remembrance Sunday, Christingle, Crib Service, Lessons and carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve Orders of Service Used The church mainly uses the Book of Common Worship and also the Book of Common Prayer with some special services using Taizé and Ignatian practice and Liturgy from Iona. - 4 -
Musical Tradition The church has a good pipe organ in good repair, an organist and a robed choir which is typically 12 strong but is augmented to twice this size for festivals and concerts. It also has a music group, typically 5/6 members using keyboard, guitars and voice. The main book used for both Hymns and songs is Hymns Old and New. Vicar 5. Church Resources and Staff The PCC is looking for a new Vicar following the retirement of Revd. Canon Tricia Impey in June 2010. Curate The present curate, Revd. Sue Hammersley is to take up a new post in August 2010. Churchwardens Ecclesfield has four churchwardens:- Mrs Ann Hackett Mr Alwyn Hill Mr Tom Proctor Mrs Audrey Sidebottom Other Assistants Parish Administrator (paid part-time) Mrs Jean Fowler PCC Secretary Mrs Norma Priest Lay Readers Mrs Pat Clarke, Mrs Stephanie Dale, Mrs Norma Priest (emeritus) Pastoral Workers Stephanie Hartshorne, Pat Wood Retired Clergy Revd. Jennie Fryer Church Hall The church has use of the local village hall and the vicar and churchwardens, with others, are trustees. - 5 -
6. Church Organisations The Sunday School meets in the vestry on Sundays typically between 2 and 15 attendees Mothers Union meet in the village hall 1 st Wednesday 55 members Mens' Society meet in church 3 rd Monday 20 members Ladies Group meet in the village hall on Thursdays 35 members Explorers age 18 to 30, meet in church Wednesday evenings The bell ringers meet in the belfry to practice on Tuesday and Friday evenings The choir meets to practice on Friday evenings The music group meets to practice on Thursday evenings The Church Charity Shop is open Tuesday through to Saturday Coffee, tea and cakes are sold in the church Tuesday and Friday mornings The church also has links to the local uniformed organisations 7. Village Organisations Schools There is a Primary and Junior School and a Comprehensive School which are within walking distance of the church. We have developed a good working relationship with the Primary and Junior School and the church building is used by the Comprehensive School for services at Easter and Christmas. Hospitals and Prisons None Homes for the Elderly Nightingales and Hartwell House are homes for the elderly and those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer s diseases. Sheltered accommodation is provided at Eva Ratcliffe House and Unity Gardens Organisations The church has an involvement with a number of village organisations such as: Luncheon club for older people on Mondays, Play Group in the Gatty Hall, Ecclesfield Conservation Group, Ecclesfield in Bloom, Friends of Ecclesfield Park and Ecclesfield Scrubbers (volunteers who help to keep the village clean and tidy). - 6 -
8. Finances A copy of the audited accounts for 2009 is available on request. The church works hard to balance the budget and for the past few years there has been a slight deficit. 2009 has seen a slight surplus due to a one-off item. The new charity shop, opened at the end of 2009, is intended to help supplement income as well as providing outreach into the community. Some Highlights Last stewardship campaign 2008 resulted in increased giving 2009 Income 103.3k; Expenditure 100.5k Incumbent s expenses of 1,500 and curate s of 860 paid in full No major debts Parish share paid in full Minimum 5% given to charity support also given to Christian Aid, St. Mary s School in Bangalore, Children s Society, Mother s Union overseas projects and Sheffield Cathedral Archer Project (in support of the homeless and jobless) Current Projects and Schemes We have a very enthusiastic team of Bellringers and have achieved teaching status where other Bellringers come to Ecclesfield to learn and to improve their skills. The Peal Appeal was launched last year to raise 60k for some major maintenance work to the bells and belfry plus augmenting the peal from 8 bells to 10. So far about 30k has been raised. The charity shop was opened in 2009 and has been successful in providing a service to the village, in involving people who did not previously have strong links with the church and in helping to raise funds. Permanent Disabled Access for many years, access for wheelchairs has been available through a number of temporary devices. There is a current project, as yet unfunded, to find an acceptable design for a permanent disabled access which meets both Faculty/English Heritage requirements and also disabled legislation. Estimated cost is up to 40k. Quinquennial Maintenance this very recent report requires 42k to be spent over the 5 year period. CCTV estimates have recently been obtained for the provision of CCTV on the roof to work in conjunction with the active infra-red beam system. - 7 -
9. The Vicarage The vicarage is situated about 1/3 mile from the church. It is an attractive detached house built around 1912 with full gas central heating, double glazing, 4 good sized bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 1 study, plus a kitchen and utility room. It has a garage for 1 car, off-road parking for a further 4 cars and about 1/4 acre of garden. Ecclesfield Vicarage 10. Specification of the Experience and Skills for the New Incumbent Church Mission Statement We are here to help people love and worship God. We aim to be, and encourage others to become, committed and active disciples of Jesus, who love God and worship him, who know the power of the Holy Spirit and who show God s love in every part of their lives. Experience and Skills In the context of the information in the rest of this document, the new incumbent will need:- To be an experienced Priest who has already held a responsible post, and be a good teacher to the congregation and lay staff Successful experience of working in a team. To be an outgoing person very good at dealing with and communicating with people, church members, village residents and local leaders A good sense of humour To be committed to prayer, mission and growth To encourage, equip and care for the congregation To encourage and help the congregation and people in the parish to be involved in many aspects of the church and for them to take on roles as lay workers To share leadership a team builder who will lead a team of people To be prepared to share responsibility and work with neighbouring parishes within the Deanery - 8 -
A flair for children, young people and young families to encourage children to be involved and to work to offer something from the church for the youth of the village At the same time, to ensure that the church continues to offer worship and sustenance for the middle aged and the elderly To be diverse in styles of worship and music, continuing to maintain and develop the current tradition at St. Mary s as described in this document A CRB enhanced disclosure will be required Potential Developments and Other Pastoral Opportunities We do not have as many children and especially young people teenagers and youth involved in the church as we would like. Young people tend to come back when they have children and get married but only a few stay involved. We wish to develop the church s work among young people and young families, through involvement in services but also working with the young people in the village outside the building. Some very good progress has been made in establishing and building relationships with people and organisations in the village. Having been involved in the village Plan, these include the two main schools, the police, the parish and city councillors and the Member of Parliament and a number of voluntary organisations such as the friends of Ecclesfield Park, Ecclesfield in Bloom and Ecclesfield Conservation Group. The Charity Shop is also encouraging some real links with people who are/were not members of the church and offering something to the village. The church also organises visits by historical and archaeological teams, arranges concerts and wine and cheese evenings and has a tea and coffee shop in the church twice a week. We are very keen to build on the work done and develop further the links with the community of Ecclesfield. Other Items and Conditions The incumbent will be responsible for the care of an old but well maintained and much loved Grade 1 church building sited in a conservation area and will need to have a real enthusiasm for the historic building including repairs and conservation work but also a willingness to consider ways of increasing its use for religious and secular events. The PCC has NOT passed any resolution (resolution A or B) that restricts the acceptance of a woman as minister or incumbent or priest in charge or from presiding at Holy Communion, and welcomes applications from both men and women who will be treated equally. 11. Further Information and Applications Following receipt of this information pack and the accounts, candidates wishing to make a formal application should do so with the enclosed Church of England Common Application Form. The form includes information about references which will be followed up for all applicants considered for the visit and interview stage. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the parish be interviewed, when they will also have an opportunity to meet representative members of the PCC and the Diocese. If you are considering a formal application, the contacts below will be happy to provide any further information if required. - 9 -
The interviews will be conducted by Andrew Robinson, Patron s representative, Pat Clarke, Reader at Ecclesfield and PCC representative, Tom Proctor, Churchwarden and PCC representative, and the Ven. Martyn Snow, Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham. Visits will be arranged to suit the availability of the candidate and the appointment team although it is hoped to conclude interviews no later than early September 2010. Contacts and Postal Address:- Mr A C Robinson 183 The Wheel, Ecclesfield Sheffield S35 9ZA Phone: 0114 246 3646; Mobile: 07793 595238 e-mail: andrew.c.robinson@btinternet.com Alternative contacts:- Ven. Martyn Snow: Phone: 01709 309110; Mobile: 07729104792; e-mail: archdeacons.office@sheffield.anglican.org Pat Clarke: 0114 257 7191 Tom Proctor: 0114 246 0373 David Banham (Lay Chair of PCC): 0114 246 0194 There is comprehensive information about the parish on the official church website http://www.stmarysecclesfield.com/ also on http://ecclesfield.wikia.com/wiki http://www.spick.co.uk/ And of Sheffield: http://www.yorkshire-forward.com/our-wonderful-region/our-cities/sheffield-the-facts http://www.creativesheffield.co.uk/liveinsheffield/costoflivingfacts/ - 10 -