PROFILE for the parishes of Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch
Ministerial background From 2013 to 2016, these three parishes of Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch were part of a trial of six parishes aiming to develop along the lines of a Minster model. This involved the United Benefice of Edstaston, Fauls, Prees, Tilstock and Whixall and the single Parish Benefice of Whitchurch. In the autumn of 2016, a decision was taken by all six PCCs to go forward with a different model: two groups of three parishes. Links between the two groups will continue. Staffing and working together: The clergy staffing for this group of three is: The Rev Dr Judy Hunt, Rector of Whitchurch (full-time stipendiary), who has oversight responsibility for these three parishes. She will remain Priest-in-Charge of the United Benefice until further notice The Rev Sue Armstrong: Associate Minister (OLM) The new appointee: Associate Minister (House for Duty, living in Tilstock Vicarage ) The Revd Rich Clarkson (curate in training; likely to be moving later in 2017) We also have one Reader, Mrs Jane Rylands. Part-time paid administrative support is provided by Jo Lavin, working from the office in St Alkmund s Church, Whitchurch. We have formed a Co-Ordinating Group with representation from each parish. This body has the task of looking at different options of how the three parishes can best work together in mission and ministry; recommendations will then be made to the individual PCCs. It will also facilitate joint events and aid the process of discerning what is best done at parish level and what would benefit from being at a group level. Geographical Setting The parishes of Fauls, Tilstock, and Whitchurch are set in the beautiful countryside of north Shropshire. Shrewsbury and Chester can be reached in 45 minutes and the North Wales coast is approximately one hour s drive away. This grouping encompasses one Market Town (Whitchurch with a population of around 10,000) and two more rural parishes which cover a large area and have a total population of approximately 1,260. The parishes are quite distinct: the parish of Tilstock is three miles to the south of Whitchurch and Fauls is another 4 miles south, just off the A41. The person appointed will live in Tilstock Vicarage. The modern vicarage is sited adjacent to the church and school. There are 5 bedrooms, one bathroom, a study, 2 reception rooms (one with an open fire place), a kitchen plus a utility room, a downstairs toilet, and a garage. There is a large garden, which may be reduced in size if current housing development plans go ahead, with mature trees and shrubs and a short drive. The house has oil central heating and is in sound repair. 2
Schools The three parishes have two CoE Primary Schools, one CoE Infant and Nursery School and one CoE Junior School. Each school holds regular services in its local church. Currently, the future of Tilstock School is uncertain. Links are good with all the schools. Patterns of Sunday Worship each month Fauls: Tilstock: Whitchurch: 9.30am on 1st, 3rd & 4th Sundays; 6.30pm on 2nd Sunday 11.00am on 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays 8.00am BCP Communion on all Sundays 10.00am on 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays 6.30pm BCP Sung Evensong on1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays The main morning services are usually Communion except on the first Sunday of the month at Fauls and Tilstock when Morning Prayer takes place instead. Common Worship is used for most Communion Services, modern language at Tilstock and Whitchurch, varying between modern and traditional at Fauls. Fifth Sundays are often used for a Joint Service. Occasional Offices These are often taken by the member of clergy with particular responsibility for the parish involved but considerable flexibility is also present. Whitchurch has a large number of funerals and baptisms. Joint projects The opportunities taken in working together for clergy, lay leaders and congregations of these three parishes have been fruitful in the last 3 years. Nurture courses These have included modules from the Pilgrim Course and joint Confirmation preparation groups for young people and for adults. Time Together This is a group meeting twice a month for those with Memory Loss / Dementia and their family members or carers. Its aim is to provide social, mental and spiritual support, plus some physical activity in a warm and loving atmosphere. Hospital Chaplaincy There is a Community Hospital in Whitchurch which serves a wide area. From the autumn of 2015, we have developed a Chaplaincy Team which has both lay and ordained members and is ecumenical. Lent and Advent events We have a programme of these events in various locations in the parishes Rogation Services We have combined for an evening Rogation Service on a farm in 2015 and 2016. These services have been well attended Messy Church This is a recent development; it has taken place on two occasions close to Harvest and on Advent Sunday. 3
The wider area Whitchurch and Wem (another nearby Market Town) both have Secondary Schools, with Sixth Form provision. Both towns have swimming baths, excellent sports facilities, local markets and supermarkets. Shrewsbury has a multiplex Cinema and Flicks in the Sticks come regularly to both Wem and Whitchurch. What we can offer the new Associate (house-for- duty) Minister An exciting opportunity to be involved in developing this group of three parishes for ministry and mission in the area A supportive ministry team Committed lay officers Flexibility to use the gifts of each ordained and lay minister throughout the varied settings of the 3 parishes A small but committed Deanery Chapter, with opportunity for weekly Morning Prayer together A modern and well-maintained vicarage A beautiful area of the country with good transport links Person Specification for the post of Associate (house-for-duty) Minister Qualifications/Training The person appointed: will be an ordained priest within the Church of England, or a Church in Communion with it, or a Church whose orders it recognises. will have satisfactorily completed IME 4-7 (curate training) will be able to demonstrate a capacity to exercise priestly ministry at associate minister level, which includes vision setting and team development. Experience: Leadership and management of others (paid or voluntary) Discernment and development of the vocation of others Ministering fruitfully among congregations of different parishes in rural and market town settings, including with schools and families Knowledge, skills and competencies Ability to preach and teach in a variety of styles to engage others and facilitate a deepening discipleship Ability to relate pastorally and in mission with all age groups Collaborative approach to ministry; an effective team worker Ability to encourage, inspire and deploy volunteers Ability to teach on and encourage Christian giving (financial) Ability to organise resources (own and those of others) effectively to meet a large number of demands Competence in administration 4
General attributes Positive attitude towards the mission opportunities arising from the occasional offices and from rural community involvement Evidence of prayer life and a spirituality which sustains ministry A delight in the development of others (gifts and ministries) Enthusiasm to work flexibly as the worship, mission and ministry within the three parishes develop Other Ability to drive and own car, or other personal arrangements for transport at all hours Role Description for the post of Associate (house-for-duty) Minister General To share with the Bishop and Ministry Team both in the cure of souls and in responsibility, under God, for growing the Kingdom in these parishes. To be an associate minister in these parishes, having regard to the calling and responsibilities of the clergy as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy and other relevant legislation. To continue to develop the ministry of the laity, through training, delegation and support, releasing their gifts and encouraging them to take more responsibility for the mission and ministry of the parishes. To collaborate within the deanery, archdeaconry and diocese in current and future mission and ministry developments. To ensure that a high standard of worship, preaching and pastoral care is provided. To work together as appropriate, with other Christian denominations which have a presence in the parishes. To work, as appropriate, with organisations outside the church in the parishes e.g. parish councils. Specific tasks and responsibilities To be a committed member of the team, including participation in Team Ministry and Co-Ordinating Group meetings To have regular Sunday Service duties To share in the pastoral work and occasional offices across the three parishes Other: to be discerned by gifting & preference and by developments across the 3 parishes, could include o Responsibility for Tilstock e.g. one or more of: Pastoral offices Chairing of PCC Mission within Tilstock o Responsibility for an area of ministry or project across the 3 parishes Informal enquiries welcome: Please ring either the Rt Revd Mark Rylands, Bishop of Shrewsbury (01743 243296) or the Revd Judy Hunt, Rector of Whitchurch (01948 667253) 5
Additional Information about the Parishes Fauls Parish The Church of Holy Immanuel was consecrated on 20 th May 1856 and seats 130. It is in good condition with hearing loop and disabled facilities. About 100 yards from the Church there is an excellent church hall, which is adjacent to the caretaker s house, and is well used by the parish and group. The people of Holy Immanuel, Fauls maintain an excellent and vibrant community spirit, including regular Sunday lunches and other social events in the Hall. The school linked to this parish is Lower Heath CE (C) Primary. Tilstock Parish Christ Church Tilstock was consecrated in the 1830 s. The Vicarage and Cemetery are situated across the road from the church. The village of Tilstock continues to grow, with a recent housing development, and a modern Village Hall, and there are plans for further housing developments. As with the other parishes, the numbers of people working in agriculture has declined over the years. Many commute to towns or cities within a 30 to 40 miles radius but there are some local businesses too. Within Tilstock there is a thriving Bowls and Tennis Club, a pub and a strong WI. Whitchurch Parish St Alkmund s is the parish church of the town of Whitchurch, the current building was rebuilt between 1711 and 1713. The population of Whitchurch is approximately 10,000 and is sociologically mixed. It is a market town with strong rural links and a little light industry. The town has many visitors and the church is a key attraction as St Alkmund s church is the main landmark in the town. Many in the community relate strongly to it as their church. The depth of this fringe around the core worshipping community is demonstrated by the attendance at Christmas Crib Services (approx. 1,000) and the fact that most funerals and baptisms from the town take place here. Churches Together in Whitchurch is a strong and active group which includes involvement in Fair Trade and Christian Aid. The other churches are St John s (Methodist), St George s (Roman Catholic), the Beacon Church (New Frontier) and Whitchurch Christian Fellowship. Current projects include the running of a Foodbank and Christians against Poverty work. For more information, please see the website: www.stalkmunds.com. 6