INFORMATION PACK Self Supporting Minister: Lay or Ordained St Mary Redcliffe
CONTENTS Message Introduction Location and History Culture and Style of Worship Services Statistics Discipleship Community Links Mission Buildings Other Matters Finance Benefice Summary Role Description Person Specification The Bristol South Deanery The Diocese of Bristol Parish Contacts Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 16 Page 16 Page 17 Page 19 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 3
April 2017 Thank you for showing an interest in this imaginative new role in the parish of St Mary Redcliffe. If you are ordained or a Licenced Lay Minister living in, or thinking about moving to Bristol, and want to find out more do contact the Vicar for a conversation. While there are no dates set for interview there will be a formal process dependant on whether you are lay or ordained once it is clear that this post might be for you. This information pack provides an outline of the role, the skills and experience that we are looking for. As a diocese we have a vision of Creating connections with God, each other and our communities, across Bristol, Swindon, South Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. These are exciting times for us as we sense a real energy locally to reconnect with our communities and reignite our calling to be a Church for this and future generations. Our vision, priorities of making disciples, growing leaders and engaging younger generations, and the strategic plan that has been agreed to support them are our response to what God is calling us to. Mission areas are a key strategic initiative that harnesses our ministry, mission and resources to work towards our vision. This can be explored further at www.bristol.anglican.org/creatingconnections. Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity. Yours faithfully, Rt Revd Mike Hill Bishop of Bristol Rt Revd Lee Rayfield Bishop of Swindon Ven Christine Froude Archdeacon of Malmesbury and acting Archdeacon of Bristol Page 4
Page 5 INTRODUCTION St Mary Redcliffe is both a famous landmark building and a highly diverse parish within the heart of Bristol. We are seeking a new colleague to join our large & creative lay & ordained team to help us live into our vision statement (adopted September 2013): St Mary Redcliffe is steeped in history and the people are rightly proud of that heritage but they are equally clear about where they re going. People blossom in front of you when they talk about their faith, and are passionate about the networks of groups they are involved with far beyond the church. The church is focussed on things that really matter, on issues that affect the poor and marginalised, whilst those things that often clamour for attention are given their proper place amongst competing priorities. There is a real sense of working together towards a clear goal amongst the different elements of a complex church. More than that, the church is actively seeking out and working with other faith and community groups to tackle all kinds of social, economic and environmental problems, some around the corner and others around the world. Congregations are growing in number and in commitment to the purpose of the church, and it is evident that individuals and groups way beyond the bounds of the church understand why St Mary Redcliffe exists, what it stands for and are grateful for its positive impact upon their lives. With a passion for teaching and preaching amongst an extraordinarily diverse community, our new SSM will play a distinctive role by giving voice to our intentions and helping us grow in our understanding of the gospel imperatives that are at the heart of our vision. It may be that our new colleague is able to offer more than that and, if so, we have some thoughts about our weaknesses which need propping up, but we are more keen to learn first about your strengths. It is our expectation that all those in leadership thrive in their ministry, as we think that that is the best way to enable the church to thrive in its ministry. This SSM post is being offered to licensed lay ministers and to ordained deacons and priests. We recognise that our heritage is rather priest-heavy and see this as a great opportunity to express a broader and deeper understanding of the ministries to which God is calling us. Although this post is being advertised for us by the diocesan office using the clergy route, anyone interested in this post, lay or ordained, is asked to contact the vicar direct for a conversation in the first instance.
LOCATION AND HISTORY The parish is located to the south of the city centre of Bristol. There are about 3000 residents of the parish, but this is expanding rapidly as former industrial and commercial buildings are converted into multiple occupancy residential use. It is a very mixed parish that runs along the riverside and incorporates a whole variety of housing stock. The church itself sits on a dividing line within the parish. To the north there is a growing business community, including especially fi nancial and legal services. There are also residential apartments, some of which are quite recent developments, which attract young professional people into the area. To the south of the church there is a small local authority estate of about eight blocks of fl ats. It is predominantly a white working class area, but there is also a signifi cant Somali community. The Redcliffe Way corridor, which forms the dividing line, is currently the subject of much planning for future development and we are playing our part in these ongoing discussions to ensure that any such development is sensitive to the needs of the church and alive to the needs of the parish. Page 6
CULTURE AND STYLE OF WORSHIP St Mary Redcliffe is a broad church, sometimes defi ned as liberal catholic with a well-established choral tradition. Some aspects of catholic liturgical practice are used (e.g. vestments, processing the Gospel), but the form of worship preferred by most is neither high church nor evangelical. Incense is hardly ever used and liturgically we bow rather than genufl ect; the choirs lead the hymns and canticles, accompanied by our wonderful organ. We use the New English Hymnal, occasionally supplemented. Over recent years a pattern of Sunday Services has been developed which has wide support from our congregation and refl ects our long and distinguished musical tradition. Our 9.30am Eucharist welcomes all, including families and children. Sunday School takes place in the Undercroft during the service and refreshments are served in the West nave afterwards. There is a sermon or homily at each service. We have seven commissioned Lay Leaders of Worship who lead Mattins and Evensong on Sundays and take many roles at the Eucharist. Lay people are involved in pastoral visiting. A Ministry Team, comprising clergy and lay service offi ciants, meets fortnightly with clergy to address any pastoral needs that have arisen and respond appropriately. Pastoral contact groups, seeking to respond to needs both of established members of the congregation and of newer worshippers, are being developed. Sunday School takes place in the Undercroft during the 9:30 Eucharist. About 35 children attend each week in 4 groups:- Sparks (18mths to 4), Candles (4 to 7), Lamps (7 to 10), Fireworks (10 to 14). A new group is being formed to allow for the growing number of children. Some of their parents choose to stay in the Undercroft during Sunday School, especially those of the younger children. We have a dedicated team of leaders (all Safely Recruited). Once a month we have the First Sunday Service when a priest comes down and takes a service, similar in some ways to the service in Church. Between choir and Sunday School we have (as of March 2017) 77 families with 125 children on our books. Page 7
SERVICES Most of our services follow Common Worship liturgy, except Mattins and Evensong which are BCP. On the whole our main Sunday Eucharist is in traditional language with contemporary language being used once a month. Weekday services use contemporary language. SUNDAYS 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Sung Eucharist 11.15am Choral Mattins 6.30pm Sung Evensong TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 12.30pm Holy Communion, with prayers for healing twice a month DAILY 8.30am Morning Prayer 4.30pm Evening Prayer Page 8
STATISTICS 2014 2015 2016 Baptism 18 33 13 Marriages 17 12 24 Funerals (church) 2 11 5 Funerals (crematorium) 1 3 4 2014 2015 2016 Electoral role 237 254 271 Average weekly attendance (adults) - 203 183 Average weekly attendance (children under 16) - 38 54 Page 9
DISCIPLESHIP We have a monthly Bible Study group and a small weekly Meditation group. Our annual number of confi rmation candidates was around 10 (including both young people and adults) until we introduced Communion after Baptism. This is still having the usual effect of reducing numbers of young people coming forward for Confi rmation, as we encourage them to wait until they are older. We run a Vocations Group for anyone considering a call to authorised and/or licensed ministry. Over a dozen people have dipped their toe into this water and six are currently exploring a vocation to authorised ministry. We are aware of the need for small groups and are currently developing these around a pastoral care model which, we hope, will generate a call for something more intentionally discipleship based. Journey into Science brings debates about science and technology into church and occasionally focuses overtly on issues of science and religion. The Chaotic Pendulum is a visible sign of this exploration. For more information see www.stmaryredcliffe. co.uk/journey-into-science.html Page 10
COMMUNITY LINKS We are very strong on Community links, both locally and within our broader reach across the city. We have two church schools (St Mary Redcliffe Primary is Voluntary Controlled and is about to become an Academy within Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust, and St Mary Redcliffe & Temple Secondary is Voluntary Aided) and, unsurprisingly, our links within these two schools are robust. Both clergy work closely with both these schools and with the part-time Chaplain at the secondary school. Our new SSM colleague would be welcome to share this ministry if appropriate. We are working closely with local Neighbourhood Forum and the City Council on a project to reshape Redcliffe Way by building an urban village to the north of the church. As part of these developments, SMR is also actively pursuing a major development of our own to make us fi t for purpose as a vibrant Christian community, as a parish church that takes its responsibilities seriously and as a signifi cant visitor destination! More widely, because of the diversity of people who call SMR their church, we are linked into signifi cant opportunities for mission right across the city and particularly to the business community on our doorstep. Relationships with local businesses are good and getting better. Page 11
MISSION This element of our work is overseen by the Social Action committee which is currently reviewing how we can be most effective in our mission. Along with our Methodist partners we jointly manage the FaithSpace Centre on Prewett Street. Since December 2014, a full-time Methodist lay missioner has been based at FaithSpace building up the centre as a community resource with a Christian presence at the heart of it. Regular users include Redcliffe Children s Centre, the local police beat team, and various community education classes. FaithSpace activities include Messy Church, a weekly coffee morning, Sew, needles and natter, and a new afterschool session, FaithSpace Play. Locally, our concern for older people is provided by Redcliffe Care which is a long standing part of SMR. There are services in church and a weekly lunch club in the Church Centre. We have a Community Development Worker who works one day a week, developing and supporting activities for the local community and connecting agencies working in Redcliffe with each other and with local people who would benefit. Most recently, we have successfully raised all the funds required to enable us to move forward with a three year project to provide high quality youth work within our local neighbourhood. We are about to advertise for a four day a week lead post and will then supplement that with sessional work. Hospitality on the church site is provided in the Arc Cafe by the Addiction Recovery Association, which is not only offering good food but is run mainly by recovering addicts. We are now beginning to wonder what we can offer next to those who are ready to move on. The Welcome Group is trying to tie both faith and heritage information into a digital and print based offering. The World War One Group is marking the centenary with a growing poppy display in the St John s Chapel and plans are afoot for a community opera in 2018. We have an Education Officer to enhance school visits by addressing specific curriculum requirements. We have an annual Lent Appeal. Charities apply to be our partner and one is selected following competitive interview from amongst the applications that meet the threshold that we set. Page 12
BUILDINGS Page 13 St Mary Redcliffe church is a significant landmark within the city of Bristol and is a Grade I listed building of international architectural significance. It was mostly built over a 300 year period from the early 13th century to the 15th century. The oldest surviving parts date from 1115 although the majority of the current building is 15th century. There have, of course, been many alterations and restoration activities since then, particularly in the Victorian era when, for example, the spire was rebuilt. Appendix 1, our Visitors Guide Book, gives more details. The church attracts thousands of visitors and tourists each year, and also has an historic role within the city of Bristol; it hosts an annual civic service at Pentecost Rush Sunday to which the Lord Mayor, Councillors and Aldermen of the city come.
OTHER MATTERS STAFFING As well as two full time clergy posts (Dan Tyndall as Vicar, Kat Campion- Spall as Associate Vicar) SMR has 13 other employees: Mr Pete Rignall Operations Manager (full time) Administration Mr Rhys Williams Mrs Ros Houseago Development Project, Media & Comms (full time) Administrative Assistant (4 days a week) Mrs Pat Terry Office Associate (1 day a week) Music Vergers Outreach Mr Andrew Kirk Mr Graham & Mrs Claire Alsop Mr Matthew Buckmaster Dr Carys Underdown Mr Andy Carruthers Ms Sally Trivett Mrs Sarah Yates Ms Hannah Currant appointment pending Director of Music and Organist (full time) Assistant Organists (part time, job share) Head Verger (full time) Verger (full time) Verger (3 days a week) Cleaner (2 days a week) Education (2 days a week) Community Development (1 day a week) Community Youth Worker (4 days a week) Page 14
CHURCH LANDS CHARITY We benefit significantly from the income from endowments given to the church over the centuries. These endowments are managed by the Trustees of the St Mary Redcliffe Church Lands Charity (usually known as the Vestry). The income from the charity is restricted and may be used for the maintenance of worship in the church and towards the upkeep of the building. Therefore, while the PCC has overall responsibility for the fabric, it is relieved from having to fund the maintenance. CANYNGES SOCIETY, COLSTON SOCIETY AND TEMPLE ECCLESIASTICAL CHARITY We also benefit significantly from these three independent, yet closely linked, organisations. Both Canynges and Colston run annual appeals which help finance either work on the church fabric (Canynges) or work within the parish (Colston). Temple has substantial assets and its annual contribution to SMR enables us to maintain such a high level of staffing. Page 15
FINANCES 2015 2016 Income 257,033 278,961 Expenditure 260,691 260,528 Parish Share 117,500 117,500 Church maintenance* 5,000 5,000 Major repairs* 0 0 Fundraising 24,874 24,255 Giving 28,638 32,426 BENEFICE SUMMARY Parish: St Mary Redcliffe with Temple Bristol and St John the Baptist Bedminster Patron of the living: The Bishop of Bristol PCCs: 1 Churchwardens: 2 Other authorised and licensed ministers: 0 People employed by PCC or with whom the PCC has a work agreement: See page 14 Buildings: 1 church, one jointly owned Church Centre hall Churchyard: 1 closed Parish population: 3,000 Average weekly attendance: 220 Electoral roll: 296 (at APCM 2017) Parish Share given: 117,500 Resolutions passed: None Page 16
ROLE DESCRIPTION Role Title (as on licence) Name of Benefice Archdeaconry Deanery Self Supporting Associate Minister St Mary Redcliffe Bristol Bristol South This role profile is deliberately vague. Page 17 We are keen to talk to both lay ministers and ordained deacons or priests who may feel called to this role. SMR has not been particularly good at promoting authorised lay ministry, but we are coming out of the Vicar and half a dozen curates model to embrace a much more holistic approach to ministry. Currently we have six people exploring their vocations. If you feel drawn to this role the first step is to make a time to have an informal conversation with the current vicar, Dan Tyndall. The formal process will follow depending on whether lay or ordained. GENERAL To play a distinctive and intentional role in creating communities of wholeness with Christ at the centre, advancing the mission, Church and Kingdom of God, through a preaching and teaching ministry aligned with our vision statement. RESPONSIBILITIES ENCOURAGING DISCIPLESHIP to preach in a way that embodies our vision and that helps the community to understand the theological imperatives that underline our vision; to preach in a manner that engages both regulars and one-off visitors using a variety of styles; to encourage the development of vocations to lay and ordained ministries and to assist in the development of small groups around the city (if appropriate) LEADING WORSHIP to agree with the Vicar a pattern of daily prayer (either at SMR or not); to plan liturgy with colleagues and lead worship with friendly formality LEADERSHIP IN MISSION to collaborate with the incumbent, other clergy and lay staff in leading the church on its journey to be a thriving Christian community, a welcoming heritage destination and an effective parish church; there will be opportunities to take responsibility for implementing aspects of the vision statement
RESPONSIBILITIES... Continued TEAM LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT to collaborate on any and all tasks, engaging with our rather complex organisational structures and implementing the agreed outcome cheerfully PASTORAL CARE to be part of the pastoral care team if possible and, if not, to keep alert for pastoral information which would be passed on to the Vicar ADMINISTRATION AND PARISH ORGANISATION to be known by the key constituents within the church and to be part of PCC in a way which enables you to thrive, exercising leadership as and where you can MINISTERING IN A WIDER CONTEXT this is an important element of any ministry but for an SSM is highly contextual and would need to be discussed SELF DISCIPLINE, SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE AND OWN DEVELOPMENT to be ready to sign up to our values and vision, and not to ignore your own thriving for the sake of others; maintain professional boundaries and participate in MDR & CPD. Page 18
PERSON SPECIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS A licensed lay minister or ordained deacon or priest within the Church of England, or a Church in communion with it, or a Church whose orders it recognises Satisfactory completion of Initial Ministerial Education (or equivalent for LLM) PERSONAL QUALITIES a follower of Christ, seeking to be ever more faithful a sense of calling to this role honed qualities of integrity and resilience an understanding of the potential of SMR s preaching ministry a real desire to enjoy what we re doing and a real belief in the journey we re on a sense of dedication to the team.. a person who ll roll their sleeves up and get stuck in a self-assurance to work alongside hard-working, fast-working, creative colleagues a self-awareness that ll make you a joy to have as part of our team a yearning to see the church full every time we open the doors SKILLS preaching from the pulpit teaching from the chair explaining ideas and concepts in a way that others can pick them up and use them relating equally with staff, volunteers, residents, trustees, company bosses, politicians, local authority officers, etc. negotiating your contribution to SMR so we get the best of what you have to offer (but without taking advantage of you) balancing work-family-personal time Page 19
PROVEN EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES Essential (E) or Desirable (D) MINISTRY AND WORK BACKGROUND that you have a discipline of prayer and worship that you can lead worship with friendly formality that you can preach in an engaging way and in a variety of styles that you can negotiate effectively that you will toe the line even when you disagree that you have devised liturgies that reflect an agreed vision LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF OTHERS that you started something new from a shared vision that you can coach / mentor / support others that you can lead and/or establish small groups E or D E E E E E D D D D FORMATION OF OTHERS that you can speak openly and honestly about your own formation MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES AND STRUCTURES that you have an understanding of how churches work, including their politics that you have some understanding of complex organisations ENGAGEMENT IN COMMUNITY LIFE AND PUBLIC ISSUES that you can engage sympathetically across boundaries OTHER that you affirm our vision and values and will abide by them, SMR s policies and procedures and other codes of conduct KNOWLEDGE AND OWN DEVELOPMENT Willing to take responsibility for your own personal and professional development Willing to undertake regular retreats, study and theological learning Understanding group dynamics, leadership practice, etc. Enhanced DBS required E E D E E Page 20
THE BRISTOL SOUTH DEANERY South Bristol Deanery Chapter is a cohesive and supportive group. We are meet regularly to pray and study the bible, have an annual retreat together and aim for a mutually supportive model of church. We are committed to mission, the encouragement of lay ministry and to seeing God s kingdom come in South Bristol. Page 21
THE DIOCESE OF BRISTOL The Diocese of Bristol is the Church of England across Bristol, South Glos, North Wilts and Swindon. There are 30,000 people worshipping regularly in more than 200 churches, led by hundreds of clergy serving within seven deaneries. Around 15,000 children and young people attend our 69 Church schools, while chaplains serve in institutions across our region. Rt Revd Mike Hill, the Bishop of Bristol, is the Diocesan Bishop supported by Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, the Suffragan Bishop of Swindon and Ven Christine Froude the Archdeacon of Malmesbury and acting Archdeacon of Bristol. Our diocesan identity and vision of Creating connections: connected with God, each other and our communities, helps shape the work of ministers, parishes and schools. Our priorities as a diocese are making disciples, growing leaders and engaging younger generations. The Diocesan Support Services exists to support our identity, vision and priorities. Based at the Diocesan Office to the north of Bristol and made up of 50 employees and volunteers, they serve ministers, parishes and schools by expressing vision, strengthening relationships, empowering people, maximizing resources and developing structures. Page 22
PARISH CONTACTS Rev Dan Tyndall (Vicar) Mr Pete Rignall (Operations Manager) 12 Colston Parade Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6RA 0117 231 0060 dan.tyndall@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk peter.rignall@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk Online www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/stmaryredcliffe Pinterest www.pinterest.com/stmaryredcliffe Twitter @DanTyndall / @StMaryRedcliffe LinkedIn profile Dan Tyndall group St Mary Redcliffe Church Diocesan Office, First Floor, Hillside House, 1500 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU 0117 906 0100 www.bristol.anglican.org The Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance Limited Reg. in England: Charity 248502, Company 156243