Parish of Heeley Post of Vicar STATEMENT OF NEEDS We are really thrilled to be welcoming a new Vicar to Heeley at such an exciting time of change in how we work together in God s mission. Christ Church Heeley is beginning to embark on a new phase of mission and witness as we develop new missional links with other church communities in the area in order to share our God-given gifts. As we re-imagine parish ministry in our local area we are looking for a Vicar who will be committed to growing a team of ordained and lay ministers serving a new Mission Partnership in the north-west of the Attercliffe Deanery. We seek an evangelical Vicar who will provide strategic leadership and work to develop lay ministry teams, whilst being committed to serving the parish of Heeley and the new Mission Partnership. The Diocese of Sheffield is resourcing this partnership with four stipendiary clergy posts to work with non-stipendiary clergy, local Readers and lay leaders in the churches. It is anticipated that the partnership will be served by the Vicar of the Manor Team (in post), the Vicar of Arbourthorne (in post), the new Vicar at Heeley and a Pioneer Minister developing new opportunities for mission, primarily in Darnall and Park. To facilitate the development of this new way of working in partnership, the Diocese have also committed to appoint a three-year stipendiary Interim Priest who will work with the churches in vacancy, help shape the pioneer post and develop good partnership working across the area. As the Partnership develops, it is possible that the Vicar of Heeley may also be required to provide pastoral oversight at St John s Park as Priest-in-Charge.
WHO ARE WE? We are a warm and welcoming church community with several congregations comprising of 79 Electoral Roll members. Our congregation includes a cross section of all ages and cultures, including a large Nepalese fellowship. We are all different and individual but united by our faith and our mission to be: Rejoicing in Worship, Growing in Discipleship, Showing love in the Community and Proclaiming the Good News. We are looking for a Vicar who: is evangelical and Bible based can continue to increase motivation and enthusiasm to learn God s word and reach out to others is a leader with vision and the courage to try new things as well as build on what we already have is willing to be challenged! WHERE IS HEELEY PARISH? Heeley Parish Church (Christ Church Heeley) is in the deanery of Attercliffe. The Church is conveniently located near to Sheffield City Centre and in the heart of Heeley. The local Infants and Junior School (Ann s Grove Primary, rated as Good by Ofsted) is round the corner from the Church and there is a local shopping centre just a few hundred yards away. Heeley is a long established community within the city and the Parish has a population of 8,940. Heeley folk are friendly and welcoming. The area consists of substantial council housing as well as private housing. The area is similar to many other inner city areas in that whilst previously high unemployment levels are reducing slowly, concentrated pockets exist within the community that have a high level of nonearner households and lone-parents, thus creating multiple need. The population is predominantly white with an ethnic minority population of about 23%. Diversity is increasing and in the last few years our school (Ann s Grove) has gone from two or three languages to more than 20 now spoken alongside English a really rapid change! Parish History Heeley became a parish in its own right in 2011, prior to this we had been part of the Parish of Heeley and Gleadless Valley.
WORSHIP Our worship is evangelical and Bible based. The congregation are actively involved in the services and we have a team of lay people (both men and women) taking part in: leading services preaching reading prayers music During the Sunday morning services, Bible readings and prayers are said in both English and Nepalese. Robes are usually only worn for Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms. Sunday morning worship is at 10.45 am. Morning Prayer is usually on the first Sunday of the month, with said Holy Communion on the 2 nd, 4 th and 5 th Sunday and all age worship on the third Sunday. Morning worship includes songs for the children who then go out for their own teaching. Music includes both traditional hymns together with modern worship songs. During 2016, our average attendance at the morning service has been 67, including children. The Sunday @ Seven service is for those who enjoy a modern informal style of worship. This is currently held in the lower hall and takes the form of a relaxed and informal Bible Study with worship and prayer. There is also a 6.00 pm Said Holy Communion BCP Service on the first Sunday of each month. Both the 6.00 and 7.00 pm services have small congregations, currently between 6-8 people for each service. Sunday morning services are currently accompanied by a keyboard, guitar, drums and flute. Sunday @ Seven is currently a guitar only. Although a number of our Nepalese fellowship attend Sunday services, they also hold their own service on Saturday mornings at 11.00 am in their own language. A short service is held once a month for residents at the Heeley Bank Care Home. Heeley Parish has in the past been part of the Churches Together in Heeley and Meersbrook, although this has lapsed recently. Other churches included the Church of the Nazarene at Heeley, Mountview Methodist, United Reformed Church at Meesbrook and St Paul s Norton Lees. The Ethiopian Christian Orthodox Church are currently renting the church on a trial basis for their own services on Sunday afternoons. WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE At Heeley Parish Church we value deeply the importance of our work with children and youth. We have a dedicated group of core leaders and strong support from numerous helpers from within the church. Children are an important part of family life and that is reflected in our life as a church family.
Our Sundays start as a family with children in the service taking part in all aspects of worship including songs, prayers and notices before going to their dedicated groups to be taught relevant to their age groups. We have 3 main groups catering for: Pre-school age children up to Reception age Y1 to Y3 s Y4 to Y6 s Activities for these groups start generally in the back hall all together with more children s songs being sung and thoughts and prayers for our brothers and sisters around the world that face persecution, using the Open Doors (who we support as a church) information to highlight the struggles that some Christians face and how we can help through our prayers. The groups then go off into their own sections for further fun teaching. For the older (youth) we have a meeting place where deeper discussion based teaching is held in an informal manner, usually including hot chocolate, biscuits and more chocolate (bribery is a great tool in the work with youth!!) During the week we have activities on Tuesdays for our groups. JAM Club runs for those in Reception to Y6, a younger group being held first followed by the older ones. JAM Club also holds three holiday clubs a year, Good Friday (1 day), Summer Holiday Club (3 days) and an alternative to Halloween called Bright Night (1 evening). These Holiday clubs are held free of charge as a service to the community. Summer Holiday Club 2016 Also on Tuesdays we hold our meeting for the youth (Y7+) called Xtreme. We meet in an informal setting and provide drinks and cake/biscuits/crisps (we did say food was a good bribe!). Our meetings are held in a very relaxed manner with the view that it is not all about preaching the word to them but evangelising them through friendship and our actions/attitude/lifestyle. Every week we do have a discussion topic and various games for the group to take part in as well as plenty of free time for just chilling and being teenagers. Xtreme take part in two out of church events during the year. In August we take the youth to Soul Survivor and in January we go to Edale for a weekend where we put on our own informal programme.
Numbers are often difficult to comment upon. Groups go up and down but generally all our weekly groups are well attended with the following approximates: Sunday groups Reception to Y6 15-20 Youth 4-8 Tuesday groups Reception to Y6 15-20 Youth 7-14 We also have a Toddler Group every Friday morning during term time. The highlight of the year is the Toddler Group Nativity Service which is normally held on the second Sunday in December at the 10.45 am service. Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these OTHER ACTIVITIES Mums Group This group is held every Thursday during term time and is mainly for mums whose children are at school. We found that mums, who had previously brought their children to our toddler group, still wanted to get together for a chat and it was proving difficult to accommodate them on the same day as the toddler group, hence the mums group was formed.
Special Events We have a number of events throughout the year which are attractive to friends and neighbours who don t normally come to church. These include a Christmas Fayre, fundraising events for Mission and the occasional themed social nights (in the past these have included: Robin Hood Night, Disney Night, 20 s, 40 s, 50 s and 70 s Nights). Fundraising Events As well as our annual Christmas Fayre, we are also currently organising special Saturday Coffee Mornings and Table Top sales to raise funds for our building project/roof fund. This fundraising forms a vital part of our income and the events also have a social/outreach focus. Bible Study/Fellowship Bible Study has normally been held on a Wednesday evening at the vicarage led by the vicar. During the interregnum a prayer meeting/fellowship is being held in a member s home as well as an alternative Bible Study for younger people at another house. Crafty Sew and Sews Anyone interested in knitting, sewing or any other kind of craft can come along on the first Thursday of the each month to share their ideas, enjoy a cuppa and a piece of cake. Nepalese Fellowship One of our congregations meets on a Saturday when our Nepalese brothers and sisters hold a service in their own language where everyone is welcome to attend. They have weekly prayer meetings as well as house meetings, known as cottage meetings and a weekly youth group. OCCASIONAL OFFICES Our policy in the past has been to baptise all who request it, live in the Parish (plus people from outside the Parish if there are special circumstances) and attend the required preparation. Baptism services normally take place on the first Sunday of the month at 1.00 pm, or as part of the morning service if a member of the congregation.
Heeley Parish Church Baptism Marriage Funerals in church 2015 4 1 2 2016 7 3 + 1 wedding vow renewal 0 A small group of people from the congregation form a choir for weddings if required. CHURCH BUILDINGS All our services and activities take place in a welcoming church building. The original building was founded in 1846 and extended in 1890 and 1897 with the addition of the side aisles and vestry. The church was reordered in the 1970 s to provide non-worship activity space with provision of a kitchen, toilets, lower hall at the west end of the church, an upper floor above and an organ loft and gallery. In 2015 refurbishment work was carried out to provide an improved foyer area with new toilets, a new kitchen was installed, both the upper and lower halls were redecorated, new storage areas created as well as an improved entrance with automatic doors. There are further plans for the reordering of the worship area. This is an exciting and challenging project and we would expect our new Vicar to take an active role in planning and leading this work. A recent QI inspection has identified urgent repairs to the roof and funding is currently being sought for this work. The church yard is 1.4 acres and is still an open grave yard for existing plots. Our Nepalese fellowship have taken on the role of tidying up the grounds and they have made an incredible difference. The rear view of Heeley Parish Church Heeley Institute is a listed building and former chapel on the corner of Hartley Street and Gleadless Road, in between the old Ann s Grove School and Heeley Parish Church. It is one of the oldest buildings in the area and was the first place of worship in Heeley when it was built in 1826. It is owned by Heeley Parish Church but leased to Heeley Development Trust (at a peppercorn rent) who restored the building in 2001 for community use. The Church also owns a 654m2 plot of land at the side of the Institute on Hartley Street.
PARISH MANAGEMENT Heeley Parish Church has two Church Wardens elected from the congregation as well as a Deputy Church Warden. The Church annually elects a Parochial Church Council of up to 12 people and this PCC leads and organises the practical life of the church. FINANCE Although not a wealthy Parish we are generous in our giving. We paid our 2016 contribution of 26,520 towards the Common Fund by the end of September and are committed to paying 30,000 in 2017. Heeley Parish Church currently supports Open Doors and Mercy Ministries. We have a Mission Secretary to oversee our giving to these worthwhile causes. In addition to this, we support Gleadless Valley Foodbank with food donations and representation on the Management Board. We also support the Children s Society through donations received at our annual Christingle Service. THE VICARAGE Heeley Parish Vicarage is a four bedroom detached house next to the Church with a large rear garden. The property was built in the 1970 s and has recently had a new kitchen and bathroom installed.
Role Description Details of Post Role Title: Name of Benefice: Deanery: Archdeaconry: Vicar Christ Church Heeley Attercliffe Sheffield and Rotherham Role Purpose 1. To exercise the cure of souls in collaboration with the bishop 2. To grow Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in this place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God's world 3. To represent the Church of England in the wider community 4. To support, encourage and resource colleagues in the deanery and diocese, as together we seek to realise our diocesan vision General Responsibilities 1. To fulfill the responsibilities of clergy as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct for the Clergy and other relevant legislation. 2. To watch over yourself. 3. To ensure that a high standard of worship, preaching and pastoral care is offered. 4. To develop the ministry of the laity such that all are using their gifts for the common good and to develop a ministry team. 5. To offer the gospel in a lively and engaging way to those who are outside the church 6. To offer a way for people to explore the Christian gospel for the first time leading to baptism and confirmation. 7. To offer clear pathways for young Christians to grow to maturity as Christian disciples. 8. To lead the church in responding to human need by loving service. 9. To participate in diocesan, national and international initiatives to transform unjust structures of society. 10. To seek at all times to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. 11. To encourage Christian stewardship of people s time, money and abilities.
12. To collaborate with Churchwardens to ensure the church building(s) serve the church s wider mission in the community. 13. To seek ecumenical cooperation wherever appropriate and possible. 14. To collaborate with the deanery in mission and ministry and cooperate in the implementation of the deanery plan. 15. To ensure full compliance at all times with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy. 16. To explore opportunities for pioneer expressions of mission and ministry wherever appropriate and possible. 17. To fulfil the bishops requirement of full engagement with continuing professional development through Leading Well, Continuing Ministerial Development and diocesan events that aim to inspire and equip lay and ordained leaders. Specific Responsibilities 1. to encourage and inspire all members of the church community to realise and develop their relationship with God. 2. to encourage and develop greater use of our God given gifts within the life of the church and Mission Partnership. 3. to encourage, support and develop our outreach work. 4. to encourage people to grow spiritually as disciples of Christ. 5. to develop and work alongside our established Nepalese fellowship, uniting us together as one family. 6. to build on the links with the local schools and other organisations. 7. to develop effective collaborative leadership and accountability, empowering teams to lead in their areas of responsibility. 8. to lead and inspire us, together with our fellow Christians in the churches comprising our Mission Partnership, as we begin to explore and develop new patterns of church life and mission outreach. 9. to work with the Church on our building project. 10. to share in ministry across the mission partnership, working positively with lay and ordained colleagues in partner churches, with the possibility of providing pastoral oversight (potentially as Priest in Charge ) for an additional church in the near future Key colleagues within the church (local, deanery, diocese and ecumenical) The Bishop of Sheffield and the Bishop of Doncaster The Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham The Area Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery Chapter, Deanery Synod and Diocesan Synod together with church related groups. Churchwardens and Deputy Churchwarden Members of PCC PCC Secretary Treasurer Lay Readers and other lay leaders Pastor Samuel and lay leaders of the Heeley Nepali Fellowship Clergy and lay leaders of churches within the Mission Partnership Deanery clergy and staff Diocesan clergy and staff
Key partners in the wider community (individuals and organisations) The Ethiopian Orthodox Church The Indian Fellowship Gleadless Valley Foodbank Heeley Bank Care Home Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Anns Grove Primary School Heeley Development Trust The Church of the Nazarene The Apostolic Faith Mission Statement by the Archdeacon on behalf of the Diocese: As is evident from the above Statement of Needs, Christ Church Heeley is an active church with a vibrant worshipping community and good links into the wider parish. It s been particularly exciting to see the flourishing of the Nepalese fellowship and the wonderful gathering of diverse ethnicities in the Sunday morning congregation. I m confident that Christ Church is a great place to be engaged in ministry, and that there are exciting times ahead as the church continues to grow and reach its surrounding community with the good news of God s love. This strategic appointment comes at a critical development stage of the Mission Partnership in the North of Attercliffe Deanery. Christ Church is embarking on a new Mission Partnership with the Manor Team, Arbourthorne & Norfolk Park, Attercliffe & Darnall and Park, to be resourced by three full-time stipendiary parish clergy and a full-time stipendiary ordained pioneer, working with local Readers and lay leaders in the churches. To encourage this partnership in the initial formative stage, we are also looking to appoint an Interim Minister for the next three years to work, especially, with the churches in Darnall and Park in discerning a new pattern for mission and ministry. It is likely, beyond this, that the Vicar of Heeley will extend pastoral oversight to one of these parishes as Priest in Charge. There are many opportunities for mission in the parish of Heeley, and so we are looking for a priest with the energy and gifts to lead the church in developing a vision and strategy for growth. The new vicar will also be committed to working collaboratively with others, both lay and ordained, across the parishes of the mission partnership, in line with the diocesan strategies for growing the Body of Christ, re-imagining ministry for a changing context and engaging in wider society as salt and light, expressing the love of Christ in word and action. For more information on the diocesan vision for developing Mission Partnerships, see http://www.sheffield.anglican.org/mission-partnerships. Review Date: Signature of Office Holder: Signature of Archdeacon: Date: Date:
DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD THE PARISH OF HEELEY PERSON SPECIFICATION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Qualifications/Training Ordained priest within the Church of England. Evidence of engagement with continuing ministerial development. Willingness to engage in further training as required. Spirituality and Prayer Life A life and ministry rooted in prayer. Ability to discern, foster and encourage spiritual gifts in others. Ability to provide pastoral leadership. Evangelical with a deep commitment to Scripture, to inform our learning, nurture and discipleship. Ability to inspire faith and hope and to guide our actions in love. Willingness to work with ordained colleagues and lay leaders, both male and female. Theological understanding that is confident and open; ability to work comfortably within a missional context that embraces a broad spectrum of churchmanship.
Knowledge Ability to demonstrate excellent understanding of the Bible and to communicate it well to all kinds of people. Evidence of having used innovative methods or approaches to communicating the Gospel to young people and people of no or different faith. Experience of leading or implementing Alpha or other similar courses. Experience Demonstrable ability to build links with the local schools and other organisations. Ability to lead us in engaging and inspiring worship. Demonstrable commitment to engage all people as an integral part of the church. Experience of team working, as participant and leader or Chair. Experience of working with non-english speaking and English as Second language congregations. Experience of working on a church re-ordering project. Experience of implementing greater use of team working and building within an organisation. Financial awareness. Skills and Abilities Commitment to continuing the multi-cultural life of our church. An effective communicator. Ability and willingness to engage positively with clergy, lay colleagues and congregations in a new Mission Partnership. Ability to use computer technology as an integral part of parish and inter-parish organisation.
Personal Attributes An open, engaging and compassionate personality. Sense of humour. Demonstrable skills at facilitating and chairing meetings. A willingness to encourage and support all church activities. Ability to empathise and listen carefully. Belief in shared ministry. Heart for social justice.
We asked members of our congregation what qualities they would like to see in our new Vicar and they came up with the following: Strong pastoral care for congregation and community Pleasant and caring person, inspirational speaker Approachable, Bible led, enthusiastic Kind hearted, skilled at listening, accepting all Good sense of humour! A strong leader with a creative approach to ministry Supportive, vibrant and willing to embrace new things Mindful of all age groups Solid preacher of the Gospel Polite, kind, honest, hardworking, helpful, loving An organised person who will change things if necessary Totally committed to the needs of our congregation, parish and our fund raising efforts Knows how to be cool Fun! Encouraging, enabling us to step out in faith Allow everyone to use their gift/talent to be a part of the body of Christ Someone filled with the Holy Spirit, who can make Heeley a more inclusive church, where it can be united and filled with love with everyone included. Someone who shares ministry, working with both fellowships to make us one family faithful to God Charismatic, follows through with actions not just words.