PARISH BROCHURE
Page 1 OUR INVITATION TO YOU
We, the people of this United Bene ice in the Diocese of Leeds, extend a warm welcome to whoever is called upon by God to serve amongst us.
We would welcome you into our community in the Vale of York, set between the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, near the County town of Northallerton.
Would you be willing to join us, supporting our Rector and the ministry of our Bene ice, sharing and inspiring our future plans for developing the Christian ministry and mission?
Page 2 OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to promote the teachings of God through the way we act to- wards each other across the Bene ice and in the way in which we seek to engage with our local communities, the Deanery and with the wider Church community. This will be achieved by focussing on:-
✦ Making our Church buildings more amenable to our local communities for a variety of activities and events. ✦ Continuing to develop, support and widen our work with young children across the Bene ice and to seek to provide church activities which are access- ible to working families coping with the pressures and demands of modern- day living. ✦ Continuing to develop and sustain inancial support through individual con- tributions and social events through which we will seek to lay a foundation for sustainable growth. ✦ Developing a teaching and nurturing programme of study in the Christian Faith for both children and adults, through which we will be enabled to en- gage with the needs of the World, as well as our local communities, aided by our own strength in the Lord Jesus Christ. ✦ Seeking to celebrate the seasons of the Rural Community in which we live by making stronger connections between it and the liturgical expression of our worship. ✦ Completing a skills audit of our Church communities through which we will seek to improve communication and the sharing of resources across the Be- ne ice.
Progress to date against our Mission Statement:-
❖ We have established Mission Forum for the Bene ice and we are making good progress on re-ordering some of the churches to make them more amenable and some events have been held (eg, Art Gallery and Quiz nights). Our churches are hosting regular community coffee mornings.
❖ Our youth work continues to be strong and we have created our ‘Bene ice Prayer’ that is used regularly at services and meetings. We realise that more work is to be done through our Mission Forum.
Page 3 OUR MISSION STATEMENT PRAYER
Dear Lord
As we seek to grow and nurture our Christian faith through your teachings, give us strength to work as a United Bene ice and serve our rural communities in your name.
Using the resources we have, help us to reach out to young and old in a way that shows our support to them and enable continued growth and awareness of our faith.
Our mission, Lord, is to channel your love and com- passion in a way that enriches the lives of others.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Page 4 THE LOCALITY
The United Bene ice of the Lower Swale is situated in the beautiful countryside in the north of the Vale of York, in rural North Yorkshire.
We have vibrant village communities which, through a strong community spirit, work together to raise funds, promote wellbeing and participate in social events in the local village halls.
People living in the Lower Swale area are well positioned for accessing larger towns and cities in the region and beyond, both by road and public transport. The County town of Northaller- ton (4 miles) has a railway station on the mainline with services to London King’s Cross (2 hours 30 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 30 minutes) as well as York (24 minutes), Leeds (50 minutes), Durham (30 minutes), Manchester Airport (2 hours 14 minutes) and Newcastle- upon-Tyne (46 minutes).
The Bene ice has easy access to a good network of arterial roads, allowing travel to all parts of the country. The A1(M) is within three miles of Scruton and the A19 nearby, along with other main routes north and south. The A66 trans-pennine route to Cumbria and the Lake District is at Scotch Corner, some ten miles away, travelling north on the A1(M).
By road, the distance to York is 35 miles south (45 minutes), Darlington 16 miles north (30 minutes) and Teeside 40 miles north (60 minutes).
The outstanding natural beauty of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is on the doorstep, beginning at Bedale (5 miles) and up to the head of the Dale at Hawes (31 miles). This offers wonderful opportunities for walking and outdoor pursuits.
The County town of Northallerton lies about four miles away from Scruton. It has a wide range of shops including the independent Barkers Department Store, Lewis & Cooper Del- icatessen and other high street favourites such as Fat Face, Waterstones and Crew Clothing as well as Costa, Caffe Nero and many other coffee shops. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Lidl all have stores in the town and there is also an M&S Food Hall. There are out-of-town shopping centres offering Halfords, Pets at Home, B&M and Majestic Wines as well as Barkers Furniture store. The new ‘Treadmills’ development is currently underway in town to provide more shopping, eating, working and social venues on the site of the old prison. And, of course, who can resist a ‘Fat Rascal’ at the internationally renowned Betty’s Tea Room, or a visit to the Joe Cornish Photo and Art Gallery?
The Forum in Northallerton hosts concerts and shows and there is also a cinema showing the latest ilms. More extensive entertainment venues are available in nearby cities.
The area has a number of good secondary schools including Northallerton, Ripon and Rich- mond and there is easy access to higher education at Darlington, Durham, York, Leeds and Newcastle.
Northallerton is also home to the County’s much-loved Friarage Hospital which offers a mid- wife-led maternity unit, 24 hour urgent care centre and specialist cancer unit, as well as many other clinics and surgical facilities. The nearest Trauma Centre is at James Cook Hospital at Middlesbrough.
Page 5 OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
The Bene ice is organised into two United Parishes - the United Parish of Ainderby Steeple with Yafforth & Kirby Wiske with Maunby and the United Parish of Kirkby Fleetham with Langton-on-Swale & Scruton. There are seven churches across the two parishes. In the main, the churches are in the heart of the villages, except for that of St Mary’s, Kirkby Fleetham and St Wilfrid’s, Langton-on-Swale, which are both some dis- tance from their respective villages.
Our Bene ice comprises several small villages and hamlets, near to the River Swale. These are largely rural in character but, with agriculture (although still important) no longer employing many people, are also commuter villages for those who work in Northallerton, Bedale, Thirsk or Teeside.
Our continuing aim for our churches is to work even more closely together, sharing ideas and good practices, for the bene it of the whole Bene ice. Each church currently has its own local church council who meet to discuss business relevant to each church, but representatives from these groups also attend the quarterly United PCC meetings to discuss matters affecting all the churches and the Bene ice as a whole.
This is a relatively prosperous area, with about 75% of the local properties owner-oc- cupied, and with low unemployment rates. While all age groups are well-represented, there is a large percentage of retired people within our communities.
There are two Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) primary schools within the Bene ice, one at Ainderby Steeple and the other at Kirkby Fleetham. Some of our church members are governors at these schools and our clergy have always been wel- comed to enrich the curriculum and Christian ethos within the schools. These schools use our churches for key services and our Rector leads regular worship at the church schools in Ainderby and Kirkby Fleetham, which will hopefully be supported by the new House for Duty priest, when appointed. This is welcomed and af irmed by both schools and is seen by the Bene ice as an important feature of church-school co-opera- tion and the nurturing of the children in the Christian faith. Some of these children also attend our churches and take part in our children’s services and activities under the guidance of our Children & Young People’s Co-ordinator.
The Dales School is a Local Authority maintained school for young people aged from 2 to 19 years, with special educational needs and disabilities. This is located in Morton- on-Swale, just a mile or so from Ainderby Steeple and has an active, vibrant com- munity. Our Licensed Lay Reader, Paul, is the Chair of Governors at this school.
There is also a Family Resource Centre in Morton-on-Swale, run by the Local Authority, which offers respite care to families with disabled children and young people.
Page 6 OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Revd Jenni Lane - Rector
To be Appointed House for Duty Associate Priest
Paul Chubb MBE - Licensed Lay Minister
Page 7 Churchwardens The United Parish of Ainderby Steeple with Yafforth & Kirby Wiske with Maunby Mr Brian Phillips Mr Christopher Riley
The United Parish of Kirkby Fleetham with Langton- on-Swale & Scruton Mr Simon Eden (Assistant Church Warden) Mr John Mainwaring-Taylor
Youth Leaders Shawn Costello Judith Brown Diane Jennings Vanessa Green
Administration Mrs Karen Prudden - Bene ice Administrator
Financial Support Mr Paul Carnell - Treasurer for the United PCC
Page 8 OUR WORSHIP
In the main, our churches use the Common Worship, with printed booklets spe- ci ic to each season of the year. BCP continues to be used at Yafforth and Maunby Churches. Individual orders of service are printed for special services across the Bene ice.
We provide a variety of Holy Communion, Evensong, All-Age Worship and Morn- ing Prayer services across the Bene ice, planned by the Rector and supported by the Ministry Team and Churchwardens. We are always open to new ways of worship.
We use a variety of hymn books in our churches, the main ones being Hymns Old & New, Hymns Ancient & Modern Revised, Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard, Mission Praise and Junior Praise.
Ainderby Steeple has a robed choir and we also have an ad hoc United Parish Choir who come together for special services. We are very fortunate to enjoy the services of four voluntary organists and there is a strong musical tradition throughout the Bene ice.
OUR TRADITION
Our worship ranges from traditional to more adventurous, encompassing all ages and with an emphasis on fellowship.
We have the full range of vestments; alb, chasuble and stole in all four colours, and copes are also available and worn as appropriate.
We offer home Communion to house-bound parishioners, with the Sacrament being reserved at Ainderby Steeple.
We have an open policy for Baptisms and the Rector or House For Duty Priest conducts the preparation. Where possible, we encourage families to see Baptism as part of our regular service programme.
Our churches are popular venues for marriages and we welcome all to take their marriage vows at one of our churches, and to become part of our wider church family, both before and after their marriage.
Funerals are held at any of our churches or at one of our crematorium, the nearest being in Darlington.
Page 9 OUR WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
We have seen outstanding elements of growth in the attendance of children and young people, centred around Ainderby Steeple, with groups to which our chil- dren’s workers give generously of their time and skills. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to ‘Busy Bees’ (4-7 years), ‘Groovers & Shakers’ (7-11 years) and ‘Trendy Teens’ (11-18 years). We have seen between 40 and 45 chil- dren participate in these groups, which provides a platform for our Con irmation programme, with 50% of our previous Con irmation candidates still attending their local church. These groups are all run by volunteers in the church, during the week.
The Bene ice is proud to hold a Con irmation Service each year and in the last four years we have seen 47 candidates from across the Bene ice being Con irmed (mainly young people from our youth group and their parents). The Con irma- tion Service is always well attended and very much regarded as a special occa- sion for the Bene ice.
The focus of all our children and youth groups, held at St Helen’s Church in Ainderby Steeple, is to help the children and young people to live in the know- ledge and faith that Jesus is their Saviour and to live Christian lives. The ‘Busy Bees’ group tends to learn through ‘messy church’ activities, stories, play, games, shared snacks and singing. The young children’s parents/carers also attend and contribute to this group.
Likewise, ‘Groovers & Shakers’ starts and ends with prayer, but also offers games, Christian stories and activities, singing and snacks.
‘Trendy Teens' enjoy Christian fellowship, discussions, activities and prayer, as well as games and they also host the annual Christingle Service. The older two groups enjoy rounders on the village green.
Christian leadership is developed in those young people who are undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, with one young man gaining his Gold Award through helping with, and developing, the All Age Worship Service. Another gained his Bronze Award through actively supporting the ‘Groovers & Shakers’.
We plan to enhance the quality of our groups through the use of technology when funds allow.
Our children and youth groups are working towards Fresh Expression status.
Page 10 OUR STRENGTHS
➡ We have an effective Ministry Team comprising of our Rector (appointed November 2019), Licensed Lay Minister and Church Wardens, all of whom work well together and are supported by our LCC’s.
➡ We are proud of the growing involvement of children in the life of the church which is centred around Ainderby Steeple.
➡ We have a worshipping congregation committed to the Christian mission of the Church of England.
➡ We enjoy excellent teamwork with all members of the worshipping com- munity working well together, whether it is in preparing the church for wor- ship, playing the organ, arranging the lowers, cleaning the church or distrib- uting our Newsletters.
➡ There is a real willingness to work together as a United Bene ice.
➡ We produce a monthly Newsletter, distributed free to every home in the Be- ne ice, allowing us to communicate the message of our work and events throughout our communities.
➡ We have a Bene ice website: www.lowerswalechurches.org.uk
OUR CHALLENGES
The challenges we face are:-
➡ How do we encourage spiritual and numerical growth in our congregations?
➡ How do we build on the growing contact we already have with families?
➡ How do we ensure that our services meet the needs of all?
➡ How can we move towards an even more cohesive Bene ice?
➡ How do we continue to develop young Christian leaders?
Page 11 PARISH ACTIVITIES
The Church family is involved in the life of our villages, either by organising or helping with Coffee Mornings, Fetes, Flower Festivals, Open Gardens, Fairs or Harvest Suppers.
There is a strong musical tradition in the Bene ice, and concerts are often organ- ised in the various churches with either home-grown talent or choirs from out- side the Bene ice.
Individual churches are becoming increasingly used as a focus for community events which involve all their local communities. For example, Yafforth Church is open on the third Saturday morning each month as a community meeting place - the ‘Yafforth Hub’. Part of St Helen’s Church in Ainderby Steeple was refurbished to create space to allow community involvement and this is where we currently hold meetings of the United Parishes PCC.
OUR NEW HOUSE FOR DUTY PRIEST
We are seeking a House for Duty Priest with a clear understanding of the ever-changing needs of the Church in the 21st Century; someone who will commit to our United Bene ice and work alongside our Rector to grow and develop the Bene ice now and in the future. This will involve:-
๏ Working alongside the Rector to develop strategies to maintain and increase our congregations ๏ Taking an active role in promoting the Christian faith within our local schools ๏ Being involved in the life of the community as a visible face of the Church ๏ Working with the Rector and our Ministry Team to widen and strengthen the links between the Church and the communities it serves within the Bene ice ๏ Supporting and developing the ongoing work with children, young people and their families ๏ Supporting the Rector in addressing the pastoral needs of our United Bene- ice ๏ Working with the Rector and Treasurers to promote inancial stability and sustainable growth ๏ Working alongside the Rector in developing and sustaining the Baptism and Con irmation programme within the Bene ice ๏ Working alongside the Rector in developing and sustaining the calendar of Marriage Services within the Bene ice, meeting with couples and taking ser- vices, as required
Page 12 We are seeking someone with an outgoing and friendly personality who will embrace the life of our rural communities and who will demonstrate:-
๏ The ability to promote accessible inclusive worship and social cohesion across the whole United Bene ice and the wider community ๏ Good communication and listening skills ๏ Empathy for, and an understanding of, rural ministry ๏ Energy and enthusiasm for multi-parish ministry ๏ Good inter-personal skills ๏ Experience in developing Christian faith and working with children and famil- ies ๏ A good team player ๏ An ability to teach and nurture in a way that is understandable to people of all ages
THE PROPERTY
The property available to our new House for Duty Priest is a modern bungalow, situated on a large corner plot on Meadow Drive, just off the main road through the village of Scruton (11 Meadow Drive, Scruton, Northallerton, DL7 0QW). It is light and airy with ive bedrooms (one used as a study), a family sized kitchen, sitting and dining rooms, house bathroom, utility room and separate wc. The property also has a large garage and plentiful parking. Outside, is a small front garden with a much larger expanse of garden to the rear, bordered by trees and adjoining farmland. The village bene its from a Memorial Hall, Pub, Playing Fields and Church. There is an active Cricket Club and village allotments. Local shops are available in nearby Bedale and Northallerton and a mobile Post Of ice visits the village every week.
Page 13 OUR CHURCHES
St Wilfrid’s Church, Langton-on-Swale St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Fleetham All Saint’s Church, Yafforth St Helen’s Church, Ainderby Steeple St Radegund’s Church, Scruton St Michael & All Angels, Maunby St John the Baptist, Kirby Wiske St Andrew’s Church, Great Fencote (closed in 2020) Page 14 St Helen’s Church, Ainderby Steeple
St Helen’s Church is a Grade I Listed building. Recent re-ordering has been com- pleted, creating more space for events and community use. The building is in good order and the graveyard has ample space. There is a War Commission WWII War Grave in the churchyard. Ainderby Steeple is a member of ‘Churches Together’ in Northallerton. All Saints Church, Yafforth All Saints’ Church was re-built in 1870 on the site of the original church. The site has been a place of worship since 1208. The building is Grade II Listed and is regularly maintained with the masonry having been recently repointed. Some pews have been removed to make a more lexible area for meetings etc. St John the Baptist Church, Kirby Wiske
St John the Baptist is a Grade 2* Listed building and dates from before 1168. I t was built on the site of an earlier Anglo-Danish church. It retains many of its original Norman features but was renovated during the 13th, 14th and 19th Cen- turies. The burial ground/churchyard remains open. We are in the process of applying for a Heritage Grant from the HLF to replace the 150-year-old failing roof which is now beyond economical repair through maintenance resources.
St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Maunby
St Michael’s and All Angels is a mid-19th century small church where services are held once a month. There is a War Commission WWII War Grave in the churchyard.
St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Fleetham
St Mary’s dates from the 12th century and was fully restored in 1871. It is a Grade 2 Listed building which has been well maintained over the years and con- tains the ef igy of a Knight Templar.
St Andrew’s Church, Great Fencote
St Andrew’s Church was closed in early 2020 and is currently on the open mar- ket for sale. It closed due to its close proximity to St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Fleetham with whom it shared congregation numbers. Contents of St Andrew’s were re-located to St Mary’s. There are three War Commission WW1 War Graves in the churchyard.
Page 15 St Wilfred’s Church, Great Langton
St Wilfrid’s is a small 12th century church. We are currently fundraising for es- sential repairs to the roof.
St Radegund’s Church, Scruton
St Radegund’s dates from the 12th century and is Grade 2* listed. It was re- stored in 1865 and is well maintained. There is currently an application for a faculty to install a toilet and kitchen pod and possibly to improve the heating. The churchyard is still open.
OUR TYPICAL CHURCH SERVICE PATTERN
First Sunday Second Third Sunday Fourth Sunday Notes Sunday
St Helen’s, 11.00 am Holy 11.00 am Holy 11.00 am All 11.00 am Ainderby Communion Communion Age Worship Morning with Holy Worship Steeple Communion All Saints, Yaf- 9.30 am BCP forth Holy Communion St Michael & 9.30 am BCP All Angels, Morning Prayer Maunby with Holy Communion St John the 9.30 am Holy 9.30 am Morning Baptist, Kirby Communion Worship Wiske
St Mary’s, 11.00 am 11.00 am Holy Kirkby Morning Communion Worship Fleetham
St Wilfrid’s, 11.00 am Holy Langton-on- Communion Swale St 9.30 am Holy 9.30 am Morning 9.30 am Morning Radegund’s, Communion Worship or Holy Worship Communion Scruton
Fifth Sundays alternate across the parishes for a United Holy Communion. Choral Evensong would normally be on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.00 pm.
Page 16 COVID-19
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and here in the Bene ice of the Lower Swale we have had to adapt to ever-changing circumstances in order to ensure that we can continue our worship and mission within our communities.
During the irst lockdown, we moved our Sunday Service to a ‘virtual’ service via the ‘Zoom’ platform. Members of our churches and our local communities were encouraged to join us for this ‘virtual’ worship from the safety of our own homes. Over the year, this has proved to be highly successful and at its height, more than 25 people joined us for worship.
When we were able, and with the help of our churchwardens and church cleaners, we re-opened our larger churches to allow private prayer, subject to Covid-secure arrangements.
Obviously, we have had to cancel all the weddings planned for this year and are hopeful that these can be re-scheduled to take place in 2021, subject to circumstances at the time. Likewise, we have been unable to hold Baptisms or our planned Con irmation Service this year. However, we have continued to serve our communities with a funeral offering, irstly graveside services and then limited capacity services within our churches.
We acknowledge that this has been a dif icult year for everyone and have attempted to retain contact with members of our communities who have been shielding or who have just been unable to get out and about. We took the decision to withdraw our monthly Newsletter to protect everyone, but we look to resume this as soon as it is safe to do so, acknowledging that those who distribute these are generally in the vulnerable groups of our society.
Our Church family has been there for all members of our community through these dif icult times and we have been buoyed by the spirit of everyone to look after each other through this crisis and to continue the work of our church.
We have taken all necessary measures in those churches we have re-opened to ensure we are Covid-secure and the safety and well-being of our congregations and all those who use our churches is uppermost in our minds.
We very much hope for better things at some point in 2021 and look forward to welcoming everyone back to our church buildings. As we eventually emerge from the pandemic, we intend that what we have learned will help us to adapt and develop, ensuring that Church can reach all those in our communities who need it.
Page 17 DATA INFORMATION
Financial Position In normal circumstances, we are blessed with regular giving and Gift Aiding by our congregations and supporters. We have always been able to pay our Parish Share in full and to pay clergy expenses in full. Our income is supplemented by regular fundraising events such as coffee mornings, the 100 Club, concerts, Christmas tree displays etc.
Electoral Roll
United Parish of Kirkby Fleetham with Langton-on-Swale & Scruton
Number on Electoral Roll - 99 Average Sunday Attendance - 40 Christmas Communicants - 42 Easter Communicants - 51 Baptisms - Infants - 3 Weddings - 3 Funerals in Church - 5
(NB: Figures from 2019 due to Covid closure in 2020)
United Parish of Ainderby Steeple with Yafforth & Kirby Wiske with Maunby
Number on Electoral Roll - 83 Average Sunday Attendance - 34 Christmas Communicants - 98 Easter Communicants - 71 Baptisms - Infants -10 Con irmations - Under 18 - 5 Adults - 2 Weddings - 5 Funerals in Church - 7
(NB: Figures from 2019 due to Covid closure in 2020)
Page 18 ADMINISTRATION
The Bene ice engages the services of a self-employed Administrator who works remotely to ensure we comply with the necessary administrative processes required in these modern times. Our Administrator also liaises with our wedding couples and funeral directors to ensure the necessary paperwork is completed in respect of those services, and also completes and submits returns to the Diocese and the Church of England on behalf of all our churches. The Administrator also attends meetings of the United Parishes PCC, taking Minutes and following-up on action points alongside members of our LCC’s.
The Bene ice has also recently engaged the services of a Treasurer to act on behalf of the United Parishes PCC and to manage its inances.
By taking on these services, the Rector and our LCC’s are supported through experts in their ields, relieving pressure on our lay members and ensuring that the Bene ice operates ef iciently and effectively at all times.
The LCC of each church meets as and when required with the Rector. The PCC of the United Parishes meets quarterly, usually in St Helen’s Church, Ainderby Steeple, with representatives from each of the church’s LCC.
Every year, one Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Annual Meeting of Parishioners is held in the Bene ice.
Diocese- The Diocese of Leeds Deanery - Wensley Deanery Episcopal Area - Ripon
THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS The Diocese of Leeds comprises ive Episcopal Areas and is now one of the largest dioceses in the country. It covers an area of around 2,425 square miles with a population of around 2,642,400 people.
The Diocese comprises major cities (Bradford, Leeds, Wake ield), large industrial and post-industrial towns (Halifax, Hudders ield, Dewsbury), a spa town (Harrogate), market towns (Skipton, Ripon, Richmond and Wetherby), and deeply rural areas (the Dales). The whole of life is here, along with all the richness, diversity and complexities of a changing world.
The Diocesan Bishop (The Rt Revd Nick Baines) is assisted by ive Area Bishops (Bradford, Hudders ield, Kirkstall, Wake ield and Ripon) and ive archdeacons (Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Pontefract, Richmond & Craven). The Bishop of Ripon is the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.
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