Our Invitation
PAGE 1 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY The Diocese of Leeds
The Anglican Diocese of Leeds comprises five five archdeacons (Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Episcopal Areas, each coterminous with an Pontefract, Richmond & Craven). The parish of Archdeaconry. This is now one of the largest Bolton Priory lies in the Skipton Deanery of the dioceses in the country, and its creation is Ripon Episcopal Area, in the Archdeaconry of unprecedented in the history of the Church of Richmond and Craven. The Bishop of Ripon is England. It covers an area of around 2,425 square the Rt Rev’d Dr Helen-Ann Hartley. miles, and a population of around 2,642,400 people. Our vision as the Diocese is about confident clergy equipping confident Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. For all of our appointments we are seeking clergy who have a joyful and confident faith which has inspired a track record of church growth, both numerically and spiritually.
The three former dioceses were created in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to cater for massive population changes brought about by industrialisation and, later, mass immigration. The diocese comprises major cities (Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield), large industrial and post-industrial towns (Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury), market towns (Harrogate, 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 Rev’d Nick Baines) is assisted by five Area Bishops (Bradford, Huddersfield, Kirkstall, Wakefield and Ripon), and
PAGE 2 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Vision
We believe that God is doing exciting things here in ordering St. Matthew’s so it can be used as a this part of Wensleydale. After many years of the resource centre to bless and serve the tide going out God has told us to prepare for the communities. But as we re-order, we recognise tide to come in and has given us a vision for that the church is about the people not buildings growing God’s Kingdom in this place. As we look and so we want to focus on how we may serve around, we see the first shoots of new life starting the people of our communities and the wider to poke through. For the last seven years we have deanery. been slowly building foundations and now are looking to build on these in a new way. Over the past years St Matthew’s has become one of the key resourcing churches in the deanery.
We recognise that we need to build strong lay leadership and work to support wider events in the Dale, and we would value somebody who could encourage our congregation to a deeper We have been seeking God’s vision for the future as commitment to support the wider ministries in part of our desire to grow God’s Kingdom. We the area . believe that our parishes occupy a key place as the market town in the Dale. Just as Leyburn influences the life of the local economy over a wide area, and through its auction mart the farming communities far and wide so does the church of this town and there is huge potential to influence the growth of God’s Kingdom in the wider community and surrounding areas as we seek revival here. We aim to be “outward looking” and reach out and bless the communities in which we live through our service. In order to do this we know that we must rely on the power of God the Holy Spirit to transform us as individuals and congregations. We have started this process and as a pilgrim people we are continuing to seek God for direction. An important part of our vision includes re-
PAGE 3 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY The Role of a New Priest
We are seeking a Priest who will enable us to fulfil our Vision by being:
A VISIONARY – to build on the foundations and help us to see God’s plans for the future a spiritual person who seeks God one who helps us hear God one who teaches us where God is at work among us
A TEAM BUILDER & ENCOURAGER – so that every member of our congregation may be given the opportunity to use their gifts to serve God compassionate, caring, humble and inclusive We are seeking to do our part to serve by: a confident but also collaborative leader ensuring that you have time for your own a delegator – so that the new priest does not burn spiritual growth/refreshment, and you take time out off a listener – so that those who have been damaged engaging fully with Diocesan plans for leading by past events may feel their voice is heard your church into growth a trainer – someone who develops those in the church using the gifts of our Lay Worship Leaders and Readers take an active part in worship a spirit-filled, joyful, kind and loving pastor with an infectious faith doing our part in building bridges into the community
being open to change whilst exploring other A BRIDGE-BUILDER – someone who is visible and ways of being church accepted in the non-church going communities, so that we can provide support to the town and using volunteers to undertake administrative farming communities tasks until such time as we can provide a paid willing to understand the local community administrator an encourager of our ecumenical partnership with other Christian churches a friend to those who are unwilling to engage with church life a good communicator of the gospel someone committed to strengthening the links we have with our schools Someone to bring their experience, enthusiasm and knowledge to help us develop our Mission Action Plan
PAGE 4 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Church Families
We are a Benefice of two parishes within the Deanery of Wensley St. Matthew’s, Leyburn and St. John the Evangelist, Bellerby
Each church reflects the characteristics of our communities: Bellerby is a small tightly knitted village community, whilst St Matthew’s lies at the heart of a key market town in the Dale. Each is governed by their own Parochial Church Council, and has its own activities and events linked to the life of the community they serve.
PAGE 5 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Worship
Everyone is warmly welcomed at St Matthew’s and St. John’s. T
Many in our congregations are elderly and enjoy our traditional services and the care provided by our members, but we also have a sizeable group who want to explore newer ways of being church.
Many people help our church flourish by the giving of their generous gifts of time and talents. We love putting on bring and share lunches in our new hospitality area and special celebrations are a feature of St. Matthew’s church, including: Harvest Festival, Mothering Sunday, Christmas Eve Carol Service, Christingle Celebration and an Easter service on Penhill. We realise that there is a need to fill the gap in our age profile and we know we must develop outreach to the 20 - 55 age group as we seek to encourage more to join us, to learn of God’s love, and be active in our churches.
PAGE 6 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Church Activities and Events
St. Matthew’s, Leyburn St John’s Bellerby The Mothers’ Union has been an important part of The congregation in Bellerby run many activities our mission in the area for many years. The branch to strengthen the bond between the church and has a very active membership, meeting monthly for the community. These include:- prayer in the Friends’ Meeting House, for Coffee and Chat at members’ homes and for services at St. Matthew’s.
• Beating the Bounds, which is an ancient custom in which our vicar leads villagers around the parish boundary of Bellerby, Enthusiastic members of our congregation work in praying for protection and a blessing on the teams to provide flower displays and make land, homes and businesses. refreshments whenever needed, especially after • Harvest Lunch our Sunday services • Wine & Cheese Evenings In recent years we have started two small lay led • Themed Meal Evenings house groups which have grown from the Pilgrim courses which met in church. In these, people meet to discover God’s love in their lives, pray, chat, read and meditate on the Bible. St Matthew’s is now a hub for diocesan training, and we are planning for how we can use our facilities for training in spiritual and practical skills of the laity so that they can take their place in stepping up in leadership. We want to offer these to the wider area.
PAGE 7 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Team
Bellerby The PCC of eight members represents almost half the regular congregation. Most of the work in the parish is done by its members, including the main fundraising. Routine cleaning is carried out with a rota of members. While minor maintenance is performed by members, more demanding work is done by a local retired joiner/builder. Internal decoration of the church in 2006 was carried out entirely by members of the congregation. A home group thrived for many years but was discontinued two years ago. We hope to start one up again in the future as new people move into the village.
PAGE 8 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Buildings—St Matthew’s, Leyburn
PAGE 9 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Buildings—St John The Evangelist, Bellerby
PAGE 10 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Finances
Neither parish is financially wealthy, but both pay their Parish Share Request in full and there is no historic debt.
The Re-ordering of St Matthew’s St John’s The first two phases of the re-ordering were Despite having a very much smaller congregation financed by the sale of the old church hall and the than St. Matthew’s, St. John’s is paying virtually plan is that once phases 3 and 4 are complete the the same Share Request. facility will generate an income which will pay for In the past this has been paid out of regular its operation and the associated administration. church income, but recent large increases in the Share means that a portion of St. John’s reserves A sponsored trek to Everest Base Camp to raise will need to be used in 2018 and in future years to funds for the re-ordering of St. Matthew’s. continue paying the Share in full. Unless something changes, this can be only sustained for perhaps another five years.
A car boot sale to raise funds for St. John’s.
Ten members of the regular congregation of St. John’s gift aid with weekly envelopes whilst three villagers who attend the church on an occasional In order to ensure our finances are in a robust basis gift aid through standing orders. Two of state to progress our plans the PCC decided to these began following a stewardship campaign run a stewardship campaign in the spring of last year, and one of them is from another 2019. The campaign will focus on the links denomination. between gladness, thankfulness and giving of our time, talents and treasures to bless those around us and build God’s Kingdom.
PAGE 11 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Outward Mission
We believe that the Anglican church exists largely Schools for those who do not attend. So a major part of our vision is to reach out to those in our parishes. In 2017 St. Matthew’s received a grant from Stronger Communities Yorkshire to start a number of projects which are shared between the church and the local community:
Good Neighbours Providing practical help to those who have difficulty with transport, household tasks or gardening.
Soup ’n’ Pud The last incumbent and curate were heavily involved in working with the secular schools in the Benefice. We are starting a team to provide “Open the Book”, and plan to do this in conjunction with adjacent benefices so as to provide a stronger team across both church and secular schools.
Youth Club Provided in conjunction with Leyburn Arts and Community Centre so that young people have somewhere to go and socialise. A once-a-week lunch is provided free for those who feel isolated and enjoy an opportunity to meet Kirkwood Hall together and chat.
Mother and Toddler Group Now that we have facilities we are planning to provide a mother and toddler group in St. Matthew’s.
Open the Book We have a group of volunteers preparing to start
Open the Book and are working with adjacent Hymn-singing in Benefices to form joint teams. Kirkwood Hall
Message in the Movies Twice a month we run hymn-singing and ‘songs Once a month we host a discussion around a film and scones’ at the local sheltered housing. and how the message in the film relates to our Christian lives.
PAGE 12 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Communities—Leyburn
New picture of Leyburn
Rev Michael Hepper (left) & Rev Chris Lawton with the Bishop of Ripon the Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley
PAGE 13 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Communities—Bellerby
PAGE 14 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Missional Activities and Events
As part of our mission we hold many events and Since the physical re-ordering has started we activities with the intention of reaching out to those have need of funds and so have been running a in the community who rarely come to services and variety of fundraising events so that local people religious events. can support the church. These have included a St Matthew’s Leyburn medieval banquet at Castle Bolton and a Victorian Tea party at Bolton Hall. We host musical events and drama in St Matthew’s which are put on by local choirs and visiting societies. Many are held jointly with Leyburn Arts and Community Centre. We hope that as re- ordering progresses these events will grow in scale and sophistication as more space and facilities become available. We play a key role in Remembrance Day Services at Leyburn War memorial . We provide chaplains to the Auction Mart since farmers find traditional service times do not meet their work requirements. We try to be imaginative in developing new and In the run-up to Christmas we provide free mulled fresh ways to express our Christian faith to wine and mince pies to traders and shoppers in the those who have lost or have never had contact market place and town squares. It has been a with Christ. delight to see how all respond when they find there are no strings attached to our generosity, which is part of our message that we have freely received so we must freely give.
PAGE 15 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Our Dale and Deanery
As well as local community projects, We see the The Filling Station importance of looking outwards so our vision A monthly ecumenical service of worship and includes the congregations’ support for many prayer is held in Newton-le-Willows. This Christian activities which take place in the wider provides a time for worship, a visiting preacher community of the Dale and Wensley Deanery. and fellowship for all who love Jesus in the Dale. There is still scope for greater involvement in all these ministries especially the “Church about the Dale” trailer (CaTD)
The King’s Club
Wensley Deanery Prayer Meeting Our parishes participate fully in the life of the Wensley Deanery and we welcome the monthly prayer meetings for revival which take place up and down the length and breadth of the A684. We are represented at Synod and enjoy engaging with the challenges and opportunities that the Deanery presents for mission.
A week of activities for school-aged children which Local chapter takes place once a year in Askrigg for the whole of Our clergy have been regular attendees at the upper and lower Dale. This is run jointly by a chapter meetings, finding them to be both Methodist and Anglican team. refreshing and beneficial. We would hope that our new incumbent will also be an active Church About the Dale member of the wider clergy team. We have welcomed the joint Anglican and Methodist mission initiative, ‘Church About the Dale,’ and have permission to use its trailer on the market place, although at present we are short of volunteers. On a Deanery level, we also help staff and cater for the Church on Show stand at the Wensleydale Agricultural Show each year.
PAGE 16 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Living Here
Leyburn is a vibrant market town at the entrance to the dales. It balances a rural life with good access to the services and facilities of modern living required by families. • We are within easy striking distance of the new Prince’s Gate retail development at Catterick Garrison where modern shopping centre and • leisure and amenity centres support the garrison but are open to the public and so provide the The Vicarage facilities expected in a large town. As a result of the A modern, purpose-built detached house with 4 construction of the Bedale bypass, we now have bedrooms, several reception rooms, double good transport links with the A1 motorway and the garage, garden and orchard situated on a main line rail connection in the thriving county modern estate at the northern end of Leyburn. market town of Northallerton. From here London can be reached in two hours and York in 20 minutes. Nearby is the spa and conference town of Harrogate with its excellent shopping and recreational facilities. The industrial conurbation of Teesside is within commuting distance as are the university towns of Durham to the north and York to the south. The major commercial and financial centres of Newcastle northwards and Leeds to the south are about an hour and a half by train and motorway. As well as tourist businesses in the locality many small and medium enterprises are based in Leyburn, which provide opportunities for employment, both around the centre and the new industrial estate. High speed broadband and the local business clubs provide support for self- employment.
PAGE 17 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY Statistics
The congregation of St. John’s at Lammas Lunch
PAGE 18 THE BENEFICE OF LEYBURN with BELLERBY