Team of the Hitchin and St Paul’s Walden with Preston Team, with special responsibility for St Mary’s, Hitchin Opening Letter Opening Letter exciting, postbutisonewhichyou would notbe This isundoubtedlya demanding, aswell asan which willequipallto share thegoodnews ofGod. encouraging anever-deepening relationship withGod, person whowillenablethisto continue, aswell as and fellowship to grow. We are lookingfor theright developed new ways ofworking, allowing friendships During thevacancy theTeam andStMary’s have collaborative leader. experienced priestwhoisastrong teamplayeranda Due to thenature ofthispostwe are lookingfor an in theTeam, andthecivicchurch ofHitchin. St Mary’s Church, Hitchin, whichisthebiggestchurch The majorityofyourministrywould befocused on committed clergy, Readers, Church Wardens andlaity. leading andworking alongsideexperienced and together innew andcreative ways. You would be providing thechallengeofbringingseven churches Walden withPreston Team isanexciting opportunity The role ofTeam Rector for the Hitchin andStPaul’s time to read it. Welcome to thisprofile andthankyou for taking the Rural Dean and Acting Team Rector Revd Dr The Rt Revd Dr Yours inChrist about thepost. you require more details oraninformal conversation God’s call,pleasefeelfree to contact eitherof usshould next Team Rector. Aspartofyourdiscernment wisdom aswe discerntherightperson to serve asthe As we publishthisprofile we are praying for God’s deanery anddioceseinofferingwidersupport. to supportyouandwork alongsideyouaswould the expected to doinisolation.TheTeam would commit Contents St Faith’s St Mark’s Other churches in the Team The Vicarage Our Vision Strengths and Challenges Mission Action Plan Finance Preservation Trust and Bells Children, Young People and Families Musical Life Staff Congregational Involvement Worship Civic Role and Church House History St Mary’s Strengths, Challenges and our Vision How the Team works Reader and Clergy Team The Team Contents

25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 13 11 10 7 6 9 5

St Martin’s The Hub Church Holy Saviour Personal Specification Role Description Deanery and Diocese Villages in the Benefice Hitchin as a Town All Saints’

27 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 26 4 The Team The Team Parish of St Paul’s Walden Benefice of Hitchin & St Paul’s Walden with Preston with Preston All Saints St Martin’s Holy Saviour Parish of Hitchin St Faith’s St Mary’s The Hub Church St Mark’s 5 The Team Reader andClergyTeam Licensed Ministers in the Team who are looking forward to working with you. Dr Jane Mainwaring Revd Canon Team Vicar of St Mark’s and Reader based at St Mark’s Mr John Richardson Associate at St Mary’s Revd Fizz Gibbs Team Vicar of St Faith’s Revd Melanie Crowley Team Vicar of Holy Saviour Revd Ian Todd Rural Dean

Mr Martin Allen Mrs Belinda Copson Reader based at Holy Saviour Mrs Jean Boothby Mr Andrew Parr Reader based at St Paul’s Mrs Dawn Jenkins Reader based at St Mary’s Reader based at St Mark’s Walden with Preston Reader based at Holy Saviour

Reader in Training based at Mr Mike Kershaw Holy Saviour Currently vacant Martha Inch with Preston Team Vicar of St Paul’s Walden Reader based at Preston Mr Alec Dickinson Hub Church Leader Ordinand and Assistant Hub Church Leader Revd Dan Drew

6 The Team The Parish of St Paul’s Walden with Preston is served by PCC, with St Martin’s also having its own committee. a chapel of ease, St Martin’s, located in Preston. There is one Parish Church of All Saints situated in St Paul’s Walden, and St Paul’s Walden with Preston The Parish of town to care for pastorally. churches have a designated area of the stipendiary Team Vicar, and the individual Each of the District Churches is served by a which is the legal body for the whole parish. the individual finances. These councils then feed into the PCC, the day to day life of the individual church, and looks after has a District Church Council/Joint Church Council which runs Saviour, St Faith’s, St Mark’s, and St Mary’s. Each district church The Parish of Hitchin church, is an associate member of the Team. Preston. In addition, the Hub Church, a fresh expression of The Parish of Hitchin and The Parish of St Paul’s Walden with The Team consists of two parishes – a brief explanation of how the basics work! The Team is a collaboration of seven different churches. This is How theTeam works consists of four district churches: Holy serves four villages with the

The Team Rector is the legal incumbent of both parishes. with Preston, takes the lead. and for Preston Primary, the Team Vicar at St Paul’s Walden For St Andrew’s, the Team Vicar of Holy Saviour takes the lead school, including being the ex-officio foundation governor. relationship between the church and the school resides takes the lead on the The Team Vicar in whose parish or district Preston Primary (VC) School, Preston. Primary School and Nursery, Hitchin and the Team; St Andrew’s C of E (VA) There are two works closely with the Team. employment of staff, but relates to and Church runs its own finances and Bishop’s Mission Order. The Hub member of the Team and has a The Hub Church written this post is vacant. Whitwell. At the time of this profile being a House for Duty Team Vicar, living in church schools is an authorised associate within 7 The Team between the churches l l Hitchin, can be disadvantageous to the other team churches l unconnected Team l churches part of the Team, with the Team lacking impact in the individual l Our challenges at the moment genuine supportive friendships as well as formal meetings l population demographics l l traditional to Fresh Expressions churchmanship, providing choice which can enrich us all, from l together l Our strengths at the moment Where we see ourselves now and where we’d like to be. The Team of Hitchin and St Paul’s Walden with Preston – Strengths, ChallengesandOurVision

We need to improve communication and administration We don’t habitually share good practice and resources The pull of St Mary’s, given its location and visibility in The strong identity of each church makes for a very ‘Ordinary’ members of the congregations don’t really feel There is strong support between the team clergy, with Each church has a strong identity, representing different We have diversity of rural and suburban contexts We have a good range of tradition and diversity of We have lots of energy and goodwill to move forward l Our vision for what the Team could be l as sharing on practical matters team, with increased sharing of time and best practice, as well l l and understanding one another more l ordinands and l Hitchin, the deanery and linked with other faith groups our mission to share God’s love with our communities

We’d like to be a united Team, working together more as a We’d like to grow in spiritual depth and church attendance We’d like to celebrate the diversity of each church, valuing We’d like to grow as a training hub for lay leaders, Readers, We’d like to be solidly integrated within Churches Together in We’d like to present a united front as we look outwards in 8 St Mary’s Photo: Dave Wood 9 St Mary’s to be done The church the North door. nativity scene attributed to the School of Rubens hangs above variety of marble monuments and a fine ring of 13 bells. A large from the 19th Century, a Tudor angel screen and pews, a buildings. medieval timber-framed and brick chiefly characterised by late- and of clunch and tile, conglomerate of materials, mostly flint, Constructed from church has of the town, the author Simon Jenkins A much-loved landmark at the focal point church from the 14th and 15th Centuries. worshipping community. belonging very much to the local population, not just to the St Mary’s Church is the symbol of Hitchin, its oldest building, History

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major urgent action. report The most recent quinquennial inspection receiving a 5 star rating on Trip Advisor! popular with both visitors and locals – with St Mary’s church an attractive setting for Hitchin’s historic town centre and is Surrounded Preservation Trust. can be largely funded by the needs replacing in the next 5-10 years, but already been implemented. More of the degraded clunch of the urgent ones Many of the recommendations large areas of lead. has been installed to

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is hoped that this 10 St Mary’s centre which has a limited number of green spaces. and riverside lawns are lively areas for relaxation in a town and school visits and tours take place regularly. The churchyard notes left in the side chapel. Open days are held for the tower seeking a quiet place to reflect; candles can be lit and prayer The Church is open seven days a week to visitors and those Councillors and civic dignitaries from around the county. of local armed forces, many other uniformed groups, District 100th Anniversary of the end of WW1 was attended by leaders events. The service to mark the and fundraising celebrations, concerts commemorations and welcome a host of Its ancient walls the life of the town. heart, it is a focus for Standing at its historic The civic role of St Mary’s Civic Role&ChurchHouse Photo: The Comet The service then conducted was broadcast live on a big at the adjacent War Memorial the market square. screen to hundreds more in Local secondary schools have the summer term and some of yearly services at the end of services here. the primary schools hold carol Photo: Dave Wood could be restored. decorated by a local artist and income from the hire of the hall. The front of the building was others are currently Churchwardens from the Parish. fund of which the Vicar of St Mary’s is ‘ex officio’ a trustee; the trust with a historic legacy is owned by a charitable use by St Mary’s Verger. It of which is reserved for offices and two flats, one contains a community hall, facing the Churchyard This vintage 1960s block Church House the facilities, and increase The Parish shares of printer equipment centralised provision for use by the Team and stationery here other staff members Rector’s secretary and are plans to revise and volunteers. There of the Trust, update the management 11 St Mary’s a year instead of the normal 9.35am service. These are for the A Service of the Word/non-eucharistic service is held four times A typical Sunday would comprise: by other communities due to its capacity. couples’ choice, at St Mary’s. St Mary’s is also used for services and its surrounds, most of the Parish weddings are held, at the ashes as requested. Because of the splendour of the building on a Sunday afternoon, and weddings, funerals and burial of weekday communion services. Baptisms are held once a month, There are normally 4 services on Sundays at St Mary’s and two also robed. Vestments are worn at all services. The choir, where present, is Most services at St Mary’s are of the traditional form. Worship 11a 1 11:15am :5mAlSung All 9:35am a l Holy All 8am .0m3 3.30pm :0m1 6:30pm ieSunday in Time 4 2 2 3 rd nd st rd th nd st Month & 4 & 3 vnn ryrBCP Evening Prayer CW BapQsm MaQns hrlEesn BCP Choral Evensong & 5 th rd th vnogBCP Evensong Children’s/ Family Services - See page 17 for details Holy Communion Communion Communion evc iug 6nac hi Loca8on Choir A6endance Liturgy Service CW Lent BCP Advent & CW Order 2 BCP BCP 3 e Nave Yes 130 0N St Andrew’s Chapel No 20 0OgnSt Andrew’s Chapel Organ 10 0YsNave Yes 60 0YsNave Yes 70 0OgnSt Andrew’s Chapel Organ 10 0N St Andrew’s Chapel No Font 20 No N/A l which attract a large number of people St Mary’s celebrates this season with some special services Advent, Christmas and Epiphany 9.35am service. Baptisms may also take place, if requested, at the to attend. grandparents and other relations which encourages parents, Training Choir is also present, Fathers’ Day and Harvest. The Nativity Play, Mothering Sunday, seasonal carols (100 people) l Carols (800 people); Midnight Mass (250 people); l and seasonal carols (300 people) Epiphany – Candle-lit Epiphany Carol Service of lessons and Christmas Eve – Crib Service (800 people); nine Lessons and Advent Sunday - Candle-lit Advent Carol Service of lessons Photo: Mark Gimson 12 St Mary’s Worship Photo: Martin Isherwood and festival communion service l Friday 3 hour Devotion churches (arranged by Churches Together in Hitchin); Good Friday Family service before Walk of Witness for all Hitchin Maundy Thursday communion, stripping of altars; Good l procession around church grounds prior to the main service the Passion in lieu of sermon - Passion Sunday; Palm Sunday l St Mary’s marks this season as follows: Lent and Easter Easter Day – The main service combines the Easter Vigil Holy Week – Sung Compline - Wednesday evening; Lenten Services – Ash Wednesday communion; Reading of Photos: Belle Momenti Photography 13 St Mary’s Our special services. welcome the congregation and are always willing to assist at who regularly St Mary’s has a good team of Readers they remain in ‘civvies’. We have a strong group of To reflect the fact that they come from the congregation, 8am service, and as required at other communion services. and another The Contribution to Services voluntary groups that significantly add to its life. staff that are defined elsewhere, St Mary’s has a number of In addition to choir, bellringers, finance committee, and Congregational Involvement 8am, 9:35am and 6:30pm Evensong services. They wear Albs. during and after services, ensuring the smooth running of the Guild of Servers Vergers of all ages for the 8am, 9:35am and 6:30pm services. ​ coordinates are supported by a member of the congregation washes the linen provides support to the clergy before, the admin aspects of Sidespeople used in communion services, The highlight of the year for them is the Advent Carol Service when almost light for the choir and 30 servers provide candle lesson readers. Assistants distributing the wafers and wine to the people service, and wine at the at the main 9:35am who warmly Baptisms assist in Lesson Lay , most services by our very talented arrangements of flowers. These are prepared for weddings and Our services, and the church, are enhanced by the wonderful Church members. enabling the clergy to concentrate on welcoming the new external fabric. skilled people who have also undertaken some work on the We are fortunate that the group currently has a number of undertakes the routine maintenance of the church fabric. out the ‘housework’ of the church. The The who look after the day-to-day maintenance of the church. St Mary’s has two groups, in addition to the vergers, Maintenance meets in church. Each first and third Saturday of the month a arrangement. people to assist, and every window sill and corner sports an for Christmas, Easter and Harvest, she organises a team of Cleaners and Polishers that, as the name suggests, carry Flower Arranger Fabric Committee Prayer Group . However, 14 St Mary’s children come each day to be cared for, fed and educated. Charitable Giving The Philip Veale Children’s Centre in Malawi is the focus of these are becoming expected annual fixtures. a wedding dress and Flower festival, Comedy Night; some of Night, Children’s Concert featuring live classic children’s music, people from the whole community. These include a Silent Film Committee In addition to the usual church fairs, the Web Page Office Volunteers administrative duties is provided by a small group of the weekly bulletin and ‘one-off’ orders of service, and other In Church House, support in answering phones, compiling congregation. is organised by another group as a social event for the the 9:35 service and once a month a Coffee and biscuits are served by our short services at various care homes within Hitchin. it, providing support to the Lister Hospital chaplain, and taking communion to those unable to leave their home who request community by visiting members of the congregation, taking Our subject to having more volunteers. guided tours, and we plan to increase Steward availability, present to welcome visitors, answer questions or give short As St Mary’s is open every day, on some days Church Life Congregational Involvement Pastoral Care Team , organises some innovative events that attract Facebook . Here 25 resident orphans and 140 needy . Another group provides updates to the and provide a valued service to the Twitter Fish and Chip Lunch accounts. Coffee Makers Fundraising Stewards after are www.heartedge.org please go to their websites Network. For more information about the two latter networks in Hitchin, The Inclusive Church Movement, and the HeartEdge St Mary’s belongs to the Hitchin Deanery, Churches Together Networking with other community groups Holy Saviour bringing life to the St Mary’s St Mary’s brighter future. The work is overseen by Aquaid Lifeline Fund. as sewing and carpentry, all in the hope of giving the children a by St Mary’s, and receive both academic and skills training such The children benefit from purpose built buildings funded Mothers’ Union Scout Group Before After TOGETHER CHURCHES

in HITCHIN www.inclusive-church.org is fully subscribed in all 3 sections. meets regularly. A new leader is Brownies , and the St Mary’s and and 15 St Mary’s some paid, some unpaid: We have a variety of full-time and part-time staff at St Mary’s, Staff Fizz Gibbs Belinda Copson Alan Childs Anne Senechal, Elizabeth Cranfield Church Wardens and Warwick Wiggen : Associate Priest : Reader : Director of Music

: early autumn, respectively. and Hilary will be moving on from St Mary’s in the summer and , and Revd Hilary Oakley, Associate Priest. Both Dan Currently St Mary’s is also served by Revd Dan Drew, Assistant Deputy and Assistant Wardens. We also have an excellent Safeguarding Officer and Dorothy Grieves Dawn Cope Gina Abbatt Lay Leader of Worship Families Worker and trainee Roy Forde : Team Rector’s Secretary : Verger : Assistant Verger : 16 St Mary’s Photo: Mark Gimson Windsor Castle. will be the resident choir for a weekend at St George’s Chapel, occasionally visits cathedrals to sing services and later this year the church tower early on Ascension Day morning. The choir Easter Sunday Festal Evensong and singing from the top of include the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Carol Services, Tudor repertoire to newly-composed works. Choral highlights school holidays), performing a wide range of music from during a normal monthly schedule (except during part of trebles (boys & girls). The choir sing at seven Sunday services 40 members and includes an encouraging number of young worship at St Mary’s. The thriving robed choir numbers over Choral and organ music play an important role in the Musical Life morning services and the highly popular Crib Service. Third Sunday family worship, occasional non-eucharistic Sunday to the less formal services, such as the monthly Storyteller & within the choir and congregation who contribute musically In addition, St Mary’s has a number of instrumental musicians currently supporting two young organ scholars. kind bequest for the training of young organists. The church is Foundation, set up by the Dorothy Wells Organ administers funds from the locality. St Mary’s the finest instrument in the largest and, arguably, and rebuilt in 2009 and is was completely restored The 1871 Walker organ 17 St Mary’s have singing, crafts and storytelling in a relaxed environment. families to come and explore the Christian faith together. We together to create an open, safe and fun environment for ‘Storyteller’ type service, which has seen a new team come In September 2017 we piloted ‘Third Sunday’ alongside a (Sunday school), a Storyteller Service and Third Sunday. area is huge. We operate a monthly rhythm including Seekers families at St Mary’s, and the opportunity to develop in this We have a wide range of activities for children and young Children,Young PeopleandFamilies one church. this at the same time as remaining The challenge we face is building on see 60 people attending. launching Third Sunday we regularly a broad reach as a church; since young people and families. We have surrounding our work with children, There is a great opportunity reflective service for the whole family. is live music. This is a lovely and more The children sit on bean bags and there Storyteller is conducted by either clergy or our Families Worker. 9.35am service. age specific groups and take place during term time at the made a significant impact. The sessions are divided into two Seekers is led by Susie Powell, a parent volunteer who has

18 St Mary’s for the repair of the South Porch. are in hand for a new appeal in 2020 to raise a much larger sum included such activities as a black tie dinner in the church. Plans The last major appeal in 2006/7 raised over £300,000, and October 1978. (Registered charity 276501) Charitable Trust in July 1978 and registered as a charity on 5th The St. Mary’s Hitchin Preservation Trust was established as a Preservation Trust Preservation Trust andBells The Trustees are leading figures in the town, who value the building, but are not, in the main, members of the congregation. The Trust was established to raise funds to help the Church Council preserve and repair the fabric of the church. aspects of Church life. Many of the ringers also participate, in various ways, in other major fund-raisers at the Fairs. how bells are rung – a good PR exercise. This is one of the the top of the tower and of the bells but also an insight into tower tours, providing not only a glorious view of Hitchin from In conjunction with church fundraising fairs, the ringers give for the removal and installation of the bells. current lighter ring. The ringers provided the voluntary labour of the, then, ring of 10 bells into the activity took place for the re-modelling when a successful major fund-raising whole, as was shown in 2012/2013 congregation and community as a The bells are much loved by the for weddings and other occasions. Word is heard not only in church but across the town, as well as morning service and the evening service, ensuring that the 250 years later in 2012. The bells are rung for both the main The oldest bells were cast in 1762 with the youngest cast 12 with a sharp 2nd). ringing a wide range of methods on the 13 bells (a ring of St Mary’s has a thriving band of ringers that is capable of Bells 19 St Mary’s reports to the Treasurer and Giving Recorder. Open Plate, Envelope Scheme and donations from visitors, and Counting Team Giving Scheme. Envelope Coordinator Aid claims. sources, processes Standing Orders, Gift Aid Envelopes and Gift Giving Recorder maintain and increase giving. Giving Committee income and expenditure against budget. Finance Committee The St and the PCC Finance Committee. parish costs as determined by the respective DCC Treasurers St Mary’s pays a proportion of the Parish Share and other The four churches in the Hitchin Parish share a Parish Share. Finance

Mary’s committees which monitor finance are: – counts and banks cash weekly from the – reports on congregational giving from all – monitors and plans initiatives to – working with the Treasurer, monitors – deals with the Weekly Envelope We generally run at a small deficit. However a profit is normally through legacies and/or Gia Days We generally run at a small deficit. However a profit is normally through legacies and/or Gia Days this into a surplus. In 2018 we were fortunate to receive an exceptionally generous legacy. * note: TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2018 £219,806 TOTAL INCOME 2018: £262,258* EXPENDITURE - 2018 TOTAL EXPENDITURE - 2018 TOTAL INCOME - 2018 TOTAL FUNDS INCOME - 2018 TOTAL FUNDS We generally run at a small deficit. However, legacies and gift days normally transform FUNDS FUNDS 3 3 Bank Charges General expenses Prin=ng costs Fund raising costs Light, heat & water Insurance Maintenance & fabric Sunday school and youth Organ Maintenance Organist, choir & organ Verger Maintenance of services Charitable Giving Parish Share Bank Charges General expenses Prin=ng costs Fund raising costs Light, heat & water Insurance Maintenance & fabric Sunday school and youth Organ Maintenance Organist, choir & organ Verger Maintenance of services Charitable Giving Parish Share VAT Refund Addi=onal Funds Bequests & Legacies Investment Income Hire of Church Fees Receivable Fund Raising Tax Refund Collec=ons & Dona=ons Pledged VAT Refund Addi=onal Funds Bequests & Legacies Investment Income Hire of Church Fees Receivable Fund Raising Tax Refund Collec=ons & Dona=ons Pledged 20 St Mary’s Mission ActionPlan(MAP) orphanage inMalawi general, andspecifically tocontinuelong-termsupportforour l of worshipasoneChurch Expressions fortheyoungwhilstmaintainingtraditionalforms and tocontinuedevelopinginformalservices as Fresh l Goals (for the next year) reconciling love imaginative waysofnurturingfaithand cultural andcommunitygoalssupport growth intradingactivitysoastofundour from occasionalfundraisingtoplanned l invitation intochurch life outreach –locallyandgloballywithactive l those inneed families whilemaintainingthepastoralcare of and retaining more youngpeopleandtheir l Priorities (for the next five years) Team Rector. prioritising these items following the appointment of the new (MAP) for St Mary’s. We are of course open to refining and Here are some of the highlights from the Mission Action Plan To increase awareness andprayerforthewider world in To buildupouractivitiesforyoungpeopleandtheirparents, To strengthen cashflowwithtransition To deepenthechurch’s missionand To buildupourcongregation byattracting l l Team churches resource bankandtoshare ourexperienceswithotherHitchin As membersoftheHeartEdgeNetwork,sharingbestpractice As membersofInclusiveChurch, todevelopourinclusion with like-mindedchurches, totakeadviceondevelopment tion withtheHubChurch l commercial life the community’s cultural, charitableand and useofourproperty assets,andtobepartof To beproactive inengagementandcoopera- 21 St Mary’s with routine work as well as emergencies l many young people; standards of music and leadership are high l a few key staff make the services and practical aspects run smoothly, as well as l ‘high’ or too ‘low’ each other and welcome newcomers. The atmosphere is not too l services are strongly maintained reach out to younger families, while traditional Anglican Sunday l inclusion, welcoming to other faiths l it is sometimes filled to capacity specially-tailored family and children’s services. At festival times traditional Sunday services, weekday Communions and for the l l provide a space for everyday quiet reflection the building. We are able to host civic and other gatherings and l attractive town centre location l Strengths Strengths andChallenges The fabric team manage the building well and deal effectively There is a thriving choir with a wide age-range including There is a strong team of many volunteers who work hard to The regular congregation is friendly, with people who care for The range of services has been successfully extended to There is a broad liturgical tradition of liberal theology and The congregation is reasonably large and diverse at It is welcoming to visitors at all times and is open daily It is widely loved by the community who feel protective of St Mary’s is a beautiful and vibrant church in a lively, l l competence from the management team as safeguarding and data privacy law require a high level of effective use of the people and resources at hand. Issues such l workload is sometimes heavy of volunteers able to give their time is not seeming to grow. The l needed in heating and lighting and those in Church House badly need updating. Investment is l some services, while being open to new ideas l Fresh Expressions separate into the more traditional services and the developing l with the local churches housing costs, and those arriving from outside do not have links have grown up locally often have to move away, due to high l of older people the existing age profile of the congregation shows a majority l Challenges advantages of the building and its location We need to find and develop new income streams Organisation and co-ordination must be improved to make The succession planning for key roles is difficult as the pool Better facilities are needed; there are none in the church itself To keep the richness of traditional liturgy and choral music in Maintaining one church, as two streams of congregations The demographics of the town are changing as those who The numbers for main services are on a declining trend and There are opportunities to build on the resources and 22 St Mary’s are well supported succession planning, and groups roles in Church life have forward facing policies so key l common interests friendship through the sharing of mutual understanding and congregation and encourage l keep St Mary’s important role in the town community, to offer spiritual support throughout the year and l Church, to keep our message vibrant liturgy, as well as valuing the insights of Fresh Expressions in the l learn more about His love for us and how we can live His ways discussion, teaching and prayer outside our services, so we can l God’s love to all become a beacon of hope, healing and compassion, radiating l for them and young people by providing engaging services and activities l congregation of all ages and backgrounds attract newcomers to build up a strong, prayerful and inclusive l Our Vision We’d like to adopt good, We’d like to nurture our We’d like to integrate better and welcome the wider We’d like to maintain our Anglican traditions of music and We’d like to enrich our understanding of God, through We’d like to deepen the Church’s mission and outreach, to We’d like to reach out to an increasing number of families We’d like to see St Mary’s continuing to thrive and to l management and communication l income streams, to support our mission l for generations to come Preservation Trust, so that the historic building can be enjoyed fabric, financed effectively in closer co-operation with the l House which is more widely accessible by the community the congregation, and in an updated and welcoming Church We’d like to embrace new technologies to improve We’d like to have a strong financial base, and to develop new We’d like to have a well and sensitively maintained Church We’d like to have better facilities both inside the church for 23 St Mary’s two of which are single-sex. and is within walking distance of the three secondary schools, The house is close to an Ofsted-rated Outstanding JMI school garage, greenhouse and cycle shed. storage, complete the accommodation. Outside, there is a and a separate bathroom. A cellar and loft, both suitable for and four double bedrooms. There are lavatories on both floors large back garden. Other rooms include a dining room, kitchen, second large reception room with a veranda overlooking the wide staircase leading to the first floor. There is a Visitors are welcomed into a large hallway with a disturbing others in the house. walls, enables discussions to be held without fear of large front reception room which, with its thick are more than adequately supplemented by the The sparse meeting facilities at Church House life when ‘off-duty’. to work yet able to be private and enjoy family town centre), allowing the vicar a quick access and a 10 minute walk to St Mary’s (and the Waitrose (other supermarkets are available) It is an excellent location – a 2 minute walk to The vicarage has many advantages. that looks out for each other. in a quiet street within a friendly community St Mary’s vicarage is a large Edwardian building The Vicarage 24 St Mark’s Church of people of all ages l Worshipping Community 149 adults, 41 under 16 USA 86 adults, 19 under 16 Electoral Roll 142 community with a mixture of private and social housing). area (private housing) and the Westmill estate (a diverse truly representing all generations. We seek to serve the Bearton St Mark’s is a loving, welcoming, and growing church family, St Mark’s Church A good-natured and optimistic DCC made up involved and contribute willingly Some characteristics of our life together are: l l Eucharistically-based community where the emphasis is on gathering and worshipping together, rather than always getting it right l l l Breadth of backgroun Liberal middle of the road, a relaxed Strong links with local schools Two active Readers and one retired priest A family atmosphere where people get d of people

l and no significant reserves l school l Challenges we face include: support ministry and improve administration l Worship l visiting people scheme involving 13% of adults in church l church’s inclusion agenda l l Recent developments have included: and young people’s work l give away 10% of all that comes in congregation with a commitment to l has its own hall attached l fellowship groups We cover our expenses year to year, but have little to spare Keeping young people post primary Adoption of the ChurchSuite software to 2 people training as Lay Leaders of Outreach to the elderly including a visiting Stmarks4every1 group looking at the Messy St Mark’s at Oughton Primary School Active pastoral team, and children Financially responsive 1930s building (not listed), which Seven active study, prayer and 25 St Faith’s of the local primary schools and have We have good relationships with two church carers and children. attended by a mix of church and non- Thursday morning in term-time and is Small Talk toddler group runs every 4.00pm on a Sunday afternoon. those who have died take place at Thanksgiving and Remembrance for pet service and the service of Occasional services such as the annual Holy Communion each Wednesday morning. second Sunday and on major festivals. There is a said service of the Methodist Worship Book, with Holy Communion on the the all-age. The 11.30am is usually Morning Prayer based on choir and accompanied on the organ, and by a music group for and Mothering Sunday. The 9.30am service is led by a robed to St Faith’s, for Harvest Thanksgiving, Remembrance Sunday is all-age. We are joined by uniformed organisations, affiliated groups running alongside. On most second Sundays the service The 9.30am service is Holy Communion with Sunday School St Faith’s has two Sunday services at 9.30am and 11.30am. 5 Methodists. partnership; the electoral roll consists of 75 Anglicans and station. Since 1976 St Faith’s has been an Anglican - Methodist at a busy crossroads 10 minutes’ walk from Hitchin train and mission to the district of Walsworth. The church stands Holy Saviour so this year we celebrate 125 years of witness St Faith’s was consecrated in 1894 as a mission church from St Faith’s to enhance and improve the side rooms to make the space more by to see the spacious, uncluttered interior of the building, and existing church door with a part-glazed door to enable passers- As part of our Mission Action Plan we are looking to replace the has a pleasing acoustic much enjoyed by musicians. with occasional use by Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The church include three dance groups, a Glee Club choir and Rainbows, various local groups for a range of activities. Regular users We are pleased to offer the church space and side rooms to raising events. Members of both groups contribute enthusiastically to fund- St Faith’s has a Mothers’ Union, and an After Eights group. congregation. class who meet with members of the Wednesday 9.30am and 4-year-olds’. Participants are selected children in Reception inspired by the Channel 4 programme, ‘Old peoples’ home recently begun an Inter-generational project with one of them attractive and user-friendly. St Faith’s hosts regular coffee mornings every second Saturday and holds Summer and Christmas Fayres. The church has a major role in the annual Walsworth Festival. We seek to be a prayerful presence in the heart of this community. 26 Holy Saviour and incomes, with a recent wave of young professionals moving demographic comprises a cosmopolitan mix of backgrounds increasingly culturally and ethnically diverse – and today’s Hitchin. Since the 1960s, the district has become workers’ families living in ‘the Triangle’ area of In the late 19th century, the church served railway Church (HSC) originally served a separate parish. Built in 1865 by William Butterfield, Holy Saviour Holy Saviour outreach. The Festival recently attracted over three thousand many Hitchin residents and is a great example of community 22 years, has become an annual Christmas tradition for The Hitchin Christmas Tree Festival, hosted by HSC for over accompanies the monthly Children’s Praise service. outstanding concerts throughout the year and a four-piece band and boasts two excellent choirs. HSC also plays host to many The church has a very strong musical and choral tradition Communion service every Wednesday morning. BCP Evening Prayer is held once a month and a CW Holy an informal “Children’s Praise” service, on the first Sunday. the third Sunday of each month and have recently introduced to the area and commuting to London. There are currently 103 people on HSC’s electoral roll. We would describe ourselves as ‘open catholic’ and our Sunday Morning Worship comprises elements from the broad sweep of Anglican liturgy. On Sundays, there are said BCP (8.00am) and sung (9.45am) Common Worship (Order slightly shorter Family Holy Communion on One) Holy Communion services. We hold a heart of its Hitchin community. prayerful church family at the to be an open, welcoming and generations to come. HSC strives overhaul of the church organ should ensure its enjoyment for make the building more welcoming to visitors. A recent major glass doors were installed, to allow in more natural light and The church building is in good order. In the last few years, inner HSC. which serves the parish and has a strong and active link with governor of St Andrew’s primary school, literary and historical topics. The team vicar is an ex-officio high-quality speakers talk on a wide range of fascinating artistic, of fundraising events including ‘Talk and Tea’ afternoons, where The ‘Friends of Holy Saviour Church’ group provides a range been a popular addition to the social calendar. Buddies’ monthly breakfast club for the congregation’s men has Scout and Guide Groups. The recent addition of ‘Bacon weekly Bible Exploration group as well as weekly Knit, Stitch and Sew group and a thriving weekly Baby and Toddler group, a ‘Good Old Days’ lunch, a There is a monthly communal of events throughout the year. organises a varied programme visitors. The Social Committee 27 The Hub Church much about fringe issues. around The Creed, but don’t worry too ‘Generous Orthodoxy’ where we unite as we might appear; we believe in a on Sunday. We are not as evangelical people’s lives, not just those who attend genuinely makes a difference to the way in which we operate. We want to be a church that The values mentioned above are so important to us and attended by 20s and 30s). a bouncy castle) and one in the Market Theatre bar (usually describes a bit more about who we are and why we exist: Order as an associate member of the parish. The image below and explore. Two years ago we received a Bishops Mission and so wanted to create an environment for them to come leaders) noticed that their friends weren’t attending church 2011 by The Church of England. Dan & Alex Drew (current The Hub is a Fresh Expression of Church, established in The HubChurch in a church building, aimed at families (with The Hub began with 6 people meeting in has around homes and now 100 attending weekly across gatherings on two different a Sunday, one We look forward to meeting you soon. www.thehubchurch.co.uk For more information check out our website actually coming. huge and means we find people feel part of The Hub without a theme related to injustice and our faith.The reach for this is Live’. Every 6 weeks, we livecast our service, orientated around 18 months ago we pioneered a new venture called ‘Hubcast We spend a lot of time thinking about our online presence, be anything from socials to theology groups. relaunch termly, orientated around different themes; these can ways in which we gather. We run around 10 small groups that the church grows we increasingly want to grow smaller in the Other important areas of church life include our mini-hubs. As 28 St Martin’s and a very supportive 120 Club (a church lottery) answer to the WI), the Village Society (our Preston Trust, Preston a very active Cricket Club, The village is vibrant, with secondary school, is also found in the village. in the Village Hall. Princess Helena College, an independent and villages, and a small but very popular nursery school held 100 pupils drawn from Preston itself and the surrounding towns The village has a Church of England Primary School, with about raising funds for St Martin’s. each year, proving a most successful local event aimed at Gardens Open Day”, always held on the last Sunday of May Green remain at the centre of village life, with the “Preston St Martin’s Church and the village-owned Red Lion pub on the shops. However, many old village families still live in Preston. in, even though public transport is poor and there are no acquiring a reputation for being a “desirable” village to live attracted professional and business people, with Preston with modern detached housing has the mid 1950’s and 60’s. Recent infilling expansion of the village took place in St Martin’s Church in 1900. Further stock-brokers) was built followed by times when the Baptist Chapel (now a expanded in late Victorian/Edwardian on maps for the first time. The village In the mid-16th Century, Preston appeared St Martin’s but also to make the church a venue for other activities. are being built not only to attract young families with children welcome both able and disabled persons alike, our new facilities attended, particularly those around Christmas. Designed to All these are exceedingly well Summer and Harvest cycle. along with Christmas, Easter, intervals throughout the year family services are also held at thoroughly enjoyed. Other All Saints’ which are combined services with month. In winter we hold four of the first Sunday of the are held every Sunday throughout the year with the exception church policy” ensuring that no person need be cold! Services appears to be slowly growing. In winter we operate a “warm Our congregation at St Martin’s is good and, remarkably, Team under the Team Rector. are fairly recent members of the Hitchin and St Paul’s Walden relationship through the medium of the PCC. Our two churches managing their own finances, yet enjoy a very satisfactory churches are highly individual, very independent including at St Paul’s Walden a short distance away. However, both our Technically, St Martin’s is a “Chapel of Ease” with All Saints This work is expected to commence in June this year. appeal aimed at building a WC and kitchenette at the church. church, having recently responded most generously to an Parish Council. Villagers are tremendously supportive of our 29 All Saints’ village members to raise funds for its maintenance. The church for walkers. It is well maintained with a Preservation Trust of attractive churches in the county and is a popular stopping point All Saints’ (12th Century) is regarded as one of the most Our church 200 attending the Carol service. year that involve a large proportion of the community with over service. There are a variety of services and events during the The regular band of bell ringers play before the Sunday morning to the RSCM, led by an organist who is a professional musician. Readings, serving and offertory. There is a robed choir affiliated are involved in the service, undertaking the Intercessions, vestments at 11am every Sunday. Members of the congregation The Eucharist is the main act of worship (CW Order 1) with All Saints’ is of moderate and central churchmanship. Our worship Walden (c.100) where the parish church of All Saints’ is located. Parish with c.1000 residents and is about 1 mile from St Paul’s if not attending regularly. Whitwell is the largest village in the village, with many people having an association with the church generational links. The church provides a focal point in the and strong community spirit, with many families having multi- accessible to London. This provides a mixed social environment We consist of several villages, close to several large towns and Our community Regular Attendance: 25 Electoral Role: 43 All Saints’ l that is relevant to and representative of the community, by: We aim to be an outward-looking, open and welcoming church, Our Vision and Priorities although each church manages its own finances. is run by a PCC that is combined with St Martin’s, Preston, l Christian community that they feel connected to our village church and the wider l and teens l communities l and with the Hitchin Team Churchs and talks through studies our Christian Faith and deepening

Reaching out, in particular to young families, in order Encouraging and facilitating relevant worship for the young Being actively engaged with all groups within the village Maintaining active and meaningful links between the villages Providing opportunities for learning about 30 Hitchin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hitchin and at https://www.hitchinherts.com Lots more information can be found at our young people. Forum and PHASE – working with Schools to help and support We have a very active Churches Together in Hitchin, Inter-Faith l l for walks Museums, Football Club, Music School and lovely countryside Pool (indoor and outdoor), Queen Mother Theatre, Library, l l Close to the A1M and M1 motorways and Luton Airport l A Great Place to Live and Work Hitchin, Hertfordshire, A Lively Historic Market Town Hitchin asaTown

A Fair Trade Town Many Restaurants and Coffee Shops Extensive recreational facilities including the Swimming Excellent schools: Early Years, Primary and Secondary Good transport connections 35 mins from London by rail.

31 Villages an important ‘presence’ in Preston. independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, is active PTA and governing bodies. Princess Helena College, an site preschools. They provide a focal point for the villages with of England Voluntary Controlled School) and both have on- There are primary schools in Whitwell and Preston (a Church to the Parish in the last couple of decades. and business people who commute to London, having moved significant number of old village families, as well as professional in 2019 in Whitwell. This provides a diverse community with a The next development of some 42 houses is expected to start characteristics whilst growing with regular small developments. all managed to maintain their individual rural and historic communities (Whitwell being the largest ~1000), which have The Parish of Whitwell with Preston consists of several Villages intheBenefice people throughout the year. sporting interests or an abundance of walks that attract many rural environment, either through strong farming communities, All the communities have a real and living connection to the home workers. businesses being run from local farm buildings as well as many As well as several farms in the Parish, there are a number of Harpenden, St Albans, Hitchin, Stevenage, Luton and London. The majority of residents work outside the villages, travelling to garden centre greengrocer shop. with a dispensary, post office store, charity shop, tea shop and of several large towns, Whitwell supports a doctor’s surgery between St Paul’s Walden and Preston. Although within 8 miles Tree House) and a Sue Ryder Home for the physically disabled There is warden-attended sheltered housing in Whitwell (Lime 32 Deanery and Diocese going journey. look forward to the new Team Rector being part of this on- These developments are bearing fruit in many ways and we provide one to one friendship and support in ministry. a mentor or buddy (depending on their stage in ministry), to We have also given every member of clergy joining the deanery another to account in this area in a mutually supportive way. make sure that we keep our focus on mission and to hold one The incumbent level clergy are meeting as three cell groups to of what ‘fantastic church’ would look like in the three contexts. work we have dreamed together and have created three visions villages, Letchworth and Stotfold, and Hitchin. As part of this We have also started working in three distinct groups; the a year, and as a synod four times a year. chapter 6 times a year, a greater chapter with the Readers twice increasing supportive relationships. We meet as a clergy beginning to work in different ways together, building and It’s an exciting time to be joining the deanery as we are flourishing. appoint a Team Rector who is committed to the deanery’s is highly important to deanery vitality and life. We want to heart of its deanery and the participation of the Team Rector 23 churches, with 13 incumbent level posts. Hitchin is at the villages which surround these towns. The deanery has covers Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Stotfold and all the The Team is situated within the Deanery andDiocese Hitchin Deanery which Making New Disciples. Going Deeper into God; Transforming Communities; and The vision of the Diocese, ‘Living God’s Love’, has three strands: responsibility for the diocese. , the Rt Revd Dr , has overall the of St Albans, the Ven . The by the Bishop of Hertford, Rt Revd Dr Michael Beasley, and Hitchin is within the St Alban’s Archdeaconry and is cared for Bedfordshire, Luton and Barnet. Hitchin is located in the geographical middle of the , which covers Hertfordshire, 33 Role Description Herts Inter-faith Forum community, deanery, Churches Together in Hitchin and North l pastorally l l l St Mary’s across it l including safeguarding l l the churches in their worship and mission to share God’s love l ministers in the Team. l ministry of others in the widest possible sense l Whitwell communities in Hitchin and St Paul’s Walden, Preston and l relationships between the seven churches l Team Rector Role Description

To be ambassador for the church, as well as the Team, in the To ensure that members of the congregation are cared for To lead the worshipping and spiritual life of the church To build the congregation numerically and spiritually To be engaged with the deanery and to work collaboratively To ensure all churches are compliant with diocesan policies, To be responsible for the chairing of the Hitchin PCC Working with the other Team Vicars, to collaboratively guide To oversee, support and encourage the other licensed To discern, encourage, enable, welcome and develop the To connect and communicate with the wider local To lead the Team, encouraging and enabling deeper l l traditional worship groups in society, whilst keeping the best of our inclusive and forward looking, appealing to the young and all l l bell ringing and other arts which underpin St Mary’s l Church House to welcome and serve all who come l potential gifts within the congregation l District Church Council and regular staff meetings l enrich the life of the church l l House Trust and other trusts this alone. and that you won’t be doing assured that we wish to work with you We know this is a long list, but be self-care

To share our vision of a thriving future for St Mary’s as To lead by example in sharing God’s love with our town To support the choral tradition and high standards of music, To work with us to create better facilities in the church and To enable the gifts and skills of others to flourish and discern To be responsible for the chairing and efficient running of the To encourage and have oversight of the many groups which To have a strong relationship with the Preservation Trust To be ex-officio trustee of Church To model good self-development and 34 Personal Specification us to translate ideas into reality l contexts to, different church and community l and skills development work to flourish, supporting training clerical, enabling and encouraging their of people and colleagues, both lay and l take tough decisions where needed effectively, listening to other points of view, but prepared to collaborative team leadership and the ability to delegate l l pastoral care where needed in people, sensitive to the feelings of others and able to give l l for God l We are looking for someone who is Personal Specification

A person of vision who can enable Comfortable with, and sensitive A person who enjoys the company An experienced priest with a proven track record of good, Able to relate to all ages A warm and open person who is compassionate, interested An effective communicator, teacher and inspiring preacher A prayerful person with an outward and inward enthusiasm l l community resolving conflict and fostering reconciliation in church and l l them creatively ministry and administrative purposes

Experienced in networking, building good relationships, Energetic and self-motivated Able to understand the financial challenges and to address IT literate with a willingness to use online tools for both Photo: Dave Wood

Thank you for taking the time to read our profile. For more information or an informal conversation please contact: The Rt Revd Dr Michael Beasley, Bishop of Hertford, email: [email protected] Jonathan Smith, Archdeacon of St. Albans, email: [email protected] The Revd Canon Dr Jane Mainwaring, Rural Dean, email: [email protected]