Parish Profile

Holy Trinity and St. Chad’s, Eccleshall

Come follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Chad

August 2017

See our website here. Table of Contents

Welcome 3 Ecclesiastical Tradition and Ministry Team 4 Our Church Leadership 5 The Role 6 Parish Children and Young Families’ Worker 7 Worship 8 Services and Attendance 9 Holy Trinity Special Services 10 Holy Trinity Church 11 St. Chad’s Church 12 Churchyards and the Parish Room 13 Eccleshall Parish and Area 14 Eccleshall Deanery 15 The Vicarage 16 Prayer Groups 17 Bible Study 18 Weddings and Baptisms 19 Music 20 Finance 22 Groups 23 Social and Worship Events 25 Advertisement 27

2 Welcome

HELP, THE VICAR’S RETIRING!

An initial panic ran through the two churches as we said goodbye to our much loved and respected retiring incumbent. It gradually dawned upon us that this is a great opportunity to evaluate where we are now and where we want to be in the future. Together we have developed a list of aspirations and challenges particular to this parish, which we hope the new incumbent will take up with joy, enthusiasm and leadership to guide us into a new era of discipleship, vocation and evangelism.

We warmly welcome you to our Parish Profile. In this document we set out a description of our churches, our parish and our mission. We hope this will form a good basis for helping you to discern if we are the right churches for you to lead.

We are thankful to God for all that He has done through the work of our previous Vicar. We are ready to continue our journey in the company of a new Vicar who will walk with us and help us to discern the next steps in our continuing journey of faith and witness.

Holy Trinity and St. Chad’s are at an important and exciting time. We are a great team and there is much that has been achieved, but an enthusiasm to do much, much more! We have a vision for the future and are looking for a vicar who will teach us, challenge us and work with us to help make our vision a reality in the coming years. We want our churches to be the hub of our community and also to reach out to share the love of Christ through word and action.

Our vicar will help us to grow as disciples who share God’s love with the people we meet and make a real difference.

The successful candidate will be computer literate, have strong organisational and communications skills to support the effective administration and governance of the Parish, and be compliant with PCC Guidelines and the Charities Commission.

3 Ecclesiastical Tradition

• Our churchmanship is usually described as ‘middle of the road’, not too high – not too low. • The clergy dress traditionally – usually fully robed. • Whilst the worship styles are currently ‘traditional’, exploring some others will be warmly welcomed. • The musical styles are predominantly traditional. We have a wonderful organ, which has just been updated and an experienced and talented organist. • Our choir, whilst enthusiastic, is seeking more in number to enhance its repertoire. It sings a varied range of hymns with the occasional anthem. Our Ministry Team

• We currently have one Licensed Reader who assists at many of the services and officiates as required. • There is a retired minister who is a member of the choir and takes the occasional service. • A Lay person shares a deacon role with the Reader and a team of lay members assist with Eucharistic Lay Administrations, Intercessions and Lesson Readers. • We employ a Children and Young Families’ Worker on a part-time basis (12 hours per week. She has good links with the local Primary Academy school and assists at some of the services

4 Our Church Leadership

• The Vicar and four churchwardens (three at Holy Trinity and one at St. Chad’s) • Part-time paid Parish Children and Young Families’ Worker • Four Deanery representatives We have a vibrant and supportive PCC comprising: • 15 elected members – 12 from Holy Trinity and three from St. Chad’s. • The part-time paid Parish Administrator also acts as the PCC Secretary. • The PCC meets five times per year plus Annual Parochial Church meeting. • St. Chad’s meets twice-yearly. • The PCC’s Parish Plan (Mission Action Plan) can be viewed on the PARISH WEBSITE. It should be borne in mind that this plan was first produced in April 2014, is reviewed annually by the PCC and was intended to be a five-year plan. It will need to be revised and maybe completely rewritten by 2019. • The PCC is supported by a number of sub-committees specialising in specific tasks.

PCC Sub-committees

The Standing Committee

Finance Advisory Group

Fabric Committee

Mission and Pastoral Committee

Social and Worship Committee

Parish Room Committee

The Magazine Team 5 The Role To join us as together we face the aspirations and challenges of the Parish

• Respond to Bishop Michael’s challenge to “Come follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Chad”, focussing on “discipleship, vocation and evangelism”, which will have a bearing on all aspects of church life. • Offer Pastoral care in the community, including bereavement counselling, visiting the sick, caring for the elderly and lonely, and looking after our neighbours. • Make the necessary adjustments to our worship and church life to accommodate younger people at a pace that shows consideration for the needs of the existing older congregation. • Recruit more volunteers to assist the Children and Young Families’ Worker. At the same time, reaching out to the older people in the community, especially those who are housebound, lonely or depressed. • Continue to develop exciting plans and continue to re-order the west end of Holy Trinity to make this wonderful building more user-friendly and adaptable for all ages. • Review our PARISH PLAN (Mission Action Plan) as it will need a review/overhaul by 2019. • Manage the Trust Funds with which we have been blessed. • Achieve financial stability. In common with many churches, we struggle to cover day-to-day costs (the parish share is paid in full each year). • Maximise the use of the organ following its extensive refurbishment, including holding recitals to enable donors and others to reap the benefit of this work. • Grow the church at the centre of community life.

6 Children and Young Families’ Worker

The Children and Young Families’ Worker joined us a year ago, her main tasks being to take over the Parent and Toddler Group from the previous incumbent, to establish a lunchtime club at Bishop Lonsdale Academy, and to take part in their Worship services, with a view to leading children and families to faith and involving them in the worship at our two churches.

Since she joined the Parent and Toddler Group, numbers have increased from around four families in 2016 to around 15 families now, although they do not all attend every week. Some new members were found through advertising on Facebook.

This is a social meeting, with a Bible-based activity for older children. During the final half-hour the group gathers round to sing action songs.

A successful lunchtime club was launched at the school in January and eight to twenty children attend each week during the term, some attending every week and others coming just once or twice. In all around 50 children have attended the club.

She has also taken part in school services held at Holy Trinity Church, and organised an ‘Open Doors’ outreach activity on Saturdays in August.

It is hoped that her work at the Academy might be expanded to include participation in a timetabled activity for new intake children, which would form a valuable link with children coming up from the Parent and Toddler Group.

7 Worship

Worship is the very essence, the core, of church life. By its very nature as a small market town, in what was until recent times a predominantly rural community, worship has been very much of the central ground, based on the Eucharist of Common Worship, with BCP at 08:00 Sunday Communion and Evensong or Compline. CELEBRATE CHRIST In common with the Anglican church nationally, the average age of the congregation is increasing, but there are always challenges: there is an increasing number of commuting households. There is a strong sense of, and identity with, the community, and the church is a central part of that, as evidenced by the large attendance at special services (over 400 at Remembrance, and 570 at Christmas services) and the relatively large number of weddings (12), baptisms (27) and funerals (27). Attendance at the latter can be very large on occasions. There are also regular Confirmations – the last of which took place in St. Chad’s by Bishop Michael. PROCLAIM CHRIST There is a very real need to engage with and encourage the younger families who are part of the modest growth of the town. This is likely to involve different styles of worship at different times in the future: this is part of the challenge. GROW IN CHRIST

8 Services and Attendance

• Two services are currently held at Holy Trinity and one at St. Chad’s on a normal Sunday morning: . 08:00 Holy Communion Order One CW . 10:00 The Eucharist in Ordinary Time CW Order One or Thanksgiving & Song CW Order One, or . A Seasonal Eucharist CW Order One, and . 11:30 Holy Communion Order One with Traditional Language at St. Chad’s . At St. Chad’s there is a Matins held once a month. • Baptisms are usually held monthly and are incorporated into the usual service. • The average attendance ranges: . 08:00 - 8-12 . 10:00 – 50-70 with baptisms 60-100 . 11:30 - 12-25 • The 18:30 service has been held every week (fortnightly during the interregnum). The Service of Light and Evensong CW or Compline (monthly) - average attendance 10-15. • Festivals attendance – usually at higher levels: . Christmas Eve Crib Service 15:00 - 100+ attendance . Christmas Eve: 23:30 - 150+ attendance . Christmas Day: 10:00 - 100+ attendance . Easter Sunday: 10:00 - 125 + attendance . Remembrance Sunday 10:00 Civic Service: 400+ attendance • Weekday service – Usually a Wednesday at 11:00 following a school assembly visit - Holy Communion Order One CW - 8-15 attendance • Holy Trinity, St. Chad’s and the Methodist Church combine together to support Christian Aid Week, starting with a special combined service alternating between Holy Trinity and the Methodist Church. There is also house-to-house collections during the week, and a Christian Aid stall on the Saturday of Christian Aid Week in Street, Eccleshall. 9 Holy Trinity Special Services

These have been many and varied.

. In January 2016, we hosted an Ecumenical Service for the Week of PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY.

. GOOD FRIDAY HOT CROSS BUN SERVICE This a moving service which befits the day, leading to the breaking of your hot cross bun and sharing it with your neighbour, finishing with a walk along the High Street in Eccleshall, to share the happenings of Good Friday with the Methodists and the Catholics.

. Our SAINTS ALIVE music group organised a Musical in a Day.

. As part of the biennial Eccleshall Festival, REST IN PEACE service was held in the churchyard, to pray for all those laid to rest in the churchyard. Also as part of the Festival, the church provided FESTIVAL PRAISE, which gave the opportunity to worship and celebrate the end of a successful community event during which there were many visitors to Holy Trinity.

. At the beginning of November, we hold our ALL SOULS SERVICE.

. On Advent Sunday, we welcome families to the CHRISTINGLE SERVICE.

. Later in December, there is the UNITED CAROL SERVICE.

. Ad Hoc services were called at short notice, including one for the victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack. These are quiet, contemplative times which help to salve the anxiety and stress of the moment.

. Also in December, there are acts of worship LED BY THE CHILDREN of Bishop Lonsdale Academy, Walton Hall Academy, as well as Stone and Eccleshall District Guides and Eccleshall Scouts.

. Occasionally, we hold a PET SERVICE. This is a wonderful service to which people are invited to bring pets, cats, dogs, rabbits, whatever. Perhaps a fish in a tank on the altar! 10 Holy Trinity Church…

Grade 1 listed parish church is in an excellent state of repair situated on the edge of town.

Earliest parts of the building date from c1189 with a 15th century clerestory and tower.

We are blessed with an excellent organ with a casing in limed oak designed by Caroe, the organ underwent a major restoration and enhancement programme in January 2017. A sculptured reredos in alabaster designed by Basil Champneys sits behind the altar and the church includes a side altar and Lady Chapel.

The tower has an excellent ring of eight bells, six of which were cast by Abraham Rudhall in 1710. They were re-hung with two new bells in a modern frame in the 1950s.

The sound system is linked to the pulpit, lectern and to a roving microphone. There is an excellent Clergy Vestry and an Old Baptistry that acts as a meeting room for up to 15 people.

Benefits from an aged but effective heating system and is floodlit on all aspects at night.

11 St. Chad’s Church…

Grade II* listed and is described by Pevsner as ‘A Little Gem’.

Built 1894 – Architect, Basil Champneys – Builder, Robert Bridgman of .

Benefactor John Charles Salt.

Alabaster Reredos added 1901 by Rev Frederick John Salt in memory of his parents.

Organ installed by Nicholsons of Worcester and restored in 2009.

Now serves the outlying areas of Slindon, Aspley, Highlanes, Brockton, Lower Sugnall and ‘The township of Three Farms’ (being Baden Hall, Ankerton, and the Ashtons).

Special Services at St. Chad’s include… . Maundy Evensong . Rogation Service at a parishioner’s farm . Remembrance Evensong . Harvest Evensong and Harvest Festival . Mothering Sunday services . Singing Carols around the village has become an important part of our community life. It has church fund-raising activities (last year an open garden and summer fete). Another important part of St. Chad’s church is the St. Chad’s Ensemble, a group of 10 young musicians who play at 10 services a year, and occasionally at Holy Trinity on special occasions, such as Bishop’s visits. 12 Churchyards

. Both Holy Trinity and St. Chad’s are served by their own churchyards tended by parishioners on a volunteer basis. . In proportion to the size of each church, the churchyard at St. Chad’s, Slindon, is relatively small, and the one at Holy Trinity is large. . The Holy Trinity churchyard includes a number of footpaths and the Parish Room. . The churchyard at Holy Trinity is very full and will need to be closed, except for burials in existing graves, sometime in the 2025-2030 timeframe. . A new area for the interment of cremated remains within the Holy Trinity churchyard was opened in 2014 and will remain available even after the closure of the churchyard.

The Parish Room

The PARISH ROOM is located within the Holy Trinity churchyard and is managed by a small and dedicated team on behalf of the Church Council. The Room, which includes a kitchen and toilet facilities, is an asset available to the whole of Eccleshall Parish and not just to groups related to the church. The Parish Room was extensively refurbished (new windows and a new kitchen) in 2012-13 and redecorated and carpeted the following year. 13 Eccleshall Parish and Area

Market town with historic links as the country seat for the Bishops of Lichfield, and an important staging post on the to coach route.

Situated in rural Staffordshire – it now has excellent communications being within 20 minutes of Stafford, Stone and Stoke-on-Trent rail stations and within easy reach of at J14 and J15. The County Town of Stafford is 20 minutes away.

The Ecclesiastical Parish comprises about 3000 and the extends to more than 4700, together with a Women’s Prison who have their own Chaplain.

Bishop Lonsdale C of E Academy is an important part of the community and provides an office for the Children and Young Families’ Worker. There is also Walton Hall Academy providing Secondary and Further Education to children and young adults with Special Educational Needs.

Vibrant town with varied high-quality shops in the High Street, together with Restaurants and Public Houses, Doctors Surgery (four doctors), Pharmacy and Veterinary Practice.

The town is expanding with approximately 240 new houses being built on three sites on the East and South West boundaries. Over the last 50 years Eccleshall has moved from the original agriculturally-based market town to become a sought after residential area with a change to commuting due to the excellent communications.

Slindon, where St.Chad’s is situated, is about five minutes to the North and still has a strong agricultural presence, as well as an active local church community. Slindon also serves a number of small outlying hamlets.

Within the Ecclesiastical Parish are flourishing sports facilities including a Cricket Club, (adjoining the Holy Trinity churchyard), Tennis Club, Football Club, (situated along Chester Road) Rugby Club, and Junior Football Club (both situated in the Baden Hall area).

There is an annual Eccleshall Show including Equestrian and Horticultural Show.

There is a Victorian Street Market at the end of the week-long Festival held every two years which also has a number of events centred on Holy Trinity Church.

14 The Eccleshall Deanery

The deanery lies to the west of the Stafford Episcopal Area within a totally rural environment. The total population of the deanery is 24268. Ashley, Eccleshall and are the largest parishes, each with some 4000+ inhabitants. There are currently five Benefices in which a total of 19 Anglican churches exist. We are served by an external Interim Rural Dean from a neighbouring deanery (Stone), four full-time Stipendary Clergy, one-point-five Minister who is also an Interim Rural Dean and one HfD Minister. In addition there are a number of Lay Ministers and Readers. The total Parish Share for the deanery is currently £295k which reflects some mutual support for the more deprived areas within the Diocese. Eight Primary Schools are spread across the deanery. The nearest Secondary and Private schools are situated at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stone, Stafford and Newport (Shropshire) all within 30 minutes drive from Eccleshall. Two or three Care Homes and a Prison are situated within the deanery. Good links with other church denominations are in evidence across the deanery.

15 The Vicarage

. Purpose built, approximately 40 years old, directly opposite Holy Trinity Church enjoying a good degree of privacy without being isolated. . Set well back from the main road. Front Elevation . Excellent accommodation for a family. . Two reception rooms, large study, kitchen, utility room, WC and cloakroom on the ground floor. . Family bathroom, separate WC, small home office and four bedrooms all on the second floor. . Good-sized front garden and gardens to all sides laid mostly to lawn. Steep bank to rear of property. . Single garage. Short shared drive leading to private drive with parking View of Holy Trinity from the Vicarage for four to five cars. . Gas fired central heating, open fire in one reception room, and double glazed throughout.

Secluded Rear Garden

16 Prayer Groups

MEN’S GROUP . This a small group of four or five people. . They meet every month, in a member’s home. . They follow a short service after having shared prayer requests. . The names of those in need are then taken home, to be included in daily prayers. LADIES GROUP . This was a small group of four, but since one member sadly died it has not met - it was flourishing before that. MONTHLY PARISH PRAYER GROUP . This group meet on the first Thursday evening in the Parish Room. . There have been up to seven participants. . Beginning with a welcome and a short Bible reading; followed by a time of open prayer. . The session usually lasts about an hour, closing with The Grace. . It is very therapeutic.

All these group have grown and shrunk over a period of time. Newcomers have joined us and then they have left. More spirituality needs addressing.

17 Bible Study Groups

MONDAY GROUP . This group came into being after the Christianity Explored Course and Discipleship Explored course, when they decided to continue meeting and learn more from the Bible. . The group are currently studying the book of Daniel, having also studied, Amos, Revelation, Acts and Luke (with accompanying DVDs for Acts and Luke). Afterwards they aim to look at Bible characters, Jesus’ miracles and parables. . The group meet at 18:00 on the second and fourth Mondays in the month in the Old Baptistry.

TUESDAY GROUP . This group meet in a member’s home. . Follow various courses looking at books in the Bible, Bible characters or themes. . Books used are from CWR or Cover to Cover series. . They meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays. . Quarterly Reading notes are circulated to enable those who wish to have daily Bible readings for use at home.

18 Weddings & Baptisms

There were 10 baptisms and 12 weddings in 2016. 27 funerals were held either in Church or at Stafford Crematorium.

19 Music Music is at the very heart of our worship at Holy Trinity and St. Chad’s.

Music engages many of our congregation through a dedicated bell ringing team, a hand bell group and the choir at Holy Trinity. At St.Chad’s there are a team of volunteer musicians who play the organ and a group of young musicians which regularly enhance their services. We would like to develop this model at Holy Trinity and engage with more musicians both young and old, classical and popular. At Holy Trinity there is an experienced Organist and small but very keen choir. They practice weekly and provide a choir for every Sunday 10:00 and 18:30 services as well as other special/festival occasions. They sing a wide range of music from medieval to modern to suit these occasions. During the interregnum we have moved to a twice-monthly evensong but are keen to return this to weekly, to ensure that the regular evensong congregation are catered for. In recent years we have put on several ‘choral’ evensongs based on the Cathedral format. We have had strong links with the local schools, We have had special Lonsdale and Walton Hall (Special) and they services as part of the regularly access the church for their own deanery, with neighbouring services. Our new Parish Children and Young church choirs singing with Families’ Worker is growing our links with the us and this is something we primary school and a small group of children took would like to further part in the Christmas Carol service, we see this as develop and make regular green shoots for future development. We would as a more ‘partnership’ like to expand and develop the choir to involve approach. more families, children and young people. The Organist has had links with the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) in the past and would like to look at this potential support and networking in the future.

20 Continued… We have links with the uniform organisations in the parish who attend remembrance and other festival days, ie. St. George’s. We would like to grow these links and have more specific involvement in regular services. Holy Trinity has a very fine organ (Hill, Norman and Beard) which has recently had a complete overhaul. This included the installation of a ‘processor’ which allows it to be programmed to play remotely. We are keen to attract young organists and hope to make Holy Trinity a future ‘training ground’ with a view to having an organ scholar. Holy Trinity has a raised area at the front of the nave which allows for more flexible use of the space for performances both as part of services and one-off occasions. We are keen to develop and expand our musical offering to meet the needs of all elements of our community, maintaining the beauty of the heritage of music in church with the ever changing demands of our modern world. We are an ageing congregation but young at heart. There are many families who consider Holy Trinity as their church but only access it for christenings, weddings, funerals and the occasional special service around Christmas or Easter. We would like the music of the churches to be a vehicle to engage different parts of our community on different occasions and different services.

. In 2004 a group of singers, actors and musicians (from our own congregations, along with Methodist, Roman Catholic and non-church-going friends) came together to form The Saints Alive Company. . For several years, the Company rehearsed, and then performed, musicals written by Roger Jones, telling stories from the Bible. . Fun, learning and fellowship was had by all those involved. . Whilst the group does not now rehearse for several weeks to prepare musicals, a "musical-in-a-day" event is organised by the group, every couple of years, where a leader from Christian Music Ministries leads a day to prepare a musical which is performed in the evening, often as the main part of the evening act of worship.

The active and dedicated group of Tower Bell Ringers enjoy a very good relationship with the PCC and contribute to church life in a variety of ways, seeking to play their part in regeneration and sustainability. Recruitment is high priority, the large ringing room and sound simulator offering a very good training facility both locally and for the 21 wider community. Our Finances

The Ecclesiastical Parish of Eccleshall is a registered charity with the Charities Commission (Registered Number 1153305). The finance and accounts are detailed in the Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 (a copy of which can be seen HERE) and comply with recent developments in financial reporting and governance requirements for parishes and registered charities. The accounts have been prepared under the new SORP (FRS102) effective from 1 January 2016. Unrestricted, Designated, and Restricted Funds are held by Eccleshall PCC on behalf of Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall and St. Chad’s Church, Slindon.

The PCC also acts as Administrative Trustee in conjunction with the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) as Custodian Trustee in the administration of the Parish Endowment Trust Funds which are held independently from the PCC Funds and are managed within the specific terms of the respective Trust Deeds.

The Total Funds of Holy Trinity Eccleshall are held in individual funds which are categorised as Unrestricted, Designated, and Restricted Funds. There has been a shortfall of receipts over payments in recent years in the Unrestricted Church General Fund for Holy Trinity Eccleshall, which has been offset by specific donations and transfers from other Designated and Restricted Funds and from the Parish Trust Funds. The finances of St. Chad’s Slindon have been managed on a balanced basis (together with a small investment portfolio from a recent Legacy) which compares favourably with many other relatively small churches within Lichfield Diocese.

The Reserves and Investment Policy has been established consistent with the charitable purposes of the PCC and the terms of the Trust Deeds of the Parish Endowment Trust Funds. The policy is based on the principle of holding adequate reserves to secure and maintain the long-term future of both churches within Eccleshall Parish with indicative limits to the amount of drawdown in any single financial year and the overall objective of maintaining the original capital balances on an inflation adjusted basis.

The application of the policy is reflected in the responsible stewardship of the original capital within the funds and the application of the income to specific projects consistent with the terms of the relevant Trust deeds, The short term funding of the regular expenditure of the churches will be met primarily from regular giving and other income sources with the objective of holding a working capital balance on the Church General Fund equivalent to three months expenditure. In the event of a deficit in short term funding, it may be necessary to apply for an annual exceptional drawdown from the investment funds 22 in order to maintain financial stability within the unrestricted Church General Fund. Groups ECCLESHALL WIVES . Began in 1960 by the Vicar’s wife for a group of young wives. . Regular monthly meetings are held, often in the Parish Room. . There are a variety of speakers and events throughout the year. . There are 35 members. . The average attendance at events/meetings is 20-25.

TRINITY MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (TMF) . Established in 1996 to promote fellowship amongst the men of the Parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Chad’s. Membership has grown steadily and currently stands at 40. . On a regular basis, members meet for coffee and a walk of about four miles, in or around the Parish. About 20-25 is the average attendance. . Members unable to join the walk, travel directly to the lunchtime venue in time for lunch. . Some members meet outside the planned programme to play golf, cribbage and snooker, even have breakfast or meet for a pint—this is all good fellowship.

THE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE . Every edition of the magazine includes a PASTORAL LETTER written by the Vicar or Lay Reader. . Meets regularly as the magazine is produced monthly, with the deadline before the eighth of the month. . Over 420 copies are distributed a month. . Sales and Advertising generated over £2750 as the overall net contribution to the Church Finances in 2016. . The distribution of the magazine is done by volunteers. . Any opportunity to increase the circulation would be advantageous as this is an important communication channel within the Parish.

THE WEBSITE COMMITTEE We have an informative and user-friendly website which is kept regularly up to date. You can see our website HERE. 23 Continued… Groups continued…

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER . A joint venture of Christians within Eccleshall. Three or four members of different churches organise this special service with refreshments afterwards . The four churches are well represented at the Women’s World Day of Prayer on the first Friday of March. . Each denomination takes its turn to host the service.

ECCLESHALL CHURCHES TOGETHER ECCLESHALL FLOWER GUILD . Holy Trinity and St. Chad’s are . Meets twice yearly for coffee members of Eccleshall Churches and friendship, sharing ideas for Together, which includes the floral arrangements. Methodist Church and The Sacred . Decorates the church for all the Heart Church. major Festivals and special . There are joint acts of worship on services. Good Friday and in December for . Fulfils the weekly commitment the Joint Carol Service. of flowers on the High Altar with . Members of Holy Trinity are on the other volunteers. committee, and helped with the Snowdrop Afternoon in February New for 2017. . ECT has a stall at Eccleshall Show in September, giving out information of Church activities.

PALM SUNDAY . It has been usual to proceed down the High Street in Eccleshall, a donkey leading the way followed by the Choir and then the congregation, holding their palm crosses. 24 Social and Worship Events

The Social and Worship Committee and their helpers hold a variety of enjoyable functions throughout the year. Some raise funds for the church or for particular charities, for example Lent and Christian Aid Lunches, while some are to promote fellowship and friendship within the Parish.

Our schedule for this year and some for next can be seen HERE.

Wedding Planning Day

The Flower Guild

Teas to Please Craft Fair

Scarecrow Festival

Bishop Geoff at St. Chad’s Confirmation

25 More Social & Worship Events…

Trinity Men’s Fellowship

Trinity Men’s Fellowship

Plant Sale Ladies Hand Bell Ringers

Christmas Fair

Fashion Show

Teas to Please Soup & Sandwiches Lunchtime Concert

26 Thank you for reading our Parish Profile. Advertisement

Diocese of Lichfield

The Parish of Eccleshall – Full-time Vicar (with two churches: Holy Trinity, Eccleshall and St. Chad’s, Slindon)

We seek an Inspirational Team Leader for the Whole Parish in this thriving small rural market town in Staffordshire, with an increasing commuter population, with a desire to include and encourage others and who:

. Is able to lead growth through reaching out to the community, with fresh ideas as well as existing varied forms of worship. . Is flexible and has good people skills, bringing a strong faith and evolve our worship and musical accompaniment in creative, inspiring and imaginative ways which engage with parishioners of all ages. . Has vision and is able to lead, motivate, delegate and develop the gifts and aspirations of the team of colleagues, both lay and ordained and to lead growth through community outreach and new ideas. . Has a natural rapport with young people and is keen to maintain and develop strong links with the local schools. . Is a community-minded person who will enjoy the challenge and aspirations of the parish and will have a visible presence in the area and a good sense of humour. . Is prayerful, compassionate and can develop a team to assist in providing pastoral care.

Celebrating Christ, Proclaiming Christ, Growing in Christ

We offer a vibrant, supportive and friendly Church Family, our commitment to growth, two beautiful churches and a good four- bedroomed vicarage.

(Applicants need a full driving licence and will be subject to enhanced DBS disclosure.)

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