Parish Profile 2016
St Barnabas St Barnabas Parish address: Parish Office, Church Road, Hadleigh, SS7 2EJ Phone: 01702 558591 Website: http://www.stbarnabas-hadleigh.org.uk
St James the Less
St James the Less Parish address: Hadleigh St James the Less, High Street, Hadleigh SS7 2PA Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.hadleighchurch.org.uk
1
CONTENTS
Page 3 FOREWORD BY BISHOP STEPHEN COTTRELL, BISHOP OF CHELMSFORD
Page 5 VISION STATEMENT FOR OUR TWO CHURCHES
Page 6 TWO HADLEIGH PARISHES: COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY
APPENDICES
Page 8 APPENDIX 1 - ST BARNABAS
Page 13 APPENDIX 2 - ST JAMES THE LESS
Page 17 APPENDIX 3 - LOCAL AREA AND AMENITIES
Page 19 APPENDIX 4 - JOINT PARISH SERVICES AND ATTENDANCES 2015
Page 21 APPENDIX 5 – JOINT PARISH FINANCE CHARTS 2015
2
FOREWORD
The diocese - a message from Bishop Stephen
In the Chelmsford diocese we believe that God is calling his church to be a transforming presence. Our vision is that the church - that is, the people of God here in Essex and East London - should be a transforming presence in every one of our parishes.
These are our priorities:
to inhabit the world distinctively to evangelise effectively to hold ourselves accountable to one another and to God for the stewardship of the gospel to reimagine the way we minister so that each ordained minister and each individual Christian discovers their part in God’s ministry and so that each church flourishes
To this end we are looking for priests who are excited by this vision of becoming a church which is itself transformed, and which is becoming a more visible and effective presence in the huge diversity of communities that make up this most exciting and energetic part of England. There are many challenges ahead of us:
we are a diocese generously subsidised by the national church. We need to become financially self-sufficient leadership often seems distant. We are creating patterns of leadership that are closer to the parishes, and we are looking to develop missionary leadership at all levels of church life. Nearly half our clergy will retire in the next ten years. We need to find out how to minister with fewer stipendiary clergy and with a reimagining of how stipendiary ministry works. We need to reorganise the way parishes relate to each other in what we are calling Mission and Ministry Units some of our congregations still think ministry is what vicars do. We have a vision of ministry where the whole people of God are involved in the whole of God’s ministry. We are also experimenting with new forms of authorised lay ministry church must be a safe place. All those in ministry will be expected to undergo training that will equip them to respond well in situations associated with safeguarding levels of church-going are below the national average. We need to get evangelism on to the agenda and into the lifeblood of every church. We encourage and train churches to put on weekends of mission and outreach. One of our aspirations is that every benefice should have a trained lay evangelism enabler we are developing missionary discipleship, so that every church in the diocese is a place where Christians are formed in order to be sent out in witness and service
Despite planning for a future with fewer stipendiary clergy, we remain as committed as ever to the local church. And what is the local church but that community of men and women gathered around Christ, and living and sharing the gospel in the networks and neighbourhoods of their lives? But we need priests to lead and to serve. We know we need to change. We can only be a transforming presence when we have allowed God to transform us. Therefore at the heart of all we do is a longing for intimacy with God and a renewed life of prayer. First and foremost a priest is a minister of the word and sacrament. All ministry flows from this. But a priest shares the ministry of the bishop, therefore presbyteral ministry will increasingly be a ministry of oversight, guiding, nurturing and directing the mission of God’s church in the communities we serve.
3
It is an exciting time to be part of God’s missionary movement for the world, and the Diocese of Chelmsford is an exciting place to serve. We have a clear vision and we are looking to appoint clergy who will share this with us. In every parish we long to see each person and each community grow in faithfulness and ministry so that together we may serve in the world and Christ may be made known. +Stephen
4
VISION STATEMENT FOR OUR TWO CHURCHES
In the light of God’s call and our situation here, it is our vision to see our parishes truly alive, reflecting the whole breadth of family life today and reaching out into the community to offer loving Christian support and befriending care. The two congregations need to continue to grow in worship, prayer and teaching and we hope to be able to use the gifts and skills from among our own church members and others to help us nurture the spiritual needs of young families. We will endeavour to continue to provide generous support and compassion for mission at home and around the world. It is our vision for our churches to be relevant to people and their lives in the 21st century.
The new incumbent
This parish profile began with our vision statement, where we express our hopes for the future of our two churches. We all want to reach out beyond our church membership into the parish communities; we want to welcome inside youngsters who frequent the churches and church grounds on their way home from school and the youths who ride their bikes in the churchyard and car park. They do not come in because we have little to offer them.
The neighbouring parish of Thundersley St Peter's with Daws Heath St Michael's is currently vacant. There are proposals for a team ministry formed of St Barnabas, St James the Less, St Peter's and St Michael's with the team rector being based in Hadleigh and the team vicar based in Thundersley. There is some nervousness in the parishes about this proposal along with a growing recognition of the potential benefits in working together more closely. And so...
We need a priest who:
will work with our existing pastoral team to develop the leadership of the two communities. Our churches and facilities complement each other and we see this as an exciting opportunity for the incumbent and church members to share interests and skills is dedicated to the growth of the church membership will encourage young families with children into the church and support the development of Christian activities for them so that our congregation reflects the people who live in our parishes will help us to develop for some services a style of worship with music appropriate to families will work with the congregations to develop faith and spiritual growth is able to form and lead a team, encouraging and developing the talents of others will integrate into parish life and get involved in activities in the local area
The above requirements were established following extensive consultation with the congregations of both parishes.
We hope to be blessed with a leader who has the gift of communication, both individually and collectively – who is able to go out into the parishes and relate to the people; someone who can encourage ‘unchurched’ families to come into our churches and share the fellowship of our warm and caring congregations.
5
THE TWO HADLEIGH PARISHES - AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLABORATION
The Area Dean of Hadleigh Deanery, Reverend Canon David Tudor writes
These parishes are a parable for our times. The one parish nearly 900 years old; the other, a daughter church that grew up away from her mother, not quite 90 years old. These parishes have lived through times of great and subtle upheaval in our national and church life. The communities around the Churches have changed in themselves and in their relation to, and expectations of, the church. The congregations have been faithful to their understanding of a gathered church. Now in these early years of the 21st century a great and robust vision is required. Mother and daughter are resolving to face this challenge together with a common voice and a common prayer. They are also in the process of recognising in the surrounding parishes a family likeness as of cousins who, having grown up in different circumstances, nevertheless share a common heritage. There is real work to be done here. The next few years will be challenging but infinitely rewarding for the successful applicant to the post of Team Rector Designate.
St James the Less church, High Street, Hadleigh SS7 2PA
St Barnabas church, Church Road, Hadleigh SS7 2EJ
Closer co-operation is both desirable and essential. Under 'Reimagining Ministry' the parishes of Hadleigh deanery have begun to explore clustering into Mission and Ministry Units (MMU). St Barnabas and St James have looked to the neighbouring parishes of Thundersley St Peter's with Daws Heath St Michael's as a potential MMU together with, possibly, the parish of Thundersley St George's.
St Barnabas has more resources than St James the Less including two church halls, whereas St James has a higher profile being in the town centre.
The ministry team
The parish currently have an associate priest and assistant curate (due to leave in January 2017), a focal minister, two LLMs (Licensed Lay Minister – licensed by the diocese), a pastoral assistant and a parish nurse.
Both parishes have enjoyed the services of curates in training and, in turn, the experience has been of great benefit to the curates as they moved on to run their own parish.
Participation by the congregation in all areas of church life is encouraged.
Involvement of the congregation, common to both churches
a loyal team of sides-people, several of whom are lay assistants at Communion services and others who lead Intercessions and read lessons a small enthusiastic Healing team meets to pray together for the health of parishioners and offer support to those in need house groups meet on a regular basis for discussion, support and to promote spiritual growth a “Back to Basics” instruction and discussion course is well attended a very popular Men’s Breakfast is held regularly throughout the year
6
Both churches are involved with Churches Together in Hadleigh, which promotes shared worship and acts of witness. It is an umbrella group having representation from all eight Christian denominations within Hadleigh.
We participate in various united services and activities throughout the year, including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Lent courses, a Procession of Witness through Hadleigh on Good Friday and the annual Civic Service of Remembrance.
The Salvation Army runs an Easter Sunday sunrise service at Hadleigh Castle and a Midsummer “Songs of Praise” in the Castle grounds, which is very popular.
Worship at St Barnabas and at St James the Less
Both churches are of central churchmanship, and services are supported by traditional organists and small choirs.
A table of services can be found at Appendix 4.
Clergy accommodation
The successful new incumbent will have an opportunity to choose between the St James the Less rectory or the St Barnabas vicarage, which will be vacated in January 2017 by the current assistant curate, who has been appointed to her own parish. Details of the St Barnabas vicarage are in Appendix 1 and details of the St James rectory are in Appendix 2.
This opportunity is subject to both properties still being vacant at the time of appointment.
Location in South East Essex
The sister parishes of St Barnabas and St James the Less, lie within the Borough of Castle Point and part of Leigh-on-Sea.
Hadleigh lies on the A13, on the Thames estuary. Hadleigh expanded in the 1950s and 1960s from a village to a small town (now of approximately 12,000 residents).
The two parishes are very similar in their demographics – there is a rich mixture of people of all ages: many young families; families with teenage children; professional people; retired people and a mix of trades and professions with a large commuter population travelling to London from the two local train stations.
There is a busy shopping area, yet Hadleigh has retained the feel of a village. The ‘old’ sits well with the ‘new’: McDonald’s, near-neighbours of St James the Less, are quite happy to advertise church events.
Next door to McDonalds is the Castle Inn, whilst opposite the pub and next to the church is the Ancora Italian restaurant.
Many people have lived in Hadleigh all their lives and feel a connection with the church at its centre, even if they are not churchgoers.
Both parishes are largely residential, and enjoy the benefits of being within walking distance of open countryside, woodland, a nature reserve and the picturesque fishing village of Old Leigh.
There is a very good mix of small shops in the town centre; we have banks and a post office and three supermarkets close by.
7
APPENDIX 1
ST BARNABAS
The parish of St Barnabas lies on the boundary between Hadleigh and Leigh-on-Sea (part of the Borough of Southend on Sea which is a unitary authority).
The vicarage
The vicarage is currently occupied by our assistant curate. It is owned by the diocese, is next to the church, and stands back from the road with secluded gardens at both the front and rear. It is a modern, double glazed, red brick detached family house with gas central heating. There is a spacious garage and off-street parking for several vehicles.
St Barnabas vicarage The house has four bedrooms, a bathroom and separate toilet, generous study, lounge, dining room, cloakroom and kitchen with utility room.
8
St Barnabas church
In 1935, the church of St Barnabas opened as a daughter church to St James the Less in Hadleigh and services were held in the ‘mission church’ building (now the Woodfield Hall). St Barnabas was granted parish status in 1958 when the attractive present modern style building was consecrated. The PCC has kept the building in a good state of repair; essential work on the large glass west window has recently been successfully completed following an appeal for funding.
With the opening of the new church building, the former mission church became the church hall, now called the Woodfield Hall (owned by the diocese). In 1985/86 to mark the 50th Anniversary of St Barnabas, the congregation funded the building of the Jubilee Hall with a separate lounge area and kitchen and is owned by the PCC.
There is a car park which accommodates, on average, 12 cars.
Both church halls are used extensively for community events and a community choir rehearses weekly in the church.
The licensed lay minister at St James has recently been appointed as Focal Minister to St Barnabas whose role is to provide the parish with long term commitment, to support and help grow the church after a period of frequent changes of personnel.
St Barnabas has a friendly congregation of mature age, at present lacking the young families who live within the parish. Our congregation at our 10:30am Service on Sundays averages 40, with 60 attending for our special festival services. 10 to 12 people attend at 8:00am on a Sunday and at 10:30am on a Wednesday the average is 10.
St Barnabas Son of Encouragement
the church is open to visitors seven days a week the Verger ensures the smooth running of day to day practical aspects within the church two volunteers work in the parish office, (located in the Vicar’s vestry), one on Tuesday morning and the other on Friday morning a quarterly magazine is published and delivered free to every home in the parish both church halls are used extensively by the community
9
Children at St Barnabas
There is a thriving 'messy church', which meets once a month and is run for children by church members.
Barny Bus pre-school is run independently of the church in one of the church halls. It has independent charitable status and is overseen by a committee of trustees. It is held daily during term time and enjoys a good reputation in the local community. The leaders are committed to the well-being and development of the children in their care.
A Cub and Beaver pack is gaining members and the leaders are keen to become more involved in family services.
Messy church and a visitor - Bishop John Wraw Church groups
Women’s Fellowship is a group of ladies who meet weekly for a time of prayer, fellowship and either a speaker or discussion Mothers’ Union is a small group who meet once a month. Members organise a monthly service in the church and the Annual Memorial Service, which is appreciated especially by those who have been recently bereaved social events and concerts are organised as fund-raising activities
10
Church flowers
Floral arrangements are maintained throughout the year
Outreach
The parish supports:
The Children’s Society Christian Aid Mission to Seafarers The Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal national disaster appeals serving the homeless through HARP, our local charity for the homeless
Various other charities throughout the year are supported by the money raised at coffee mornings and the sale of greetings cards and other fund-raising activities.
A successful day at the Summer Fete:
11
St. Barnabas 2015 financial statements
Total income received during the year amounted to: £52,903
Total expenditure during the year amounted to: £49,058
St Barnabas paid 41% (£20,000) of the 2015 Parish Share, to achieve a modest surplus on the PCC account of £3,845.
The congregation is dedicated to meeting its diocesan and outreach commitments but because of reducing numbers on the electoral roll, an average age of 60 plus and fixed incomes the PCC recognises the need for change.
Looking to the future, the PCC recognises the need to meet its Parish Share in full and has taken measures to try to meet this commitment as well as maintaining the church fabric and halls in good order.
12
APPENDIX 2 ST JAMES THE LESS
St James the Less from the north-west
The parish of St James the Less lies to the west of St Barnabas’ parish and includes the town centre of Hadleigh.
St James the Less church
Positioned in the heart of Hadleigh on the central island of the one-way road system (A13), the church is a focal point of the town.
This is a 12th century (Norman) church built of Kentish rag stone and set in an extensive ‘closed’ churchyard. It was built c1140, i.e. before Hadleigh Castle, (made famous by John Constable’s paintings) and the Castle residents probably provided the bulk of the congregation back in the 12th to 16th Centuries. The church has an unusual round apse and is described by Pevsner as ‘One of Essex’s Gems’. It is Grade 1 Listed.
There are mediaeval wall paintings, including one of St Thomas Beckett (Beatus Tomas). The church is a small but most attractive building and is kept in a very good state of repair, reflecting the loving care of its worshippers and “Friends”. The church seats a maximum of 100-120. There is a coloured Guide and short History of the Church, which can be made available upon request. A heating system and interior lighting have recently been installed to modern standards.
Although there is no church hall, a re-ordering of the back of the church has provided extra space, replacing some pews by chairs. At the same time, the vestry facilities were extended to provide a light refreshment “bar” and disabled toilet.
The particular needs of older parishioners have been taken into account with the provision of disability-friendly facilities. The church has no car park, although a lay-by is available for disabled and off-peak parking.
There are proposals to make improvements to the churchyard and footpaths, subject to Diocesan faculty-approval.
13
St James the Less rectory
The rectory
The rectory lies a short walking distance from St James the Less church in Rectory Road, to the north, opposite the Hollies doctors’ surgery. Built in the early 1950s, it is a fully detached, four- bedroomed house with a drive-in path and good-sized front and back gardens. It was extensively refurbished and modernised in 1995, and has been well maintained. It has a private study/work room for the incumbent, as well as a lounge and dining room, which can be combined into one larger room.
Children - St James the Less
Baptisms take place (usually after the main Sunday service) and we feel there is a need for a follow-up policy for these families.
There are various youth organisations affiliated to St James the Less: the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Every year the Brownies write and perform a Nativity play which is very popular. The Guides and Rangers actively support our fund raising activities.
The 2nd/4th Hadleigh Cub Pack (a combined group with St Barnabas) meet weekly at St Barnabas.
A lack of children from all age groups (but most noticeably from the 11-plus group) presents an opportunity to liaise more fully with the local primary schools. The Bible Society’s “Open the Book” inter-denominational rota is popular with two of the local schools; an opportunity exists to re-connect with a third school.
A Sunday Club for children aged 4-11 meets at 10.30 every 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays in the vestry. Tiny Tots is a new group meeting on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, in the vestry.
Leaders of the local Air Training Corps encourage their young people to help with church and community events that we lay on during the year.
Present congregation profile
The age profile is middle to older age, and we would very much like to see younger people and younger families involved in the daily life of the church. We would expect the new incumbent to enable us to team-build and co-ordinate pastoral visiting and exploit opportunities that exist within our community.
14
Churchmanship and spiritual growth
The parish is of central Anglican churchmanship and blends a mix of traditional services from the Book of Common Prayer and the Common Worship Service Book.
There is a team of Servers, a small choir, and a highly qualified organist.
Group meetings, such as the Lent and Advent courses, have been held in the church building, usually in association with “Churches Together in Hadleigh.”
A Monthly Prayer Group for Healing meets on the first Monday in each month.
The church organises a Christmas Market, a Summer Fete and involves local community groups; we would very much like that tradition to continue.
St James the Less is popular with non-regular worshippers for baptisms and weddings: there is an opportunity to extend these services within the wider community.
Annual pet service with Archdeacon Mina Smallman Weekly Coffee Mornings after the main Sunday service and on Wednesday mornings are most popular; an opportunity to mingle.
Also St James the Less support ten charities throughout the year.
Friends of Hadleigh Church (St James the Less)
Established as an independent charity in 1998 the Friends have, over the years, raised approximately £90,000, which has been used to keep and maintain the fabric of the church, taking financial pressure off the Church Treasurer and PCC.
As well as receiving monthly subscriptions, the Friends run periodic concerts and entertainment in the church along with weekday afternoon talks. They also undertake other fund-raising activities for the parish (coach outings and suppers).
15
These activities widen the circle of visitors (not just church members) and there are plans to enable the local Community Archive and Archaeological groups to use the church for Heritage Centre activities. We are a sociable bunch at St James the Less and we endeavour to create goodwill in the wider community.
Whilst this beautiful ancient church building is well maintained, there is always a risk of some unforeseen catastrophe seriously affecting the day-to-day work of the church. The church is fortunate in having a “Friends” independent charity running alongside the church, having raised over £90,000 for church projects since 1998.
St James the Less 2015 financial statements
Total income received during the year amounted to: £80,384
Total expenditure during the year amounted to: £70,133
The church paid in full the 2015 Parish Share (£45,466), representing 65% of its total expenditure for the year.
Of the income received during the year £21,875 (27%) came from 'committed giving'; Gift Aid tax refunds accounted for £6,866 (8%) and legacies contributed £12,688 (15%). (Please see APPENDIX 5)
16
APPENDIX 3
LOCAL AREA AND AMENITIES
Castle Point Borough Council has swimming pools and recreational centres, together with a golf course and two country parks.
Recreational opportunities
Here, on the north shore of the River Thames, lie the rolling hills of the Hadleigh Castle Country Park with miles of footpaths for walking or cycling. A visit to the ruins of the old castle or the rare-breeds farm provides excitement for families and interest for adults. Since the 2012 Olympic mountain-biking events were held here a demanding cycle track, with support services, has been opened as a legacy project.
Hadleigh Castle
Old Leigh Hadleigh Country Park
Beaches are within a 10-minute drive away and there is a private golf club – Boyce Hill – in Benfleet.
Public transport
Hadleigh is within easy reach of local stations to London Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street, with regular services and journey times of approximately 40/45 minutes. Bus services run through Hadleigh to all areas.
17
Healthcare
Hadleigh has no hospital of its own, but is well served by Southend University Hospital, some four miles to the east, and by Basildon and Thurrock Hospital, six miles to the west.
Primary health care is provided by a number of medical general practitioners and dentists, a clinic in Hadleigh and another in Leigh-on-Sea. There is a GP surgery and dental practice almost opposite the rectory.
Education
Within the parish of St James the Less there are three schools: Hadleigh Infant & Nursery, Westwood Primary and Hadleigh Junior
There is also a flourishing day nursery and pre-school – Sandcastles – based in the former parish school/church hall building. This presents a good opportunity for outreach. A pre-school nursery uses the St Barnabas Jubilee Hall and another – Georgie Porgies’ – has premises along the A13 towards Leigh.
There are two co-educational comprehensive schools nearby with good local reputations: King John, with its own sixth form, and The Deanes. There is a local sixth form college (SEEVIC) and in Southend there are four grammar schools. Places are available by selection to children from Castle Point.
Higher education is provided at the Southend campus of the University of Essex and at Chelmsford campus of Anglia Ruskin University.
Leisure and recreation
There are many good leisure activities provided by the local authorities and by private sports organisations. There are very good rail links. Local shopping areas (Southend, Rayleigh and Basildon) are close by for the everyday needs of most families.
18
APPENDIX 4
JOINT PARISH SERVICES AND ATTENDANCES FOR 2015
Services Sunday St James the Less St Barnabas
8.00am Said BCP Communion Every Sunday Every Sunday 10.30am Sung Holy Communion 1st, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1st & 3rd Sundays Every 5th Sunday: 10.30am Combined churches Holy Communion - alternating venues 10.30am Morning Prayer/ 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday Family Service 2nd Sunday 5pm Every Sunday- contemporary Cherish worship 6.30pm Evensong BCP Every Sunday Wednesday 10.15 am Holy Communion with 10.30am Said Holy Communion Hymns Tiny Tots in vestry Thursday at 11.00am Prayer meetings for Revival A time of quiet prayer (fortnightly at 10.00am) Last Tuesday 2.30 Julian Meeting
Electoral roll
St James the Less St Barnabas Number on roll 122 80 Resident in parish 65 45 Outside the parish 57 35
Average attendances
Sunday Services 8.00am 10.30am 5.00pm 6.30pm St Barnabas 11 35 - 40 - - St James the Less 17 51 12 8 - 10
Wednesday morning St James the Less St Barnabas 10.15 am 10.30 am 30 10
Other services Christmastide (Sunday before Baptisms, weddings Christmas evening to Christmas and funerals Day)and Eastertide (Maundy Thursday to Easter Day) St Barnabas 234 Baptisms - 4 Weddings - nil Funerals - 6 St James the Less 280 Baptisms - 14 Weddings - 4 Funerals - 4
19
Special/occasional services provided in the past
All Saints Sunday – for the bereaved Remembrance Sunday – Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance and Civic Service (10.50am) and Wreath-laying at the War Memorial Christingle Service – for the Children’s Society
Christmas-tide (a range of special services)
Lenten-tide – (A Lenten course/Compline on specific weekdays)
Ash Wednesday – 10.15 am Holy Communion and Ashes and an evening service
Mothering Sunday – A morning family service with presentation of flowers/posies to the children
Maundy Thursday – 8.00pm An upper room Last Supper at the Lord’s Table
Good Friday – A Procession of Witness through Hadleigh and Devotional ‘drop-in’ in the church in the afternoon
Easter Day – Sunday services
Ascension-Tide – sometimes a 10.15am Eucharist or an 8.00pm Devotional service on Ascension Day
St James the Less hosts refreshments after the switching on of the Hadleigh Christmas lights.
20
APPENDIX 5
PARISH FINANCE CHARTS FOR 2015
21
22