Parish Profile

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Parish Profile

The Church of St. John the Evangelist Tipton

2013 - 2014

CONTENTS

Foreword – The Bishop of Wolverhampton Page 3

The Challenge Page 4

The Person Page 4

Styles and Tradition of Worship Page 4

The Mission Plan Page 5

Church Leadership Page 6

The Parish Page 7

The Deanery – A message from the Rural Dean Page 8

The Fellowship Page 9

The Church Building Page 9 - 10

The Hall & Community Outreach, including Youth and Schools work Page 11 - 14

The Vicarage Page 15

The Churchyard Page 15

Church Finances Page 16

Services Page 17

Music Page 17

Communications and Policies Page 18 - 19

What the area has to offer Page 19

Conclusion Page 20

Appendix: Accounts Page 21 - 25

Going for Growth Page 26

Benefice Buildings Committee Page 27

FOREWORD

A Priest for St John the Evangelist, Tipton

At a time when the Diocese of Lichfield has to look very carefully at where it can most fruitfully deploy its stipendiary clergy, given increasing financial constraints and a national shortage of clergy, the decision to advertise for a full time stipendiary priest for this parish has not been taken lightly. However, after consultation with the leadership of the Deanery and the PCC, the decision has been made to go ahead on this basis because we are persuaded that, with the right appointment, St John’s can be a vibrant centre of spirituality and mission, reaching out to the whole community of the parish.

We are therefore looking to appoint someone who will maintain the Catholic tradition of worship but who will be open to exploring fresh approaches to liturgy, to help make worship accessible to the non-Churched.

We are looking for a priest who will place a high priority on the mission opportunities presented by the occasional offices and will have a generous, pastoral heart.

We are looking for a priest who will be excited about being a priest for the whole community of the parish; who will prioritise work in the local schools and who will be fully supportive of the excellent youth work and care for the elderly that is already carried out by the congregation.

We are looking for a priest who, despite the current uncertainties within the Church of England, will see their future within it and will be keen to engage positively with the Deanery and wider Diocese.

In return we can assure applicants that they will be supported by a very loyal and faithful Christian community, an equally supportive Deanery, and Diocesan officers and Senior staff who will do all we can to help you be happy and your ministry thrive at St. John’s.

An exciting opportunity beckons! We look forward to hearing from you.

+Clive Wulfrun

THE CHALLENGE

Though St. John’s is a church with a long standing Catholic tradition in terms of its forms of worship, those individuals who make up the congregation and wider community are by no means inflexible to innovation and the need to address issues of the day.

Consequently, the PCC considers it important that a new incumbent should be willing to take on the challenge of growing the church numerically, so as to encourage a membership that is more representative of the Parish as a whole, as well as spiritually, in order to develop wider worship.

THE PERSON

The new incumbent will need to welcome this challenge, by showing qualities of enthusiasm, determination and leadership, especially so in these times of fiscal restraint.

A readiness to extend the firmly-established pastoral outreach programme, but especially within the local school communities, is highly desirable.

STYLES & TRADITION OF WORSHIP

St. John’s is a Church that has followed Catholic traditions of worship since at least the second half of the 19th century and traditionally with both Low and Sung Mass on Sundays. Though in the Wolverhampton Episcopal Area, the Archdeaconry of Walsall and the Rural Deanery of Wednesbury in the Diocese of Lichfield, it is also affiliated to the Forward in Faith movement and is also under the Episcopal care of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. The PCC has passed Resolutions A and B, and from October 1994 Resolution C (Ordination of Women Measure). The Resolutions are voted on annually at the AGM. There is a strong alternative chapter consisting of the clergy of surrounding ‘C’ parishes. An established Sunday School group, our Sunshine Club, meets every Sunday at 9:25 a.m. The children join the main congregation for the Communion when they receive a blessing if not yet confirmed.

THE MISSION PLAN

Members of St. John’s congregation have always made every effort to support Mission Plans initiated by our vicars. The last whole-church initiative in 2009 in order to re-invigorate our Mission Plan, called ‘Building the Vision’, was readily supported throughout the period of Lent with full attendance at weekly meetings. An exciting action plan was prepared. Sadly, this was eclipsed during 2010 by a course offered in preparation for membership of the Ordinariate, thereby relegating the proposed schemes. Nevertheless, there remains a willingness to retrieve and consolidate the following objectives:

BUILDING THE VISION – Ten Points for Action:

WORSHIP

1. Monthly Family Mass with Sunshine Club taking part on the second Sunday of each month. + 2. Monthly Prayer Group – to pray together informally and to grow in prayer. 3. More stillness in church to be encouraged before Mass.

EVANGELISM and WITNESS

4. PCC to discuss a possible Alpha Course.

NURTURE and TEACHING

5. Discuss our Christian giving commitment. + 6. Young people from Sunshine Club to assist in serving at Family Mass.

PASTORAL and COMMUNITY CARE

7. Explore the gathering and training of a Bereavement / Counselling Teams. 8. Investigate possible training courses for members of said teams.

SOCIAL and FELLOWSHIP

9. Social Committee to be re-formed so as to organize more frequent social events. + 10. Review our ‘Welcome Ministry’ at Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Mass and at coffee in the Hall after Mass.

N.B.

Some of these proposals have been put in place (+), but there is a pressing need to re-visit this Plan.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

In addition to two hard-working Wardens and a committed PCC, the church is represented in the following fora:

The Deanery Synod Forward in Faith The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham The Shrine of Our Lady of Egmanton, Nottinghamshire Sandwell Churches

The Altar team is strong with a dedicated team of Servers. There is also a hardworking Verger who offers support at Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals.

Currently, we have no Licensed ministers nor do we have a Curate, though there have been Curates in the past. As a church, we are always willing to consider any beneficial changes of this kind in the future.

Additionally, St. John’s is proud of its team of dedicated helpers:

These are just a few of them!

THE PARISH TODAY

The Parish of Saint John the Evangelist is the original parish of the settlement which the Domesday Book refers to as Tibintone. It is one of four Anglican parishes in Tipton* and has a population of around 10,000.

The parish is classed as 'inner city' and has a slightly higher unemployment level than the national average. Tipton was once dominated by Black Country heavy industry and mining, which has nearly all disappeared. Some of the extensive canal network upon which it relied remains.

The area has a predominantly white population and much of the traditional working class social housing is being taken into ownership by former tenants. These changes along with a number of ‘brown belt’ housing developments are leading to an increasing level of affluence, but like many other parts of the country today, there are pockets of social deprivation.

There are two other places of worship within the parish: a black-led Pentecostal chapel and a Baptist chapel.

As well as two Care & Nursing Homes, two Medical Centres – one of which has been replaced with a state-of-the art hospital-type facility – there is a showcase Primary school and a Secondary school, which is under re-construction, with a Sixth Form College. There are also two public houses and a number of social clubs in the parish.

*Tipton is one of six towns that were amalgamated in the 1970s to form the Borough of Sandwell.

The church is supported very well by the Diocese and its members, as evidenced by the following statement by the Rural Dean.

Diocese of Lichfield

DEANERY OF WEDNESBURY

Wednesbury deanery consists of eleven parishes in the urban heartland of the Black Country. Wednesbury, Darlaston and Tipton are the three main centres, overshadowed by the larger towns or cities close by. We don’t have a distinctive geographical identity as a deanery, yet function well in a mutually supportive manner. Over recent years we have developed four parish clusters. One of these comprises our Anglo-Catholic “Ebbsfleet” parishes: St James, Wednesbury; St John Tipton, and St Michael & Holy Cross, Tividale. Clusters can give a focus for shared activities between parishes, and for informal contacts between clergy which many find beneficial. Laity in adjacent parishes have often grown up together, or may be colleagues at work, and value the friendships which clusters encourage. Deanery activity naturally centres around lunchtime Chapter meetings, about five per year, and the Synod. This is well supported. As well as airing more formal issues, meetings provide a chance for parishes to relate what they’re doing, share ideas and news. Among our laity and clergy there’s considerable breadth of wisdom and experience. The Inter-Faith Officer for the Wolverhampton Area is one of our clergy team. In addition we feel well-supported by the diocese, i.e. senior clergy within the Wolverhampton Episcopal Area, and the staff at St Mary’s House in Lichfield. Our cathedral is a wonderful source of inspiration and input. The Selwyn Lecture is given annually by a well-known theologian, and other regular and one-off events can fill the cathedral with people from across this large diocese. The deanery shares with the whole West Midlands the post-industrial legacy of a once-proud manufacturing tradition. Old patterns of employment have been replaced by a more diffuse collection of light and service industry, distribution and retail centres etc. The ethnic mix varies from place to place. While “white British” predominate, there are new immigrants from around the globe, alongside second or third generation families largely from south Asia or Jamaica. Race relations are generally good in our area. Some of our churches have taken a lead against extreme political parties at recent elections, and to my knowledge none have won seats anywhere in the deanery.

Preb. Richard Inglesby, Previous Area Dean.

Contact Points

Endorsed by Revd. Clive Howard, Area Dean and Vicar of St Matthew’s, Tipton.

0121 557 1929 [email protected]

Or please contact :

Preb Alan Jones 01902 884616 [email protected]

THE FELLOWSHIP

Electoral Roll

In accordance with The Church Representation Rules, a new Electoral Roll was established on 29th March 2007.

There are currently 61 entries on the Electoral Roll:

33 - residents (within the parish) 28 - non-residents (outside the parish)

The average Sunday attendance is thirty five communicants. The average weekday attendance is twelve communicants. N.B. The Electoral Roll is currently being renewed.

Baptisms – an average of twenty per year. Weddings – an average of six per year. Funerals & Cremations – an average of fifty per year.

The Parish Office is open on Monday evenings prior to the Mass, from 7 – 7:30 p.m.

THE CHURCH BUILDING

The Parish of Saint John the Evangelist is the original parish of the settlement which the Domesday Book refers to as Tibintone. The Church was originally dedicated to Saint Martin. The tower is the oldest part of the building and is thought to date from the fourteenth century. It attracts interest from local historical groups and now houses the Lady Chapel. During the seventeenth century, the Church was abandoned and a new church dedicated to Saint Martin was erected in Lower Church Lane. * Later St. Martin’s merged with St. Paul’s in Tipton town centre. In the nineteenth century the tower was restored and a new nave built in 1857. A new parish was created with the restored church dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist. A major restoration was completed in the 1980s. Saint John's now seeks to teach and live out the Catholic Faith in this setting.

*Unfortunately, Saint Martin’s was subsequently deconsecrated. More recently, it was the subject of an edition of the television programme Grand Designs when being converted into a private residence.

State of the Fabric

Generally, the Church building is in a good state of repair, as evidenced in a Quinquennial Report submitted in March 2007. A few minor issues were noted, but these have been dealt with successfully.

St. John’s, like many other churches up and down the land, has not been exempt from the theft of lead from its roof. A recent desecration has led to a bill for some £3,000.00.

Generous donations are already helping to offset this considerable cost.

As to the interior, this was re-decorated in January 2007 when new carpets were laid. A Report, following an inspection made by the Rural Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod, commented:

On entering the church, I was struck by its beauty. It has been re-decorated and the altar and Stations of the Cross stand out magnificently against the light décor. There is also a beautiful chapel in the tower room for weekday services. Report, 13th September, 2007

These sentiments are often replicated by visitors who are new to St. John’s church.

The Lady Chapel

THE CHURCH HALL and COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Hall is situated on the north side of the Church. It comprises of the main function area capable of holding up to approximately 200 people, a Kitchen, a storeroom, toilets and the Parish Office. The congregation meets in the Hall after the Sung Mass each Sunday morning for refreshments and at various times for fund-raising and social activities. Additionally, the PCC promotes a Community Outreach Programme which caters for a range of regular activities in the Church Hall.

Currently, the following activities are offered: YOUTH WORK Junior Youth Club: weekly meetings on Wednesdays (6.00 – 8.00 p.m.) for 5 to 12 year olds. Senior Youth Club: weekly meetings on Wednesdays (8.00 – 9.30 p.m.) for 13 to 16 year olds. Both Youth Club groups are long-standing, well-attended and have links with local schools as well as affiliation with the T. Gen. organisation.

The Bishop of Wolverhampton visits the Youth Club in May 2011

Youth Club summertime activities in the Churchyard

SENIOR CITIZENS

Senior Citizens’ Wednesday Group – weekly Wednesday afternoon meetings for the over sixties. Senior Citizens’ Thursday Group – weekly Thursday afternoon meetings for the over sixties.

Senior Citizens preparing to celebrate the Royal Wedding

PROJECTS COMMITTEE – this group meets on a regular basis throughout the year to organize and support fund-raising activities.

Social events for fund-raising – these range from professional entertainments to locally organized events and include, for example:

Quiz Nights

Pig Racing

Jumble Sales

Summer Fayre

Film Nights

Table-top sales

Night at the Races

Christmas Fayre

New Year’s Eve Party

The Youth Club has recently purchased a Skittles Alley to add another exciting activity to the social calendar.

It is the policy of the PCC to offer these additional activities to all appropriate members of the community, regardless of ethnicity, gender, creed or sexual orientation.

THE VICARAGE

St. John’s Vicarage, 49, Upper Church Lane, TIPTON, West Midlands, DY4 9ND

Built in 1959 of brick with tiled roof, the house is pleasant and spacious. It comprises of a kitchen & pantry, dining room, study, sitting room, hall with cloaks and lavatory, four bedrooms, a box room, bathroom and a separate lavatory. The windows have recently been replaced with double-glazed UPVC frames. There is a gas central heating system. An originally separate brick out-house and coal store is now connected to the back door of the house. External security lights are fitted along with a colour screen entry-phone system. There is a concrete garage with a tiled roof, along with a drive capable of holding two vehicles. The vicarage garden is large, with pleasant and private lawned areas currently maintained by the churchyard contractors. The house is in good order and there are funds available for re-decoration.

THE CHURCHYARD

Though closed to burials, the churchyard is still used for cremated remains. Regular maintenance is carried out by contracted workers and occasional groups of volunteers from the community. The report from the Rural Dean cited above, describes it as very pleasant and in good order. Additionally, it has been described as an oasis of calm in this relatively busy urban area. Many couples choose St. John’s for their wedding because of the attractive setting it offers for such an occasion, providing a picturesque backdrop for those special photographs. It is used for Youth Club and other social events, especially during summer months, and is a much-admired feature of the site.

CHURCH FINANCES

One of our priorities has always been payment of our Parish Share. Over recent years we have paid this in full.

The Interregnum has led to difficulties in this regard. Additionally, a great deal of urgent repair work has been carried out to the main church building, especially the ancient Tower, following the last Quinquennial Inspection.

We are currently working hard to recoup these expenses in order to get back on track.

We are very much aware of the importance of the Share and every effort is made to ensure the Diocese receives payment. Whenever a shortfall appears, we attempt to remedy the situation by drawing upon deposited reserves.

Church running expenses are kept to a minimum, but as far as health and safety issues are concerned we do not make any short cuts; for example, gas and electricity inspections are made yearly and essential maintenance is always carried out.

Clergy expenses are paid in full, either quarterly or when requested,

We have a weekly giving scheme by way of donation envelopes and also gifts are made via the Gift Aid scheme which earns a useful bonus each year.

A different Charity is supported each month, including The Leprosy Mission and USPG. Therefore, 12 charities receive a cheque from St. John’s each year.

The hire of the Church Hall supplements our income and enables us to maintain not only the building but important contact with the wider community.

If we have special projects during the year, i.e. funds needed for certain large items, they are always supported very well and we can usually meet the required targets.

A Restoration Fund is held and each week a collection is made after the main Sunday Service. This is maintained separately and used for the upkeep of the building.

Social events are held during the year for raising funds, these also are a success and supported well.

Donations that are made In Memoriam are banked into a Reserve account where interest is applied. The families are contacted for permission to use their funds if and when items need to be purchased.

All of us have to work hard in our Parish to keep our financial situation stable, but we are confident that this will continue, so that a new Priest can concentrate on ministering to the people and not have to spend months or even years on fundraising to keep St. John’s Church here in Tipton alive and well.

SERVICES

In the past, the following arrangements applied:

Services Sunday 8.00 a.m. Low Mass in the Chapel 9.30 a.m. Sung Mass in the Main Church 4.00 p.m. Benediction / Memorials Monday 7.30 p.m. Mass in the Chapel Tuesday 9.30 a.m. Mass in the Chapel - Walker Grange Care Home Wednesday 9.30 a.m. Mass in the Chapel Thursday 7.30 p.m. Mass with hymns in the Main Church Friday 9.30 a.m. Mass in the Chapel Saturday 9.30 a.m. Mass in the Chapel

During the current Interregnum, Eucharistic services are offered at the following times: Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. only. Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Except when there is special Feast day, at which times alternative arrangements are made, a Family Mass is offered on the second Sunday of the month.

These arrangements are, of course, negotiable.

MUSIC

For Sunday morning Mass music is provided by digital audio system. There is a small female choir to lead singing and chants. An organist is employed for weddings and funerals. The organ is regularly tuned and maintained by Hawkins of Lichfield.

COMMUNICATIONS and POLICIES

Religious Affiliations Saint John’s is pleased to promote its affiliation with the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. An annual pilgrimage is made every October, and the Youth Pilgrimage is often supported in the month of August. A facsimile of the Shrine statue to Our Lady of Walsingham is situated at the north wall of the nave where votive candles may be offered.

Additionally, some members of Saint John’s have joined the Society of Our Lady of Egmanton and periodically join pilgrimages to the Shrine Church in Nottinghamshire. Members of the Walsingham and the Egmanton Cells have, more recently, met once a month, before the Thursday evening Mass to recite the Rosary.

The church is represented at Deanery Synod, as well as at meetings organised by Forward in Faith and the Sandwell Churches group. The Parish Office is open on Monday evenings prior to Mass, from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Initial advice is given regarding procedures for Baptisms and Weddings which is then continued by negotiation with the vicar. Baptism is offered and welcomed, sometimes in conjunction with the Mass if requested. The option of a Blessing is also available. A certificate is given for which there is currently no charge. Confirmation Classes are established as the need arises. It has not been the practice at St. John’s to offer the Solemnization of Matrimony to divorced people, but this issue is being reviewed by the PCC, since it is felt that each case should be consider on an individual basis. Wedding rehearsals are held at times which are mutually convenient to the vicar and families. Blessings are given to those who request them, as are renewal of wedding vows.

At funerals the minister is assisted by the Verger as well as the Wardens if required. It is hoped that a bereavement counselling group will be formed in the near future. Currently all such counselling is offered by the vicar conducting the service. Bible Reading groups are established from time to time, along with the sharing of religious tracts and other literature designed to inform members of the Church community in matters theological and doctrinal. Shrines with votive candle stands are in place, in honour of the following: The Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Joseph

St. John the Evangelist

St. Antony of Padua

St. John-Baptist-Marie Vianney

WHAT THE AREA HAS TO OFFER

Brief notes on the history of the Parish have been given above, but it is worth mentioning that there is a Tipton Civic Society which aims to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the town. The famous Black Country Museum is just a short distance from St. John’s and has been the venue for Carol Singing groups from the church in recent years. There are exciting developments in terms of re-development of schools: the local Primary school boasts a state-of-the-art establishment and the Alexander High school is now being re-built. The Royal Society of Arts has recently established an Academy which stands on land immediately adjacent to the parish and which offers its students the opportunity to study for the International Baccalaureate. Evening classes in a wide range of subjects, including crafts and modern languages are available at a variety of colleges, including Dudley and West Bromwich. In Wolverhampton, Walsall and Birmingham – all of which are within easy reach of Tipton, either by private or public transport – there is a host of private schools, not to mention some fine University establishments. A wide range of leisure facilities is to be found in the area including the Tipton Sports’ Academy, and a number of parks. Local towns and cities, along with the Merry Hill Centre, offer many additional facilities including restaurants, galleries, theatres, cinemas and, of course, a wide range of stores and shops. The Black Country is an area that is full of surprises!

IN CONCLUSION

The type of person we are looking for is perhaps best summed up by way of the following list:

A Priest

 who is able to lead us Forward In Faith, both spiritually and pastorally.

 who will be committed to and supportive of a challenging urban area.

 who is approachable and a good listener for all members of our congregation and community

 who will maintain and develop existing links with the wider community, including through the Youth Clubs and local schools, in order to motivate and to integrate the young adults and young people of the parish into the Church.

 who will visit the sick and elderly in their homes

 who is a forward thinker, enthusiastic, has a sense of humour, has a track record in growing churches and who will be willing to encourage growth.

 who will not only embrace the good work already in place, but will be open to the implementation of new ideas.

“GOING FOR GROWTH” in the Wolverhampton Episcopal Area

In 2004 Lichfield Diocese adopted a central strategy entitled ‘Going for Growth’. This is a long-term mission strategy to move the Diocese from numerical decline to growth. Each parish is encouraged to develop and implement its own Mission Action Plan that will enable it to grow spiritually, numerically and in the effectiveness of its ministries.

In 2011 the diocese revisited its ‘Going for Growth’ strategy and identified that this strategy should be based around five significant mission indices:

i) Discovering the Heart of God. ii) Reaching New Generations. iii) Growing Disciples. iv) Transforming Communities v) Practicing Generosity

Therefore we are looking for clergy who can demonstrate:

1. A track record (where appropriate) of leading growing churches. 2. An understanding of how churches can grow and flourish. 3. Enthusiasm for the ‘Going for Growth’ strategy and a commitment to mission and evangelism through the local church. 4. Commitment to reaching the younger generations we have been losing. 5. A personal and corporate spirituality that resonates with the will of God

The Diocese is committed to providing a helpful environment, within which churches can be born, grow and flourish.

* Bishops, Archdeacons, and Diocesan staff give a high priority to helping churches shape and implement mission plans. * A Growth Fund is available to make grants to help churches have the financial strength to grow. * Training programmes are geared towards the ‘Going for Growth’ objectives. * Clergy are encouraged to experiment, to try ‘Fresh Expressions’ and to be leaders in mission and enablers of lay ministry.

We are looking for clergy who will focus their ministry on growing the numbers, maturity and ministry of their church members.

LICHFIELD DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE

PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

INGOING WORKS POLICY

1) Principles

The Benefice Buildings Committee:-

Has responsibility, via the Benefice Buildings Measure, to provide fit for purpose housing. Are to be good stewards of the allotted budget. Are to care for the clergy and their family. Recognises the importance to control works and costs at Ingoings. Notes that the recent move towards shorter interregnums has reduced the opportunity for rental income during a vacancy. Wishes, where possible, to have Ingoing works completed in advance of the interview process, to aid both the parish and candidates.

2) Practice

i) Once the relevant Archdeacon confirms an anticipated interregnum of less than 12 months then a survey is carried out by the Diocesan Surveyor with the relevant Archdeacon, ideally before the property is vacant.

ii) The intention is that any major works plus usual ingoing works are tendered and completed in advance of interviews, leaving the house ready for occupation bar clergy/parish organised decorations.

iii) Should any additional works become necessary due to disability issues, or where the new clergy or parish wish to wholly fund further improvements/adaptations, then immediately upon appointment the new clergy can seek to meet the Diocesan Surveyor (and either Archdeacon or BBC representative) to discuss on site. Thereafter any further works will be specified, tendered and completed.

3) Comments

i) If a long interregnum is anticipated (i.e. circa 12 months+), house is put out to let and, where possible, vacant possession secured in time to undertake ingoing process in good time.

ii) Acknowledgement that incoming clergy or parish may choose at their cost and our agreement to upgrade their new house.