THE PARISH OF STOKENHAM WITH SHERFORD AND BEESANDS Welcome to one of the most beautiful areas of England, the South Hams, Devon, where you will find unspoilt countryside, ever-changing coastlines, tranquil villages and our magnificent churches: St Michael and All Angels at Stokenham and St Martin’s at Sherford together with the unique church of St Andrew’s at Beesands. The South Hams is in no way isolated, with regular bus services to Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and Plymouth where you will find excellent shopping facilities and good rail connections to the rest of the UK from Totnes only 12 miles away. The A38 Expressway joins the M5 at Exeter where there is a first class airport serving Europe and connections to the rest of the world. Would you like to live and work here? Are you… a good leader and organiser, an empathetic person and a ready listener who can delegate and encourage others? involved in pastoral care with sensitivity to the needs of those who are elderly or housebound? keen to welcome newcomers to the church and attract young families as well as older members of the parish? committed to schools and to youth work, having a desire to help children and young people come to a knowledge of the Christian faith? interested in supporting and encouraging the work of the organists and choirs? determined to maintain a high profile in the community, being involved in local events and organisations as well as the church? Willing to work closely with colleagues and the wider Deanery? If you can answer yes to most or all of these questions, you are just the priest we are looking for. 1 | P a g e Our Vision for the Future We are looking for someone who will help us deepen our spirituality and go on growing in the Christian faith. We envisage someone who enjoys reaching out and working in the local communities, who is a good team colleague and has the capacity to lead our three churches into a new period of growth. This person will: have energy and a sense of humour utilise the gifts already shown among members of the congregation be ready to introduce new ideas whilst valuing and supporting the good work already happening work across our three churches and value the range of our worship traditions whilst helping us to develop them in appropriate ways base sermons and teachings on Biblical truths, explaining and applying Scripture in a warm and engaging manner forge long lasting links with our local primary school Our churches have three priorities for the next three years, which are: to improve communication with people in the locality to provide opportunities for people to deepen their faith to build on the churches’ involvement with families including children and teenagers The Parish of Stokenham with Sherford and Beesands This coast and country Parish has a population of around 3000 people and is situated approximately midway between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty. In 2008 the Start Bay Mission Community commenced. Regrettably we are without a parish priest following our departure from the Start Bay Mission Community in 2014 but we are looking positively to the future. Recent life has been challenging for our three churches. However, God is graciously reminding us to fix our eyes on Jesus “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:2 2 | P a g e During these difficult times, the Parish has been in the care of a retired priest and one ordained monk from Community of the Glorious Ascension who, together with the PCC, has enabled the congregation and community to support and to begin recovering and this is being reflected in growing giving and attendance at services The usual Sunday attendance at St Michael’s is about 40 adults and this can rise substantially to hundreds at festivals, in particular our Carols by Candlelight service in December. Many of the congregations have worshipped at the churches for a long time although a number of people have moved into the parish during recent years. We are fortunate to have an administration office, housed in The Old Exchange overlooking the village green. This old telephone exchange has been converted into two offices and a meeting room. We employ a part time administrator who currently works three days a week. We see this as a vital service to enable our priest to have more time for pastoral care and community work. There are a host of volunteers who keep our churches running. They give their time selflessly and undertake all the major roles required to ensure a smooth operation including: running lay services, church wardens, Chalice bearers, treasurers, secretaries, sides people, readers, cleaning teams, flower arrangers, decorators, bell ringers and events organisers. The rectory at Stokenham is a superb family home in the middle of the village with stunning views down to the bay, surrounded by a lovely garden. Sherford When a priest is not available, Sherford has lay-led services which are very well attended and popular with the congregation. Every other month we have a joint service with Stokenham which alternates between St Martin’s and St Michael’s. The Friends of St Martin’s have raised funds for special projects, notably the pilot scheme for the conservation of the unique mediaeval rood screen. They are actively seeking funds for phase 2. Finance The churches are all, with the exception of St Andrew’s, in good condition. However, thanks to the Sunday afternoon teas, funds are in place to carry out full repairs and restoration at St Andrews. Overall, the parish is in a sound financial position and an incoming Priest will be able to concentrate on Pastoral work to maintain our recovery rather than worry about day to day financial issues. 3 | P a g e The Locality – a snapshot of the local area Stokenham is a picturesque village, with thatched cottages at its centre facing a spacious village green. There is a thriving Village Association which meets regularly and organises events, these are often held on the green. There are two popular public houses, a village hall and an excellent primary school. There are wooded walks nearby and the village is situated on the main Kingsbridge to Dartmouth bus route. Chillington is a growing village with a lot of families moving in to recently built housing estates. The residents enjoy excellent facilities, a modern health centre, public house, village hall, playing field, and post office/general store. There is a thriving village association that organizes many events throughout the year including a spectacular firework display in November. Frogmore is a small, pretty, linear village with the head of the creek as its focal point. The houses are a mixture of thatched cottages, period properties and more modern houses. There are around 450 people living here and part of the village is within our parish boundary. The village benefits from a bakery and shop, a public house and a boatyard. The annual highlight is the Frogmore Regatta held in August. Around 150 people live in the unspoilt village of Sherford. Many of the houses are very old and some, like Keynedon Barton, are mentioned in the Domesday Book. The jewel in Sherford’s crown is undoubtedly the beautiful 13th century church with its unique medieval rood screen. Sherford has a very good community spirit with many events held in their well- appointed village hall. Beesands is best known as a tourist destination, but is still a fishing village that concentrates mainly on crab and lobster fishing. Regular services are still held in St Andrews. Volunteers provide teas and coffees on Sundays throughout the summer season and are happy to welcome visitors to this beautiful place. Torcross is a small village with a huge history, where many families live. Here you will find miles of beaches and a fresh water ley, perfect for walks and watching wild-life. The village is serviced by a well equipped Post Office/shop, public house, restaurant and tea-room. 4 | P a g e .