Parish of Ecclesfield Vicar of Ecclesfield Information Pack
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Diocese of Sheffield Ecclesfield Deanery Parish of Ecclesfield Vicar of Ecclesfield Information Pack St. Mary the Virgin, Ecclesfield Parish Profile and PCC Statement (Benefices Measure) Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010 1. Sheffield and Ecclesfield Sheffield is located in the County of South Yorkshire and is the 4th largest city in England by population but is possibly the least well known of all the major UK cities. To those who do not know Sheffield, the image is of a faded and grimy industrial steel centre, famous mainly for the ‘Full Monty’. Those who live in the city see Sheffield as a secret gem, with the greatest number of green spaces in a major city outside London and surrounded by spectacular Yorkshire countryside to the North and East and the Derbyshire Peak District National Park to the South. It is therefore not surprising that many who come to work or study in Sheffield from all over the country and beyond often choose to settle and stay, but keep the treasure of Sheffield a secret! Situated close to the heart of the UK, Sheffield has 4 major airports within 1 hours’ travelling time, has close links to the M1 motorway and has a regular rail service to London taking just over 2 hours. The city boasts two first class universities – Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam - some magnificent parks and the renowned Botanical Gardens. A re-vitalised city centre features a major library, art galleries, several museums and two famous theatres – The Crucible and The Lyceum. The city also has two world-class concert venues in the City Hall and Sheffield Arena, top class sporting venues in the UK Institute for Sport and first class football, rugby and ice hockey teams. There are thriving local clubs for football and cricket which welcome children and adults. The Meadowhall shopping centre matches the best in the UK. Ecclesfield Old Hall and Priory Ecclesfield is an ancient semi-rural village on the northern edge of Sheffield, now part of the Sheffield commuter belt. The remains of the 12th century Benedictine Priory are adjacent to the church. Ecclesfield is about 6 miles from the city centre with easy access to the M1 motorway about 2 miles away. The village offers countryside to the North and West which is ideal for those who love walking and cycling. The population is of mixed ages and social groups, approximately 98% white English with limited ethnic minorities. Unemployment is slightly below the local average of 8%. The Church from Ecclesfield Park 2. Sheffield Diocese and Ecclesfield Deanery Ecclesfield Parish is part of Ecclesfield Deanery within the Sheffield Diocese. The Diocese has two Archdeaconries with Ecclesfield falling under the Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham. 2.1 The Deanery and St. Mary’s (Statement from the Area Dean) The Ecclesfield Deanery exists to support and resource parishes in their mission and ministry and to build relationships that enable cooperation between parishes. In particular, the Deanery looks to do this by encouraging working in clusters, developing leadership skills, and resourcing mission. Towards this, there is in post a Deanery Leadership Development Worker and a - 2 - Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010 Deanery Missioner, each a part-time post – there is an allocation of one day a week for each of the roles. The Deanery will be keen to continue work with St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s has for some years worked with a local cluster of parishes consisting of St. Mary’s, St. John’s Chapeltown, St. Mark’s Grenoside and St. Saviour’s High Green. The clergy of the four parishes have met regularly for support and prayer, and the four parishes have organised occasional shared mission events and worship. They are keen to continue this friendship and partnership. 2.2 The Diocese and St. Mary’s (Statement from the Bishop of Sheffield) The appointment of a new vicar at St Mary’s Ecclesfield is a strategic priority for the Diocese of Sheffield. The ancient parish of Ecclesfield once covered a vast area and we are hoping that the church will once again become a major resource for Christian mission in Sheffield. The previous incumbent held a senior position in the Diocese and led the church in some very imaginative approaches to mission. They ensured that the Grade 1 listed building was well cared for and the finances were well managed. In line with Diocesan strategy on the deployment of stipendiary clergy, the Deanery has proposed a full time post at St Mary’s but with a clear agenda for clustering with neighbouring parishes. The next vicar will therefore need to be willing to work across parish boundaries in close partnership with colleagues. The priest will need to prioritise the work of enabling lay people in ministry and working collaboratively. They will need plenty of energy for a challenging and hugely significant role. 3. The Parish of Ecclesfield and the Church of St. Mary The parish of Ecclesfield consists of approximately 5 square miles with a population of 7,000 people. It has a single church building which was built in 1470 - 1500 but with some parts dating back to 1200. The building acquired the nickname of “Minster of the Moors” in the 17th century and this is still used to this day. A church is believed to have stood in the village on the same site for well over 1,000 years. Although old, facilities have been improved over the years and the building has a kitchen, toilet and office, a recent sound re-enforcement system with hearing loop, an efficient gas central heating boiler and was re-wired in 2003 when high efficiency metal halide lighting was installed. The building is Grade 1 listed – one of only three such churches in Sheffield. It can seat a maximum of around 400 people using chairs to supplement the pews. The only other church, the Methodist Church, closed in 2009. Unusually, the PCC is the Patron of the parish. Some facts and figures: Number on Electoral Roll 203 Baptisms annually 61 Confirmation candidates annually 5 Weddings annually 30 plus some blessings The neighbouring parish of Chapeltown also uses our building for weddings. - 3 - Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010 Funeral services annually 40 plus 35 at the crematorium Copies of Parish Magazine per month 220 Typical Sunday communicants 65 – 80 4. The Tradition of Services at St. Mary’s Sunday Services 8.00 am (2nd and 4th Sunday in month) – Holy Communion. Cassock and surplice or cassock alb worn 9.30 am – Family Communion (except 2nd Sunday in the month – Morning Prayer) Cassock and surplice or cassock alb worn with robed choir and organ and bells rung before service 11.15 am – Informal Family Worship (with Holy Communion 2nd Sunday in the month) More informal dress with Music group 6.30 pm – Informal evening service held in the chancel with unaccompanied singing. Baptisms are held as part of the 11.15 Sunday services and also as separate services. Typical attendance over these services is a minimum of 100 each Sunday – but this can vary widely with high attendance at baptisms and attendance at the main service of 200 on festival days. The highest annual attendance is normally “Lessons and Carols by Candlelight” on Christmas Eve which attracts between 300 and 400. Other Services 8.15 am every weekday – Morning Prayer 9.30 am every Thursday – Holy Communion 4th Monday of each month – Ignatian Service Twice yearly – Healing Services and Memorial Services to which all bereaved families are invited. Special services include: Ash Wednesday, every Wednesday in Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Three Hours at the Cross on Good Friday, Easter Day, Remembrance Sunday, Christingle, Crib Service, Lessons and carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve Orders of Service Used The church mainly uses the Book of Common Worship and also the Book of Common Prayer with some special services using Taizé and Ignatian practice and Liturgy from Iona. - 4 - Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010 Musical Tradition The church has a good pipe organ in good repair, an organist and a robed choir which is typically 12 strong but is augmented to twice this size for festivals and concerts. It also has a music group, typically 5/6 members using keyboard, guitars and voice. The main book used for both Hymns and songs is Hymns Old and New. 5. Church Resources and Staff Vicar The PCC is looking for a new Vicar following the retirement of Revd. Canon Tricia Impey in June 2010. Curate The present curate, Revd. Sue Hammersley is to take up a new post in August 2010. Churchwardens Ecclesfield has four churchwardens:- Mrs Ann Hackett Mr Alwyn Hill Mr Tom Proctor Mrs Audrey Sidebottom Other Assistants Parish Administrator (paid part-time) – Mrs Jean Fowler PCC Secretary – Mrs Norma Priest Lay Readers – Mrs Pat Clarke, Mrs Stephanie Dale, Mrs Norma Priest (emeritus) Pastoral Workers – Stephanie Hartshorne, Pat Wood Retired Clergy – Revd. Jennie Fryer Church Hall The church has use of the local village hall and the vicar and churchwardens, with others, are trustees. - 5 - Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010 6. Church Organisations • The Sunday School meets in the vestry on Sundays – typically between 2 and 15 attendees • Mothers’ Union meet in the village hall 1st Wednesday – 55 members • Mens' Society meet in church 3rd Monday – 20 members • Ladies Group meet in the village hall on Thursdays – 35 members • Explorers – age 18 to 30, meet in church Wednesday evenings • The bell ringers meet in the belfry to practice on Tuesday and Friday evenings • The choir meets to practice on Friday evenings • The music group meets to practice on Thursday evenings • The Church Charity Shop is open Tuesday through to Saturday • Coffee, tea and cakes are sold in the church Tuesday and Friday mornings The church also has links to the local uniformed organisations 7.