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Diocese of Southwell and

The Parish of Ordsall and We are All Retford, St Michael Hallows’, Ordsall and St Michael From the Wardens; the Archangel, Welcome to The parish of Ordsall and West Retford Retford, St Michael’s. a newly combined parish in the We hope that through this profile we of are able to show you who we are and Retford, North offer an insight into our aspirations. If you feel that our vision and journey is one you would like to join and that God We are Two Churches, One Parish, seeking to bring a loving, Christian presence to is calling you, we ask that you distinct communities prayerfully consider us. Barbara, Pat &

Mick Contents: Diocese ………………….. Pg. 2 The Rectory ………………… Pg. 13

Deanery………………….. Pg. 4 Church Life ………………… Pg. 14

Parish……………………… Pg. 6 Our Buildings …………….. Pg. 15

Our new Incumbent… Pg. 7 Appendices: Creating a

single parish Our Vision ……………… Pg. 9 i) Finance …………………… Pg. 16 identity for the …Wider…………………… Pg. 10 Ii) Mission Statistics …… Pg. 17 Retford …Younger……………….. Pg. 11 iii) Policies…………………… Pg. 19 positivity snake at Bassetlaw …Deeper ……………….. Pg. 12 Museum – summer 2020 2

THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHWELL The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham incorporates the City of Nottingham, the & NOTTINGHAM whole County of Nottinghamshire and five parishes in South Yorkshire. The population is 1.15 million – 51% live in the greater Nottingham conurbation, 31% in GROWING DISCIPLES WIDER, ex-mining areas and 18% in rural. There are 305 churches (252 parishes), served YOUNGER AND DEEPER by 142 stipendiary clergy and licensed lay workers.

In 2016 a refreshed diocesan vision was embraced across the diocese, recognising A statement the imperative for ‘Growing Disciples: wider, younger, deeper’. (see from the https://www.growingdisciples.co.uk/) Bishop of Southwell & ‘Wider’ in that we will seek to grow disciples in every part of the diocese, with no Nottingham, retreat from any community: urban centre; outer estates; rural villages; or market the Rt Revd towns. Paul ‘Younger’ in that we will seek fresh ways to harness the boldness and creativity of Williams children, students and young people across the diocese, not least in Nottingham and which is the 4th youngest city outside .

‘Deeper’ as we grow in knowing Christ, so that as his disciples we can be an increasing blessing to the people among whom we live and serve in the workplace, family and community. Archdeacon of

Nottingham, the

Ven Phil

Williams

(covering the

Archdeaconry

of Newark)

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Compelled by the love of Christ by If you would like to understand our approach to new worshipping communities, 2023 we are seeking to: please visit https://southwell.anglican.org/new-worshipping-communities-a- vision-for-growth/ where we share some of our stories). It is possible to apply for a  Welcome 7000 new disciples into the grant to assist the costs of setting up a new worshipping community. fellowship of Christ and his church Every parish is encouraged to create its own ‘Growing Disciples Plan’ so that it can  Commission 1000 younger leaders play a significant part in the strategic commitment to ‘Growing Disciples wider, (especially 15-30 year olds) younger and deeper.’ This may include identifying the opportunities to reach new equipped and inspired to serve the people within the parish through a new worshipping community. The diocese has a purposes of God in the Church and ‘Growing Disciples Fund’ so that each parish can apply for up to £2000 per year to society. support its Growing Disciples Plan.

 Plant or graft 75 New Worshipping The Archdeacon writes, ‘All Hallows’ and St Michael’s are on a journey of discovery Communities (NWCs) across the as one parish. Through their Eucharistic tradition and identity, they are seeking to diocese to increase our reach in make and grow disciples especially amongst younger generations. The next incumbent will be instrumental in focussing on intentional growth in the context of telling the story of Jesus to all. worship, prayer and serving the wider parish.’

 Grow 25 larger Resource Churches Bishop Paul has said: “It is my hope that each with clear commitment to develop worshipping community will develop a leaders, plant New Worshipping compelling picture of its own future in God’s Communities, and disciple the young. purposes with an expectation of growing  Serve and pray together as 1 Church numerically and in the scope of its mission. It contending for the gospel in every is my prayer that the new incumbent of community and sphere of public life Ordsall and West Retford will have the in our city, county and region. creative leadership and imagination to

develop discipleship, plan for growth and

reach out to the unchurched of all ages in its locality.” 4

Bassetlaw & Deanery The furthest north in the Diocese, the Bassetlaw and Bawtry deanery is made up of 46 parishes, working together as 15 benefices, with both rural and town locations. In the main, the deanery matches the local government district of Bassetlaw, North

Nottinghamshire but also includes one part of South Yorkshire in the benefice of Bawtry with Austerfield. There are three MPs: Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw),

Nick Fletcher (Don Valley), and Robert Jenrick (Newark). Our Deanery serves a population of approximately 120,000 people, with a variety of backgrounds including farming, mining (in the West), and industry. Located adjacent to the City Region and , these conurbations provide the main employment opportunities. Connected by the , the East Coast Mainline and Lincoln/Sheffield railway lines, and nearby Doncaster/Sheffield Airport, the Deanery has ready access to London in just an hour and a half, alongside various local and international destinations. The Deanery has churches with larger and smaller numbers of attendees, vibrant market town churches, estate ministries, with many commuters working in the surrounding cities, and rural contexts. All, though, are well connected to their local communities through schools, occasional offices, community projects and a growing number of New Worshipping Communities, as well as many iconic church buildings. The churches in our deanery cover all traditions and the area is rich in Christian history with a number of churches boasting links to the Mayflower Pilgrims. This Christian heritage with the Separatists that formed the Mayflower Pilgrims, originating in the local villages of Austerfield, , and Sturton-le- Steeple. With , being the Gateway to the Dukeries, the four historic ducal seats of Worksop Manor, Welbeck Abbey, Thoresby Hall and Clumber House are all close by and provide ample space for walks, days out and historical fact finding.

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The clergy chapter works closely together and offers support to each other through

regular meetings, praying together, socials and fellowship, and encourages input from the wider Diocesan leadership team with regular speakers. Deanery Synod

meets three times a year with lively discussion and information sharing. All parishes within the Deanery have embraced the Diocesan vision of creating disciples, wider, younger and deeper and fully engaged with our objective of achieving an extra 7000 disciples by 2025. To this end a number of New Worshipping Communities have begun in the deanery as well as ongoing local activities and innovation. The Deanery has an administrator, who is employed by the Diocese, and, together with Area Dean and the Lay Chair, they provide incumbents and parishes with practical and pastoral support. We would encourage you to consider our deanery as a great place to work and further your ministry. For further information about the Deanery and parishes please contact our Area Dean, Dave Gough, Tel: 01909 570434 or e-mail: [email protected]

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The Parish of Ordsall + Retford Our newly formed parish centres on the church of St Michael the Archangel in St Michael the Archangel West Retford and the church of All Hallows’ in the ‘village’ of Ordsall. Together, our churches serve all those who live on the west bank of the which flows through the market town of Retford. We are a faithful group of disciples who ground our spiritual lives in the Eucharistic worship central to both churches. We are members of the Inclusive Church Network and are committed to offering a welcome to everyone. St Michael’s Church, West Retford (shown at 3)

Is a mainly C14th Church (Grade II*) with a beautiful spire and a Father Willis Organ. The replacement of the pews with modern comfortable chairs offers the potential for flexibility. A small servery provides hospitality within the church. All Hallows’ Church, Ordsall (shown at 1)

Is a well maintained C13th Church (Grade II*) with Victorian adaptations and C20th century modifications. The pews and medieval screen give All Hallows’ a traditional feel but the large open hospitality space at the west end of the nave coupled with the kitchen beneath the tower speak to the welcome extended to all. Both churchyards are full and each church has a nearby parish hall.

Population -13,382 (2018) The communities traditionally served by both churches have grown and developed immensely in the 20th century and this growth is likely to continue in the coming decades. St Michael’s has a town centre location, but much of the original St Michael’s parish is in the suburb of Hallcroft. A good range of shops provides a ‘local centre’ to Ordsall, which retains a village feel with its cricket club, hedged churchyard and views across the open countryside to the south and the wooded walks through the golf course to the west. 7

Our new Incumbent: The parish, deanery and diocese are looking to appoint a person who has:  A personal devotion to the Lord reflected and rooted in prayer Person Specification for the  A vision for, commitment to, and experience of, evangelism and church Transformation Change Post as the growth across all ages, Incumbent of All Hallows’ Ordsall & St.  An aptitude, experience and gifts in exercising strategic leadership, especially Michael the Archangel, West Retford towards vision and implementing plans for growth  An appreciation of the Eucharistic tradition underpinning mission in, and service to, the parish  Excellent relational gifts, emotional intelligence, tenacity and resilience, As a diocese we are seeking to invest in  The ability to discern, develop and deploy the gifts of others in mission and a full-time post at Ordsall & West ministry Retford with the expectation that the  The capacity for working collaboratively to build and sustain life-giving following three objectives set around teams, three core values will be met.  The ability to lead, enjoy and instigate a variety of worship and musical styles, Grace (local ministry team equipped including contemporary expressions. and inspired, not dependent on  A commitment to, and expertise for, engaging biblical teaching and whole-life stipendiary leadership) discipleship  The ability to relate to, and inspire, children, young people and young families Growth (clear numerical growth)  The capacity to see new missional opportunities and implement them Generosity (financial sustainability, The post holder will be: meeting full ministry costs within five years  A visionary leader able to motivate and foster a pattern of shared leadership  Humble and hopeful,  Eager to learn and grow in faith and ministry, naturally welcome coaching and mentoring  Friendly, approachable with a sense of humour and full of love for God and people.  Welcoming to all people wherever they are in life, and whatever their needs and means. 8

The priorities of the role will be:

 To grow the church numerically and spiritually so that it reflects the age and

social profile of the parish population especially reaching young families and young adults  To establish one benefice focussed on mission through prayer, worship, evangelism, social transformation and whole-life discipleship.  To create new styles of contemporary worship (Eucharistic and non-

Eucharistic) to reach a more diverse demographic while respecting and facilitating the Eucharistic tradition.

 To make the most of all opportunities, for example, through occasional

offices, online engagement and create a strategy to develop the stages from first enquiry through to full participation and integration in the church.  To instigate and develop new worshipping communities or new congregations to reach different people in the parish  To grow a leadership team that reflects a younger, local, demographic including the development and mentoring of local missional leaders  To focus the resources of the church (financial, buildings and personnel) on the above priorities

This post is an interim incumbency post offered as a five-year appointment. It is made according to section 29 of the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of service) Regulations 2009 as amended. As a result, after the initial three years there would be a review with the expectation that, if the post holder and the diocese were content, there would be a further extension of between two and three years maximum. It is possible that the post could be made permanent after the six-year period. 9

Our Vision for the Future As two separate churches who have become a single parish so recently, and have faced an interregnum during the Covid pandemic, we are still learning about each other and exploring what our shared vision might be.

Hospitality is the watch word of both of our churches;

A cup of tea after a service, a drop-in coffee morning,

or laying out the Nativity story through the churchyard on Christmas Eve because we couldn’t open church to all the families who would usually have come. These are just some of the ways we welcome and embrace our communities. We hope our welcome to all echoes the invitation to all to gather around Christ’s table. We trust our new vicar will help us develop our vision further as we seek to grow disciples Wider, Younger and Deeper.

Image: P Gregory 10

Growing Disciples – Wider ’Belonging’ is a first step towards ’believing’ and much of the communal life shared with the wider community is based on the social and fundraising events held throughout the year. There is an established calendar of Seasonal Fairs, a bi-annual Garden Party alternating with a Teddy Bear Parachute Jump afternoon (2019), Pancake & Beetle Drive evening, a very popular annual Scarecrow Festival (2020), a monthly subscription Parish Magazine, a friendly quiz evening, and an extremely well attended ‘Beer & Carols’ in the local pub each December. “to me, it’s the start of Christmas. Supported by young and old, for a good old singsong and a pint, with fantastic company” Cathy – Landlady at the Gate Inn

These events contribute to the sense of community in Ordsall and help to keep All And this is what we aspire to do… Hallows’ at the centre of village identity. Ordsall held a Seed Scattering weekend in  Imbed an explicit invitation into July 2017 and were active in the Diocesan Mission weekend in Sept 2019 when it every event and occasion to explore built upon its well established links across the wider community to throw open its further what Christianity is and how doors as part of its message of invitation and acceptance. it impacts positively on our lives.  Realise the potential of the footfall “It's wonderful to see everyone come out together and join in such a fantastic, fundraising passing St Michael’s each day. community event.” Joanne C on the annual Scarecrow Festival  Identify where God is already at We work collaboratively with Hallcroft Methodist Church, and the wider Churches work within the parish and establish Together in Retford. All Hallows’ has strong links with St Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Worshipping Communities Shafa Amr in Galilee, and has enjoyed reciprocal visits between the two parishes there. since 2013. Retford holds its annual Charter Day each early May Bank Holiday and  Develop both churches into ‘Places of St Michael’s uses this as an opportunity to be open to the community, as do both Welcome’ via weekly drop in sessions churches for the Heritage Weekend held each September.  Explore new ways to Minister to the There is a programme of occasional charity concerts hosted at both churches, but bereaved, building on the success of especially at St Michael’s where there are series of lunchtime organ recitals in April our December 2020 ‘drop in’ and October, offering lunches to the gathered audiences. Memorial event. Across our Social Media pages we have 700+ followers and our posts often reach 1000s 11

Prior to Covid, Ordsall held a monthly Messy Church on the third Friday of each Growing Disciples - Younger month.

“I come because I like to interact with other families and to talk to other Christians” William - age 11

There are no church schools within the parish, although links with both Ordsall Primary (established) and Hallcroft Infant & Nursery (developing) see members of the Ministry team leading assemblies and special services are regularly held in both churches for these schools.

“..school and All Hallows’ Church have formed a very close bond both physically and spiritually in the community of Ordsall and more widely across Retford. Through respect and the support of each And here is what we aspire to do … other, All Hallows’ Church plays an active part in the spiritual, moral and cultural development of  Engage more fully with all the the children at the school through visits, through services and by welcoming the local parish priest schools within the parish, focusing regularly into the school to celebrate key parts of the Christian Year” especially on further deepening the Richard Chapman – Head Teacher of Ordsall Primary relationship with Ordsall and Hallcroft. Eg ‘Opening the Book’ As a response to the growing ‘celebration’ of Hallowe’en by families All Hallows’  Review and then re-launch Messy now opens up the church to the community for a ‘Spooky Spectacular’ on October Church with a confident offer for the 31st. This is a light party attracting 90+ ‘un churched’ adults and children to a free younger teens evening of fun, food, friends and faith in Jesus. Each November at the Town Light  Develop a new team to offer an switch on & Christmas Market the Advent Sheep Trail is launched. This is a free to annual ‘time travelling’ experience in St Michael’s Church to schools. enter trail around the town centre shops which is run by All Hallows’ in partnership  Reinvigorate our Family services to with Christians Together in Retford & Retford Shop Local & all the wider area make them accessible to the primary schools. A trail leaflet tells the Christmas story while guiding the families uninitiated whilst remaining around local shops to find the missing sheep. The winners are drawn at the Town spiritually rich for established Carol Concert held in the Town Hall in the week before Christmas. members. 12

Growing Disciples - Deeper The worship of both churches revolves around Holy Communion (All Hallows’) and Mass (St Michael’s). This sacramental worship feeds and nurtures the both the spiritually established and the newer members of our congregations. Lay members have an established role in leading Lent and Advent study groups, with St Michael’s offering flexible bespoke courses and All Hallows’ regularly following courses based on well known popular films. Enquirers and Confirmation Courses have similar lay involvement in leadership and the course materials used are typically Start, Emmaus etc. There are regular Bible study and House Groups meeting each week.

“We all love the way we have been made to feel so welcome from the 1st day we came to book our And we aspire to … wedding. It was everyone’s welcome that made us attend regularly” Debbie – Confirmed 2018  Explore ways to enrich our worship in non-Eucharistic services, so that House Groups and Coffee Shop Groups meet weekly for fellowship or for bible we can encourage active study. participation and fuller engagement At All Hallows’ there is a tradition to sponsor children from about 8 years of age to by all share in the Eucharist ahead of their eventual confirmation.  Continue to find ways to live out our Across both churches there is a history of nurturing and encouraging vocations to faith beyond the walls of the church both ordained and lay ministry. buildings  Develop ways to commission the whole congregation in proclaiming

the Gospel to all those who live and work within the parish.  Develop Cell Groups and House Groups to encourage, enable and support each other.

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The Rectory: They say it’s the best one in The Rectory (purpose built in 2010) is situated on Hine Close in Ordsall, adjacent to the Diocese! All Hallows’ Church and graveyard.

The accommodation consists of a lounge/dining room, breakfast kitchen, utility room, downstairs cloakroom. There is an office with its own facilities and separate entrance at the side of the house. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms, a family bathroom consisting of bath, toilet, hand basin and separate shower. A roof loft with access from the light and airy landing and a side loft with access from the fourth bedroom. There is a separate double garage, private & secure garden to the rear, laid to lawn and surrounded by fencing and hedges. The front of the house is open plan and is situated at the entrance to Hine Close. Opposite the entrance to Hine Close is Bridon Cricket Club, and the local centre of Ordsall, with its 2 minimarkets, post office, nursery, hairdressers, barbers,

pharmacy and chip shop is 3 mins walk away.

Ordsall is served by a Primary school and is less than a mile

away. A Golf Course and the Retford Leisure Centre are all conveniently close. A circular bus route provides access to the town centre, and onwards to the Primary Care Centre and Retford Hospital. Retford holds a market 3 days each week, and has small independent shops as well as national high street brands. Two voluntary run theatres, a Library, a Museum and Pilgrims Gallery and the award winning Kings Park all add to the offer of a beautiful Georgian town. Further afield in Worksop is the District General Hospital, a multiplex cinema and the administrative centre of the Council.

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Church Life: Until March 2020 our regular pattern of Eucharistic Worship was facilitated by a highly valued team of retired priests. Due to Covid-19 the PCC have established a Covid19 more sustainable pattern of worship, with a single main Sunday Eucharistic service Feeding the Congregations: During the Covid Pandemic, we continued to meet held at 10.30am alternating weekly between the two churches. Midweek Said via Zoom for Compline and Parish Communions are now held each week on Wednesday, alternating between a 9.15am Prayers, and also three times per week service held in All Hallows’ and at 2pm the next week in St Michael's. for fellowship. A weekly news sheet was All Hallows’ hopes to be able to return to offering regular BCP said Communion emailed out across the parish, along services, the inclusion of Healing Ministry, and holding Family Communion services. with a Homily or Reflection based on the readings for the week. St Michael’s hopes to be able to return to offering a Sung Sunday Mass. A need for a broader range of worshipping opportunities to encourage those exploring faith and Reaching out to the wider community: to support new Christians in their discipleship has been identified. We are keen to We adapted the Scarecrow Festival and develop other services that address this need and to complement our Eucharistic Advent Sheep Trail to make them both Covid secure. We replaced the popular Worship. Vestments are used in both churches. The sacrament is reserved at All Christmas Eve Crib service with a Hallows’. Incense and bells are used at St Michael's. The hymn books used are Nativity trail laid out through the Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New (All Hallows’) and New Ancient and churchyard and for St Valentine’s Day Modern (St Michael's). Both churches have small but enthusiastic robed choirs. and Mothering Sunday we encouraged Baptisms have previously been held by arrangement after the Sunday morning wider community engagement with service, but those baptised at All Hallows’ have been invited back to the 4th Sunday ‘craftivism’ and prayer requests Family Communion, to be welcomed by the congregation and presented with their throughout our churchyards. We use certificates. Previously worship took place in All Hallows’ at each of the monthly our social media reach to connect with Messy Church sessions. A well-attended Memorial Service is normally held at the community, inviting engagement such as the posting of wedding photos 6.30pm on the 4th Sunday of every other month at All Hallows’. St Michaels hold an and pancake face pictures. We are also annual Memorial Service each November. Compline is said every Friday evening at exploring wider on-line Ministry, 6.30pm at St Michael's (normally lay led). Both churches follow the Lectionary utilising FaceBook and YouTube. readings. Intercessions, Lessons and occasionally sermons are offered by members

of the congregations. 15

Our Buildings Both church buildings are well maintained.

All Hallows’ is located at the heart of the ‘old village’ of Ordsall, amidst a large churchyard overlooking the river Idle. Vehicle access is via Church Lane with a small amount of car parking space at the church gates.

Lower down Church Lane is the Parish Hall (circa 1922) much used for birthday

parties, uniformed groups and Messy Church. Adjacent to the Hall are two cottages owned by the PCC. The rental income from these, and a third property elsewhere in the village supplements the church’s annual income. St Michael’s sits in a prominent position at the corner of Bridgegate and Rectory Rd, towards the town centre of Retford. A small churchyard surrounds St Michael’s and the 1970’s Chapter House sits outside to the south of the Chancel. Some on-street parking is available. Fundraising and a successful grant application has secured the funds to create an access ramp to the Chapter House. Work is due to commence summer 2021. The footfall passing St Michael’s, plus its proximity to the town centre and nearby retirement apartments, offer scope for lunchtime events such as organ recitals and shoppers lunches. The large Hallcroft suburb lies to the north, across a busy roundabout.

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Appendix – (i) Finances

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Appendix (ii) Mission Statistics

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Appendix (iii) Policies Remarriage The Parish welcomes enquiries from couples who are wishing to marry in church, where one or both have previously been married.

Baptism

The Parish welcomes enquiries from individuals who wish to be baptised, or want

their children to be baptised. We encourage families to attend a Family Communion

Service before booking a Baptism. Adult candidates are encouraged to join in with

an enquirers course eg Start, prior to being Baptised.

Safeguarding The Parish has adopted a safeguarding policy in line with the recommendations from the Church of ’s Promoting a Safer Church. Our policies are regularly reviewed. Training is undertaken regularly and all records kept up to date.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our Parish Profile.