Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values
The Diocese of Chelmsford | Profile | Spring 2016
People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North I�����������……………………………… 3 O�� N�� P�����-��-C����� ……….8 A Message from Bishop Stephen Person Specification What We Offer O�� V�����, V����� & H����……….. 4 O�� P�������……………………………. 10 O�� B�������………………………………. 5 St Mary’s Church, Salcott-cum-Virley About The Area St Mary’s Church, Tollesbury Our Faith Tradition St Nicholas Church, Tolleshunt D’Arcy Transforming Presence St Nicholas Church, Tolleshunt Major Our Ministry Team Benefice Committee A���������……………………………….. 19 Services & Worship Appendix 1 - Finance Separate attachment Safeguarding Appendix 2 - Services and Information Sheet Separate Information & News Appendix 3 - Thumbnail of the future three parishes A Ministry for Everyone C������� & Y���� P����� A�����
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
To this end we are looking for priests who are excited by this Ÿ We are developing missionary discipleship, so that every vision of becoming a church which is itself transformed, and church in the diocese is a place where Christians are formed which is becoming a more visible and effective presence in the in order to be sent out in witness and service. huge diversity of communities that make up this most exciting and energetic part of England. There are many challenges ahead Despite planning for a future with fewer stipendiary clergy, we of us. remain as committed as ever to the local church. And what is the local church, but that community of men and women Ÿ We are a diocese generously subsidised by the national gathered around Christ, and living and sharing the gospel in the church. We need to become financially self-sufficient. networks and neighbourhoods of their lives? But we need priests to lead and to serve. Ÿ Leadership often seems distant. We are creating patterns of leadership that are closer to the parishes. And we are We know we need to change. We can only be a transforming looking to develop missionary leadership at all levels of presence when we have allowed God to transform us. Therefore church life. Nearly half our clergy will retire in the next ten at the heart of all we do is a longing for intimacy with God and years. We need to find out how to minister with fewer a renewed life of prayer. First and foremost a priest is a minister stipendiary clergy and with a re-imagining of how of the word and sacrament. All ministry flows from this. But a stipendiary ministry works. We need to re-organise the way priest shares the ministry of the bishop, therefore presbyteral In the Chelmsford Diocese we believe that God is calling his parishes relate to each other in what we are calling Mission ministry will increasingly be a ministry of oversight, guiding, church to be a transforming presence. Our vision is that the and Ministry Units. nurturing and directing the mission of God's church in the church - that is the people of God here in Essex and East London communities we serve. Ÿ - should be a transforming presence in every one of our parishes. Some of our congregations still think ministry is what Vicars do. We have a vision of ministry where the whole people of It is an exciting time to be part of God's missionary movement God are involved in the whole of God's ministry. We are also for the world, and the Diocese of Chelmsford is an exciting place experimenting with new forms of authorised lay ministry. to serve. We have a clear vision and we are looking to appoint These are our priorities – clergy who will share this with us. In every parish we long to see Ÿ Ÿ To inhabit the world distinctively Church must be a safe place. All those in ministry will be each person and each community grow in faithfulness and Ÿ To evangelise effectively expected to undergo training that will equip them to ministry so that together we may serve in the world and Christ respond well in situations associated with safeguarding. may be made known. Ÿ To hold ourselves accountable to one another and to God for the stewardship of the gospel Ÿ Levels of church going are below the national average. We Ÿ To re imagine the way we minister so that need to get evangelism on to the agenda and into the each ordained minister and each individual lifeblood of every church. We encourage and train churches to put on weekends of mission and outreach. One of our The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell Christian discovers their part in God's ministry Bishop of Chelmsford and so that each church flourishes. aspirations is that every benefice should have a trained lay evangelism enabler. 3 Jesus Worship
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North Our Vision Our Values Our Hope We work to serve the They are the way we try to live out our vision: That we may: local communities in the Ÿ Enjoying worshipping with, and encourag- Ÿ Continue working to share and capitalise spirit of love and compassion as ing, people of all ages and backgrounds; on the talents and skills of our members set out in the words of Jesus: ‘I came that offering them welcome into our churches so we can meet the needs within our you might have life and that in fullness’. communities Ÿ Having the courage to build on what we know and take forward new and different Ÿ Encourage more families into church and ways of engaging with people make all ages feel welcome; so we can not only find the missing generation but Ÿ Respecting each other’s tradition and also enable the young to have a chance form of worship to grow their faith and in so doing, the Ÿ Partnering with other denominations to older church family may both learn with learn and share wisdom them and share their experience as all come to find the love of God We do this: Ÿ Through authentic relationships
Ÿ With integrity in everything we do
Ÿ By being bible-centred and spirit led
Ÿ Through continuous personal growth
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
We currently consist of four parishes:- Our Faith Tradition Our Ministry Team Ÿ This area has a long Christian tradition, dating back to before We recognise that all our team members need to be supported St. Mary the Virgin, Salcott the arrival of St. Cedd in 653AD. Our parishes embody and their roles developed. Our Team is made up of two Locally Ÿ St. Mary the Virgin, Tollesbury different aspects of the Anglican tradition, including the Deployed Self-Supporting Ministers (3�� year curates), two Ÿ evangelical and the catholic. We value and respect each other Readers and one Authorised Local Preacher. One of our curates St. Nicholas, Tolleshunt D’Arcy and are united in our wish to develop the place of the is the Archdeaconry Adviser for Women’s Ministry; one of our Ÿ different churches within the local community. Readers teaches on a local Certificate in Christian Studies St. Nicholas, Tolleshunt Major course and is a member of the General Synod.
Our Team meet regularly to plan services, including organising We are country parishes with communities of varying sizes with Transforming Presence two quiet days of prayer and reflection for the Benefice, open big personalities. Tollesbury, in particular, will see more We fully support the transforming presence initiative outlined to all and found to be particularly helpful. Our Team are eager housing in the future and there is currently a working group in Bishop Stephen’s message. We welcome and support those to work actively with the Incumbent to explore new ways of within Tollesbury Parish Council who are finalising the who wish to develop their ministry. We hope for a further developing the role and activities of the parishes and Neighbourhood Plan which deals with this. The area is one of strengthening of the teams of clergy and laity that have developing opportunities for worship. outstanding natural beauty and scientific interest, sited on an emerged, which are needed for the church to become the estuary which is popular with naturalists, sailors and artists living presence of Christ in the community. During our services the Team are supported by members of alike. The main employer is the light industry business followed the congregation who prepare and lead intercessions, serve by leisure although farming remains of substantial importance. within the sanctuary and administer the chalice and select hymns and read lessons. The population in all the villages is a mixture of commuters, professional trades and crafts; there are long established families and newcomers but all share a strong sense of S�. M��� ��� V�����, community and pride. S������ Our Benefice is very likely to incorporate three additional parishes in the future, Goldhanger, Great Totham and Little S�. N�������, Totham. Further details of the three parishes can be found in T��������� D’A��� the appendix.
S�. M��� ��� V�����, T��������� S�. N�������, T��������� M���� 5 Jesus Worship
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
Benefice Committee Safeguarding Information and News This is made up from representatives from each parish. The We, of course, follow all safeguarding procedures as laid down We have a Benefice website which contains information about committee works to co-ordinate worship, social and fundraising by the Diocese and take this issue very seriously. each church and parish, as well as lists of services and deanery, activities, to ensure that the best use is made of resources and area and diocesan activity and children’s work. opportunities available. We hope to strengthen this so our (www.northblackwaterparishes.org.uk) Our hope is for this to committee is more effective and meaningful. be maintained and improved. Weekly news sheets for the Benefice are distributed online and are available in the Services and Worship churches for use in our various services. A sample service rota is attached as Appendix 2. You may choose to look The monthly parish magazine for Tollesbury and Salcott is We have different patterns of worship but all parishes value available in all four parishes and contains information about the Eucharist, which is an important element of Sunday worship the other way but you can Benefice activity. Tolleshunt D’Arcy also have pages within the in the form of early morning (BCP) and family communion magazine. It is a substantial, professionally produced services (CW). Evensong was being held in Tollesbury and never again say you did publication which has a distribution well beyond the local Tolleshunt D’Arcy prior to the vacancy. Our joint Benefice congregation. communion service is every fifth Sunday, alternating between not know. the churches.
Mid-week services are held alternately in Tollesbury and William Wilberforce Tolleshunt D’Arcy; Salcott and Tolleshunt Major hope to grow their congregations so all four can worship at this time. We are also open to holding services at different times.
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
On Wednesdays the group has a range of activities, from high Children and Young People ropes sessions to movie nights with time set aside to develop A Ministry for Everyone We know how important it is to teach children about the and support each other in the Christian faith. Christian faith and we have developed a plan for working with children and young people and this is now bearing fruit. The Trust, established in 1967, has as its mission the sharing of Sunday School groups are held in a different parish three the good news of Jesus with visitors from schools, youth groups, Sundays a month, with the fourth Sunday being a family service those with disadvantages, additional needs or at risk of where the children join in the worship with the congregation. offending. Activities include dinghy sailing, power boating, Some families move from church to church each week. archery, climbing, kayaking and personal development through activities. A Scripture Union based holiday club is held every year during the February half term for children from Major, D'Arcy, Members of staff attend churches in the Benefice and Tollesbury and Birch. It is held at the Congregational church in contribute to leadership. Local parishioners also contribute Tollesbury and is run for 3 morning sessions followed by a through volunteering and assisting in staff training – it’s a Sunday service at the Congregational church. Numbers for this two-way friendship that everyone enjoys. More details to be increase year on year - in 2016 35 children attended and the found at www.fact.org.uk. challenge is to encourage these families to join our church family. The club is led by our Sunday school leaders with help from the after school club team, it is funded by donations as Adults we do not charge for children to attend. Although activities are in place to respond to the needs of different groups, such as young mothers, this is often reactive. We hope to be able to have a better understanding of what the Fellowship Afloat different interests, wishes and spiritual needs of the adult The contribution of Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust (FACT), population to be and what further activities would be welcome an independent Christian charity has been particularly valuable. and useful. FACT provides residential sailing and outdoor activities for children, young people and adults. The retired lightvessel Outreach work includes the Connections project (Tolleshunt ‘Trinity’, permanently moored on the waterfront creates an D’Arcy), Lovely Ladies Bible Study (Tollesbury) and coffee exciting base. mornings (Salcott).
SALT youth group was created in 2014 as a partnership between FACT and the Benefice. The group is for 11-14 year olds every Wednesday evening during term time and on Sunday mornings during the family services.
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North As parishes, we have combined our wishes for our new priest-in-charge, recognising that while we have different traditions of worship, the qualities we hope to see are very similar. We desire a priest who is a ‘people-person’ and who is able to:
Ÿ Encourage and stimulate our understanding of the Christian faith Ÿ Recognise and respond to those in pain and fear through prayer, theological teaching and study of the Bible Ÿ Help us to develop fresh responses to the changing needs for worship Ÿ Continue and develop outreach with local schools; to work with the in each community Edward Bear Club, After School Club and Sunday School; to build on Ÿ what has been started and to keep up the momentum of our youth Possess good organisational and analytical skills and is IT literate ministry Ÿ Periodically to sit down together and review how we are growing Ÿ Undertake services within the traditions of each parish God’s Kingdom in this place Ÿ Ÿ Be a good communicator; have a vision for the different needs of all Able to admit weakness and seek help age groups and be willing to explore those needs in worship and Ÿ Continue our desire to work with other Christians locally including the ministry in health and sickness Congregational Church, the Roman Catholic community and hopefully Ÿ Be willing to work with people we meet through our church festivals, Greek Orthodox churches baptisms, weddings and funerals and to help us bring people into the Ÿ Be prepared to take a day off! life of the church family Ÿ Able to laugh at themselves – and with others!
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North Towns, Schools and Amenities London is accessible by train from various local stations. Stansted airport is less than an hour’s travel. Colchester, one the largest towns in Essex is the base for both Colchester Garrison and the University of Essex and there are numerous shops. There is a theatre and museum and selective grammar schools for girls and boys.
Tiptree is home to Wilkins jam factory, has a group of extremely useful shops and has the local secondary school, Thurstable School. Maldon is a small town with great charm and a selection of shops and restaurants and another local secondary school, The Plume School. All have active public library facilities and a range of adult education classes.
S������� A������ C��������� The Vicarage The Vicarage is situated in the centre of the Benefice in Tolleshunt D’Arcy. It stands back from the road in Church Street and is surrounded by an attractive garden overlooking open fields but secluded from neighbours. There is an integral double garage and parking for four cars. The C��������� M����� house has five bedrooms and was built in 1953 with the garage and fifth bedroom added in 1988. A modern conservatory has been added to the rear of the house and the whole house is in good decorative order. We are happy to help finance the internal decoration of the Vicarage as required.
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9 St Mary’s Church Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values Our 2* Listed church is in the centre of the village and dates from the 13�� century. Although the building was damaged by the 1884 earthquake the flint tower remained intact. The nave The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Salcott-cum-Virley was restored and the chancel rebuilt and the whole has been well-maintained over recent years. S��� �������� �� � �����
St. Mary’s is valued locally for its peaceful and simple interior People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North and for the well-kept appearance of its churchyard. The PCC goes to great lengths to ensure that the church is open 7 days a week during daylight hours and a coffee point has been established for the benefit of the congregation, walkers and casual visitors. Plans are in hand to add a toilet and kitchen facilities which will open out the possibilities for us to develop the church building in giving heart to the small village community. The fundraising efforts of the local Friends of St Marys group are directed to the costs of the toilet.
The ancient parishes of Salcott and Virley were amalgamated Facts and Figures in 1884, after Virley church was destroyed in the earthquake of the same year. Virley itself was a Norman foundation; Salcott is likely to be older, as the name of the village suggests that it Who lives here? may have contributed to the Roman salt panning industry based 30 on locally. ti25 la pu20 Our village consists principally of a main street, The Street o P f (Salcott) and Mill Lane (Virley), a turning off the B1026 between o15 e g Maldon, Mersea and Colchester. a nt10 e rc e 5 Percentage of population P Amenities 0 Under 5 5-15 16-24 25-44 45-59 60-74 75+ The village now has no local shops or pub and we are reliant Age (years) on volunteers who are prepared to create places where residents can meet. The village hall, owned by the church, has been successfully What do people believe? and attractively converted from the old school and is run by an Christian enthusiastic committee. It hosts a play group, clubs for children aged 7 and over, an art group and parish council meetings and We aim to look outwards, hearing and learning is a venue for coffee mornings run by Friends of St Marys. It No Religion from the voices of the people around us: opening provides a place for parties and community events. the doors to those who come; and seeking for Religion not those who are lost in order that we may bring the stated living presence of Christ to our village.
10 Schools Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values Primary school age children generally attend Birch Church of England (Aided) Primary School, 4 miles away. We are eager to maintain and develop the contact that our previous The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Salcott-cum-Virley incumbent had as an observer of the school’s governing body.
S��� �������� �� � ����� People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North Local Area: Business and Leisure Parish Life Children’s Ministry Farming is an important industry although there are hotels and The PCC meets every 2 months, several members fundraise, There is no organised Sunday School, although children who sports centres and commuting to Colchester and London is clean the building, garden and maintain the church. Individual have received instruction are most welcome to take common. parishioners also ensure that there are always flowers in the communion at our services. It is lovely when children do join church, for which they receive no financial support. Easter lilies us, particularly at Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday, Easter We are close to a number of reserves owned by Essex Wildlife may be bought in memory of loved ones and Mothering Sunday Sunday and Christmas services. The soft seating at the tower Trust, the National Trust and the RSPB. These offer a wide posies are donated by a member of the congregation. end of the church is available to young people who are range of activities including open days, educational activities encouraged to use this and the coffee point when the church and social events. Local salt marshes are valued for the rich The greatest financial issue is the Parish Share. This obligation is open. Plans are in hand to follow up on baptisms and to and diverse bird life and we have many visiting walkers and has been met in recent years but requires a great deal of work. explore the possibility of an Edward Bear Club. birdwatchers. Church finances are an ongoing subject of discussion and the treasurer ensures that both VAT and gift aid donations are reclaimed on a regular basis. The parish also contributes to The Future selected charities. Activities In addition to Sunday services we have developed activities to The church has great potential within our parish. The lack of draw the local community into church life. These include local facilities other than the Village Hall means there is a need strawberry teas supported by local business sponsorship, bring for an additional venue in which people may meet informally Church Attendance and buy sales, quizzes and table top sales. There are plans for and share their lives. There is a need for ministry to those of There are 20 people on the Electoral Roll. The regular sung further activities. We welcome the chance to use the church all ages who wish to develop their spirituality but do not know Eucharist (CW) at 9.30am is attended by around 20 people but for additional events and are hopeful we can do so when the how. this is increased for festivals and the carol service. new toilet and kitchen facilities are in place. We are also exploring developing a wedding pack, for use by the Benefice, which will set out what the church has to offer those considering marriage.
11 St Mary the Virgin Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values Our church lies in the square at the heart of the village. It is a Grade II* Listed building dating from the 11�� Century and has been extremely well maintained throughout the generations. The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Tollesbury The church is open during daylight hours for prayer and reflection when not in use for services or other activities.
T�� ������� �� ��� ������ ��� ���� People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North We aim to ensure that as well as being a place open to all who come whether in faith or doubt, our church will support a tradition of prayerfulness and attention to Christ. We are here to kneel where prayer has been valid: T.S. Eliot
The vestry has recently been refurbished and accommodates a toilet, sink and refreshment area as well as storage and work Parish Facts and Figures space. The nave seats around 120 people comfortably and Tollesbury is the largest parish in the Benefice with a mixed benefits from modern heating. The pipe organ is regularly population of families and very active retired people. There is Who lives here? tuned and serviced and played weekly by our resident organists. a significant number of “three generation families” - 25 n grandparents, parents and children all living in the village - o ti20 The bell tower houses, reputedly, the second lightest set of 10 la u which contributes to its strong sense of community. It is felt by p o bells in the world which have recently been fully refurbished P15 those who live there to be a safe and happy place for children f o (and fully paid for by Friends of St. Marys, grants and e of all ages and many young people who move away look to g10 ta n donations).The bells are rung regularly for Sunday services and e return when they start their own families. rc 5 e the bell ringers link with other towers in the Diocese. There is
Percentage of population P 0 a handbell ringers group. The village itself is at the end of the road where the land meets Under 5 5-15 16-24 25-44 45-59 60-74 75+ the sea. There is no through traffic and the self-sufficiency of Age (years) We have a well-kept churchyard which is open for burials. A villagers of previous generations has helped to sustain the many part of the grounds is set aside for a nature area where a bug What do people believe? small local shops, charitable and social activities. It is a friendly hotel and hedgehog house are maintained by the village Cub place to live where people greet each other in the street. As a Christian Pack. We have a complete, detailed Churchyard Plan showing village, we feel we are not at the end of the road but at the all graves in the churchyard including the area for war graves start. No Religion and the cremated remains. The intention is for this and the transcribed burial records to be published on the internet. Religion not stated
12 Jesus Worship The Tollesbury Mothers’ Union is a very active and lively group, Community Initiative Focus on values participating in Deanery and Diocesan meetings. The group meet monthly in the tower at St. Mary’s and outside speakers are regularly invited. The ladies are a great support to the The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Tollesbury church, particularly to our Edward Bear Club.
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North Parish Life These are the challenges we face as a parish: The electoral roll has 50 members which makes it the largest Ÿ To grow our church of the 4 parishes currently in the Benefice. The PCC has a mix of ages and its sub-committees cover all Ÿ To further bind us together as a benefice aspects of church life. The fundraising sub-committee organises numerous and varied events throughout the year to swell the Ÿ To increase the number of young people in church funds and enable us to fulfil our Parish Share obligations our church family in full and on time. Further to this, the parish church has been The Edward Bear and After School supported for many years by a well-established Friends group Groups Ÿ To make Christ more visible in Tollesbury which has raised substantial sums for many projects in order to maintain and enhance the use of the church itself. These groups provide activities for the younger children of the Advertising space and the cover cost of the Parish Magazine parish and beyond. also produces a sizeable income which helps towards our parish share. Edward Bear meets weekly with his friends in term time. This Our Worship group has grown to over 30 children together with their carers Services are varied using both traditional and modern liturgy The Parish Rooms, owned by St Mary’s, are a short distance who meet on a regular basis. This has resulted in not only with a focus on the Eucharist. Our services have been from the Church at the edge of the local recreation ground; weekly worship for pre-school children but fellowship for the stimulated by the development of the parish Edward Bear Club they are managed by a sub-committee of the PCC. The main carers, many baptisms and some confirmations. We are also (see below), and there is a regular family service on the third room accommodates the Harvest Supper, WVS Day Centre and seeing an increase in couples choosing our church for their Sunday of the month. There is a Tuesday morning prayer group, many other events, both church and village, and the rooms are wedding ceremony. a fortnightly Wednesday Mothers Union communion and a self-financing with full and up to date facilities. Saturday morning service together with bible study groups. After school and holiday groups are run with the active support of members of our sister churches and the local Congregational Church, which also provides accommodation for the holiday groups.
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The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Tollesbury
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People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North Working with Fellow Christians Business and Leisure We have good relations with the Congregational fellowship Among the amenities of the village is a free outdoor saltwater with joint services throughout the year. Arrangements have pool maintained by Tollesbury Parish Council for swimming and been in place for many years that enable the local Roman water sports with a delightful sandy beach with colourful Catholic community to use St. Mary’s for Christmas Eve mass. seating for children and a barbeque area that may be enjoyed There is an annual Ecumenical Women's World Day of Prayer by all. Sea Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Brownies and Service in Tollesbury for which the Secretary is a parish Rainbows all continue to be active. member. St. Mary's, the Congregational and Roman Catholic communities share the hosting of the Service which is usually We have a strong link with The Lighthouse, an extremely well attended. popular café and Christian book shop. This was set up by St. Mary’s as a charity to promote Christianity locally which is a welcome port of call for locals. It provides Christian literature, Schools and acts as a showcase for local artists and craftsmen with The number of children in the village has been increasing to a changing displays of their work. degree that has required an increase in numbers for the school, which has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. Although it is not a There is a small area of light industry at the waterfront, which church school, it has forged strong links with St. Mary’s and has is also home to two sailing clubs, a marina, two cafes and a an after school Church Club there. Members of the restaurant. We also have a butcher, baker, two general shops, Congregational Church join us in the running of this increasingly post office, hairdressers, doctor’s surgery and chemist. popular club. Tollesbury School also has many services at the Church and our current non-stipendiary clergy continue to visit As well as our own parish rooms there is a British Legion club, and maintain that connection. Our hope for the future is that a Masonic Hall, The Tollesbury Activity Centre (aka The Scout this may continue. Hut!) and The Centre, a suite of rooms in the Congregational Church buildings. These are available to hire and house a range of social, educational, sports and support groups too numerous to list.
The unspoilt saltings and marshes surrounding the village are actively managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Tollesbury has a designated heritage trail and there is free access to the seawall and saltmarsh.
14 The Church and its People Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values St Nicholas Church is an evangelical church. Worship style is reasonably broad with a mix of traditional hymns with some modern & more contemporary hymns. The Parish of St Nicholas, Tolleshunt D’Arcy There are two family services a month and two midweek ��� V������ �� A����� Communion services plus an early morning Sunday communion
every three weeks: numbers for the second Sunday Family People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North Communion can be quite low. This is a challenge and we have some work and thinking to do in this area and some useful ideas that we are currently exploring. Wanting to continue catering for families from the village and St Nicholas VA Primary School, we are persevering with the Communion Service being a family service on 4�� Sunday to keep our door open for them.
One aspiration is to ‘grow back’ the crèche which has been empty for the last couple of years yet we believe that by paying more attention to links with the school and using opportunities provided by weddings and baptisms and the seasonal opportunities of the church year this is something that can be achieved.
About the Parish We would love to have better links between us and people who Links with the community are at the heart of our vision for mission and for the future. Our hope is to grow God’s Kingdom Tolleshunt D’Arcy is a pretty rural village surrounded by Essex live in the village across all age ranges. We have ideas about in this place to make life better for people by taking the Good farmland straddling the roads from Colchester, Tiptree and how this might be achieved and would like someone who could News out in to the community rather than always hoping and Maldon. At the heart of these roads, are the Queen’s Head and help us work towards this more effectively. expecting them to come to us. We want to play our part in the Maypole. St Nicholas Church is situated on Church Street God’s mission. within the village conservation area. Over the years, St Nicholas Church has had several people going Covering a large area of farm land, the Parish Boundary reaches forward for ordination and we have seen the blessings and from the outskirts of Tolleshunt Knights to Tiptree Heath and benefits. We greatly value the input and ministry of the team the Blackwater Estuary. Tolleshunt D’Arcy has 450 houses who support the work and worship here with enthusiasm and made up of mixture of privately-owned and social housing; for dedication. a small rural village, it has good day to day amenities: a part-time post office in the village hall; a shop for newspapers There are currently 17 on our electoral roll though many of and groceries; the Queen’s Head pub; an Indian restaurant; St these live outside the village itself. The PCC has always felt Nicholas VA School. strongly about the need to meet our Parish Share and has a good long record of doing so. The population is approximately 1200 and spans the age ranges but has a higher than average proportion of older people. Most There is good support from our excellent volunteer teams to people travel outside the village to work; some commute to ring the bells, clean the church, arrange the flowers, and London. maintain the churchyard for which we are very grateful.
15 In light of this, last year we began a Fresh Expression of church with Connections, a new venture in cooperation with The Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values Queen’s Head, where we now run a coffee morning for the local community. This is very popular and an encouraging link with people. We have been seeking help and advice from a The Parish of St Nicholas, Tolleshunt D’Arcy Diocesan advisor for Fresh Expressions about ways forward and looking at Table Talk as a conversation starter. We are ��� V������ �� A����� now experimenting with having a monthly Parish Lunch at The
Queen’s Head which has been drawing approximately 30 to 40
People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North in the first three months. We are beginning to see results and Parish Facts & Figures The Church and the Community opportunities to help people as a result of these activities. St Nicholas VA Primary School has around 100 pupils from We work to create an open, friendly and welcoming Who lives here? Tolleshunt D’Arcy & surrounding villages. In their Instrument atmosphere in church and around the village yet we need of Governance, the school provides for the incumbent to be a 30 greater impetus and effective ideas to draw in the distracted n member of the Board of Governors. For further information on and the doubters. There is a lot of goodwill towards the church o ti25 la the school visit the website: tolleshuntdarcy-st- but we would love to see that transformed into more u p20 o nicholas.essex.sch.uk engagement between us. P f o15 e g ta10 Fund raising events organised with the village in mind are n e supported by through-the-door leaflets advertising events: The Church and its Buildings rc
Percentage of population 5 Pe Strawberry Tea, an Autumn Fete, an annual Coffee Morning The 2015 Quinquennial Report shows that the 14�� century 0 and the Christmas Concert. The greatest value of these events church is generally in good condition with no urgent work Under 5 5-15 16-24 25-44 45-59 60-74 75+ required on the fabric. A recent report on our peal of six bells Age (years) is the contacts and friendships which are ‘church in the community’. and belfry has shown that there are some issues, particularly What do people believe? with the frame. We are currently looking at what needs to be done. Christian We want to: No Religion Ÿ Build bridges and links between church
Religion not and community stated Ÿ Build on Messy Church aspirations
Our hope is to grow God’s Kingdom in this place to make life better for people, and we need someone who will help us to grow spiritually too. The person we are praying for is someone who can take what we hold in our hands and, through leadership and teaching, enable us together to make something good - bigger, brighter and better – so we can pass the baton on to the next generation. 16 Facts and Figures Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values The last official 2011 Census data for Tolleshunt Major gave a population of 695, showing 19% under 18; over one fifth aged 45-59 and almost one third 60 or over. 93% of the population The Parish of St Nicholas, Tolleshunt Major classify themselves as White British, whilst Gypsy or Irish Trav- eller accounted for 3%. 68% of the population described them- T�� ������� �� T����’� ������ selves as Christian whilst 24% say they have no religion, the
other 8% did not state a religion.
People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
In 2011, 12 people attended our Easter Day service and 27 people on Christmas Day – which provides a challenge for us! These figures indicate a need to develop ministries which serve a diverse age group, alongside the work with children currently in hand.
Who lives here? 25 n o ti20 la u p o P15 Tolleshunt Major is the second smallest of the four parishes in the Benefice. The village lies off the main roads, and has no village f o e hall or school of its own. This results in the lack of a natural local focus for village life, which creates a void which the parish church g10 ta n attempts to fill. Transport facilities are poor and there is heavy reliance on cars. e rc 5 ePercentage of population P 0 St Nicholas Church Under 5 5-15 16-24 25-44 45-59 60-74 75+ St Nicholas’ church is a beautiful Grade I Listed building that I saw that it is indeed more worthy of Age stands isolated but accessible and boasting wonderful views of God and more truly pleasing to him the Blackwater estuary on top of a slight hill to the east of the What do people believe? village. It is a 12�� century building with 15�� and 16�� century that through his goodness we should alterations and additions including a red Tudor brick tower pray with full confidence, and by his Christian built by Sir Stephen Beckingham. The church is in good condi- grace cling to him with real understand- tion overall and is used for services and associated children’s No Religion work. Further details on the church building can be found at: ing and unshakeable love. www.northblackwaterparishes.org.uk/tmajor.html (Julian of Norwich) Religion not stated
17 Schools Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values Children of primary school and pre-school attend St Nicholas C of E (VA) school in Tolleshunt D’Arcy and the primary school in Tollesbury. The Parish of St Nicholas, Tolleshunt Major T�� ������� �� T����’� ������ Business and Leisure
The primary industry is farming and there is a local farm shop People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North on the outskirts of the village. Locally a large business park supports a number of small industries and businesses and Parish Life Mission Giving provides more employment than farming. There are no shops Although parish membership is small in numbers, we make up Our church has a commitment to tithing our income, and we in the centre of the village and no buses with the exception of for this in activity and enthusiasm, looking outwards to devel- enjoy an association with many Christian missions, both in the school transport. There is a public house, The Bell in the op opportunities for ministry to the village. We believe we UK and overseas. centre of the village. There is also a care home for the elderly, have an exciting opportunity to encourage more people from Recent beneficiaries include: catering for those with dementia and also for people over the Ÿ the village to be part of the church, and to express what this CPAS age of 18 who have a physical disability. This amenity also Ÿ means in different and inspiring ways. We have recently start- Friends of Essex Churches affords an opportunity for ministry. ed to explore ways to serve the local travelling community. Ÿ Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust We are keen and willing to engage in new ideas; we have a Ÿ St Nicholas’ Primary School small but dedicated PCC – great people who express a warm welcome. We enjoy an open and informal style of worship, The PCC has six elected members and two churchwardens; the embracing modern, children friendly music and use Power- ministry team are ex officio members. Point at most services.
The church rooms are central to the life of the village and used Parish Activities for 2016 for a wide range of activities including social groups and parish Like the other parishes we run a range of community activities council meetings. A third stage lottery application has just throughout the year. While these have a strong fundraising been made to the Big Lottery Fund for £425,000. We will find element, they also serve to raise the profile of the parish in out in July 2016 if this has been successful with monies being the village. They include a Summer Fair in May, a Treasure awarded by the end of 2016 and work to start in December Hunt in September, and Village Bake-off, Games Evening, 2016. Planning permission has been granted for the project MacMillan Cream Tea and Summer Tennis Event. which includes extensions to the main room and kitchen, a smaller meeting space, storage space and the development of Children’s Work a larger hall for sporting activities and family events giving Children’s work is a fundamental part of St Nicholas, Tolles- access to an adjacent playing field. The project has great hunt Major, with a regular family attendance each week. We significance for the life of both the church community and the have three children’s groups in the family service, providing village. for those crèche-aged to 14 years old, which is mainly led by parents and FACT staff. Each group is given the opportunity to share what they have learnt with the congregation at the end of the service.
18 Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values
Finance
People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
SUMMARY OF NORTH BLACKWATER BENEFICE FINANCIAL ACTIVITY YEAR TO 31/12/2015 St Mary St Nicholas St Nicholas St Mary Tollesbury Tolleshunt D’Arcy Tolleshunt Major Salcott Virley Voluntary income 45097 20977 15059 10566 Fund raising 4090 4011 940 1036 Investments/other 4570 267 581 Fees/magazine etc 15969 3841 1374 362 Total receipts 69726 29096 17373 12545
Fully paid Parish share 22905 14963 10428 4899 Mission etc 2354 1658 1550 134 Activities/running costs 24371 8600 2972 3690 Major Repairs 18835 (bell refurb) 3182 Total payments 68465 25221 14950 11905 Net receipts/payments 1261 3875 2423 640 Parish hall net receipts 3870 n/a (1324)* n/a Friends Group net 1189 n/a n/a 336 Total net Parish receipts for year £ 6320 3875 1099 976
*Deficit due to lottery bid costs 19 Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values
Services & Information Sheet
People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North
20 Jesus Worship Community Initiative Focus on values
Thumbnail of the Future Three Parishes
People Forgiveness Restoration Truth Love Truth Restoration Forgiveness People North Blackwater Parishes Blackwater North We hope that our new parish priest will: Ÿ Encourage and lead us Ÿ Support and develop our MAP teams Ÿ Be visible in our communities and known in the villages even though they live elsewhere Ÿ Strengthen our links with St Nicholas’ School
And be someone who: Ÿ Enjoys and understands the challenges and joys of rural ministry Ÿ Understands our different histories and traditions and recognises we want to both cooperate and work together whilst maintaining our separate village church identities Ÿ Understands our desire for regular patterns of worship and the close cooperation of Priest and MAP Teams Ÿ Is enthusiastic and optimistic about mission and outreach in the community Ÿ Who sees our rural environment as an opportunity rather than a liability!
We can offer a warm welcome and supportive Ministry as Partnership Teams in all three parishes.
Ministry As Partnership A Ministry as Partnership Team has proved very beneficial and enables Future Change much greater lay participation. Members regularly lead services and The parishes of Great Totham, Little Totham and give addresses. Two of the team are Lay Ministers of communion; The Witham Deanery Plan seeks for these three parishes to three are Authorised Local Preachers and have completed the College Goldhanger work closely together. In 1991 active join with the neighbouring North Blackwater Parishes in the of Preachers course. Ministry as Partnership (MAP) teams were future. It is likely that the new Priest in Charge of the North commissioned in each parish. The teams are Blackwater Parishes will in due course have oversight of Great Several members of the MAP team have attended Diocesan and Totham, Little Totham and Goldhanger, upon the retirement Deanery training days and courses organised within the United active today in mission and ministry with of their current Priest in Charge. Benefice. oversight from the Priest in Charge. There is a locally deployed SSM, The Revd Sue Godsmark These brief thumbnail sketches are provided to introduce The team is committed to delegation within the whole church family and mentoring younger members to follow in their footsteps as they candidates to these three lively parishes at this time of change. and an SSM ordinand from September 2016; grow older. This is a successful policy made possible through the hard both are valued members of the teams. The PCCs and MAP teams welcome this opportunity to share work and commitment of a team of around a dozen retired people. a little about their life and faith. 21 Vocation Ÿ A member of St Peter’s congregation has recently signed up for the 2 year Christian Studies Course. Ÿ St Peter’s congregation was well represented at the Wings for Worship course and the recent “Developing Worship” course. Ÿ Thumbnail of the Future Three Parishes We hold regular Ministry as Partnership Team meetings. Service S� P����’� C�����, G���� T����� Ÿ St. Peter’s church is open and welcoming, providing an oasis of peace every day of the week. Ÿ Confirmation candidates are given Holding Crosses in the service. Spirituality and Nurture Ÿ An annual All Souls service is held and an annual Remembrance St. Peter’s Church Gt. Totham is Grade II* listed and dates back to well Ÿ A morning prayer meeting is held on the first Monday of every Day service with the Parish Council, the British Legion and the before 1280; a number of alterations and additions were carried out month in the Honywood and a Bible Study Group meets every Salvation Army. during the late 1800’s and then, more recently, a north extension was Wednesday morning Ÿ Regular social events include: the Summer Fete (the largest social added in 1990. The churchyard is open for burials and there are Ÿ A new weekday evening fellowship/prayer group in the Honywood event in the village), St. Nicholas Fayre, Quiz nights, Strawberry on-going negotiations between the Parish Council and the local is to be set up using St Peter’s Facebook social media pages and Teas, music events, etc. landowner, to make a further extension of the churchyard. we hope to use “Table Talk”. Ÿ The PCC hope to establish a St. Peter’s Care & Visiting Group for Ÿ Each year St Peter’s holds Lent Groups. The church also owns the Grade II listed Honywood School which was more Community Care and bereavement visiting. Ÿ Apart from St Peter’s Sunday Club, Confirmation Groups are built as a church school room in the mid 1800’s by the Honywood offered each year. family of Marks Hall, Coggeshall; It is affectionately referred to as “The Hospitality Ÿ We plan to hold a Harvest Supper in 2016. Ÿ Honywood” and is at the centre for the church’s outreach projects in All those who are directly involved with both children and the the village. vulnerable have taken the Safeguarding course where appropriate Evangelism and have been DBS checked. Ÿ St Peter’s have initiated a number of outreach projects, Ÿ There are 66 names on the Electoral Roll (2015). The village population Ÿ The Friends of St. Peter’s arrange events in support of the church is ~3750. The village lies on the main Maldon to Colchester road and A weekly Knit & Natter group brings in new members from the (including their annual Michaelmas Market). includes three public houses, a store and sub-post office, St Peter’s, local community. It supplies premature baby hats, fiddle blankets Ÿ The St Peter’s tower bell ringers welcome visiting ringing teams two non-conformist churches, the Village Hall, Cricket Club and Great for a local dementia unit and blankets for the needy in Eastern and visit other churches to ring. Europe. Ÿ Totham Primary School. Ÿ The church also has a team of hand-bell ringers. Mothers’ Union meetings are held monthly and St Peter’s MU Ÿ Music plays an important role in the life of St. Peter’s and regular members are very active in the Deanery. Ÿ concerts are held in the church. Worship A weekly Lunch Club for the elderly is held in the Honywood. Ÿ An informal village choir group has been established which meets Ÿ Children’s Holiday Clubs are run at Easter & Halloween every year. Ÿ 3 services are held at St Peter’s each Sunday (i.e. 8.00 am - Holy weekly in the church extension and performs both secular & Ÿ 3 day biennial Flower Festivals include a full music programme Communion, 10.00 am - Family Communion & Sunday Club, 6.00 religious music. plus stalls in the churchyard and a Mission Tent highlighting to Ÿ pm -Evensong). The church choir also holds a weekly choir practice. visitors all the church’s activities. This year’s festival “Ninety Ÿ Ÿ Tea & coffee are served after the 10.00 am service. Annual church visits by classes from Gt. Totham Primary School Glorious Years in Flowers” celebrates our Queen’s 90th birthday. Ÿ In addition a number of special services are held at St. Peter’s are encouraged and the school is encouraged to participate in the Ÿ We hold a monthly Saturday Coffee Morning offering Bacon e.g.Christingle together with joint-services within the three church St Peter’s Flower Festival along with other village organisations. Butties to attract the widest support within the community. Benefice. Ÿ Regular visits are made to the housebound and lonely; Holy Ÿ Edward Bears Club (for mothers & toddlers) is held in the church Generosity Communion is offered where appropriate. Ÿ extension every Thursday morning. Parish Share has regularly been paid in full. Ÿ Monthly visits are made to Totham Lodge. The choir & hand-bell Ÿ Ÿ United services are held each year by “Beacon Hill Churches From a church fabric standpoint, St. Peter’s is, for the immediate ringers also visit in Advent. Together” who also visit the primary school for ‘Open the Book’ Ÿ future, financially secure. Ÿ Jonathan makes weekly visits to the Village Nursery. Ÿ Regular Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals are held at St Peter’s. Ÿ St. Peter’s regularly supports the annual Ride & Stride fund A monthly Parish Magazine is delivered to every property in the raising event. village. Ÿ Shoe boxes are also assembled and given each year to the Interdependence Ÿ The church has its own “Facebook” page and is looking to develop Ÿ ‘Operation Christmas Child’ charity. We work with The Beacon Hill Churches Together group and other its own website. churches in the benefice. 22 An informal women's group - Broomsticks - meets monthly on a social basis.
Seven children's days are run in the church and churchyard each year by a team of experienced volunteers.
A rota provides a short monthly service in a local care home and there Thumbnail of the Future Three Parishes is a monthly coffee morning for the bereaved. Some MAP team A�� S����� C�����, L����� T����� members have attended a bereavement support course and provide instant support where this is required. Ÿ Attendance is steady with different faces each year. These are The church works closely with the pub where three parish suppers The vision of this small rural parish - population around 350 - is to all Sunday morning Communion services. work as a living demonstration of God's love within the local are held annually, the women's group meets for a monthly evening community and to encourage the wider world to use and enjoy our Ÿ Other specials include the Palm Sunday walk from Little Totham meal and fete planning meetings are held. The monthly newsletter historic church. Evangelical Church to All Saints with members of both distributed to every home and electronically all over the country is congregations and a Rogation Sunday walk to church along the sponsored by the pub. This is achieved by very active pastoral care with a wide variety of village footpaths. practical services for the village and an average of one event every Events within the village organised by the All Saints team include four days throughout the year Ÿ Joint services with the Evangelical Church include Maundy Pancake Races along the main street followed by refreshments in the Thursday (All Saints) and Pentecost (Evangelical). Swan, the fete and carol singing in aid of the Colchester Hostel for the The results are: Homeless. Regular donations are made to local charities plus a mental Ÿ A benefice All Saints Day parish Communion - to which our sister health project in India run by a church member. Ÿ A steady increase in worshippers who have a choice of said and churches at Goldhanger and Great Totham are invited - is sung Holy Communion each Sunday provided jointly by the followed by a benefice lunch. We pay our Parish Share in full annually. Rector and the 17-strong Ministry as Partnership team, an In the wider community the church attracts visitors from all over Essex increase of 11 over the last eight years. Our growing Electoral Roll is currently 77 (35 residents and 42 living many regulars - to the annual flower festival and village open gardens Ÿ outside the parish). over a June weekend. There is also a classic car rally in May and two Attendance averages over the year at 25 per Sunday with a Ÿ Bring-a-friend-to-church services have also proved popular as Gift Fairs each year. These events have drawn people into the regular core of summer visitors who remain in touch via e-mail well as a drinks-and-nibbles evening for members of the electoral worshipping church community and there is now an extended family and the newsletter. roll. of regular visitors to services. Ÿ Ÿ The monthly children's church links into the following all-age A joint choir organised between the parish and Goldhanger sings service in which the youngsters play a part. The Mother and at special services in both churches as well as with Witham parish Money raised from these events has been used to improve facilities Toddler group operates when there are babies in the village. church and travels annually to choir festivals both in our own within our grade one listed building. A kitchen extension/meeting cathedral and Rochester. room has been built and a toilet suitable for the disabled provided. Ÿ Special services are designed to attract specific groups of people. The windows - varying from medieval to Victorian - have been Everyone who has been married at All Saints over the last 50 Church members maintain a high profile within the village. New renovated by Canterbury Cathedral specialists. The outside walls have years is individually invited to the annual Marriage Week service residents are visited with a welcome pack. New parents are visited been re-rendered, the entire inside redecorated, and the tower and there is also a similar service for the baptised and a very with a card. The sick are visited by members of the MAP team. Hospital re-cladded and painted. The next project is to replace the gate and popular churchyard service. and shopping visits are arranged. fencing.
23 Services Sunday Services 1st Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion BCP 9.30am Parish Communion CW* 2nd Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion BCP* 10.00am Family Service Thumbnail of the Future Three Parishes 3rd Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion BCP 9.30am Morning Prayer CW S� P����’� C�����, G��������� 4th Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion BCP* 9.30am Parish Communion CW 5th Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion BCP Electoral Roll 9.30am Parish Communion CW* The name ‘Goldhanger’ has been spelt in several ways from the The current number is 35. Domesday records to the 19th century. It is not known when the first settlement was made but people were extracting salt on the shores * Communion by extension has been helpful to us and the Bishop of of the Blackwater estuary in the Iron Age from about 500 BC. Salt is Financial Colchester is helping us to review this practice. still extracted today. We run a Stewardship system and also a Gift Aid Envelopes scheme. As a consequence of these and a very active fundraising programme, An informal service of Evening Prayer is held twice a month on Throughout the ages its position on the river has been an important our finances are reasonably sound. Monday evenings. factor in its character and makeup Education We have a monthly picnic service (toddler) service during school Now many of our residents are commuters, we also have a high Our village school is Tolleshunt D'Arcy Primary School (Saint Nicholas terms. Children from the Wheatlands Educational Day Nursery proportion of the retired. Farming continues, oysters are grown in the School). regularly attend. creek and Thames Barges still sail past albeit with crews on pleasure and educational trips. We also observe other holy days e.g. Ash Wednesday, Ascension Day Style of Worship Corpus Christi, All Souls Day. At St. Peter's, vestments are traditionally worn. The Blessed Goldhanger Creek and The Stumble (the water between Osea Island Sacrament is perpetually reserved. Candles are used in worship and and the village) are busy in the sailing season and the river wall Attendance at Christmas services in 2015 was 111 plus 70 at the Carol parts of the Parish Communion Service are sung. Children are Service. footpaths are popular with walkers and bird watchers throughout the encouraged to take part in services. We are the only church in the year. village, we welcome members of other denominations to worship Joint services: St. Peter's Goldhanger hosts a Benefice service to mark with us. There is a playing field with children's play area, a lively village hall, a Sea Sunday, at Goldhanger Sailing Club. We actively participate in busy sailing club, a nursery school, two excellent pubs, and of course other benefice services. St Peters Church which apart from its pastoral role in the community, runs a full programme of events throughout the year. Music: Music is important in our worship. We have a two manual pipe organ. Jointly with Little Totham we have formed a choir which sings at weddings and special services and organises occasional evensong The Church Building services. The choir also joins others for Deanery services and to sing Grade I listed, the building originates from the 12th century. at several cathedrals.
Fabric Community Service The church is in a good state of repair. We recently added a modest We contribute articles and service details to the monthly Parish extension to the church, which provides toilet facilities, a kitchen and Magazine. meeting room. The quinquennial inspection highlighted the need to rewire the building, which we hope to do within the Goldhanger is a very active village with many different clubs and next eighteen months. We have a peal of eight bells with an organisations. Church members are active in most of them. As a enthusiastic team of ringers Churchyard: The churchyard is well consequence of the pattern of church services, our involvement in maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. other village organisations, and the fundraising and social events we organise reach most households in the village.
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