VACANCY IN THE PARISH OF THE THORNTONS & OTTERINGTONS AND POLICE CHAPLAIN FOR NORTH POLICE FORCE

St. Andrew’s Church,

St. Michael’s Church, St. Leonard’s Church, Thornton le Street

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Contents

1. Introduction 3 2. Our Vision & Mission 3 3. Where we are today: Our Worshipping Community 4 4. Weekly Rotas of Services 5 5. Church Finances 5 6. South Otterington C of E School 6 7. The Qualities and Attributes of Our New Incumbent 7 8. Pastoral Care & Support for the Incumbent 7 9. Vicarage 8 10. Chaplaincy 9 11. Churches and local amenities 10 11.1 Where are we? 10 11.2 South Otterington 12 11.3 Thornton le Street 14 11.4 North Otterington 15 11.5 Thornton le Moor 16 11.6 Thornton le Beans 17

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Introduction The vacancy is for a composite post comprising an incumbent in the parish of the Thorntons and Otteringtons, (half time post) and the Chaplain to the Yorkshire Police Force (half time post) currently based in Hall, Newby Wiske. .

The Thorntons & Otteringtons is a rural parish in North Yorkshire that serves the villages of South Otterington, North Otterington, Newby Wiske, Thornton le Street, Thornton le Moor and Thornton le Beans. There are three churches, St. Andrews, the parish church, at South Otterington, St Michael and All Angels at North Otterington and St Leonard’s at Thornton le Street. The three churches, each with their own individual personality, are united in one parish. There are two elected Church Wardens for St. Andrew’s and two sub-wardens for St. Leonard’s and one for St. Michael’s.

Our Vison and Mission

As a parish our Mission Statement is

Welcoming and encouraging people to discover Jesus and meet with one another.

Fellowship is just one of the major concepts that we pursue as a parish. Lay Ministry is another area where we are continuing to grow with one experienced Reader and three current members having just completed the Recognised Parish Assistant training. There is also lay involvement in the planning and delivery of All Age Worship and the Christingle and Nativity services, as well as Bible Readings. A number of the congregation are authorised to act as Eucharistic Ministers at Communion and, at St. Andrew’s, to deliver the intercessions.

Keen to be involved in lay ministry, members plan and deliver the monthly Praise and Worship evening service, are involved in pastoral care, hospital visiting and facilitating the House Group sessions. The parish also has two lay representatives on the Deanery Synod.

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Where we are today: Our Worshipping Community

In common with most rural communities, attendance has dropped over the last decade. Currently there are 53 on the parish electoral roll. The communities at North Otterington and Thornton le Street are mainly retired, while South Otterington also has a retired population but it also attracts a number of younger adults and at the Christingle and Christmas Eve Nativity a large number of children attend bringing with them parents and grandparents.

The fellowship of the church community extends to all members of the parish through the publication and distribution of the monthly newsletter, News & Views where contributions are welcomed and regularly received from the full parish. There are two House Groups that meet in the first and third weeks of the month, although from September to December for this year, they will be joining together for their meetings.

The congregations at Thornton le Street and North Otterington welcome traditional style services, while the congregation at South Otterington leans towards more flexible and informal type services. In the parish we have held Alpha, Lent and Confirmation courses in the past.

The Deanery has a Covenant Agreement with the Methodist Circuit. On the fifth

Sunday the congregation from the Methodist chapel at Thornton le Beans join in the Fifth Sunday Rota of services and on occasions the parish priest is involved in services at the Methodist chapel, usually in the evening.

The parish has a policy of welcoming baptised people of any age to receive communion, if they so wish, in all three churches.

We are aware that at regular church services the number of children is very limited, so St. Andrew’s is developing closer links with the school by members helping at school events. This is part of our mission to be more relevant to the wider community. The church members have in the past run a Sunday School and Youth Group. A small Sunday Group was started but unfortunately disbanded when the leader retired and no one could be found to take over. On the first Wednesday in the month there is a Jesus and Me (JAM) service in the church with an average of 4 adults and 13 children attending.

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Weekly Rota of Services

St. Andrew’s St. Leonards St. Michael’s

South Otterington Thornton le Street North Otterington

1st Sunday Holy Communion Holy Communion

10.45 9.00

2nd Sunday All Age Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer 9.15

10.45 9.00 (Reader)

3rd Sunday All Age Worship Holy Communion

10.45 9.00

4th Sunday Holy Communion Morning Prayer 9.00 Holy Communion

10.45 (Reader) 9.15

5th Sunday Services are combined for Holy Communion, including the congregation of Thornton le Beans, at 10.00

Church Finances We are a solvent parish with each church traditionally having its own treasurer and financial accounts, which are co-ordinated by the parish treasurer. The finances for the last year were;

CHURCH INCOME EXPENDITURE COLLECTIONS/ PARISH MISSION/CHARITIES SHARE DONATIONS £30,900

ST. £35,227 £27,330 £18,548 £17613 ANDREW’S (57%) £1,410 ST. £13,963 £14,761 £8,000 £8034 LEONARD’S (26%) ST. £8,309 £8,653 £4,715 £5,253 MICHAEL’S (17%) Within the full parish there are 45 people using Gift Aid for their giving to church funds

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South Otterington Church of Primary School (Voluntary Controlled)

A new building, South Otterington CE Primary School, was built in 1993 to accommodate an expansion in pupil numbers following the closure of the schools in nearby Newby Wiske and Thornton le Moor. It serves the villages of South and North Otterington, Newby Wiske, Thornton le Moor and with a small number of children from . It incorporates pre-school facilities. The parish priest is welcomed onto the Board of Governors and normally leads one school assembly a month. Local ministers from a variety of Christian denominations also lead regular school assemblies. Both the recent Ofsted and National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Reports awarded the school a grade of “Outstanding”.

The school and church are next to each other on the village church green and the children are welcomed into the church on special occasions such as Harvest and Christmas.

The school, with 112 children between the ages of 4 to 11, believes spirituality is shown by the sharing and expression of individual’s beliefs. This is promoted through an enjoyment of and fascination of our universe. The school offers the opportunity to learn about the love of God the Father; the life and teachings of Jesus and to experience the grace of the Holy Spirit. Their worship services are open for any members of the parish to join.

From the age of 11 children from South Otterington, North Otterington, Thornton le Moor, Newby Wiske and Thornton le Beans attend the School and Northallerton College. Those from Thornton le Street attend South Kilvington Church of England Primary School from the age of 4 then from 11 years School and Sixth Form College.

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The Qualities and Attributes we are looking for in our New Incumbent :

Encourage the congregation to grow in faith with God through preaching, worship, teaching, prayer and service to the community and be prepared to reach out with the good news of Jesus while respecting existing practices

Maintain the close connection with South Otterington Church of England School to make a positive impact on school life and be inclusive of younger people in church services.

Show an appreciation of country life, its benefits and challenges and a passion and enthusiasm for our rural area.

Show a strong ecumenical approach, fostering ecumenical relations and activities.

Value and support individuals who wish to use their skills in lay ministry, including as Readers, RPA’s and lay development.

Show flexibility towards service patterns and types, with a willingness to explore fresh worship forms suitable for the parish.

Be a person of Vision who is skilled at attracting and building a team

Recognise the time it takes to achieve results in a challenging area and have “staying power"

Is able to communicate confidently with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, and is outgoing, open-minded, adaptable, and energetic.

Pastoral Care and support for the Incumbent

The new vicar will be supported by a network of loyal, hardworking volunteers drawn from the PCC, church members and other members of our communities who offer significant time and resources to mission, parish administration and activities such as the community News & Views. At present there is one licensed Reader in the Benefice who delivers pre-baptism training, leads services of Morning Prayer, Services of the Word and conducts funerals. She is also involved in Safe Guarding training in the Diocese. Cover for communion services, weddings etc. during holiday or vacancy periods is provided by a number of active retired priests living in and around the deanery area.

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The Vicarage

The Vicarage for the Parish of the Thorntons and Otteringtons is situated in the village of Thornton le Moor. The house is a modern four bedroom detached house with garage built in approx. 2001.

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The Role of the Force/Coordinating Chaplain The post is for 20 hours per week and is based at Police Headquarters at Newby Wiske Hall, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, but the role also involves travel to any areas of North Yorkshire. There are two purposes of the role, that of Lead Force Chaplain and Coordinating Chaplain. The purpose of the role of Lead Force Chaplain To provide pastoral care to NYP police officers, staff and their families (and retired officers) at HQ, Northallerton and Thirsk (Vale House) in line with NYP Chaplaincy Guidelines. To provide chaplaincy to NYP as an institution, attending and contributing to Force meetings: e.g. Joint Negotiating Consultative Committee; EDHR; Citizens in Policing; Leadership Days acting as critical friend/‘conscience of the Force’ To build up relationships with Police Federation; UNISON; Health & Welfare To be an operational resource, when appropriate and requested, to officers and staff. To contributing to Human Resource, Police Operational and Welfare Major Incident plans. To build up relationships with staff at all levels in order to empathize with stresses & strains of life in NYP and be a critical friend. To learn about NYP which involves accompanying staff out on duty to appreciate current demands on staff. To attend passing-out ceremonies. To lead services as required, such as annual memorial; remembrance; carols; Oak Leaf Services and occasionally marriage, baptism and funerals services. The purpose of the role of Coordinating Chaplain To co-ordinate the team of NYP voluntary chaplains (VCs) stationed within North Yorkshire; The tasks for this aspect of the role include: To identify new VCs as necessary and facilitating their appointment and induction into NYP and the National Association of Chaplains to the Police (NACP). To encourage and manage chaplain training at NYP level and managing and facilitating NACP regional and national training. To “supervise” VCs individually once per year (and as necessary) To encouraging cluster groups 2/3 times per year to enable the sharing of ideas, support and understanding local policing strategy. To ensuring VC vetting clearance and other administration is up to date

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More about our churches and local amenities

Where are we?

The parish of the Thorntons & Otteringtons is situated between the market towns of Thirsk and Northallerton, surrounded by the North Yorkshire Moors to the east and the Yorkshire Dales to the west. To the south is the historic city of and to the north is the industrial area of Teesside. The parish is central to many historical landmarks such as Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks, Aysgarth Falls, The White Horse at Kilburn, Whitby and Scarborough. It is also a great area for walkers with the Cleveland Way and the Lyke Wake Walk on the doorstep.

The market towns of Thirsk and Northallerton offer well known and local independent shopping amenities, with the major chain stores only a short drive away at York, and Middlesbrough. The Metro and Meadowhall large shopping centres are within an hour’s drive. There are good bus links to all villages from both Thirsk and Northallerton and both Thirsk and Northallerton offer good train links to all parts of the country.

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Thirsk has a charm of its own, essentially unchanged and influenced by the world. It centres around a bustling cobbled market square, dominated by the town clock, with its Monday & Saturday markets and independent shopping. It is most famous for its association with James Herriot, local vet and author, and Thomas Lord, the founder of Lord’s Cricket ground who was born here in 1755. The picturesque country racecourse has excellent facilities and high quality flat racing throughout the summer. Recently Thirsk hit the headlines for being “yarn-bombed” prior to the Tour de Yorkshire.

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Northallerton is the county town of North Yorkshire and is the seat of The North Yorkshire County Council and Council. Northallerton's wide High Street is a pleasant, busy shopping centre, with many independent shops, cafes and pubs. There is a busy market on Wednesday and Saturday.

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South Otterington & Newby Wiske

It is thought that the name is probably from Old English relating to a person named Otter and the suffix tun meaning settlement. The village is located on the east bank of the and directly on the . Howe Beck flows through the north end of the village to join the River Wiske. The passes to the east of the village. The village is closely linked to the neighbouring village of Newby Wiske, separated by the river Wiske. The number of residents remains static. A major occupation is farming and in addition commuters travel to local towns and cities because of the good train links from both Thirsk and Northallerton and even further afield to London. The population of both villages is approximately 525 (2011) with all ages represented but a slightly higher number being in the retirement age group than is the national average. There is very little unemployment.(1.5%), 75% of households are owner occupiers while 13% are local authority and 12% privately rented.

Just two miles south of South Otterington is the nationally renowned “Holly Bush Christian Fellowship Centre”.

In the village of Newby Wiske is the current North Yorkshire Police Headquarters for which the parish priest is also the Force Chaplain. (details included separately in this profile) Although this role will continue, the headquarters is expected to move location in 2017 into Northallerton with the hall currently being up for sale, so its future is uncertain.

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St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church is the Parish Church and is a Grade II listed building. The current building was built in 1846 in the Norman style, with square tower and Westmorland slate roof.

In the last five years the only repairs were to the roof following storm damage. The last Quinquennial Report was in 2011.

Services

On the first Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm there is a service of Praise and Worship. All services offer tea/coffee and biscuits both before and after the service to allow a time of fellowship. The services average 28 congregation members per service, but with only 1 or 2 children.

Special services are held such as Harvest, Remembrance, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Day, All Souls, Christingle, Christmas Eve Nativity, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. These special services have an increased congregation with up to 75 people attending the Christingle and Nativity and with up to 55 people at the other special services.

St Andrew’s has hosted 5 child baptisms, 2 adult baptisms, 6 candidates for confirmation and also 4 weddings and 6 funerals in the last twelve months. In conjunction with the role of Police Chaplain St. Andrew’s church also hosts a yearly police memorial service.

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Thornton le Street

The village is situated south of Northallerton on the A168 and is a very small, rural community with 26 properties and approximately 42 residents in the village itself, with 17 further people living at the 5 properties/farms nearby. The village is situated on the site of a medieval settlement which is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The settlement went into decline in the 15th century, leaving only a small number of houses clustered around the church.

St. Leonard’s Church

The earliest part of the church dates back to the 12th century with additions in the 14th century and restored in the 19th century. It is Grade II* listed and constructed of stone walls. The heating is also under the pews and is electric tubular heating.

The East wall bears a magnificent example of a stained glass window by Charles Kempe, dated 1894.

Currently the church roof needs replacing and the church members are in the final stages of negotiation with the Heritage Lottery Fund before work begins. The church members, supported by other members of the village and parish are active in fundraising through monthly fellowship lunches, monthly craft and produce sales and sales of garden plants for church funds. There is also an outside churchyard wall that needs attention.

Services

The average congregation is twelve. In the last year there have been four funerals and one wedding. The church hosts special services of Harvest (followed by Harvest Supper in the village hall), Remembrance, Easter Day, Carols around the tree and a Christmas Day Service, which are all well attended.

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North Otterington

North Otterington is a hamlet on the A167, three miles south of Northallerton and 400 yards from the River Wiske. The hamlet consists of only 16 dwellings, mostly farm dwellings with a population of 43, with homes either home owned or privately rented.

St. Michael and All Angels Church

The present church is Grade II listed and is the oldest in the parish. For many centuries St. Michael’s was the “mother church” of the area and two corpse roads still exist from nearby Thornton le Beans and Thornton le Moor.

In 1972, St. Michael’s was placed on the list of “Places of Special Interest” by the government of the day. In 1964 the parish of North Otterington joined with the parish of South Otterington

The churchyard now serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and is a member of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Many of the plants that flourish there are becoming rare in the countryside and for many insects, birds and small animals it has become a haven.

The last quinquennial report was undertaken in 2011 and over the last five years the church has required only general maintenance repairs, one of which was the replacement of a section of the stone graveyard wall.

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Services

Services are from the Book of Common Prayer at the small congregation of 8 to 12 members request but it also attracts people from outside the parish who also enjoy this type of service. In the last two years the church has hosted two child baptisms, one wedding and four funerals. The church hosts special services of Harvest, Remembrance, Easter Day, Christmas Day and the Friday before Christmas a Carols by Candlelight service.

Thornton le Moor

Thornton Le Moor lies at the foot of a ridge dividing the two river basin areas, the Wiske and the Cod Beck. It is situated half a mile off the A168, midway between Northallerton and Thirsk. Thornton le Moor had a population of 253 in 2011. This village replicates that of South Otterington with the majority of residents being in the retired age group.

Site of the former St. Barnabas Church and Churchyard

In August 1986 the East wall partially collapsed and the church was demolished in April 1987 after it became obvious that the money to rebuild it could not be raised. The churchyard remains as consecrated ground and continues as the village burial ground. On the Sunday closest to St. Barnabas Day the parish holds an open air service in the grounds of the church.

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Thornton le Beans

Thornton-le-Beans is a village and in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire. It is on the A168 road, 3 miles south of Northallerton. The population of this electoral ward, taken at the 2011 Census was 1,852. The village has a popular pub called The Crosby. .

Chapel

There is an active Methodist Chapel at the east end of the village and a Chapel of Ease at the west end, which closed in 1997. Since 2010 the former Chapel of Ease has been under the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches. The Churchyard, which is still open for burials, looks over the Vale of York. The chapel is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building.

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Thank you for reading our Parish Profile

If you would like to have an informal conversation about this post, please contact the Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson (01642 593273), or the Archdeacon of Cleveland, the Ven Samantha Rushton (01642 706095).

The Archbishop of York is Patron and the Bishop of Whitby acts on his behalf in making the appointment.

The post is open to priests of the Church of England or a church in full communion with it. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure.

You are invited to use the standard Church of England application form which may be downloaded at https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2288914/application_form.doc and completed forms should be sent to the Bishop of Whitby’s PA, Mrs Julie Elphee [email protected] / 21 Thornton Road, Stainton, Middlesbrough TS8 9DS / 01642 593273.

The closing date for applications is 18th August 2016 and Interviews will be held on 31st August 2016.

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