APPLICATION PACK
Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town (S. Mark, S. Saviour and S. Luke)
Page 28 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 20 Page 20 Page 20 Page 20 Page 21 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 S. Saviour’s S. Luke’s Aldhelm’s S. Centre The Chapel The Parish Office Resource Centre Rainbow Bookshop S. Mark’s Who Are We Statistics Finances Facts about Swindon The Diocese of Bristol Parish Contacts Pattern of Worship Parish Summary The Priest We Want Want The Priest We Person Specification Clergy Accommodation Location and History Outreach and Community Mission Our Churches Message from the Bishop of Bristol Message from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet Message from Letter Area Dean’s The Parish Vision Support CONTENTS
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 3 . www.bristol.anglican.org/creatingconnections
Rt Revd Vivienne Faull Rt Revd Vivienne Bishop of Bristol which excites you then I encourage you to prayerfully offer yourself for the which excites you then I encourage you to prayerfully offer please don’tpost. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, end of this pack. hesitate to get in touch with one of the contacts listed at the and ensurePlease submit your application on the attached application form Guidance Notes. Applicant you have also read our in Christ, Yours Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. We sense a real energy locally to sense a real energy locally We Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. and reignite our calling to be a Church forreconnect with our communities vision, priorities of making disciples, growingthis and future generations. Our generations, and the strategic plan that hasleaders and engaging younger is calling us to.been agreed to support them, are our response to what God This can be explored further at Principles in order to enable a also fully embrace the Five Guiding We continued mutual flourishing across the Church of England. this is a role If Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity. been adopted to help the churches refocus on mission. With the right stylebeen adopted to help the churches energy of the retired clergy and lay volunteers,of leadership, harnessing the of Christ into the heart of this thriving town isthe potential to shine the light enormous. an outline of the role, the skills and experienceThis information pack provides the context has also been included. Background to that we are looking for. – with our vision of ‘Creating connections’ As a diocese, we are living out across Bristol, Swindon, SouthGod, each other and our communities, September 2019 of Priest in Charge of Swindon an interest in the role Thank you for showing three churches is in a denseAnglo Catholic parish with its This Town. New and night clubs. which includes bustling shops residential area worked to come to terms with a reductionIn recent years the parish has endeavoured to bring about change withof clergy and the last incumbent vacancy a number of measures havelimited success. During the extended FROM THE FROM BISHOP
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We all commend ourselves to your prayers and thoughts, and pray for you. all commend ourselves to your We d in CatholicIt will suit a confident and motivated priest who is firmly roote church is fed and and who believes that the sacraments—the way the identity, of the church. nurtured by Christ—must shape and inform the mission strategy to talk through If you want I hope that this profile will encourage you to apply. profile or you wantany aspect of the appointment, or anything you find in this please feel freeto discover what you might expect from me as your bishop, Alternatively you could also ring the acting 948 1038). to contact me (0118 906 0100). Archdeacon of Bristol (0117 businesses and employment. Nonetheless it suffers challenges of deprivation, Nonetheless it suffers businesses and employment. church which is where the contribution of the poverty and increasing diversity, is, as so often, found. to makeThe congregations have three great assets: a deep desire now rootedprogress and to grow in their parish vocation; second, a deeply newsacramental life at the core of their welcome and invitation to growing in faithworshippers; and third, a willingness to discover new ways of and making the blessing learning from and working with each other, together, catchment population. Anglo-Catholic parish life available across Swindon’s of Anglo-Catholic sacramental life and mission. And so we—the parish and I— And so we—the and mission. Anglo-Catholic sacramental life read this profile (which has been revised andare hoping and praying you will with a real question in your thoughts: retooled since its first appearance) taking on this responsibility in the Ebbsfleet To God calling me to this place? family and the diocese of Bristol? than average population (nearly a quarter ofSwindon has a large and younger growing towns in the UK. It benefits from ana million) and is one of the fastest strategic connectivity right across the southexcellent location on the M4, with supportingto in going is energy of deal great a and Wales, into and England of support the three worshipping communities—S. Mark’s, S. Luke’s and S. Luke’s Mark’s, worshipping communities—S. support the three S. Saviour’s—havetheir journey as a parish, and reflected together on old team ministry scheme of their local setting; the the mission challenges greater unity between the and a new journey towards has been dissolved, have been identified, and begun; priorities for the future communities has their hope to the appointment of they are looking forward in real at last, now, steps forward. Priestly will help them take the next crucial new pastor who important and rewarding task, that needsleadership here is a big task; an and a spirit of hope; a strategic task withinpastoral experience, resilience, diocesan family of Bristol too: to build a centre of and the the Ebbsfleet family, FROM THE THE FROM OF EBBSFLEET BISHOP vacant has been Town New the parish of Swindon months that During the it for the future. With diocesan been happening to prepare a good deal has
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 5 AREA DEAN’S LETTER
Dear Friend, The Swindon Deanery draws together 21 parishes over a large area Swindon is one of the most exciting places in from the town centre to the rural areas of North the country to be a follower of Christ. Our Wiltshire. Within our diocesan vision of Creating Deanery is confident in faith and full of hope. Connections to help each other to make As one of the five fastest-growing towns disciples, develop leaders and engage younger in England, Swindon provides fascinating generations, we are passionate about the hope opportunities for ministry, in an increasingly of Christ for our community. culturally diverse community. In 2019 our focus continues to be on growing Nestling between the Cotswolds and North leaders and vocations and as a Deanery we Wessex Downs areas of outstanding natural do all we can to build up the ministry and beauty, Swindon has excellent transport links, confidence of one another as colleagues, with London only 50 minutes away by rail, and friends, and partners in mission. Bristol, Bath and Oxford within easy reach. Our Chapter is a warm, prayerful, welcoming Swindon is a centre of excellence in many and supportive group and all clergy make our fields, with Nationwide Building Society, Zurich monthly Chapter meetings a high priority. Insurance, Intel, National Trust, Network Rail We value the skills and passions we have and BMW among the major employers in the between us and seek to learn from one another. town, which ranks in the top ten for economic The Churches of The Parish Swindon New Town, productivity. Our community is growing in St Mark, St Saviour and St Luke along with the terms of educational outcomes, with all three Parish centre of St Aldhelm cover the commercial secondary schools serving the parishes heart of Swindon as well as a large part of the achieving some of their best GCSE results housing built for the railway workers and their in 2018. families. With the changing face of industry As a large diverse town with areas of both and migration within the parish there are many wealth and deprivation, Swindon faces many of challenges to be faced. The Parish has always the challenges of communities throughout the played a leading role in the life of the town, country, but with a strong plan for redevelopment previous incumbents have been chaplains to from local businesses and the Council, with a The Royal British Legion as well as supporting regional leisure destination, a UTC within the the local Foodbank and other charities. Parish and a new university-level Institute of Please be assured of our prayers as you Technology to be built adjacent to the Parish consider applying to ministry in this Parish and ambitious plans to redevelop the town and town, joining our journey of hope. centre. The Bishop of Swindon has built strong links with local businesses and our influence With best wishes in our community is growing.
Revd Captain Clive Deverell C.A. B.A. Hons Area Dean of Swindon 01793 877111 [email protected] Page 6
journey. More statistics can be found on our Parish Spotlight page: https://cofebristol.contentfiles.net/ media/documents/document/2016/12/ SWINDON-550179-Swindon-New- Town.pdf passed the necessary resolution, the Bishop of Ebbsfleetpassed the necessary resolution, The parish is oversight. was asked to continue to provide The Society under the patronage of Saint also affiliated to Wilfrid and Saint Hilda; and remains a member of both Forward in Faith and of the Church Union. For many years the parish had been constituted as team That scheme was finally dissolved in ministry. 2018, in readiness for a new appointment, and the next crucial stages of our parish The parish serves the town centre and the homes originallyThe parish serves the town centre at the Railway Works. built for the families of those working The tradition. Anglican parish in the Catholic are an We of the Dioceseparish is part of the Swindon Deanery Anglican part of the of Bristol of the Church of England, been under theThe parish has for many years Communion. of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet.sacramental and pastoral care House of Bishops’ Following the passing of the 2014 Bishops and Priests the PCCDeclaration on the Ministry of WHO WE ARE at the heart sits right Town New The Parish of Swindon of Swindon. Town’ Railway ‘Great Western of the historical and the churches of S. Mark, S. Saviour It incorporates Aldhelm, as the Parish Centre of S. S. Luke, as well Office and Resourceincorporating a Chapel, the Parish and a community hall.Centre, the Rainbow Bookshop THE PARISH
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ON OUR JOURNEY WE SEEK A PRIEST WHO WILL HELP US TAKE THOSE NEXT CRUCIAL STEPS TAKE HELP US and the enrichment of worship Church and youth activities with thethe life of the parish through Junior worker possibility of engaging a youth congregations within the parish. of Swindon New Town of Swindon New our members missional confidence of all discipleship and richness work in partnership with neighbouring parishes for the strengthening of faithwork in partnership with neighbouring people to come to faith, and participate inencourage children and young fellowship between the severalstrengthen communication and continue to provide pastoral ministry and witness to the diverse population pastoral ministry and witness continue to provide the parish, developing the and spiritual maturity within encourage growth where the Catholic faith is taught in all itscontinue to be known as a place people and we would welcome a priest who has the enthusiasm and pastoralpeople and we would welcome with us, and encourage others to join us,experience to work collaboratively as we reach out to the wider community. to see our collective vision and priorities also want the wider Diocese We generations –– making disciples, growing leaders, and engaging younger sacramentalreflected in the patterns and commitments of a catholic and approach to mission and social outreach. • • • consist of many willing and committedThe congregations of our parish During the vacancy, following the practice in our diocese of a period of shared following the practice in During the vacancy, future, we seek as a parish to – needs and aspirations for the reflection on our • • • VISION VISION
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That long-term blessing has recently reduced however to the continued support of Fr John van der Linde SSC, for whose generosity the churchwardens want to express the parish’s gratitude. themselves in any parish. We are keen to themselves in any parish. We the previouscontinue the work, begun during are involved in where lay members vacancy, stewardship –parish visiting, intercessions, and life also.and no doubt other areas of parish are fortunate to have had the steadfast We priests, whosupport of a number of retired andregularly assisted with both weekday parish.Sunday services throughout the Swindon New Town is an excellent contributor Town Swindon New Deanery and the Bristol Dioceseto the Swindon and Parish Share and a newthrough synods be supported by both. incumbent will will also be ably supportedThe new incumbent team of people within theby a very committed aim to ensure that the priest will be parish. We unencumberedfree to carry out his vital work, which presentby the day-to-day necessities SUPPORT SUPPORT
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 9 THE PRIEST WE WANT
We seek a priest with strong leadership skills to strengthen the unity of the parish. He will have pastoral gifts in presiding at worship, teaching the faith, responding to the needs of the people committed to his care, and being known by them. He will himself be a person of prayer and spiritual maturity, able to guide and work with others, and raise up and help equip new leadership for the future. ROLE DESCRIPTION We seek a priest who fully inhabits the • encouraging children and young people to traditions of Anglo Catholic theology and life, come to faith and participate in the life of and who will support our corporate needs and the parish through Junior Church and youth aspirations by activities with the possibility of engaging • providing pastoral ministry and witness to the a youth worker diverse population of Swindon New Town and • modelling commitment to good and robust develop our pastoral work amongst the sick practice in matters of safeguarding so that and disadvantaged in our community our fellowship and worship are places of • encouraging growth and spiritual maturity safety for all ages within the parish, developing the discipleship • working with the three congregations to and missional confidence of all our members, strengthen communication and fellowship creating opportunities for lay people as between them, and a greater connection appropriate with each one’s local community • working in partnership with neighbouring • sharing as fully as possible in the life and parishes for the strengthening of faith and the the structures of the Diocese and Deanery enrichment of worship • maintaining a prayerful spiritual life with • ensuring Swindon New Town Parish becomes appropriate support networks as a place where the Catholic faith is taught • giving proper attention to his own personal in all its richness, and as a result evangelism well-being, spiritual growth and professional and church growth is strong capacities • leading and preparing inspirational worship • sharing his ministerial experience and needs and teaching, placing the celebration of the with the bishop, and using the processes of Mass at the heart of the parish’s life ministerial review to shape his professional • encouraging greater involvement in our development midweek services • working with immigrant communities • reviving the partnership with local primary schools and continue the support for the uniformed groups
Page 10 www.sswsh.com/Priests-and-Deacons.php registered, or willing to register, as a Priest of The Society of Saint Wilfrid as a Priest of registered, or willing to register, and Saint Hilda: See Be a priest who was ordained within the Church of England, a church in was ordained within the Church Be a priest who it recognises it, or a church whose orders communion with Initial Ministerial Education, and have been Have satisfactorily completed panel for incumbent status candidates’ recommended at selection or stipendiary ministry familiarity with ministry in an urban multi-church, multi-ethnic setting familiarity with ministry in an urban multi-church, multi-ethnic skills leading a team with shared responsibilities parish life, ability to raise up new leadership across various aspects of ordained identifying and fostering personal vocations, whether lay or skills building up secure parish finances and personal stewardship and especially a readiness to foster relationships with community leaders, schools possible, and making good use of existing talents possible, and making good use community groups and participate with keen to work with local schools, public issues relaxed and welcoming and have a sense of humour. appreciative of the role that music can play in worship able to drive having a current driving licence able to drive having a current worship. Anglo-Catholic forms of able to organise and lead traditional ages and nationalities. able to interact with a range of building confidence, delegating where able to work as part of a team, DESIRABLE AND ALSO WILL BE • OUR NEW INCUMBENT WILL WILL INCUMBENT OUR NEW • • • • • • • • • • DEMONSTRATE TO ABLE BE IDEALLY WOULD AND • • • • ESSENTIAL PERSON SPECIFICATION PERSON
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appointment. The parish also has at its disposal a further three- The parish also has at its disposal purchased using variousbedroomed house, which it has as some of its own funds.endowment funds/trusts as well incumbent to knowIt will be important for any prospective recently expressed herthat the Diocesan Bishop has this asset to look towardwillingness for the parish to use priest to supplementthe appointment of a House-for-Duty newThe incumbent. and support the ministry of the the process for such a newincumbent will be a full part in ACCOMMODATION detached is a modern four bedroomed The Clergy House cul-de-sac and is being refurbished.house in a private are three reception rooms downstairs, there Internally, are four kitchen and upstairs there with a fully fitted garageThere is a bedrooms including one en-suite. parking. and plenty of off-street CLERGY CLERGY
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The Parish of Swindon New Town came about as a result of the construction Town The Parish of Swindon New in order to serve the people and their Railway Works, of the Great Western railwayfamilies, who were brought into the area to work in the expanding by the Greatworks. Housing, health and leisure facilities were all provided and their families. Many of these services Railway for the workers Western them after thewere used in the modelling of the social services that replaced in 1985, although many legacy railThe railway works were closed down war. refurbishedrelated organisations remain, many of the buildings have been to form the nationally acclaimed Designer Outlet Village. as good or outstanding. Oxford Brookes University also has a campus inas good or outstanding. Oxford Institute of degrees in nursing related subjects and a new Swindon, offering parish is Robert le Kyng Primary School, judged by Within the Technology. the and parish the with links had past, the in has, school This ‘good’. as Ofsted is on the edgePCC is keen to re-activate those links. Drove Primary School It would be goodof the parish and many of its students live within the parish. stands UTC (University to create a link with this school. Next to S. Mark’s This institution was opened in 2014 and provides College) Swindon. Technical a technical education for 14—19 year olds. railway works. Much of the housing in the parish itself is terraced, built duringrailway works. Much of the housing era for which the town is famed, butthe height of the railway construction built housing, including new apartments inthere are areas of more recently itself, the population within the parish continuesthe town centre. Like the town ambitious plans for the regeneration Swindon Borough Council has to grow. a work in progress. of the town centre – currently, and secondary schools in Swindon and twoThere are many good primary of which have been graded by Ofstedfurther Education Colleges, both AND HISTORY AND with a broad mix of inhabitants population of around 215,800, Swindon has a interspersed withThere are areas of affluence, ethnicities. of all ages and major employers operate in and deprivation. Several those of great poverty and car manufacturing sectors. of which are in the financial Swindon, many These include the institutions are also based here. number of cultural A and the Research Councils UK. Historic Trust headquarters of the National in part of the former National Monuments Record Centre is housed England’s LOCATION LOCATION
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www.switchontoswindon.com moving at a complex road junction). Like most large towns, it has its black road junction). Like most moving at a complex to Bristol, London and beyond, easy transport links its local v, spots but, with and prehistoric sites, and to the Wiltshire Downs access within minutes place to live and inhabitants, it is a pleasant friendly and welcoming to put down roots. attractive place to move to, about Swindon as an For further information see Swindon is famous for the Magic Roundabout (the invention of an ingenious (the invention the Magic Roundabout is famous for Swindon traffic Research Laboratory to keep Transport and Road British boffin from the
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and Saturday nights, as they minister to those out and about in the town and Saturday nights, as they to increase our outreach within the aspire centre at the weekends. We particularly with local schools, youth organisations, local community, care homes, ethnic groups and perhaps military organisations. in Together organisation Churches are actively involved with the We Centre, which fosters communication and cooperation Town Swindon between the many churches in Swindon. At S. Luke’s there is the Harbour Project, founded by local people in 2001 there is At S. Luke’s and The drop-in centre is for refugees at the time of the Kosovo crisis. largely by volunteers, Staffed asylum seekers of all backgrounds. am to 2.00 pm. from 11.00 it operates Monday to Friday service is A Close to S. Saviour’s Care Centre. church is the Kings Court each month, and members of S. Saviour’sheld for the residents there twice this. are actively involved in supporting Centre on Friday Aldhelm’s a base in S. The Swindon Street Pastors have COMMUNITY with a number of community has close associations The parish currently the parish was a ‘founding father’ Swindon Food Collective – The projects. has a distribution centre at the Swindon Food Bank - of its predecessor Office is often used as days a week and the Parish hall three Aldhelm’s S churches regularly have collections All three point for donations. a drop-off of the Parish assist in the running of of food for this initiative and members this project. OUTREACH AND
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have been given free use of S. Aldhelm’s as their base on Aldhelm’s have been given free use of S. Friday evenings. We continue to support the Swindon Food Collective with the continue to support the Swindon Food Collective with the We each week three afternoons Aldhelm’s free use of the hall at S. many of our members Additionally, for their distribution centre. have assisted their work as volunteers at the distribution centre, of warehouse and at supermarket collection days. Contributions food are made regularly in each of our churches, for distribution The Swindon Street Pastors project, by the Food Collective. an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and talk priest housing in Lusaka, Zambia; Church Roofs in Zimbabwe, priest housing in Lusaka, Zambia; to Calcutta. Home missions/charities as well as the Oxford Mission organisation, the Children’s supported include the Life (UK) financial help to the Food Collective and as well as direct Society, at mornings take place monthly Street Pastors groups. Coffee S. Saviour’s during 2017) and raised much needed funds (£1,350 In addition, there are Lent savings, for local and national charities. (United Society Partners in the supporting the work of USPG Aid. Society) and Water ACS (Additional Curates Gospel), the The current PCC policy is that 10% of Stewardship Income, policy is that 10% of Stewardship The current PCC in any surplus on the Rainbow Bookshop together with the in January of the following will be allocated to missions year, amount allocated to missions/ In January 2018 the total year. to allocate these The PCC policy has been charities was £5,400. home and overseas missions/ funds on a 50-50 basis between include the Diocese of Lebombo in charities. Overseas missions supported by the parish since 1906; Mozambique, which has been MISSION
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Morning Prayer, led by lay people, led Morning Prayer, athas recently been introduced 10.30am on Sunday mornings. tooThis move has been a challenge to stickfar for some, but we are keen together and help build a solid future in the community. services. We also enjoy fellowship also services. We boasts S. Mark’s and social activities. area fine ring of eight bells, which rung by an enthusiastic and skilled band (regularly winning ringing competitions). hastimes Mass of change recent The seen the 10.30am Sunday service andshift to 6pm on Saturday evening
decades. This has lapsed since decades. Easter 2017 when the organist left to pursue his studies but a replacement has since been appointed. Our worship is traditional in style, though the congregation play a full part in organising and participating in the known. It provided a complete spiritualpackage of social, health and care; a self-help village organised and run by Mechanics and now a historical treasure. congregation are S. Mark’s committed and friendly; and enjoyed a strong musical tradition in recent Built by George Gilbert Scott in 1845Built by George Gilbert Scott in it sits alongside the main London few yards A to Bristol railway line. away are neat rows of stone cottages The built for the railway workers. Mechanics Institute provided reading androoms and education facilities a hospital (used until the 1960’s) completed “the village” as it became The parish’s three churches cater to the differing needs of the three churches cater to The parish’s we hope is a strength. who worship in them, which congregations MARK’S S. Church, a grade II listed S. Mark’s thebuilding, played a major part in Town, foundation of Swindon New and is the designated parish church. OUR CHURCHES OUR
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organisations are an important feature of St Saviour’sorganisations are an important and Parade Sundays life, usually find S. Saviour’s with the largest attendance in the parish. S. Saviour’sThis encourages younger has the most relaxed style of service. people and S. Saviour’s from young has a broad spectrum of age groups in their nineties. It has had a female pastoralfamilies to elderly worshippers the chalice and serve at the altar. assistant, and women administer S. Saviour’s junior church has a thriving kindergarten (up to 7yrs) and a a group for teenagers. (up to 12yrs) with a view to forming S Saviour’s originally built in wood, in 1890is the smallest church building, ‘buildthe call of Canon Ponsonby to in response to by voluntary labour, the 1960s modern stone block work in The building was clad in me an ark.’ it, most been made to maintain and improve have efforts and considerable and re-lighting and re-wiringinstallation of a new pipe organ recently by the been parking for the church has new carpark means that A of the church. improved. loyal congregation, which has over theIt has an enthusiastic and extremely in social and fund-raising activities. Uniformedyears participated enthusiastically S. SAVIOUR’S S.
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The hall was refurbished in 2011, The hall was refurbished in 2011, to provide in time for its centenary, themodern catering facilities and The additional meeting rooms. grantsrefurbishment was funded by Trust, the from the Landfill Charities Community Foundation, the parish of thereserve and by the generosity parishioners. roles of responsibility, at present responsibility, roles of some by stalwarts, largely performed the parishof whom live outside the change inboundaries. Since mass, the Juniortime of the Sunday with thoseChurch has diminished joining with theirchildren attending, service, joining inparents for the Angelus/Regina the singing of the lighting ofCoeli and the enthusiastic candles for Our Lady. roomsThe church hall and additional are much used by local community ofgroups, catering to the needs homeless and vulnerable people, refugees and asylum seekers.
continue to build on this. now need to develop succession We planning to encourage more local congregation members to take on population. Indeed, the congregation is made up of many of S Luke’s nationalities. Notices are different insometimes read and hymns sung both English and Konkani (Goan). Many strides have been made towards inclusion of the diverse into themembers of the congregation tofamily of the church and we hope was originally built in 1902 to meetwas originally built growing population.the needs of the building is nowThis original church The church hall. used as the church was built in 1911. we have today within the heartThe church lies of the community of Broadgreen, well known for the diversity of localethnic origins and faiths of the S. LUKE’S S. situated in an church is S. Luke’s of black and a high number area with churchThe residents. minority ethnic
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Roman Catholic; our visitors are equally diverse, from those who wish to pass on their own views to those who are curious about the faith. Our small surpluses each year are donated to the Mission field and we pray that we will be around to serve the local community for more years to come. in 1979, when the Revd W Awdry, Awdry, in 1979, when the Revd W fame, Engine’ Tank of ‘Thomas the major expansion Two opened it. haveprojects in the intervening years resulted in the current shop, with allbooks, bibles, greeting cards for occasions and a range of devotional gifts, CDs and DVDs. The Bookshop has 4 part-time paid managed by the Bookshopstaff, and enjoys the services of Manager, a dedicated team of volunteers who come in at various times each week to give support and respite to the paid volunteers come fromThese staff. a variety of Christian backgrounds. The Bookshop caters to all Christian traditions, from non-conformist to weddings or funerals, or indeed any or funerals, or weddings the parish. relating to other queries on site for the a private office There is Priest. use of the Parish RESOURCE CENTRE Office itself weWithin the Parish public use, a variety of for offer, bibles and studyChristian books, people may browsematerial, which Currently this facility is and borrow. to seeunder-used and we would like an expansion of its use, both from the other parishes within the Deanery public. and Diocese and by the local BOOKSHOP RAINBOW lifeThe Rainbow Bookshop began the first point of contact for those for of contact first point the baptisms, to enquire about who wish maintenance of the parish website; liaison with outside agencies (eg. Charity Commission). She is also whole parish and is staffed from whole parish and is staffed 9.30 am to 1.30 pm Monday and The parish employs Thursday. who is a part-time administrator, responsible for the tasks, which form a necessary part of parish life, including: the preparation and production of documentation, service sheets, leaflets, posters and flyers; Saturdays. People often pop in for aSaturdays. People often pop in few quiet moments of private prayer a Mass Additionally, and reflection. week, of each Tuesday is held on and this is supported by a small but regular congregation. OFFICE THE PARISH The Parish Office serves as the administrative centre for the the building has changed and nowthe building has changed and is home to the Rainbow Bookshop, a Resource Centre and the Parish There is a single parking Office. space adjacent to the building. THE CHAPEL Aldhelm is open The Chapel of S. onto the public each weekday and Woolworth’s store to take place, on store Woolworth’s a chapel of easethe proviso that area of the site, towas built on an ground.preserve the consecrated in the town Centre, Aldhelm’s S. to include thecentre, was built, Aldhelm, a chapel dedicated to S. hall with kitchen and toilet facilities yearsand a small courtyard. Over the S. ALDHELM’S ALDHELM’S CENTRE S. originally of S. Paul The Church is now the site of what stood on The church was Centre. Aldhelm’s S. to enable in the 1960s demolished expansion of thethe commercial
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 20 funeral officiators at the local crematorium. Each year for the All the Faithful Commemoration of Day), those who Departed (All Souls’ tohave lost a loved one are invited ofattend a Mass in remembrance them. Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our A takes place Lady of Walsingham each year during the summer time, providing an opportunity for prayerful retreat. for discussion and development offor discussion and ministry. the parish contributeThe members of ways, throughto worship in many singing, leadingreading, serving, arranging,intercessions, flower cleaning, etc. Baptisms and weddings take place theon a regular basis throughout have experienced a parish. We reduction in the number of funerals sincebeing conducted during 2018, the introduction of non-religious Special services are held for all majorSpecial services are held for all feasts and solemnities and joint these.worship takes place for many of Communion is taken to those in the parish who are sick or housebound on a need-by-need basis. Most of those prefer to receive communion from an ordained priest, rather than a lay-person, but this is a matter have seen very encouraging steps inhave seen very encouraging steps that direction. in the parish follows aWorship usingpattern in the Catholic tradition with contemporary language liturgy, feelwhich the majority of members comfortable. Prior to the vacancy, Mass was sung or said on a daily basis, in at least one of our churches. Given this variety, it can be a Given this variety, open the channelschallenge to keep to foster a sense ofof communication we recognize andparish unity which dissolution ofThe want to invest in. ministry schemethe moribund team greatera for desire our reinforced has and recently degree of mutuality, PATTERN WORSHIP OF PATTERN
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Low Mass at S. Aldhelm’s Aldhelm’s Low Mass at S. Morning Prayer at S. Mark’s Morning Prayer Morning Prayer at S. Saviour’s Morning Prayer at S. Luke’s Non-denominational service at Kings Court Care Centre (monthly) Non-denominational service at Sung Mass at S. Luke’s Luke’s Sung Mass at S. Saturday Sung Mass at S. Mark’s (First Mass of Sunday) (First Mass Mass at S. Mark’s Saturday Sung Sung Mass at S. Saviour’sSung Mass at S. 11 am 11 Thursday 9.30 am to the shortage of available priests, theDuring the interregnum and due pattern to allow a single priest to coverPCC changed the Sunday service Mass on Saturday evening and a Vigil all three churches; there is now masses have been Weekday and 11:00. two masses on Sunday at 09:00 The serviceAldhelms. morning at S. suspended apart from Tuesday the new incumbent. schedule is subject to review by 6 pm 9 am 10.30 am am 11 Tuesday 10:45 am Wednesday 9:30 am The current pattern of services is: pattern of The current Mass) Vigil Sunday (including
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Twenty persons across the Twenty Fr John van der Linde SSC Mrs Pat Gordon 140 adults, 30 children
The Bishop of Ebbsfleet The Bishop of
£85,488 (up to date with payments) c19,000 (source Church Urban Fund - 198 (2019) S. Mark’s churchyard is closed; there are plots for the S. Mark’s S. Mark’s Church and Hall, S. Saviour’sS. Mark’s Hall, Church and One parish – three worshipping congregations, and one worshipping congregations, One parish – three The Diocesan Bishop The Diocesan One PCC, and currently three district church committees currently three district church One PCC, and Mr John Bishop (Treasurer, S. Luke’s) Mr John Bishop (Treasurer, Deputy Churchwarden: S. Saviour’s)Mr Sandy Steele-Davis (lay vice-chairman, per District for 3 years) 12 other elected members (4 plus two co-options 3 members of the Diocesan Synod 4 members of the Deanery Synod Churchwardens: Alasdair Skeil (S. Mark’s) Mr Bishop with oversight: Bishop with oversight: PARISH SUMMARY PARISH Churchyard: Ashes plots at all three churches Burial of Parish Population: http://www2.cuf.org.uk/parish/550179) weekly attendance: Average Electoral roll: Parish Share 2019: Retired Clergy and Priests Associates: Retired Clergy and Priests ministers: Other authorised and licensed distribution of Holy Communion. parish licensed to assist in the work agreement: People employed by PCC or with whom the PCC has a three Bookshop assistants, three Bookshop Manager, Administrator, Parish cleaners, one gardener. Buildings: Church Centre Aldhelm’s Church and Hall, and S. S. Luke’s Parish Safeguarding Officer: Parish Safeguarding Officer: Patron: Parishes: parish centre PCC: Members of the PCC:
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 23 STATISTICS
The following are extracts from the Churches’ Registers SM = S. Mark’s; SS = S. Saviour’s; SL = S. Luke’s
2016 2017 2018
SM SS SL SM SS SL SM SS SL
Baptisms 18 2 3 5 2 0 4 1 0 Marriages 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 Funerals (church) 5 1 2 2 2 4 2 3 4 Funerals 11 5 5 (crematorium)
2016 2017 2018
SM SS SL SM SS SL SM SS SL
Electoral roll 75 84 78 75 84 78 72 85 76 Average weekly attendance 47 40 60 42 35 58 35 34 63 (adults) Average weekly attendance 3 11 21 1 10 20 1 11 14 (children under 16) SM Ad 91 Ch 16 Ad 62 Ch 1 Ad 24 Ch 3 Easter Vigil SS No Service No Service No Service Attendance SL Ad 210 Ch 62 Ad 295 Ch 106 Ad 249 Ch 76 SM Ad 89 Ch 1 Ad 77 Ch 0 Ad 65 Ch 4 Christmas SS Ad 39 Ch 0 Ad 39 Ch 4 Ad 40 Ch 4 Midnight/Day SL Ad 237 Ch 83 Ad 195 Ch 46 Ad 249 Ch 65 SM 2,958 2,898 2,454 Total Acts of SS 2,947 2,670 2,444 Communion SL 5,628 5,093 4,133
Page 24 2018 £2,155 £9,967 £11,437 £59,745 £83,391 £247,291 £240,439* 2017 £3,386 £16,083 £61,243 £79,420 £22,380 £231,621 £266,175 Expenditure Share Parish Maintenance Church Major Repairs (church) Fundraising giving Income from Income *The income for 2018 includes interest from an endowment received during*The income for 2018 includes value of the endowment itself. but not the the year, The parish is registered with the Charity Commission, registered number with the Charity Commission, The parish is registered a Registered of England, which is in itself and is part of the Church 1131070, its annual report and the PCC is required to submit Each year Charity. and they can be viewed on to the Charity Commission financial statements their web site. FINANCES
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 25 Page 26
OF BRISTOL THE DIOCESE THE DIOCESE across the Diocese and manage different aspects of the life of the Diocese. across the Diocese and manage different Come and join a strong and committed team. God, each other and our communities”, helps shape the work of ministers, God, each other and our communities”, helps shape the work time are parishes and schools. Our priorities as a diocese at the current making disciples, growing leaders and engaging younger generations. vision and The Diocesan Support Services exist to support our identity, and made priorities. Based at the Diocesan Office to the north of Bristol and up of 50 employees and volunteers, we serve ministers, parishes schools by expressing vision, strengthening relationships, empowering training, offer people, maximizing resources and developing structures. We advice in a range of areas, highlight and share best practice consultancy, of clergy who we train and provide. Around 15,000 children and of clergy who we train and provide. church schools, while chaplains serve in young people attend our 69 institutions across our region. Rt Revd The Diocese of Bristol is presided over by the Bishop of Bristol, The Bishop of Bristol is supported by Rt Revd Dr Lee Faull. Vivienne Venerable Christopher Bryan, Bishop of Swindon, Rayfield, the Suffragan Neil August, the Venerable Archdeacon of Malmesbury and from the Archdeacon of Bristol. Warwick, connected with Our diocesan identity and vision of “Creating connections: The Diocese of Bristol is the Church of England across Bristol, South The Diocese of Bristol is the are 30,000 people and Swindon. There Gloucestershire, North Wiltshire than 200 churches, led by hundreds worshipping regularly in more
Diocese of Bristol Application Pack for a Priest in Charge of Swindon New Town Page 27 PARISH CONTACTS For informal enquiries please contact:
Mrs L. McEntee, Parish Administrator [email protected] 01793 538220
The Right Revd Jonathan Goodall [email protected] 0118 948 1038
The Venerable Michael Johnson [email protected] 07985 963031
Diocesan Office, First Floor, Hillside House, 1500 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU 0117 906 0100 | www.bristol.anglican.org The Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance Limited | Reg. in England: Charity 248502, Company 156243