THE UNITED BENEFICE OF MORTON AND STONEBROOM WITH SHIRLAND Profile of The United Benefice of Morton and Stonebroom with St. Peter’s, Stonebroom St Peter’s, Stonebroom Sh ir land Holy Cross, Morton St. Leonard’s, Shirland 24th March 2017 Page 1 of 17 THE UNITED BENEFICE OF MORTON AND STONEBROOM WITH SHIRLAND . GENERAL The parishes of Morton, Stonebroom and Shirland are former mining villages situated close to the Derbyshire towns of Alfreton, Chesterfield and Matlock and within easy reach of the Peak District National Park. The villages are easily accessible from Junctions 28 and 29 of the M1 or the A38; there are also excellent rail links to and from Chesterfield and Alfreton. Morton and Stonebroom have been a United Benefice for approximately 35 years and were joined by Shirland in 1998. We are now part of the newly formed Hardwick Deanery with a recently appointed Area Dean who actively encourages parishes to work together and share challenges and opportunities. The area represented by our three churches has a population of approximately 5000 people and this is expected to increase progressively with planned housing development. In common with many rural congregations we reflect an older age demographic but whose energy and commitment belie their years. During our Vacancy period we have been blessed by the input of one retired member of the clergy in addition to three associate priests who all reside in the local area who have all helped us enormously with support during quite challenging times. We also have two Lay Readers and lay worship leaders. The Rectory is situated in Shirland and is a modern four bedroom detached house with garage and large gardens. It has gas central heating. LOCAL AREA There are three renowned Country estates in the area, Chatsworth, Hardwick and Haddon; also in close proximity are the beautiful market towns of Chesterfield, Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton. Within easy reach are the National Memorial Arboretum, the popular family attractions of Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Park and the World Heritage sites of the Derwent Valley featuring the iconic mills of Arkwright and Strutt and Carsington reservoir.. SCHOOLS & EDUCATION: Holy Cross St Peter’s There are four schools on four sites within the parishes in which members of all three churches are actively involved. There are four secondary schools is in the vicinity. There are flourishing “Open the Book” and School Club teams and schools are actively St Leonard’s encouraged to use church premises for a variety of functions and the previous incumbent led assemblies once each term at each school. The “Open the Book” team includes members of the Methodist Church. Each church continually explores ways of improving and developing their work with children. There are well attended Sunday Schools within the Benefice and each church has its own dedicated Child Protection Officer. 24th March 2017 Page 2 of 17 OUTREACH: We have an active Benefice Outreach Group that fosters goodwill and social interaction between our parishes In addition to our involvement with schools, regular services are held for our more senior parishioners in the local nursing home and the village hall. We have a dedicated Vulnerable Adult Officer. We take the involvement of the laity very seriously and we endeavour to give adequate opportunities, encouragement and training to all. Members of the congregation are increasingly involved in planning and leading some worship, in pastoral visiting including home communion and baptism preparation. The further development of our outreach programme continues to be a priority with particular emphasis on young people and teenagers. The Benefice has a web site at www.msschurches.btck.uk covering all three parishes. OUR NEW INCUMBENT: We are looking for someone who is kind and caring, with good communication skills for all age groups, and an experience of ministry in a variety of settings. More specifically, the person we are looking for: • Will have respect for the traditions of each church but will also explore opportunities for change. • Is an effective leader, organiser and listener who can delegate and encourage others and have a visible presence in the community. • Experience of working with children and to continue ministry to out local schools. • Has a heart for mission and will build on our existing work within the community. • Will nurture our Christian discipleship to enable us to grow in faith. • Is happy to work with Christians from other denominations to encourage a unified Christian witness. • A good sense of humour would be a distinct advantage! • Will assume the responsibilities of the Assistant Area Dean – See Appendix A below. In return we can offer: A welcoming fellowship with diverse gifts which is open to change. We are ready to move forward as we discover God’s purposes. Enthusiastic Church Wardens and Parochial Church Councils, who work well together, are mutually supportive and are looking forward with a great hope and enthusiasm to greeting our new incumbent. APPENDIX A Responsibilities of the Assistant Area Dean To assist the Area Dean in developing and delivering a Deanery Mission Strategy, which would include a mission to schools. To deputise for the Area Dean, on occasion, at Licensing, Synod, Chapter and Parish Visitations. To assist with oversight of parishes in vacancy and to be involved, on occasion, with appointments, short-listing and interviews. To cover deanery matters during the Area Dean’s leave. To meet with the Area Dean on a monthly basis for prayer, support and communication. 24th March 2017 Page 3 of 17 For further information, please contact either: The Acting Archdeacon of Chesterfield Canon Tony Kaunhoven 0162 9814462 or Area Dean of Hardwick The Revd Gill Manley 01773 873305 or Bernard Gratton, St Peter’s Church Warden and Chair of Selection Committee 01773 873493 or see our web site www.msschurches.btck.uk WORSHIP PATTERNS Average Average Average Day Holy Cross attendance St Peters attendance St Leonards attendanc e 1st Sunday 10:30am Morning Praise 9:00am Holy Communion 17 10:30am Holy Communion 2nd Sunday 10:30am Family Communion 10:30am Morning Service 15 9:00am Holy Communion nd 2 Tuesday ~ 9:30am Holy Communion 6 ~ 3rd Sunday 10:30am Holy Communion 9:00am Holy Communion 18 10:30am Sung Eucharist rd 3 Tuesday ~ ~ 9:30am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 6:00pm Table talk 10:30am Family Communion 29 8:00am Holy Communion 10:30am Morning Prayer 5th Sunday 10:30am Holy Communion hosted by each church in turn 49 All three churches use order one service formats. There are also these other services: A monthly service in Stonebroom Village Hall on the 2nd Tuesday at 2:30pm. This is aimed at Old Age Pensioners A bi-monthly service at Morton Residential Home on the 2nd Tuesday at 10:30am. The service is led by the Methodist Church on alternate months. Each parish has an open baptism policy. The remarriage of divorcees is allowed at the discretion of the incumbent. These policies have the support of the PCCs. There is a Benefice Treasurer who is responsible for all fees and expenses. 24th March 2017 Page 4 of 17 MINISTERIAL STAFF: These officiate throughout the Benefice. Reverend John Epton – Associate Priest Reverend John Wood – Associate Priest Reverend Chrissie Wood - Associate Priest Reverend Ian Mitchell - Retired Priest David Hadfield - Reader Margaret Cook - Reader 24th March 2017 Page 5 of 17 The Parish of Holy Cross Church, Morton Morton claims to be the geographical centre of England as it is midway along the longest North-South Axis (Near Berwick upon Tweed to Poole) and is also midway between the Welsh border (Close to Dodleston) and the east Coast at Skegness. Morton is a small village with 600 houses and a population of just over 1100. Records show there has been a Church on the site since 1002AD. Although the chancel and nave were rebuilt in the 1850’s, the 15th Century Tower remains untouched and the Tower Arch dates from the 13th Century. The Tower has a peal of 6 bells and a dedicated team of ringers. It is a Grade II* listed building. Holy Cross has an “open” Churchyard. The Church has always been the centre of Village Life and still plays an important role today. ELECTORAL ROLL 2016 – 37. Age range: 22 – 87 FINANCE Common Fund – 2016 - £11,370 11 twelfths paid last year. Accounts Year Ending 2015 Turnover - £22,873 Income - £23,257 24th March 2017 Page 6 of 17 AMENITIES: • Post Office and General Store • Village Hall – Built 1680 for use as village Malt House. 1834 the Malt House closed. • Two Public Houses – The Sitwell Arms and The Corner Pin • A Cricket Club: Morton Colliery Cricket Club field’s three teams in local leagues. There are also junior teams. • Two Country Parks: Morton Colliery Plantation and Doe Hill Country Park. Morton. • A children’s Playground off New Street. • Bus services to nearby towns: There are regular daytime weekday bus services to Alfreton, Chesterfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield. MORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL: The present Primary School was opened circa 1885 and was completely refurbished in 2010. There are about 100 children attending. RECTORY ROOM: A few metres down from the Church, the Rectory Room is a small building surrounded by a grassy area with some parking. It comprises a room with a kitchen area and is used for various activities and small meeting groups. The Sunday School, Table Talk and Soup and Social are held here. CHURCH – FACILITIES/CONDITION: • Good general condition • Loop System • Sound System 24th March 2017 Page 7 of 17 WORSHIP: We offer a reverent but relaxed style of worship, which aims to be inclusive of all. We have responded to the challenge of providing alternative services/times to ensure we meet the needs of the congregation.