Come follow Christ Curacy in the Diocese of Lichfield
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Come follow Christ
Curacy in the Diocese
in the footsteps of St Chad
of Lichfield
Title post in the parish Suburban |
of Meole Brace, open evangelical
Shrewsbury Five congregations in three centres in
one parish
(Trinity Churches)
Welcome to Lichfield Diocese
Cradled at the intersection of the Midlands and Moorlands and Welsh Borders. A caring diocese number of higher education centres
the North, and the interface between England can be found in Stoke, Keele, Stafford,
and Wales, the Diocese of Lichfield is the And we embrace the widest spectrum of church Lichfield Diocese is one of the largest in the Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton
ancient centre of Christianity in what was the traditions – evangelical and catholic, liberal country, covering an area of 1744 square miles and Walsall.
Kingdom of Mercia. and conservative, choral and charismatic, as we and serving a population of more than 2 million.
journey together – as a colleague recently put Vocation and mission of all
We are rightfully grateful for the inheritance it, it is our goal to be a ‘spacious and gracious The diocese consists of three episcopal areas
we have from St Chad that leads us to focus diocese’. with three Area Bishops (of Wolverhampton, Our vision for the diocese is that all
on Discipleship, Vocation and Evangelism as Stafford and Shrewsbury) ministering alongside people, lay and ordained alike, will
we live and serve among the communities of the Diocesan Bishop, each overseeing a different grow ever more deeply into their
Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black
Country. ‘...a spacious and geographic area. This indicates the diocese’s
commitment to its different contexts, and to the
vocation as disciples of Christ. We
hope to become a Church where all “Our time as a family in my
pastoral care of our clergy. our members are equipped to know they are
gracious diocese
curacy in rural Shropshire
Wherever in the Diocese you may be placed, called by God to worship and to be the eyes, has been one of the best of
you will benefit from being part of a wider Homes and schools hands, feet and mouth of Christ in their own our lives. I’ve learned that
family, mixing with people serving in a wide contexts. the priestly role is vital in the
variety of contexts – from the grittiest inner- It is my determination and that of my episcopal We aim to provide To further these aims, community. I’m particularly
city neighbourhoods of Stoke and the Black colleagues that your calling to a title post will be high quality housing and to develop creative enjoying working with
Country, to the leafiest rural parishes of a time of encouragement, ongoing formation, for our clergy with a patterns of ministry, we seniors, and enabling the
Staffordshire and Shropshire, to the sparsest challenge and (while rarely unbridled) joy. Our continuous programme ask all training parishes giftings of others which
upland communities of the Staffordshire colleagues among the diocesan staff keenly of improvements to to offer ‘sixth-day’ resulted in a successful
bring their various specialisms both spiritual houses and responsive, opportunities for Messy Church starting in one
As we follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad, we pray and practical to serve our parishes, fresh specialist contractors for curates – which might of the villages. I give thanks
that the two million people in our diocese encounter a expressions, schools and chaplaincies. emergencies. be a chaplaincy to God for this special time,
attachment (school, and for everyone who’s been
Church that is confident in the gospel, knows and loves its hospital, prison or there for me and supported
communities, and is excited to find God already at work in As well as the 208 Church hospice), involvement me throughout.”
the world. We pray for a church that reflects the richness of England schools in with local gardening
and variety of those communities. We pray for a Church that the Diocese, there are ventures, night- Revd Jassica Castillo-Burley
+Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave many good schools and shelter involvement
partners with others in seeking the common good, working Bishop of Lichfield colleges that will welcome – to mention just a few
for justice as a people of hope. clergy’ children, and a possibilities.
(Diocesan Vision Statement)
2 3
Everything but the sea
Staffordshire prides itself on being ‘the Creative Road and rail links can provide it. And then there’s many museums
County’: Shropshire is the birthplace of the including Walsall’s New Art Gallery and the RAF
Industrial Revolution and the Black Country is museum at Cosford; not to mention excellent
renowned for its industry and all have significant sporting options for both watching and
opportunities for spouses who wish to develop participating – from premiership football to the
careers in any sphere. Tamworth Snowdome. Along with Wedgwood,
theatres and cinemas, restaurants and superb
Wulfrun Centre in Wolverhampton is one
tea shops just begging to be discovered… of many shopping destinations in the
region © Roger Kidd -/ geograph.org.
Dovedale (location of one of the Diocese’s two residential retreat uk/p/1171894/ CC BY 2.0
For those days off when you need space away centres) / Shaun Dunmall (wikipedia) / CC BY-SA 2.0 4.0
from the parish, the area has everything you Leisure and pleasure
David Rayner (Wikipedia) / Stoke-on-Trent
Bottle Kiln / CC BY-SA 2.0BY-SA 4.0
could wish for – except the sea: wild landscapes,
cultured museums and stately homes. Sports of Lichfield Diocese has everything but the sea.
many kinds (including Premiership football) and For walkers and climbers, there’s an extensive
at least two theme parks network of canals, Cannock Chase, The Roaches,
and the Shropshire—Welsh borders (for
example). If you’re into more organised fun,
For those with family and friends in other parts Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Theme Park
of the country, the Diocese has great transport Wightwick Manor nr Wolverhampton / Tony Hisgett (Wikipedia) / CC
Shrewsbury Flax Mill – the prototype skyscraper / Tk420 (Wikipedia) / CC
BY-SA 4.0 links: the M6/M6Toll bisects the centre of the BY-SA 4.0
Diocese north-south, and the M5 originates at Apedale Valley Light Railway near Stoke with the adjacent country park
and Heritage Centre is one of many transport and leisure museums in
our southern tip. Heading west, the A5/M54 the Diocese / Simon Jones
Opening of the Lighthouse Project at
give easy access to north and mid Wales, while Alton Towers near Uttoxeter / Jeremy
Thompson/Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Kingsland CE Academy, Bucknall the A50, A5 and M6Toll give swift access to the If shopping is your thing, there is a range of
M1, M42 and A38 for the East Midlands and the options, from the chic boutiques at Barton
south-east. Marina, and Shrewsbury to large malls in or near
the urban centres. We’re fortunate in being the
Rail links are also good with all major home of many fine ales and beers brewed in
towns having direct services to London and Burton on Trent (the museum is well worth a
Birmingham and four major airports surround visit), and Staffordshire oatcakes are a unique
our borders – Birmingham, East Midlands, local delicacy to be discovered.
Manchester and Liverpool.
4 5
Trinity Churches, Meole Brace
Trinity Churches are a thriving community of market towns. The town centre is packed with shopping centre in Radbrook. The parish is We are keen to take time at this pivotal moment
Christians in Meole Brace, Radbrook Green and timber-framed black and white buildings, steep also home to two excellent secondary schools, to prayerfully consider what life looks like in the
the wider Shrewsbury area. Together we are narrow streets and alleyways. As well as its two really great primary schools (including one future. We are slowly re-introducing different
growing faith, proclaiming hope, and living the famous annual flower show, and summer season Church of England), residential homes, and the services, being mindful of the ways in which
love of Jesus. festival, the town has a wide range of good mighty Shrewsbury Town Football Club. people’s habits have changed and discipleship
shops, excellent schools, a new theatre, cinemas, deepened during this time. For example,
Shrewsbury is a fantastic place to live, and restaurants and cafes, a new University, and a Trinity Churches is made up of five different Sunday pre-school families have really appreciated
may well be one of Britain’s best kept secrets! vibrant night life. congregations in three different worship centres, worshipping together on the ‘Early Birds’ zoom
With a population of around 100,000, it is set each with a particular ‘flavour’ We also have a at 8.30am on a Sunday morning and are keen
amidst glorious countryside near to the Welsh Shropshire is perfect for walkers, history lovers mid-week congregation and a good number of to keep talking about how we might develop
Borders and is one of England’s finest medieval or foodies, to name but a few things the county the church consider themselves part of a small and grow this intergenerational ministry. But
is famous for! The Shropshire hills, Welsh group. In 2020 our Electoral Roll was 377 adults. although we aren’t rushing back to doing things
coast and Snowdonia are easily accessible for ‘exactly the same as before’, here’s a flavour of
day trips. Birmingham and Chester (1 hour), what it was like before the Pandemic…
Manchester and Liverpool (1.5 hours) and Services in the church(es)
London and the Lakes (3 hours) are all closer to Holy Trinity Meole Brace
Shrewsbury than many people think. Obviously, life has looked a little different over
the last year or so! We are blessed with fabulous 9.00am A morning service of Holy Communion
PA and AV equipment and so have been able with a more traditional feel. (Common Worship
The Parish of Meole Brace to livestream services (using facebook live) from weekly, robed) c60 adults. Worship led by organ
(Trinity Churches) the building when conditions have allowed for
this to take place. Like everyone else, we’ve
and music group. Outdoor Easter morning at Holy Trinity
(top); AV team streaming from inside
(middle) and; band and congregation
The Parish of Meole Brace is on the south west become zoom ninjas and have learnt a lot about 10.45am A more contemporary and informal inside in normal times (below)
of Shrewsbury and has a population of around video editing! As well as our Sunday service, Phil service, with groups for 0s-18’s+. c120 adults
9,000 in five distinct areas of housing: Meole has led a daily ‘Six O’Clock live’ prayer gathering and c45+ children and young people, led by a
Village, Meole Estate, Radbrook Green, a new since the week before lockdown started, and worship group. We are working back towards
housing development known as Sweet Lake, and regularly has 20-30 households joining. Along our ‘pre-pandemic’ full programme for children
the hamlet of Nobold. with other churches in the Deanery, we’ve and youth three times a month, plus monthly
produced a weekly ‘Pyjama Church’ which has all-age service or similar.
The Parish is mainly residential, although there genuinely reached people of all ages and stages
is also a small amount of light industry and a of faith. It’s been really good to work together 6.30pm An informal evening service, with
large retail park in Meole Brace, and smaller with other churches on this. communion once a month. Services have a
6 7
‘worship, word and ministry’ format. c30-35 providing ministry support to our neighbouring of God’s incredible hospitality. The Trinity
adults, some of whom may have worshipped parish, Holy Trinity, Belle Vue, which hosts a Centre also hosts the amazing Windfall Project,
elsewhere in the morning, either in the parish or flourishing Pre-School (rated outstanding by run by one of our church members, which
at another church. Ofsted). HTBV meets at 10.30 on a Sunday morning makes delicious jams and chutneys while
and is a fairly small congregation of prayerful offering work based training to adults with
Christ the King Radbrook Green people who love Jesus and desire to see more of learning disabilities.
the Spirit at work in their lives and community.
The notable stained glass in Holy Trinity
10.30am A morning service in Radbrook which Labels don’t always mean much in church
(above) contrasts with the modern meets in Radbrook Community Centre. The life, but we’d describe ourselves as ‘Open
buildings of the other congregations: service has a contemporary and informal feel. Evangelical’. We have links with New Wine and
Christ the King congregation meeting
About 30 adults with worship led by music group. Soul Survivor, as well as with Church Army and
outside the Radbrook Green community the Alpha/HTB Leadership groupings, though
centre (right) and; for many others in the parish they are equally at
The Church in the Meet Place,
home in many other networks and outworkings
The Meet Place, a shop unit at the heart
of the estate - in the background here
Meole Estate Buildings / community of church life. We’ve often used the phrase
while the congregation worships on the 11.00am A monthly service which is held in “God’s amazing family” which reminds us that
green meeting outside.
‘The Meet Place’ on the Meole Estate, as part There has been a church in Meole Brace for well we all get to belong, whatever labels we might
of the regular programme over a thousand years, and the current Holy want to use for ourselves.
of discipleship events Trinity Church is at least the third building on
for people on the local The Congregations in numbers: the site. However we strive to be a parish not
housing estate. Some just with a long history but also with an exciting
2020 2019
attend other services future. Recent years have seen the growing
at Holy Trinity. The Electoral Roll 377 381 impact of Christ the King and of Café Connect
congregation is made up ASA 263 adults in Radbrook Green, fresh expressions of church
of about 15 people, mostly 40 youth and on the Meole Estate, and the amazing gift that
senior citizens. Most of the children the Trinity Centre continues to be to church and
work of the Church in the Church at home ~230 community. In non pandemic times, we would
Meet Place is midweek and weekly attendance regularly see 1,000 people a week flood through
in small groups. Marriages 6 19 the doors of the Trinity Centre for everything
Funerals 41 35 from Bulgarian lessons to ballet classes, giving
We currently have a role in us an amazing opportunity to offer something
Baptisms 6 30
8 9
Your Training Incumbent than ‘doing’, and allows for the incredible Context parish is an easy place to get around on foot or
opportunity of ministry among young adults, by bicycle. You’ll need to learn to leave enough
Revd Fiona Iddon many of whom are very open to talking about We are committed to being a parish church time to chat to people along the way!
18a Meole Walk, Meole Brace, faith. to the areas we serve and a vibrant Christian
Shrewsbury SY3 9EU presence across our local communities.
Trinity Churches is a really great training However alongside that we recognise the joys The ministry
• Trained: St Mellitus College, opportunity for any curate as there is so much of gathering people who live across Shrewsbury,
North West going on, and such a wide variety of different and in many of the villages and areas across this Church at home weekly attendance: approx. 230
• Ordained: Lichfield, July 2017 ministry areas in which to gain experience. We part of Shropshire. We have been encouraged
• Curacy: St George’s have a long and proven track record of doing to be resourcing and equipping other local Trinity Churches is a parish church. We want to
Frankwell, this well. The staff team is strong, and includes churches, and supporting mission and ministry be good news in sharing God’s love with those
Shrewsbury people with specialisms in particular areas in this part of Shropshire. who live here. The high number of occasional
• Assoc Vicar: since July 2020 of ministry such as youth and children and offices we are asked to conduct reflects the
community work. Fi is really looking forward to Within the parish itself, each of the five areas strong place that the Church has within the
Fi began her working life as a secondary learning from a new colleague and their prior has its own distinct identity. Radbrook is an community. We consider these to be a vital part
school teacher, taking an active role in experience, and working together to make sure established modern estate with a real centre of our ministry and mission.
mentoring and training both student that curacy is as fruitful and fulfilling as it can to it (which includes Café Connect and the
and newly qualified teachers. Fi sees be. These three years really matter to you as a Community Centre where CTK meets). Meole Introducing our staff team to you is a really
helping people recognise and develop curate and to us as a church. Estate is a close knit community of social good way of describing much of our ministry Revd Phil Cansdale has been vicar of
Trinity Churches since 2009 but may be
their God giving gifting and callings as a housing. Meole Village is a mixture of some and mission: even more proud to be either area dean or
key part of the priestly role. Fi and her husband Simon have lived in very old and some much more modern housing. chaplain to Shrewsbury Town Football Club
Meole Brace for many years. He is Assistant Nobold is a hamlet right on the edge of the Our Vicar, Phil, oversees Trinity
Alongside her work as Associate Vicar within Headteacher at the local secondary school, and parish. The new housing area of Sweet Lake Churches alongside his role as Area
the parish, Fi also holds a role as Chaplain they have two children who are pupils there. As has been built in the last few years. We are very Dean of Shrewsbury and other
to University Centre Shrewsbury (part of the a family they like being with friends, spending much aware that we don’t yet have a church commitments within the Diocese and
University of Chester). Although there is no time outdoors and all enjoy a good book! presence here. national church. Phil is a great leader
expectation that a curate at Trinity Churches and encourager of others.
would be required to be involved in this This parish a really friendly place. People know
ministry, it does provide a great opportunity one another and look out for their neighbours. Valerie is one of our Associate
to experience the role of chaplaincy in an Many families have lived here for generations, Ministers and heads up the 9am
educational setting. It’s far more about ‘being’ but newcomers are always welcomed. The congregation. Valerie is brilliant at
10 11
walking alongside those who are elderly. During William is our Operations Manager and is
the pandemic she has overseen ‘phone church’, responsible for the smooth running of the
and we are beginning to explore how this might parish. As a curate himself (in another parish)
be a continuing resource for those in care homes. William knows what you need to know about
In pre-covid days, Valerie oversaw our monthly the legal parts of running a church! He does an
‘Trinity Table’ lunch and weekly coffee morning. amazing job of caring for our buildings, which
are such an incredible resource for our ministry.
Charles is another Associate Minister and in his He is ably assisted in the office by Jenny who
day job is an expert in all things water related. oversees finance, and Shannon who is our
He loves encouraging people to go deeper Comms Assistant. Shannon helps prepare the IT
in prayer, and does so by overseeing smaller for our services each week.
prayer groups as well as regular 24/7 prayer
initiatives. Charles is really keen to encourage Helen is our Trinity Centre and Events Manager. years and we take this responsibility for faith
faith in the workplace, particularly for those She oversees the work of the Trinity Centre and sharing seriously. Helen’s husband, Mike, is our
involved in business. Church of England Primary where there are very the hospitality that we offer here as a church. caretaker and he has spent much of the last The churchyard trails have been particularly
appeciated through lockdowns (above).
natural links between church and school. Our The Trinity Centre is often people’s first ‘step year ‘fogging’!
Keith and Amal are our Pioneer Community Toddler groups are always busy (supported through the door’ of any church for many Some of our young people on a weekend
away (below)
Ministers. They take a lead on our mission on by our Preschool worker, Carol) and feed into Tim is our gardener. Over the last year we’ve
the Meole Estate, and oversee groups like ‘Bacon both our monthly Toddler Service and Messy begun using the churchyard more and more as
Buddies’ as well as some amazing discipleship Church. Trinity Kids on a Sunday morning is a place for people to encounter Jesus. Although
programmes. During the pandemic, they have complemented by mid-week groups for deeper it’s always been a popular community space
managed our weekly food delivery service which discipleship. we’ve had different prayer trails available and
has fed some 80+ households and provided seen many, many people engage with these.
emergency food parcels to those in need. Craig is our Minister for Youth and Young
Adults. Most recently he has been pioneering Café Connect on Radbrook Green is managed
Owing to the impending retirement of the some detached youth work on the Meole Estate, by Dave Aberley and has it’s own board of
current post-holder, Judith, we are in the partnering with Shrewsbury Youth for Christ, directors. This is a really important presence
process of appointing a new Minister for alongside discipling the many young people for us as a church in Radbrook Green, and it’s a
Children and Families to oversee this important of Trinity Churches. The last few years has place of welcome that’s valued by many people.
work. We are an active presence in both seen a steady rise in numbers of young adults
primary schools, particularly Meole Brace engaging in all aspects of church life.
12 13
Meole Brace is such a great training opportunity Lent, Growing Leaders. training parish this will be the preferred
for a curate, and we are really delighted that • Developing preaching series and curate’s house. If there is no strategic housing
you are considering it. Previous curates would teaching programmes. available nearby the diocese is committed to
all talk about how positive their time here • Spending a year on Standing and providing appropriate accommodation for
has been, and how the breadth and scope of Finance commttees, seeing some of all those entering ministry. We generally do
ministry and mission in a thriving parish is an the management and strategic issues not offer rented accommodation except as an
incredible foundation for future ministry. The of leading a larger church. emergency short term measure. Our curates
opportunity to work alongside and learn from a can be confident that their home will be of a
range of hugely gifted leaders is such a gift for consistently high standard. If you wish to know
Housing and Accommodation
The Trinity Centre is an artful blend of
any curate. further details about the house, the DDO will be courtyard, sympathetic architecture and
able to provide you with more information. modern facilites, much used for community
and diocesan events
The sort of role that might develop for a The Diocese of Lichfield either has a curate’s
particular curate will obviously be informed by house in the benefice or a ‘strategic’ house for
their own giftings and previous experience. We curates in close proximity of the benefice. These
would hope that their ‘fresh eyes’ might well Responsibilities of previous curates have are good houses, mainly with three to four
identify new mission areas and opportunities included: bedrooms. If there is no curate’s house in the
that we have yet to recognise. benefice and where such a strategic property
• Leadership of one of the exists within easy reach of the proposed
‘congregational leadership teams’
across the parish.
“We’re really grateful for all the support we got from the diocese, starting with the • Overseeing the development of small
DDO, who went out of her way to help in finding a good match, and to work out groups as integral to the church’s
practical matters. vision.
• Line management of the Youth or
“My vicar has been very supportive, through planning carefully together and weekly Children’s Minister.
supervisions, where we reflect on different areas of ministry. I have been given new • Developing a new FXC on the Meole
challenges progressively, all done sensitively and fitted to the stage I was at. Our Estate
churches have been so welcoming to the whole family, and very supportive of my • Leading key strategic initiatives, eg
ministry, even when this involves less regular ideas, like planting a tree during a LICC Frontline, St Chad’s Rhythms of
sermon (only in a pot, I regret to say!).” Grace.
• Co-leading training courses, eg Alpha,
Revd John Beswick Pallister
14 15
Curacy in Lichfield Diocese IME2 to equip for ministry
Supporting learning and formation Pattern of training At the heart of the programme are residential
Curate learning, formation and development The programme focuses on grounded and events which bring together a year-group of
is strongly valued and affirmed in Lichfield situated learning and prioritises the Diocese‘s curates. They reflect the diversity of the Church,
Diocese. Curates receive ongoing supervision focus on Discipleship, Vocation and Evangelism: while the different ministry contexts reflect
and reflection on ministry in the parish, the diversity of the Diocese. This cohort is
complemented by our curate-training • In Year 1 establishing you in your new the primary context for the essential learning
programme in which you share with your ministerial context and practice, and supporting and formation to develop your ministries,
year-group of peers. The aim of the training your preparation for ordination as priest. focusing on ministerial formation, and on the
programme is to enable each person to flourish development of relationships which enable
in their ministry and inhabit more deeply • In Year 2, deepening your practice and mutual flourishing for all.
their vocation as deacons and priests. This understanding of mission and ministry with
programme supports learning and formation the theological tools and skills you need to Opportunities for academic awards
through a partnership between the Diocese and contextualise this. Care for curates and families
The Queen’s Foundation. And it takes place in Alongside the IME2 training you may wish to
the context of parish supervision and reflection • In Year 3 helping you prepare for continue studying on an accredited pathway The wellbeing of clergy and their families is very
on ministry. life-long ministry and to take up a post of with Common Awards. Curates who already important to us. In addition to the supervisory
responsibility to be entered into with skill and have a Diploma award from IME1 may register aspects to curacy, we have a free, confidential
The programme provides space and an confidence. for a BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission. counselling service (the Listening Ear scheme)
environment beyond the parish context in Others who already have a degree or higher for all clergy, diocesan staff and their families.
which curates come together with skilled tutors award or are recognised as potential theological
to learn with and from each other’s shared educators have opportunities to further their More info
experience, so that they can better integrate studies alongside their curate programme.
their practice and reflection, develop their – contact the DDO (details on back cover) or
personal qualities, spiritual, ministerial and visit lichfield.anglican.org/curacy
professional gifts and skills, and deepen their “We have had amazing support from the diocese over the 6 years through both of our curacies and
desire to learn. that’s not always been straightforward- particularly when ‘life’ sometimes gets in the way!
“But the support, through thick and thin has been fantastic, particularly discerning Adam’s call to
The curacy experience is very much a collective one, often gathering at Lichfield
pioneering ministry and curacy under ‘pioneer’ supervision.”
Diocese’s centrally-located Shallowford House for study, prayer, retreat and
de-stressing with peers (pandemic permitting): as such, it’s a much less scary
venue during IME2 than as a base for a BAP!
Revds Adam & Charlotte Gompertz
16 17
Curacy in Lichfield Diocese
For further information
In the first instance, please contact:
The Revd Romita Shrisunder,
Bishops’ Director of Ordinands
[O] 01543 306220
[M] 07949 033091
[E] romita.shrisunder@lichfield.anglican.org
Find us on: Trinity Churches,
Meole Brace,
AChurchNearYou: Shrewsbury
achurchnearyou.com/church/4399/ We are a thriving community
of Christians in Meole Brace,
Website: Radbrook Green and the wider
www.trinitychurches.org
Shrewsbury area. Together we are
growing faith, proclaiming hope and
Facebook: living in the love of Jesus.
facebook.com/TrinityChurchesShrewsbury
Come and join us!
18You can also read
