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 urban/rural | sacramental
benefice of A busy town parish and adjacent
historic village
St Giles with Sutton,
Shrewsbury
and
St Eata’s, Atcham
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
St Giles’ Shrewsbury and St Eata’s Atcham
St. Giles’ Parish is in a suburban setting, to the ‘Pray, bake, read’ and have (pre-Covid-19) Atcham have a number of retired residents meet together for tea, coffee, conversation and
south east of the town centre of Shrewsbury, visited to lead ‘Open the Book’. within them. fellowship.
in close touch with the town at one edge, and
the countryside on the other. The parish has Due to its good access roads to the M54 and Without diminishing the importance of the
two Church of England primary schools and one close proximity to Telford and the town centre Services in the churches Eucharist, St Giles also offers a variety of
college of arts and technology. There is also a of Shrewsbury many people commute. There are worship.
developing business park, local council offices good road and rail networks to Shrewsbury. St Giles offers a warm, friendly greeting -
in the Shirehall and the magistrate’s court. Everyone is welcome. There are services to mark the seasons of
Prestfelde School, a Woodard independent St. Eata’s Parish ministers in a rural setting Pentecost and Trinity, Advent Sunday and
school, is situated close to the church. There are with the Church located on the banks of the Sunday morning services at 8.00am and 9.30am special services of light.
two medical practices and a residential home for River Severn, next to the Mytton and Mermaid focus upon the Eucharist. Our 8.00am service is
the elderly. There are a number of independent Hotel and close by the entrance to the National said, whilst the 9.30am has singing of hymns. Christmas has been celebrated by hosting
pre-school establishments and on the outskirts Trust house; Attingham Park. The parish of St St Giles has a robed choir and on occasions the children and family services; Midnight Mass,
of the parish is the Shrewsbury Crematorium. Eata’s has a population of 500 people. Many of ‘Eucharist’ is sung and the congregation join Christingle and Nativity/ Crib services, Epiphany
The parish of St Giles has a population of 7,500. these people commute to work, others work in various responses. After the service people and Candlemas. Services embrace climate
(above)Christingle in St Giles’
This is increasing due to the fact that there are in Agriculture and some work for the National change, inclusiveness and racial awareness.
two housing developments with the addition Trust. Service pattern:
(beow) St Eata’s ready for a wedding
of 1,500 new homes, commercial development, Sunday St Giles 8.00am Said St Giles embraces various styles of worship and
a hotel, a care home of up to 140 beds and Both Churches are sacramental in nature, having Eucharist liturgies:- healing services, different styles and
supporting local centre and community uses. a pattern of regular Sunday Eucharistic services. St Giles 09.30am Sung ways of praying, more reflective/quieter worship
Both Churches have incorporated ‘All age’ Eucharist as in Iona and Taize worship.
The vast majority of housing is privately owned services at specific times of the year. St Giles is St Eata’s 11.00am Eucharistic
with certain areas of the ‘Sutton Estate’ being actively involved in ‘Fresh Expressions’ of Church service The variety of these different services that
former, as well as on-going, council housing. and ‘On-line’ worship. zoom 5.00pm Evening enrich the pattern of worship also enhances and
Prayer enlivens those who participate.
There are two Church of England Primary Shrewsbury is an attractive, historical county
Monday zoom 9.15am Morning
Schools. St Giles C of E Primary with 322 pupils town surrounded on three sides by the River Both C of E schools attend St Giles for a special
Prayer
and Mereside C of E Primary with 300 pupils. Severn. The surrounding Shropshire Countryside service at the end of each term.
Reverend Andrew is a governor at both schools. and its good links with the West Midlands and Wednesday St Giles’ 10.00am Eucharist
He attends and conducts worship on a regular Wales, has made Shrewsbury a very desirable Fellowship At specific times of the year large numbers have
basis and members of the congregation have area for many people to retire to. As a result the room gathered to share in celebrations.
been actively involved in the Diocese scheme: parishes of St Giles with Sutton and St Eata’s, zoom 5.00pm Evening
Prayer
6 7
St Giles’ Shrewsbury and St Eata’s Atcham
St Eata’s has a smaller congregation to that of The buildings Your Training Incumbent
St Giles yet everyone is very welcome and each
Sunday at 11.00 there is a celebration of the St Eata’s has a fascinating history with the first Revd Andrew Knight
Eucharist from the Book of Common Prayer. church having been built in the eight century. St Giles Rectory, 127 Abbey Foregate,
There are many other acts of worship as one-off The oldest part of the present church dates Shrewsbury, SY2 6LY
events; Mothering Sunday, Remembrance from the late Saxon/early Norman era. St Giles
Sunday, carol and Christingle services. was originally part of a hospital for lepers and • Trained: St John’s Theological
the infirm and is mentioned in the Cadfael college, Nottingham.
Sunday at St Giles’ In both Churches vestments are worn and both story! The church was extensively remodelled • Ordained: 2007, Lichfield Diocese
would see themselves as being moderate/liberal in the 1850’s. In 1870 it became a parish in its • Curacy: St Andrew’s, Porthill with
catholic in their tradition and style. Incense is own right having previously been linked with St Barnabas, Bradwell
St Eata’s in the snow not used in either church! Shrewsbury Abbey. • Vicar: since 2014
St Giles Fellowship Room is to the side of I was ordained in 2007 having being a Church
Online worship the church and is a versatile space used for Army Evangelist for the previous 17 years.
meetings, Mid-week services, lunches. It has a
During the Covid-19 Pandemic on-line worship small serving kitchen and toilet facilities. Having discerned a ‘call’ to the ordained
has been used and this continues each week. ministry my training and curacy did not follow
Each Sunday and Wednesday evening there St Giles’ Church Hall is used by a variety of a conventional, traditional pattern. I trained
is Evening Prayer and Morning Prayer each groups throughout the week for different on a part time course at St John’s Theological
Monday. Each Wednesday morning there is purposes. It is also home to our Fresh College, Nottingham for a year and remained
a social event called ‘Coffee, chat and catch- Expressions: Messy and Café Church. The hall at St Barnabas, Bradwell where I had been
up! On specific ‘holy’ days Zoom services are has excellent facilities that are constantly being ministering as a Church Army Officer/ Evangelist
St Giles’ Fellowship room
incorporated. This combination has enabled upgraded. for my curacy.
many to feel included within the regular prayer/
social life of the church. I am married to Lisa, who is in the process of I enjoy working alongside my colleagues and
completing her curacy in a neighbouring parish. would describe myself as a ‘people person’! My
We have two daughters; Megan and Bethan. We interests include travelling, going to the theatre,
also have two dogs and two cats. walking, cooking, eating out and sightseeing.
I have an interest in Classic cars and both own
and drive a 1963 Morris Minor convertible.
8 9
St Giles’ Shrewsbury and St Eata’s Atcham
The Ministry The current opportunities are diverse: on-going training and personal development. The Congregations in numbers:
As a result, I recognise that there must be time
Figures from 2019
The ministry at St Giles and St Eata’s is a diverse • Work within the schools of the parish. for their own interests, that of their spouse/ St St
one! The one church having ‘Fresh Expressions’ • Marriages, baptisms and funeral partner/ family. Giles Eata’s
and using technology as we adapt out of the ministry. Allowing time to be given Electoral Roll 167 68
Covid-19 pandemic. St Giles parish is witnessing to each individual/family over these Training is not all ‘one sided.’ Both the Worshipping community 90 28
extensive growth as new housing is being vitally important life events. Incumbent and curate should learn together
developed. • Uniformed organisations: Beavers, and from one another. Both will have skills Marriages 2 9
Cubs and Scouts. and learning outcomes that can enhance Funerals 44 4
St Eata’s is more traditional yet due to its • Residential and nursing homes – and strengthen the other whilst at the same Baptisms 13 3
location attracts interest from those wishing to taking regular services within these. time both will have specific skills that can be
be married. Both Churches are receptive and
embrace the ministry of women.
• Fresh Expressions of Church - Messy
and Café Church.
used and developed for the greater good of
the parish. Training should not be seen as
Housing and Accommodation
• Partaking in the worship life of competitive but as complementary. The Diocese of Lichfield either has a curate’s
No two days are the same! In a morning you both churches: - leading of services. house in the benefice or a ‘strategic’ house for Ministering in a local care home
might be leading worship within one of the Celebrating the Eucharist & preaching. Who’s involved at St Eata’s and St Giles? curates in close proximity of the benefice. These
schools, in an afternoon conducting a funeral • Distribution of home communion to Working alongside myself as the Rector:- are good houses, mainly with three to four
and in the evening discussing a wedding. the housebound. bedrooms. If there is no curate’s house in the
• Home, hospital and residential home • 2 active retired clergy benefice and where such a strategic property
visits. • 2 readers exists within easy reach of the proposed
“We’re really grateful for all the support we got from the Diocese, starting with the • Part-time administrative assistant. training parish this will be the preferred
DDO, who went out of her way to help in finding a good match, and to work out As your training incumbent my understanding • Committed PCC members and church curate’s house. If there is no strategic housing
practical matters. of the role is to be one where a curate is wardens available nearby the diocese is committed to
a colleague and where both curate and • Loyal and active members of both providing appropriate accommodation for Christingle at St Eata’s
“My vicar has been very supportive, through planning carefully together and weekly incumbent relate well together and have a churches. all those entering ministry. We generally do
supervisions, where we reflect on different areas of ministry. I have been given new respect for one another. not offer rented accommodation except as an
challenges progressively, all done sensitively and fitted to the stage I was at. Our emergency short term measure. Our curates
churches have been so welcoming to the whole family, and very supportive of my I recognise that there has to be a degree of can be confident that their home will be of a
ministry, even when this involves less regular ideas, like planting a tree during a flexibility and that time needs to be devoted to consistently high standard. If you wish to know
sermon (only in a pot, I regret to say!).” training, meeting and having discussion with further details about the house, the DDO will be
a curate. Time also needs to be given for their able to provide you with more information.
Revd John Beswick Pallister
10 11
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
12 13
Curacy in Lichfield Diocese
For further information
In the first instance, please contact:
The Revd Romita Shrisunder,
Bishops’ Director of Ordinands Everybody’s Welcome
[O] 01543 306220
[M] 07949 033091
Nobody’s Perfect
[E] romita.shrisunder@lichfield.anglican.org Anything’s Possible
Find us on:
AChurchNearYou:
achurchnearyou.com/church/4498 St Giles’ Shrewsbury
achurchnearyou.com/church/4499
and
Website:
stgilesshrewsbury.org.uk St Eata’s Atcham
Facebook:
facebook.com/stgilesshrews
St Giles and St Eata’s – Expressing
God’s love through sacrament,
word and action.
14
You can also read
