Discover Affirm Celebrate Parish Profile 2020 - Diocese of ...
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Discover Affirm Celebrate Parish Profile 2020
Aylsham and District Team Ministry
Discover Affirm Celebrate
Seeking
We wish to appoint a new Team Rector. The task is to build upon the success of this
The job consists of having primary pastoral unusual pattern of a ‘dispersed minster model’.
responsibility for Aylsham and Blickling and It follows that we need someone committed to
leading the team, which includes coordinating the a collaborative style of working, enjoying giving
work of the three Team Vicars, Curate and Ministry strong leadership as well as trusting in the gifts of
Team across 17 unique and individual parishes. the lay and ordained leadership.
3
Aspiring
Our vision is that the Aylsham and District Team vicars
Team should be a place where people can By placing each of our team vicars in their ministry
discover God in their midst; a place where all areas, smaller sub-groups within the team relate
are welcomed and valued, their uniqueness to their own Team Vicar; someone who takes a
affirmed and treasured as members of God’s lead on ministry in that area and works with the
family. As a well-established team of parishes, we status of an incumbent. This means that people
seek to celebrate the relationships between our continue to relate to their own village church
members; our strength comes from our diversity rather than a large, faceless benefice.
and our interdependence.
Size matters
Sustainable growth in rural ministry The scale of our team, and the size of the vibrant
As the national church continues to face great church family in Aylsham means that, by working
challenges in the countryside, the Aylsham together, we can benefit from the economies of
and District Team is pioneering with a different scale. Our admin support is centrally focussed
approach to rural ministry; one which seeks in Aylsham, with good office facilities, space
sustainable growth in this rural part of Norfolk. for meetings and a well-specified printer. We
also administer occasional offices through a
Collegiate and collaborative single point of contact in Aylsham, including the
The approach of the Aylsham team has been administration of fees.
to affirm the uniqueness of each parish and
each part of the team, rather than centralising
everything under a single benefice identity. The
clergy, licensed lay-readers and lay people work
in a coordinated way, but quite independently;
coming together when it makes sense to do so.
4
Praying
…for the Holy Spirit to lead the right person The broad guidance from our congregation can be
to us. The last period of time has seen great summarised. We are praying for a person who will:
growth, particularly in Aylsham and there is a • Build upon the great work in the community,
clear understanding in the congregation that particularly amongst children and young people
we wish to build upon this. As part of compiling • champion and improve the good and inclusive
this profile and to inform our prayers as a welcome we give
worshipping community we have engaged • develop the spiritual life of the church, helping
the majority of our churches and the wider disciples to be made
community in asking such questions as ‘Why did • be enthusiastic, creative and a good
you come to this church? Why did you stay? What communicator
would you like to see in the future? What type of • be of broad churchmanship, keeping, developing
person should lead us?’ You’ll see some quotes in and engaging with the blend of traditional and
the profile that come out of this survey. contemporary worship across the team
5
Offering
We offer you Collegiality - ministerial support and not isolation.
Our model will offer the benefits of leading the
Variety - from large civic occasions to intimate communities for which you have primary pastoral
Holy Communion services; from choral evensong responsibility but with ministerial, spiritual and
to worship band led services; from medieval practical support of colleagues.
buildings to community centres; from rural
communities to market towns; the Aylsham & Support - we offer team administrative
District Team Ministry has an incredible variety of support, working from Aylsham Church which is
worship styles, opportunities and communities. supported financially by the Mercers’ Charitable
Foundation, one of our team patrons. The
Opportunity - to continue the development of Mercers’ Charitable Foundation also support a
a model of ministry for 21st century, embracing youth and children’s worker and have an interest
Fresh Expressions but also affirming the across the whole team. There is a youth and
traditional church. Working with both lay and education officer for Aylsham. Aylsham supports
ordained colleagues and being instrumental a choir of some 30 people led by a Director of
in the development of discipleship across the Music. The dispersed minster model gives all the
Team. We offer work with schools, nursing and benefits of regular prayer and fellowship with
residential homes, community organisations and colleagues whilst keeping clergy rooted in their
key tourist attractions. local communities.
Innovation - the encouragement and support Environment - all of this wrapped up in the
from both lay and ordained colleagues to beautiful Norfolk countryside but only minutes
experiment and innovate with worship away from an international airport, a major
and ministry. To seek new creative ways of regional city and the North Norfolk coast. We are
engagement, including the use of technology. having a new Rectory built just ten minutes walk
from Aylsham Church.
By now
We hope it’s abundantly clear that you are not
called to work alone! What follows is a chance to
meet the clergy team and see some pen portraits
of the parishes.
6
Aylsham and Blickling
Revd Jack Branford
Curate
My name is Jack and I am the Assistant Curate in the Aylsham and
District Team Ministry. I am married to the beautiful Amanda with
two young children. I love sport, enjoying rugby, cricket, sailing
and particularly football. I am a lifelong, passionate Norwich City
fan. My other hobbies include reading, walking and going to the
pub. Before moving to Aylsham, I trained at Westcott House in
Cambridge and prior to that I was a Youth and Children’s Worker for
a church in Hertfordshire.
I have loved my time as part of this brilliant team. Aylsham is a
great place to live – it has a special community spirit and a relaxed,
welcoming atmosphere. Moreover, the diverse nature of our
parishes, vibrant church life, supportive clergy team, large number
of occasional offices and creative approach to community centred
ministry has provided an ideal environment to learn, explore,
experiment and grow. It is a great post for anyone who feels called
to invest in future vocations both lay and ordained.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Strongly involved with the local
community. Interact with all ages.
Warm, welcoming and outgoing.
Continue to build on all the great work
that is established. Inclusive and forward
thinking. Good communicator.”
7
Aylsham is your principal responsibility and where your
liturgical and pastoral responsibilities are focussed.
Aylsham is a small, traditional medieval market town, with a lively social,
cultural and community life. Socially, there is a positive balance between
those attracted to the town and its local population. Recently there has been
significant suburban development, and more is planned. This has attracted
new residents; principally young families and retirees. Christian ministry is
shared between seven diverse denominations, amongst which the parish
church is a significant player. Aylsham lies between Norwich, an important
East Anglian cultural hub, providing transport links to the UK and further
afield, and the vibrant, diverse north Norfolk coast: found here1
8
Aylsham
Aylsham parish is the biggest parish in the There is an organ scholarship. Our recent
team ministry, with 168 people on its current experience of welcoming new, younger families
electoral roll. We have a settled Broad Church is fostering a more open vision of Church. A very
identity that embraces public worship taken important objective of our Church is to ensure it
principally from the Common Worship; with reflects its community and is relevant to all. We
some use of the BCP and of contemporary forms wish to appoint a Rector who will build on and
of family and all age worship. Seasonal services encourage bringing together local people of faith
tend to be traditional in tone. This blend of and none, of all ages, and of wider social and
public worship supports growing congregant cultural backgrounds, into a welcoming, warm
diversity. Weekly Sunday worship consists of an church family.
early morning communion service (CW order
1 traditional language) and a main service of
alternating communion (CW order 1), family What others say:
communion and all age worship (with band).
There is also a weekday communion service and Aylsham is...
a monthly choral evensong (BCP), in addition ‘…one of the best parish churches in Norfolk’
to seasonal services and observances through Simon Knott, www.norfolkchurches.co.uk
Lent, Easter Week, Pentecost, Ascension, Advent
and Christmastide. The main Sunday service ‘…a stunning Church. Fabulous warm welcome’
and other, selected services, including Baptisms, APC visitor book 2019
Marriages, and Funerals, are supported by a
large, established, and mixed adult choir under ‘…a delightful church …such a haven of peace
the direction of a Director of Music. A choir fund and tranquillity…’
defrays costs to the main church account. APC visitor book 2019
9
Our history
Aylsham parish What others say:
There has been Christian worship on this site
since Saxon times. The current church building ‘…Had our christening …and the whole
was started in the 11th Century and reached its church made us feel very welcome. Wonderful
present configuration in the mid-15th Century. engaging service especially for the young…’
Amongst the treasures in this Grade I listed APC Facebook post
Church are the late medieval rood screen and
Lady Chapel. Further internal developments and ‘…Wonderful community church …Welcoming
re-ordering have taken place since then to the and lovely people…’
present. Our important Grade I organ was fully APC Facebook post
restored with Heritage Lottery funding between
2012 and 2018. The last twenty years has also
seen the important addition of the church café
with lavatory and a dual purpose two level
community room with both meeting and activity
space. These facilities have been important to
developments in our ministry for the young
and the elderly. As ministry initiatives continue
to evolve and grow we will need to continue to
make further radical alterations.
Our money
The Annual Report and financial statements can Church Parish Share was £61,600: the 2020
be found here2 . The Church currently meets its Parish Share in this Diocese is due to increase by
recurring annual revenue costs. Aylsham Parish c10%. The church manages an education trust
Church attained charitable status in mid-2019. The property that currently helps fund a children’s
Ministry Team has permission from the Diocese to educational worker. Fund raising, bequests and
manage its individual parish shares collectively. grant aid funding have helped fund the building
This enables Aylsham parish church to provide improvements noted above. Future developments
some cross-funding support to smaller team in both ministry and the continued cycle of
parishes. The 2019 collective Aylsham Ministry renovation to this Grade 1 building will require
Team Share totalled £156,000 and is annually paid continued and significant medium and long term
in full. The total Aylsham expenditure. We are looking for a Rector who will
facilitate active and prudent financial planning.
10Blickling
Blickling parish, St Andrew’s is located two Our community
miles north of Aylsham and, by contrast, is one Until recently, this church ministered to the
the smallest members of this Team ministry. It lies people of Blickling Hall and the surrounding
within the Blickling Estate; now a major National scattered estate villages and hamlets. As noted
Trust property. The recent designation of festival earlier, although the resident population of this
church has seen initial plans put in place to help parish has much contracted, we anticipate there
secure the long term pastoral and financial future is opportunity for St Andrew’s still to play a role
of this fine estate Church. Recent developments both in the resident community and beyond, and
have been forest church, young peoples’ activity to the annual large number of tourists and visitors.
days, and a unique introduction of a history It anticipated that the recent designation of a
mystery escape room. We would welcome a festival church does provide scope for this Church
Rector who will continue both pastoral and to develop further ways of sharing the Good News,
cultural heritage engagement innovations to possibly in collaboration with the National Trust.
help continue the revitalising of this church.
Our history
St Andrew’s Church is located on higher ground
close to the main entrance of Blickling estate.
This medieval Grade II* Church was substantially
remodelled in the 19th Century by several hands,
including G.E. Street and William Butterfield. Until
recently, this church ministered to the people
of Blickling Hall and the surrounding scattered
estate villages and hamlets.
11Our community
Aylsham parish Further information can be found here7. The
Our church lies at the heart of the local community. love of neighbour, though very strong within our
We work collaboratively with local social and church community, does not yet fully translate into
cultural organisations, the local food bank, as well systematic outreach discipleship. Through prayer
as Aylsham Churches Together. The current re- and action we help individuals and groups in need,
energising of this local ecumenical group provides but many of us are less confident about outreach
our new Rector with an opportunity to influence activities. As a congregation we:
mutual flourishing and a wider growth of the
Christian faith in the life of Aylsham. St Michael’s is • are a visible and active presence, but could yet
not just a Sunday church. In addition to patterns positively develop our commitment to be a
of public worship and other services, we provide a sacred place available for all;
regular range of Christian-based community and • understand the importance of welcome and
church activities through the week. These weekly personal relationships, but could develop
and holiday outreach and support activities include further our love for neighbours not like us;
provision for pre-school, school age, teenage, adult • respond and engage with the realities of the
and the elderly. local community, but to reach out further in
our evangelism.
There are also programmes of cultural and
musical events, together with a Team Ministry Some in our congregation are shining exemplars
wide summer long 12 Towers Festival. These as disciples, but we have yet to reach the need
events both aid church-community relations and for all in the church to engage in that critical
positively benefit our visible profile in parishes: rural outreach ministry that is often spoken
found here3. Against the national trend, and about. The new Rector could play a critical role in
thanks to a sympathetic approach within the consciously encouraging and energising more of
wider community, there has also been significant us towards outreach discipleship.
growth in our baptism, marriage and bereavement
ministries: festival and civic services have similarly
been invigorated. We are keen to see the continued What others say:
development of these activities and supports
developments and improvements in the church ‘…Great place, good vibes…’
too: found here5 and here5a . 17 year old music event attender, APC visitor book
Our church family also actively supports wide- ‘…Wonderful community church …Welcoming
ranging charitable giving: found here4 and here6. and lovely people…’
Our Church communities recognise the role of APC Facebook post
providing effective information and of welcoming
people visiting us. In recent years, a number of ‘…Aylsham Parish Church is a vibrant centre of
activities have explored how digital technologies Christian worship and community life’
can be used in a parish setting. We have been a The Right Revd Graham James,
Diocesan leader in our work in some technology former Bishop of Norwich
areas that seek, not only to provide general
information, but also to create fresh approaches ‘…This is so thrilling; Aylsham (Parish Church)
to worship, community engagement and cross- is a hub attracting people to the church in
curricular education initiatives. Our use of social different ways…’
media is well established. Despite this, there is Andrew Lloyd Webber
scope to further develop and to normalise our
use of technology in both mission and worship. More examples of feedback can be found here8
12Badersfield Community Hub and
the Aldborough Group
This is a new and exciting post currently being advertised.
A part-time Mission Enabler’s post enabled a priest to work in
Badersfield and also to work across the benefice.
With their retirement and the bringing in to the team of Aldborough
parish there was an opportunity, supported by the Diocese, of
creating a new full-time role.
Living in Itteringham, the new Team Vicar will build on the
pioneering work in Badersfield and also work within Aldborough
plus the three small villages of Itteringham, Little Barningham and
Wickmere, previously served by a self supporting retired priest.
This will be a full time post and will also have a brief to look at
possibilities for mission across the team.
13We are a small cluster of four rural medieval
churches within a five mile radius of each other
in beautiful North Norfolk, plus the pioneering
Community Church at Badersfield nearby.
Badersfield Community Hub
This vibrant pioneer church is situated in the
relatively new community at Badersfield, the
former RAF Coltishall station, a few miles from
both Aylsham and Norwich. The Hub is a centrally
located learning space for Aylsham & District Team
Ministry and other local churches . There is a focus
on weekday worship around hospitality, welcome,
friendship and togetherness. Current activities
include children’s groups, social events, Slice of
Life Community Café, Lunch Club, Ladies’ & Men’s
groups, Messy Church, weekly services & support
groups within a modern, well-equipped facility.
Aldborough
The Parish Church of St Mary’s is located one
mile from the picturesque village green of this
rural community where there is a population
of around 500. Weekly Sunday worship is well-
attended and Open the Book assemblies are held
at Aldborough Primary School. The Church has a Little Barningham
beautifully-tended churchyard with a fine display The Church of St Andrew’s, set on a hill within
of daffodils and dog tooth violets. A composting the village is the hub for the small community
loo has recently been installed! A new initiative it serves. With its own mini-kitchen and toilet
to reach out to the community via monthly facilities Little Barningham Parish Church is
Village Breakfasts has been very well received always looking for ways to engage with its
and attended. The village of Aldborough has community. Two services are held each month
a village Post Office Stores, Garage, Pub & (one Lay led). A busy Community Breakfast is
Community Centre. The Church Room is located held once a month in the Village Hall, plus the
within the village. popular monthly Men’s Breakfast at a local Pub/
Restaurant. Other events include a Pop-up Pub
Itteringham and Open Gardens & Strawberry Tea.
This popular peaceful village, close to the
National Trust’s Blickling Estate, is famous for its Wickmere
wonderful Community Shop and Café. The Parish St Andrew’s Church at Wickmere with Wolterton
Church of St Mary with Mannington is set on the stands away from the small community it serves,
edge of the village and has both The Rectory however, its committed congregation are key
and The Village Hall next door. Two services are members of their community and so the Church
held each month (one Lay led). The village prides is very much part of the daily life in Wickmere.
itself on its sense of community and holds well- The Church is full of memorials dedicated to the
attended Festival services along with the popular Walpole family who lived at nearby Wolterton
May Fayre & Itteringham Open Gardens. The Hall. Two services are held each month (one Lay
village lies on a popular cycling and tourist route. led) and Festival Services are popular. An Annual
Community Rounders match takes place in the
summer. The Church is an “historical treasure
trove” within “rural England at its best”.
14Bure Valley Group
Revd David Hagan-Palmer
I am David and am the Team Vicar for the parishes of the Bure
Valley Group. Prior to coming here in 2016 I served a split curacy
shared between the benefices of Drayton and Taverham with
Ringland. I originate from Staines in Middlesex but after a stint
in London found myself in Norwich where I met my wife Julie
and settled in Norfolk with her and our two daughters. Having
been here for nearly 30 years I may one day be classed as a local. I
trained under the ERMC which meant that I continued in full time
employment as a local authority Emergency Planning/Business
Continuity Manager until my ordination. To relax I enjoy shooting,
computing and watching films.
I find that working as a member of the Aylsham and District Team
means having support and colleagues to share ideas with, while
remaining responsible for my own churches so links can be built
with both the churches and wider communities. As a team we focus
on serving our various communities with the church at their heart
as places of welcome and hospitality where people can meet God at
work in their lives.
We felt included, valued and
appreciated; almost from our
first visit. We really like the
combination of the traditional
and modern approach.”
15General Buxton
The Bure Valley lies to the south-east of Aylsham There is a good working relationship between the
and is based around the upper reaches of the church and the local primary school who hold a
River Bure, considered the most attractive area number of celebratory services in the church with
of the Norfolk Broads. It consists of the following parents in attendance. There are a small group of
churches: Brampton, Burgh, Buxton, Lammas, church members who visit the school 3 or 4 times
Marsham and Oxnead. Each is a parish in its own a term to present “Open the Book” assemblies,
right, except Oxnead, which is the daughter teaching children the Bible stories. The church has
church of Buxton. a hard working and caring group of parishioners.
Brampton Lammas
Located in what was formally the important An attractive church in a beautiful location, again
Roman settlement of “Bramptuna” the church is by the River Bure. The church is well supported
noted for its round tower. The village is divided by, and integrated with, the local community. It
into two main parts: the area to the north holds many events/fundraisers such as dinners,
containing the church and a southern section fêtes and concerts.
lying near the River Bure. The church often holds
talks and presentations relating to the history of Marsham
the area. A large church located remotely from the village,
that has a close association with the Mercers’
Burgh Company and has recently been refurbished with
A beautiful location, with the rear of the church the addition of toilet facilities and a kitchen.
leading down to the Bure and many attractive
walks. This church has a close association Oxnead
with the Mercers’ Company and is also closely The smallest and possibly the oldest church in the
associated with the village community and all group with an historic connection with the Paston
share in the “Reading Room”, a comparatively family. Through association with the adjacent
recently built community centre. Joint Oxnead Hall (a popular wedding venue) many
fundraisers are held, including the “not to be weddings are held there, particularly over the
missed” Burgh Fête, where profits are shared summer months, with up to 3 in one week. It has
between church and village. recently gained a beautifully restored pipe organ
which is on loan from the owners of Oxnead Hall
who have always been most supportive.
16Cawston Group
Revd Andrew Whitehead
I’m the Team Vicar based in Cawston and I’ve been here in Norfolk
since 2015. I live in Cawston with my wife, Rebecca (an Associate
Lecturer in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the Open University),
and our two primary-aged children. We share the Rectory with a
small menagerie of animals.
I’m a Lancashire lad, born in the mill-town of Accrington. My
last post was in the Blackburn Diocese where I was curate at the
parish church in Clitheroe. Before that, I trained at Westcott House,
before which I was a senior manager in the Estates Department at
Lancaster University.
I enjoy being a part of this large and diverse team. I appreciate the
supportive collegiate relationships within our ministry team, and I
value the opportunities to work together.
I have a passion for rural church communities, and serve as a trustee
of the national Association of Festival Churches. In the team, I take a
lead on matters to do with buildings and the environment, and I am
a trustee of the amazing local charity ‘Scrapbox’, which saves waste
from landfill and sells it to artists, community groups and schools for
creative re-use. I also serve as Chaplain to the Mothers’ Union.
We need … A good listener.
Preaches the Gospel well and
builds on what is already started.
Let’s people use their gifts to help.”
17Cawston Heydon
Cawston (pop 1700) is a village situated four With a population of around 90 people, the
miles to the west of Aylsham and with a mix of majority of the village of Heydon is privately owned
private and social housing. The thriving village by the Heydon Estate. The church of St Peter and
offers a range of local services. Cawston Primary St Paul has a small and faithful congregation with
Academy is part of the Diocese of Norwich services every Sunday in the BCP tradition with
Education and Academies Trust. readings from the King James bible.
The large medieval church building, dedicated to The village has a traditional pub, a tea room,
St Agnes, dominates the skyline in the village and a bakery and a number of newly converted
has an active congregation of 35. The church’s business units. Heydon’s unspoiled appearance
mission plan identifies as priorities its work with has made it a popular location for film and
families and young people, older people in the television productions.
community, visitors to the church attracted
by its internationally significant heritage Haveringland
features and the mission to the wider world. A Haveringland is a dispersed settlement a mile to
significant repair project (£300k) has recently the south of Cawston. The medieval round tower
been completed and the next project will deliver church of St Peter stands in an isolated position
toilets and kitchen facilities. beside a disused taxiway of a World War Two
airfield. The church is now a pioneering Festival
In addition to regular Sunday morning worship Church with up to six services. The church building
the church has morning prayer, a weekly prayer is cared for by an enthusiastic group of local
breakfast, midweek communion, a monthly people and an ambitious repair and improvement
contemporary worship service and a monthly project is planned, subject to lottery funding.
book and jigsaw exchange. The church runs
Little Fishes, a parent and toddler group, and Oulton
has strong links with Cawston Primary Academy, Oulton is a small village between Cawston
where the Vicar takes regular assemblies and and Aylsham with a dispersed population of
RE lessons, and where a termly Messy Church is around 200 people. A vibrant local community
held after school. The church has recently been exists with a programme of events taking place
awarded a Silver Eco Church award and the through the year.
congregation is active in promoting the care of
creation as a key part of its mission. The church of St Peter and St Paul is located
some way from the village centre. Worship takes
place most Sunday mornings with a small and
dedicated congregation.
18Person profile
We hope the Team Profile has made a clear statement of the type of
gifts and experience that would be helpful in fulfilling this role.
In summary we seek a person of prayer and spiritual maturity who will:
• love our congregations, town and villages and • be a good manager and administrator, with a
love being here good understanding of the use and influence
of social media and digital technology
• provide strong collaborative leadership and
encourage and develop the team • understand and support the range of services,
traditional and modern, that exist in Aylsham
• build on our successes and have the vision and
and across the team
enthusiasm to take us to the next stage of our
development • have a good sense of humour
• make disciples • be open to new ideas and fresh approaches
• continue, sustain and develop the great links • be committed to continue and develop our
we have with our communities work amongst children and young people
• be committed to our work through the • affirm our work in caring for the environment
occasional offices
• help develop our broad and welcoming ethos
as parish churches
19And finally...
There is no doubt that we offer a big challenge for a new incumbent. Being
Vicar to a growing church and community in Aylsham as well as coordinating
a team of committed and gifted clergy across the villages.
Our model of dispersed team ministry has been recently developed and
needs someone with vision to establish and develop it further.
We don’t expect you to do it alone. A committed ministry team, paid staff
and a huge number of dedicated volunteers all form part of the work of Jesus
Christ in this area.
They are all excited to meet you, support you and all that you will bring.
Discover Affirm Celebrate
20www.aylshamteamministry.org.uk
As a team we are working towards all of our churches having Eco Church status.
Currently: CAWSTON: Silver Award, AYLSHAM: Bronze AwardYou can also read
