PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
PARISH BROCHURE

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR INVITATION TO YOU

We, the people of this United Bene1ice in the Diocese of Leeds,
extend a warm welcome to whoever is called upon by God to
serve amongst us.

We would welcome you into our community in the Vale of
York, set between the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire
Moors, near the County town of Northallerton.

Would you be willing to join us, supporting our Rector and the
ministry of our Bene1ice, sharing and inspiring our future
plans for developing the Christian ministry and mission?

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to promote the teachings of God through the way we act to-
wards each other across the BeneCice and in the way in which we seek to
engage with our local communities, the Deanery and with the wider
Church community. This will be achieved by focussing on:-

✦ Making our Church buildings more amenable to our local communities for a
  variety of activities and events.
✦ Continuing to develop, support and widen our work with young children
  across the Bene1ice and to seek to provide church activities which are access-
  ible to working families coping with the pressures and demands of modern-
  day living.
✦ Continuing to develop and sustain 1inancial support through individual con-
  tributions and social events through which we will seek to lay a foundation
  for sustainable growth.
✦ Developing a teaching and nurturing programme of study in the Christian
  Faith for both children and adults, through which we will be enabled to en-
  gage with the needs of the World, as well as our local communities, aided by
  our own strength in the Lord Jesus Christ.
✦ Seeking to celebrate the seasons of the Rural Community in which we live by
  making stronger connections between it and the liturgical expression of our
  worship.
✦ Completing a skills audit of our Church communities through which we will
  seek to improve communication and the sharing of resources across the Be-
  ne1ice.

Progress to date against our Mission Statement:-

❖ We have established Mission Forum for the Bene1ice and we are making good
  progress on re-ordering some of the churches to make them more amenable
  and some events have been held (eg, Art Gallery and Quiz nights). Our
  churches are hosting regular community coffee mornings.

❖ Our youth work continues to be strong and we have created our ‘Bene1ice
  Prayer’ that is used regularly at services and meetings. We realise that more
  work is to be done through our Mission Forum.

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR MISSION STATEMENT PRAYER

Dear Lord

As we seek to grow and nurture our Christian faith
through your teachings, give us strength to work as a
United Bene1ice and serve our rural communities in
your name.

Using the resources we have, help us to reach out to
young and old in a way that shows our support to
them and enable continued growth and awareness of
our faith.

Our mission, Lord, is to channel your love and com-
passion in a way that enriches the lives of others.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
THE LOCALITY
The United Bene1ice of the Lower Swale is situated in the beautiful countryside in the north of
the Vale of York, in rural North Yorkshire.

We have vibrant village communities which, through a strong community spirit, work together
to raise funds, promote wellbeing and participate in social events in the local village halls.

People living in the Lower Swale area are well positioned for accessing larger towns and cities
in the region and beyond, both by road and public transport. The County town of Northaller-
ton (4 miles) has a railway station on the mainline with services to London King’s Cross (2
hours 30 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 30 minutes) as well as York (24 minutes), Leeds
(50 minutes), Durham (30 minutes), Manchester Airport (2 hours 14 minutes) and Newcastle-
upon-Tyne (46 minutes).

The Bene1ice has easy access to a good network of arterial roads, allowing travel to all parts of
the country. The A1(M) is within three miles of Scruton and the A19 nearby, along with other
main routes north and south. The A66 trans-pennine route to Cumbria and the Lake District is
at Scotch Corner, some ten miles away, travelling north on the A1(M).

By road, the distance to York is 35 miles south (45 minutes), Darlington 16 miles north (30
minutes) and Teeside 40 miles north (60 minutes).

The outstanding natural beauty of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is on the
doorstep, beginning at Bedale (5 miles) and up to the head of the Dale at Hawes (31 miles).
This offers wonderful opportunities for walking and outdoor pursuits.

The County town of Northallerton lies about four miles away from Scruton. It has a wide
range of shops including the independent Barkers Department Store, Lewis & Cooper Del-
icatessen and other high street favourites such as Fat Face, Waterstones and Crew Clothing as
well as Costa, Caffe Nero and many other coffee shops. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Lidl all
have stores in the town and there is also an M&S Food Hall. There are out-of-town shopping
centres offering Halfords, Pets at Home, B&M and Majestic Wines as well as Barkers Furniture
store. The new ‘Treadmills’ development is currently underway in town to provide more
shopping, eating, working and social venues on the site of the old prison. And, of course, who
can resist a ‘Fat Rascal’ at the internationally renowned Betty’s Tea Room, or a visit to the Joe
Cornish Photo and Art Gallery?

The Forum in Northallerton hosts concerts and shows and there is also a cinema showing the
latest 1ilms. More extensive entertainment venues are available in nearby cities.

The area has a number of good secondary schools including Northallerton, Ripon and Rich-
mond and there is easy access to higher education at Darlington, Durham, York, Leeds and
Newcastle.

Northallerton is also home to the County’s much-loved Friarage Hospital which offers a mid-
wife-led maternity unit, 24 hour urgent care centre and specialist cancer unit, as well as many
other clinics and surgical facilities. The nearest Trauma Centre is at James Cook Hospital at
Middlesbrough.

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
The Bene1ice is organised into two United Parishes - the United Parish of Ainderby
Steeple with Yafforth & Kirby Wiske with Maunby and the United Parish of Kirkby
Fleetham with Langton-on-Swale & Scruton. There are seven churches across the two
parishes. In the main, the churches are in the heart of the villages, except for that of St
Mary’s, Kirkby Fleetham and St Wilfrid’s, Langton-on-Swale, which are both some dis-
tance from their respective villages.

Our Bene1ice comprises several small villages and hamlets, near to the River Swale.
These are largely rural in character but, with agriculture (although still important) no
longer employing many people, are also commuter villages for those who work in
Northallerton, Bedale, Thirsk or Teeside.

Our continuing aim for our churches is to work even more closely together, sharing
ideas and good practices, for the bene1it of the whole Bene1ice. Each church currently
has its own local church council who meet to discuss business relevant to each church,
but representatives from these groups also attend the quarterly United PCC meetings
to discuss matters affecting all the churches and the Bene1ice as a whole.

This is a relatively prosperous area, with about 75% of the local properties owner-oc-
cupied, and with low unemployment rates. While all age groups are well-represented,
there is a large percentage of retired people within our communities.

There are two Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) primary schools within the
Bene1ice, one at Ainderby Steeple and the other at Kirkby Fleetham. Some of our
church members are governors at these schools and our clergy have always been wel-
comed to enrich the curriculum and Christian ethos within the schools. These schools
use our churches for key services and our Rector leads regular worship at the church
schools in Ainderby and Kirkby Fleetham, which will hopefully be supported by the
new House for Duty priest, when appointed. This is welcomed and af1irmed by both
schools and is seen by the Bene1ice as an important feature of church-school co-opera-
tion and the nurturing of the children in the Christian faith. Some of these children
also attend our churches and take part in our children’s services and activities under
the guidance of our Children & Young People’s Co-ordinator.

The Dales School is a Local Authority maintained school for young people aged from 2
to 19 years, with special educational needs and disabilities. This is located in Morton-
on-Swale, just a mile or so from Ainderby Steeple and has an active, vibrant com-
munity. Our Licensed Lay Reader, Paul, is the Chair of Governors at this school.

There is also a Family Resource Centre in Morton-on-Swale, run by the Local Authority,
which offers respite care to families with disabled children and young people.

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR MINISTRY TEAM

                Revd Jenni Lane - Rector

                   To be Appointed
            House for Duty Associate Priest

         Paul Chubb MBE - Licensed Lay Minister
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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
Churchwardens
The United Parish of Ainderby Steeple with Yafforth &
Kirby Wiske with Maunby
Mr Brian Phillips
Mr Christopher Riley

The United Parish of Kirkby Fleetham with Langton-
on-Swale & Scruton
Mr Simon Eden (Assistant Church Warden)
Mr John Mainwaring-Taylor

Youth Leaders
Shawn Costello
Judith Brown
Diane Jennings
Vanessa Green

Administration
Mrs Karen Prudden - Bene1ice Administrator

Financial Support
Mr Paul Carnell - Treasurer for the United PCC

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR WORSHIP
In the main, our churches use the Common Worship, with printed booklets spe-
ci1ic to each season of the year. BCP continues to be used at Yafforth and Maunby
Churches. Individual orders of service are printed for special services across the
Bene1ice.

We provide a variety of Holy Communion, Evensong, All-Age Worship and Morn-
ing Prayer services across the Bene1ice, planned by the Rector and supported by
the Ministry Team and Churchwardens. We are always open to new ways of
worship.

We use a variety of hymn books in our churches, the main ones being Hymns Old
& New, Hymns Ancient & Modern Revised, Hymns Ancient & Modern New
Standard, Mission Praise and Junior Praise.

Ainderby Steeple has a robed choir and we also have an ad hoc United Parish
Choir who come together for special services. We are very fortunate to enjoy the
services of four voluntary organists and there is a strong musical tradition
throughout the Bene1ice.

OUR TRADITION

Our worship ranges from traditional to more adventurous, encompassing all
ages and with an emphasis on fellowship.

We have the full range of vestments; alb, chasuble and stole in all four colours,
and copes are also available and worn as appropriate.

We offer home Communion to house-bound parishioners, with the Sacrament
being reserved at Ainderby Steeple.

We have an open policy for Baptisms and the Rector or House For Duty Priest
conducts the preparation. Where possible, we encourage families to see Baptism
as part of our regular service programme.

Our churches are popular venues for marriages and we welcome all to take their
marriage vows at one of our churches, and to become part of our wider church
family, both before and after their marriage.

Funerals are held at any of our churches or at one of our crematorium, the
nearest being in Darlington.

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PARISH BROCHURE - Diocese of Leeds
OUR WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

We have seen outstanding elements of growth in the attendance of children and
young people, centred around Ainderby Steeple, with groups to which our chil-
dren’s workers give generously of their time and skills. Parents are encouraged
to bring their children to ‘Busy Bees’ (4-7 years), ‘Groovers & Shakers’ (7-11
years) and ‘Trendy Teens’ (11-18 years). We have seen between 40 and 45 chil-
dren participate in these groups, which provides a platform for our Con1irmation
programme, with 50% of our previous Con1irmation candidates still attending
their local church. These groups are all run by volunteers in the church, during
the week.

The Bene1ice is proud to hold a Con1irmation Service each year and in the last
four years we have seen 47 candidates from across the Bene1ice being Con1irmed
(mainly young people from our youth group and their parents). The Con1irma-
tion Service is always well attended and very much regarded as a special occa-
sion for the Bene1ice.

The focus of all our children and youth groups, held at St Helen’s Church in
Ainderby Steeple, is to help the children and young people to live in the know-
ledge and faith that Jesus is their Saviour and to live Christian lives. The ‘Busy
Bees’ group tends to learn through ‘messy church’ activities, stories, play, games,
shared snacks and singing. The young children’s parents/carers also attend and
contribute to this group.

Likewise, ‘Groovers & Shakers’ starts and ends with prayer, but also offers
games, Christian stories and activities, singing and snacks.

‘Trendy Teens' enjoy Christian fellowship, discussions, activities and prayer, as
well as games and they also host the annual Christingle Service. The older two
groups enjoy rounders on the village green.

Christian leadership is developed in those young people who are undertaking
their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, with one young man gaining his Gold Award
through helping with, and developing, the All Age Worship Service. Another
gained his Bronze Award through actively supporting the ‘Groovers & Shakers’.

We plan to enhance the quality of our groups through the use of technology
when funds allow.

Our children and youth groups are working towards Fresh Expression status.

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OUR STRENGTHS

➡ We have an effective Ministry Team comprising of our Rector (appointed
  November 2019), Licensed Lay Minister and Church Wardens, all of whom
  work well together and are supported by our LCC’s.

➡ We are proud of the growing involvement of children in the life of the church
  which is centred around Ainderby Steeple.

➡ We have a worshipping congregation committed to the Christian mission of
  the Church of England.

➡ We enjoy excellent teamwork with all members of the worshipping com-
  munity working well together, whether it is in preparing the church for wor-
  ship, playing the organ, arranging the 1lowers, cleaning the church or distrib-
  uting our Newsletters.

➡ There is a real willingness to work together as a United Bene1ice.

➡ We produce a monthly Newsletter, distributed free to every home in the Be-
  ne1ice, allowing us to communicate the message of our work and events
  throughout our communities.

➡ We have a Bene1ice website: www.lowerswalechurches.org.uk

OUR CHALLENGES

The challenges we face are:-

➡ How do we encourage spiritual and numerical growth in our congregations?

➡ How do we build on the growing contact we already have with families?

➡ How do we ensure that our services meet the needs of all?

➡ How can we move towards an even more cohesive Bene1ice?

➡ How do we continue to develop young Christian leaders?

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PARISH ACTIVITIES
The Church family is involved in the life of our villages, either by organising or
helping with Coffee Mornings, Fetes, Flower Festivals, Open Gardens, Fairs or
Harvest Suppers.

There is a strong musical tradition in the Bene1ice, and concerts are often organ-
ised in the various churches with either home-grown talent or choirs from out-
side the Bene1ice.

Individual churches are becoming increasingly used as a focus for community
events which involve all their local communities. For example, Yafforth Church is
open on the third Saturday morning each month as a community meeting place -
the ‘Yafforth Hub’. Part of St Helen’s Church in Ainderby Steeple was refurbished
to create space to allow community involvement and this is where we currently
hold meetings of the United Parishes PCC.

OUR NEW HOUSE FOR DUTY PRIEST
We are seeking a House for Duty Priest with a clear understanding of the
ever-changing needs of the Church in the 21st Century; someone who will
commit to our United BeneCice and work alongside our Rector to grow and
develop the BeneCice now and in the future. This will involve:-

๏ Working alongside the Rector to develop strategies to maintain and increase
  our congregations
๏ Taking an active role in promoting the Christian faith within our local schools
๏ Being involved in the life of the community as a visible face of the Church
๏ Working with the Rector and our Ministry Team to widen and strengthen the
  links between the Church and the communities it serves within the Bene1ice
๏ Supporting and developing the ongoing work with children, young people
  and their families
๏ Supporting the Rector in addressing the pastoral needs of our United Bene-
  1ice
๏ Working with the Rector and Treasurers to promote 1inancial stability and
  sustainable growth
๏ Working alongside the Rector in developing and sustaining the Baptism and
  Con1irmation programme within the Bene1ice
๏ Working alongside the Rector in developing and sustaining the calendar of
  Marriage Services within the Bene1ice, meeting with couples and taking ser-
  vices, as required

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We are seeking someone with an outgoing and friendly personality who
will embrace the life of our rural communities and who will demonstrate:-

๏ The ability to promote accessible inclusive worship and social cohesion
  across the whole United Bene1ice and the wider community
๏ Good communication and listening skills
๏ Empathy for, and an understanding of, rural ministry
๏ Energy and enthusiasm for multi-parish ministry
๏ Good inter-personal skills
๏ Experience in developing Christian faith and working with children and famil-
  ies
๏ A good team player
๏ An ability to teach and nurture in a way that is understandable to people of all
  ages

THE PROPERTY

The property available to our new House for Duty Priest is a modern bungalow,
situated on a large corner plot on Meadow Drive,
just off the main road through the village of
Scruton (11 Meadow Drive, Scruton,
Northallerton, DL7 0QW). It is light and airy
with 1ive bedrooms (one used as a study), a
family sized kitchen, sitting and dining rooms,
house bathroom, utility room and separate wc.
                                    T      h     e
                                    property
                                    also has a
                                    large garage
                                    and plentiful parking. Outside, is a small
                                    front garden with a much larger expanse of
                                    garden to the rear, bordered by trees and
                                    adjoining farmland. The village bene1its
                                    from a Memorial Hall, Pub, Playing Fields
                                    and Church. There is an active Cricket Club
                                    and village allotments. Local shops are
                                    available in nearby Bedale and
Northallerton and a mobile Post Of1ice visits the village every week.

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OUR CHURCHES

                St Wilfrid’s Church, Langton-on-Swale
                  St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Fleetham
                      All Saint’s Church, Yafforth
                 St Helen’s Church, Ainderby Steeple
                    St Radegund’s Church, Scruton
                   St Michael & All Angels, Maunby
                   St John the Baptist, Kirby Wiske
          St Andrew’s Church, Great Fencote (closed in 2020)
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St Helen’s Church, Ainderby Steeple

St Helen’s Church is a Grade I Listed building. Recent re-ordering has been com-
pleted, creating more space for events and community use. The building is in
good order and the graveyard has ample space. There is a War Commission
WWII War Grave in the churchyard. Ainderby Steeple is a member of ‘Churches
Together’ in Northallerton.

All Saints Church, Yafforth

All Saints’ Church was re-built in 1870 on the site of the original church. The
site has been a place of worship since 1208. The building is Grade II Listed and
is regularly maintained with the masonry having been recently repointed. Some
pews have been removed to make a more 1lexible area for meetings etc.

St John the Baptist Church, Kirby Wiske

St John the Baptist is a Grade 2* Listed building and dates from before 1168. I t
was built on the site of an earlier Anglo-Danish church. It retains many of its
original Norman features but was renovated during the 13th, 14th and 19th Cen-
turies. The burial ground/churchyard remains open. We are in the process of
applying for a Heritage Grant from the HLF to replace the 150-year-old failing
roof which is now beyond economical repair through maintenance resources.

St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Maunby

St Michael’s and All Angels is a mid-19th century small church where services
are held once a month. There is a War Commission WWII War Grave in the
churchyard.

St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Fleetham

St Mary’s dates from the 12th century and was fully restored in 1871. It is a
Grade 2 Listed building which has been well maintained over the years and con-
tains the ef1igy of a Knight Templar.

St Andrew’s Church, Great Fencote

St Andrew’s Church was closed in early 2020 and is currently on the open mar-
ket for sale. It closed due to its close proximity to St Mary’s Church in Kirkby
Fleetham with whom it shared congregation numbers. Contents of St Andrew’s
were re-located to St Mary’s. There are three War Commission WW1 War Graves
in the churchyard.

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St Wilfred’s Church, Great Langton

St Wilfrid’s is a small 12th century church. We are currently fundraising for es-
sential repairs to the roof.

St Radegund’s Church, Scruton

St Radegund’s dates from the 12th century and is Grade 2* listed. It was re-
stored in 1865 and is well maintained. There is currently an application for a
faculty to install a toilet and kitchen pod and possibly to improve the heating.
The churchyard is still open.

OUR TYPICAL CHURCH SERVICE PATTERN

                      First Sunday      Second        Third Sunday      Fourth Sunday   Notes
                                        Sunday

  St Helen’s,        11.00 am Holy   11.00 am Holy    11.00 am All      11.00 am
  Ainderby           Communion       Communion        Age Worship       Morning
                                                      with Holy         Worship
  Steeple
                                                      Communion
  All Saints, Yaf-                                                      9.30 am BCP
  forth                                                                 Holy
                                                                        Communion
  St Michael &                       9.30 am BCP
  All Angels,                        Morning Prayer
  Maunby                             with Holy
                                     Communion
  St John the        9.30 am Holy                     9.30 am Morning
  Baptist, Kirby     Communion                        Worship
  Wiske

  St Mary’s,                         11.00 am                           11.00 am Holy
  Kirkby                             Morning                            Communion
                                     Worship
  Fleetham

  St Wilfrid’s,                                       11.00 am Holy
  Langton-on-                                         Communion
  Swale
  St                                 9.30 am Holy     9.30 am Morning 9.30 am Morning
  Radegund’s,                        Communion        Worship or Holy Worship
                                                      Communion
  Scruton

Fifth Sundays alternate across the parishes for a United Holy Communion. Choral Evensong
would normally be on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.00 pm.

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COVID-19

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and here in the Bene1ice of the
Lower Swale we have had to adapt to ever-changing circumstances in order to
ensure that we can continue our worship and mission within our communities.

During the 1irst lockdown, we moved our Sunday Service to a ‘virtual’ service via
the ‘Zoom’ platform. Members of our churches and our local communities were
encouraged to join us for this ‘virtual’ worship from the safety of our own homes.
Over the year, this has proved to be highly successful and at its height, more than
25 people joined us for worship.

When we were able, and with the help of our churchwardens and church
cleaners, we re-opened our larger churches to allow private prayer, subject to
Covid-secure arrangements.

Obviously, we have had to cancel all the weddings planned for this year and are
hopeful that these can be re-scheduled to take place in 2021, subject to
circumstances at the time. Likewise, we have been unable to hold Baptisms or
our planned Con1irmation Service this year. However, we have continued to
serve our communities with a funeral offering, 1irstly graveside services and
then limited capacity services within our churches.

We acknowledge that this has been a dif1icult year for everyone and have
attempted to retain contact with members of our communities who have been
shielding or who have just been unable to get out and about. We took the
decision to withdraw our monthly Newsletter to protect everyone, but we look
to resume this as soon as it is safe to do so, acknowledging that those who
distribute these are generally in the vulnerable groups of our society.

Our Church family has been there for all members of our community through
these dif1icult times and we have been buoyed by the spirit of everyone to look
after each other through this crisis and to continue the work of our church.

We have taken all necessary measures in those churches we have re-opened to
ensure we are Covid-secure and the safety and well-being of our congregations
and all those who use our churches is uppermost in our minds.

We very much hope for better things at some point in 2021 and look forward to
welcoming everyone back to our church buildings. As we eventually emerge
from the pandemic, we intend that what we have learned will help us to adapt
and develop, ensuring that Church can reach all those in our communities who
need it.

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DATA INFORMATION

Financial Position
In normal circumstances, we are blessed with regular giving and Gift Aiding by
our congregations and supporters. We have always been able to pay our Parish
Share in full and to pay clergy expenses in full. Our income is supplemented by
regular fundraising events such as coffee mornings, the 100 Club, concerts,
Christmas tree displays etc.

Electoral Roll

United Parish of Kirkby Fleetham with Langton-on-Swale & Scruton

Number on Electoral Roll - 99
Average Sunday Attendance - 40
Christmas Communicants - 42
Easter Communicants - 51
Baptisms - Infants - 3
Weddings - 3
Funerals in Church - 5

(NB: Figures from 2019 due to Covid closure in 2020)

United Parish of Ainderby Steeple with Yafforth & Kirby Wiske with
Maunby

Number on Electoral Roll - 83
Average Sunday Attendance - 34
Christmas Communicants - 98
Easter Communicants - 71
Baptisms - Infants -10
Con1irmations - Under 18 - 5 Adults - 2
Weddings - 5
Funerals in Church - 7

(NB: Figures from 2019 due to Covid closure in 2020)

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ADMINISTRATION

The Bene1ice engages the services of a self-employed Administrator who works
remotely to ensure we comply with the necessary administrative processes
required in these modern times. Our Administrator also liaises with our
wedding couples and funeral directors to ensure the necessary paperwork is
completed in respect of those services, and also completes and submits returns
to the Diocese and the Church of England on behalf of all our churches. The
Administrator also attends meetings of the United Parishes PCC, taking Minutes
and following-up on action points alongside members of our LCC’s.

The Bene1ice has also recently engaged the services of a Treasurer to act on
behalf of the United Parishes PCC and to manage its 1inances.

By taking on these services, the Rector and our LCC’s are supported through
experts in their 1ields, relieving pressure on our lay members and ensuring that
the Bene1ice operates ef1iciently and effectively at all times.

The LCC of each church meets as and when required with the Rector. The PCC of
the United Parishes meets quarterly, usually in St Helen’s Church, Ainderby
Steeple, with representatives from each of the church’s LCC.

Every year, one Annual Parochial Church Meeting and Annual Meeting of
Parishioners is held in the Bene1ice.

                        Diocese- The Diocese of Leeds
                         Deanery - Wensley Deanery
                           Episcopal Area - Ripon

THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS
The Diocese of Leeds comprises 1ive Episcopal Areas and is now one of the
largest dioceses in the country. It covers an area of around 2,425 square miles
with a population of around 2,642,400 people.

The Diocese comprises major cities (Bradford, Leeds, Wake1ield), large industrial
and post-industrial towns (Halifax, Hudders1ield, Dewsbury), a spa town
(Harrogate), market towns (Skipton, Ripon, Richmond and Wetherby), and
deeply rural areas (the Dales). The whole of life is here, along with all the
richness, diversity and complexities of a changing world.

The Diocesan Bishop (The Rt Revd Nick Baines) is assisted by 1ive Area Bishops
(Bradford, Hudders1ield, Kirkstall, Wake1ield and Ripon) and 1ive archdeacons
(Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Pontefract, Richmond & Craven). The Bishop of Ripon
is the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.
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