PROFILE ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH - ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, UXBRIDGE - PREPARED BY - St Andrew's Church Uxbridge
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, UXBRIDGE ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE PREPARED BY St. Margaret's Church Council DATE January 2019
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 01 Contents The Uxbridge Team Ministry Page 2 Welcome & Parish Vision Page 3 St. Margaret's Values Page 4 Fulfilling our Vision Page 5 Worship Page 5 Prayer and Healing Page 6 Children Page 6 Youth Page 7 Discipleship Page 8 Pastoral Care Page 9 Town Centre Outreach Page 9 Links with Other Churches Page 10 Global Mission Page 11 Mission Action Plan Page 11 Resources Page 12 Staff Page 12 Buildings Page 16 Finances Page 17 The Parish Setting Page 20 Uxbridge Page 20 Deanery Page 21 Diocese Page 21 St Andrew's School Page 21 St Margaret's Vicar Page 22 Overall Purpose & Role Profile Page 22 Person Profile Page 23 How We Will Care for You Page 24 Consultation Page 25 Moving Forward Page 26
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 02
The Uxbridge Team Ministry
Uxbridge is an exciting Parish full of opportunity. The Team consists of two
Anglican churches, St Andrew’s and St Margaret’s, each with its own distinct
spirituality and tradition. St Margaret’s is broadly open evangelical and
charismatic, St Andrew’s is modern catholic.
Whilst each church operates in its own right with its own church council, there
is a deep commitment to work together in serving the people of Uxbridge and
sharing God’s love. We believe that by working together, respecting our
differences and learning from each other, not only can we discover common
ground, we can add up to more than the sum total of our separate parts.
I have been in post as Team Rector only since November 2018, so the new
Vicar of St Margaret’s will be joining the Team at a time of transition.
Together with June Hughman, who has a dual role as Associate Vicar and
Town Centre Minister, and Tina Rapson, St Margaret’s Curate (both of whom
have many years' experience living and working in the Parish), the opportunity
opens up to shape the work and direction of St Margaret's and the wider Parish
in the next phase of its life.
It promises to be an interesting journey with the potential to stretch and enrich
us all. I feel very fortunate to serve here and I am sure that whoever comes to
St Margaret’s will feel the same!
Andrew Studdert-Kennedy
Team Rector
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 03
Welcome
Welcome to St Margaret’s in the heart of Uxbridge.
Our prayer is that everyone who enters our church will find a warm welcome,
sense God’s presence and experience something of his great love.
Moving forward we are excited, and expectantly praying, for our new vicar
and our future ministry to the people of Uxbridge.
We trust this Profile will give you a sense of who we are, as you seek God’s
will for your future and ours.
Parish Vision
“To see people’s lives transformed in Uxbridge through knowing God’s
love and living Christ’s way”.
We want to be growing in love for God, love for one another, and love for our
neighbour.
St. Margaret's Church St. Andrew's Church
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 04
St. Margaret's Values
The following core values underpin our church life and unite our diverse
congregations.
1. Inspiring Worship
To worship wholeheartedly, by offering ourselves to God in the power of
the Spirit
2. Passionate Spirituality
To seek an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, bringing
wholeness in our lives
3. Loving Relationships
To be a community loving one another in tangible ways with the love God
gives us
4. Root Groups
To encourage authentic relationships and discipleship in small groups that
aim to multiply
5. Gift-orientated Ministry
That each person knows and uses their God given gifts to serve in Christ's
name
6. Need-orientated Mission
To share with others God's message of love and to serve them as Christ did
7. Empowering Leadership
To equip, release, support and motivate people in discipleship and service
8. Structures, Buildings and Finance
To continually identify and generate the necessary resources for growth
towards our vision
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 05 Fulfilling our Vision Worship We are one church family with many congregations. Building them has been a significant part of our strategy, both for nurturing existing members, and reaching out to new people. Currently there are 7 congregations, each with its own style, ranging from Common Worship to informal worship, and including Fresh Expressions of church. This has enabled members to have a more meaningful sense of belonging and we can more easily reach out to those with very little experience of conventional church. There are 438 on our 2018 electoral roll. On an average Sunday about 200, including children, attend worship. About 100 worship with us during the week. Our 9am Holy Communion is traditional. A band leads our sung worship at our 10.45am Communion. At 7pm we have an informal worship service with more expression of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. During the week we have an informal Songs of Praise and 2 Communion services. Messy Church for children and families occupies the last Saturday of every month. Each service is supported by a congregational leadership team, recruited from participants who are responsible for the practical aspects. This provides a training ground for serving in other areas as well.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 06 Prayer & Healing Prayer is foundational to all we do. In addition to Morning Prayer 3 days a week, and daily informal noon prayers, an intercessory group meets weekly. A PCC sub-group organises our Parish Prayer Week and Quiet Mornings. St Margaret’s also hosts occasional half nights of prayer and worship with other local churches. Prayer ministry is offered at each Sunday service. We also have regular healing services for most congregations. Children Children and young people are very important to us. Recognising how little most children today know about Jesus, we are very excited to have just appointed Lara Seymour, a member of St Andrew's Church, as part-time Children and Families Worker initially for 1 year, but renewable up to 3 years. Both Sunday morning services provide children’s work, with the larger Kingdom Kids groups at 10.45 am. The leadership is strong and the teaching well planned, but there is need for more volunteer helpers. St Andrew’s School and several other primary schools welcome assemblies led by Parish clergy and lay staff. Messy Church, planted 3 years ago to be a worshipping community in its own right, is further developing these good links, and regularly welcoming new children and families. They share a meal and enjoy crafts, games and interactive celebrations. We have a Children’s Champion, Safeguarding Officer and Vulnerable Adults' Champion in each church, and take very seriously the safety of the children, young people and vulnerable adults, who make connections with us.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 07 Youth James Wood, our Parish Youth Worker, has re-focussed and re-energised our work among young people following a somewhat stagnant period without a youth worker. He is dedicated to developing this work across both churches. In February 2018 the PCC adopted a new strategy to bring fresh focus and vision. It is reviewed annually with the Youth Work Management Team. An enthusiastic 11-14 age group meets on Mondays with 15 on the register. In September 2018 a 14+ group called Re:Youth was launched and has been a huge success. They have been meeting every Tuesday evening at St.Margaret’s with a set programme for each term. Pathfinders, a solid group of 8 young people aged 11-18yrs, meet regularly during the 10.45am service. The enthusiasm of the different groups is very encouraging. James, together with other local church youth workers, is jointly organising ‘One Hillingdon’ events at St Margaret’s. So far leaders are encouraged by 45 young people coming from 15 different churches at both Christmas and Easter.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 08 Discipleship We provide opportunities for growing disciples through preaching, pastoral care, and regular small groups, meeting in homes, church, or for specific seasons only eg. Lent. One group meets monthly to nurture the faith of vulnerable adults and another is a follow-up to Alpha. There is an appetite for further development in this area. For those wanting to explore the Christian faith we aim to run the Alpha course annually. Not always large groups, they have still been significant stepping stones for those attending. We offer separate youth and adult confirmation preparation each year, and also prepare baptised children, aged 7+, for admission to Communion. In order to help people identify their gifts and use them in service we periodically run the ‘Network Course’. Four years ago we ran the CPAS “Growing Leaders” course from which new leaders have emerged. Over the last 10 years 7 leaders have gone on to ordination. We appreciate all the different spiritual, practical, and financial gifts members offer, as they grow in discipleship and service of our church family and local community.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 09 Pastoral Care As part of a caring community, each congregation is supported by a volunteer pastoral team, working alongside the clergy, who do their best to support anyone with specific concerns or needs. People are encouraged to receive prayer at the end of each service. Home Communion is also offered. There is a very good network of support in times of need, including meals to new parents and the newly bereaved, hospital visiting and even occasional accommodation where necessary. However we are also conscious some fall 'through the net'. So we look forward to fostering such care more widely and creating a more fully developed loving community. Oasis Uxbridge Oasis Uxbridge is the name we give to our Town Centre Ministry which, in line with our parish vision, seeks to provide a bridge into the worshipping life of the church. The Oasis Coffee Shop plays a key role in this and is open Monday to Friday 10am until 2pm, and Saturdays 10am until 3pm. It is staffed by a small paid team, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. During opening hours Outreach Pastoral Workers provide a listening ear and front- line support. Some volunteers are wanting to gain work experience and may be vulnerable adults. Through this they are able to acquire new skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 10 Increasing numbers of vulnerable people are coming through our doors, including those with mental health issues, learning difficulties, addiction problems, financial challenges and homelessness. It can be challenging at times to maintain appropriate boundaries and behaviour, but it is also very rewarding to see people's lives change. Two thriving groups for toddlers and carers meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during term-time, providing welcome care and support. A well- attended bereavement drop-in group meets on Mondays. Oasis Uxbridge also has a significant ministry beyond the church building. We have built good relationships with individuals and organisations through networking, through active involvement with town centre events and services (including a Remembrance Sunday Parade, Carol Concerts and Civic Services) and through the development of chaplaincy style relationships (including with the local Metropolitan Police). Links with Other Churches We are committed partners with Churches Together in Uxbridge (CTU) and our clergy pray regularly with other ministers in the town. Various joint churches' ministries have evolved from the good relationships which have developed. These include: Guiding Lights - based in the Coffee Shop, these weekly sessions provide dedicated support for those seeking help and advice with their personal needs. Hillingdon Foodbank - volunteers work out of the Coffee Shop on Mondays and Fridays. Hillingdon Street Angels - based from St Margaret's, volunteer teams offer support to those out late in Uxbridge on Friday and Saturday nights.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 11 Global Mission We are committed to tithing all our income. Currently we direct prayer and financial support to 6 ‘core’ missions, both at home and overseas. These are CPAS, A Rocha, CMS, Barnabas Fund, Scripture Union and the Amos Trust. Links are fostered through regular Mission Focus weeks. One of our church members has just started working with CMS in a "sensitive" part of the world. Some individual church members are also very active in supporting other mission causes including missions to persecuted minorities. Mission Action Plan Our Mission Action Plan dates from 2013. Much has been implemented including the following: A leadership structure known as the Operations Group. A weekly intercessary prayer meeting. Refurbishment of the Coffee Shop. Expanded ministry to vulnerable people, including Guiding Lights. A new congregation, Messy Church, started 3 years ago. New volunteer leaders recruited to support the work with young people An Operations Manager appointed 2.5 years ago to support the running and good order of the church building. A new responsive website launched. A new database using ChurchSuite implemented. New appointment of a Children and Families Worker.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 12 Resources Staff St Margaret's and the Uxbridge Parish have a committed staff team which has a wealth of diverse experience and works closely together. Currently only the Rector and Associate Vicar, who combines this role with the Town Centre Ministry, are stipendiary. They are supported by 2 SSMs at St Margaret’s and 2 SSMs at St Andrew’s, but everyone preaches and presides regularly in both churches. Historically we have been a training Parish for curates. There are a number of part-time lay staff, including the Parish Administrator, the St Margaret’s Operations Manager, the Coffee Shop Manager, and 2 Pastoral Outreach Workers, job-sharing pastoral support within the Coffee Shop during opening hours. Line management is shared among the core clergy and experienced staff. There are weekly Parish staff meetings. To co-ordinate the running of St Margaret's various ministries, keep staff up to date, and support each other, an Operations Group, accountable to the Church Council, was formed 5 years ago. Eight areas were identified, each headed up by a clergy or lay person. They include: Leadership, Discipleship, Worship and Congregations, Prayer and Spirituality, Children and Families' Ministry, Youth Ministry, Outreach and Resources. The group meets monthly and those responsible for each area report back (see chart on page 16).
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 13 The Team Clergy Team Rector and Vicar of St Andrew's: Rev Canon Andrew Studdert- Kennedy from November 2018 Town Centre Minister and Associate Vicar: Rev June Hughman. Deaconed in 1989 and priested in 1994 June joined the team in 2000. St. Margaret’s Curate: Rev Tina Rapson (SSM). After 12 years’ service as one of our Pastoral Outreach Workers Tina was ordained in 2016. Parish Curate: Fr. Dioynisious (Dion) Antony (SSM). Formerly a Roman Catholic priest, now a full-time nurse, Dion was licensed in January 2018. Retired Priest: Rev Tim Atkins (SSM). Ordained in 1974 Tim has been active at St Margaret’s since 2011. St. Andrew’s Assistant Priest: Fr. John Jenkins (SSM). After retirement and moving to the parish in 2010, Fr. John was ordained in 2014. Paid Lay Staff Parish Youth Worker: James Wood joined us in August 2017 after 2 previous posts in youth ministry. Children and Families Worker (Part-time): Lara Seymour from January 2019 Parish Administrator (Part-time): Lesley Tasker. Operations Manager (Part-time): Paul Woodruff. Coffee Shop Manager (Part-time): Carole Taylor. Outreach Pastoral Workers (Part-time) Paula Fairbairn and Nicky McCarroll. Licenced and Commissioned Lay Ministers: LLMs: Anne Atkins, Mick Benner, Jackie Woodruff. CLMs: Paula Fairbairn, Jo Mason.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 14
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 15 Role of Associate Vicar and Town Centre Minister In her role as Associate Minister June works in partnership with the Vicar and other leaders in the strategic development of St Margaret's ministry. She is actively involved in leading worship and preaching on Sundays and midweek, and oversees our Songs of Praise and Messy Church congregations. She is a member of the Operations Group, with responsibility for 'Outreach', including promotion of the Missions we support financially, and 'Children and Families', including safeguarding. She is training incumbent for the Assistant Curate and line manages the Children and Families Worker. She has close links with some of the local primary schools, regularly taking assemblies and supporting them in other ways. In her role as Town Centre Minister, June oversees the pastoral care provided through the Oasis Coffee Shop and line manages the Outreach Pastoral Workers. She oversees the associated community ministries, including the toddler groups, bereavement drop-in and business lunches. She is on the management team of Hillingdon Street Angels. She has a visible presence in the town, seeking to build good relationships through networking, active involvement with town centre events and services, and through the provision of chaplaincy support for individuals and organisations eg. the Metropolitan Police. She also oversees opportunities for people to engage with God through midday prayers, midweek services and Alpha courses. We recognise these roles will evolve in the context of the new Team Rector now being at St Andrew's, and a fresh team coming together within the Parish.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 16 Buildings Church St Margaret’s church building was completely refurbished in the 1980’s. The east facing alignment of the larger south aisle was reversed and the pews removed. This now forms the main congregational area seating up to 200 people. The east end of the original north aisle has been kept as a chapel where smaller mid-week services are held. The opposite end had a new ceiling installed and now forms the Coffee Shop area with a small kitchen and 2 toilets. The Coffee Shop area can be incorporated into the main congregational area when the dividing glass doors are opened. Work space for staff is very cramped and limited. The vestry is used as an office during the week. Another office upstairs provides space for the Parish Administrator and other staff. Above the Coffee Shop is a large meeting room, another small room, a 'kitchenette', and 2 more toilets. In addition to the St Margaret’s church building, rooms and kitchen facilities are also available in St Andrew’s Church Hall and the Uxbridge Centre. Vicarage A new vicarage, a detached 4 bedroom house in a quiet residential location, is in the process of being purchased. It is within easy walking distance of St Margaret's. Parking near the church is difficult but can be arranged. Technology In the last year the Parish has installed ChurchSuite to provide a secure database for member contact details, service planning, diary scheduling, venue bookings etc. Our two websites have also been relaunched and we have a dedicated Facebook page. A GDPR sub-group of the PCC is helping us comply with recent data protection legislation. The PA system has recently been upgraded and a new data projector has been bought. We need more qualified volunteers to help keep us up to date with advancing technology.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 17 Legacies Three years ago St Margaret's was left several large legacies. A decision was made to tithe this legacy money. Financial support has now been given to several specific projects, including an orphanage in Burundi, linked to the Amos Trust, and a CMS missionary from St Margaret's, working in a sensitive area of the world. The posts of Operations Manager and Children and Families' Worker are being funded from these legacies. The church is also exploring the feasability of creating additional space within or near our existing church building. Finances St Margaret’s finances represent approximately 70% of the overall parish position. Giving has been fairly stable at £170,000 since 2010. Although general expenditure has mostly exceeded income over the past 8 years we have been able to maintain projects through the use of savings and, since 2015, money received from three significant legacies. Our philosophy has been to support our 6 core mission partner charities with 10% of our routine annual income. The graphs below, and on page 19, show the position on general income and expenditure:
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 18
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 19 We also have a long-term policy across the Uxbridge Parish of giving above our costs to the Diocese of London Common Fund. The eventual aim is to achieve 110%, although the actual percentage in excess of costs varies between years. It currently stands at 106%. Although each church manages its finances separately, some costs, for example, the Youth Worker and Parish Administrator are shared 2:1 (St Margaret’s : St Andrew’s), in line with the clergy presence. In addition to our standard income we also have some endowment trust funds. The capital can only be spent in very limited circumstances, as the money was given towards the purchase of a church hall. However it is invested to provide ongoing benefit to the life of the Church. For example we have part ownership in two properties, providing housing for the Town Centre Minister and a Parish Curate. The remainder is invested to generate a regular income which supports the work of the church. At the time of receiving the recent legacies the Church Council decided to spend this money over a 10 year period. We wanted to use it for specific projects but were also conscious that part of it may be required to cover any shortfall of income against expenditure on our regular activities. While the use of savings and legacy money is a short-term fix when expenditure exceeds income, we are looking for a new vicar who will help us to grow both our congregations and income, in order to secure the long-term future of the mission and ministry of St Margaret's within the parish As a registered charity (no: 1128875) the annual report and accounts of the Parish are uploaded each year to the Charity Commission website (the latest being for 2017). Candidates are invited to visit our record to explore the full picture in more detail. The last four pages of each year show the position for both churches in the Parish with the St Margaret’s details being found on pages 25 and 26 of the 2017 file.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 20 Parish Setting Uxbridge Our two churches are at either end of Uxbridge High Street. St Margaret’s is in the town centre, close to a pedestrianised shopping area and the Underground terminus. Across the road from St Andrew's Church, St Andrew's Park, previously the site of RAF Uxbridge, is being redeveloped with residential and office buildings, plus a new primary school. St Andrew's Park lies partly in the neighbouring parish of St John's Hillingdon. Shared mission to this area is being developed with the support of the Area Bishop. Residents come from a wide variety of socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds and live in equally diverse housing, largely within walking distance of the centre. Whilst two thirds of the 26,000 population are white, the ethnic mix is increasing and is reflected in our growing congregations. There are good educational opportunities for every age group up to and including University level, and good leisure facilities. Hillingdon Hospital is 2 miles away.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 21 Hillingdon Deanery There are 19 parishes in the deanery which, covers the London Borough of Hillingdon. Within its boundaries are one Church of England secondary school and 5 Church primary schools. About 30 clergy, both stipendiary and SSM, serve the area, reflecting a diversity of traditions. Chapter meetings are bi- monthly. The Diocese of London and Willesden Area As part of the Diocese we share the strategic goals set out in the Capital Vision 2020. Confident in speaking and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Compassionate in serving communities with the love of God the Father. Creative in reaching new people and places with the Good News in the power of the Spirit. Within the Diocese we are part of the Willesden Area led by the Area Bishop, Rt. Rev. Pete Broadbent. St Andrew's School The Parish enjoys a good relationship with St Andrew's Church of England Primary School. Parish staff take assemblies each week and there are regular school eucharists in both churches. We also have an active involvement with the Governing Body and with the School in a variety of others ways.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 22 St Margaret's Vicar: the Job Responsible to: Team Rector Overall Purpose The Vicar of St. Margaret’s Church in the Uxbridge Team Ministry leads this Christian community in living and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. St. Margaret’s is ‘one church with many congregations’ and a diverse range of worshipping styles, but it is united by its common vision “To see lives transformed in Uxbridge through knowing God’s love and living Christ’s way” In pursuing this vision, they would normally chair the St. Margaret’s Church Council which sets the strategic direction for the church, and lead the Operations Group which oversees the implementation of our mission and ministry. Role Profile You will provide spiritual depth across the whole church, thereby leading us towards a greater fulfilment of St Margaret’s vision through your example, your teaching and by directing our life as a community. You will have particular responsibility for the oversight of our strategic plan (Mission Action Plan) and for working with our existing leadership to identify future actions to achieve the vision. Examples include reviving and developing small groups, drawing in groups of people we are not reaching well (especially in the 20s - 30s age range), expanding our pastoral care and addressing the challenge presented by a busy and cramped church building, which can at times be stretched to the limit. For all age groups you will enrich our worship, through encouraging a greater understanding of our Christian faith and the Scriptures, while also leading us into a deeper personal encounter with God through the work of the Holy Spirit and prayer. You will encourage and enable every member to play their part and use their gifts, by developing personal discipleship, helping to build teams, and encouraging pastoral care and ministry across the whole church family. This will include developing and training leaders in the church.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 23 You will have a wholehearted commitment to mission and community engagement, helping St. Margaret’s to remain outward and forward looking. You will support the work of the Town Centre Minister and think strategically about our future mission alongside St. Andrew’s. You will engage enthusiastically in the partnership with St. Andrew’s Church, stimulating co-operation across the parish, and encourage joint activities so that we learn from each other, share traditions and grow together. You will demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to our Children’s and Youth Work, supporting the part-time Children and Families Worker and full- time Youth Worker, along with their teams of leaders. You will help integrate all ages into our worshipping life. You will play a full part in maintaining the close relationship between both churches and St. Andrew’s Church of England Primary School, maintain our well-developed links with other schools in the Parish and Scouting groups, thereby helping to sustain the spiritual lives of children in the area. You will act as line manager for the Town Centre Minister, the Assistant Curate, the Operations Manager and other staff as appropriate, and have a deep concern for the welfare of all staff and key lay leaders. You will work closely with the Team Rector at St. Andrew’s, the Associate Vicar and Town Centre Minister, other clergy and staff in the Team, joining with them in a pattern of daily prayer, weekly staff meetings and Church Councils. You will be an integral member of ‘Churches Together in Uxbridge’ and committed to joining in prayer with other ministers. Person Profile You will be committed to the vision and values of St. Margaret’s, and supportive of various styles of worship in the Parish, embracing our commitment to renewal, mission and exploring 'Fresh Expressions' of Church. You will be confident and secure in your relationship with God, and have a deep personal faith which enables you to listen prayerfully to God’s will for His church. This will influence all aspects of your ministry and teaching of the faith. You will be responsible for the leadership of a complex and dynamic church, and skilled at enabling other leaders to grow, flourish and serve.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 24 You will be someone with a pastoral heart, sensitive and approachable, and value the diverse range of people in St. Margaret’s, including a significant number of vulnerable adults. You will be an inspiring and Biblically based preacher and teacher of the faith. You will maintain good relationships within the clergy team and with the laity. Previous experience of working collaboratively with larger groups where there has been shared decision-making and acceptance of delegation would be helpful. You will be sufficiently experienced and skilled to lead a large church, while being sufficiently humble to work with the Team Rector and to accept his overall leadership of the Team Ministry. You will be Christ-like in your interactions with people, respecting, affirming and guiding individuals, whilst mindful of the views of the members of the church. How We Will Care for You We will aim to support you practically and spiritually in a way that enables you to give your best to us, including regular spiritual direction, conferences, retreats, and support from other clergy. Paid holiday entitlement is 6 weeks per annum, including 6 Sundays.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 25 Consultation Consultation with Church Members A questionnaire was circulated to all church members, including children and young people. Key themes generated by the responses are reflected in the comments below: Character and Personal Faith ‘You will need to balance the needs of a busy church with your own spiritual life’. Other comments included needing resilience, stamina, energy, and the grace to be ‘at home in your own skin’. Leadership ‘We hope you will have "fresh eyes" to recognise God’s leading’. ‘You will need to balance strategic aspects with daily operational demands’. Managing change will need to be done sensitively, including decisions around the use of the bequests. Children and Young People This should be a top priority, enabling us to become, an even more vibrant church for all ages Worship, Preaching and Teaching and Prayer You will ‘cherish the congregations’ as well as having an outward-looking, evangelistic heart. Discipleship You will inspire us to grow in our knowledge and love of God, so ‘we know we are true heirs and children of God’. You will work with us to develop and release our gifts and relaunch our ‘root’ groups. Mission and Community Engagement With the Town Centre Minister, you will help us continue to develop a visible, inclusive, open-church ministry to the whole community. Children's comments The new vicar should be kind, loving, funny, happy, helpful, not selfish or angry, and come to Sunday school and Messy Church - with refreshments!
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH PROFILE | 26 Moving Forward We aim to be “light in darkness”, relevant to, and engaged with the diverse community we serve. We also want to be a friendly and open community, where everyone can feel they belong, and are connected and supported. Through prayer and serving we want to keep on track with God’s purposes for us as ambassadors for his Kingdom in an ever-changing world. Pressures of today’s culture and family life have resulted in fluctuating attendance at services and weakened connections for some within our church family. We are mindful of our large ‘fringe’ and eager to build on what works well, while being open to change and a fresh vision for the future. Our small groups have struggled and we now need new creative thinking in this area. We are recognised for embracing a wide diversity of people and want to continue purposefully to make space for vulnerable adults, whilst at the same time providing a safe environment for visitors and all who worship and work at St Margaret’s. Welcoming people, including those facing mental health issues, homelessness and addiction can be uncomfortable, and at times disruptive, but also very rewarding. Such challenges can impact our ability to meet the needs of other church members, and also affect income for the Coffee Shop, so this ministry requires careful management. All generations are very important to us. With the appointment of our Parish Youth Worker and Children & Families Worker we are committed to enabling future generations learn and grow together. Within our congregations young adults are under-represented, so we are open to new expressions of church to reach this age group. We have been very blessed by the generous legacies, which have enabled us to create new staff positions. We tithe our income and seek to bless others as we have been blessed. Our trust income has kept us financially solvent. However, general giving is currently not keeping pace with our outgoings, so our stewardship will need urgent attention. We eagerly await our next vicar and are prayerful for you as you consider your application.
ng
Design & Publicity Solutions for Churches
SPIRES CHURCH PUBLICITY
church-publicity.orgYou can also read
