bridgnorth team ministry

Transcription

Bridgnorth Team Ministry
& the Morville Group
Bridgnorth, Shropshire - Ludlow Archdeaconry, Hereford Diocese
Parish Profiles and Statement of Needs
Bridgnorth is physically divided by the River Severn into two parts, known as High Town and Low Town,
with the Telford-designed Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene situated on the sandstone outcrop of High
Town. It is the northern terminus of the Severn Valley Railway, has the oldest and steepest inland electric
cliff railway in the country, and was the first town in Shropshire to achieve Fair Trade status.
The Bridgnorth Team Ministry serves the historic market town parish of Bridgnorth and four adjoining
parishes of Astley Abbotts, Oldbury, Tasley and Quatford. Located in beautiful countryside in the Severn
Valley, between the West Midlands conurbation and the Welsh borders, the area is popular for tourism.
The Morville Group group comprises five ancient, listed, places of worship in the parishes of Morville,
Acton Round, Aston Eyre, and Monkhopton with Upton Cressett. Services are ministered by a priest-incharge, and two retired priests, who together with active lay participation, provide regular and varied
worship. The churches are all of Norman or earlier construction, well maintained and contributing fully to
the deanery quota. In 2008 the Rector of Bridgnorth was appointed Priest-in-Charge.
Bridgnorth Team Ministry & The Morville Group - Parish Profiles & Statement of Needs - January 2011
Throughout the area there is a fair social mix, with some council as well as a variety of privately owned
properties, and at present there is a considerable growth in housing provision. Local employment
opportunities are limited with much of the working population commuting to Wolverhampton (18 miles)
or Telford (12 miles). Public administration, health and education account for 21% of employment in the
district, manufacturing 14%, wholesale and retail 15% - and agriculture 5%, which is above the regional
average. The unemployment rate is significantly below the regional average, as is the presence of ethnic
minorities. The area is dependent on bus services for public transport.
There are five primary schools: County, Roman Catholic, C of E Aided and two C of E Controlled. The two
secondary schools have Specialist College status (Bridgnorth Endowed – Technology; Oldbury Wells –
Science). All the schools have very good reputations in the area.
The town benefits from a recently expanded hospital, and a modern medical practice with pharmacy.
There are four residential/nursing homes and a significant growth in accommodation for retired people.
The deanery is undergoing a time of change at present and this offers creative opportunities in
developing ministry within the wider area.
The Local Ministry Development Group (sometimes called the Local Ministry Team)
The Diocese of Hereford has a strategy for mission and ministry based on the development of local
ministry shared between ordained clergy and laity. Bridgnorth formed its first Ministry Team twelve years
ago. There have been two reviews since then and currently the group consists of nine lay deacons and
four clergy. Our present Team is made up of people with varied backgrounds and experiences. There is a
deep commitment to work together and, using this diversity, to enrich the life of church and community.
The Local Ministry Development Group is practically involved in various ways, including leading home
communions, school assemblies and church worship, and also seeking to develop the involvement of
others in God’s work in this place and engaging with the wider community. In addition to reading lessons,
leading intercessions and administering communion, members of the congregations also take part in
bereavement visiting, baptism support, marriage preparation, the ministry of healing, and leading groups
and visiting.
Team Plan
The LMT is involved in the formation of the policy documents and the development of the Team Plan
each year. The Plan is a wide ranging document covering all aspects of the church’s life and activities. In
the coming year the Team would hope to develop quiet days and local retreats, encourage more family
worship, initiate contact with new housing developments and seek to encourage a greater team identity
among all five parishes, and the Morville group of four rural parishes to the north of the town, as well as
supporting other potential initiatives.
Page 2 of 20
Present Team members of licensed ministers
Team Rector: Simon Cawdell
Simon was appointed in June 2010 having previously served twelve years as Vicar of
Claverley and Tuck Hill in the same Deanery. He has been Rural Dean of Bridgnorth since
February 2009 and is presently the Bishop’s Advisor on Healing Ministry. Along with Sarah,
his wife, who is an ordained Public Preacher in the Diocese, he leads the Ministry Team at
New Wine CSW conferences. He has recently been elected to General Synod, and is also vice
chair of the evangelical group Fulcrum. His great affection for the area stems from the fact
he was born in Bridgnorth and he longs to see the town and its surrounding parishes become alive for
God.
Team Vicar: Post vacant
Reader: Marjorie Brooks
Marjorie retired from teaching special needs children three years ago, and has since trained
for Reader ministry which she undertakes full time. She acts as the Co-ordinator for
Pastoral Care in the Team and takes a full part in the liturgical life of the benefice. She also
fills an invaluable role as the Deanery Secretary.
Assistant clergy
The licensed staff are presently assisted by a number of clergy with permission to officiate: Rev Hugh
Patterson, who leads at Morville; Rev John Ward, who leads at Aston Eyre and Monkhopton; and
Rev Preb John Deakin, who leads at Acton Round. Rev Ray Gill, a retired Baptist minister, also assists in
the Team churches. Rev John Webb has been assisting in the parishes of Tasley and Astley Abbotts
during the last year, and we are in the process of making this a more formal arrangement.
Staff members meet daily for morning prayer, except on days off, and weekly for a more formal staff
time. We find the daily contact invaluable for team cohesion. They are also part of the wider ministry
team which meets twice monthly to co-ordinate ministry across the whole area.
Housing
The Vicarage is situated at 32 Goodwood Avenue, WV15 5BD, a
mid-20th century solid house just off the A456 in Bridgnorth, east of
the River Severn. It comprises kitchen, dining room, study,
cloakroom and a large lounge, with four bedrooms, bathroom and
en suite on the first floor. It has a good sized enclosed garden, has
just had its quinquennial, and comes with new double glazing, facia
and guttering, and electric shower. Its position provides easy access
to all areas of the benefice, including good schools.
Ecumenical Relations
Within the town there are Roman Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, United Reformed and Evangelical
church members. Relationships are good and while there is no Churches Together group established,
there is a Ministers' Fraternal. There are ecumenical lunches during the Week of Prayer and on
Wednesdays in Lent, together with united services at various points in the year. In addition there is a
team of people from churches across the town taking the Open the Book programme to local schools.
There is also a recently formed ecumenical group concerned with environmental issues.
Page 3 of 20
Outreach
Parishes support agencies at home and abroad. These include the Brothers of the Good Shepherd in
Wolverhampton (working with the homeless); Children's Society; Christian Aid; Bridgnorth Africa Project;
Leprosy Mission; Under-Tree Schools in Sudan; and support for Mothers' Union projects and initiatives.
Overseas links also exist through personal contacts with House Group members.
Office facilities
A Team Office operates at St Leonard’s Hall and is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 11.30am,
with a part time administrator in post.
Team Vision and Plan
In conjunction with Wardens and PCCs, the Local Ministry Development Group produces and implements
an annual plan for mission and ministry. The latest version is attached as an appendix, and has been
reconfigured to highlight the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion.
Current priorities are centred around the making and growing of disciples, and the new Team Vicar will
have a central role to play in the leadership of this across the benefice. A series of Policy Documents is in
place that enables us to identify aims and objectives and to implement and regularly review them.
There are five parishes and churches in the Bridgnorth Team, and a further four in the Morville Group. In
addition, services are taken in two hall churches in the town which are managed by St Mary’s Bridgnorth
PCC. These are in residential areas and are used extensively by community groups, and as such are
bases for outreach.
The Bridgnorth Team was created in the mid 1970s when the parishes of St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth;
St Nicholas, Oldbury; St Peter and St Paul, Tasley; and St Calixtus, Astley Abbotts combined. The parish
of St Mary Magdalene, Quatford was added in 1982.
The Morville Group was added to the benefice in 2008, having been under the pastoral care of
Rev Hugh Patterson since 1974, working as a SSM. As can be seen above Hugh retains a role in the
Group which is appreciated.
Each of the nine parishes has its own PCC.
Churchwardens meet with members of the Local Ministry Development Group two or three times a year
to discuss Team matters and devises the annual Team Plan. Finance is parish based but with a Team
Treasurer and Team account operating to manage items and issues relating to Team expenditure.
Expenses are met in full.
Page 4 of 20
STATEMENT OF NEEDS
The benefice is emerging from a difficult period following illness to a long serving and much loved Rector.
With the appointment of Rev Simon Cawdell as Team Rector, it is refocusing its ministry around the Five
Marks of Mission following an Episcopal challenge to identify how it can make and grow disciples. The
challenge is being embraced warmly and outreach is being planned and implemented. This will build
upon the work done surrounding occasional offices, of which there are many; Messy Church; regular
prayer and healing ministry; and the significant social programmes of the churches. These are churches
with a genuine desire for growth, and a willingness to explore how that might come about.
Bridgnorth and its surrounding parishes have a very wide variety of social contexts, including landed
wealthy, and those struggling with significant social problems stemming from poverty. There are two
significant areas of social housing in the benefice, and one of the principal employers of the area is
undergoing restructuring, which will involve significant redundancies. There are many openings for
Mission. Our links with local primary schools are excellent, and there is scope to expand the use of the
two church owned halls. Several of the churches hold regular family worship services. There are five
home groups meeting in the benefice and into this context we are planning outreach courses and preevangelism as soon as practicable.
Our ideal candidate will love people and variety. He or she will relish the challenge of dealing with a very
wide cross section of society, will be at ease with those whose families have lived in the area for many
generations, and will enjoy the company of newcomers. Similarly, whilst many of our services use the
modern forms of liturgy, we would want someone who also has a genuine love for the aesthetic and
musical traditions of the Church. We are looking for a colleague who will have the experience to lead in
evangelism and the nurture of disciples across the benefice and who will take the pastoral lead in two of
the churches - Oldbury and Quatford - which would include the running of PCCs and all other functions
pertaining to an incumbent in a team context.
In the new style of ministry across Bridgnorth Deanery, the successful candidate will take responsibility
for this area of work as Deanery Mission Advisor, formulating strategies across the differing contexts of
the Deanery in collaboration with colleagues in those parishes. In doing this, they will be resourced by
diocesan contacts and would be expected to bring national developments to the attention of colleagues.
In this role the post holder will be co-ordinating with the Deanery Lay Training Officer, and the Deanery
Children & Young People's Officer.
We are looking for a person to:
 be an inspiring leader in faith and worship;
 be an excellent communicator, and good team player;
 be able to embrace, develop and guide the varied patterns of worship and pastoral care already
developing within the Team and Group, and to bring innovative, fresh and challenging ideas to the
parishes in all aspects of the ministry, and encourage the work of its lay members;
 be competent to train and mentor ordained and lay colleagues;
 be willing to lead congregations in their pursuit of mission, and especially the making and growing of
disciples, and to be able to demonstrate expertise in this area;
 be able to encourage and build on existing ecumenical links within the area.
And finally to approach this role with faith, humour and humanity.
We know only saints will be eligible, but if we don’t ask . . .!
Page 5 of 20
PARISH OF BRIDGNORTH
Church of St Mary Magdalene
The first Norman Castle chapel dedicated to St Mary Magdalene was built at
the turn of the 12th century when Bridgnorth was chosen by the Norman
Robert de Belesme who was charged with the control of the Welsh Marches,
and was part of the fortified stronghold established on the end of the
sandstone outcrop at Bridgnorth. The Norman castle was held by the
Royalists during the Civil War, and was finally taken and destroyed by the
Parliamentarians in 1645.
The present St Mary Magdalene, designed by Thomas Telford and
consecrated in 1796, is a Grade II* listed building, and is unusual insofar as it
is oriented north - south. The 1796 church was extended in the late 19th
century when a chancel and sanctuary was added, along with Victorian pews.
The church has recently been redecorated, is in good repair and has both kitchen and toilet facilities.
A Father Willis organ was installed in 2008, which is used extensively for worship and strengthens
St Mary’s long tradition for musical and choral excellence. Currently the church is raising funds for the
replacement of the raised timber floors, which are deteriorating due to fungal and worm attack, work
which it is hoped will be undertaken in the next two years.
Bridgnorth was also served by St Leonard’s Church in the centre of the town, the first church being built
in the 13th century. Used by the Parliamentary Forces during the civil war, St Leonard’s was damaged
during that time and had various rebuilds, until it was finally declared redundant in the mid 1970s due to
rising maintenance and repair costs. It is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Selected
services are still held there, including the annual town Remembrance Service in November, and the
building is also used for local exhibitions, fairs and community functions.
In addition, at either end of town, there are two Hall Churches which are used for worship and local
community activities. St Leonard’s Hall Church is near Tasley and houses the Team Office;
St James' Hall Church is the other side of the river, in Low Town.
The People
The church caters for all ages and provides special facilities for children including Junior Church, a Crèche
and a Family Room. A 'Little Stars' service for the Under 5s runs on Tuesday mornings during term time.
A 'Messy Church' service is held each month at St James Hall Church, which is well supported by all of
the team churches and also has its own flourishing congregation. This has now been expanded to
St Leonard’s Hall at the other end of town. Other groups include Mothers' Union, Ladies Group, three
House Groups, and a monthly Friendship Lunch at a local hostelry. The Friends of St Mary’s arrange
frequent social and fundraising events. We have an active team of bell-ringers, and our robed servers
assist at communions.
St Mary’s has an excellent musical life with a Musical Director & Organist, an assistant organist, a robed
adult choir and a large and dedicated group of choristers. The church is host to many musical events
and concerts throughout the year and recently had a Father Willis organ installed. Drama is used during
monthly family communion services, and there is a healing ministry team which staffs morning services
and is the core of a prayer circle.
Bridgnorth Community Hospital is also a key focus of ministry, together with schools and residential
homes. Lay people are involved in this and other areas of pastoral ministry.
Page 6 of 20
Finances
The parish share is paid in full although this sometimes involves drawing on reserves.
Statistics
Electoral Roll
= 188
Baptisms
= 28
Weddings
=8
Funerals
= 72 (church and crematorium)
Average Attendance = 96 (81 communicants)
Services
The church offers a variety of forms and styles of worship.
Sunday services:
8.00am: Holy Communion – said (BCP 2nd & 4th Sundays)
10.30am: Sung Communion (4th Sunday – Family Communion, 5th Sundays – Family Communion at the
hall churches)
12.15pm: Baptisms (1st & 3rd Sundays)
6.30pm: Choral Evensong
Mid Week
8.30am Morning Prayer (except Fridays)
Wednesday: 10.30am: BCP Holy Communion – said
Little Stars: Tuesday 9.30am during term time
Other Sunday services in the parish:
10.30am: St Leonard’s Hall (1st Sunday Family Service, 3rd Sunday Family Communion)
3.00pm: St James’ Hall (2nd & 4th Sunday Holy Communion)
4.00pm: Hospital Communion
Messy Church: (4.00pm – 6.00pm: 4th Wednesday at St James Hall Church plus occasionally at St
Leonard's Hall Church)
Page 7 of 20
PARISH OF OLDBURY WITH EARDINGTON
The Church of Saint Nicholas
The church is situated in the small village of Oldbury on the outskirts
of Bridgnorth. Originally a daughter church of Morville, it became
independent after the dissolution of Shrewsbury Abbey. There has
been a church on the site since the 12th century, first recorded in
1138. It is largely the product of a Victorian restoration. In 1948 it
joined with St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth. It is a small attractive
church with limited kitchen facilities added in 1993. The church has
good parking facilities for up to 40 cars.
The People
The parish of Oldbury also serves the neighbouring village of Eardington and two estates on the edge of
Bridgnorth. Eardington does not have a church, but church members do organise occasional events in the
Village Hall, which is sometimes used for fund raising activities. There is a lively social programme which
brings people together and raises funds for the church. Parishioners are presently working with the
community to secure the future of the WI Hall for village events. The church organist leads the Quatford
and Oldbury choir, who also sing at special events in the church calendar, and all services include hymns.
Finances
The parish share is paid in full.
Statistics
The Electoral Roll has
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Average attendance
=
=
=
=
=
80
3
5
9
18
Services
The church sees itself as ‘middle of the road’.
The 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays:
CW Communion
The 2nd Sunday:
PB Communion
The 4th Sunday:
Lay led worship
Page 8 of 20
PARISH OF ASTLEY ABBOTTS
The Church of St Calixtus
The church of St Calixtus is situated 3 miles out of Bridgnorth,
just off the Bridgnorth to Broseley Road. Astley Abbotts is a small
village; its church has an idyllic setting with a small stream
running alongside the churchyard. The village has recently
increased with the addition of new housing.
The church was consecrated in 1138 by Bishop Betton. It is
mainly Norman with Anglo-Saxon roots, with Roman tufa stone
found in the walls. A later addition was built during the mid
1800s. The church is in good condition. A village hall is used for
church community functions.
The People
The church community in Astley Abbotts consists of a broad range of ages. There is faithful support for
all services and events within the parish. The Friends of St Calixtus, a community group, successfully
undertake fundraising for the fabric of the building. The PCC with the Friends have recently completed a
project to restore the bells. Seasonal activity mornings are held in the village hall and are well attended
by families. The church is very much a focal point in the village, which is reflected in the care given to
the churchyard and interior. All services include hymns as the parish has an excellent organist.
Finances
Statistics
Electoral Roll
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Average Attendance
=
=
=
=
=
Services
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
5th Sunday
Family Service (Lay Led)
BCP Communion
CW Communion
Morning Prayer
CW Communion
9.30am
9.00am
9.00am
9.00am
9.00am
71
5
6
11
18
Page 9 of 20
PARISH OF QUATFORD
Church of St Mary Magdalene
The church of St Mary Magdalene is 3 miles from Bridgnorth on the
A442 to Kidderminster. It was built in 1086 (on the promise of
love), and was the site of the first Parish Church, until it was
replaced by the building of the church in Bridgnorth.
The church is constructed of sandstone and tufa. It is in good
condition, excepting a recent serious theft of lead from the roof,
which has now been repaired. Nearly 40 steps lead up to the
church. Installed in 2005, an electrically powered lift enables the
disabled (or tired!) access.
The People
A small but faithful congregation is made up of mainly retired people. Most of the congregation live in the
town, not the village. The parishes of Quatford and Oldbury combine to form an excellent choir which
sings at special services and for various social and fundraising events. All services include hymns as the
church has an excellent organist who also leads the choir. A recently refurbished village hall offers a
venue for community events. Efforts are being made to further links with the village community
Finances
Statistics
Electoral Roll
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Average Attendance
=
=
=
=
=
Services
9.00am 1st Sunday:
2nd Sunday:
3rd, 4th & 5th Sunday:
72
5
4
5
15-18
Family Communion
BCP Communion
CW Communion
Page 10 of 20
PARISH OF TASLEY
Church of St Peter and St Paul
The church of St Peter and St Paul is set in a semi-rural position on
the west side of Bridgnorth. Built of local brick it was constructed in
1840 and seats 90-100. It is in good overall condition. There has
been a church on this site since 1138. All church fund raising
events are held in the Village Hall.
The churchyard is set in a beautiful location and is popular and
much visited.
The People
There are a few dwellings and farms nearby but the bulk of the parish is separated from the church. This
includes a private housing estate built in the 1990s, and currently a new development of 310 houses is
being constructed, 40% of which is social housing. This the parish sees as an opportunity for the
development for mission. The parish enjoys social and fund raising events during the year. All services at
10.30am other than a Sung Evensong for the Patronal Festival at 6.30pm, and all services include hymns
as the parish has an excellent organist. The parish acknowledges and enjoys the importance of being
part of the Bridgnorth Team Ministry and all of the facilities that it provides.
Finances
Statistics
Electoral Roll
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Average Attendance
=
=
=
=
=
57
6
2
14
20-24
Services
The Parish offers services based on the Book of Common Prayer.
1st, 4th & 5th Sundays: BCP- Holy Communion
2nd Sunday:
Lay-led
3rd Sunday:
Morning Prayer - Sung
Page 11 of 20
PARISH OF MORVILLE
Church of St Gregory the Great
The church is in a rural setting, within an enclosed area in a field,
which includes a car park and is approached by a driveway.
The building was completed in 1118 and retains almost all of the
original Norman features and was constructed within the precincts
of a Priory establishment. This was destroyed in 1540, leaving the
church as the Parish place of worship.
The interior presents a warm and friendly atmosphere which, being
adjacent to National Trust property, attracts many visitors.
Recent major construction projects have seen three-phase electricity, enabling quartz halogen heating to
be added to give an acceptable comfort level, and in 2009 a redesigned vestry in the base of the tower
provided toilet and kitchenette facilities. The same year saw the retuning and additional bells re-hung,
within an upgraded ringing chamber.
The People
The parish draws on a village support of around 275 to which outlying farm and hamlets add another
100. The church enjoys the benefit of active fund raising and other voluntary support. Co-operation with
and participation from the C of E Primary school, together with activity groups using the modern village
hall, greatly encourages a busy and self sufficient community. The church has its own organist and all
services include hymns.
Finances
Statistics
Electoral Roll
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Average attendance
=
=
=
=
=
32
4
4
5
10-30
Services
The Parish offers services based on the BCP.
1st Sunday:
Communion
2nd Sunday:
Sunday School and Family Service
3rd Sunday:
Communion
4th Sunday:
Family Service
5th Sunday:
Healing Service
Page 12 of 20
PARISH OF ASTON EYRE
Church at Aston Eyre
Aston Eyre Church has no dedication and is a chapel of ease of St
Gregory’s Morville with its own PCC, and also has informal links with
Acton Round and Monkhopton parishes. The church was built in 1132 for
the owners of Aston Hall which was converted to agricultural use in the
18th century and is now a ruin. The church sits in the centre of this small
hamlet.
The church building is in good shape as was confirmed in the recent
Quinquennial report. A review of the access for disabled people has been carried out. The major
recommendation was concerning the old electric heating system which has now been replaced. There has
never been a graveyard but for the last 10 years the flower bed at the east end of the church has been
available for strewing ashes. Vehicle access to the church is with permission to use the drive belonging to
the owners of Church House. Pedestrian access is up steps from the road. The PCC employ a parishioner
on a casual basis to keep the churchyard tidy and members of the PCC mow the grass.
The People
There are some 24 households with about 50 adults and 9 children. This rural parish has five working
farms (not all the owners live in the village) and two smallholdings. The hamlet is 5 miles from
Bridgnorth. There is an excellent primary school in Morville, a mile away.
Finances
Statistics
Electoral Roll
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Average attendance
Services
2nd Sunday:
4th Sunday:
= 10
=0
=2
=0
= 10 – 12
10.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Common Worship
Page 13 of 20
PARISH OF ACTON ROUND
Church of St Mary the Virgin
The church consists of a predominantly Norman nave, 14th century
chancel and a timber framed belfry containing two ancient bells. In
the 18th century a mortuary chapel was added on to the north wall.
At the time of the 2001 census the population of Acton Round was 85
which is about half of what it was in 1841. It is and always has been
a farming community, with very little industry, although recently a
number of business units have been built on the site of the old filling
station at Muckley Cross.
The People
Many of the families living and working in the parish have been there for generations and perusal of the
old census returns will show names which are still very much in evidence today. There is no school, no
pub, no post office and no shop. Although the main A458 runs through the middle of the parish, the
majority of the parishioners live along the small, unmarked lanes which run off it.
The local children, of which there are around 20, attend the church primary school in Morville or the
secondary schools in either Bridgnorth or Much Wenlock. Members of the parish serve as school
governors and parish councilors. Although small the parish is a friendly and united community with the
church at its heart.
We are aware that the days when a community as small as ours could call upon the services of its own
vicar are long gone. We are fortunate in having a priest who has ably served the community for many
years supported by an, unfortunately diminishing, number of retired priests.
Our church is important to us as a community; its roots lie deep as do those of its congregation. We are
traditionalists who strongly support the use of the King James’ Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. We
are not however naive. We realise that our current priest and his colleagues will inevitably retire and
ministry patterns will change. The staff of the benefice need to be closely involved with these outlying
parishes and to understand our way of life, what drives us and where our strengths lie to serve
effectively.
Finances
Services
Twice monthly – Communion, and Evensong during the period of British Summer Time.
Page 14 of 20
PARISH OF MONKHOPTON WITH UPTON CRESSETT
The parish is known as Monkhopton with Upton Cressett. Access between the two is only a cart track
and the direct road (very narrow lane!) is from Morville. St Michael’s, Upton Cressett, no longer has
services and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
MONKHOPTON - Church of St Peter’s
This 12th century church serves a small hamlet of 86 people. The
land is all within one estate but is rented out to other farmers. The
church is heated and it and the churchyard are well maintained.
It is about 6 miles west of Bridgnorth, the nearest shopping centre.
Parishioners use the GP practices in Ditton Priors and Bridgnorth.
The children attend primary schools in Ditton Priors, Brockton,
Morville and Bridgnorth and move on to one of the two secondary
schools in Bridgnorth.
The People
Predominantly the parish (population 2001=183) is very rural with many scattered farms. There is no
shop, pub or post office, though there is an old people's home. There is no village hall or community
focal point, but parishioners are involved with community and fundraising events held in Morville.
Finances
Currently there are no church wardens and the church is struggling financially, but residents who are not
churchgoers have formed an active committee to pay its parish share and are successful so far.
Statistics
Attendance is low and there have been no baptisms, weddings or funerals in the last 12 months. There
are services at Christmas, Easter and Harvest.
UPTON CRESSETT - Church of St Michael's
St Michael’s Church stands in the grounds of Upton Cressett Hall.
Originally 12th century, but largely rebuilt in mid 19th century.
Page 15 of 20
Appendix
Team Vision Statement
Bridgnorth Team Ministry seeks to share God‘s love in community and world, so that in all our activities we show
Jesus Christ to those around us. We will endeavour to do this by:

worshipping God and praying for his help and guidance

inspiring and learning through each other’s strengths and gifts

honouring and embracing the five marks of mission of the Anglican Communion:
* tell * teach * tend * transform * treasure *
Policy Statement
We will work together with God and in his strength, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, to fulfill God’s Mission in
these five ways:
1 Proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom. (Tell)
2 Teaching, baptizing and nurturing new believers. (Teach)
3 Responding to human need by loving service. (Tend)
4 Seeking to transform unjust structures in society. (Transform)
5 Striving to safeguard the integrity of creation, to sustain and renew the life of the earth. (Treasure)
Note
Items following do not represent an exhaustive list of all that goes on in the churches at present and priority is not reflected in the
order of presentation. This plan is very much a work in progress as we seek to order our mission in line with the five marks of
mission, and respond to the challenge of making and growing disciples in the town and district around it.
1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom (Tell)
Proclamation may be in words – effective communication of the Gospel – but also in actions, by living the Good News
we preach.
2011 Initiatives:
A Explore development of St James' Hall worship and develop the role of St Leonard's Hall
1 See below for Messy Church at St Leonard’s Hall (F.1).
2 Seek public funding for the refurbishment of St James Hall.
3 Seek to explore café church possibilities for St Leonard’s Hall or other Fresh Expressions of church across the
team.
4 Undertake community consultation on The Grove and new estates in Tasley. Guidance will be forthcoming from
the Community Partnership and Funding Officer with regard to this.
B Develop Family Worship structures across the Team
1 More congregational involvement is required.
2 Services at St Mary’s are at present over long. In the first instance this needs to be tackled by the introduction of
a second communion point.
3 If that proves insufficient to solve the problem discussions must be held about the suitability of baptism and
communion taking place in the same service.
4 Greater co-ordination across the whole team should be explored. This will be explored by the family worship
group.
C Initiate School Eucharist at St Mary‘s (see also Teach)
1 The Headteacher is keen to see this developed.
2 Guidelines need to be worked through with the Education Dept for the reception of children to Communion where
there is no other church contact.
Page 16 of 20
D Eardington Initiative
1 At present Rev John Ward leads roughly quarterly events in the Village Hall. Church members are involved in
redevelopment plans for the Hall.
2 In the first instance a questionnaire to the community might assist in ascertaining community needs and hopes.
E Welcome packs
1 Being worked on; in the first instance a simple response card is required in each church for newcomers. This can
be followed up with a pack developed to show church events, organizations, home group contacts and
programmes for different groups.
F Initiate contact with the new Tasley development
1 Messy Church has been expanded into St Leonard’s Hall, with ecumenical support.
G Tasley/St Leonard’s Hall to explore links with the Brownies and Guides
1 Use contacts to publicise Messy Church in the first instance.
H Young Family Praise/Little Stars
1 This has been relaunched on Tuesday mornings, which was identified at the optimum time.
I
1
Children & Families
A Youth Worker for the churches has been progressed and an appointment is impending.
J Initiate Alpha Courses and Pre-evangelism events
1 Alpha Course planned for autumn.
Ongoing activities
A General
1 Sunday Worship services across the Team are maintained.
2 Morville Group services need to be integrated into the Team planning for information.
3 Regular special services need to be publicized across the whole group.
4 Hall Churches on 5th Sundays at Bridgnorth need to be used creatively.
B Messy Church
1 Continuing development and implementation as above (F1).
C Children & Families
1 Ongoing Family events need to be maintained and published eg Good Friday St. Leonard’s Hall.
D Workshops
1 Training requirements to be identified and pursued at Team and Deanery level.
2 Family worship needs regular review, and congregations need to be consulted as to the suitability of material for
the age range.
E Website
1 Run by Sue Thomas, this is clear, accessible and informative; steps could be taken to record sermons etc.
F Civic responsibilities
1 Hospital chaplaincy services.
2 The work of the ecumenical Pastoral Care Group needs to be maintained and supported. Co-ordination needs to
be established between its leadership and Marjorie Brooks as Team Pastoral Care Co-ordinator.
3 Contact with the Town Council needs to be maintained with regard to civic events.
4 The Bridgnorth Journal needs to be kept informed of church activities.
G Healing Ministry
1 This needs to be maintained and expanded across the team.
2 Open ministry to the public needs to be explored further with publicity.
3 Testimony of God’s grace needs to be encouraged in services, and via 'Cross+Link'.
H Publicity
1 Notice sheets are compiled and issued weekly, including Morville Group events.
2 Co-ordination is required to ensure timely publicity for church events in the media.
Page 17 of 20
2. To teach, baptize and nurture new believers (Teach)
Christian discipleship is about lifelong learning, so we need formal and informal resources for growing in faith, so that
the Church is a learning environment for all ages.
2011 Priorities
A Develop Family Worship structures across the Team
1 As above (Tell).
B Initiate School Eucharist at St. Mary‘s
1 As above (Tell).
C Develop periodic Quiet Days, local Retreats and away days/weekends.
1 Follow up LMT away-day annually, PCC away-day, and whole team weekend for 2012.
2 Encourage home group away-days.
3 Seek to ensure a range of accessible groups meeting permanently and periodically and encourage congregational
involvement across the Team.
Ongoing activities
A General
1 Plan the teaching content of Sunday Worship services.
2 Maintain Team evening services in all Team Churches to promote fellowship and cohesion.
3 Held at Advent, Candlemas, Lent, Holy Saturday, Rogation, Ascension, Pentecost.
4 Encourage the work of the choirs at St Mary’s and Oldbury/Quatford.
B Lent
1 Stations of the Cross, Lent Saturdays, Lent Series around Team Churches well received
C Congregational involvement in leading worship
1 Ascertain training requirements and encourage further involvement.
D Children & Families
1 Sunday School at Bridgnorth and Morville and Astley Abbotts Christmas and Easter activity mornings.
2 CRB checks are needing renewal.
3 Confirmation preparation needs to be researched and made available.
4 Admission of children to Communion needs to be encouraged and instruction given.
E Schools
1 Teaching and assembly input (St Mary’s / St Leonard’s / St John’s) and School Eucharist at St Leonard‘s school.
2 We need to renew our links and visits with Oldbury Wells School.
3 'Open the Book' assemblies occur in St Mary’s, St Leonard's, St John's and Castlefields Primaries.
4 Opportunities also arise through governance (see below).
F Ecumenical
1 The appropriate level of covenant needs to be resolved between the churches and goodwill built upon.
2 Week of Prayer to include pulpit exchanges, and development of ecumenical services.
3 Development of Messy Church to be ecumenical.
G Adult education and fellowship
1 Home Groups need to be supported and encouraged. Presently there are three based on St Mary’s, one at Tasley,
and one at Astley Abbotts.
2 Adult Confirmation groups and nurture needs to be made available to follow up Alpha, etc.
3 Astley Abbotts Friends’ activity mornings.
3. To respond to human need by loving service (Tend)
By caring for and serving people in all life’s situations, we seek to follow the 3rd Mark of Mission,
Our response must be to the church community and to the wider community. This plan seeks to respond to people at
all stages of life, and at those special times when they turn to the Church for service or succour.
Page 18 of 20
2011 Initiatives
A Develop opportunity for pastoral ministry of stewards & sidesmen (St Mary’s)
1 Ministry to - training and regular meetings to help them to understand their role and foster prayer and fellowship.
2 Ministry by - the training should equip them to fulfill administrative duties but also to minister to their Sunday
congregation and perform a pastoral role by identifying absences and needs and passing this information on to
clergy/LMT members.
3 New stewards need to be recruited.
B Follow-up after occasional offices (baptisms, weddings, funerals)
1 Ongoing contact with couples has been identified by the Wedding Project as a general lack in the wider church.
2 Where couples are local they should be invited to appropriate events.
3 Ongoing invitations to appropriate events can continue for baptism families, especially Little Stars.
4 Contact with the bereavement team could be enhanced by a card ministry at anniversaries as well as the sixmonthly services of commemoration.
5 Administrative support for this needs to be identified, either through the office or otherwise if there is insufficient
time available.
6 Opportunities for congregational prayer need to be encouraged.
Ongoing activities
A Healing Ministry
1 Weekly Laying on of Hands in Bridgnorth and Healing services.
2 Group meeting regularly for planning with prayer circle.
B Prayer
1 Daily Prayer is centred on the Morning Office at St Mary’s.
2 The prayer circle meets bi-monthly for confidential prayer requests and has a telephone system.
3 There is a prayer request box available at St Mary’s alongside prayer aids in the Lady Chapel.
4 Prayer prompts, compiled by Meg Marshall, are provided in the weekly News Sheet.
5 'Christians at Work' needs a notice board and triplets need re-invigorating.
C Baptism
1 Maintain and refine on-going preparation and support for baptism families.
2 Baptism visiting teams need more members.
3 Preparation needs to be reviewed, possibly to include an evening preparation meeting for godparents as well.
D Bereavement
1 Pastoral Visitors scheme needs new members.
2 Regular meetings are planned.
3 Closer liaison from staff members and advance introductions need to be given by service officiants.
E Marriage
1 Early contact with couples is encouraged.
2 Mothers' Union support and prayer for marriage couples.
3 Marriage preparation is working well.
4 Follow-up after weddings needs to be initiated.
F Disability and Safeguarding issues
1 A register of all involved in children's ministry is maintained by Shona Holland.
2 A register for those visiting vulnerable adults needs to be created.
3 Annual reviews of disability needs should be undertaken by each church.
G Pastoral Care Scheme
1 Marjorie Brooks is seeking to co-ordinate the pastoral care across the team to ensure needs are not missed, and
that in known cases there is a ‘lead’ carer.
H Hospital
1 Chaplaincy functions are being refocused following the retirement of Rev Tim O’Brien.
I
1
2
Residential Homes
Continuing regular Holy Communion and developing visiting patterns (see also section 3).
Marjorie Brooks maintains a list of ongoing commitments by church members.
Page 19 of 20
J
1
2
3
4
5
Social
Fellowship Lunch at The Shakespeare co-ordinated by Chris O’Brien.
Friends of St Mary’s co-ordinated by Chris O’Brien.
Friends of St Calixtus co-ordinated by Juanita Gennard.
Regular congregation social programmes exist at Tasley and Oldbury.
Team Calendar is maintained for information.
K Representation
1 We are represented at Deanery and Diocesan committees. The Rector is a member of General Synod.
2 Many members participate in Town Twinning.
3 Haydn and other festivals use the churches.
4 There is a link with the Brothers of the Good Shepherd (Wolverhampton).
5 There are Governance links at St Mary’s, St Leonard’s and Morville, as well as Teaching and Assembly input at St
Mary’s, St Leonard’s and St John’s primary schools.
6 Trusteeships of local charities.
7 Willing Neighbours requires committee members.
8 Community Transport project.
9 The committees of Oldbury WI Hall, Eardington Village Hall, Tasley Village Hall, Astley Abbotts Village Hall and
Morville Village Hall.
4. To seek to transform unjust society (Transform)
Jesus and the Old Testament prophets before him challenged oppressive structures in God’s name. Christians should
not only press for change but also demonstrate justice within church structures.
Ongoing activities
A There are congregational links to the following organisations:
Alzheimer’s Support Group, Mental Health Team, Patient Support Group, Willing Neighbours, Oxfam, Fair Trade
Groups, Bridgnorth Africa Project, Under-Tree Schools, Sustainable Bridgnorth, Amnesty International, Mothers’
Union
1
2
3
Regular opportunities need to be given for congregation members to speak of their involvement, which should be
encouraged.
Encouragement needs to be given to church members to be involved in all aspects of wider community life as
they are called.
Links need to be made through the Prayer Diary.
5. To strive to safeguard the integrity of Creation, and sustain and renew the life of the Earth (Treasure)
The Bible’s vision of salvation is universal in its scope. We are called to promote the wellbeing of the human
community and its environment, so that Creation may live in harmony.
2011 initiatives
A Build upon congregational links to Sustainable Bridgnorth
B Ensure ongoing church developments are environmentally appropriate
C Take steps to reduce carbon footprint through appropriate insulation
1 Insulate St Mary’s roof to the guideline figure.
D Explore use of sheep to graze churchyards
Ongoing activities
A The maintenance of the built heritage of the church and its churchyards
B Presentation of our built heritage to enable it to proclaim the faith we share with its builders and those who have
shaped it.
Page 20 of 20

bridgnorth team ministry

Transcription

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