Synod News
October 2007 - incorporating the draft
… is how the Deanery Mission Plan (DMP)
has been described. Whilst some of the Plan is not at all controversial, aspects
of it will create discussion and possibly controversy as it sets and suggests
allocation of clergy throughout the Deanery over future years. Very much a draft
document, the DMP is a key subject on the agenda of our next meeting, so do
please find the time to pre-read the material in this edition of Deanery Synod
News, to catch up on the hard work carried out by the Rural Dean and Standing
Committee on this important document.
Revd
Clive
Evans,
Rural
Dean of Brixworth
The DMP, as we
have sought to explain on several occasions, is something we are required to
produce by the Diocese. There are few 'rules' laid down about both its contents
and its reception, approval and adoption by us. The intention is, however, that
once approved, the DMP will be submitted to the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and
become a major tool in diocesan planning, subject always to review.
The attachments
are very much draft documents, prepared by the Deanery Synod Standing Committee.
They are intended to be a start (well, a signifcant start, at that!) on the road
towards a DMP. They represent quite a few hours work but we expect them to be
amended and, no doubt, improved upon. That said, they are not intended to be
'the last word' and so we are not looking for 'perfection', rather reasonable
and workable clarity.
Most
of the DMP is hardly controversial. But, when it comes to the allocation of
clergy, you may well feel it is very controversial. Yet, even here, we have
tried to follow through existing and well-established thinking and staffing
strategy, evolved over several years.
So,
at the next Synod, at Walgrave on Wednesday, 31st October (when Rona Orme will
be speaking), the draft DMP will be formally tabled and explained, with the
opportunity for questions and comments. But we are expecting every DS
representative to take the DMP to their respective PCC for consideration and
comment.
We
are also sending a copy of the draft to the Archdeaconry Pastoral Committee, so
they too can offer any comments. Please be in touch if you have any queries or
comments.
The
Chairman thanked all those who had supported this worthwhile, informative and
well-attended evening.
Neil Robertson reported that £13,371 had been collected as a result of house to house collections and other fundraising during the week. This was £1k more than the previous year. Alice Mackintosh, our Deanery Christian Aid coordinator, was given a vote of thanks for all her hard work.
ATTENDANCE:
Phyllis Annis, Chrystal Baker-Bates, Susannah Braithwaite, Revd Mary Garbutt,
Revd Karen Jongman, Chris Nelson, Sue O’Donoghue, Neil Robertson, Sheila
Robertson, Barry Smith, Garry Shaeffer, Lucy Sparrow, David Staveley, Sarah
Turner, Ray Walton.
APOLOGIES:
Angela Cook, Alan Chantler, Sam Dobbs, Alex Elston, Graham Le Flem, Revd Chris
Goble, Jill Goodridge, David Keir, Revd David Lake, Rick O’Donoghue, Revd John
Tarrant, Liz Thake, Margaret Wrathall.
IN ATTENDANCE: Revd Tim
Sledge, Diocesan Mission Enabler.
On 1 July 2007, Oxenden and
Maidwell Benefices held a double Induction and Institution for The Revd Mary
Garbutt as the new Rector for the two Benefices.
On 3 September 2007, the enlarged
Guilsborough Benefice held a joint licensing of The Revd John Tarrant as
Priest-in-charge and The Revd Glen Martin as Assistant Priest for the Benefice,
living in the Rectory at Spratton. These two clergy are to have the shared
responsibility for parishes within the group.
Welcome to The Revd Andrew Knowles
as he commenced his ministry as Curate at West Haddon at the beginning of July
2007.
Sue
Parkinson had again contacted regarding refurbishment at the Hospital. Each
Deanery has been asked to donate a bedside clock for each room at £9 per
Deanery. It was confirmed that this had been agreed at the last meeting and the
gift should have been sent. This will be checked with Sue.
Tim
Sledge, Diocesan Mission Enabler, talked at our last Synod and explained the
various aspects of mission. It is an activity of God. As a Deanery, we join with
God’s mission. If we undertake mission, we are hosting God’s events. God is
in a giving mode. We must think of him as a never ending fountain always flowing
in our direction. He is generosity itself. Therefore Mission is about a God who
cannot help giving himself away.
Evangelism
is part of Mission – sharing the Good News and sharing our faith. We are all
products of evangelism. At a point in our lives, someone has told us about the
love and generosity of God, and we have been evangelized. In the Bible, we hear
all about growth. There is growing in numbers and growing in faith ourselves,
which is both quantitative and qualitative growth.
There
are lots of different ways of being a church in the 21st century and
the book ‘The Mission-shaped Church’ has sold 19,000 copies explaining what
it is to be Church in the 21st century. There is much happening
alongside Sunday church. A church in Northampton runs special worship and events
for the over-55s. A church in Kettering has a Saturday pm Panto Church.
The
key questions we ask ourselves are:
How
can we develop new initiatives in Mission?
Can
we recognize where God is already at work, and catch up with Him?
How
can we develop what we already do in a more Mission-minded way?
General
discussion followed Tim’s presentation and members shared what new forms of
expression of Church were taking place in their parishes which had encouraged
new members. And there was no doubt that new initiatives were taking place
around the Brixworth Deanery, but with all new things, there was sometimes a
tension between new and old. This should not discourage us.
Parish share: Deanery Treasurer, David Staveley, reported that a new
Parish formula is proposed for 2008 and that there would be Benefice Shares
rather than Parish shares, although individual parishes would still be
responsible for their proportion of the Benefice share. The share was to be
based on a fixed amount for the priest and a fixed amount for the congregation.
Smaller parishes may lose out. Benefices may need assistance and it is proposed
that this help should come from the Diocese. Richard Pestell (Diocesan
Secretary) has been talking to other Deaneries about the changes, and this could
be arranged for the Brixworth Deanery, if felt useful.
The
price of lead rose by 61% in 2006 and has tripled since 2003
In
Northamptonshire a quarter of all thefts currently are metal thefts
More
than 80% of metal thefts involve lead
Churches
are particularly vulnerable. Since April 2007 35 churches in
Northamptonshire have been attacked – some more than once
Metal
theft insurance claims have doubled to around £7 million in two years
20
arrests of metal thieves were made in one month on the Northamptonshire West
Area (covering Northampton, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley and surrounding
areas)
Of
those arrested all were men living within two miles of where the offences
took place
Northamptonshire
Police is calling on the public to be their eyes and ears as they step up their
operation to prevent metal thefts across the county.
For example, this could involve checking adjacent buildings if you get up in the night, or as you walk your dog, or drive past, or noting and reporting suspicious vehicles which might be used as thieves survey potential targets, or in the course of crime.
People
are urged to ring Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700, quoting the name
Operation Pilfer, or dial 999 of they spot a crime in progress.
For further advice and information log on to www.northants.police.uk. Click on the button on the homepage re metal thefts.
|
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God, Difficult moments, seek God, Quiet moments, worship God, Painful moments, trust God, Every moment, thank God. |
|
Sometimes
we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this", or "Why did God
have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A
daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong. She's
failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is
moving away. Meanwhile her Mother is baking a cake and asks if her
daughter would like a snack. The daughter says, "Absolutely
Mum, I love your cake" "How
about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross,
Mum!" "Mum,
those are all yucky!"
|
Draft for discussion at Deanery Synod
Introduction
The
Diocese of Peterborough has asked each Deanery to produce a Deanery Mission
Plan. The DMP is intended to cover two main issues: firstly the arrangement of
deanery parishes and benefices and the allocation of stipendiary clergy
therewith; secondly opportunities (and threats) for mission within the deanery
area.
DMP’s
are making their appearance at a time of great changes in the Church and in our
locality. We are, willingly or unwillingly, discovering new ways of fulfilling
our God-given mission. We also find ourselves in an area facing rapid and
massive housing development: something which of course is affecting some places
more acutely than others.
The
DMP seeks to describe (only) the main or strategic matters of
interest or concern in our life and work as the Church of England in this place.
It cannot address details.
The DMP, once agreed by Deanery Synod, will be approved by the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and will then become a key resource for the Diocese and the Deanery as it plans for the future. It will be regarded as the ‘mind of the Deanery’ on the matters it discusses. But not the ‘last word’: inevitably, plans and ideas may change, so the DMP needs to be flexible and dynamic.
SECTION 1
Brixworth
Deanery - Vital Statistics - now and anticipated changes
(Awaiting
detailed information and maps: the following is illustrative of what could be
included)
2007
Anglican
Deanery of Brixworth
Parishes:
44
Benefices/groups:
11 [treating Guilsborough Group as one]
Clergy:
of incumbent status: 10; other licensed clergy: 2;
Readers:
Pastoral
Assistants:
Parish
Evangelists:
Local
Ministry Teams:
Youth
Workers:
Other
Churches: Baptist, Congregational, URC, Methodist, Roman Catholic:
Parish/Civic
Data:
County
Council: Northamptonshire
District
Councils: Daventry District (principally); also: Northampton Borough; Kettering
Borough
Parish
Councils: ?
Estimated
population:
Largest
single communities: Brixworth; Long Buckby
Schools
(in Deanery area): Nursery: x; Primary: y; Secondary: 1: Guilsborough;
SECTION 2
The
Present: Strengths and Weaknesses
1. Structure & Staffing
For
Benefice organisation: see Appendix: detailing current configuration. For
Ministerial deployment: see Appendix
2.
Worship
Most
churches hold weekly services; some fortnightly; most have organists
Choirs:
now few regular choirs, but special events bringing musicians together
Benefice
services: some thrive, others are not well attended
Liturgy:
some exclusively BCP or CW; some mixed
Some
all-age services
3.
Pastoral Care
Village
networking very important, whether official or informal
Clergy
overstretched through large areas to cover
Developing
involvement of non-ordained ministers and others: more needed
4.
Evangelism
Village
networking, again, an easy route to contacts
Good
fringe contacts in communities
Alpha
etc. Courses running in some places
5.
Mission and community involvement
Many
communities have ready-made societies and organisations which can be
utilised for contacts
Somewhat
symbiotic relationship between church and community
Occasional
offices are a frequent point of wide contact
Several
report growth in work with weddings and funerals
Newcomers
often do not ‘fit’ into traditional village way of life
On
a wider church front, several parishes/benefices have a link with the
Diocese of Bungoma
6.
Children’s work
Around
25% churches have ‘traditional’ Sunday schools
Although
numbers are often small, quality of contact is high
More
training is needed
A
real point for growth
7.
Schools
Several
mid-/after-school clubs now running
Very
good contacts with schools, church-affiliated and not, thro’ assemblies
and worship
Many
church schools: foundation governors and Bishop’s visitors make important
contributions
8.
Youth
One
church has full-time youth worker
Deanery
is bidding for deanery-based youth worker
A
few churches have youth work programmes
Some
churches are seeing growth in younger people attending services
Younger
adults are relatively few due to high housing costs and fewer job
opportunities locally
9.
Adults
Congregations
are made up of a significant number of older people
Older
people contribute a huge amount to the life of the church
Plenty
of clubs running…but there is also the problem of rural isolation (e.g.
access to transport)
Fewer
old peoples homes than previously
10.
Plant and premises
Many
church buildings! Costly yet beautiful and of iconic value
Buildings
are often inflexible in usage, lacking basic amenities such as lavatories
Some
churches have already/are seeking to construct kitchens and lavatories
Deanery
has some tourist high-spots, of which more could be made
Coffee
after services proving very successful
Churches
are often used for wider community purposes: concerts, art festivals etc.
11.
Ecumenical work
Several
report very good relationships
In
some places, old allegiances towards church or chapel still run strong
The
parish church often the only place of worship, so congregations will include
non-Anglicans
12.
Village life
A
pleasant, safe and prosperous place to live
Some
people are chasing their ‘rural idyll’, while commuting (sometimes long
distances) to work
People’s
networks have changed: no longer confined to their place of residence as
before
More
people now work from home
Incomers
bring new ideas, energy and sometimes a potential catalyst for change. Often
they are not available during the week
Most
villagers, old and new, see the church as an asset to the community, used or
not
Increasing
affluence in some villages
Often
new-build is in-fill (and usual expensive not social) housing occupied by
young families who want to bring up children in a more protected environment
Some
churches have a ‘Friends of St. X’s’ group
SECTION 3
Opportunities
and Priorities for the Future: {short and longer term}
1.
Structure & Staffing
Benefice
reorganization: see Appendix
No
changes of deanery or parish boundaries are proposed
Ministerial
deployment (clergy and non-clergy): see Appendix
Support
for the Diocesan plans to license readers on a deanery-wide basis
Desired
for encouragement of self supporting ministers, retired priests et al.
2.
Worship
Individuals
to grow in their worship and in their experience of a range of ways of
worshipping
Achieved
by growing collaboration between churches and between benefices across the
deanery,
Through
the sharing of resources and best practice
Identify
strengths and weaknesses in training, support and resources
Worship
resources could be available electronically and shared
3.
Pastoral Care
Urgent
need for more pastoral assistants/visitors esp. in groups served by clergy
working singly
Provide
support and training for all licensed ministers
Work
for increasing acceptance of ‘every member ministry’
Ensure
good follow-up for occasional offices
Explore
more centralised/unified administrative support within deanery area
4.
Evangelism
Encouragement
of ‘fresh expressions’ of church
Promote
better understanding of evangelism and the need for it
Support
for diocesan targets for growth
Encouragement
of parish evangelists in their calling and then in their ministry
5.
Mission and community involvement
Proposed
the Deanery apply for mission fund grant to enable a young people’s
project
Encourage
wider use of buildings for community events
Ensure
a welcome for non church-goers at baptisms, weddings, funerals etc
Encourage
building of benefice-based choirs
How
could the Deanery minister to transient visitors, especially HGV drivers and
migrants?
6.
Children’s’ work
Children:
seen as probably the most important emphasis of our future work
Need
for new initiatives and sharing of resources between parishes and benefices
“Consider
child and family centred activities, other than conventional worship/meeting
patterns: Sunday school which doesn’t meet on a Sunday” (Deanery Synod
may 06)
7.
Schools
We
wish to maximize our assets: see Section 2(7)
Schools:
seen as probably the most important route to achieving the aim of reaching
children
The
whole school community – including teachers, governors and parents –
should be included in schools-based work, wherever possible
8.
Youth
Deanery
is to apply for mission fund grant to enable a young people’s project
“Consider
new ways of sustaining interest and membership of teenagers who drift away”
(deanery synod May 06)
Explore
midweek events to bring youth together to overcome ‘Sunday competition’
Recognize
the differences between youth and children and between different youth age
groups
9.
Adults
More
emphasis on older people as one of our real assets
Recognize
differing needs and expectations of different age groups
10.
Plant and premises
Strengthening
the good and maybe facing up to closure of some (few) struggling churches
Norton:
opportunity of launching a church plant in new housing estate
See
also under next paragraph
11.
Ecumenical work
New
estates offer opportunities for working with other churches wherever
possible
12.
Village life
Some
significant housing developments are planned on the edges of the deanery and
just beyond: the latter will have an effect felt within the deanery – “concern
that the deanery has limited clergy resources and would be unable to take on
any new Christian communities developing on the edge of the deanery.
If our resources were plundered and given to new growth areas then it
would be difficult for the deanery to cope” (Deanery Synod Jan 07)
The
new communities: a mix of newcomers and those moving from areas nearby
Jobs
will be needed for newcomers - ? new industry/business, expansion of
existing businesses or more people commuting using existing roads and
transport services?
Opportunity
not a threat
Deanery Mission Plan - Appendix
Possible
Brixworth Deanery Clergy Allocations: 2007-2012
Explanatory Note [to be read in conjunction with diagram]
We have been required as a Deanery to make
plans for the future deployment of clergy: in 2009 and 2012, allowing for – in
our case – a reduction of posts from 9.3 (2007) to 9.0 (2009) and to 8.4
(2012). This allocation and its expected reductions have been handed by the
Diocese to the Deanery.
The
Appendix describes numerically the present and future allocation of clergy in
the Deanery, proposed by Deanery Synod Standing Committee (to be approved by
Deanery Synod and the Diocesan Pastoral Committee in due course). This note
explains the Appendix.
1. Benefice/Group: Current:
This column shows the present configuration of each benefice. This should be
read alongside the three columns of Statistics and the Diocesan Allocation for
2007: together, this information describes the position as at 2007. (For
example: The Spencer Benefice is currently served by 1 stipendiary clergyman,
covering 6 churches).
2. Benefice/Group: Future:
This column shows the configurations proposed by the Standing Committee. They
largely follow previously notified and debated proposals. Thus:
Brixworth etc., Pitsford etc., Walgrave
etc.: A reduction in staffing for Brixworth and Pitsford has long been
anticipated. Walgrave, currently seeing greater activity than previously, could
justify an increase. Three different scenarios are therefore offered. All within
the same three-some.
Guilsborough etc. & Spratton-Creaton:
The post at Spratton has been recently filled by an assistant priest licensed to
the larger ‘Guilsborough Group’ of 8 churches. It is hoped that a Pastoral
Scheme will soon be made to formalize this long-hoped for grouping of churches,
to be staffed by 1 full-time priest assisted by 1 house-for-duty (0.3) priest.
Faxton Group:
A Scheme is currently being promoted leading to the creation of two benefices (Arthingworth
etc. and Maidwell etc.) to be held by one clergyperson in plurality.
Clipston etc. & Welford
etc.: The exisiting expectation is for these two benefices to merge on the first
avoidance of Clipston (i.e. whenever the next vacancy occurs there). We believe
that it would be reasonable to work towards a reduction from 1.7 to 1 full-time
priest.
Long Buckby etc. & West Haddon
etc.: These churches are currently served by 1 full-time priest. The curate,
based at West Haddon, is not counted as a part of the Diocesan Allocation
because this is deemed a training post. We believe that these churches should
continue to be served by 1 full-time priest plus either a training curate or a
0.3 house-for-duty priest (or self-supporting minister if available).
Crick etc.: We propose the maintenance of 1 full-time priest to serve this benefice .
Spencer Benefice: Until recently, the 1 full-time priest was
supported by an assistant priest (0.3 house-for-duty) based at Church Brampton.
This support has been lost and we believe should be reinstated as soon as
possible. So, the allocation for this benefice would increase from 1.0 to 1.3.
3.
There is also a column of ‘weighting’ which shows our view as to whether the
benefice in question should have its level of staffing increased or reduced.
4. These proposals depend on suitable vacancies occurring at the right time so they may not be achievable at the stated times.
Please remember that this is as yet a draft plan, and for discussion,
firstly at Deanery Synod, then at your PCC meetings. This is an important
document which needs much discussion and prayer as it potentially affects the
future shape of our Deanery.
Deanery Mission Plan: Appendix: Possible Brixworth Deanery Clergy Allocations: 2007-2012
| Deanery Mission Plan: Appendix: Possible Brixworth Deanery Clergy Allocations: 2007-2012 | |||||||||
|
Year |
2007 | 2009 | 2012 | ||||||
|
Diocesan Allocation |
9.3 | 9 | 8.4 | ||||||
| Benefice/Group | Statistics | Weighting | |||||||
| Current | churches | population | ASA | Future | |||||
| Brixworth-Holcot | 2 | 5561 | 53 | Brixworth + Pitsford-Boughton | 1 | 1.7 | 1.3 | ||
| Pitsford-Boughton | 2 | 1587 | 42 |
|
Walgrave-et al.+ Holcot | 1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | |
| Walgrave, Old, Scaldwell, Hannington | 4 | 1608 | 47 |  |
or: Brixworth + Boughton + Walgrave | 0.3 | or 2 | or 1.6 | |
| Gsbro, H'well, CAshby, Thnby, Cttsbrke, Rvnsthrpe | 6 | 2230 | 87 | Guilsborough + Spratton-Creaton | 1 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||
| Spratton-Creaton | 2 | 1587 | 28 | 0.3 | |||||
| Arth'wth, Hrr'gtn, Oxdn, EFndon, M'dwll, Drghtn, Lampt | 7 | 1548 | 92 | Faxton Group | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Clipston, Naseby, Haselbech, Kelmarsh | 4 | 1108 | 56 |
|
Clipston et al. + Welford et al. | 1 | 1.4 | 1 | |
| Welford, Sibbertoft, MTrussell | 3 | 1608 | 47 | 0.7 | |||||
| Long Buckby-Watford | 2 | 5663 | 121 | Long Buckby + West Haddon | 1 | 1 + c | 1 + c or 1.3 | ||
| West Haddon-Winwick: curate | 2 | c = 0 | |||||||
| Crick-Yelvertoft-Lilbourne | 3 | 2882 | 94 | Crick-Yelvertoft-Lilbourne | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| GBrngtn, Whiltn, Norton, CBrmptn, Hrlstne, Ehddn | 6 | 3088 | 124 |
|
Spencer Benefice | 1 | 1.3 | 1.3 | |
| Total | 43 | 28480 | 805 | 9.3 | 9 | 7.9 or 8.2 | |||
| Notes | |||||||||
| 1. Statistics: as supplied by Diocese | |||||||||
| 2. Weighting: whether staffing should be increased or decreased | |||||||||
| 3. Future: proposed future groupings | with alternatives in italics | ||||||||
| 4. 2009/2012: showing how Diocesan required overall reductions might be achieved | |||||||||
| 1.10.07 | |||||||||
