Get documents about "Parish of Ecclesfield Vicar of Ecclesfield Information Pack
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Diocese of Sheffield
Ecclesfield Deanery
Parish of Ecclesfield
Vicar of Ecclesfield Information
Pack
St. Mary the Virgin, Ecclesfield
Parish Profile and PCC Statement (Benefices Measure)
Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
1. Sheffield and Ecclesfield
Sheffield is located in the County of South Yorkshire and is the 4th largest city in England by
population but is possibly the least well known of all the major UK cities. To those who do not
know Sheffield, the image is of a faded and grimy industrial steel centre, famous mainly for the
‘Full Monty’. Those who live in the city see Sheffield as a secret gem, with the greatest number
of green spaces in a major city outside London and surrounded by spectacular Yorkshire
countryside to the North and East and the Derbyshire Peak District National Park to the South.
It is therefore not surprising that many who come to work or study in Sheffield from all over the
country and beyond often choose to settle and stay, but keep the treasure of Sheffield a secret!
Situated close to the heart of the UK, Sheffield has 4 major airports within 1 hours’ travelling
time, has close links to the M1 motorway and has a regular rail service to London taking just
over 2 hours. The city boasts two first class universities – Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam - some
magnificent parks and the renowned Botanical Gardens.
A re-vitalised city centre features a major library, art
galleries, several museums and two famous theatres –
The Crucible and The Lyceum. The city also has two
world-class concert venues in the City Hall and Sheffield
Arena, top class sporting venues in the UK Institute for
Sport and first class football, rugby and ice hockey
teams. There are thriving local clubs for football and
cricket which welcome children and adults. The
Meadowhall shopping centre matches the best in the
UK.
Ecclesfield Old Hall and Priory
Ecclesfield is an ancient semi-rural village on the northern edge of Sheffield, now part of the
Sheffield commuter belt. The remains of the 12th century
Benedictine Priory are adjacent to the church.
Ecclesfield is about 6 miles from the city centre with easy
access to the M1 motorway about 2 miles away. The
village offers countryside to the North and West which is
ideal for those who love walking and cycling. The
population is of mixed ages and social groups,
approximately 98% white English with limited ethnic
minorities. Unemployment is slightly below the local
average of 8%.
The Church from Ecclesfield Park
2. Sheffield Diocese and Ecclesfield Deanery
Ecclesfield Parish is part of Ecclesfield Deanery within the Sheffield Diocese. The Diocese has
two Archdeaconries with Ecclesfield falling under the Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham.
2.1 The Deanery and St. Mary’s (Statement from the Area Dean)
The Ecclesfield Deanery exists to support and resource parishes in their mission and ministry
and to build relationships that enable cooperation between parishes. In particular, the Deanery
looks to do this by encouraging working in clusters, developing leadership skills, and resourcing
mission. Towards this, there is in post a Deanery Leadership Development Worker and a
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
Deanery Missioner, each a part-time post – there is an allocation of one day a week for each of
the roles. The Deanery will be keen to continue work with St. Mary’s.
St. Mary’s has for some years worked with a local cluster of parishes consisting of St. Mary’s,
St. John’s Chapeltown, St. Mark’s Grenoside and St. Saviour’s High Green. The clergy of the
four parishes have met regularly for support and prayer, and the four parishes have organised
occasional shared mission events and worship. They are keen to continue this friendship and
partnership.
2.2 The Diocese and St. Mary’s (Statement from the Bishop of Sheffield)
The appointment of a new vicar at St Mary’s Ecclesfield is a strategic priority for the Diocese of
Sheffield. The ancient parish of Ecclesfield once covered a vast area and we are hoping that the
church will once again become a major resource for Christian mission in Sheffield.
The previous incumbent held a senior position in the Diocese and led the church in some very
imaginative approaches to mission. They ensured that the Grade 1 listed building was well
cared for and the finances were well managed.
In line with Diocesan strategy on the deployment of stipendiary clergy, the Deanery has
proposed a full time post at St Mary’s but with a clear agenda for clustering with neighbouring
parishes. The next vicar will therefore need to be willing to work across parish boundaries in
close partnership with colleagues. The priest will need to prioritise the work of enabling lay
people in ministry and working collaboratively. They will need plenty of energy for a challenging
and hugely significant role.
3. The Parish of Ecclesfield and the Church of St. Mary
The parish of Ecclesfield consists of approximately 5 square miles with a population of 7,000
people. It has a single church building which was built in 1470 - 1500 but with some parts dating
back to 1200. The building acquired the nickname of “Minster of the Moors” in the 17th century
and this is still used to this day. A church is believed to have stood in the village on the same
site for well over 1,000 years. Although old, facilities have been improved over the years and
the building has a kitchen, toilet and office, a recent sound re-enforcement system with hearing
loop, an efficient gas central heating boiler and was re-wired in 2003 when high efficiency metal
halide lighting was installed. The building is Grade 1 listed – one of only three such churches in
Sheffield. It can seat a maximum of around 400 people using chairs to supplement the pews.
The only other church, the Methodist Church, closed in 2009. Unusually, the PCC is the Patron
of the parish.
Some facts and figures:
Number on Electoral Roll 203
Baptisms annually 61
Confirmation candidates annually 5
Weddings annually 30 plus some blessings
The neighbouring parish of Chapeltown also uses our building for weddings.
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
Funeral services annually 40 plus 35 at the crematorium
Copies of Parish Magazine per month 220
Typical Sunday communicants 65 – 80
4. The Tradition of Services at St. Mary’s
Sunday Services
8.00 am (2nd and 4th Sunday in month) – Holy Communion. Cassock and surplice or cassock alb
worn
9.30 am – Family Communion (except 2nd Sunday in the month – Morning Prayer)
Cassock and surplice or cassock alb worn with robed choir and organ and bells rung before
service
11.15 am – Informal Family Worship (with Holy Communion 2nd Sunday in the month)
More informal dress with Music group
6.30 pm – Informal evening service held in the chancel with unaccompanied singing.
Baptisms are held as part of the 11.15 Sunday services and also as separate services.
Typical attendance over these services is a minimum of 100 each Sunday – but this can vary
widely with high attendance at baptisms and attendance at the main service of 200 on festival
days. The highest annual attendance is normally “Lessons and Carols by Candlelight” on
Christmas Eve which attracts between 300 and 400.
Other Services
8.15 am every weekday – Morning Prayer
9.30 am every Thursday – Holy Communion
4th Monday of each month – Ignatian Service
Twice yearly – Healing Services and Memorial Services to which all bereaved families are
invited.
Special services include: Ash Wednesday, every Wednesday in Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week,
Three Hours at the Cross on Good Friday, Easter Day, Remembrance Sunday, Christingle, Crib
Service, Lessons and carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve
Orders of Service Used
The church mainly uses the Book of Common Worship and also the Book of Common Prayer
with some special services using Taizé and Ignatian practice and Liturgy from Iona.
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
Musical Tradition
The church has a good pipe organ in good repair, an organist and a robed choir which is
typically 12 strong but is augmented to twice this size for festivals and concerts. It also has a
music group, typically 5/6 members using keyboard, guitars and voice. The main book used for
both Hymns and songs is Hymns Old and New.
5. Church Resources and Staff
Vicar
The PCC is looking for a new Vicar following the retirement of Revd. Canon Tricia Impey in
June 2010.
Curate
The present curate, Revd. Sue Hammersley is to take up a new post in August 2010.
Churchwardens
Ecclesfield has four churchwardens:-
Mrs Ann Hackett
Mr Alwyn Hill
Mr Tom Proctor
Mrs Audrey Sidebottom
Other Assistants
Parish Administrator (paid part-time) – Mrs Jean Fowler
PCC Secretary – Mrs Norma Priest
Lay Readers – Mrs Pat Clarke, Mrs Stephanie Dale, Mrs Norma Priest (emeritus)
Pastoral Workers – Stephanie Hartshorne, Pat Wood
Retired Clergy – Revd. Jennie Fryer
Church Hall
The church has use of the local village hall and the vicar and churchwardens, with others, are
trustees.
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
6. Church Organisations
• The Sunday School meets in the vestry on Sundays – typically between 2 and 15 attendees
• Mothers’ Union meet in the village hall 1st Wednesday – 55 members
• Mens' Society meet in church 3rd Monday – 20 members
• Ladies Group meet in the village hall on Thursdays – 35 members
• Explorers – age 18 to 30, meet in church Wednesday evenings
• The bell ringers meet in the belfry to practice on Tuesday and Friday evenings
• The choir meets to practice on Friday evenings
• The music group meets to practice on Thursday evenings
• The Church Charity Shop is open Tuesday through to Saturday
• Coffee, tea and cakes are sold in the church Tuesday and Friday mornings
The church also has links to the local uniformed organisations
7. Village Organisations
Schools
There is a Primary and Junior School and a Comprehensive School which are within walking
distance of the church. We have developed a good working relationship with the Primary and
Junior School and the church building is used by the Comprehensive School for services at
Easter and Christmas.
Hospitals and Prisons
None
Homes for the Elderly
Nightingales and Hartwell House are homes for the elderly and those suffering from dementia
and Alzheimer’s diseases. Sheltered accommodation is provided at Eva Ratcliffe House and
Unity Gardens
Organisations
The church has an involvement with a number of village organisations such as: Luncheon club
for older people on Mondays, Play Group in the Gatty Hall, Ecclesfield Conservation Group,
Ecclesfield in Bloom, Friends of Ecclesfield Park and Ecclesfield ‘Scrubbers’ (volunteers who
help to keep the village clean and tidy).
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
8. Finances
A copy of the audited accounts for 2009 is available on request. The church works hard to
balance the budget and for the past few years there has been a slight deficit. 2009 has seen a
slight surplus due to a one-off item. The new charity shop, opened at the end of 2009, is
intended to help supplement income as well as providing outreach into the community.
Some Highlights
• Last stewardship campaign – 2008 resulted in increased giving
• 2009 Income £103.3k; Expenditure £100.5k
• Incumbent’s expenses of £1,500 and curate’s of £860 paid in full
• No major debts
• Parish share paid in full
• Minimum 5% given to charity – support also given to Christian Aid, St. Mary’s School in
Bangalore, Children’s Society, Mother’s Union overseas projects and Sheffield Cathedral
Archer Project (in support of the homeless and jobless)
Current Projects and Schemes
• We have a very enthusiastic team of Bellringers and have achieved ‘teaching’ status where
other Bellringers come to Ecclesfield to learn and to improve their skills. The ‘Peal Appeal’
was launched last year to raise £60k for some major maintenance work to the bells and
belfry plus augmenting the peal from 8 bells to 10. So far about £30k has been raised.
• The charity shop was opened in 2009 and has been successful in
providing a service to the village, in involving people who did not
previously have strong links with the church and in helping to raise
funds.
• Permanent Disabled Access – for many years, access for
wheelchairs has been available through a number of temporary
devices. There is a current project, as yet unfunded, to find an
acceptable design for a permanent disabled access which meets
both Faculty/English Heritage requirements and also disabled
legislation. Estimated cost is up to £40k.
• Quinquennial Maintenance – this very recent report requires £42k to be spent over the 5
year period.
• CCTV – estimates have recently been obtained for the provision of CCTV on the roof to work
in conjunction with the active infra-red beam system.
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
9. The Vicarage
The vicarage is situated about 1/3 mile
from the church. It is an attractive
detached house built around 1912 with
full gas central heating, double glazing, 4
good sized bedrooms, 2 reception
rooms, 1 study, plus a kitchen and utility
room. It has a garage for 1 car, off-road
parking for a further 4 cars and about 1/4
acre of garden.
Ecclesfield Vicarage
10. Specification of the Experience and Skills for the New
Incumbent
Church Mission Statement
“We are here to help people love and worship God.
We aim to be, and encourage others to become, committed and active disciples of Jesus, who
love God and worship him, who know the power of the Holy Spirit and who show God’s love
in every part of their lives”.
Experience and Skills
In the context of the information in the rest of this document, the new incumbent will need:-
• To be an experienced Priest who has already held a responsible post, and be a good
teacher to the congregation and lay staff
• Successful experience of working in a team.
• To be an outgoing person – very good at dealing with and communicating with people,
church members, village residents and local leaders
• A good sense of humour
• To be committed to prayer, mission and growth
• To encourage, equip and care for the congregation
• To encourage and help the congregation and people in the parish to be involved in many
aspects of the church and for them to take on roles as lay workers
• To share leadership – a team builder who will lead a team of people
• To be prepared to share responsibility and work with neighbouring parishes within the
Deanery
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
• A flair for children, young people and young families – to encourage children to be involved
and to work to offer something from the church for the youth of the village
• At the same time, to ensure that the church continues to offer worship and sustenance for
the middle aged and the elderly
• To be diverse in styles of worship and music, continuing to maintain and develop the current
tradition at St. Mary’s as described in this document
• A CRB enhanced disclosure will be required
Potential Developments and Other Pastoral Opportunities
• We do not have as many children and especially young people – teenagers and youth –
involved in the church as we would like. Young people tend to ‘come back’ when they have
children and get married but only a few stay involved. We wish to develop the church’s work
among young people and young families, through involvement in services but also working
with the young people in the village outside the building.
• Some very good progress has been made in establishing and building relationships with
people and organisations in the village. Having been involved in the “village Plan”, these
include the two main schools, the police, the parish and city councillors and the Member of
Parliament and a number of voluntary organisations such as the friends of Ecclesfield Park,
Ecclesfield in Bloom and Ecclesfield Conservation Group. The Charity Shop is also
encouraging some real links with people who are/were not members of the church and
offering something to the village. The church also organises visits by historical and
archaeological teams, arranges concerts and wine and cheese evenings and has a tea and
coffee shop in the church twice a week. We are very keen to build on the work done and
develop further the links with the community of Ecclesfield.
Other Items and Conditions
• The incumbent will be responsible for the care of an old but well maintained and much loved
Grade 1 church building sited in a conservation area and will need to have a real enthusiasm
for the historic building including repairs and conservation work but also a willingness to
consider ways of increasing its use for religious and secular events.
• The PCC has NOT passed any resolution (resolution A or B) that restricts the acceptance of
a woman as minister or incumbent or priest in charge or from presiding at Holy Communion,
and welcomes applications from both men and women who will be treated equally.
11. Further Information and Applications
Following receipt of this information pack and the accounts, candidates wishing to make a
formal application should do so with the enclosed Church of England Common Application
Form. The form includes information about references which will be followed up for all
applicants considered for the visit and interview stage. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to
visit the parish be interviewed, when they will also have an opportunity to meet representative
members of the PCC and the Diocese. If you are considering a formal application, the contacts
below will be happy to provide any further information if required.
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Ecclesfield Parish Statement Issue 1.0 24 June 2010
The interviews will be conducted by Andrew Robinson, Patron’s representative, Pat Clarke,
Reader at Ecclesfield and PCC representative, Tom Proctor, Churchwarden and PCC
representative, and the Ven. Martyn Snow, Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham.
Visits will be arranged to suit the availability of the candidate and the appointment team
although it is hoped to conclude interviews no later than early September 2010.
Contacts and Postal Address:-
Mr A C Robinson
183 The Wheel,
Ecclesfield Sheffield
S35 9ZA
Phone: 0114 246 3646; Mobile: 07793 595238
e-mail: andrew.c.robinson@btinternet.com
Alternative contacts:-
Ven. Martyn Snow: Phone: 01709 309110; Mobile: 07729104792;
e-mail: archdeacons.office@sheffield.anglican.org
Pat Clarke: 0114 257 7191
Tom Proctor: 0114 246 0373
David Banham (Lay Chair of PCC): 0114 246 0194
There is comprehensive information about the parish on the official church website
http://www.stmarysecclesfield.com/
also on
http://ecclesfield.wikia.com/wiki
http://www.spick.co.uk/
And of Sheffield:
http://www.yorkshire-forward.com/our-wonderful-region/our-cities/sheffield-the-facts
http://www.creativesheffield.co.uk/LiveInSheffield/CostofLivingFacts/
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