TEAM VICAR
in the Watling Valley Partnership,
a parish of five ecumenical churches
and a church school.
www.watlingvalley.org.uk
MILTON KEYNES DEANERY
An excellent opportunity for you to inspire and develop discipleship
so that we can be truly “a family who loves Jesus Christ,
living out God’s love in our communities”.
We are growing disciples and spreading the Word.
Come and work with us!
CONTENTS
Page 3
Our Vision and Values
Page 4
Letter from the Team Rector
Page 6
Where we are
Page 7
Map of Watling Valley and Churches
Page 9
Who we are and What’s happening now
Page 11
Are you the person we are looking for?
- Person Specification
Page 12
What does the role involve?
- Role Description
Page 12
Support we will offer
Page 13
Watling Valley Partnership:
Information about Churches and Christ the Sower School
Page 17
Worship Pattern
Page 18
Organisation and Finance
Page 18
Housing
Page 19
The Diocese of Oxford
Page 20
The Milton Keynes Deanery
Page 21
The Milton Keynes Mission Partnership
Page 22
Appendices
2
We are
A family who love Jesus Christ, living out God’s love in our communities.
Our Values are
Welcome
ensuring a welcome to all people in an environment of hospitality,
acceptance and belonging, so all may feel valued.
Spirituality
recognising that everyone is on a journey in their knowledge and love of
God, allowing the values and truth of the Bible to shape lives, witness and
service.
Diversity
worshipping in a range of styles, celebrating our varied traditions, mix of
ages and different cultures.
Growth
learning from each other through the Spirit’s inspiration, we are growing
closer together.
Mission
seeking to impact and transform the communities of the Watling Valley
through visible action and service as we invite others to share our journey.
Our Vision is
To grow together as one body, discovering God’s purposes for people’s lives.
Our priorities are to
•
•
•
•
Develop our common bond and identity as one church across many locations
Enhance the capacity for ministry
Strengthen and link children’s and youth work across the Partnership
Further our mission with older generations across the Partnership, especially links at
Shenley Wood Retirement Village
• Nurture small groups across the Partnership where we can explore and deepen our faith
and build friendships
• Grow our committed membership by 40%
3
Revd Mike Morris
21 Edzell Crescent
Westcroft
Milton Keynes
MK4 4EU
Tel: 01908 507123
Email: revmike.morris@btinternet.com
Partnership Office: 01908 504452
Email: admin@watlingvalley.org.uk
Website: watlingvalley.org.uk
We are very much looking forward to welcoming a new colleague to join our team in this vibrant parish on
the west of Milton Keynes.
Our ecumenical partnership of five churches and the Anglican parish are one and the same thing, hence
we refer to ourselves as the Watling Valley Partnership. The sponsoring denominations are The Baptist
Union, Church of England, Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, although not all of these
are reflected in the make-up of the Ministry Team.
Milton Keynes is a great place to live and Watling Valley, in particular, is a wonderful place to minister.
You will find yourself supported in your ministry by a wide variety of teams, both lay and ordained. It’s a
place where you will have freedom to explore the breadth of worship styles as well as what it means to be
church in a continually growing parish.
There will be ample opportunities to grow and strengthen communities and develop people in their faith
both for new Christians and those who’ve been a Christian for a long time. We are passionate about
growing disciples and this is the key task in which we are calling you to take a lead. In growing disciples
we continue to serve our expanding community and grow God’s Kingdom.
If this excites you, then we would love to welcome you as part of our team.
Being part of a team is something I very much value; it enhances our life together, provides a safe place
for us to be vulnerable and brings mutual support. Above all else, we are stronger when we work
together; each member brings their individual gifts and talents to serve God and our rapidly expanding
communities. The Team works very closely together and as it has changed and developed over the years
we have welcomed each new member and the contribution they have brought. We look forward with
anticipation to how we will change and grow with you.
We collectively share pastoral oversight over the whole Partnership with each member of the Team having
their own specific responsibilities which, for some, includes being the Lead Minister of one or more
churches.
As an Ecumenical Team we particularly benefit from the variety of traditions that each denomination
brings, both in our work and worship and also because it opens up for us a wider source of training and
support.
As Team Rector, I’m responsible for any 'Anglican only' business but we also have a Team Leader. Their
role is to be a facilitator for the team and to link up with Team Leaders from the other LEP’s within Milton
Keynes to support and share experiences with one another. The role of Team Leader is for three years,
giving each member of the Team an opportunity for leadership.
4
Should you wish to come and join us here your colleagues would be:
There’s myself, Mike Morris. I’m the Team Rector and have been in post since autumn
2004. I am currently the Lead Minister at Servant King, St Giles and Holy Cross and head
up our work with schools. I am also one of the Foundation Governors at Christ the Sower
and Chaplain of the Bucks Fire and Rescue Service.
Adedayo Adebiyi – is a Nigerian Anglican Deacon who is currently in training. He is
expected to be Priested into the Church of England in 2017. Adedayo is primarily based at
Holy Cross and works closely with me as the Lead Minister.
Tim Hadden - is an associate priest and during the vacancy has taken on the responsibility
of Lead Minister at St Mary's. Tim is due to retire in September 2016 but having PTO we
are still hoping to see him around the Partnership.
Ben Haslam - is a Methodist Minister. He is the Lead Minister for All Saints’ and heads up
our work with older generations, particularly building links with Shenley Wood Retirement
Village. Ben's current appointment runs until summer 2018.
Derek Martin - is an Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) and is primarily based at All Saints'
where he has been a member for many years. Derek currently supports the small groups
and manages the worship plan for the Partnership.
Stephen Mosedale - is the Methodist Superintendent and gives 20% of his time to the
Partnership. Stephen currently supports those who manage the pastoral offices in each of
the churches, primarily Baptism and Wedding Coordinators, as well as heading up the
communications group. Stephen retires in the summer of 2016 and we will get 50% of the
new Superintendent’s time. Our aim for the future, for stipendiary ministry, is to have a fulltime equivalent Free church post alongside two Anglican full time posts.
Lynne Smith - is currently our Lay Chair. It is an important feature of our team that the Lay
Chair is an equal member of the team. Lynne’s term of office is due to expire in 2016 but,
subject to being elected, she has agreed to stay on for a further year. This will provide
some continuity with all the changes that are happening along with the fact that the role of
Vice Chair is also up for election in 2016 and we don’t think it’s sensible to have both
finishing at the same time.
Martyn Trembath - is the chaplain at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital but lives within the
parish. Martyn is the newest member of the team and joins us when his work commitments
allow.
Milton Keynes is a brilliant place to be with something for everyone. If you value working with supportive
colleagues, enjoy the creativity that leading worship in an ecumenical setting offers, have a passion for
nurturing people in their faith, and relish the challenges for working in an ever growing parish then we’d
love to have you as a colleague.
5
WHERE WE ARE
Milton Keynes - the city for the future
Milton Keynes is a stylish and vibrant multi-cultural city, constantly and rapidly expanding towards
a population of 250,000. It has a Championship football team with a stadium which hosted three
of the Rugby World Cup matches. It has several large shopping centres with many well-known
high street names, an abundance of parks and green spaces and lakes, and an array of
entertainments. These include the theatre with many productions from the West End, The
Stables live music venue, cinemas and an indoor ski slope. There are many restaurants spread
around the city of every “flavour” imaginable!
Like all big towns and cities there is also another side to life in Milton Keynes. Our local Citizens
Advice, who saw 12,000 people last year, reported that the three biggest areas of need in Milton
Keynes are welfare, debt and housing. Additional information is available in the latest ‘Vital Signs’
report which can be found at www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/vital-signs-mk-2015. Within the
city there are obvious areas of deprivation but within the Watling Valley the social housing has
been integrated within each grid square and thus can be hidden.
It is easy to navigate around Milton Keynes by car, bus, bike or on foot with its unique grid pattern
road layout, cycle ways and walking routes.
There are excellent transport links to London, Birmingham, Manchester and we are only a short
trip away from Luton Airport, with other major airports easily accessible.
For more information about the city please look at the
following informative websites:www.onemk.co.uk , www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk and
www.mkinspire.org.uk
6
The Watling Valley
7
The Watling Valley has a population of 48,000 and growing – by 2020 it will be over 53,000.
Much of the new development is concentrated in the areas of Tattenhoe Park and Kingsmead
where 1,800 houses are being built. The Partnership covers a large area on the western side of
Milton Keynes and has small shops on most grid squares, local pubs and restaurants, a district
shopping centre at Westcroft, fire station, light industrial/employment areas, retirement and care
homes, and the crematorium. Within the area there is the Category ‘A’ Woodhill prison and
Oakhill Secure Training Centre for young offenders.
There are a large number of schools within the Watling Valley area (17 infant/primary and 3
secondary) and further information can be found by visiting www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/schools.
There are also many nurseries.
8
WHO WE ARE
We're one of five Ecumenical Partnerships in this ever growing and exciting new city of Milton
Keynes. Located on the west of the city we have five churches, ranging from 900 to 22 years old
and a church primary school, all home to one or more worshipping congregations. Together we
are a family who love Jesus Christ, living out God's love in our communities.
We value the traditions and opportunities which our sponsoring denominations bring to the life of
our Partnership. These are reflected in the wide diversity of our worship, with services ranging
from BCP to informal services, with opportunities for All-Age worship. Two of our buildings are
also well-used community centres.
We are an open and inclusive Partnership, welcoming people of all ages and different
denominations, church traditions and cultures. Our mission is to share God's love and God's
word with as many people as we can, in as many ways as we can.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
Developing and enhancing our common bond and identity
Inevitably a lot of time and energy is devoted to local needs and many people only see
themselves as members of their local church. To encourage a sense of identity as a Partnership:
·
·
·
·
we have teams of people from across the Partnership taking part in our
mission and outreach activities;
we hold a number of joint services at specific times in the year, involving
people from across the Partnership;
we publish a monthly Partnership-wide magazine, “Voices”;
every Christmas leaflets advertising all of our Christmas services are
delivered to 22,000 homes in the Partnership.
Enhancing the capacity for ministry
· Over the years we are thrilled to have supported a number of people who
have been called to lay and ordained ministry and we continue to do this.
· We are encouraging worship teams within each of our congregations to lead
appropriate aspects of our services.
Strengthening our ministry to young people
·
We work actively with 16 primary schools. This ranges from Christingle
and Easter assemblies, to a wide variety of other work throughout the
year.
·
We run Messy Church at least once a term. We run a very popular
week-long holiday club in Christ the Sower School during summer
using material produced by Scripture Union.
·
Each church also has a team of people who work with children on a
Sunday morning.
Furthering our mission with older generations
· We regularly lead worship in Shenley Wood Retirement Village and at three other
residential and care homes in the Partnership.
· A number of individuals are involved pastorally in visiting local care homes.
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Nurturing small groups across the Partnership
·
We run courses for Christian nurture through the year, such as
START and Moving On.
·
We actively encourage people to develop their discipleship by
attending various courses, such as the coMPass courses offered by
the Mission Partnership.
·
A number of small groups meet during the week. These range from
home groups to kneeler embroidery and theological reading groups.
Growing our committed membership
· We see growth not simply in terms of numbers of people attending
worship, but in terms of individual discipleship and involvement in
mission and ministry.
· We are excited by the opportunities that are offered through the
large number of pastoral offices we conduct and we always aim to
develop the connections we make through these.
· We continue to develop our welcome to those who come along to
our churches, particularly at Christmas, and help people to see that
they are God's children.
· Each church is also building links with the community in different
ways, through special events and school visits.
Looking to the future
It is essential that we see ourselves as one body serving the communities of the Watling Valley,
developing our faith and learning how to share it with others:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
to help people grow into leadership roles within their local churches and in wider mission
and outreach activities;
to nurture the young people we have within our congregations;
to extend our schools work to include secondary schools;
to grow our ministry to those in the sixteen residential and care homes;
to be a place where people can grow as Christians, discern and develop their own
ministries and be supported in this;
to develop a network of small groups across the Partnership;
to encourage those with whom we have contact to become committed followers of Christ.
By enabling us to develop our adult discipleship, here is the opportunity for you to help us grow in
Mission!
10
ARE YOU THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
Person Specification
We wish to appoint an ordained Anglican colleague, an enabler with life experience either in work
or ministry who is:
·
able to develop people in their faith, seeking to inspire, encourage and motivate them to
get involved in mission and in all forms of ministry;
·
passionate about mission and excited at the prospect of ministry in a vibrant, growing city;
·
enthusiastic about being part of a team, welcoming all the benefits, challenges and fun
that team working brings;
·
eager to lead worship in a range of styles which reflect our varied traditions,
denominations, ages and cultures, with an understanding of and commitment to
ecumenism;
·
experienced in collaborative working with both lay and ordained ministers and worship
teams;
·
pastorally sensitive, able to nurture members and keen to meet with people where they
are, and able to minister to all, irrespective of sexual orientation, accepting all who come to
seek Christ;
·
supportive of the practices and values of the Watling Valley Partnership and our ways of
working, including offering an Open table at Holy Communion and being prepared to marry
divorcees after consultation and preparation.
We consider that the criteria above imply computer literacy, excellent verbal and written
communication skills. You need to hold a current driving license and have a vehicle. If you
cannot drive alternative arrangements may be considered but details must be submitted with your
application. All reasonable working expenses are reimbursed . In some circumstances we would
be open to the possibility of a job share.
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WHAT DOES THE ROLE INVOLVE?
General
As a Team Vicar, you will be a full member of the Ministry Team and will share ministry and
leadership with other colleagues. With us, you will equip God’s people by inspiring and
encouraging all forms of ministry and by growing disciples, giving people the opportunity to
develop the gifts that God has given them.
You will be a visible presence within the community of the Watling Valley and will work to
encourage and develop relationships between church and community, building on the growth that
has already happened. The mission opportunities through pastoral offices, contact with care
homes, schools and individual groups are huge. You, with the Team, will be instrumental in
bringing the various congregations to see themselves as one church across many locations: by
encouraging groups to be Watling Valley-wide; by information exchange so that we all share
problems and joys, and by sharing worship at various times.
Individual Responsibilities
You will take a lead in adult nurture and growing disciples. This includes supporting existing small
groups and developing opportunities for people to deepen their relationship with God.
You will lead worship and preach across the Watling Valley as part of the service plan, and be
involved in developing a common bond and identity across the five churches. You will initially be
the Lead Minister for the Church of St Mary’s in Shenley Church End.
As part of the Ministry Team, you will share in the pastoral oversight responsibilities of the whole
Partnership. You will participate fully in Marriage Preparation as offered by the Watling Valley,
and share responsibility for occasional offices.
You will be a member of the Watling Valley Ecumenical Council and the Council of the church for
which you are Lead Minister. As a stipendiary minister, you will attend the monthly team
business meetings and weekly Team Space for discussion and mutual support.
You will play a role in the local community where appropriate, involving co-operation with other
agencies and local trusts. In particular, as Lead Minister at St Mary’s, you will be a trustee of the
Thomas Stafford Trust, a small local charitable trust currently administered by Shenley Brook
End Parish Council.
You will be expected to participate in the life and work of the Milton Keynes Mission Partnership,
the Milton Keynes Deanery, and the Diocese of Oxford.
SUPPORT WE WILL OFFER
The Ministry Team has weekly Team Space meetings which offer a time of supportive fellowship,
reflection and prayer. The team works together to support one another and share any pastoral
issues or concerns that may arise. Each minister has a published day off which is respected
(although, on occasions. some flexibility may be required), as are holidays and sabbaticals. We
will help you to maintain a good work/life balance.
We look to support training needs, help to develop ideas or specific interests and would aim to
accommodate this within team working. Training needs and personal development in Milton
Keynes are offered in a various ways. The Mission Partnership provides a programme of
mentoring and action learning sets to support clergy leadership development. Continuing
Ministerial Development is offered by the Diocese of Oxford and our partner denominations.
We have a Partnership Office which is open from 9:30am to 11:30am five mornings a week with
a paid administrator. This gives a practical focus for our communications and administration.
Each church has wedding and baptism co-ordinators who meet with couples and families,
answering queries and completing administrative and practical arrangements.
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THE WATLING VALLEY PARTNERSHIP
St Mary’s Church, Shenley Church End
St Mary's Church, with its history going back to the 12th Century, stands on rising ground in the
heart of the community of Shenley Church End. A well-trodden foot path passes through the
church yard linking two parts of the village, giving a space of shade and tranquility to people as
they come and go. On Sundays the bells call people to worship.
Each Sunday we hold two services: the first alternates between a sung
Eucharist and a lay-led service of Morning Worship. These services are
enhanced with organ and a robed choir. The second is a more informal family
and All-Age style of worship with a regular Sunday Club. Refreshments are
served between the two services.
Occasional and seasonal services also take place: an outdoor Remembrance
service around the cenotaph; a moving "Remembered in Love" Partnership service; popular
Nativity services; an Epiphany carol service with readings and mulled wine; and a sung BCP
Eucharist service each quarter. There can be occasional services with incense.
Through interconnecting friendships and organised get-togethers, we support each
other in our daily lives: a weekly cell group, choir practice and Kneelers group;
monthly "Blokes with Beer" and "Women with Wine" and Mothers' Union; the
annual fund-raising summer fete and the Advent Craft Fair; not forgetting several
lively All-Age churchyard clear-up days.
Every Wednesday morning the church is open for people to drop in for a short
morning prayer, refreshments, a chat, to look around or to take time out for private
contemplation, maybe lighting a candle or leaving a prayer request.
A local walkers’ group drops in for coffee; schools come to visit and learn; our Ecumenical
School, Christ the Sower, comes for their annual Christingle service.
We welcome, celebrate and pay tribute with all those who come to St Mary's for baptisms,
weddings and funerals. We know that we are all members of God's family.
All Saints’, Loughton
The church of All Saints’ in Loughton dates back to the early 13th
Century - we will be celebrating our 800th anniversary in 2018. It is
home to two Sunday congregations, one meeting at 8:00am for a BCP
service of Holy Communion, and one meeting at 9:30am for a more
informal service of worship which includes Holy Communion twice a
month. We welcome people of all ages, and at the 9:30am service
there is a regular Sunday Club and an All-Age service once a month.
Many people stay on for refreshments and conversation in the church
room after this service. The church room, kitchen and accessible toilet were added in 1994.
The church has a set of six bells and there is an enthusiastic team of bell ringers of all ages. The
churchyard is looked after by a dedicated team of church members and we have recently
acquired additional land (in association with the local Civil Parish Council) for burials.
We extend a warm welcome to people who visit the church for special services during the year,
such as weddings and baptisms, Remembrance Day and Christmas. In addition, the church is
open each Wednesday lunchtime during the summer. We have good links with local primary
schools and regularly welcome classes to the church for visits.
13
We build mission links out into the community by arranging at least two major
events each year. In 2013 and 2015 we organised very successful scarecrow
trails around Loughton, bringing 1000 mainly local visitors in 2013, and
double that number in 2015; we also arrange open garden events, and
exhibitions and concerts in the church, as well as our annual “Christmas
Cracker” fund raising event. In 2010 we replaced the pews with movable
chairs and a stone floor (with underfloor heating!), giving us a flexible space
in the church both for worship and community events.
We support each other in practical ways and in prayer through our Care Circles. There are also
two home groups hosted and led by church members, and a small team regularly visits a nearby
care home to sing hymns and offer prayers.
St Giles, Tattenhoe
This simple stone built church (c1540 on the site of at least one previous
building) stands in a peaceful area of open park land and ancient moats
in the west of the Watling Valley area, but close to an extensive area of
housing. For most of its history this church served a few farms but has
been developing in the last 15 years or so to be welcoming to all those
moving in to the area. Heating and lighting was introduced in 2007 which
has greatly enhanced the welcome on offer!
Outreach includes work with local schools and especially visits to church, a weekly coffee
morning and monthly gathering for an evening meal in the local newly built family pub/restaurant
and a number of Open Church events, together with a warm welcome to all those who visit in any
capacity. Christmas services are extremely popular with the ‘inside and outside’ Christmas Eve
afternoon service attracting 150-200 people.
We hold a 9:30am service every Sunday, with a monthly pattern which
includes Holy Communion and Morning Worship (these may include
baptism) and an All-Age service. There is also a lively and growing lay led
Children’s Church gathering monthly at 11:00am where all children are
welcome with a parent or carer to share stories, learning, prayers and
activities.
There is a very long established pattern of Evening Prayer (Book of Common Prayer), lay
organised, which enjoys the support of a range of Anglican ministers and a congregation from
across Milton Keynes.
The Church of the Servant King, Furzton
The Church of the Servant King is the newest building in the
Partnership.
The congregation began meeting in the local
Community House and, as numbers grew, it moved to a community
centre and schools, finally opening the church officially in
September 1992. The building is multi-purpose and is a community
centre as well as a church, with all necessary modern amenities and
disabled access and facilities which enables us to welcome anyone
who comes.
We enjoy a variety of service styles, appropriate for all ages and involving our lay
leaders, with facilities and opportunities for multi-media. We have two communion
services each month and an All-Age informal service once a month which can be
contemplative, café-style, activity-based or any style which is more accessible to
seekers. We also have Harvest celebrations with a meal and Community Carols
and Christmas services to celebrate Christ’s coming. We have a lively Sunday
Club which meets three Sundays out of four for our young people.
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Church members are part of Watling Valley groups, looking to develop their own spirituality and
sharing thoughts with friends across the churches.
As a Community Centre, the building is used every weekday by a playgroup and various other
user groups, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Brownies, and is available for hire on Saturdays. These
hiring charges help towards the cost of maintaining and opening the building, and the utilities. As
both a fundraising activity and outreach to the local community, we have a Summer Fete at the
end of June and a Christmas Fayre at the end of November with Father Christmas visiting which
is hugely popular with children.
Holy Cross, Two Mile Ash
The Church of The Holy Cross has been part of the community of Two Mile Ash and the Watling
Valley for the last 30 years. We are a growing congregation with people from diverse
backgrounds – Nigeria, Germany, India, Ghana, Uganda and Jamaica - as well as those from
around the UK and the local area.
In 2013, we merged with a significant group from the Nigerian
Anglican Chaplaincy and this has invigorated our worship, enabling
us to grow in ways we could not have imagined, as well as align
with the values of the Watling Valley Partnership.
We worship at 11:00am on Sunday with family worship at the heart
of our services. We have a morning worship service every other
Sunday, a more formal holy communion service twice a month and an All-Age service once a
month. We also have a Wednesday evening meeting for a time of bible study and prayer.
The church building is available for use by the community and the Helping Hands Pre-school use
the building on weekdays during term time. We also have various other groups hire the hall for
different purposes such as for Weight Watchers, children's birthday parties and worship group
conferences.
Our desire is to engage with the local community. We enjoy putting particular
effort into our annual Christmas and Summer Fairs and our annual Summer
BBQ. In the past, we have operated a regular Toddlers group and a lunch
club where older generations can share fellowship and a meal together, and
we hope to open these activities once again. We would also like to further
our involvement in the Food Bank by opening the church for the community
to drop in for coffee and a chat whilst leaving donations.
Christ the Sower School
“A sower went out to sow some seeds …….”
Christ the Sower is a school community, loving, learning and growing in the
unchanging love of God; a community where spiritual, cultural, physical and
academic learning are nurtured together; a community where children and
adults of all faiths and of none are welcomed and valued for who they are – a
place of safety and freedom.
The school is an ecumenical school, its foundation and support coming from four Christian
denominations: The Church of England, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and
the Baptist Union.
The name “Christ the Sower” denotes its clear Christian ethics and the person and teaching of
Jesus underpin our conduct and relationships. We do, however, serve the whole community and
do not keep any reserved admission places.
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The school has grown rapidly since its opening in 2004 and now has
over 400 children including a nursery. Our school community is made
up of many nationalities and children come from many different
backgrounds.
Our main purpose is to nurture all children in the love of God. We help
them to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding through active
care and expressive appreciation for the unique life that has been
given to them. A strong leadership team creates a vibrant learning
environment, while an active Governing Body provides strategic oversight. Parents of all faiths
and cultures appreciate the sound foundation that our Christian values bring to their children’s
development and their interaction with each other.
A small chaplaincy team of teachers and support staff, together with the Headteacher and a
growing input from the children, plan and care for the spiritual growth of its members. The
Watling Valley Partnership team as well as representatives from other faith and community
groups are welcomed into the school where they lead worship and contribute to aspects of the
curriculum.
“However we are far from the finished article” (Headteacher’s welcome letter on the website). The
school is constantly moving forwards, looking outwards, as it strives to fulfil its mission of loving,
learning, and growing together in the grace and love of God.
For a fuller picture of the school go to www.cts.milton-keynes.sch.uk
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WORSHIP PATTERN
The current standard monthly pattern of Sunday morning services is as follows:
All Saints’
Lougton
St Giles’
Tattenhoe
St Mary’s
Shenley
Church End
HC
MW
Holy Cross
Two Mile Ash
Servant King
Furzton
AA
FC SC
FC SC
ATIC
MW SC
FC SC
FC SC
MW SC
MW
MW
Week 1
8:00 am
HC (BCP)
9:30 am
FC SC
11:00 am
MW SC
Week 2
8:00 am
HC (BCP)
9:30 am
MW
11:00 am
MW
HC
CC
FC SC
HC
MW
Week 3
8:00 am
HC (BCP)
9:30 am
FC SC
11:00 am
MW SC
Week 4
8:00 am
HC (BCP)
9:30 am
AA
AA
HC
11:00 am
MW
Week 5
8:00 am
HC (BCP)
9:30 am
MW
AA
HC (BCP)
11:00 am
HC - Holy Communion
FC - Family Communion
BCP - Book of Common Prayer
SC - Sunday Club
MW
MW - Morning Worship
AA - All Age
ATIC - All Together in Church (All Age)
CC - Children’s Church (Lay led)
Joint services are held at St. Mary’s on a number of Sundays in the year, and there are also a
number of Sundays where all the churches come together for a single Partnership service. Some
services can include baptisms.
There are also programmes of afternoon or evening services during the year (for example Messy
Church and BCP Evensong programmes).
17
On a typical Sunday you could lead a 9:30am service and an 11:00am service (and possibly the
8:00am service which is allocated between all the ordained ministers). As Lead Minister at St.
Mary’s, you will lead worship twice a month at the 9:30am and 11:00am services, and be
allocated to other Partnership churches on the remaining Sundays. The pattern of allocation
covers a 13-week period so that Lead Ministers can be in their churches on different Sundays in
the month. The service allocation is planned well in advance to allow for holidays or special
arrangements.
You can find published plans on our website at www.watlingvalley.org.uk/worship, and forward
plans on the planning page at www.watlingvalley.org.uk/plans.
ORGANISATION AND FINANCE
We have one Ministry Team which works collaboratively across the entire area to deliver,
encourage and support ministry. The Team meets monthly (business meeting) and those who
are available meet weekly in the daytime in Team Space (a time of worship, study, prayer and
sharing). Team standing orders are available on request.
The Watling Valley Ecumenical Council (WVEC) is the Partnership‘s decision-making body (and
acts as the PCC) in those matters which affect our common life and mission. It consists of a Lay
Chair and Vice Lay Chair, secretary and treasurer, two representatives elected by each of the
five churches, a representative from Christ the Sower School and members of the Ministry Team.
Each church has its own Church Council for local decision making; decisions from WVEC are
shared and implemented, and requests and feedback to WVEC agreed. The WVEC constitution
is available on request.
Each church manages its own accounts, and these are consolidated into the Watling Valley
accounts. For more details see Appendix 2.
HOUSING
A stipend with housing allowance will be provided. Alternatively, the Diocesan Glebe and
Buildings Committee will provide a suitable rental property for you and your family. You will be
closely involved in the property selection process and its location within the Partnership. The
property will meet the Diocesan standard level e.g. 4 bedrooms, study etc.
18
THE DIOCESE OF OXFORD
The Diocese of Oxford serves the mission of the Church in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and
Oxfordshire. The Diocese comprises more than 600 parishes, with over 800 churches, serving a
diverse population of more than 2 million people located in all types of settings.
In October 2014, the Rt Revd John Pritchard retired after serving 7 years as our Diocesan
Bishop. The Bishop of Dorchester, Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, is our acting Diocesan. Bishop John’s
ministry was very influential in focusing the whole Diocese on the centrality of mission to the life
of the church and we anticipate that this focus will continue under our new Bishop. This has been
delayed following the failure to agree a nomination in June and the Vacancy in See Committee
do not meet again until February 2016 when we hope an appointment will be made.
Due to the size and complexity of the Diocese, we have three Area Bishops who exercise
considerable delegated strategic & pastoral oversight for their Archdeaconries. The Bishop of
Buckingham is the Rt Rev’d Alan Wilson who has been the Area Bishop since 2003.
“Living Faith” directs our Diocesan vision and values. Living
Faith places holistic mission and spirituality at the heart of
daily life. It contains five key values which inform our strategic
directions:
Sustaining the Sacred Centre
Making Disciples
Creating vibrant Christian communities
Making a difference in the world;
Shaping confident collaborative leaders
These values are built on the principles of not neglecting the past but building on it; not so much
about strategy but culture; not top down but liberating the local; not targets but directions; not
about structures but about relationships; not one size fits all but flexibility and not about
complexity but elegance.
We are currently exploring and consulting on how Living Faith needs to be taken forward into the
future. It is expected that all clergy appointed into the Archdeaconry of Buckingham will want to
commit themselves to this Diocesan vision and its strategic directions.
Full information on Living Faith for the future can be found at
http://www.oxford.anglican.org/mission-ministry/projects/living-faith/ “
19
THE MILTON KEYNES DEANERY
The area covered by the deanery is roughly equivalent to the "city" of Milton
Keynes. There are thirty churches in ten benefices, plus one Bishop's Mission
Order. Many of the parishes are very large, and have been set up as team
ministries or Local Ecumenical Partnerships. Two parishes are under
alternative episcopal oversight.
We have a strong tradition of partnership working and have built positive relationships with other
denominations and organisations including independent churches and faith groups.
We have a full-time Area Dean who provides local support for clergy and parishes, and also
facilitates city-wide projects. There is a Deanery Leadership Team which provides collaborative
leadership for the deanery. This group includes a Deanery Administrator (part-time) who acts as
a focal point for communication and admin.
We are working on a new Deanery Plan which reflects the way our work has developed:
Keeping God at the Centre: In everything we do, we should always remember our primary
calling to focus on Jesus Christ and the love of God, revealed through the incarnation, cross and
resurrection. This is reflected in the way we consciously include prayer or theological reflection
in every meeting, and our active support for the ecumenical prayer team.
Building Relationships: As a Christian community, our effectiveness in mission is
dependent on the quality of our relationships. As Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you have love for one another".
The Deanery will prioritise activities that build and develop the relationships between ministers,
church members and our ecumenical partners. We will encourage mutual support, respect and
understanding as we bring people together.
This priority will be most evident to a new minister through the weekly Deanery Lunches that we
organise. These are limited to six different people each time so that the quality of relational
conversation can be maintained.
Building Capacity: We need support and encouragement if we are to grow as individuals
and as congregations. The Deanery will work to equip the people of God in Milton Keynes with
the skills and confidence to serve Christ more effectively.
We are working with our ecumenical partners to provide lay training. The new Team Vicar will
also have access to the leadership programme organised by the Mission Partnership.
Working Together: There are many occasions when mission is more effective because it
is done with others. As far as we are able, we will support initiatives that take place across the
city and the Borough. In some cases we will promote or join existing projects, and on some
occasions we will initiate new work and invite others to work with us.
We are currently working with other churches on a range of projects including radio advertising,
food banks, refugees, winter night shelters, new communities, funerals and weddings.
Being Good Stewards: As a Deanery, we are responsible for the deployment of clergy and
for the allocation of share payments. We need to be good stewards, reviewing and developing
these resources in such a way that we support the future mission of the Church in Milton
Keynes. Our decisions will be based on a number of agreed key criteria.
20
Ten years ago we were forced to address serious challenges around sustainability, since the early patterns of deployment in the city had not been reflected in the growth of congregations. We
accepted significant reductions in clergy numbers, and so are now in a much more sustainable
position. This is enabling us to reinvest in areas of high need, e.g. new housing areas and areas
of social disadvantage.
For more about the Deanery, see www.MKDeanery.org
Revd. Tim Norwood
Area Dean
THE MILTON KEYNES MISSION PARTNERSHIP
MK Mission Partnership exists to draw Christian communities from Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas together in mission, working to a vision to see Milton Keynes: A City Alive to God.
Because of its roots in the ecumenical movement (the Mission Partnership acts as an intermediate body for Churches Together in England) it has a particularly strong connection with the LEP
churches of the city, working closely with them to create a vibrant, outward focussed witness to
the people of MK and sponsoring a wide variety of creative approaches to mission. Key within
this is the ‘capacity for mission’ agenda which has developed a strong adult education programme (coMPass), a leadership development programme for clergy (currently expanding to develop lay leadership), and initiatives in thinking ‘outside the box’ and experimenting in finding
new, innovative ways forward in a complex and ever changing environment.
The five Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) in Milton Keynes belong to the United Reformed
Church, The Baptist Union, the Methodist Church and Church of England. Some of these also
include the Roman Catholic Church.
For a snapshot of the activity and scope of the Mission Partnership visit:
www.missionpartnership.org.uk
Revd. Canon John Robertson
Director of Ecumenical Mission
21
APPENDIX 1
Average Weekly Attendance
September 2014 - August 2015
All Saints’
St Giles’
St Mary’s
Holy Cross
Servant King
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
51
7
28
5
68
8
29
15
33
11
Attendance at Christmas Services 2014
(Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Carol Services)
All Saints’
St Giles’
St Mary’s
Holy Cross
Servant King
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
Adult
Child
446
89
349
85
563
172
116
65
118
84
Pastoral Offices
April 2014 - March 2015
Baptisms
Blessings
Confirmation
Weddings
Wedding
Blessings
Funerals
43
3
4
28
4
39
Servant
King
Total
Watling Valley Membership
All Saints’
St Giles’
St Mary’s
Holy Cross
Anglican
48
12.5
63.5
23
14
161
Baptist
3
1.5
2
1
7
14.5
Methodist
4
4
2.5
0
4
14.5
URC
5
0
2
0
1
8
E3
6
0
0
3
0
9
8
4
15
1
5
33
Other
3
5
0
4
4
16
Total
77
27
85
32
35
256
(Anglican,
Methodist, URC)
E4
(Anglican, Baptist,
Methodist, URC)
22
APPENDIX 2
WATLING VALLEY ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP, MILTON KEYNES
6 Months Ended 30th June 2015
HOLY
CROSS
2014
SERVANT
KING
ALL SAINTS' ST. MARY'S
ST. GILES
Contras
WVEP
TOTAL
INCOME
82,940
8,949
15,280
10,931
28,086
3,052
4,991
64
6,175
33,427
8,170
513
0
6,074
208,652
0
112,200
0
100
3,780
20,189
272
3,913
8,003
2,948
11,415
5,929
11,388
1,922
3,699
10,669
0
440
954
4,782
74
202,677
0
5,975
Planned Giving -Gift Aid
Planned Giving -not
Collections-Gift Aid
Collections-not
Income Tax Recovered
Graveyard Extension
Other Income
Fair Trade Sales (net)
Wedding Fees etc.
Hire Income
Fundraising/ Events
Interest Rec'd
Donations GA
Donations not
Total
6,672
904
25
1,222
1,567
0
0
0
0
6,410
0
0
0
0
16,800
13,801
1,159
2,571
0
3,863
1,426
681
91
819
45
856
50
3,582
0
28,946
14,961
956
1,537
814
6,152
0
719
0
553
0
143
111
0
0
25,946
5,190
190
190
1,073
833
2,435
1,394
704
659
720
365
858
13,182
711
129
268
239
162
5,722
23,215
13
0
378
43,059
3,209
5,717
3,813
13,074
1,426
2,486
91
2,359
19,637
1,722
161
4,089
162
101,006
EXPENDITURE
0
WV Denominational Costs
Churches share to WV
Manse costs
Ministry/ worship costs
Maintenance
Graveyard Extension
Premises Costs
-Elec
-Heating
-Other
Cleaning Staff Costs
Christian Giving
Administration
Musicians Fees & Equip
Other Expenses
Insurance Costs
Christian Teaching
Courses/ Training
Young Peoples Work (incl CtS)
Ministerial Expenses
Bank Charges
Total
Surplus/-Deficit
8,682
5,508
132
2,269
184
564
1,768
3,059
1,759
2,708
120
58,270
-64,556
0
651
0
0
5,916
0
0
3,392
0
629
983
345
1,998
0
167
141
0
645
0
0
0
0
0
14,216
22,226
0
148
1,030
0
169
959
33
0
1,673
0
25
719
875
0
0
0
0
0
27,858
22,224
0
406
184
0
356
1,527
31
0
857
704
675
0
1,558
0
0
0
0
0
28,522
22,253
6,918
0
2,853
2,584
1,088
-2,576
962
-1,196
0
-2,475
318
249
45
5,144
1,297
497
1,729
274
153
1,188
12
58,270
0
0
1,521
7,438
0
3,042
6,528
2,168
4,706
2,530
6,333
1,135
2,448
4,871
0
274
165
1,188
0
102,619
0
-1,613
0
0
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET as at 30th June 2015
HOLY
CROSS
2014
SERVANT
KING
ALL SAINTS' ST. MARY'S
ST. GILES
Contras
WVEP
TOTAL
BALANCE SHEET
5,656
0
0
165
20,910
232,213
0
0
-3,623
-7,526
-4,100
0
243,695
Fixed Assets
5,656.00
6,916
6,106
431
27,370
-5,799
-1,291
-564
2,062
9,285
25,945
-15,892
0
2,648
75,746
5,656
0
0
165
32,045
231,485
0
0
-2,775
-19,424
-2,000
0
245,152
30,585
250
16,513
0
51,833
121,597
30,798
1,088
31,886
21,098
-2,576
18,522
7,967
962
8,929
10,628
-1,196
9,432
0
0
0
26,387
-2,475
23,912
125,062
-1,613
123,449
39,435
45,634
49,107
9,179
25,945
0
75,746
245,046
0
0
0
-105
0
0
-105
Current Assets
Stock
Debtors
Bank Accounts
40,742
Current Liabilities
Fees
Creditors
Provision
Inter Church Invoices
Total Assets
0
-3,243
0
1,936
39,435
-942
45,634
-1,484
-2,677
-2,000
10,188
49,107
8,668
13,748
118,341 Reserves Brought Down
5,976 Reserves Current Year
124,317 Reserves Carried Forward
28,183
2,584
30,767
243,695 Total Liabilities
119,378 Restricted Funds
0
165
8,806
39,060
-1,455
0
0
39,424
15,892
78,784
-5,687
0
22,839
3,527
1,000
20,342
439
3,844
530
13,856
730
0
8,382
0
250
29,573
1,520
0
282
200
12,064
119,378
0
Restricted Funds
Buildg/Reorder /Roof/Loan
Catering Coffee Shop
Community/Mission and Outreach
Designated Funds: Bells
Designated Funds: Music
Designated Funds: Organ
Donation Fund
Endowment Fund
Equipment Fund
Gift Aid
Manse Maintenance
Memorial Fund
Minister's Discretionary Fund
Ministry Fund
Mission and Outreach
Senior Citizens' Fund
Voices
Interest Free Loan
Youth Ministry/Toddler Fund
Total
4,240
3,598
12,835
913
530
6,774
12,123
7,684
489
2,562
2,245
10,831
365
3,025
730
8,382
0
250
30,081
1,520
1,000
354
300
8,668
13,748
30,585
23
250
16,513
0
10,766
51,833
23,137
3,598
0
20,519
489
3,840
2,775
13,856
730
0
8,382
0
250
30,081
2,520
0
354
0
11,066
121,597
November 2015
24