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Parish Profile

This form is designed to give an overview of a parish to be used in a vacancy for the appointment of a new parish priest. It will be accepted as the "statement describing

the conditions, needs and traditions of the parish" required by the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986. Additional information may be given by way of printed

documents or written submissions.

Please write in black ink I. Parish Information 1(a) Name of parish(es) to which this information

relates: Roberttown

(b) Name(s) of parish church(es): All Saints Church

2. Name(s) of other C of E church(es)/centres for public worship in the parish:

N/A

3. Cluster or group of parishes within which you work (formally or) informally:

United Benefice of Hartshead with Hightown, Roberttown and Scholes.

4. Deanery: Birstall

5. Population: The 2011 census information gives the following figures. Please indicate how this might have changed since then.

2,800

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6(a) Number on Electoral Roll:

54

(b) Date of APM when this number was declared: 24th April 2019

7. Attendance at worship in each church Please provide details of average attendance at Sunday and weekday services

Church/Service Time No. of communicants

Adult attendance

Under 16

2nd-4th Sunday Eucharist 9.15 35 38 0

1st Sunday Family Eucharist 10.00 35 43 9

5th Sunday in rotation with other churches in the Benefice

10.30 63 65 0

Wednesday quiet Eucharist 9.15 7 7 0

8. Occasional offices

Number for last 12 months in each church

Church Baptisms Confirmees Weddings Funerals in church

Funerals taken by clergy

not in church All Saints 8 4 0 4 4

9. Communications Names, Addresses & Telephone Numbers for each church

Church Clergy

Readers

Lay staff e.g. Youth worker,

Administrator

Churchwardens

All Saints Church, Church Road, Roberttown, Liversedge WF15 7PF

Rev. Jayne Lee, Assistant Priest, 58 Prospect View, Roberttown, Liversedge WF15 8BD 01924 235868

John Hall 4 Brookfields Ave Wyke BD10 9LX Sandra Major 109 Windybank Lane, Hightown WF15 8EY

Hazel Barry (LPM) 17 Lincs Wold Hightown WF15 8JL 01274 878500 Margaret Webster (LPM), Westcliffe

Alan Gledhill 8, Lincoln Grove, Roberttown, Liversedge WF15 7NE 01924 737169 Margaret Hoole,

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Rev. Stephen Rochelle, Assistant Priest, 55 Greenside Road, Mirfield, WF14 0AU 01924 521121

Susan Ormondroyd 8 Greenton Ave Scholes BD19 6DT 01274 674460

243 Whitechapel Road Scholes BD19 6HN 01274 869543

Rose Cottage, 13 Commonside, Roberttown, Liversedge WF15 7LW 01924 405234

II. Parish/Community Information 1(a)

Briefly describe the population mix of the(se) parish(es) in terms of its employment, cultural, ethnic, age and housing mix.

The population of Roberttown is of the order of 2,800 (2011 census data),73% of whom profess to be Christian and the vast majority of whom are White British. All social classes are represented, with an age profile of the order of 17% under 16, 62% 16-64 and 21% 65+. There is a distinct and much valued village ‘feel’, where most people know one another. Some people work locally, either in the village or neighbouring small towns, but nowadays more commute to Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield or further afield. There is mixed housing stock with a small proportion of social housing, including The Grange - secure accommodation for older residents

(b) Are there any special social problems (e.g. high employment)?

No

2. Please list for each Local Schools:

Youth centres:

Hospitals:

Nursing/elderly persons' homes:

Roberttown CE (voluntary controlled) Junior and Infants School Spen Valley High School Roberttown Youth and Community Association runs the village Community Centre which offers a range of groups and activities, including some for young people (Ju-Jitsu - Tuesday 5-13s, Sunday 14-adult). Dewsbury District Hospital is part of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust along with Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals. Roberttown Nursing Home. The Grange complex - secure flats for older people.

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Places of worship of other faiths

Local Businesses:

Neighbourhood initiatives: Associations e.g. tourist group: Describe any civic responsibilities which

the clergy have:

N/A A variety of small shops in the village centre. Small, light industrial firms. Financial and travel services. There is an active Residents Group which works on behalf of the village to make it a better, safer place to live. The group established and co-ordinates the maintenance of 2 Community Gardens and is currently looking into joining the Britain in Bloom network. One of the gardens includes a village history board, a little lending library and a memorial plaque. The Community Centre is run by the charity Roberttown Youth and Community Association. Sections of the Association organise an annual Beer Festival, a children’s cycling event (The Tour de Roberttown) and an annual show/pantomime. The Centre hosts a village Pre-School, Parents and Toddlers group and various evening activities such as WI, Art Group, Yoga, Jujitsu, and Women’s Karate. The Centre is a popular weekend venue for children’s parties and other family celebrations. It also hosts occasional drama productions in collaboration with Creative Scene. A Christmas Lights evening, led by the Residents Committee and Church involves local businesses and a number of village groups. The Roberttown Road Runners hosts an annual half marathon with up to 500 runners. Scouts, Cubs and Beavers meet at the village Scout Hut. The annual village remembrance event in November was formerly held in the Community Memorial Garden. As this grew in popularity it became unsafe and so is now held in Church. The clergy work with the Residents Association to co-ordinate the event and various local organisations lay wreaths.

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III. Church Information Please give details for each church 1(a) What percentage of the congregation lives

outside the parish?

18.5%.

(b) Describe the mix of the congregation in terms of age, employment, cultural, ethnicity, age and gender.

The majority, although not all, of those on the electoral roll are over 60, White British, retired professional. 13 Male 41 Female

2(a) How would you describe the churchmanship tradition of each church and give details of robes and vestments worn by officiants?

Our tradition is best described as Modern Catholic and the worship vestments, altar frontal etc. reflect this.

(b) What is the regular average weekly giving of those 16 years & over and what proportion of the giving is gift aided?

£285 Gift Aided 69% GASDS 29%

(c) When did you last have a stewardship campaign?

The last Stewardship/Finance Sunday was in 2008.

3. How does each Church supplement its direct giving in order to meets its financial needs?

PCC fees for events such as funerals etc. (£1,528 in 2018)

Various fundraising and church activities (£15,113 in 2018)

Profits from the Charity Shop (£5,991 in 2018 - restricted for Restoration and Fabric Fund - £44,197 in total since its inception)

4(a) What amount of working expenses were paid to the clergy in the last financial year?

£857

(b) Were these met in full?

Yes

(c) Is there an annual discussion about level of expenses as part of the PCC’s budgeting process?

No

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5(a) What amount of Share has (a) been requested; and (b) been paid from the parish in:

last year? current year?

next year ?

Share requested Share Paid £26,130 £19,000 £26,400 £12,000 to end of

September Not yet advised

(b) Will this year’s be met? No. Likely to be similar to last year

6(a) Is there any capital project in hand at the moment?

Plans are now underway to improve the interior lighting, redecorate, mend the floor and re-carpet (a carpet has been pledged by a local company).

(b) Please give brief details with costs and state how they are to be met.

Installation of new lighting c £10,000 Redecoration c £8,000 Floor repair and recovering c £3,000

This will be met by restricted Church Restoration and Fabric funds, the majority of which has been raised by the Charity Shop. The majority of this is in place in the Restoration and Fabric Fund. The Charity Shop continues to generate of the order of £6,000 pa

7. Please attach a copy of the last PCC accounts. Attached

8(a) What is the general state of repair of: the Church(es) - please list

The church building is in good repair. A new kitchen and 2 toilets were installed around 10 years ago, which, as well as improving facilities for the congregation and church events, have helped to open up the church to a number of community groups such as Brownies, Guides and Rainbows, Coffee Morning, Craft and Natter, Keep Fit and a Pop Choir . More recently, substantial work has been undertaken on the roof and guttering to remedy water ingress and the water damage to the plasterwork has been repaired.

(b) Please give details of major maintenance needed following the last quinquennial.

The only major maintenance outstanding since the last quinquennial in 2015 is repairs to the vestry roof. Replacing the church lighting, updating the sound system and redecoration the interior of the church is awaiting approval of faculty applications by the DAC, as funds are in place.

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IV. Outreach and Mission 1(a) What are the regular mission and outreach

activities of the parish?

The congregation regularly donates items to the local food bank. An informal target of 100 tins per week was agreed and this is largely met. There is a Fair Trade cabinet at the back of church where the congregation can source a variety of goods. There has been a recent consultation event with young families to explore how we might better engage with them and what they might find helpful and appropriate. Our thinking is developing regarding this area of mission. There are monthly informal services at the village Nursing Home and The Grange (secure housing for older residents). The weekly coffee morning hosted by members of the congregation provides fellowship for all ages and is valued by both young mums who are able to socialise with others and older residents who may otherwise be socially isolated.

(b) What are you doing to help people find out about Jesus?

The church maintains close links with the village school where the Vicar is an ex-officio member of the governing body. The school visits church to celebrate the major festivals such as Easter, Harvest and Christmas, as well as services at the start and end of the school year. The clergy also actively engage in the life of the school, leading collective worship and running Lent Groups. They also have a pastoral role, particularly with the Head Teacher. Outside of school children are encouraged to attend a session we call Tea Time Tales which takes place monthly in the 3.30-4.15 slot just after school.

(c) What are you doing to help grow people in discipleship?

A START group was run about 4 years ago. There are Lent Groups held each year. During visits ahead of baptisms, weddings and funerals the clergy take the opportunity to talk about the Christian faith.

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(d) What are you doing to grow people in leadership?

A member the congregation is being supported to undertake training as a Lay Worship leader. There is a small group of people who meet monthly to plan and subsequently help to deliver the monthly Family Service. The church charity shop was established and is led by a member of the congregation. The weekly Coffee Morning is organised and led by members of the congregation. Working alongside the vicar, one of our churchwardens takes particular responsibility for matters relating to safeguarding and leads the youth team. She is also Chair of Governors at the village school. A member of the congregation is taking a lead role in current work to explore ways to better involve families in the life of the church.

2(a) Please give details of the support of the Church overseas:

We have a link with the Diocese of Mara in Tanzania, which was visited last year by one of our Assistant Priests. A number of donations have been made in recent years, with particular emphasis on supporting the Mugumu safe house which provides a refuge for women under threat of FGM.

(b) How much is given annually? In 2019 to date £1,033 has been raised for the Safe House and forwarded via the Diocese office

In 2018 we supported various Diocese fundraising activities and appeals.

In 2017 £659 was sent to overseas/mission societies.

3(a) Give details of the support for home missions

and charities:

For many years we have been supporters of Traidcraft. One of our members is a Traidcraft Fair Trader, and we have a Traidcraft cabinet in church selling their products. We always use fair trade tea and coffee at our events and we are a Fair Trade church. The products are also periodically taken into the school. Christian Aid envelopes are distributed during Christian Aid Week. During Lent, community lunches are hosted, the proceeds from which go to a designated charity each year. 29 people host Children’s Society boxes which are co-ordinated by a member of the congregation and donations counted and

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returned in October. We also hold an annual Christingle Service in support of the Children’s Society. We actively support Batley Food Bank through weekly donations of food and through prayer

(b) How much is given annually? In 2018 the amount donated to the Children’s Society via box giving was £645. In 2018 the Christingle donation was £149.

3(a) Does the parish have an overseas link? Yes

(b) If so, please state where/who?

We have a link with the Diocese of Mara in Tanzania, which was visited last year by one of our Assistant Priests. A number of donations have been made in recent years. Since 2019 we have placed particular emphasis on supporting the Mugumu safe house which provides a refuge for women under threat of FGM.

4(a) Is there an organised system of outreach and welcome to new families?

No

(b) If so, please describe:

N/A

5. What part does the church play in community care?

The church hosts a weekly coffee morning for the village which is very popular and is attended by a wide age range, from young mums to older residents. This provides a safe space to network, as well as helping to address social isolation. There are monthly services at the village nursing home and The Grange (secure housing for older people). The clergy, Lay Pastoral Ministers and a member of our congregation make regular pastoral visits to those unable to attend church. There are also informal visits by other members of the congregation.

6(a) Are there any Lay Eucharistic Assistants who

take communion to the sick? No

(b) If so, who are they?

N/A

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7. What work does the church undertake with young people, other than in church based organisations (e.g. open youth work)?

The church hosts term time weekly meeting of Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. These are not church led, but the children attend church fundraising events and hold their own fundraising events and activities to contribute to church funds. In recent months there has been some consultation with parents of young children to explore way of making the church more accessible and relevant Tea Time Tales is a once monthly session for adults and children from 3.30 to 4.15. It is aimed at school age children. We have a game, a story and a song, Followed by drinks and biscuits and finishing with a prayer. This is led by a Lay Pastoral Minister and Assistant Priest. As a result of consultations at an open meeting we are actively looking a the possibility of an open youth group in church. This is being explored and led by one of our church wardens and two interested parents. This will be taken to the PCC for consideration. Rethinking and development of Family Church is being led by a member of the congregation. Ideas to be presented to the PCC. Survey results and feedback from community regarding work with families undertaken by one of the Assistant Priests. Results and feedback to be taken to PCC. All this is also part of our ongoing work linked to the diocesan strategy as we seek to share God’s love across all ages in the community we serve.

V. Ecumenical Relations 1(a) State involvement in local Council of Churches:

N/A

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(b) Is there a formal covenant with any other denomination?

No

2. What informal ecumenical contacts are there?

None

VI. Church Education and Social Provision 1(a) Name of Church School(s) if applicable:

Roberttown CofE (vc) Junior and Infants School.

(b) Aided?

Controlled?

Foundation?

No Voluntary Controlled No

(c) Number of pupils on roll (approx.)? 244

(d) If aided, does the PCC support the school? N/A

VII. Lay Education and Participation 1. What education and training work takes place

in the Church for the following (give approx. numbers): Children

Young People

Adults

There are educational elements to all services and school visits. In addition we host: Monthly Tea Time Tales (see above) Monthly Family Service Ways of engaging more young people are under discussion following our recent consultation exercises. Annual Lent Groups.

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2(a) Give details of house/prayer groups:

A House Group led by members of St. Peter’s, Hartshead, but open to all. Weekly Morning Prayer at the home of one of the Lay Pastoral Ministers based at St. Peter’s but open to all.

(b) Are the leaders clergy or lay? Lay

3(a) How do you rate the strength of lay leadership?

This is limited to reading and leading intercessions within worship, although developing within the monthly Family Service. The music for Sunday services and additional services has a major contribution from 2 volunteers from the congregation, one of whom shares the monthly hymn planning cycle.

(b) To what do you credit this strength, or lack of it?

Recent calls to ordained and authorised ministries possibly leading to a feeling that there is no further need. Limited information and conversations about what is available and possible. Limited understanding of personal responsibility for individual learning or engagement.

VIII. Mission 1. List areas of Church life which you consider in

need of development.

Spirituality and discipleship. A great deal of time and energy in recent years has been channelled towards the need to make the building safe and suitable for the future. More work on involving families and young people. Review and refreshment of worship. Growth of the church, particularly extending activity and engagement beyond Sunday worship.

2. What are the main areas of mission that you think the new priest should prioritise in their ministry?

Helping the church to identify its mission. Helping the church to identify potential ways to share the good news to the wider community Helping us to identify better ways of communicating within the benefice and the wider community

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Helping us to thrive in loving relationships with one another and between churches.

3. In summary, what are the top three challenges with which you and the new priest need to engage?

Changing the age profile of the congregation. Encouraging families and young people.

Developing spiritual growth in the existing congregation.

A priest prepared to love and nurture, as well as to challenge the congregation.

IX. Additional Information

Please add here, or on another sheet, anything else which you would like the Patron and the Bishop to know about the conditions, needs and traditions of the parish.

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X. The New Priest List the qualities and skills you would like to see in the new priest. We are looking for a new vicar who will knit together the three parishes within the united benefice but also honour our individuality. He/ she will be expected to:

Work with the benefice and its parishes to grow our congregations numerically

Teach and encourage the congregations to deepen their faith and relationship with God

Promote and grow lay leadership in line with the Diocesan vision, meeting regularly with the churchwardens and ministry team

Grow our work with schools, children and families so as to bring a new generation to faith

Develop our worship planning groups and prayer for healing team

Be committed to developing pastoral care so that those who are sick and housebound feel included in the life of the church

In terms of personal characteristics we are looking for a priest who is:

A good listener

A skilled communicator

Good humoured

Is willing to try new things

Enjoys people

We are looking for a vicar who can relate to a wide range of people and who, together with the PCC’s and congregations, can lead us in our thinking and develop further our ideas of being a united benefice.