PARISH PROFILE. LIVERPOOL PARISH CHURCH, OUR LADY AND ... · 2 Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Parish Church of Liverpool. On behalf of the PCC and congregation, we welcome you to the

1 Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Parish Church of Liverpool.

PARISH PROFILE.

LIVERPOOL PARISH CHURCH, OUR LADY AND SAINT NICHOLAS.

2013

FIND OUT ALL ABOUT US AT:

http://www.livpc.co.uk

http://www.livpc.co.uk/


On behalf of the PCC and congregation, we welcome you to the parish profile of The Parish Church of Liverpool, Our Lady and St. Nicholas where Christians have worshipped on the site since 1257.

Peter Woods and Peter Summerfield Churchwardens

Contents Person Specification – The New Rector............................................................3 The Rector’s Personal Role In The City.............................................................4 Our Lady and St. Nicholas Church and Parish...................................................5/8 Pattern of Worship .............................................................................................9/10 Future Vision (Agenda for Growth/Growing In Christ)........................................11 Church Buildings ................................................................................................12/14 Sunday and Weekday Services .........................................................................15/16 Other Services ............................... .................................................................. 17/18 Support Available ................................................................................................19 Church Groups and Activities ..............................................................................19/21 Finance ................................................................................................................22 Organisation .........................................................................................................23 A position for you? ...............................................................................................24

Annex “A”. Annual Accounts for Year Ending 31st December 2012.

Annex “B”. Church and World Action Group Giving 2013.


THE NEW RECTOR.

We would like a new Rector who will:

Be a person of prayer, faith and spiritual understanding, theologically and

liturgically committed to the Modern Catholic Anglican tradition of the Parish

Lead the spiritual life of the congregation, supporting and promoting theological breadth and teaching

Previous experience of city centre ministry would be desirable but not

essential.

Be committed to ecumenism and working with other Christian ministers in the

city centre and wherever else opportunity may offer

Able to command the respect of the City's political, business and professional

leaders, feel at ease with them and build up a comfortable working

relationship

Demonstrate an ability to relate to a wide range of people concerned with the city centre

Grow our membership whilst being sensitive to the needs of the whole congregation

Bring energy, drive, vision and leadership

Apply good interpersonal skills to harness the talents and expertise of the congregation

Manage change, facilitate the work of others and motivate both the clergy

team and the laity; be a good administrator (but not a bureaucrat) and have

previous experience of managing human, material and financial resources

Be fully involved in our events, groups and other organisations

Give high priority to pastoral care within the church and local community

Have a good sense of humour and enjoy a challenge


THE RECTOR’S PERSONAL ROLE IN THE CITY. Some of the roles that the previous Rector fulfilled are listed below. There is a large amount of flexibility in how many of these roles go with the post and how they may be delegated or handled in another way:

Governor of Liverpool College, The Blue Coat School and Liverpool Hope University

Occasionally called upon to broadcast on BBC Radio Merseyside and provide comments and articles for the local press

Attending events and occasions at Liverpool John Moores University and attending the graduations of all three city Universities

Non-executive Director of Local Solutions in Liverpool

Link person, supporter and confidant for Senior Officers of Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue and the NHS Ambulance Trust

Chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and Inter-faith Adviser to the Head of the Lord Mayor’s Office

Developing links on ceremonial occasions between the Parish Church and civic and military organisations

Occasional Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Merseyside involving ceremonial and pastoral work in the QE11 Law Courts, the Magistrates Courts and involvement with the Probation Service and Walton Prison

Association with HM Judges both in their Chambers, Judges Lodgings and Bar Mess

Working closely with the Lord Lieutenancy Office on large scale ceremonial events in the city

Member of the St John Council for Merseyside, the St John Ambulance service and Chaplain to St John on Merseyside

Association with the Mayors and Chief Executives of all five boroughs on Merseyside and attending many faith and community events well beyond the boundaries of both Liverpool and its Parish Church.

Member of several charitable trusts including the Molyneaux & Warbrick Trust for Sailors and the St Christopher’s Trust for Young People on Merseyside.

A frequent guest of the NMGM working with them concerning slavery commemoration events at the Slavery Gallery in the Maritime Museum.

Guest and occasional speaker at a large number of dinners and receptions across the city – The Law Society, Chartered Accountants, Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Insurers, Institute of Legal Executives, Rotary Club and other community forums across Merseyside.

Identified with many TA groups and HMS Eaglet with the Merchant Navy claiming the Rector as their Chaplain and Liverpool Parish Church as its own.

Supporter of The Whitechapel Centre for the Homeless in Liverpool


OUR LADY AND ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH AND PARISH.

Liverpool Parish Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Old Churchyard, Liverpool, L2

8TZ.

We are the Parish Church of the city of Liverpool, also known as the “Seafarers’

Church” due to the many contacts the church has with the Maritime Community on

Merseyside.

The parish is situated in the city centre and part of the northern inner city area of

Liverpool and celebrated its tercentenary in 1999. Its boundaries today represent the

original core of 1699 and a sequence of decisions made over the years on the

amalgamation of parts of other once adjacent parishes, whose own churches have

closed as much of their population has moved away. The parish thus shares certain

typical characteristics with other churches and parishes located in provincial town

and city centres, but has developed its own patterns of local service and ministry

reflecting its traditional development and the distinctive nature of Liverpool city

centre. Within the diocesan structure, the parish is presently part of the Liverpool

North Deanery.

There is currently a proposal for the parish to transfer to the neighbouring Toxteth

and Wavertree Deanery which would allow for a city cluster of Anglican churches,

including the Cathedral to enable more effective mission.

A large section of the Liverpool waterfront, including the Pier Head, the Albert Dock

and areas of current regeneration efforts in the King's and North Docks, lies within

the parish. The parish also contains the city's central office and shopping areas

together with many public and civic buildings. Major buildings include, for example,

Liverpool Town Hall, the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, Lime Street Station,

departments of Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool Museum, the Walker

Art Gallery, Museum of Liverpool, Maritime Museum, Central Library, Tate Liverpool,

Playhouse Theatre and local radio and TV stations. The Liverpool Cruise Liner

Terminal is only a few minutes walk away. The main shopping area of Liverpool One

is only 10 minutes away from the Church.

The area is also a local base for many public agencies (e.g. the Government Office

for the North West, the Merseyside Police Authority, the UK Border Agency), for

commercial firms and businesses (e.g. the Royal Sun Alliance) and for voluntary and

community organisations and partnerships (e.g. the Whitechapel Project, which

helps homeless people). Asylum seekers and refugees register at the UK Border

Agency within two minutes walk of the church.


The boundaries of the Parish of our Lady and St, Nicholas.


HISTORY.

Liverpool received its charter from King John in 1207; by 1257 a small chapel known as the Chapel of St. Mary del Key can be inferred. It probably stood close to the site of the present tower overlooking the waterfront of the River Mersey. In the years 1355-61 a new chapel, dedicated to St Mary and St Nicholas, was built adjacent to the old chapel. During a plague in the town in 1361, the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry (whose diocese then included North-West England) licensed the burial ground, and the following year the chapel itself was consecrated.

Between 1673 and 1718 the building was further extended piecemeal and galleries were built to house the increasing population. Among the innovations was a pew for the choir (1695) which is the first recorded example in Britain. In 1746 a spire was added to the tower to increase its use as a navigational mark for shipping.

By 1775 the pressure of the rapidly growing population of Liverpool and the decayed state of the building forced the decision to rebuild the church. Though slightly larger, the new church followed the lines of the old building.

On Sunday11 February 1810, as the bells were ringing and the people assembling for morning service the key stone of the tower gave way and the steeple crashed into the nave killing 25 people and injuring as many again. Twenty-one of the casualties were girls from the Charity School in Moorfields. Eventually the contract for the design of a new tower was given to Thomas Harrison of Chester, the walls of the church having been pronounced sound, it was decided to repair the roof and reconstruct the interior. Harrison’s graceful tower with its elegant lantern and flying buttresses was completed in 1815.

Thomas Harrison’s Lantern Tower at Night.


There were alterations to accommodate liturgical changes, notably in 1851-52, when the church joined the popular High Church movement. On the creation of the Diocese of Liverpool in 1885 and the appointment by Disraeli of an Evangelical Bishop, John Charles Ryle, it was perceived that the High Church movement in Liverpool would be overwhelmed. Disraeli's great antagonist W. E. Gladstone, himself a Liverpool man, bought the patronage of the living from the Corporation in 1890 to ensure the appointment of Anglo-Catholic clergy. The patronage remains in the hands of the Gladstone family.

The interior of the church was altered in 1851 but thereafter remained substantially unchanged. In 1927 an administrative block, which now includes the Parish Centre, was added. In 1940 on 21 December the church was hit by incendiary bombs during an air raid and in the blaze which followed, the church was destroyed. Only the tower and the administrative block were unscathed and they were incorporated in the new church, built to the design of Edward C. Butler. Building of the new church began in March 1949 and it was consecrated on the Feast of St Luke (18 October) 1952. Due to the size and position of the church it provides a contrast to the larger cathedral environment in the city.

View of Nave and Sanctuary from Refectory.


PATTERN OF WORSHIP.

The parish's long-standing modern catholic tradition is open, ecumenical, inclusive

and liberal in approach, observing the tradition of the Reserved Sacrament, with the

pattern of worship a daily Eucharist Mondays to Fridays and 09.30am on Sundays.

The style of services is ordered and liturgical combined with personal warmth and

encourages a wide degree of involvement by the laity. Although there is currently no

choir there are plans in hand to progress the development of a choir. The parish sets

a high musical standard and on special occasions is able to draw on the support of

local choral groups with particular expertise in sacred music.

Marriage and baptism requests are increasingly coming from city centre residents.

The church is also looked to for funeral and memorial services for those who have

worked in or had special connections with the city centre and by institutions seeking

a medium-sized central location for special services (e.g. ex-service personnel, ex

Merchant Navy personnel and military services of thanksgiving.).

The weekday services attract a small but regular attendance, with the Sunday Parish

Eucharist being the main service of the week. The Sunday congregation (average

attendance 88) is an eclectic one, and provides the basis for the electoral roll

(currently 154), the membership of the PCC and a range of parish activities.

The majority of the congregation is middle-aged and upward although the average

age has now started to reduce towards a younger average age.

There has been a growth in attendance by young couples wanting to get married at

Church and an increasing student population within the parish.

Apart from the Blessed Sacrament Shrine, the Parish Church is now the only

generally available Christian presence in the city centre and the building is open to

visitors during weekdays, providing a place of calm and quiet for contemplation and

private prayer. Those who work in the city centre and carry a wide range of

responsibilities value this peaceful and welcoming environment.

In the past there have been daily lunchtime addresses during Lent; more recently

these have happened weekly.

As an expression of the former covenant with St Mary's, Highfield Street (now

closed) a weekly Roman C mass is celebrated in the Church each Friday at 1.00p.m.

A wider opportunity for outreach is offered by the annual series of carol services in

association with various public services, professional and commercial groups

representative of city centre life.


Worshippers at Our Lady and St. Nicholas.


FUTURE VISION – (AGENDA FOR GROWTH/GROWING IN CHRIST).

We support and intend to do our utmost to develop in the following areas of our church life:

Grow the Congregation

Given the very significant and fluctuating changes in the population of our Parish we wish to increase the number of regular worshippers through wider publicity, communication and outreach throughout the parish and the city. New residents are mainly young, professional singles and couples, who are highly mobile and involved with their careers and/or, after work, with city centre recreation. For some their stay is only temporary and others are weekday residents only. In all cases they are difficult to reach directly in their homes due to the entry phone access format generally provided. As part of a communication strategy to reach out to this group and others with access to the net, the PCC has developed a website: www.livpc.co.uk

The church fully supports the Bishop’s Growth Agenda and Growing in Christ – Taking the Growth Agenda Forward, full details of which can be found on:

www.liverpool.anglican.org/index.php?p=1631

City Life and Kingdom Values

We see the need to challenge ourselves and the culture of our city with the values of God's kingdom. We want to bring the gospel of God's overflowing love and justice to those who live and work in the parish, and to find ways to answer Christ's call to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and visit the captive.

Connect to the Local Community

Foster stronger links with our local community in partnership with the Cathedral and inner-city parishes. The present Parish Population is estimated at around 15,000 but could increase towards 25/28,000 when future redevelopment plans within the parish come on line.

Fundraising Innovation

We are committed to Christian stewardship and promote the hiring out of our church, parish centre and its facilities to a varied cross-section of people from our parish and from other areas, in order that we may make a healthy contribution to our finances.

Ministry to Families and University Students

Encouragement of families, children and young people to fully participate in the life of the church. With an ever increasing city centre population of University students, many from overseas, this presents Liverpool Parish Church with a challenge in fostering stronger links with these students.


http://www.liverpool.anglican.org/index.php?p=1631


THE CHURCH BUILDINGS.

CHURCH.

Liverpool Parish Church stands on a historic site overlooking the River Mersey. The

present church building combines the early nineteenth-century tower with the main

body of the church and parish centre, dedicated in 1952 following re-building after

firebombing during the Second World War.

The church is unusual in having a W-E orientation. It has a light and spacious appearance for its size, with flexible individual seating for up to 300. The organ was installed and the 12 bells re-cast and re-hung at the time of the re-building. In 2010 a 13th bell was hung. In 2005 the tower and lantern were completely refurbished and rededicated as “The Lantern Tower”. Also in 2005 the Organ was completely refurbished with all electrics renewed.

Our Lady and St. Nicholas from the Pier Head


Outstanding Projects.

At present major projects in hand are renewal of the central heating boilers,

refurbishment of the Gladstone Flat for rental income and replacement of the

Narthex doors with new glass doors.

Quinqennial Inspection:

The last inspection of the church was carried out 5th August 2013. The Quinqennial Survey showed only 3 urgent repairs to be carried out within a 1 to 2 year timeframe with the conclusion that it is an exceptionally well maintained church property.

CHURCH GROUNDS.

The churchyard has been laid out as a public garden, which is maintained by the City

Council and has “Green Flag” status. It contains the Arctic Convoy Memorial,

refurbished in 2013, and the Blitz Memorial erected in July 2000 in memory of more

than 4,000 civilians in Liverpool and Bootle who were killed in the Blitz of 1940. The

churchyard and both memorials attract many visitors, as does the church itself.

PARISH CENTRE.

The Parish Centre was extensively renovated and redesigned (including provision for disabled access) in a major improvement scheme in 1993. Rooms within the Parish Centre are let out on a commercial basis to a number of organisations.

The Parish Centre contains:

Basement.

Disabled, Gentlemen and Ladies (with baby changing facilities) cloakrooms; foyer; kitchen; storage areas, a meeting room with seating for 25 people in conference layout and a second smaller meeting room with seating for 8 people in a meeting layout.

Ground Floor:

Offices for the parish and for staff with disabled access. Adjoining the church there is car parking space for 8 vehicles 3 of which are rented out to increase church income.

First Floor:

Offices for staff, a kitchen and refectory with seating space for 60 people in conference layout.


Second Floor:

Two self-contained flats, one in use by the present Assistant Priest and one which will be rented out for income purposes after refurbishment.

Regular users of the Parish Centre, particularly in the evenings, include self-help and mutual support groups working with various types of personal dependency problems, who need anonymity and to meet in a central location but who could not afford commercial rents. Groups that meet in the various meeting rooms include: Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers’ Anonymous, Options for Change, Cactus Society. Room audits have been carried out to enable the church to market the centre and improve church income.

CURRENT RECTORY

The current Rectory is a 3 bedroom, 3 storey town house situated at 233 South Ferry Quay in the Brunswick Dock area of Liverpool and overlooks the Brunswick Marina and Liverpool skyline. The Rectory has a garage and off street parking for one car. Should the current Rectory prove unsuitable for the successful candidate suitable family accommodation will be offered.

233 South Ferry Quay in front of car.


SUNDAY AND WEEKDAY SERVICES.

Sunday

9.30am Sung Mass followed by refreshments in the Refectory.

1st Sunday of the Month – “Six at Nicks”

6.00pm Sung Mass with Choir and Visiting Preacher, then to the nearby “The Lion” Tavern

Monday to Friday

12.15pm Low Mass.

The Church is open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm,

Saturday/Sunday 8.00am to 1.00pm.


At the 9.30am Sunday Eucharist those leading our worship are fully robed with the service featuring hymns and sung responses. The music for each service is agreed

between the Rector and the church organist.

The church has a public address system and a hearing loop, and the Celebrant takes communion to any congregation member who is unable to access the altar rail.

We at present have 154 people on the electoral roll, of which the majority live outside the parish.


OTHER SERVICES.

In all up to 1,000 Acts of Worship are conducted at Liverpool Parish Church each year with the team support of the Assistant Priests, Lay Readers, P.C.C. Members and Parishioners.

Advent and Christmastide: Nine Lessons and Carols, Civil/Maritime/Military Carol Services, Blessing of the Crib.

Lenten and Eastertide: Ash Wednesday, Stations of the Cross (Wednesday), Maundy Thursday, Agape and Solemn Watch, Good Friday Veneration of the Cross Vespers for Good Friday, Easter Vigil.

Ordinary Time: Harvest Festival, All Saints Day, Merchant Navy Day, All Souls Day, Remembrance Sunday

Occasional Services

Baptisms, Confirmations, Weddings, Wedding Blessings, Funerals.


The Churchwardens lead the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Dame Lorna Muirhead

and other Civic Guests during a Civic/Military Service.

Our Children around the Altar.


SUPPORT AVAILABLE.

The following ministerial support is voluntary:

Churchwardens; Parish Safeguarding Officer

MC, Crucifer, Thurifer, Boat, Acolytes

Lay Administrators; Readers and Intercessors

Welcome Team and Sunday Refreshment Team

Sunday School Ship Leaders

Flower Group; Laundress

PCC Secretary; PCC Treasurer; Hall Bookings Secretary; Electoral Roll Officer and Planned Giving Officer

Verger

The PCC provides for the employment of a part-time Parish Administrator, part-time

Church Steward, Organist and Cleaner.

CHURCH GROUP AND ACTIVITIES.

Choir.

Liverpool Parish Church currently uses the services of the professional St. Nicholas

Singers for services where the use of a choir is deemed necessary such as “Six at

Nicks” on the 1st Sunday of the month.

Sunday School.

The work with children and young people is of the highest importance at Liverpool

Parish Church and it aspires to a regular and increased attendance by children from

all age ranges from babies/ toddlers to teenagers.

Initiatives are currently being developed to re-brand the Sunday School and create a

lively, fun and educational curriculum and atmosphere where the younger members

of the congregation can learn within the structure of the Eucharist but in a way which

is relevant to their everyday lives.

Alongside the usual weekly Sunday School, additional proposals include invitations

to the wider community, via local press, to engage in creative and artistic

competitions relating to the Church building and history, regular (quarterly) Sunday

Club outings to relevant locations and post-service informal lessons by the Rector or

assistant priests on the meaning and purpose of various physical structures within

and without the Church building.


Sunday School at work.

Vauxhall Educational Trust.

The PCC administers a small educational charity which is funded by the proceeds

from the sale of the previous church school building.

Pastoral Care.

The present ministry provides for:

A Rector - the post currently vacant.

An Assistant Priest Father David Baverstock. This is a time-limited

training/secondary curacy post.

The support of an NSM/Assistant Priest, Reverend Michelle Montrose, who

also works full time in the National Health Service.

The support of retired priest Father Paul Nener and other clergy.

Two Lay Readers, Mrs Margaret Sadler and Miss Joyce Ashcroft.

Current Lay Chair of Liverpool North Deanery.


Community and Social Events

Christmas Fayre, Christmas Tree Festival, Quiz Supper, Annual Parish Lunch, Seasonal Children’s Activities.

Easter Bonnet Competition.

Concerts and Musical Events.

The church is used for Concerts and Musical Events, the acoustics of Liverpool

Parish Church having been praised by many musical organisations.

Konizer Youth Orchestra from Switzerland.


FINANCE AND RESOURCES.

Hon Treasurer

We have the services of one of our members (an experienced Chartered Accountant) as our PCC Hon Treasurer, who presents regular detailed reports at each PCC and Sub-Committee Meeting. The Hon Treasurer is assisted by an extended team of volunteers.

Stewardship

We currently have people giving to Stewardship via weekly envelopes or direct debits. We also have about half the members covenanting their pledges so that we can claim back Income Tax from the Inland Revenue.

Liverpool Parish Church has successfully paid its Parish Share in full for the last

4 years.

Clergy expenses are paid in full and are budgeted accordingly.

Missionary Giving

Charitable organisations, such as Gamblers’ Anonymous, Alcoholics’ Anonymous and Options are given the use of the Parish Centre complex either by donation or at a substantially reduced rate. Each year the PCC makes financial donations to various local, national and international charities. A list of donations for the year 2013 to date can be found at Annex “B” to this profile.

Reserves

In Year to 31 December 2012:

Annual Income Resources was £105,254

Resources Expended £105,254.

Total Parish Funds £475,487

The Annual Reports and Accounts for 2012 are available at Appendix “A”.

Reserves Policy

The PCC maintains reserves comprised of a sum equivalent to approximately 3 months normal income and a cash flow reserve of £10,000. This amounts to a total of approximately £40,000. The reserves policy will be reviewed annually by the PCC. The reserves throughout the year were at least this amount.


ORGANISATION.

PCC

The PCC meets 6 times a year in order to manage the affairs of our church, and comprises the Rector, two Assistant Priests, two Churchwardens, Deanery Synod representative, the two Lay Readers and 11 other elected members. The Chairman and two Churchwardens also meet to deal with any urgent matters as need arises.

Sub-Committees

Standing Committee – Meets at least once in the interval between scheduled PCC

meetings to implement PCC resolutions, to transact other business on behalf of the

PCC and to set future agendas. Membership comprises Incumbent, Assistant

Priests, Wardens, PCC Secretary, PCC Hon Treasurer and Lay Vice Chair.

Communications Committee – Meets as required to formulate communications policy between the church and the parish/City, including Website, Internet Communications and Social Media. Membership comprises 3 members of PCC and 1 member of the congregation.

Church and World Action Group- meets at least twice a year to discuss the

distribution of donations to supported groups. Membership comprises the Lay Vice

Chair, Assistant Priest, members of the PCC and members of the congregation.

Finance including Gift Aid and Fundraising – Meets regularly to plan, monitor, organise and execute all matters concerning parish giving. The committee submits a report at each PCC meeting on the status of the planned giving. There are 4 members on this committee including the Hon Treasurer, Assistant Hon Treasurer and 2 members of the PCC.

Health & Safety and Building Maintenance – Carried out by the Churchwardens.

Investment Committee - Meets annually to advise the Hon Treasurer and Council

on Parish investments. Membership comprises PCC Hon Treasurer and the

Investment advisor.

Safeguarding Committee – Meets as required to discuss Safeguarding Matters.

There are 4 members on this Committee including Parish Steward (Safeguarding

Officer), Assistant Priest and 2 members of the PCC.

Vauxhall Trust and Educational Trust – Meets as required to view requests for

donations from the Trust for educational purposes within the Parish. There are 2

members on this Committee.


A POSITION FOR YOU?

1. A position for you?

Church Website: http://www.livpc.co.uk

Informal enquiries may be directed to: The Reverend David Baverstock

Tel: 0151 227 5118

Mob: 0792 1887513

Email: [email protected]

An application form can be obtained from: The Venerable Ricky Panter

Archdeacon of Liverpool

St. James’ House

20 St James Road

Liverpool

Merseyside

L1 7BY

Tel: 0151 922 3758

Email:

[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

PARISH PROFILE. LIVERPOOL PARISH CHURCH, OUR LADY AND ... · 2 Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Parish Church of Liverpool. On behalf of the PCC and congregation, we welcome you to the