St. John the Divine,Menston with Woodhead

Vicar of St John’s MenstonBishop’s Statement

St John’s Menston is a church with significant potential within the Bradford Episcopal Area and the Dioceseof Leeds, and the opportunity to be an important focal point in its local community. The congregation isfaithful and generous - both financially and also in time devoted to caring for the church building and workin the local community. The average age is high, despite good work in continuing with a monthly service“Let’s Worship”, which has been an important commitment to making church more accessible to families.

Our vision as the Diocese is about confident clergy equipping confident Christians to live and tell the goodnews of Jesus Christ. In appointing to this post, we are looking for someone who has a joyful and confidentfaith which can inspire church growth. (S)he must be able to play a strong and creative role in the life of thevillage and local community, relate the gospel to the issues of life affecting those who live in Menston(many of whom commute out of the village each weekday), and provide fresh vision and clear, firmleadership to enable the congregation of St John’s to “grow younger”.

There has been significant new-build housing in Royds Park and Chevin Park, and I am looking to the newincumbent to help the church to be proactive in reaching out to those newly arrived in the parish, as well asdeveloping the church’s outreach to more settled residents. This should also include making the most oflinks with Menston Primary School and the uniformed organisations. The new incumbent will also need tobuild strong relationships with Menston’s civic and community leadership and draw others into theserelationships. This local engagement parallels a wider engagement that the Bradford Metropolitan DistrictCouncil is seeking with churches and other faith and civic communities at a time of rapid and fundamentalchange. Against a backdrop of Council cutbacks, the church has a great opportunity to play a leading rolein the life of the village, building on its record of trusted presence and engagement over many years. Thevicar therefore needs to be able to engage strategically with the local community to develop a vision for theprospering of the village and for the place of the church in the village.

In combining this part-time role as vicar with the part-time role of Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinandsand Vocations, we are seeking someone who is able to discern the gifts and potential of others, and waysin which they can grow and be deployed in God’s kingdom. (S)he will need to work with a spirit ofgenerosity in sharing wisdom and insights about ministry across the Episcopal Area, as well as locally inthe parish and new Deanery of South Craven and Wharfedale. There is also a need for personal resilienceand excellent personal organisational skills in working the two roles, and creativity in order to maximise thepotential synergy between them. The part-time nature of the parish role means that the post-holder willneed to focus their time strategically to equip and envision the saints of St John’s to help grow the churchand focus on working a ‘mixed economy’ of existing forms of church alongside new ones which are aimedat families.

The new Deanery of South Craven and Wharfedale has a number of parishes similar to St John’s wherethe church has the potential to be at the heart of the village or local community. Many of these churchesare experimenting with mixing new approaches to worship and mission alongside inherited patterns. Thenew vicar will therefore find a group of creative and supportive colleagues in the Deanery chapter, all ofwhom will be deeply familiar with the joys and challenges that each other faces.

+Toby Bradford, 10 February 2017

What we are looking for in our next vicar.We need a person of faith, who knows the joy of Jesus in their life and who will embody thisin their ministry:

● To energise, motivate and inspire the existing congregation and grow it by reaching out tothe whole community.

● To maintain an active presence in the village and to make the church relevant and aChristian focal point.

● To develop and lead ministry amongst young people and children, building on theopportunities presented by our schools and uniformed groups.

● To be a person of prayer and reflection, able to encourage and inspire the prayer lifewithin the parish, sustaining Bible based preaching and the teaching of the Gospel ofChrist.

● To support pastoral care to nurture and cherish those members of our church family whoare in any sort of need at the different stages of their faith journeys.

STILL INTERESTED?

Read on to learn more about our parish.

The ParishThis consists of Menston village, the hamlet of Burley Woodhead, and a new development,Chevin Park, now nearing completion on the site of the former High Royds Mental Hospital,which will have over 500 mixed dwellings. The parish boundary also encompasses neighbouringrural areas, including parts of Rombalds Moor. The total population is around 7,000.

Menston is a very attractive village,conveniently located off the A65 withexcellent rail links to Leeds (20 mins),Bradford (25 mins) and Ilkley (10 mins).London can also be reached within threehours. The bustling market town of Otleyis 2 miles away. There is still a rural feel,open country is in easy walking distance inany direction, including the popular DalesWay which has a feeder route passingthrough the village.

There is a selection of shops, including a post office and Co-op, a library, four pubs, adoctor’s surgery and a popular primary school. Kirklands Community Centre hosts a multitudeof clubs and leisure activities. There is a thriving Scout and Guide Group as well as two

nurseries, a pre-school and a Sure Start Centre. The villagealso has lots of sporting clubs including cricket, bowls, juniorfootball, badminton and a well maintained tennis court in thepark.

There is little ethnic diversity but quite a widesocioeconomic range and a strong feeling of community.Village events are well attended, including the churchSummer Fair which is held in the grounds of the primaryschool. Many people choose to live here because of the raillinks to employment, art and culture in Leeds and Bradfordand proximity to Ilkley and Harrogate. Families areattracted by the excellent schools and many children’sactivities whilst retired people appreciate the convenientamenities such as easy access to shops, doctors surgery andchemist, as well as social events for the elderly andexcellent pastoral care. There is also a modern, purposebuilt Abbeyfield sheltered housing complex, which has

excellent links with both local and churchcommunities.

The People and Worship

The Electoral Roll stands at 127.The Parish Administrator works for 16hours a week, spread over 3 dayssupported by a small team of dedicatedvolunteers.We have a long serving Lay Reader.

“Sundays without attending a church service seemincomplete and St. John’s has always felt welcoming.”

A parishioner

Scouts and Guides assemble forRemembrance Parade

Service Pattern

Our current service pattern is:

● 8 am service BCP (average attendance 12)● 10 am Parish Eucharist, CW, (average 54); except on 2nd Sundays

when the Parish Eucharist is at 10.30● 9.15 am Informal “Let’s Worship” family service on 2nd Sundays

(average 20).● 9.30 CW Holy Communion on Thursdays (average 12).● Evensong is held occasionally during the summer months.

We have a robed choir and two organists who play the 2-manual Binnsorgan. We use A and M New Standard with material from WorshipSongs reproduced on paper. Our pew and lectern bibles are NRSV.

We offer a warm welcome to newcomers and haverun “START” courses for enquirers and baptismparents. Last year we also ran the “LYCiG local”course promoted by the Diocese.

In 2016 there were 5 Baptisms, 5 Weddings and 9Funerals in church, whilst another 3 funerals weretaken by the clergy at the crematorium. Avolunteer verger is on duty on a rota basisfor weddings and funerals. We alreadyhave six weddings and five Baptismsbooked for 2017.

Aside from regular worship and occasional offices we organise a number of fundraising andsocial activities for the whole village including the biennial Summer Fair alternating with aflower festival, concerts in church which have recently included presentations by the localcompany, ‘Follow the Fleece’, walks to ‘Beat the Bounds’, churchyard ‘open days’, bridge drivesand recently a ‘Big Sing’ with carols in the park attended by over 200 people.

Let’s Worship

Summer Fair

“The church is a beacon for the values it espouses.”Survey respondent

“Lovely worship and friendship.” A parishioner

Beating theBounds

SummerFairSummerFair

We are part of ‘Churches Together inBurley and Menston’, which includes 2Anglican, a Roman Catholic, a UnitedReform, and 2 Methodist churches andhas occasional joint evening services. Weenjoy good relations with MenstonMethodist Church, sharing a number ofspecific services. We work together in collecting village wide for Christian Aid and deliveringa Christmas card to each home in the village . A Christmas party for the elderly andhousebound is another successful shared annual activity. We have mutual representativesattending PCC and Church Council meetings.

The congregation is very loyal andmembers carry out many tasks for theirchurch, mostly as part of organisedgroups. As a result both church andchurchyard are kept clean and in goodorder. The church is open during the dayso we welcome people for private prayer

and reflection as well as to services. Those helping in the office prepare weekly Parish Notesas well as occasional orders of service and the Parish Magazine (distribution 250) isproduced monthly in house and distributed around the parish by volunteers.A team of 8 presents “Open the Book” stories in the Primary School every week supported

by props made and organised by the Otley ChristianResources Hub. This gives us a chance to reach thechildren of non church-goers.

A pastoral care team, led by 2 coordinators, ensuresthat visits to the sick or needy are made and churchmembers are also active in village initiatives such asMenston Cares, who visit the housebound and arrangetrips out, the Bereavement group, Cameo lunches forthe housebound or lonely and theHorizon group for the bereaved.

Other church groups/rotas include:● Sacristans, Flower Guild● Sidespersons, Offertory, Coffee● Lesson Readers, Intercessions● Church cleaning, Churchyard maintenance● Transport to church● Healing Prayer, Prayer of Quiet● Communications/Website● Outreach

The Big Sing

Rainbows said, “Thank you for making us welcome,we had a lovely time looking for the mice.”

Visitor’s book

“Beautiful church and grounds - feels very loved.” Visitor’s book

“Lovely to find this church open and so welcoming.”Visitor’s book

FinanceIn 2016 there were 115 regular givers, giving £10.50 per week on average, 90% of thatamount is gift aided. A very successful Stewardship campaign was held in September 2014and we now have an annual ‘top up’ event. Along with the fund raising events mentioned abovethis income has enabled us to maintain the church in good order, pay our share in full (up topresent) and last year give a total of £5000 to the charities of USPG, the Otley ChristianResources Hub, A Rocha UK and a clinic in Malawi (with a family connection to a member ofour congregation).

The parish has a proud history of paying its parish share in full. A new parish sharecalculation has been brought in by the Diocese for 2017 onwards, and this has led to asignificant increase in our assessed share. We are having discussions with the Diocesanfinance team about this, as we believe we will struggle to meet our new assessment in full.

Church Buildings

The church was built in 1871 and is a well maintained andattractive building on a prominent site in the heart of the villageconservation area. The traditional pews were all made by‘Mouseman’, Robert Thompson of Kilburn. The north aisle wasextended in 1971 to incorporate a Lady Chapel, choir and clergyvestries and a toilet. The Parish Office now shares space in thechoir vestry.

Within the last 5 years we have installed a new sound system andreplaced the heating system. The last quinquennial inspection in2013 suggested that parts of the slate church roof would needreplacing by 2018 but after further inspection by the Architect’srecommended contractor this work was deemed less urgent.

The Parish Room, situated to the rear of thechurch was built in the 1970s and extensivelyrenovated in 2000 and consists of one largeroom with room divider, modern kitchen andtoilets. The room is used weekly by two toddlergroups and a cub pack as well as for churchfunctions and meetings and is for hire forparties etc. The room has just been re roofedwith enhanced insulation.

“A peaceful church to be in even when you are onyour own.” A parishioner

“Full of character - a warm welcome was also givenby a parishioner.” Visitor’s book

Our challengesWe have an obvious demographic imbalance within the church community as at presentaround 80% of the congregation are over 70 and female. We have a shortage of families,young and even middle aged adults,especially men. With the Chevin Parkdevelopment the village has seen asignificant growth in numbers but thishas not been reflected by an increasein our congregation and we currentlyhave no families with children fromthe village school attending church.

We need to support the existing,mostly elderly congregation whilstreaching out to potential new membersand making the Church relevant to theirbusy lives.

This is not a backwater, rather it is a growing, changing and vibrant village community. Weseek a priest who will help us to flex and adapt to achieve a modern church that is centraland necessary, someone who can reveal the relevance of Christianity to a modern and diverseparish community.

What we can offer

The vicarage is just 200 yards from the church and is a modern, comfortable, four bedroomdetached family home with a low maintenance garden, the main area facing south. It has aseparate study accessed from the hall ensuring a private work area away from the family home.There is a double garage and off street parking.

“you're there if needed.”Survey respondent

Chevin Park

“A spacious four bedroomeddetached property offeringwell proportioned andversatile accommodationconveniently situated withinthe sought after village ofMenston. The property enjoystwo reception rooms, a study,kitchen with utility room andfour double bedrooms as wellas benefiting from standing ona generous corner plot with agarage, off road parking andsurrounded by lawnedgardens to three sides in anenviable cul de sac location.”

We believe that this post offers a great opportunity for a candidate with strong vision,energy and purpose who can energise, motivate and inspire the existing congregation as wellas enlarge it by reaching out to the whole community, which shows great potential forgrowth.

The congregation, in return, will offer their loyalty, talents, hard work and faith to make surethe vision becomes a reality.

Challenging uphill path to church

Useful links:Our websiteWelcome to YorkshireVillage websites:● Official and alternative● Menston village facebook group - need to register● Menston Community Association● Menston Primary School● Community Groups● Chevin Park

Local area websites:● Ilkley:▪ Literature Festival▪ Art Trail

● Leeds - and another● Bradford - a surprising place● Saltaire, heritage centre●Wharfedale

Terms of Appointment and Accommodation

The role of part-time incumbent of Menston is being combined with that of part-time AssistantDiocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocation to make a full-time appointment. The incumbencypart of the appointment will be made under Common Tenure.

Provision of the house includes water rates and Council Tax. All expenses are paid. Removalcosts and a resettlement grant are available.

There are six weeks’ holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays (or time in lieu) and a full day off eachweek.

Participation in annual Ministerial Development Review and in-service training is required and anannual retreat is strongly encouraged.

A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS will be required.

Is God calling you to this post?

To arrange a visit or conversation, contact:

Archdeacon of Bradford, Ven. Dr. Andy Jolley, andy.jolley@leeds.anglican.org ,01274 405720; 07973 458403 or

Parish Representatives:Mr Roger Banister, roger.banister@stjohnmenston.org.uk 01943 874220Mr Jonathan Gadd, jon.gadd@stjohnmenston.org.uk 01943 874301

For more information about the Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations role,please contact:

Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations, Rev’d. Canon Derek Walmsley,derek.walmsley@leeds.anglican.org 0113 3530 262

Application packs are available from Carmel Dylak: carmel.dylak@leeds.anglican.org(01274 407471) or the website: http://leeds.anglican.org/vacancies-bradfordClosing Date: Send completed application forms to Carmel by noon on Tuesday 2nd MayInterviews will be held on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th May followed by a further meeting withthe Diocesan Bishop prior to a final offer of the post.

“A beautiful church, with loads of potential ...are you the one to unlock that potential?” PCC Member

The Diocese of Leeds

In this new diocese, less than three years old, we are working with three core objectives:Confident Christians: Encouraging personal spiritual renewal with the aim of producing clergyand laity who are confident in God and in the Gospel.Growing Churches: Numerically, spiritually and in their mission to the wider world.Changing communities: For the better, through our partnership with other churches and faithcommunities, as well as government and third sector agencies.The Diocese came into being at Easter 2014 following the dissolution of the historic dioceses ofBradford, Ripon & Leeds and Wakefield. This followed a three-year process of debate andconsultation driven by the Diocese's Commission. It covers a region whose economy is greaterthan that of Wales. Background papers to the reorganisation process can be read atwww.wyadtransformation.org.

The Diocese comprises five Episcopal Areas, each coterminous with an Archdeaconry. This isnow one of the largest dioceses in the country and its creation is unprecedented in the history ofthe Church of England. It covers an area of around 2,425 square miles, and a population ofaround 2,642,400 people.

The three former dioceses were created in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to cater formassive population changes brought about by industrialisation and, later, mass immigration. Thediocese comprises major cities (Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield), large industrial and post-industrialtowns (Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury), market towns (Harrogate, Skipton, Ripon, Richmond andWetherby), and deeply rural areas (the Dales). The whole of life is here, along with all therichness, diversity and complexities of a changing world.

The diocese is dissected by major motorways (M1, A1M, M62) and major trunk roads (such as theA650, A59), making road and rail communications good. Access to airports is also good, withLeeds-Bradford in easy reach and Manchester only an hour away.

The Diocesan Bishop is assisted by four Area Bishops (Bradford, Huddersfield, Ripon andWakefield) and five archdeacons (Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Pontefract, Richmond & Craven). Inaddition, the dormant See of Richmond has been revived and the new Suffragan Bishop is nowtaking responsibility for the Leeds Episcopal Area on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop who remainsthe Area Bishop for Leeds.

There are 323 stipendiary clergy, 165 self-supporting clergy and 398 clergy with PTO along with408 Readers, 125 lay pastoral ministers and 52 chaplains in 656 churches with 256 churchschools. In the Bradford Episcopal Area there are 53.2 stipendiary posts serving 68 parishes withan average weekly attendance of 5,949 from a population of over half a million.

The Diocese is unique in having three cathedrals: Bradford, Ripon and Wakefield and over thepast year the cathedrals have begun to work together on the key Diocesan services as well asdeveloping three strands that they will offer to the diocese – pilgrimage, civic engagement andapologetics. This new diocese, led by the bishops, is working out how best to create a diocesewith more than one cathedral, and to develop the ministry and outreach of these cathedrals in away that secures their future and recognises their distinctiveness.

The diocese has inherited strong partnership links with Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, SouthwestVirginia, Skara (Sweden) and Erfurt (Germany).