Parish Profile 2004

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A PROFILE OF THE PARISH OF ST. JAMES,

FINCHAMPSTEAD

Sonning Deanery: Diocese of Oxford

January 2004


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This Profile was compiled by a Working Group comprising:

Sue Gardener

Carolyn Fox

Richard Owen

Richard Peat and

Maurice Driver.

Photographs provided by Matthew Sampson and Richard Peat.

Its issue is authorised by Finchampstead Parochial Church Council.

January 2004.

Address: St James Church Centre,

The Manor House,Church Lane,

Finchampstead,

Berks. RG40 4LU.

Telephone: 0118 973 0133

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.stjames.finchampstead.co.uk/


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A PROFILE OF THE PARISH OF ST. JAMES,

FINCHAMPSTEAD

Sonning Deanery: Diocese of Oxford

1. THE PARISH.......................................................................................................4

2. THE CHURCH AND ITS ENVIRONMENT..........................................................8

3. PARISH COMMITTEES AND ORGANISATION...............................................11

4. CHURCH TEAMS .............................................................................................14

5. FINANCES........................................................................................................20

6. SERVICES ........................................................................................................21

7. VISION AND GOALS........................................................................................24

8. THE QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE INCUMBENT ..........................25

APPENDIX 1. POPULATION STATISTICS.........................................................27


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A Profile of The Parish of St. James, Finchampstead

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1.THE PARISHa. LocationThe parish of Finchampstead, three miles south of Wokingham, is situated on the

southernmost border of Berkshire and thus, the Oxford Diocese. Immediately to the south

runs the River Blackwater, which forms the county and diocesan boundary with Eversley

(Winchester Diocese) in Hampshire. Only a few miles to the south-east is the Surrey border

(Guildford Diocese).

The civil parish is divided into two wards, Finchampstead North and South, which virtually

coincide with the two ecclesiastical parishes of St Mary & St John, California and

Finchampstead respectively. The former was created partially from the northern portion of

the then larger Finchampstead ecclesiastical parish in 1981. The ecclesiastical parish of

Finchampstead is bounded by Eversley parish (Winchester Diocese), St Johns, Crowthorne

and St. Michaels, Sandhurst as well as St Mary and St. Johns California (all Oxford

Diocese).

For clarity, all the following detail concerns the ecclesiastical parish of Finchampstead,

except where indicated.

b.Type of Area Occupied by the Parish

Privately Rented

7%

Council Rented

11%

Housing

Association

1%

Owner Occupied

81%

Essentially residential rural, populated largely by middle/professional class families, with

some agriculture, over the last 30 years; the area has undergone a considerable increase in

population by people from outside the area. This trend continues as a direct consequence of

the central government edict concerning the required increase in housing stock in Berkshire


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by the year 2006. There is very little estate type housing

in this part of Finchampstead, the norm of sizes and values

being above the national average.

The major centre of population is within the village of

Finchampstead itself, with another sizeable block of

housing on the western outskirts of Crowthorne. The

remainder is scattered throughout the area of the parish,

with some very large individual properties in the central

area and at Finchampstead Ridges running towards the

east. There is also an area of National Trust land in the

eastern portion of the parish that affords open wooded space for public use. A generousnetwork of public footpaths is available. A map of the parish is included below.

Although there is a shop, post office and a garage in the parish, most serious shopping is done

in Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell or Camberley, and the facilities found there are being

supplemented by an increase in out of town shopping precincts and since there is little

public transport this makes car ownership an advantage if not essential. However, the parish

boasts two public houses and a restaurant cum pub. There is a village Church of England

Voluntary Aided Primary School. There are also a Memorial Park and Hall, which were


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Ethnic mix: 97.4% of the population of Finchampstead South is white together with 1.1% of

mixed race, 0.7% Asian or Asian British, 0.3% Black or Black British and 0.6% Chinese or

Other Ethnic Group.

Religions: The 2001 Census shows the area to be predominately Christian (75.2%), the next

largest group being of no religion (15.8%). There is no evidence of public worship by non-

Christian groups. There is a Baptist congregation with a chapel in the village, led by an

ordained minister. They usually now meet in a school hall in St Mary & St John's parish,

having outgrown the small chapel.

Detailed statistics of the range of economic activity, age distribution and marital status are

given at Appendix 1. From these it can be seen that Finchampstead South has a low rate of

unemployment and a comparatively large retired population, that nearly a quarter of the

population is under 16 and nearly half occupy the middle age range of 30 to 60.

d.St. James' "Population"In the survey* conducted in 2002, the following age profile was shown:

35 to 44

22%

45 to 54

16%

55 to 64

16%

65 to 74

18%

75 to 84

14%

15 to 24

3%

25 to 3411%

Over 85

0%

These figures show that our congregation has a fairly even spread of age groups, but omits

the very large and growing number of children with which we are blessed. The split betweenmen and women was 39% to 61% respectively. The usual Sunday adult attendance was given

as 113 people. Currently, the Electoral Roll stood at 214 for the most recent Annual Church

Meeting in April 2003. The Families Roll links the church with 446 individuals and family

groups.

* Churches Information for Mission "Connections for Life" Code:UKA0090928


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e. Occasional OfficesIn 2003 the church was used for 25 baptisms, 19 of these were from St James, with the

remaining six being baptisms from St Mary and St John California.

There were eight weddings and four blessings from St James held in the church during 2003.

In addition, St Mary and St John California used the church for six weddings during the same

period. Current bookings for 2004 are for nine weddings, one blessing and one rededication.

St Mary and St John are booked to use the church for six weddings.

The church carried out eight funerals during 2003, five of which were cremations.

2.THE CHURCH AND ITS ENVIRONMENTa. Location and Setting

The church is found a little to the north of Finchampstead village proper (OS map ref. SU

794638) in what has been designated a "Conservation Area" by the local planning authority.

It is accessed by a country lane, which is bordered by farmland and dwellings. In the

immediate vicinity is the "Queen's Oak" pub, parts of which could be contemporary with the

church. The pub takes its name from the

tree, commemorating the Jubilee of Queen

Victoria, which was planted in the

triangular green adjacent to the church but

which has sadly now died and has been

recently removed. However, a new tree is

to be planted to commemorate the jubilees

of both Queen Victoria and Queen

Elizabeth II. The area is essentially rural

in character. The church is surrounded on all four sides by the churchyard which is situated


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on two levels; the upper (adjacent to the church)

is now closed to further interments, the lower, to

the east and south, is currently used for this

purpose. Interments are currently restricted to

those for parishioners, members of the Electoral

Roll or where there is a family grave already in

existence. The former Area Dean requested that

this be reviewed once a new incumbent is in

office.

b.The ChurchThe existing church building was started in the 12th century and has been the subject of

continual development and modification over the centuries. The main structure of the church,

which is rubble built and lime plaster rendered, was started circa 1134 and comprised a nave

and chancel with rounded apse, pitched roof and slit windows. It is believed that the hill had

an earlier, Saxon, church, and, before that, Roman and pre-Roman activity. The 14th century

saw the addition of a North Chapel

built parallel to the existing nave.

The brick-built bell tower was added

in 1720 and the Victorians provided

a pitched roof North porch.

Currently the church has a seating

capacity of approximately 150, but a

consultant's study is in progress to

examine the possibilities/costs of re-

ordering to accommodate more as

congregation sizes have increased over the past few years.


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Although the church structure is in essentially good order, there remain outstanding three

major tasks which, independent of any re-ordering envisaged, need early attention: -

Refurbishment of the internal plasterwork in the wake of a drying-out process started in2001 after re-rendering the exterior.

Overhaul of the bells and mechanisms andstrengthening of the bell frame. This is the

subject of an energetic and successfully

continuing fund-raising effort by the bell

ringers. (Circa 40,000 needed) It is hoped that

the work can be effected in 2004.

Treatment of all internal woodwork, including floors and pews, against woodworm andbeetle infestation.

A plan of the church is included below.


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c. The St. James' Church CentreAlso within the conservation area, and immediately to the

west of the church, is the Parish Centre, housed in the

19thc Manor House which was bequeathed to the church

and to which has been added a modern hall and kitchen.

This provides a major resource as a place providing meeting rooms, an office, toilets, kitchen

and coffee bar as well as four flats rented out as a source

of revenue. It is also made available to other churches and

organisations in the Diocese, for Away Days, quiet days,

and to members of our own congregation for family

functions, parties, etc.

The church and Parish Centre "domain" also comprises

lawns, car parks and a road system that occupy a major

portion of the conservation area within which it sits.

d.The RectoryThis is an unusually large and well-appointed modern, four-bed

roomed house situated in Finchampstead village centre, with

open views north towards the church.

3.PARISH COMMITTEES AND ORGANISATIONThe parish is managed from the PCC, which has

regular bi-monthly meetings supplemented, by

occasional additional meetings when required. A

Standing Committee, consisting of the clergy,

churchwardens, PCC treasurer, PCC secretary, and

two further PCC members, has regular meetings in

the months in which the PCC does not usually meet. (One lay member currently chairs both

the PCC and the Standing Committee).

Additionally there are a number of sub-committees with specific responsibilities. Each PCC

member is requested to sit on just one of these sub-committees, with additional members


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being drawn from the wider congregation. The committees and their areas of responsibility

are as follows:

Communications Responsible for all aspects of parish communication including the

quarterly newsletters, web site and press relations/publicity.

Education Responsible for the teaching, such as lent and advent courses, which

occurs within the church.

Fabric and

Property

Responsible for all physical aspects of the running of the church building

including maintenance, and management of the Manor House flats.

Finance Responsible for financial matters including gift aid. Committee membersinclude the treasurers and gift aid administrator.

Mission Responsible for giving/support for external charities including both

regular giving and dealing with specific appeals, and also encouragement

to the congregation in this by providing information. There has been an

aim to give away 10% of church income; however, this needs to be re-

visited as some of the appeals do not go through the church accounts

now.

Pastoral Responsible for the pastoral care of the parish, and the pastoral visiting

team, including Baptism visitors.

Social Responsible for a multitude of social events within the church including

events such as the Harvest Supper and supporting other groups, such as

the choir, by helping with their events.


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Additional committees/groups include:

Staff/Worship

Group

Services are planned by a group consisting of the churchwardens, the

clergy and the licensed lay minister. During the interregnum the group is

also handling obtaining clergy for Eucharist services and the reclaim of

their expenses.

Re-ordering

Working Group

Following the recent restoration of the external walls of the church, a re-

ordering group is looking at options for optimising the use of the space

within the church before restoration work commences on the interior.

Currently the church has obtained the services of a specialist consultancy

that has reported on options for increasing the seating within the church

from the current 150 to over 200, to allow us to better accommodate our

growing congregation. In parallel with this, church members have been

looking at options to refurbish or replace the organ, and fund raising is

currently taking place to refurbish the bells and bell frame.

Churchyard

Trust

This is a sub-committee of the PCC, responsible for the maintenance of

the churchyard. It is inter-denominational and financially independent of

the PCC, being funded largely by interest from past investments plus

regular fund-raising events.

Churches

Together in

Crowthorne

St. James' is active within Churches Together in Crowthorne, as 287

houses and flats on the outskirts of Crowthorne sit within the parish of

St. James (the largest concentration of housing within the parish).

Churches Together in Crowthorne is an ecumenical organisation

covering all the local denominations. A regular magazine is published,and the churches come together during the year. At previous events the

choir has sung at the Crowthorne Catholic church, and at joint services

at Crowthorne Primary School. Members of St. James have hosted and

participated in ecumenical lent groups.


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4.CHURCH TEAMSIn addition to the formal committees there are a number of clearly defined groups or teams

that contribute to the life of the church. These are detailed in the following sections.

Ministry Team St James' benefits currently from having a NSM Curate and a Licensed Lay

Minister.

Parish Office

and

Administration

The church is run on a day-to-day basis from the parish office located in the

Parish Centre. The office is staffed daily either by our paid parish

administrator, or one of a number of other volunteers. The office handles

bookings and queries about services, produces the weekly pew sheet, and

also produces and keeps an archive of service sheets for many of the special

services during the year. The office also handles bookings for the deanery

digital projector that is stored in the parish.

The office is equipped with two computers, and a laptop is also available

for "outside" activities. Most internal correspondence is effected using e-

mail. The church also has its own website. Additionally the parish owns a

portable CD ghetto-blaster, a DVD player, TV and video.

Choir The choir plays a prominent role in the church. Some or all of the choir sing

at the 11am service every week, and additionally two matins and one

evensong every month. In addition to this, there are a number of special

services, concerts and events that

occur during the year including the

All Souls Requiem, Advent Carol

Service, Christmas Carol Service,

and Passion Music. Additionally the

choir sing for many of the weddings

during the year, both our own, and

weddings from St. Mary & St. John's California who use the church. In

size, the choir is large by modern standards consisting of a core of 25

youngsters between the ages of 7 and 16, and 15 adults. Additional singers

sometimes join the choir for special occasions. To lead and train the choir

and to act as the organist, the church employs an experienced Director of


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Music, who is also responsible for selecting the hymns at regular services.

(The current Director of Music has had to resign from 31 December 2003,

owing to pressure of work, and at the time of writing the process of finding

a replacement is ongoing). There is also a music committee that includes

the Director of Music and members of the choir. Additionally members of

the choir perform solo, or as groups such as the barbershop group at many

of the church social events. All the youngsters in the choir participate in the

Royal School of Church Music's "Voice for Life" scheme. The choir was

recently successful in having four youngsters and two adults achieve the

Bishop's Chorister Award.

Altar Servers One or more servers are provided for all

11am (Eucharist) services and a number of

other special services during the year.

Generally, a server and two acolytes are

provided on a rota basis. On the few

occasions that incense is used, additional

servers will attend. The servers are primarily young people, but are led by

an experienced head server.

Sidesmen The sidesmen and women are responsible for many of the general

organisational aspects of services. They take primary responsibility for

greeting people at services, distribution and collection of service books and

papers. Additionally they provide readers for the lessons at services, and

people to collect the collection. Sidesmen are allocated on a rota basis with

some sidesmen only performing the role at specific services, or only certain

aspects of the role such as reading lessons.

Intercessors Intercessions at the 11am services are provided by one of the group of

intercessors who are organised on a rota basis. Intercessions at family

services are arranged separately.

Chalice

Administrators

Two members of the laity assist the president at the Eucharist. These are

from a group of administrators who are authorised by the Bishop.


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Bell Ringers The church has a peal of six bells, rung by a band of 15 bell ringers. The

bells are rung for Sunday services, and additionally for weddings and on

other special occasions. The bell

ringers also have a set of hand

bells that are used throughout the

year for concerts and other events.

As part of the fundraising for

restoration of the bells, the bell

ringers have organised several

evening social occasions, and the Tower Captain has completed a walk

across England. They have strong links with other bell ringing groups andenthusiasts in the Diocese and elsewhere.

House Groups There are a number of different house groups, many having grown out of a

desire by Alpha course attendees to carry on meeting. Currently we have

three house groups, with a total attendance across the three groups of 25

people. The groups have followed a variety of different courses based on

their particular interests. These have

included the Emmaus courses and many

of the follow-up courses to Alpha from

HTB. Adult confirmation groups are run

regularly, with a number of members

coming into the confirmation group

following participation in an Alpha course. We currently have four adults

preparing for Confirmation. In recent years, the confirmation class has been

based on the popular 'This is Our Faith' book. We have also tried to provide

groups to attract specific church members who do not have a group

elsewhere. One of these was 'The Sol Cafe' which was aimed at twenty and

thirty-something 'DINKY's (Double Income No Kids Yet). In addition,

special groups are often organised for periods such as Lent either within the

church or through our association with Churches Together in Crowthorne.

Alpha Course We have run a number of successful Alpha courses. The initial course was

primarily attended by established members of the church and used the


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videos and materials provided by HTB. Latterly course members have

included a higher proportion of 'newcomers', as well as those wishing to re-

visit the basics of their faith. Attendees from the Alpha courses commonly

continue to meet as a house group, or go on to prepare for confirmation.

Many have found great fellowship through our Alpha courses.

Youth Group The youth group meets regularly on Sunday evenings during term time.

Attendance is usually around ten to twenty young people, aged between 11

and 18, and at least three of the five youth leaders. The total membership is

thirty young people. The group are primarily practising Christians, with

most members being involved in at least one other church group such as the

choir, bell ringers, altar servers or helping with Sunday Club. Each session

includes games and discussions on a variety of topics. Key events during

the year include Moving On, the Sonning Deanery Youth Weekend in

February which the youth group has

regularly attended in force, and

which the church has had overall

responsibility for organising in 2003

and 2004. In addition, older youth

group members join the annual

Diocesan Taiz Pilgrimage, and

church youth leaders are actively involved in the organisation of the 2004

event. In 2002 the youth group requested from the PCC a slot for its own

service, which became part of the regular pattern of evening services.

Currently we are looking to re-launch these on a less frequent basis as part

of the regular Rockmass services held by a number of churches in theReading area. In addition the Youth Group traditionally maintains a vigil in

the church from Saturday to Easter Morning, culminating in leading the

traditional Service of the Light where the new Paschal Candle is lit for the

first time at dawn.

Fledgelings This is a group of babies and young children with their mothers and carers.

They meet every Tuesday afternoon during term time. Sessions consist of

play and a period of worship including a story; this is followed by crafts


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related to the story. (Although not a church organisation, the Breast Feeding

Network uses the parish centre on Tuesday prior to Fledgelings. It involves

several members of the church, and new members are often recruited

through this.)

Sunday Club The children's Sunday Club meets every Sunday during term time except

when there is a family service or all-age Eucharist. It meets in the Parish

Centre during the first part of the service, rejoining the rest of the

congregation in time to go up for communion with their families. The

Sunday Club is run at present by a group of (mainly) parents, with advice

and support from the clergy. The Sunday Club themes follow those in the

lectionary used in the main services, with the children split into age based

groups. The leaders meet together regularly for Bible study sessions.

Mothers'

Union

The Mothers' Union, which has approximately thirty members, has monthly

meetings covering a variety of topics, often with

invited speakers and marvellous teas. In addition the

Mothers' Union provides weekly support to the

Fledgelings by providing the refreshments at the

Fledgelings sessions. They support MU Deanery

projects and good causes, as well as giving practical

support to elderly members. Activities include a

strong prayer and Bible study group.

Coffee Rota Coffee is provided by volunteers on a rota basis in the Parish Centre

following all 9:30am and 11am services.

Tuesday

Working Party

The Tuesday Working Party is a group of

older men of the church and of the parish

which carries out the majority of maintenance

and odd jobs, and also assists with many of

the bigger jobs, in and around the church and

its associated buildings. At lunchtime, it

normally adjourns to the Queen's Oak pub.


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Baptism

Visitors

The baptism visitors are a group of laity who are involved with the families

bringing children for baptism. A member of the team makes an initial visit

to a family who is interested in having their child baptised. They then

attend baptism preparation sessions, and support the families through the

process culminating in attending the baptism service itself. Additionally the

church maintains a baptismal roll and invites newly baptised children and

adults and their families to attend the family service following their baptism

and then on each subsequent anniversary for five years. At each family

service the children and adults celebrating their baptism are invited to come

up to the front and re-light their baptism candles.

Church

Primary

School

The church school is located in the main part of the village. The school and

church maintain close links including educationally, through regular

services, and involvement in activities such as

the annual church Christmas concert. The school

has recently appointed of a new head who is a

committed Christian. Many members of the

church have associations with the school either

as parents or through serving on the governing

body. One Churchwarden and her husband have

been going into the school weekly for many years to lead assemblies. The

buildings are much expanded, most recently with the addition of School

House that was previously rented to tenants by the church. A further large

project to add a new hall is underway. The church has built links with other

local primary schools through talks and presentations on the church and

local history given by a number of church members including the head

server and the parish archivist. In addition, many young people from the

church have attended Ranelagh School, a Church Aided school that has

achieved Beacon status, located in Bracknell. In addition the licensed lay

minister at St. James is headmaster of Piggott School in Wargrave, the

other Church of England secondary school in the area.


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Other Groups

And Events

In addition to these church-based

committees and groups, many of our

congregation are involved with the

village's secular organisations, such as

the Parish Council, Wokingham Area

Housing Society, The Finchampstead

Society, The Women's Institute and the National Trust. There are also two

major occasions in the year when ad-hoc teams are created to organise

them. These are the annual Village Fete, which is organised alternately by

the church and the Memorial Park Committee, and the Patronal Festival

held on the weekend nearest to 25 July.

5.FINANCESA copy of the 2002 account is attached. However it is worth making a few illustrative points:

St. James has always met its Parish Share responsibilities. The share for 2004 is 54,500. A large portion of our income derives from investment of capital assets, some of which

were bequeathed to the church.

Other income is obtained from the rental of four flats situated in the Manor House. TheFabric and Property Committee manage these on a day-to-day basis.

A large proportion of personal giving is able to be "gift aided". The general level ofgiving is a constant cause for concern, however, and efforts are regularly made to

improve it.


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6.SERVICESa. Service PatternThe present schedule of services as agreed by the PCC is as follows:

1st Sunday 8am Said Eucharist BCP

11am Sung Eucharist Common Worship

6.30pm Informal service

2nd Sunday 8am Said Eucharist Common Worship

9.30am Sung Matins11am Family Eucharist

6.30pm Said Eucharist

3rd Sunday 8am Said Eucharist BCP


6.30pm Choral Evensong

4th Sunday 8am Said Eucharist Common Worship

9.30am Sung Matins


6.30pm Taiz service

5th Sunday 8am Said Eucharist BCP


6.30pm Said Evensong

During the last incumbents final illness the evening services, except Choral Evensong, were

cancelled. The pattern has not yet been fully re-established.

There is also a weekly Eucharist at 10am on Wednesdays and other occasional special

weekday and Sunday services at major festivals. The Church School tries to hold a service in

the church at least once a term. This is Eucharistic with a specially devised service sheet.


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There was previously a long tradition at St. James

of Prayer Book services with Matins as the main

11am service except for one 11am Eucharist a

month (previously Rite B), an adapted Rite B

Family service at 9.30am once a month and a sung

Evensong each week.

In the last five years under the past incumbent and

through discussion in the PCC, the pattern has evolved, firstly for the main (11am) service

each week to be Eucharistic (incumbents suggestion), then for the Family Service to move

into an 11am slot (young peoples request at an Away Day) and later for a wider range of

services to be introduced into the 6.30pm slot. The pattern attemptsto provide the significant numbers who wish it at least one

opportunity each Sunday to attend a Prayer Book service.

In addition to the above, with the aim of developing liturgy over the

last few years, there has been a widening of the range of services

held. Some examples are: From Darkness to Light. An Advent

service, Christingle, Candlemas, Maundy Thursday Passover Meal

and Vigil, Dawn Service of the Light at Easter, and Corpus Christi.

b.Service Books / Sheets & MusicThe Church has moved without undue difficulty into Common Worship Contemporary

Language version and has printed its own service sheets for the different seasons. A service

book is used for the Prayer Book services.

In addition, many specially devised service sheets have been produced in-house for annual

services e.g. Harvest, Mothering Sunday etc. Some of these have been one-off sheets and

others undated for possible repeat use.

In the last few years the Church has also moved from Hymns Ancient & Modern (Revised) to

Hymns Old & New, New Anglican Edition, to give a wider choice of musical styles.

Psalms are regularly sung, from the service book for Matins and Evensong, and from a

printed sheet for Common Worship.

The choir of boys, girls, men and women leads at 9.30am, 11am, Choral Evensong and

special services, using music versions of the above books and also the New Church Anthem


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Book, as well as sheet music. The choir has a wide repertoire of anthems and sings them

regularly.

Whereas previously only Merbecke plainsong was used

for Communion services, now Mass of St. Thomas and

other settings are used.

The Director of Music generally plays the 2-

manual/pedal Compton organ but where appropriate

also uses piano or a keyboard.

A large Common Worship Lectionary has now replaced a King James Bible on the lectern

and a separate Gospel book is carried into the nave for reading.

c. Vestments and Altar DecorationFor many years, there have been altar frontals in

liturgically appropriate colours, although more have been

purchased in the last five years. There are also now clergy

vestments (chasubles) to match as well as the previous

cassock, surplice and

stole. The choir now all wear black cassocks and white

surplices, although the women until this year were set apart in

purple robes. There are also now robed servers and acolytes.

The altar is usually furnished with cross and candlesticks.

There are floor mounted candlesticks for the acolytes to carry

and a Pascal Candlestick, all of which has been introduced in

the last few years, together with a wall recessed Aumbry,

although there is no structured use for reserved sacrament as

yet.

d.Lay ParticipationThere is a full rota of lesson readers and sidespersons, servers and acolytes, intercessors and

chalice administrators. In addition, fellowship over coffee is encouraged after the 9.30 and

11am services and the rotas include people to set up and serve this. Different people are

asked each week to take up the bread and wine. The Licensed Lay Minister leads services


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regularly. There is a verger for wedding and baptism services and she also sends out baptism

anniversary cards and invites and welcomes families to the Family service nearest their

anniversaries for the first five years. Another lay person regularly acts as verger for funeral

services. The Mothers Union have provided Happy Bags to entertain small children during

services and the sidespersons are watchful to give these out when needed. There is a sound

system of fixed, lapel and hand-held microphones and includes a loop for those using hearing

aids.

7.VISION AND GOALSa. Our Vision

"Given that God comes first in everything, to make ourselves and others Better

Disciples of Christ"

As a mission statement, we have borrowed from the text of 2 Peter. Ch 1 v 3-11, and

particularly focussed on the words "you will receive a rich welcome". We are currently

working on a mnemonic of the word "welcome", to incorporate aspects of our vision and

goals.

b.Our Goals To be known better for what God is doing among us.

Which means growing in size and spirit, becoming better disciples and for the

church to become a place that people recognise as not just a place for

baptisms, weddings and funerals.

To improve the spiritual growth of the congregation.Which means that the congregation should grow more prayerful, have a better

knowledge of the Bible and improve its "inclusiveness".

To relate and communicate better.Which means we must improve the appropriateness of our communications

and teaching, reduce or explain Christian "jargon". We must nurture our

ecumenical relationships and be prepared to learn from others. We should

constantly upgrade our methods of communication, for example "e-church".


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To improve our caring.Which means to support people in their daily lives and ministries; to work at

being a healing community and that those who come into contact with the

people of St. James' Church experience the Love of God.

To improve the administration of our resources.Bearing in mind the generous resources at our disposal, this means that we

should:

Strive to increase Christian giving in time, talents and money. Preserve, improve and develop the fabric and facilities of the church

domain.

Overflow our resources into the community.

8.THE QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE INCUMBENTOver the past seven years the church "team" has developed into an organised and reasonably

well managed means of running the "business" end of the church. Spiritually and liturgically,

we have moved from some thirty years of BCP based thinking (although this is robustly

preserved in some services) to the use of Common Worship and towards a more "colourful"

form of liturgy. The size of the congregation has, on average, increased and reflects a shift to

a younger age group and has prompted the consideration of re-ordering.

Essentially, what is required is spiritual leadership to help us achieve the goals that we have

set ourselves. He or she should take the roles of "coordinator" and "enabler" of this already

growing lay and clergy team. Because much of our current congregation, and its best

potential area for growth, is the "young family", any new incumbent would be expected tohave a particular calling and aptitude towards ministering to families and young people,

whilst maintaining a strong ministry to the rest of the congregation.

We seek an incumbent who would preserve our strong musical tradition, the breadth of our

patterns of worship, the spiritual aspects of the church school and our growing working

relationship with St. Mary & St. John's parish.


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However, most essentially, because of the broad spectrum of needs and taste within the

congregation and its catchment population, he or she must be willing to be flexible in

approach and able to witness effectively in an area well known for its affluence.


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APPENDIX 1. POPULATION STATISTICS

Economic Activity of the Resident Population AgedBetween 16 and 74

Retired

11.06%

Economically

Inactive

Students

2.61%

Looking After

Home or Family

8.52%

Permanently

Sick Or Disabled

2.11%

Other

Economically

Inactive

2.11%

Economically

Active Full-

Time Students

2.81%

Employed

69.29%

Unemployed0.77%

Unemployed

Over 50

0.27%

Long Term

Unemployed

0.39%

Never Worked

0.08%

Age Distribution of the Population of FinchampsteadSouth Civil Parish

0%5%

10%

15%20%25%30%35%

40%45%50%

Under 1616 to 19 20 to 29 30 to 59 60 to 74 75 and

Over

Groups

Percentage

01020

3040506070

8090100

Age Age Profile

Average Age


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Marital Status of Resident Population ofFinchampstead South Aged 16 and Over

Separated

2%

Divorced

6% Single

21%

Married

66%

Widowed

5%

Data taken from 2001 Census for Finchampstead South.

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Parish Profile 2004

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